Villa de Leyva, located just a few hours north of Colombia’s capital city, Bogota, is a great place to visit. Known for its cobblestone streets, white-washed buildings, and laid-back inhabitants, it is both peaceful and charming.
Villa de Leyva - What to Do
Visitors to Villa de Leyva can easily spend the day strolling along the cobblestone streets, visiting the beautiful churches, perusing the merchandise in the town’s tiny shops, or simply conversing with the friendly locals.
The massive cobblestone Plaza Mayor in the town center is one of the largest squares in Colombia. In the evenings, people enjoy sitting on the church steps or one of the restaurants surrounding the square to watch life go by. It’s also a great place to have a coffee while watching the town slowly come to life in the mornings.
Those who explore a bit further may find themselves climbing the nearby hills for some great views of the town.
Villa de Leyva Tours and Activities
The surrounding countryside is also well worth exploring, as there is some breath-taking scenery outside of town. Horseback riding tours and bicycle tours can be easily booked in town.
For people who prefer to see the countryside independently, there are a few places to rent bicycles. Several of the nearby sights can be easily visited on bike, such as El Fosil, El Infiernito, and the ostrich farm. Most of the sights are on the main road to Santa Sofia, but there is a more scenic route along dirt roads that cyclists can take on their way back to town.
Villa de Leyva Sights - El Fosil, El Infiernito, Ostrich Farm, Ecce Homo
El Fosil, a 120 million year-old dinosaur fosil, is only 6km from town. While it can be reached by bus en route to Chiquinquira, walking or biking allows for a stop at the ostrich farm on the way.
El Infiernito is an old astronomical observatory approximately 8km from town on the route to Santa Sofia. Further along the road is Ecce Homo, perhaps better reached by bus. The floors of this convent contain various fossils from the region.
Colombian Wine at Marques de Villa de Leyva Vineyard
Most people don’t think of wine when they think of Colombia, but the unique climate in this region has made Colombian wine a reality. The small family-run Marques de Villa de Leyva is only 10km from town, and wine-lovers should not miss it. The friendly owners are happy to show interested visitors around the winery, and the lovely surroundings make it a great place to relax and enjoy some good wine. It is possible to reach the vineyard by bicycle, but a taxi may be a better option for those who plan to drink or purchase wine.
Melissa Sullivan - I am passionate about travel and have left the States to explore the world for awhile. My current trip, which will total up to two years, ...
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