Villa de Leyva is a well-preserved colonial town in the Boyacá department of Colombia, known for its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and vast main square—Plaza Mayor—one of the largest in South America. Founded in 1572, the town was originally established as a retreat for Spanish nobility and has retained much of its original architecture thanks to its designation as a national monument in 1954. Despite its historical appearance, Villa de Leyva is surrounded by fossil beds and unusual geological formations. Its cultural calendar is packed with festivals, including astronomy events and a well-known kite festival. Unlike many other tourist towns, it maintains a slow, rural pace, and strict building codes keep modern intrusions to a minimum, reinforcing its status as a kind of living museum of colonial Colombia.
After three vibrant days in Bogotá, Villa de Leyva became the first destination of our journey around Colombia. We spent six days in town and had an absolutely fantastic time. Below, I will share the best things to do in Villa de Leyva, drawing both from our own experiences and from what we learned while in town.
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Walking around Town & Main Sights
Walking through Villa de Leyva feels less like exploring a town and more like moving through a carefully preserved open-air museum. Whitewashed houses with red clay–tiled roofs line the streets in near-uniform fashion, interrupted only by wooden balconies, stone doorframes, and the occasional carved coat of arms above an entrance. The cobbled streets slow everything down by default, encouraging wandering rather than rushing, and making even short walks feel deliberate and tactile.
Behind many of the austere façades lie hidden inner courtyards—quiet, leafy spaces that host cafés, small restaurants, bars, and craft shops. These patios are often lush with bougainvillea, geraniums, roses, succulents, and tall agave or aloe plants, adding bursts of color to the town’s otherwise restrained palette. Throughout the day, the atmosphere is relaxed but lively, with a mix of local visitors and international travelers filling terraces and spilling out onto the plaza. Weekends are noticeably busier, especially in the late afternoons and evenings.
Beyond the town itself, green hills and mountains frame nearly every street view, giving Villa de Leyva a sense of enclosure without feeling hemmed in. Once night falls, the surroundings turn almost completely dark, with only the odd farmhouse light flickering on the slopes—a reminder that despite its popularity, the town still sits firmly within a rural landscape.
These are some of the key attractions worth visiting in the town proper:
Plaza Mayor — 📍map
Plaza Mayor is the central square of Villa de Leyva and one of the largest town plazas in Latin America, covering approximately 14,000 square meters. Its expansive cobblestone surface and minimalist design reflect the town’s colonial roots and unaltered urban layout since its founding in the 16th century. The square is surrounded by uniform whitewashed buildings, arcades, and the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary (Iglesia Parroquial). Aside from a single modest fountain at its center, Plaza Mayor remains strikingly open—free of statues, formal gardens, or other decorative elements—giving it an austere, monumental character. It serves as the main stage for town festivals, markets, and public events, and its sheer scale relative to the town’s size gives it an almost cinematic presence.
Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Villa de Leyva — 📍map
The Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Villa de Leyva is the principal church facing Plaza Mayor and one of the oldest surviving religious buildings in the region. Its construction began in the early 17th century, shortly after the town’s founding, and it has served as a central place of worship for over four centuries. The church features a simple colonial façade with a stone bell tower and wooden doors, consistent with the architectural restraint of the town as a whole. Inside, it houses several religious artworks and a modest but historically significant altar. While not grand in size or decoration, the church plays a prominent role in local religious and civic life, hosting masses, processions, and cultural events that often spill out onto the square.
Carmelitas de Villa de Leyva — 📍map
The Carmelitas de Villa de Leyva refers to the Carmelite convent and church complex located just a few blocks from Plaza Mayor. Officially known as the Monasterio del Carmen, it was founded in the 17th century and originally housed a cloistered community of Carmelite nuns. The building reflects austere colonial religious architecture, with simple lines, thick walls, and minimal ornamentation—hallmarks of the Carmelite order’s emphasis on contemplation and humility. While the convent itself remains largely closed to the public, the adjoining church is accessible and includes religious art and altarpieces typical of the era. Occasionally, the complex hosts religious or cultural events, and its quiet presence adds to Villa de Leyva’s historic and monastic atmosphere.
Capilla San Francisco — 📍map
The Capilla San Francisco is a small colonial chapel reflecting the town’s deep religious and architectural heritage. Built during the Spanish colonial period, the chapel is associated with the Franciscan order, which played a significant role in the region’s evangelization and community life. Architecturally, it follows a simple, rustic style with a stone façade and modest bell tower, typical of early missionary structures. While less prominent than the main parish church, the chapel has historical value and contributes to the network of religious buildings that define the town’s layout. Its quiet location and understated design offer a glimpse into the more intimate, localized expressions of faith during colonial times.
Capilla San José — 📍map
Capilla San José is another small colonial-era chapel in Villa de Leyva, situated a short distance from the town center. Like other chapels in the area, it reflects the architectural simplicity of early religious buildings, with whitewashed walls, a tiled roof, and minimal decorative elements. It is traditionally associated with rural worship and local religious gatherings, rather than the formal functions of the main parish church. Its dedication to Saint Joseph reflects widespread devotion to him in colonial and post-colonial Catholic practice.
Antonio Nariño Park — 📍map
Antonio Nariño Park (Parque Antonio Nariño) is a small but historically significant plaza located in the center of Villa de Leyva, just a few blocks from Plaza Mayor. The park is named after Antonio Nariño, a key figure in Colombia’s independence movement and the first to translate and publish the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen into Spanish. A statue of Nariño stands at the center of the park, commemorating his legacy and his connection to the town, where he spent the last years of his life under house arrest. The surrounding area includes colonial buildings, shops, and cafes, making the park a quieter, more shaded alternative to the expansive main square. Though small in size, it offers both historical context and a pleasant spot for rest in the middle of Villa de Leyva’s walkable core.
Antonio Ricaurte Park — 📍map
Antonio Ricaurte Park (Parque Antonio Ricaurte) is a quiet green space in Villa de Leyva, named after the independence hero Antonio Ricaurte, who was born in the town. The park is located near the museum that bears his name (Casa Museo Antonio Ricaurte), which preserves his family home and commemorates his role in Colombia’s fight for independence—particularly his dramatic death in 1814 when he blew up a Spanish ammunition depot.
Avion Park — 📍map
Avión Park (Parque El Avión) is a small recreational area on the outskirts of Villa de Leyva, best known for its unusual centerpiece—a decommissioned military helicopter—accompanied by a couple of miniature planes. Though not an official museum, the aircraft give the park a quirky appeal, especially for children. The space includes a playground and is adjacent to a kindergarten, making it a convenient stop for families with young kids. Unlike the town’s historic plazas and churches, Avión Park offers a more informal, local experience—part roadside curiosity, part neighborhood gathering spot.
Carrera 13 — 📍map
Carrera 13 is the main vehicular road running through Villa de Leyva and one of the few streets in the historic center where regular car traffic is permitted. Unlike the more polished, tourist-oriented areas near Plaza Mayor, Carrera 13 has a functional, everyday feel—lined with non-touristic shops, small markets, hardware stores, and local service businesses. It’s also where you’ll find affordable eateries serving typical Colombian food, popular with residents rather than visitors. Though it lacks the picturesque charm of the cobblestone pedestrian streets, Carrera 13 offers a glimpse into the town’s daily rhythm and is one of the better places to pick up on local life beyond the curated colonial atmosphere.
Saturday Market — 📍map
The Saturday Market in Villa de Leyva takes place every week beside the town’s main football pitch and offers a vibrant contrast to the town’s more tourist-centered attractions. Starting early in the morning, trucks from the surrounding countryside roll in loaded with fresh produce—fruits, vegetables, herbs, and dairy—sold directly by farmers and vendors. In addition to food, the market includes stalls selling clothing, household items, and tools, making it a practical shopping spot for locals. Street food is a major draw, especially the grilled meats cooked on open-air barbecues, often accompanied by arepas or boiled potatoes.
Museums
Villa de Leyva punches well above its weight when it comes to museums. For a town of its size, the range is unusually broad, spanning paleontology and geology, colonial and independence history, religious art, archaeology, science, and a handful of eccentric private collections. Most museums are located within walking distance of Plaza Mayor or a short drive from town, making it easy to visit several over the course of a few days rather than treating them as one-off stops.
Paleontology & Fossils
- Museo Paleontológico de Villa de Leyva (Universidad Nacional) — 📍map, official site
Run by Colombia’s National University, this is one of the town’s most academically grounded museums. Its focus is on fossils from the Cretaceous period, discovered in the surrounding region, and the exhibits combine traditional displays with augmented reality elements that help visualize ancient marine life. The museum also includes a small botanical garden, linking paleontology with the area’s present-day ecology. - Museo El Fósil / Museo Comunitario El Fósil — 📍map, official site
Built around one of Villa de Leyva’s most famous discoveries, this museum showcases a massive Kronosaurus fossil found nearby in the 1970s. The site has a distinctly local character, blending scientific information with community-driven storytelling. It’s a compact but striking visit, especially for those interested in how major finds emerge from small rural settings. 👉 Read about our visit to the Fossil Museum. - Centro de Investigaciones Paleontológicas (CIP) — 📍map, official site
The CIP functions both as a research center and a visitor-friendly museum. It houses an extensive fossil collection and offers guided tours that explain ongoing scientific work in accessible terms. Interactive activities and educational displays make it one of the more engaging stops for visitors curious about how paleontology is practiced rather than just exhibited.
Colonial Houses & Independence Figures
- Casa Museo Antonio Nariño — 📍map, official site
This was the home of Antonio Nariño, a central figure in Colombia’s independence movement and an early advocate of Enlightenment ideas. The house contains period furniture, documents, and personal objects that help contextualize his life and political role. Entry is free, and the museum provides a clear, focused introduction to early republican history. - Casa Museo Luis Alberto Acuña — 📍map, official site
Dedicated to painter and sculptor Luis Alberto Acuña, this museum occupies his former residence and studio. The collection centers on Latin American themes, combining art with reflections on indigenous heritage and national identity. It’s a quieter, more contemplative stop that contrasts with the town’s more historical museums. - Casa Museo Capitán Antonio Ricaurte — 📍map, official site
This museum honors Antonio José de Ricaurte, remembered for his self-sacrifice during the independence wars. Exhibits focus on his life, military role, and symbolic importance within Colombian national history. While modest in size, it adds another layer to the town’s strong connection with independence-era figures. - Casa del Primer Congreso de Colombia — 📍map, official site
Housed in a colonial building near the town center, this site commemorates the First Congress of the United Provinces of New Granada. Exhibits focus on the early political experiments that followed the break from Spanish rule. It’s a low-key but meaningful stop for understanding how Villa de Leyva fits into Colombia’s broader political history.
Religious & Art Museums
- Museo del Carmen — 📍map, official site
Located in a former Carmelite convent, Museo del Carmen is widely regarded as one of Colombia’s finest collections of religious art. The exhibits include paintings, sculptures, and liturgical objects displayed within the original convent spaces, giving strong architectural context to the collection. Even for non-specialists, the quality and atmosphere make it one of the town’s standout museums. - Museo de Arte de la Villa (MAVI) — 📍map, official site
MAVI blends permanent and temporary exhibitions of modern and classical art, often highlighting Colombian artists. In addition to gallery spaces, it hosts workshops and cultural activities, reinforcing its role as a living cultural center rather than a static museum. Entry is typically free, making it an easy addition to a casual walk around town. - Capilla del Claustro de San Agustín (Instituto Humboldt) — 📍map, official site
This former chapel, now managed by the Humboldt Institute, focuses on biodiversity and environmental research rather than religious art. Exhibits explore Colombia’s ecosystems, often complemented by talks and educational programs. It offers an interesting crossover between heritage architecture and contemporary scientific themes.
Archaeology & Science
- Museo Arqueológico de Villa de Leyva / Observatorio Solar Muisca (UPTC) — 📍map, official site
This site explores the astronomical knowledge of the Muisca civilization, particularly their use of solar observation for calendrical and ceremonial purposes. Guided explanations help decode the stone structures and their alignments. The museum connects archaeology, astronomy, and indigenous cosmology in a way that’s both accessible and thought-provoking. - Kosmos, Museo del Espacio — 📍map, official site
Kosmos is a small but ambitious museum dedicated to space science, archaeoastronomy, and the search for life beyond Earth. Exhibits range from ancient skywatching practices to modern space exploration and exobiology. Its scope feels surprisingly global for such a small town, reflecting Villa de Leyva’s long-standing interest in astronomy.
Thematic & Quirky Museums
- Museo del Chocolate — 📍map, official site
Spread across two locations in town, the Museo del Chocolate combines historical exhibits with interactive elements and tastings. It traces cacao’s cultural and economic importance while doubling as a café-like space. It’s more playful than educational, but works well as a lighter museum stop.
Most museums are clustered around the historic center or within a short 1–5 km drive. Entry fees are generally modest, often ranging between 6,000 and 15,000 COP, and many visits are enhanced by guided explanations, making Villa de Leyva an unusually rich destination for museum-hopping.
Places to Visit Nearby
A big part of Villa de Leyva’s appeal lies beyond the town itself. Within a short drive—or even a long walk—you’ll find a mix of natural curiosities, historic monasteries, and small towns that make easy half-day or day trips and add variety to a longer stay. Here are a few recommendations:
Pozos Azules
Located just a few kilometers west of town, Pozos Azules is a series of striking blue pools set in an otherwise dry, high-altitude landscape. The intense color of the water is caused by mineral content and light reflection rather than depth, giving the pools an almost artificial appearance. A short trail loops past several of the pools, with benches and grassy patches where visitors tend to linger. It’s an easy, low-effort outing, often combined with nearby fossil sites, though it can get busy on weekends.
👉 Read about our visit to Pozos Azules
Ráquira
About 25 km from Villa de Leyva, Ráquira is known as Colombia’s ceramics capital and makes for an easy and colorful day trip. The town’s streets are lined with pottery shops selling everything from traditional cookware to oversized decorative pieces, many produced locally. Architecturally and atmospherically, Ráquira feels livelier and more informal than Villa de Leyva, with brightly painted houses and a distinctly artisanal character. Even a short stop is enough to get a sense of its craft-driven economy and local rhythm.
👉 Read about our trip to Ráquira
Casa Terracota
Casa Terracota is one of the region’s most unusual attractions: a fully inhabitable house made almost entirely of baked clay. Designed and built by architect Octavio Mendoza, the structure blurs the line between architecture and sculpture, with curved walls, organic forms, and built-in furniture shaped from the same material. Located just outside Villa de Leyva, it’s a brief but memorable visit, especially for those interested in experimental or sustainable architecture.
Monasterio de Santo Eccehomo
Founded in the 17th century, Monasterio de Santo Eccehomo is a Dominican monastery set amid quiet farmland north of Villa de Leyva. The complex includes a simple church, cloisters, and well-kept gardens that emphasize stillness and symmetry rather than grandeur. Today, part of the monastery functions as a museum, with religious art and historical exhibits that reflect monastic life over the centuries. Its calm setting and restrained architecture make it a rewarding contrast to the busier sights closer to town.
Hiking
The landscape around Villa de Leyva is defined by mountains, ridges, and open highland terrain, offering plenty of hiking options for different levels and time frames. Trails range from demanding full-day hikes in protected areas to short climbs that start almost from town and reward you with wide views over the valley. Even without venturing far, it’s easy to combine walking with scenery, altitude, and a sense of space that contrasts nicely with the town’s compact historic core.
The most famous hike in the area leads to Laguna de Iguaque, a sacred lake located within the Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary. It’s a long, strenuous ascent and often described as the region’s flagship hike. We ultimately skipped it, as entry fees are relatively high, a licensed guide is mandatory, and access comes with logistical constraints that make it less spontaneous than other options around Villa de Leyva.
Instead, we opted for Camino de Herradura, a historic mule trail connecting Villa de Leyva with the surrounding countryside. The route is free, unregulated, and remarkably scenic, passing through open slopes, grazing land, and a secluded gorge with expansive views back toward town and the surrounding mountains. It struck a good balance between effort and reward and felt far more flexible and relaxed than the more formalized hikes. 👉 Read my report on hiking the Camino de Herradura.
For shorter outings, the walk up to Mirador El Santo (📍trailhead) is a popular and worthwhile option, especially around sunset. The climb is short but steep in places, and the viewpoint offers a sweeping panorama over Villa de Leyva and the valley beyond as the light fades. One evening, I also headed out on a trail run toward Mirador de Sáchica (📍trailhead), following a quieter path that extends southward. It’s less frequented than El Santo and feels wilder, with wide-open views and very little traffic—an excellent option if you want solitude without committing to a full-day hike.
Food & Drink
Villa de Leyva offers plenty of choice when it comes to eating and drinking, ranging from simple local spots to more polished restaurants aimed at weekend visitors. Prices are generally reasonable, and most places cluster around Plaza Mayor or along the surrounding streets, making it easy to sample different spots over a few days. Below are some of the places we liked most during our stay, each for slightly different reasons.
- Restaurante El Chipa — 📍map
Known for its grilled meats and cocktails, El Chipa stands out for its balcony overlooking Plaza Mayor. It’s a good place to settle into the rhythm of the square, especially in the evening, when the light fades and the plaza fills with people. - Happy Monkey — 📍map
A small, well-designed restaurant offering more creative and carefully plated dishes than most places in town. The space is intimate and thoughtfully arranged, and the menu leans toward modern comfort food with a personal touch. - Artesadas — 📍map
A low-key, easy-to-miss local spot focusing on traditional Colombian specialties. It feels more like a place for residents than visitors, with straightforward cooking and familiar flavors rather than presentation-driven dishes. - Europan — 📍map
A bakery and pizzeria with a distinctly local, friendly atmosphere. It’s an easygoing place for breakfast, pizza, or a quick bite, with a casual feel that makes it popular with both locals and long-term visitors. - Café Jardín — 📍map
A relaxed café ideal for coffee or brunch, set around a pleasant inner courtyard. The leafy garden setting makes it a good escape from the busier streets, especially earlier in the day. - Chelsea Pub — 📍map
A British-style pub that comes alive in the evenings, especially on football nights. Expect classic rock, televised matches, and a lively, social crowd—more about atmosphere than food, and a fun option for a night out.
Accommodation in Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva offers a wide range of accommodation options, from small guesthouses and shared houses to boutique hotels and higher-end colonial properties. Most places are clustered close to the historic center, but staying just outside the busiest streets often means quieter nights, better value, and more space—especially if you’re in town for more than a couple of days.
We stayed at Casa Chisakui, a quiet shared house with private rooms on the eastern edge of town, about a five-minute walk from Plaza Mayor. It’s tucked away from traffic and nightlife, making it a good choice if you value calm over being right on the square. The house has a small but pleasant garden and a well-equipped shared kitchen, which makes it especially practical for longer stays or for anyone working remotely. Overall, it’s an excellent budget-friendly option that feels more like living in Villa de Leyva than just passing through.
Use the map below to explore more options, or check out my full guide to accommodation in Villa de Leyva.
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Tours & Activities in Villa de Leyva
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Photos
View (and feel free to use) all my photographs from Villa de Leyva.
More from Boyacá
- Photos: Ráquira, Boyacá, Colombia (2026)
- A Day Trip to Ráquira: Visiting Colombia’s Famous Pottery Town
- Where to Stay in Villa de Leyva, Colombia: Best Areas & Lodges
- Photos: Fossil Museum, Villa de Leyva, Boyacá, Colombia (2026)
- Photos: Pozos Azules, Villa de Leyva, Boyacá, Colombia (2026)
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