Editor Pick
Villa de Leyva, a couple of hours from Bogota.
- August 13, 2000
- Rated 4 of 5 by
guille88 from Bogota, Colombia
Located in the province (departamento) of Boyaca, Villa de Leyva is a charming colonial town and one of the favorite spots for the Bogotans to spend their weekends. The town is named after its founder, don Andrés Diaz Venero de Leyva. It is one of the most beautiful towns in Boyaca and in Colombia, and it is of great historical significance. That's why it was declared a National Monument. It is beautifully preserved, with its streets in stone, its beautiful colonial houses and its huge main square.
Other than walking or horseback riding through its streets, you can find several attractions, like the houses of famous characters in the Colombian History preserved and intact, the Cathedral and a few more churches, a colonial art museum and charming restaurants and cafes.
People visit Villa de Leyva, not only to visit the town, but also the attractions nearby, like the town of Raquira, (famous for its handicrafts and colored houses), the monastery of Eccehomo, the desert of 'La Candelaria' (where you can find fossils as you walk around), the Ictiosaurus (a fossil of a huge dinosaur found a couple of decades ago), and the National Park of Iguaque, which contrasts with the desert, and great for hiking, camping and enjoying the lush vegetation and the many lagoons which contrasts with the dry desert.
All of this is located just a few kilometers from the town and just 3 hours away from Bogota. The drive is pleasant, and you get to see several different landscapes. The town can also be reached by one of the many buses that go there daily from the bus terminal of Bogota.
In accommodations, there are lots of possibilities, from staying in the top end 'Hosteria Duruelo' to cheap, but still charming, hostels located in colonial houses. There is an international kite festival in the beginning of August. If you plan to go, book a hotel in advance or take a tent and sleeping bags. Be prepared for endless party, because the town will be full for the entire weekend.
From journal Bogota, 2600 meters closer to the stars.