Some say that Barichara is the most beautiful town in Colombia, but have you heard of Villa de Leyva? It’s famous for it’s 16th century preserved colonial buildings. Honestly feels like a step back in time. It is located in the department of Boyacá, around 3 hours from Bogotá. Whilst being quite close to the capital, it feels like a different world. I’m talking – cobbled streets, mountain views. Did you know that Villa de Levya is home to the largest town squares in Colombia… one of the biggests in the Americas?! It’s a favourite weekend and holiday escape for Colombians from the capital and neighbouring towns.
Unlike some of Colombia’s more famous destinations, Villa de Leyva has managed to preserve much of its original colonial architecture, giving the town a timeless atmosphere that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy a few days away from the city.
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Quick Facts About Villa de Leyva
Department: Boyacá
Elevation: 2149 metres
Closest major city: Bogotá (3 hrs away)
Suggested time needed: 2 – 3 days
Known for: Colonial architecture, Plaza Mayor, fossils
Main vibe: Relaxed and photogenic.
Where is Villa de Leyva?
Villa de Leyva is located in the Boyacá department of central Colombia. It’s approximately 3 – 4 hours north of Bogota and an hour west from Tunja. Surrounding the town are mountains and semi arid landscapes. As it’s located reasonably closely to Bogota, it’s a popular weekend destination for locals and international visitors. Helps that it is a beautiful town as well!
Is Villa de Leyva Worth Visiting?
Don’t get me wrong. Colombia has no shortage of picturesque towns! However, there aren’t too many well-preserved colonial white washed buildings. It’s probably the best I’ve seen after Popayan in the country. The overall atmosphere is very chilled, artistic and laid back. I would liken it to Paraty in Brazil but without the beaches.
People wander through cobbled streets, linger over coffee in the plaza and spend evenings enjoying local wine or watching the sunset over the surrounding hills. Apart from the town itself, it’s famous in the world of paleontology with some of the beautiful remains of a giant, short necked marine reptile species (type of pliosaurs).
How Many Days Do You Need in Villa de Leyva?
I would recommend spending at least two nights. So many visitors come as a day trip from Bogota and personally, I think that’s doing a disservice to Villa de Leyva. Staying overnight also gives you time to explore the surrounding attractions without rushing. It allows you to slow down and explore all the cafes, restaurants and spend time just people watching in the square.
If you’re short on time, one full day is enough to see the highlights. Enjoy slower travel? Then 2 – 3 days will give you time to explore at your own place and even visit nearby villages like Raquira.
Getting to Villa de Leyva
Bogotá to Villa de Leyva
The easiest way to reach Villa de Leyva is from Bogotá. By car, the journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and where in Bogota you’re departing from. The roads are generally in good condition, although leaving Bogotá can sometimes add significant delays.
If you’re travelling by public transport, direct buses run regularly from Bogotá’s Salitre Terminal and take around 4 hours. Several companies operate the route throughout the day. There is no need to prebook your bus. However, if you’re planning on visiting as a day trip, it’s best to reserve your seats as they can sell out.
Prebook your bus ticket here through BusBud.
San Gil to Villa de Leyva
There are no direct buses from San Gil to Villa de Leyva. If you’re coming from San Gil, you’ll need to start your journey relatively early. I recommend taking the bus from San Gil no later than 10:30 am. Your route will be San Gil → Tunja → Villa de Leyva. The journey to Tunja takes approximately 5 hrs. From Tunja to Villa de Leyva another hour.
I do not recommend reserving tickets for your Tunja to Villa de Leyva journey in case of any delays arriving in Tunja. Our bus departed San Gil 45 mins after scheduled.
Best Time to Visit Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva is pretty nice all year around. We visited mid June, which is wet season here in Colombia. However, daytime temperatuers were pleasant (a little warm) and in the evenings, it was perfectly cool. If you’re able to, try to visit during the week as the weekends are really busy with visitors from nearby cities, particularly during public holidays and long weekends!
Practical Information for Visiting Villa de Leyva
Cash vs Card
Most hotels, restaurants and larger establishments accept card payments. However, for transportation (buses, taxis etc) you definitely need cash on you. Smaller cafes, local shops and market stalls might not be able to accept cards. It is always worth asking before you purchase.
Worth noting: many businesses charge an extra ±5% for card payments. They usually tell you the additional fee before the transaction but worth keeping in mind.
Are There ATMs?
Yes, there are a few ATMs located near the plaza so it’s really convinent to withdraw cash if needed. For most ATMs, the withdrawal fee is ± 25000 COP per transaction (£5.40 / USD$ 7), which is pretty steep so try and withdraw the limit rather than a small amount.
Internet and WiFi
WiFi is widely available throughout Villa de Leyva. Most accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants offer reliable connections. Although in one or two establishments, the WIFI wasn’t working for us.
SIM Cards and Mobile Signal
Mobile coverage is generally good within town. Need mobile data in Colombia? I personally recommend checking both Airalo and Saily eSIM before your trip, as prices and data allowances can vary.
Altitude in Villa de Leyva
At 1750m, most travellers won’t struggle with altitude here. The elevation is really mild, especially compared to Bogota. Because of the altitude, days are cool and comfortable while evenings can become chilly. It rained one evening for us and the next day, it was very mild but pleasant temperatures – might be worth packing a light jumper!
Getting around
Villa de Leyva is highly walkable. You can easily explore the historic center entirely on foot. It’s actually a lot easier because of the cobble streets, the cars drive very slowly! However, if you’re accommodation is a bit of a walk from the bus station, you might want to opt for a taxi! Walking the uneven cobble streets with a heavy backpack (or roller bag) might be more trouble than its worth. For attractions outside the town, taxis are plenty, especially at the bus station. There are also chiva tours and normal tour agencies that will take you around.
Is Villa de Leyva Good for Solo Travellers?
Yes. There is a couple of hostels in Villa de Leyva which are well reviewed on hostelworld. Whilst, we didn’t meet any backpackers, we did come across a few foreigners wandering about. Regardless, it’s a really easy destination to visit in Colombia. The town is compact, easy to navigate and felt very safe. It’s particularly good for travellers who enjoy photography, cafes and slow travel. Feels like I’m describing myself!
Do You Need Spanish?
No! Surprisingly, there were quite a few people in the service line who spoke English. The town is getting accustomed to having international visitors who don’t really speak Spanish. However, knowing a few basic phrases won’t hurt.
Is Villa de Leyva Expensive?
By Colombian standards, it sits somewhere in the middle. While it wasn’t as affordable as Jardin, it definitely wasn’t as expensive as San Andres. Accommodation was a bit more on the expensive side but we were there during Villa de Leyva’s founding anniversary so the town was very busy! Restaurants weren’t too bad, depending on where you ate. We had a look and travelling midweek has noticeably lower accommodation prices.
Is Villa de Leyva Safe?
Generally, it is considered one of the safest tourist towns in Colombia. Like many parts of Colombia, we noticed a decent police presence but that may be due to the Colombian elections. As with anywhere, normal precautions apply. Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid leaving valuables unattended and use common sense after dark.
Where to Stay in Villa de Leyva
Anywhere in the historic side of town. There are plenty of accommodation options available – backpacker hostels to boutique bnbs, if you go further out of town, you’ll find the countryside haciendas (country home or ranch).
For first-time visitors, I’d recommend staying within walking distance of Plaza Mayor. It makes exploring the town on foot a lot easier and more convenient.
What’s Special About Villa de Leyva?
The town somehow manages to feel both lively and peaceful at the same time. We spent the day exploring and wandering through the cobble streets and plaza. In the afternoons, we explored the dinosaur fossils. Although you could very easily go to the wineries – this is where some of the Colombian wine is made! In the evening, sit open air by the Plaza and have a drink with the locals. It’s such a lovely atmosphere here. For a destination so close to Bogotá, it feels surprisingly removed from the rush of everyday life. I simply loved how picturesque the town was. It is easily one of my top 5 favourite places in the country!
FAQs about visiting Villa de Leyva
Is Villa de Leyva worth visiting?
Yes. It is really convenient and is located close to Bogota. It’s one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia thanks to its preserved colonial architecture.
How many days should you spend in Villa de Leyva?
Two to three days is ideal for most travellers.
Is Villa de Leyva safe for tourists?
Yes. It is generally regarded as one of the safer tourist destinations in Colombia.
Is Villa de Leyva better than Barichara?
They are very different! Villa de Leyva is easier to reach from Bogotá and has more attractions nearby, while Barichara tends to feel quieter and more traditional.
Can you visit Villa de Leyva without Spanish?
Yes. While some Spanish is helpful, many tourism businesses are accustomed to international visitors.
Is Villa de Leyva expensive?
Not particularly. It is more expensive than many small Colombian towns but still affordable for most travellers.
What is Villa de Leyva known for?
Villa de Leyva is known for its colonial architecture, an enormous plaza and fossil discoveries. There are also wineries to explore.
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