Villa de Leyva, Colombia: travel guide
Whitewashed colonial town around a vast cobbled square
Postcard-perfect 16th-century colonial town in Boyacá. Largest cobblestone plaza in South America, weekend getaway from Bogotá, surrounded by desert and fossil sites.
About Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva is a well-preserved colonial town in the Boyaca highlands, a few hours' drive from Bogota. Whitewashed buildings with red-tile roofs line cobbled streets, and the Plaza Mayor is a huge stone-paved square that gives the town a sense of calm and space.
The surrounding area is dry and rocky, with fossil sites that include the Kronosaurus museum and small waterfalls and pools such as Pozos Azules. Visitors usually spend their time wandering the streets, browsing craft shops and eating in courtyard restaurants. It is also a short drive to cycle routes and viewpoints on the hills around the town.
Villa de Leyva suits weekend escapes from the capital, couples and history lovers. The weather is mild and fairly dry, and weekends and holidays are busier than weekdays.
- Country
- Colombia
- Currency
- COP
- Time zone
- America/Bogota
Last updated
Top places to visit in Villa de Leyva
Plaza Mayor Villa de Leyva
Heritage · 4.8 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
14,000 m² cobblestone plaza — one of South America's largest. Surrounded by 16th-century white colonial buildings. Centrepiece of the perfectly preserved village.
Pozos Azules
Nature · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · entry $8,000 (≈ ₹240)
Striking artificial cobalt-blue ponds in a desert landscape. Created by mineral runoff from copper-rich soil, now an iconic photo stop. 4 km outside town.
El Fósil Kronosaurus Museum
Museum · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · entry $12,000 (≈ ₹360)
Complete fossil of a 12-metre Kronosaurus marine reptile (110 million years old) preserved in situ where it was discovered. Among the world's most complete pliosaur fossils. 5 km from Villa de Leyva.
Things to do
- Villa de Leyva Wine, Olive & Fossil Tour Activity · 6 h · from COP 220,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Villa de Leyva: Fossils + Vineyards + Pozos Azules 7 h · from 220,000
Where to stay in Villa de Leyva
- Centro Histórico Villa de Leyva about COP 280,000 per night
Entire town is one big colonial postcard.
Hotels
- Hotel Boutique Casa San Pedro 4-star · COP 380,000 to COP 620,000 per night
- Posada de San Antonio 3-star · COP 200,000 to COP 320,000 per night
Where to eat
- Mercado Municipal Colombian, International · about COP 55,000 per person
- Restaurante Casa Blanca Colombian, Boyacence · about COP 65,000 per person
Getting to Villa de Leyva
Nearest airport: Bogota (BOG), about 124 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Shared Taxi
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Colombia
Frequently asked questions about Villa de Leyva
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Villa de Leyva?
- The highest-rated places in our Villa de Leyva guide are Plaza Mayor Villa de Leyva, El Fósil Kronosaurus Museum, Pozos Azules.
- Where should I stay in Villa de Leyva?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Villa de Leyva: Centro Histórico Villa de Leyva.
- How do I get around Villa de Leyva?
- Ways to get around Villa de Leyva covered in our guide: Shared taxi, Taxi, Walking.