Villa de Leyva is a colonial town in the Boyacá department, known for its huge cobbled main square, whitewashed buildings and slow pace. It is a popular weekend trip from Bogotá and a good first stop for a different side of Colombia. Boyacá itself has mountains, lakes and other historic towns. For other small towns, see Colombia’s smaller towns.
What to See in Villa de Leyva
- The central square and the surrounding streets
- Fossil sites and museums in the area
- Pottery workshops and craft villages nearby
- Walks, caves and nature reserves in the surrounding hills
Opening hours and entry rules vary, so check locally.
Getting There
The town is a few hours by road from Bogotá, usually by bus with a change in Tunja or by private transfer. Traffic and road works change travel times. See day trips from Bogotá and more ideas, although this trip works best as an overnight.
Beyond Villa de Leyva
Boyacá is also known for lakes, páramo landscapes and historic towns. Plan extra time if you want to see more than one place, and check weather and road conditions.
When to Go
Weekends and holidays are busier. The climate is cool at altitude, with strong sun by day and cold evenings. See best time to visit Colombia.
Combine It With
Use the two-week itinerary as a base and add Villa de Leyva after Bogotá. Solo travelers can see the solo travel guide.
