Is Villa de Leyva Worth Visiting? My Experience Exploring Colombia’s Colonial Gem
Is Villa de Leyva Worth Visiting? My Experience Exploring Colombia’s Colonial Gem
When most travelers plan a trip to Colombia, destinations like Medellín, Cartagena, and Bogotá usually top the list. Those cities certainly deserve the attention, but after spending a few days in Villa de Leyva, I came away wondering why this beautiful colonial town isn’t mentioned more often.
Located in the department of Boyacá about three hours from Bogotá, Villa de Leyva offers something completely different from Colombia’s larger cities. Instead of traffic, high-rise buildings, and packed schedules, you’ll find cobblestone streets, whitewashed colonial architecture, mountain views, and a slower pace of life that encourages visitors to simply enjoy the moment.
My wife and I visited Villa de Leyva as part of a trip to Bogotá, and while I expected to enjoy it, I didn’t expect it to become one of my favorite small-town destinations in Colombia.
So, is Villa de Leyva worth visiting?
For me, the answer is an easy yes.
My First Impressions of Villa de Leyva
We arrived in Villa de Leyva in the afternoon after traveling from Bogotá. Our hotel was located just a short walk from the Plaza Mayor, which made it easy to settle in and begin exploring immediately.
One of the first things I noticed was how peaceful everything felt.
The streets weren’t crowded. There wasn’t much traffic. People seemed relaxed and unhurried.
After checking in, we headed out for dinner at Chuska, a restaurant near the town center. I ordered ribs while my wife enjoyed salmon. The meal was good, but what stood out most was the atmosphere outside.
The evening air was cool, people were strolling through town, and the Plaza Mayor was beginning to light up as the sun disappeared behind the mountains.
It was the perfect introduction to Villa de Leyva.
The Plaza Mayor Is One of Colombia’s Most Impressive Town Squares
Every town has a center, but Villa de Leyva’s Plaza Mayor feels different.
The massive cobblestone square is one of the largest in South America and immediately becomes the focal point of any visit.
During the day you’ll find visitors taking photographs, families enjoying the open space, and locals going about their daily routines.
At night, the plaza takes on a different character.
Restaurants fill with diners, people gather to socialize, and the historic buildings surrounding the square create a setting that feels almost timeless.
I found myself returning to the plaza repeatedly throughout our stay.
Not because there was something specific to do, but because it simply felt like the heart of the town.
Villa de Leyva Encourages You to Slow Down
One of the things I enjoyed most wasn’t actually a tourist attraction.
It was the pace of life.
Travel often becomes a checklist of landmarks, museums, viewpoints, and attractions. Villa de Leyva felt different.
One evening, my wife and I stopped at Café Jardín for coffee and dessert. Sitting outside, we spent time simply watching the world go by.
Young adults played soccer in the street.
Families walked their dogs.
Friends gathered and chatted outside cafés.
The dogs were especially memorable, many wearing colorful Colombian scarves while happily accompanying their owners around town.
It wasn’t a spectacular event or major attraction.
It was just life unfolding in front of us.
And honestly, it was one of my favorite moments from the trip.
The Surrounding Area Makes Villa de Leyva Even Better
The town itself is beautiful, but Villa de Leyva is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region.
During our visit, we joined a local tour that took us beyond the town center and into the countryside.
One stop included the colorful artisan town of Ráquira, famous for its pottery, handicrafts, and brightly painted buildings.
The drive itself was part of the experience.
Rolling hills, farms, mountain scenery, and traditional Colombian villages offered a glimpse into a side of Colombia many international visitors never see.
Popular attractions around Villa de Leyva include:
- Ráquira
- Casa Terracota
- Pozos Azules
- El Infiernito
- Fossil Museum
- Local vineyards
- Hiking trails
This variety makes Villa de Leyva much more than a simple day trip destination.
The Food and Café Scene Surprised Me
Small towns sometimes struggle when it comes to dining options.
Villa de Leyva does not.
While not every meal was memorable, we found several places worth recommending.
One of my favorite discoveries was Café Jardín.
We initially stopped there for coffee and cake after returning from a tour. While the cake wasn’t quite as impressive as it looked in the display photos, the atmosphere immediately caught our attention.
The breakfast menu looked outstanding.
The next morning we returned, and I’m glad we did.
The breakfast was excellent, the service was friendly, and the entire experience felt relaxed and welcoming.
It’s exactly the type of place travelers hope to discover when exploring a new destination.
The Chocolate Museum Is Worth a Quick Visit
On our final morning, we had some time before heading back to Bogotá.
Directly across from where we were staying sat the Chocolate Museum.
Curious, we decided to step inside.
The interior was beautifully designed and surprisingly photogenic. Even if you’re not a huge chocolate enthusiast, the museum offers a fun and unique stop while exploring the town center.
We spent some time taking photos, looking around, and enjoying the creativity that had gone into the displays.
It’s not necessarily the main reason to visit Villa de Leyva, but it’s certainly worth adding to your itinerary if you have the time.
Villa de Leyva Feels Different From Other Colombian Destinations
I’ve traveled to many places throughout Colombia, including Medellín, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Guatapé, Rionegro, Bucaramanga, San Gil, and Cúcuta.
Each destination offers something unique.
What makes Villa de Leyva stand out is its balance.
It has enough attractions to keep visitors busy.
It has enough restaurants and cafés to make exploring enjoyable.
Yet it never feels overwhelming.
The town has managed to preserve its identity despite becoming one of Colombia’s most popular weekend destinations.
That’s not easy to do.
Is Villa de Leyva Better as a Day Trip or Overnight Stay?
Many visitors travel from Bogotá as a day trip.
While that’s certainly possible, I think staying at least two nights is the better option.
A day trip allows you to see the highlights.
An overnight stay allows you to experience the town.
The evenings were some of my favorite moments.
Watching locals enjoy the plaza, sitting outside cafés, and walking through the quiet streets after sunset gave me a much deeper appreciation for the destination.
If your schedule allows, spend at least two nights.
Who Will Enjoy Villa de Leyva Most?
Villa de Leyva is ideal for travelers who enjoy:
- Colonial architecture
- Small-town charm
- Photography
- Relaxed travel
- Coffee shops and cafés
- Colombian culture
- Scenic countryside
- Weekend getaways
If you’re looking for nightlife and big-city energy, Medellín or Bogotá may be a better fit.
If you’re looking for beaches, Cartagena and Santa Marta are stronger options.
But if you enjoy authentic towns with character and history, Villa de Leyva is hard to beat.
Final Thoughts: Is Villa de Leyva Worth Visiting?
After spending several days exploring Villa de Leyva, I can confidently say it was one of the most enjoyable small-town experiences I’ve had in Colombia.
The historic architecture, enormous Plaza Mayor, surrounding countryside, excellent cafés, and relaxed atmosphere all combine to create a destination that feels genuinely special.
What I’ll remember most isn’t a specific attraction.
It’s sitting outside with a coffee, watching families, friends, and dogs enjoying a beautiful evening in a town that seemed completely comfortable being itself.
In a world where travel often feels rushed, Villa de Leyva reminded me that sometimes the best experiences happen when you simply slow down and enjoy where you are.
And for that reason alone, I think Villa de Leyva is absolutely worth visiting.
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