Our most recommended things to do in Villa de Leyva

Bogotá: Private Zipaquirá and Salt Cathedral Tour

1. Bogotá: Private Zipaquirá and Salt Cathedral Tour

Private Zipaquirá and Salt Cathedral Tour Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in Bogotá at 09:00 AM or a time to suit you, and then journey to the colonial town of Zipaquirá, famous for its Salt Cathedral. Relax on the 60 to 90-minute trip to the cathedral, where on arrival you will be accompanied to the entrance of the mine for a 2-hour guided tour in English or Spanish.  Located inside the depths of the world's biggest salt rock reserve, Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral was adapted from an old salt mine to function as a place of worship. Marvel at the icons, ornaments and architectural details hand-carved in the halite rock. Surface the mine to enjoy a typical Colombian lunch in one of Zipaquirá's best restaurants. Choose from fish or vegetarian options, or savor different plates of meat prepared in the traditional way on fire. Then, explore the main sights of the town, including Independence Square and the colonial center. Admire one of the oldest churches in Colombia. Drive back to Bogotá for drop-off at your accommodation, or book one of the following options to continue exploring. Salt Cathedral and Lake Guatavitá Tour with Lunch After visiting the Salt Cathedral and enjoying a typical Colombian meal, go to the colonial town of Guatavitá. Take a short guided hike, admire the scenic landscape and discover the birthplace of the El Dorado legend. On the return trip to Bogotá stop at La Calera viewpoint for panoramic views of the city. Salt Cathedral and Nemocón Mine Tour with Lunch Once you have visited the Salt Cathedral and enjoyed a traditional Colombian lunch, discover the salt mine tunnels of Nemocón. Experience what it felt like to work 60 meters below ground. Be dropped off back in Bogotá at the end of the tour. Salt Cathedral & Villa de Levya Tour without Lunch Go from the Salt Cathedral to Villa de Leyva, famous for its cobblestone square Plaza Mayor, which at 150,695 square feet is the largest in Colombia. Learn about the history of this charming town before returning to your accommodation in Bogotá.

Villa de Leyva Trip by Private Transportation

2. Villa de Leyva Trip by Private Transportation

Travel with a friendly and knowledge driver on an excursion from Bogotá to the colonial village of Villa de Leyva. Before you arrive at the village, you'll have the option of visiting two nearby sights – choosing from Lagunas Azules, Casa de Barro, El Fossil, and El Infiernito. Afterwards, you’ll be driven to the Plaza Mayor in Villa de Leyva, and the driver will wait while you enjoy lunch and spend some time exploring the village on your own. Then you’re free to decide which additional sights you would like to visit. Late in the afternoon you’ll head back to Bogotá, where you’ll be dropped off.

Bogotá: Villa de Leyva Full-Day Tour with Meals

3. Bogotá: Villa de Leyva Full-Day Tour with Meals

Discover Villa de Leyva on a full-day guided tour. See some of the most well-preserved colonial structures in Colombia, and admire the town's vibrant culture, historical sights, and striking natural beauty. Start your adventure at the breathtaking Sisga Dam. Then, head north to Raquira, a small town known for its traditional pottery. Next, take a short drive to Villa de Leyva’s Square: the largest entirely cobbled square in South America. Visit the Paleontological Museum and marvel at the fossils taken from the valley where Villa de Leyva is located. Learn their fascinating history dating back to the Cretaceous era. Stop for a quick break at a traditional restaurant and enjoy a local breakfast. Once ready, continue towards the hills to the Pozos Azules. Admire the blue-green reflection of the sky in these mineral-rich pools. Next stop: the Terracotta House. See the house made entirely out of clay and famously called "the largest piece of pottery in the world." Take some time to explore the quaint streets at your own pace before stopping once more for a delicious lunch.

From Bogota: Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral & Villa de Leyva Tour

4. From Bogota: Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral & Villa de Leyva Tour

Begin your tour with hotel pick-up in the morning and a scenic drive out to Villa de Leyva. On the way, enjoy the delicious staple of arepas, corn cakes that are often grilled or fried. Upon arrival in Villa de Leyva, step out and walk through the ancient streets lined with colonial-style houses that have remained mostly untouched since their construction. Founded in 1572, Villa de Leyva is famous for its cobblestone square Plaza Mayor, which at 150,695 square feet is the largest in Colombia. Learn about the history of the charming town from your guide before moving on. Head next to Zipaquira, where you will wander below ground into an enormous salt mine. Your guide will teach you about the history of salt and salt mining as you explore the beautifully lit cavern, eventually reaching the salt cathedral. The church was originally built in 1932 as a place for miners to offer daily prayers and was inaugurated in 1954. Today it is a fully functional church with a weekly service held on Sundays. Spend time in the unique cathedral before returning to the surface and heading back to Bogota.

Other Sightseeing Options in Villa de Leyva

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What people are saying about Villa de Leyva

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 73 reviews

Amazing tour! Look no further this is the tour to do! The experience that I have had was spectacular! Honestly my husband and I enjoyed the entire day with our guide and driver! Xiomara I hope I spelled her name correctly but she was so kind and so cool and our driver was so kind! If you are going to do a tour I would do it with her! If I could have more tours with our tour guide it would be amazing!

Maravillosa experiencia, nos recogieron en punto en nuestro hotel, nuestra guía Jules es una chica muy cordial pero sobretodo muy preparada y conocedora de la historia de Colombia. Nos mantuvo muy entretenidos todo el camino, contandonos muchos detalles y curiosidades de cada lugar que visitamos. El conductor John también fue muy amable. Recomiendo mucho este tour.

Andrés our driver for the day was absolutely amazing. Extremely clear communication, great support. We are very satisfied with this activity and highly recommend it. Andrés really ensured we had an amazing day in these beautiful places.

Great trip. Splendid place to visit. Driver was excellent. Very polite and helpful!

Very good experience highly recommended very nice the guides all very cordial