This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
Step back in time and experience Colonial Colombia in Villa de Leyva, a picturesque town that was declared a national monument in 1954. The whitewashed buildings and stone paved streets that make up this charming community give tourists the opportunity to see some true Spanish-style South American architecture.
The city is generally quiet, but has become a popular destination for residents of nearby Bogotá seeking a relaxing weekend getaway – as well as some American and European travelers looking to appreciate the town’s rich heritage. Located in a high mountain valley, Villa de Leyva offers some great outdoor excursions for adventurous tourists, including mountain biking and horseback riding.
Accommodation in Villa de Leyva is plentiful, giving visitors the option to choose between a hostel or an elegant boutique hotel, or even a bed and breakfast or vacation rental. Guests at Villa de Leyva’s hostels will appreciate the classic Spanish architecture of the central part of the city, while those seeking more contemporary accommodation can find it in a modern facility.
Just out the front door of any hostel or hotel, visitors can venture down any of Villa de Leyva’s cobblestone streets to come across churches, monasteries, and convents – as well as plenty of restaurants and shops to keep your energy up and find beautiful, handmade crafts to take home. Villa de Leyva is also home to a number of museums, as well as a nearby ostrich farm.
The city of Bogotá is only three and a half hours away, making Villa de Leyva a fairly easy destination for travelers arriving into the international airport there. Shuttle buses leave Bogotá at least twice a day, and there is plenty to do in Bogotá before heading to Villa de Leyva for a more relaxing vacation. Buses are also available to bring tourists to other nearby attractions like Raquira, La Candelaria desert, Pozo Azules, and El Infernito.
Written by local expertz for Villa de Leyva
Jakob Lombardi
