Less than three hours from Bogotá, the enchanting town of Villa de Leyva remains one of Colombia’s best-preserved colonial gems. Though still relatively undiscovered by international visitors, this historic town—formally known as Villa de Santa María de Leyva—was declared a national monument in 1954, ensuring that its centuries-old architecture and cobblestone streets have been meticulously maintained. Even modern additions adhere to the Spanish colonial style, with whitewashed, two-story townhouses, wooden balconies, and courtyards wrapped around shaded arcades.
Plaza Mayor: The Beating Heart of Villa de Leyva
At the town’s center lies Plaza Mayor, one of South America’s largest public squares, spanning over 14,000 square meters. At its heart stands an 18th-century stone fountain, while the 17th-century Parish Church of Our Lady of the Rosary dominates its northern side. Despite its vast expanse, the square is always lively, lined with restaurants, bars, and artisan shops. The most impressive structure is the ornately decorated Town Hall, which is open to the public and features a beautifully preserved 17th-century Spanish colonial courtyard.
Villa de Leyva played a significant role in Colombia’s fight for independence, and many of its historic homes belonged to national heroes. The Casa Museo Antonio Nariño and Casa Museo Capitán Antonio Ricaurte offer a glimpse into Colombia’s 18th and 19th-century high society. For a town of its size, Villa de Leyva boasts an impressive number of museums, including:
- Museo del Carmen, showcasing religious art
- Museo Luis Alberto Acuña, dedicated to the renowned Colombian artist
- Museo Paleontológico and Museo El Fósil, both highlighting the region’s rich palaeontological heritage
The area around Villa de Leyva is known for its abundance of fossils, many of which are incorporated into the town’s streets and buildings. The Museo El Fósil, in particular, houses the most complete pliosaur fossil ever discovered, along with a remarkable collection of Cretaceous-period specimens.
Monquirá Archaeological Park: Colombia’s Ancient Mystery
Just 15 minutes outside Villa de Leyva, the Monquirá Archaeological Park—also known as "El Infiernito"—is one of Colombia’s oldest ceremonial sites. Dating back to 200 BC, this enigmatic site features 30 towering phallic megaliths and 100 smaller stone columns, believed to have served as either a fertility cult site or an astronomical observatory.
A visit to Monquirá pairs well with a trip to the nearby Convento del Santo Ecce Homo, a 17th-century Dominican monastery renowned for its Mudéjar architecture. Interestingly, one of the Monquirá megaliths now stands in the monastery’s garden, symbolizing the fusion of pre-Columbian and colonial history found in Villa de Leyva.
Need to Know: Planning Your Visit
Location: Villa de Leyva is 165 km from Bogotá, typically a three-hour drive (longer on weekends due to Bogotá’s mass weekend exodus). The nearest international airport is Bogotá’s El Dorado, with regular buses and minibuses connecting the town to the capital.
Best Time to Visit: While day trips from Bogotá are possible, staying overnight is highly recommended to experience the town’s legendary star-filled night skies. Villa de Leyva also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, making these times particularly special for visitors.
Getting Around: Villa de Leyva’s pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets are best explored on foot. Taxis are available for trips to Monquirá, the fossil museums, and other nearby attractions.
Accommodation: The town offers over 100 hotels, guesthouses, and hostels, though most cater primarily to Colombian visitors. English is not widely spoken, but friendly hotel owners often arrange guided tours for international guests.
A Timeless Colombian Treasure
Whether you’re strolling its historic streets, uncovering prehistoric fossils, or gazing at its legendary night skies, Villa de Leyva offers an unforgettable journey through Colombia’s past.
