This colonial-era town is a short distance from Bogotá, and a popular day trip northeast of the capital.
It was founded in 1572 as Villa de Nuestra Señora de Santa Maria de Leyva and looks very much now as it did then. The heritage is retained by cobble-stoned streets, red-tiled roofs, balconies and private courtyards.
How to Get There:
A national historic monument since the 1950s, the town is a popular attraction and home to artisans and many famous Colombians. There is the bus route from Bogotá to Tunja, the capital of Boyacá, and then by colectivo, past some intriguing landscapes like these badlands to Villa de Leyva. The trip will take about 4 hours.
Where to Stay and Eat:
Hospedajes has hotels and hospederías varying from the very modest, and others like the Hostería Los Frayles to the very expensive and un-missable Hostería Del Molino La Mesopotamia, a hotel in what was once an old flour mill.
You can also choose to stay in a finca or farm. Remember to make your reservations early for weekends in season and for major holidays.
Dining spots offer local favourites, fast food choices and international cuisine. You may also find here vegetarian restaurants, and if you trust your stomach, try some of the offerings for typical fast food snacks from street vendors.
What to Do and See:
People who expect to see dense forests and mountain ranges will be surprised by Villa de Leyva. The way from Bogotá travels through pretty, green valleys before turning at Tunja into a drier climate. Visitors will be marvelled at how many varied ecological and climatic differences there are in the country.
It is difficult to ride on the cobble-stoned streets, but you may stroll there to see the colonial architecture of white-washed houses with their wooden shutters, doors and balconies.
Explore the courtyards. Done in true Spanish tradition, they offer masses of plantings, fountains and shady nooks to escape the heat. Some of these contain art galleries, so be sure to browse the local artisan industry.
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