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Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva
Recommended length of stay: 3 Days
On its cobbled streets, time seems to have stopped. This colonial village is a real jewel with endless charm, which never ceases to surprise you. With its small white houses and its huge Plaza Mayor listed as a National Heritage of Colombia, Villa de Leyva welcomes you all year round during many traditional festivals that will make you live an unforgettable experience! Immerse yourself in the history of this ancient land that contains... Dinosaurs! The impressive skeletons of these giants were discovered nearby, to the delight of paleontology lovers! As you can see, this is the ideal destination: whether you are looking for culture, art, science or just for a moment of sharing, this village "National Monument" is for you!
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The history of Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Colombia. What makes it famous is above all its history and its colonial streets. Considered one of the most popular tourist sites in the country, it was awarded the title of "National Monument" in 1954 thanks to its main square, the largest (14,000 square meters) and the most imposing in South America! Just that!
- Originally from the village of Villa de Leyva
The village was founded in 1572 by the Spaniards between an area of green meadows and a desert area offering beautiful landscapes. Before their arrival, the valley was a territory populated by the Muisca civilization whose traces are found around Villa de Leyva. Among them, we note the incredible Astronomical Observatory, nicknamed El Infiernito by the conquistadors, somewhat surprised by these sculptures of phallus rising towards the sky, and the sacred lake of Iguaca.
- The legend Muisca of Villa de Leyva
According to Muisca legend, Lake Iguaque is considered the origin of civilization. The myth tells that a woman of extraordinary beauty named Bachue, is said to have left Lake Iguaque with a child in her arms. She went to the forest with the boy. Years later, when the boy became a man, he and Bachue begat the first children who populated the earth. The man and woman returned to the waters of the lake and turned into snakes, living in the depths of Iguaca until today.
- Villa of Leyva, land of dinausaurs
But perhaps the most amazing thing about Villa de Leyva is the multitude of fossils that have been found in the area. This territory was covered by a primitive sea of cetacean, occupied by all kinds of marine dinosaurs. Over the millennia, this sea gradually dried up, giving rise to lakes and valleys, and the movements of the earth plates finally brought out the mountains that we call the Colombian Andes today. As the geological changes took place, dinosaurs disappeared, leaving us with incredible paleontological riches that are resurfacing thanks to erosion. A wide variety of bones were discovered near Villa de Leyva, including a 115-million-year-old Kronosaurus in 1945, a 110-million-year-old Ichtyosaurus in 1960, and 3 130-million-year-old Pliosaurus. The most recent discovery was made by a peasant who dug up another Kronosaurus in 1977, exposed at the very spot of his discovery.
- Villa de Leyva, a flagship destination for scientists
The area around the village soon became a favorite place for scientists who came to study the oldest known creatures. Other scientists also chose this place to establish, like the Muiscas centuries ago, a center for astronomical observation. Villa de Leyva hosts an annual Astronomy Festival during which visitors can learn about observing the stars on the Plaza Mayor.
- Villa of Leyva and its festivals;
Villa de Leyva is a small village full of resources, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, especially on the occasion of its numerous festivals. Among them, the Festival of the Tree, aimed at promoting ecology and making known local ecosystems, the Film Festival, the National Kite Festival, but also and above all, the celebration of the Virgen del Carmen. Here you can celebrate the patron saint of the city with magnificent processions, bullfights, parades and fairs to the background of traditional music!
Planning of visits
Villa de Leyva in Colombia | Duration of stay recommended: 2 to 3 days (preferably a Saturday to watch the market)
Day 1: The Village
As soon as you arrive, we suggest you to go on foot to discover the village. Its small cobbled streets with bright white houses look like a maze for dreamy visitors... You will love to get lost! New colonial buildings are built at every turn. Time seems to have stopped. You are immersed in the 16th century!
The Plaza Mayor of Villa de Leyva
The unmissable feature of Villa de Leyva is of course its incredible Plaza Mayor. Its size is huge! In its center you will find a beautiful fountain and all around the main buildings of the city including various museums and churches. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the village and enjoy the tranquility of a life in the village with a local drink, agua aromatica. Relaxing and exotic!
On the Plaza Mayor is also the Parroquia Nuestra Senora del Rosario and the church El Carmen and its small religious art museum that are really worth a visit! If you are there on a Saturday, you will have the chance to wander around the stalls of Villa Leyva market, which covers a large part of the Plaza Mayor. You will discover delicious flavors and smells as well as beautiful objects made locally and by hand!
The Casa Museo
You can continue your discovery by visiting the different Casa Museo: Antonio Nariño, Luis Alberto Acuña and Captain Antonio Ricaurte will plunge you into the heart of the history and art of the city.
For lunch:
For lunch, you will be spoilt for choice. The village is full of small charming restaurants, often located in colonial houses. Treat yourself to a typical pig or rabbit dish before heading out of town. There is the Casa Terracota. Its impressive architecture is entirely made of clay. It is a typical monument with beautiful photographs.
Sunset
In the evening, we offer you to reach the heights of the city to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the whitewashed houses. A sumptuous spectacle.
Day 2: pre-Columbian civilizations
Iguaca:
Today, we offer a guided tour through the Sanctuary of the Fauna and Flora of Iguaca to discover the lake that is the origin of humanity according to local legends. This hike is considered here as a pilgrimage purifying the soul and spirit of the visitors. Forward for this spiritual journey! Departures generally take place in the morning, between 8.00am and 10.00am and you should expect a whole day for this excursion. You should also bring good shoes and water: you will walk about 7 hours in total. Lake Iguaque is 3650 meters above sea level, so you may miss the breath if you forget to hydrate. But do not panic, this walk is quite accessible to any visitor and the landscapes you will go through are worth your efforts. Nature lovers will be delighted by the diversity of species living in this sanctuary. You might even spot a deer and some peaks if you open your eye! When you get to the lagoon, pay attention to the waters. According to Muisca legend, it still shelters the mother of humanity and her lover, in the form of huge snakes! The view is magnificent on the Colombian Altiplano. It is time to have a picnic before heading back down to Villa de Leyva.
El Infiernito:
If you have time left after this excursion, we strongly recommend you to visit the Muscas astronomical observatory, also known as Infiernito. It is located close to the village and contains several remains of the civilization, including some very surprising sculptures. It is worth a look!
Day 3: Paleontology
Museum of Paleontology:
We offer you a day in the heart of prehistory starting by visiting the Museum of Paleontology near the Plaza Mayor. It holds beautiful collections of fossils and dinosaur bones discovered in the area, which will give you an idea of what the area might look like.
Fossil Museum
Continue your visit of prehistory with the Fossil Museum at the exit of the city. You will discover a 12-meter-long marine dinosaur skeleton discovered by a farmer of Villa de Leyva in 1977. Imagine his surprise when he fell on the beast in the field. You will see this archeological treasure in the very place where this villager unearthed it.
Finally, to end your stay, several choices are available to you. You can continue in the Cretaceous era with the theme park Gondava Gran parque de los dinosaurios, or discover the crafts of another small charming village: Raquira. You can also choose to stroll near the pozos azules that offer beautiful landscapes. Our preference goes to Raquira, a colorful and joyful village, another small jewel of Colombia.
Places of interest
-
Plaza Mayor of Villa de Leyva:
With its 14,000 square meters, it is the largest square in South America. Its colonial style is marked by cobblestones and the imposing buildings that border it are magnificent. This is the heart of Villa de Leyva. This place lends itself to reverie, to taking a moment to contemplate the life of the locals who come and go. It is unmissable!
-
Casa Museo Antonio Nariño:
in the former home of this leader of Latin American independence, you will discover the daily life of the man who has largely participated in translating and disseminating the Declaration of Human and Citizen Rights. Immerse yourself in the seventeenth century, you will witness the birth of the freedom of the peoples of this beautiful nation.
-
Iglesia del Carmen writes:
Built between 1845 and 1850 by the Dominican Joaquím Páez, it is the privileged meeting place of the locals on the occasion of the feast of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of the village, for which every year wonderful processions and fairs are organized. It has a sober appearance but beautiful paintings.
-
Museo del Carmen:
its collection includes a hundred religious pieces typical of the 17th and 20th centuries, making this small museum one of the most beautiful in Colombe.
-
Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Rosario:
built in 1604, this parish of baroque architecture contains precious wooden sculptures covered with gold leaf! It is one of the treasures that borders the central square. It's worth a look!
-
Casa Terracota:
it is the largest ceramic in the world. This house of 500 square meters is made entirely of clay bricks. It is the work of architect Octavio Mendoza, who thanks to it demonstrates that we can "transform the land into habitable architecture". An amazing and unique house!
-
Casa Museo Capitan Antonio Ricaurte:
this national hero whose name is heard in the national anthem is said to have set himself on fire so as not to fall under the yoke of the Spaniards while battles raged for the independence of India. Visit the small birthplace of this colorful historical figure, it is now a museum of the Colombian Air Force.
-
Casa Museo Luis Alberto Acuña:
a small colonial house belonging to the descendants of this incredible Colombian artist, it contains original works by this master of painting and sculpture as well as copies of the greatest painters such as Greco, Rembrandt or Michelangelo. This small museum also houses some pretty period pieces and a mural on the patio that pays tribute to Bochica, the hero of the Chibcha indigenous people.
-
Observatorio Astronomico Muisca:
or "el Infiernito", is a pre-Columbian site composed of 30 stone columns sculpted in the shape of phallus and hundreds of smaller rocks arranged with care. There is also a dolmenic tomb and a funeral monument made of stone. This place was a symbol of fertility and was meant to guarantee good harvests for the Muisca civilization. When the Spaniards came upon these sacred buildings, they called it El Infiernito (Hell), considering that such a work in homage to human sexuality could only be the work of the devil.
-
Laguna Iguaque:
embark on this magnificent hike to the cradle of humanity! You will cross a real sanctuary of the regional fauna and flora before reaching this sacred lake that would have seen the birth of the mother of humanity according to the mythology Muisca. Open your eyes wide, deer, weasels and other peaks will probably reward your efforts for their presence on your way.
-
Museo Paleontológico:
inside this beautiful colonial building from 1570, you will have the chance to observe the bones of several prehistoric animals between 130 and 65 million years old! The collection includes more than 400 pieces. Perfect for history and paleontology lovers!
-
Museo El Fósil:
Founded in 1977 by the peasants of the region after finding a fossil of Kronosaurus, it is exhibited at the very place where it was discovered this skeleton, the most complete in the world for this species.
-
Gondava Gran parque de los dinosaurios:
Villa de Leyva being a land of fossils and paleontology, this theme park was built perfect for the whole family to discover the mysterious creatures that once inhabited the surrounding prairies and deserts.
-
Crafts from Raquira:
a little over half an hour from Villa de Leyva is this pretty little village famous for its colorful crafts and local products. It is possible to visit the workshops of potters craftsmen, an experience of immersion in the life of the Colombians.
-
Pozos Azules:
the "blue wells" located a few miles from the village, are artificial lakes with turquoise blue waters that contrast with the very dry landscape of the place. A beautiful place to photograph!
How to get there
How to get to Villa de Leyva in Colombia?
By car/bus :
- from Bogota : 3h
- from Medellin : 9h20
- from Cali : 13h30
- from Bucaramanga : 6h15
- from Barranquilla : 15h
- from Monteria: 14:45
By plane (the closest airport is Bogota):
- from Medellin: 50min
- from Cali : 50 min
Villa de Leyva in Colombia | Duration of stay recommended: 2 to 3 days (preferably a Saturday to watch the market)
Day 1: The Village
As soon as you arrive, we suggest you to go on foot to discover the village. Its small cobbled streets with bright white houses look like a maze for dreamy visitors... You will love to get lost! New colonial buildings are built at every turn. Time seems to have stopped. You are immersed in the 16th century!
The Plaza Mayor of Villa de Leyva
The unmissable feature of Villa de Leyva is of course its incredible Plaza Mayor. Its size is huge! In its center you will find a beautiful fountain and all around the main buildings of the city including various museums and churches. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the village and enjoy the tranquility of a life in the village with a local drink, agua aromatica. Relaxing and exotic!
On the Plaza Mayor is also the Parroquia Nuestra Senora del Rosario and the church El Carmen and its small religious art museum that are really worth a visit! If you are there on a Saturday, you will have the chance to wander around the stalls of Villa Leyva market, which covers a large part of the Plaza Mayor. You will discover delicious flavors and smells as well as beautiful objects made locally and by hand!
The Casa Museo
You can continue your discovery by visiting the different Casa Museo: Antonio Nariño, Luis Alberto Acuña and Captain Antonio Ricaurte will plunge you into the heart of the history and art of the city.
For lunch:
For lunch, you will be spoilt for choice. The village is full of small charming restaurants, often located in colonial houses. Treat yourself to a typical pig or rabbit dish before heading out of town. There is the Casa Terracota. Its impressive architecture is entirely made of clay. It is a typical monument with beautiful photographs.
Sunset
In the evening, we offer you to reach the heights of the city to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the whitewashed houses. A sumptuous spectacle.
Day 2: pre-Columbian civilizations
Iguaca:
Today, we offer a guided tour through the Sanctuary of the Fauna and Flora of Iguaca to discover the lake that is the origin of humanity according to local legends. This hike is considered here as a pilgrimage purifying the soul and spirit of the visitors. Forward for this spiritual journey! Departures generally take place in the morning, between 8.00am and 10.00am and you should expect a whole day for this excursion. You should also bring good shoes and water: you will walk about 7 hours in total. Lake Iguaque is 3650 meters above sea level, so you may miss the breath if you forget to hydrate. But do not panic, this walk is quite accessible to any visitor and the landscapes you will go through are worth your efforts. Nature lovers will be delighted by the diversity of species living in this sanctuary. You might even spot a deer and some peaks if you open your eye! When you get to the lagoon, pay attention to the waters. According to Muisca legend, it still shelters the mother of humanity and her lover, in the form of huge snakes! The view is magnificent on the Colombian Altiplano. It is time to have a picnic before heading back down to Villa de Leyva.
El Infiernito:
If you have time left after this excursion, we strongly recommend you to visit the Muscas astronomical observatory, also known as Infiernito. It is located close to the village and contains several remains of the civilization, including some very surprising sculptures. It is worth a look!
Day 3: Paleontology
Museum of Paleontology:
We offer you a day in the heart of prehistory starting by visiting the Museum of Paleontology near the Plaza Mayor. It holds beautiful collections of fossils and dinosaur bones discovered in the area, which will give you an idea of what the area might look like.
Fossil Museum
Continue your visit of prehistory with the Fossil Museum at the exit of the city. You will discover a 12-meter-long marine dinosaur skeleton discovered by a farmer of Villa de Leyva in 1977. Imagine his surprise when he fell on the beast in the field. You will see this archeological treasure in the very place where this villager unearthed it.
Finally, to end your stay, several choices are available to you. You can continue in the Cretaceous era with the theme park Gondava Gran parque de los dinosaurios, or discover the crafts of another small charming village: Raquira. You can also choose to stroll near the pozos azules that offer beautiful landscapes. Our preference goes to Raquira, a colorful and joyful village, another small jewel of Colombia.
-
Plaza Mayor of Villa de Leyva:
With its 14,000 square meters, it is the largest square in South America. Its colonial style is marked by cobblestones and the imposing buildings that border it are magnificent. This is the heart of Villa de Leyva. This place lends itself to reverie, to taking a moment to contemplate the life of the locals who come and go. It is unmissable!
-
Casa Museo Antonio Nariño:
in the former home of this leader of Latin American independence, you will discover the daily life of the man who has largely participated in translating and disseminating the Declaration of Human and Citizen Rights. Immerse yourself in the seventeenth century, you will witness the birth of the freedom of the peoples of this beautiful nation.
-
Iglesia del Carmen writes:
Built between 1845 and 1850 by the Dominican Joaquím Páez, it is the privileged meeting place of the locals on the occasion of the feast of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of the village, for which every year wonderful processions and fairs are organized. It has a sober appearance but beautiful paintings.
-
Museo del Carmen:
its collection includes a hundred religious pieces typical of the 17th and 20th centuries, making this small museum one of the most beautiful in Colombe.
-
Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Rosario:
built in 1604, this parish of baroque architecture contains precious wooden sculptures covered with gold leaf! It is one of the treasures that borders the central square. It's worth a look!
-
Casa Terracota:
it is the largest ceramic in the world. This house of 500 square meters is made entirely of clay bricks. It is the work of architect Octavio Mendoza, who thanks to it demonstrates that we can "transform the land into habitable architecture". An amazing and unique house!
-
Casa Museo Capitan Antonio Ricaurte:
this national hero whose name is heard in the national anthem is said to have set himself on fire so as not to fall under the yoke of the Spaniards while battles raged for the independence of India. Visit the small birthplace of this colorful historical figure, it is now a museum of the Colombian Air Force.
-
Casa Museo Luis Alberto Acuña:
a small colonial house belonging to the descendants of this incredible Colombian artist, it contains original works by this master of painting and sculpture as well as copies of the greatest painters such as Greco, Rembrandt or Michelangelo. This small museum also houses some pretty period pieces and a mural on the patio that pays tribute to Bochica, the hero of the Chibcha indigenous people.
-
Observatorio Astronomico Muisca:
or "el Infiernito", is a pre-Columbian site composed of 30 stone columns sculpted in the shape of phallus and hundreds of smaller rocks arranged with care. There is also a dolmenic tomb and a funeral monument made of stone. This place was a symbol of fertility and was meant to guarantee good harvests for the Muisca civilization. When the Spaniards came upon these sacred buildings, they called it El Infiernito (Hell), considering that such a work in homage to human sexuality could only be the work of the devil.
-
Laguna Iguaque:
embark on this magnificent hike to the cradle of humanity! You will cross a real sanctuary of the regional fauna and flora before reaching this sacred lake that would have seen the birth of the mother of humanity according to the mythology Muisca. Open your eyes wide, deer, weasels and other peaks will probably reward your efforts for their presence on your way.
-
Museo Paleontológico:
inside this beautiful colonial building from 1570, you will have the chance to observe the bones of several prehistoric animals between 130 and 65 million years old! The collection includes more than 400 pieces. Perfect for history and paleontology lovers!
-
Museo El Fósil:
Founded in 1977 by the peasants of the region after finding a fossil of Kronosaurus, it is exhibited at the very place where it was discovered this skeleton, the most complete in the world for this species.
-
Gondava Gran parque de los dinosaurios:
Villa de Leyva being a land of fossils and paleontology, this theme park was built perfect for the whole family to discover the mysterious creatures that once inhabited the surrounding prairies and deserts.
-
Crafts from Raquira:
a little over half an hour from Villa de Leyva is this pretty little village famous for its colorful crafts and local products. It is possible to visit the workshops of potters craftsmen, an experience of immersion in the life of the Colombians.
-
Pozos Azules:
the "blue wells" located a few miles from the village, are artificial lakes with turquoise blue waters that contrast with the very dry landscape of the place. A beautiful place to photograph!
How to get to Villa de Leyva in Colombia?
By car/bus :
- from Bogota : 3h
- from Medellin : 9h20
- from Cali : 13h30
- from Bucaramanga : 6h15
- from Barranquilla : 15h
- from Monteria: 14:45
By plane (the closest airport is Bogota):
- from Medellin: 50min
- from Cali : 50 min
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