Villa de Leyva

The basics

At the heart of the city is Plaza Mayor, where your guide may drop you off for some free time. Nearby attractions include the 1604 Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and museums devoted to fossils and paleontology. You can see these sights and more on a private or group day tour from Bogotá, most of which include hotel pickup and drop-off.

Things to know before you go

• With paleontology and fossil museums, Villa de Leyva is a must-visit for those interested in the earth’s history.

• Much of the town is covered with cobblestones, meaning comfortable shoes are necessary.

• Due to the town’s elevation, sunscreen or a hat is wise, even on cloudy days.

How to get there

Villa de Leyva is situated in the eastern Andes, about a 3-hour drive north of Bogotá and an 8.5-hour drive from Medellin. Public buses run from Bogotá and usually depart hourly in the morning through the middle of the afternoon. However, it's much quicker and more convenient to travel to the historic city as part of a private or small-group tour, many of which include round-trip transportation from Bogotá hotels.

When to get there

Villa de Leyva is a year-round attraction, though you may wish to save your visit for one of the two dry seasons, which run from December to February and again in July and August. Weekends tend to be busier with tourists than weekdays, so come during the week if you want to avoid the crowd. Come in August if you wish to attend the annual Wind and Kite Festival, which lasts for three days.

Visiting the Pozos Azules (Blue Wells)

Just outside of Villa de Leyva sits the Pozos Azules (blue wells), a duo of man-made pools that are featured on many city tours. They're popular with photographers due to their vibrant shades and scenic tree-and-mountain backdrop. Don’t let the name fool you: The hue of these pools changes depending on the weather, and they sometimes appear closer to green.