Villa de Leyva day trip: Plaza Mayor & colonial towns

The Plaza Mayor of Villa de Leyva spans 14,000 square meters: one of the largest squares in the Americas.

A full-day tour from Bogota to Villa de Leyva, a colonial town in Boyacá, with a professional bilingual guide covering the Plaza Mayor, museums, churches and the blue wells. You'll stop at the Boyacá bridge where Colombia's independence was won, pass through the ceramic center of Ráquira on the return, and choose two attractions from the town's museums and historical sites.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Terracotta Housepassing by
2. Plaza Mayor of Villa de Leyva20m

Villa de Leyva private tour from Bogota

• Depart from Bogota
• Visit Boyacá bridge historical site
• Explore Plaza Mayor of Villa de Leyva
• Visit church of Our Lady of the Rosary
• Tour monastery of Ecce Homo
• See the blue wells near Villa de Leyva
• Visit Museo El Fósil
• Stop at Sutamarchan town
• Visit Ráquira ceramics town
• Return to Bogota

The experience

The drive from Bogota takes you through landscapes that frame the route to Villa de Leyva, a place built around colonial architecture and the history behind it. You'll cross the Boyacá bridge, the site of the 1819 battle that secured Colombian independence, before arriving in the town itself. Your guide (bilingual in English and Spanish) walks you through the Plaza Mayor, a 14,000 m² cobbled square ringed by restaurants, hotels, museums and craft shops, all respecting the colonial design that defines the place. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary stands on the eastern edge. A fountain anchors the center.

In Villa de Leyva you choose two attractions from the available options. The Archaeological and Fossil Museum holds one of the world's best-preserved kronosaur fossils, dating back 120 million years, alongside marine fossils that tell the region's geological story. The Ecce Homo monastery, founded by Dominicans in 1620, shows the religious architecture the Spanish established across the country. The blue wells (artificial reservoirs a couple of kilometers outside town) sit on private land and offer a different kind of stop. You also get free time for lunch at a restaurant your guide recommends, and a traditional Colombian snack included in the tour.

On the way back to Bogota, the route passes through Sutamarchan and Ráquira, the latter famous worldwide for its ceramic tradition. You'll see the workshops and craft shops that have built the town's reputation, then return to your starting point in Bogota. The full day runs 10 to 14 hours depending on which attractions you pick and how long you spend in each one. Medical insurance is included. Water and a souvenir from Colombia come with the tour.

What’s included

• Professional local guide in English or Spanish.
• pickup from your Bogota location and return to your starting point.
• medical insurance.
• water throughout the day.
• a traditional Colombian snack.
• a souvenir from Colombia.
• free time for lunch at a recommended restaurant.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (19 to 49 years) · Senior (50 to 65 years) · Youth (14 to 18 years) · Child (4 to 13 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Audio guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by GoBogotá

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a guide who speaks your language (English or Spanish), while exploring Villa de Leyva's colonial plazas, churches, and museums on a structured route.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 18 years); Child (4 to 13 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Plaza Mayor of Villa de Leyva actually like when you get there?

The Plaza Mayor is a massive cobbled square covering 14,000 m², one of the largest in the Americas. It's ringed by colonial buildings (restaurants, hotels, museums and craft shops) that all follow the original architectural style. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and a central fountain are the main landmarks within it.

Can I choose which attractions to visit in Villa de Leyva, or is the itinerary fixed?

You choose two attractions from the available options, which include the Archaeological and Fossil Museum, the Ecce Homo monastery, the blue wells, and others. Your guide will explain each one so you can pick based on what interests you most.

What does the Boyacá bridge have to do with this tour?

The Boyacá bridge is where the 1819 battle took place that secured Colombia's independence. You'll stop there on the way to Villa de Leyva, and your guide will explain its historical significance.

Is lunch included in the price, and what happens during the lunch break?

Lunch is not included, but your guide recommends a restaurant and you have free time to eat there. A traditional Colombian snack is included in the tour itself.

What is Ráquira known for, and do you spend time there?

Ráquira is famous worldwide for its long tradition of ceramic work. On the return to Bogota, the route passes through the town so you can see the ceramic workshops and craft shops that have built its reputation.