Villa de Leyva

A place of history, prehistory, and landscapes

Time seems to have stopped in Villa de Leyva, a town in Boyacá that preserves in its architecture the most authentic traces of the colonial past.

This town is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Colombia and is famous for its historical importance and magnificent square, which earned it recognition as a National Monument in 1954.

In fact, the Plaza Mayor of Villa de Leyva is the largest in Colombia and one of the most impressive in South America, covering 14,000 square meters.

In addition to its colonial architecture, Villa de Leyva is characterized by its diverse rural landscapes, ranging from páramo to desert zones.

Thanks to its wide range of attractions, Villa de Leyva is ideal for discovering history, science, art, culture, and nature.

What to do in Villa de Leyva?

First, put on comfortable shoes and get ready to explore the town for an encounter with history and even prehistory.

In Villa de Leyva you will find the incredible Plaza Mayor, known for its colonial appearance, stone-paved ground, a fountain in the center, and buildings that maintain their original architecture. These host the Mayor’s Office, museums, hotels, and shopping arcades.

Next to the Plaza Mayor stands the imposing Parish Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, built in 1604. The building showcases colonial baroque architecture and preserves altarpieces carved in wood and covered in gold.

If you go beyond the historic center, you will find additional attractions such as the Prehistoric Museum, which features dinosaur sculptures and fossils found in the area.

There is also the Paleontological Museum, which safeguards fossils from the Cretaceous period. It holds a collection of 2,425 pieces, with 441 on display. The colonial house that hosts it, dating back to 1570, is an architectural gem itself.

Villa de Leyva is also home to the El Fósil Museum, founded in 1977 by local farmers after the discovery of a pliosaur specimen during agricultural work. Named Kronosaurus boyacensis hampe, it is the most complete pliosaur fossil ever found in the world.

Finally, we recommend exploring the desert area to reach the wonderful Pozos Azules, located just a couple of kilometers from Villa de Leyva.

These are artificial pools that, although located on private property, can be visited by paying an entrance fee.

The pools offer an incomparable landscape, as the greenish-blue water changes with the weather and creates a unique contrast between desert and nature. It is undoubtedly one of the must-see spots in Villa de Leyva.

Unique experiences

Villa de Leyva is an ideal destination to visit any time of the year because it has many attractions to offer. However, it’s worth marking your calendar for certain festivals worth attending.

One of them is the Tree Festival, focused on environmental protection. People dedicated to environmental work and the cultivation and preservation of various plant species participate by exhibiting and selling ornamental, exotic, native, and medicinal plants. The event also includes cultural activities.

Two major events are the Villa del Cine Festival and the International Independent Film Festival, dedicated to the seventh art, featuring screenings, workshops, conferences, and recreational activities.

There is also the National Wind and Kite Festival, held in August, where visitors enjoy the region’s strong winds to fly their kites and admire colorful, creative shows.

You may also be interested in: the Villa de Leyva International Jazz Festival

In December, Villa de Leyva also offers an unmatched spectacle with its Christmas lights, accompanied by an alternative program including art exhibitions, choirs, and other activities.

Thanks to its clear skies, Villa de Leyva is a privileged place for astronomical observation. In fact, the town hosts the Astronomy Festival, offering public observation sessions through telescopes installed in the Plaza Mayor.

Activities you can’t miss

Beyond everything mentioned, Villa de Leyva offers countless alternative plans, such as walking through the town, wandering its streets, and enjoying its local commerce and gastronomy. Various meat dishes such as suckling pig and rabbit are particularly famous.

Villa de Leyva also offers multiple options for hiking and practicing extreme sports such as rappelling, canyoning, and canopy.

It is also highly recommended to visit the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, where you’ll find the sacred Iguaque Lagoon. According to Muisca mythology, it is the cradle of humanity. From it emerged Bachué, the mother of the Muisca people. Pilgrimage to this sacred lagoon is believed to cleanse the soul and purify the spirit.

You may also be interested in: Villa de Leyva Lights Festival

Recommendations

• Villa de Leyva is located 40 kilometers west of Tunja, the capital of Boyacá, making it easily accessible by road from there or from Bogotá.

• In Villa de Leyva, you’ll find a wide range of hotels, hostels, and camping areas. There are also numerous tour companies offering plans to suit all tastes.

• Keep in mind that the average temperature in Villa de Leyva is 18°C. Some days can be warm, but it’s advisable to bring a jacket for the evenings. Sunscreen is a must.

• If you plan to visit Pozos Azules, go hiking, or do any other outdoor activity in Villa de Leyva, remember to bring appropriate clothing and shoes. Note that swimming is not allowed in Pozos Azules, as the water is not suitable for it.

With these simple recommendations, you’ll be ready to enjoy one of the best weekend getaway destinations. So come to Villa de Leyva and feel the rhythm of this charming town nestled in the beautiful lands of Boyacá.