Villa de Leyva: Visiting one of the most huge 'Plazas' in South America.

Looking for a chilled place to have a break from the big cities in Colombia? Villa de Leyba might be the best option for you! A colonial village, with streets paved in stone, whitewashed buildings and warm climate it's all what this place it's about.

Villa de Leyva is located in 'Boyacá' which is part of the Colombian National Network Of Heritage Towns. Founded on June 12m 1572 by Captain Hernan Suárez de Villalobos, and named after Andres Díaz Venero de Leyva.

“I hate imperialism. I detest colonialism. And I fear the consequences of their last bitter struggle for life. We are determined, that our nation, and the world as a whole, shall not be the play thing of one small corner of the world.” Sukarno

How to get there

After being in Boyaca we wanted to visit more places similar to #Popayan with the white washed houses style. Therefore we were recommended to see "Villa de Leyva" which is not that far from the capital city. it is located 4 hours by land north of Bogotá.

You need to head to the 'Terminal de Transportes' which is the main bus station in Bogota. If you're in the city center 'La Candelaria' You can get to the main station either by bus 'Transmilenio' or easier by taxi. You can ask your hotel or hostel to make sure which is the best option for you. Once you're in the terminal you can head to the Bus branded Expresso Gaviota and the price is around 10 dollars. Make sure to grab some offline games since the journey to take up to 4.5 hours

Where to sleep

When we arrived we were offered by a local lady a place to sleep. It took us by surprise but after being a couple of days there, we were happy since it was nearly in the city center. We noticed that this is happening often in this city, so when you arrive to the Bus Station don't be surprised if local offers you their place to stay. Be selective here, you never know.

What to do in Villa de Leyva

Check out the Plaza. A morning stroll in Villa de Leyva is like walking in time back to the colonialism. Villa de Leyva has its streets made of rock literally, its main Plaza is huge, Not in vain is one of the largest squares in America, its size really impresses, and the setting with the mountains in the background is incomparable.

The whole of the Villa is very harmonious and when walking through its streets, it seems as if you went back a few centuries in time, adorned with white facades and surrounded by old colonial buildings such as the cathedral. In any direction, you will stumble across churches, convents, and monasteries.

Rent a bicycle and ride up around town.

Villa de Leyva is the perfect place to tour in bicycle visiting surrounding areas might be tired if you do it by foot but in a bicycle, it can be really an adventure. However, if you want to stroll down in the downtown is better you do it walking since riding a bicycle through the stone streets can get awkward for your crotch.

Another great idea near Villa de Leyva is the Iguaque National Park, about13 kilometres away. Its ecosystem is home to unique and endangered flora and fauna, while the mountains offer fantastic hiking opportunities in the great outdoors for those keen to discover the birthplace of the Muisca community and their sacred Lake Iguaque

Since we rented two bicycles at a very cheap price and went for a short trip around the city and its outskirts. It was very easy to move around. Really, close toVilla de Leyva, there are more amazing sightseeing places to get amazed for, such as ''Los Pozos Azules'', the ''Casa de Terracota'' and Museums.

Los Pozos Azules

''Pozo Azules'' Located 3 km from Villa de Leyva to Hagia Sophia. You can go by car, horseback, bicycle or walking (30 minutes). They are artificial wells that have taken this color by the action of the salts and minerals of the soil.

The Terracotta House

Have you seen the flint stone house for real? guest what! It exists for real! and it's here in Villa de Leyva, well, this is actually a mud house that was built in Villa by an architect named Octavio Mendoza considered the largest pottery in the world. He built this house with the aim of raising awareness about the damage of modern construction to nature.

This place is extraordinary and made me think a lot about living inside an artwork. It really opens up your mind to amazing possibilities.

The grounds are curious and playful with cheeky statues here and there. But the interior of the house is the real gem. I was grinning from ear to ear inside, looking at the amazing books in nooks, the roof hideaway balconies, the clever asymmetrical windows - the whole place blew me away.

The Fossil Museum (Centro de Investigaciones Paleontologicas)

Only a few minutes out of town, it is really quite impressive to see the size of the animals that once roamed the area. Lots of little tourists shop line the area were this museum is built. It is a quick but worthwhile adventure for archeological buffs and otherwise just folks who wish to take in something quite different!

Hope you enjoyed this article. Let me know your thoughts on this on the comment section below.

Check out more about this place here for a more detailed itinerary of things to see and do, as well as my recommendations for some of the best places to eat in the city.

Best Regards,

Jaime S