A sandy colonial plaza with white buildings, people, and distant mountains under a blue, cloudy sky.

Colonial Charm in Villa de Leyva

Bite-sized trip

  • Travelife
  • ABTOT
  • ATOL
    • Itinerary:
      Villa de Leyva
    • Duration:
      3 days / 2 nights
    • Price:
      From £375 per person (excluding flights)
    • Transport:
      Transport via Zipaquira Cathedral

    Visit the incredible underground salt cathedral at Zipaquira, before stepping back in time with a couple of days in Villa de Leyva – a cobbled colonial gem where you can get a glimpse into Colombia’s distant past. With a mild climate, peaceful hilly surroundings, and plenty of great places to eat and drink, Villa De Leyva provides a welcome break after bustling Bogota.

    White hotel building with balconies adorned with potted plants, stone steps in the foreground, and a mountain in the background.

    A stone fountain in a cobblestone plaza before a white colonial church with a bell tower, backed by a large mountain.

    Day 1 - Travel to the salt cathedral and Villa De Leyva

    It’s around a 4-hour drive between Bogota and Villa De Leyva by car, and you’ll make a unique stop-off along the way at the Zipaquira Cathedral. Built 200m underground in the tunnels of a former salt mine, it was originally a place of worship for the miners themselves and has since been expanded into an architectural masterpiece with the capacity to welcome visitors and pilgrims from all around. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the subterranean complex with a guide, before continuing your journey. On arrival in Villa De Leyva, you’ll check into a comfortable, colonial-style hotel near to the centre of the village with an open central courtyard where you can enjoy a drink when you arrive.

    Day 2 - Exploring the village and surroundings

    Today we’ll arrange a walking tour with a local guide for you to get acquainted with this small but interesting village. There are some great museums showing remnants of the area’s history, as well as an award-winning vineyard, a bizarre terracotta house and even an archaeological site on the outskirts which is home to many ‘fertility’ statues. The evening is free for you to stroll through the cobbled streets and plazas, taking in the tranquil atmosphere and picking out one of the many quality restaurants for your evening meal.

    A bustling cobblestone street lined with white buildings, strung with lights overhead, and filled with pedestrians, including a man in a grey uniform in the foreground.
    A cobblestone street in a historic town lined with white buildings and terracotta roofs, leading to a church steeple in the distance with mountains behind.

    Day 3 - Continue your journey

    This morning it’ll be time to continue your journey, whether that means heading north by land, or travelling back to Bogota to catch an onward flight.

    Accommodation

    Colombia accommodation bedroom
    Colombia accommodation exterior
    Colombia accommodation exterior

    For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options

    A cozy, yellow-walled bedroom with a bed and a towel swan, opening to a living area with a lit fireplace and a small table set with wine.
    A rustic, warmly lit covered walkway with a sofa beside a plant-filled courtyard at night.
    Art gallery with a high beamed ceiling, featuring paintings, sculptures, and a central sofa.
    1Add to my trip

    Colonial Charm in Villa de Leyva In Style Upgrade - Special Stay

    • Price:
      From £419 per person (excluding flights)
    • Included:
      In Style accommodation, excursions, transport and meals as described above

    For this bite-sized trip we have an alternative option available for your accommodation. Our In Style version is something a bit more special or unique but still with lots of local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your accommodation for this bite-sized trip select our In Style option below.

    Colonial Charm in Villa de Leyva

    This bite-sized trip combines well with