Guide to the best tourist plans to do in Villa de Leyva
In this guide, we give you a tour of the best tourist plans to do in Villa de Leyva, according to the ratings provided by hundreds of our guests at Casas en Villa de Leyva. With this guide, we seek to facilitate your decision on the places you should visit while you are in the most magical town in Colombia.
1. Conscientia Universalis
Category: Contemplation / Nature
There are places where the soul breathes and time stops. Welcome to Conscientia Universalis, a natural sanctuary just minutes from Villa de Leyva.
More than a park, it is a legacy of love for the land. For more than 30 years, this project has dedicated 90 hectares to a dream: to restore the life of the soil. Here, 13 micro-ecosystems patiently revive, welcoming native and endemic species that once again call this place home. 🌿
Walking its paths is feeling a deep peace. It is the perfect place to find rest, disconnect from the noise, and marvel at the most spectacular views of Villa de Leyva. Every corner is an invitation to contemplation.
And in the heart of this paradise stands the «Hyca» bridge, an architectural jewel that whispers stories of the region's colonial past. A bridge between nature and our history.
2. Mesopotamia Natural Pool
Category: Contemplation / Nature
In one of the most serene and beautiful areas of Villa de Leyva lies one of the region's best-kept treasures: the natural pool of the Hotel Mesopotamia. This place offers a perfect escape from the daily hustle, framed by majestic landscapes that invite calm and contemplation. What makes this pool unique is its water source: a source of pure and crystalline water that springs directly from the mountains of the Iguaque Sanctuary. The pool, of generous dimensions, allows visitors to swim and relax comfortably. Local tradition even attributes healing properties to its waters, turning the experience into a wellness ritual. The atmosphere surrounding the pool is one of absolute peace and harmony. As it is not a crowded place, it is the ideal destination for those seeking tranquility, whether to read a book, meditate, or simply enjoy the sound of nature. It is also a perfect space to share a family day, offering a safe and natural environment for all ages. The Hotel Mesopotamia offers the possibility of accessing this paradise under the day pass modality, with an approximate cost of $15,000 COP per person, which makes it an accessible plan to enjoy a day of rest and natural connection.
3. Termales Portales de la Villa
Category: Relaxation / Rest
Just 15 minutes from the center of Villa de Leyva is Termales de la Villa, a privileged destination designed for rest and renewal. This modern complex offers its visitors a comprehensive wellness experience in a natural and sophisticated environment. The main attraction is its four thermal pools, whose mineral-rich waters promise deep relaxation. The place stands out for its impeccable organization; the administration efficiently controls the capacity, assigning two-hour shifts to ensure that each visitor enjoys a quiet and uncrowded experience. This attention to detail is consistently praised by visitors, who highlight the feeling of exclusivity and calm. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and with architecture that harmoniously integrates with the landscape, the atmosphere is one of its great strengths. Diners describe the place as «beautiful» and «very well maintained», ideal for disconnecting. In addition to the pools, the complex has top-quality services to complement the visit. It has a restaurant, a bar, and a spa area, allowing visitors to enjoy a full day of relaxation. The service is another aspect that receives constant praise, described as «excellent» and «very attentive», ensuring that the experience is memorable from beginning to end.
4. Gondava – Valley of the Dinosaurs
Category: Family
A few minutes from Villa de Leyva, in the neighboring municipality of Sáchica, is Gondava, the first dinosaur theme park in Colombia. This impressive 34-hectare space, praised by visitors for its excellent maintenance and beautiful landscapes, offers an educational and exciting adventure, transporting its visitors millions of years back in time. The park is the favorite plan for families with children, and the reviews confirm it. Its main attraction is the spectacular life-size replicas of dinosaurs, which amaze the little ones when they come face to face with these gigantic creatures. Visitors point out that the tour is a pleasant walk in the open air, ideal for enjoying the natural environment. Beyond the exhibitions, Gondava is full of activities designed for fun. From excavation areas where children feel like paleontologists, to a lake for boating and suspension bridges, every corner is an invitation to adventure. Parents emphasize that it is a plan that can take several hours, full of entertainment and learning. Gondava is an interactive experience that awakens the curiosity of the whole family. If you are looking for a different and educational plan near Villa de Leyva, a day in the Great Valley of the Dinosaurs is a guaranteed choice.
5. Ostrich Park
Category: Family
Very close to Villa de Leyva is the Ostrich Farm, a theme park that offers a unique experience of interaction with nature, ideal for a family plan. Visitors describe it as a «wonderful» and «educational» place, perfect for children and adults to learn and have fun. The entrance includes a complete guided tour, an aspect highly praised by visitors, who highlight the kindness and knowledge of the guides. During the tour, you can interact with more than 11 exotic species, including ostriches, buffaloes, the impressive Watusi cows, llamas, and many other farm animals. The most exciting moment for many is the opportunity to feed the ostriches directly, a memorable experience. For the little ones, the park has a picturesque train that takes a short tour, adding an extra touch of fun to the visit. In addition to the interaction with the animals, the farm offers a unique culinary experience in its restaurant, where the most daring can try ostrich meat, served in dishes such as hamburgers and other preparations. It is a perfect opportunity to end a day of adventure with an exotic flavor.
6. Ain Karim Vineyard
Category: Family
A short distance from Villa de Leyva, the Ain Karim Vineyard is presented as an unforgettable sensory experience. With an impressive rating of 4.6 stars in more than 2,900 Google reviews, this place is acclaimed for its beauty and the quality of its wine tourism proposal. Visitors describe it as a «magical place», surrounded by beautiful gardens and perfectly maintained nature, creating an ideal environment for relaxation. The visit offers a fascinating guided tour that immerses attendees in the world of wine, explaining step by step the production process, from the grape to the bottle. This educational experience is one of the most valued aspects by those who visit it. To enter, you must pay an amount that is fully consumable in vineyard products, either in its restaurant or in the wine shop. This modality is perfect for spending an afternoon with friends, enjoying a few good glasses of wine and delicious gastronomic options in a spectacular environment. If you are looking for a sophisticated, educational, and relaxing plan, a visit to the Ain Karim Vineyard is, without a doubt, one of the best experiences that the region has to offer.
7. Los Tucanes Waterfall
Category: Adventure / Physical Activity
For true lovers of nature and adventure, 45 minutes from Villa de Leyva hides a natural jewel: the Los Tucanes Reserve and Waterfalls. This destination offers an experience of total immersion in an environment of lush vegetation and breathtaking landscapes.
Reaching the waterfall is an adventure in itself. It is a short but demanding hike, of approximately 15 minutes, through a marked path in the mountain. The effort is rewarded at each step with spectacular views and the possibility of spotting various species of birds in their natural habitat.
The final destination is the most imposing waterfall in the region, a majestic waterfall that forms a natural pool of cold water, perfect for a refreshing and revitalizing swim after the hike.
If you are looking for an experience of deep connection with nature, away from the crowds and you are not afraid of a good physical challenge, the Los Tucanes Waterfalls is an unmissable plan that will give you unforgettable postcards and memories.
Experts in Vacation Rental Property Management
We design memorable getaways. In Homes in Villa de Leyva, we understand that true luxury isn’t found solely in a property, but in the peace you find within it. That’s why we conduct a rigorous curation process to select the best fully equipped vacation rental homes, located in privileged natural settings while remaining close to Villa de Leyva.
Every property in our portfolio is designed so you can find privacy and disconnect from the outside world, rest deeply, and spend uninterrupted time with your loved ones. Our reputation as Superhosts on Airbnb, with a 4.9/5 rating based on over 750 reviews, is your guarantee that every detail of your stay has been planned with excellence.
Villa de Leyva: A colonial treasure in the heart of Colombia
Villa de Leyva, located in the department of Boyacá, is one of the most iconic destinations in Colombia. Just 3 hours from Bogotá (165 kilometers) and 60 minutes from Tunja (38 kilometers), this magical town transports its visitors to the past with its Spanish colonial architecture, perfectly preserved since its founding in 1572.
Known as one of the main tourist attractions in Colombia, Villa de Leyva combines its architectural beauty with a vibrant cultural agenda and an exceptional gastronomic offer. Here you will find some of the best restaurants in Boyacá, as well as activities for all tastes.
Unmissable activities in Villa de Leyva
Stay in Villa de Leyva
Make your visit unforgettable by staying in one of our exclusive Vacation Rental Homes. Live an authentic and comfortable experience as you fall in love with this wonderful destination. Discover Villa de Leyva and let yourself be captivated by its magic. Plan your trip now and create memories that will last forever!
Foundation
Villa de Leyva was founded on June 12, 1572, by order of Andrés Díaz Venero de Leyva, the first president of the Royal Audience of Santa Fe.
Climate
The average temperature in Villa de Leyva is 18 degrees Celsius. The days are warm, reaching temperatures of 23 degrees, and the nights are cool with temperatures as low as 13 degrees.
Transportation
The Bogotá – Villa de Leyva highway is in good condition. Visitors can arrive in their own car or on the many buses that depart from the northern terminal of Bogotá.
Follow us on our social networks!