Day Tour to Villa de Leyva
ID: GYG73847-103801
Category:
Country: Colombia
Country: Colombia
Duration: 10:00 hours
Description
You will hardly find a place in Colombia that takes architectonic preservation as seriously as Villa de Leyva. This small village gives the feeling that it has been frozen in time thanks to the way its residences have been preserved.
This small village is located in the department of Boyacá, more or less 3 hours drive from Bogotá. Spanish colonists founded it in 1572, and visiting it gives a feeling that it's been frozen in time thanks to the way its residences have been preserved as national monuments. The colonial village was established around the enormous Plaza Mayor. This cobbled main square has a surface of 14.000 m2 and borders with old houses adapted as shops, restaurants, hotels and of course a church. Wander through the nearby streets and let yourself be swept off your feet by the charm of the narrow stone streets and white-washed façades with rustic wooden doors. Breathe the fresh air of this quaint village nestled between mountains, and find the perfect souvenir in one of the many handicraft shops.
Next you will go to El infiernito (little hell), an ancient Muisca shrine used to calculate the correct time for harvest. You will see the blue ponds, a water reservoir made by farmers, who surprisingly turned the water’s color into a vivid blue, giving a beautiful contrast to the arid vegetation around them. Optionally, you can visit the 7 meter long fossil of the Koranosaurius; a predator raptor that lived 120 million years ago.
Although Villa de Leyva is small, it allows for all kinds of trips for travelers. Activities can vary from hiking to natural parks like Iguaque, buggy races, horseback riding, bird watching to archaeological sites, museums and historical buildings. As there is so much to do here, it's recommended you stay at least one night here. You will return to Bogotá via Ráquira. This picturesque village has become famous due to its long tradition of pottery work, and is a perfect place to make a stop on the way back.
This small village is located in the department of Boyacá, more or less 3 hours drive from Bogotá. Spanish colonists founded it in 1572, and visiting it gives a feeling that it's been frozen in time thanks to the way its residences have been preserved as national monuments. The colonial village was established around the enormous Plaza Mayor. This cobbled main square has a surface of 14.000 m2 and borders with old houses adapted as shops, restaurants, hotels and of course a church. Wander through the nearby streets and let yourself be swept off your feet by the charm of the narrow stone streets and white-washed façades with rustic wooden doors. Breathe the fresh air of this quaint village nestled between mountains, and find the perfect souvenir in one of the many handicraft shops.
Next you will go to El infiernito (little hell), an ancient Muisca shrine used to calculate the correct time for harvest. You will see the blue ponds, a water reservoir made by farmers, who surprisingly turned the water’s color into a vivid blue, giving a beautiful contrast to the arid vegetation around them. Optionally, you can visit the 7 meter long fossil of the Koranosaurius; a predator raptor that lived 120 million years ago.
Although Villa de Leyva is small, it allows for all kinds of trips for travelers. Activities can vary from hiking to natural parks like Iguaque, buggy races, horseback riding, bird watching to archaeological sites, museums and historical buildings. As there is so much to do here, it's recommended you stay at least one night here. You will return to Bogotá via Ráquira. This picturesque village has become famous due to its long tradition of pottery work, and is a perfect place to make a stop on the way back.
Highlights
- Escape Bogota’s accelerated city rhythm and travel to a place frozen in time: Villa de Leyva
- Walk around the Plaza Mayor, and have a coffee at one of the many bars and restaurants
- Ponder and awe, as you walk along the stone streets bordered by white washed colonial buildings with rustic wooden doors and windows
- Discover the history of the Muisca observatory known as El infiernito (little hell) and learn why Spaniards named it that way
- Take in the scenic landscape made possible by the Blue Ponds, making a beautiful contrast with the arid vegetation
- Ask anout different options for this tour
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• We strongly suggest considering taking a 1 or 2 night trip given the destination's remote location
• The visit to Ráquira depends on the state of the road when you are there
• Tour order may be modified by weather factors
• The visit to Ráquira depends on the state of the road when you are there
• Tour order may be modified by weather factors
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.