Villa de Leyva

From Bogota to Bogota

Colombia

Tour Description

Spend 4 days exploring the charming historic town of Villa de Leyva, and the famous Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, in Colombia.

This programme it the perfect extension to our Signature Colombia programme, for those who want to spend more time delving deeper into the culture of Colombia

Escape to the charming and historic villages tucked away in the Colombian countryside just outside the bustling city of Bogota, Colombia. Departing from Bogota, stop by the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, admiring the beautifully carved underground chapels built in a salt mine. Spend a day exploring the quiet streets of Villa del Leyva, it well preserved buildings and homes, where little has changed in the last 400 years. Also visit the Archaeological Park of Monquira or Infiernito, known as the Stonehenge of Colombia, and the charming and quirky Casa Terracotta, which in stepping into this house, is like stepping into a big piece of pottery. You will also have the opportunity to explore other picturesque towns of in the region including Paipa, Vargas Swamp, Tibasosa, and take a boat ride along Lake Tota and Pueblito Boyacense before return to Bogota.

Viva's Best Bits...

Visit the famous Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine.

Explore the cobblestone streets and surrounds of Villa del Leyva, one of Colombia's most charming colonial towns.

For something quirky, visit a 500 m² house made of clay - considered the largest piece of pottery in the world.

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Day 1

Bogota via Zipaquira Cathedral Villa de Leyva

Today you will be transferred from your hotel in Bogota to the charming colonial town of Villa de Leyva. Your drive today will be around 3 hours. En route you can stop off in Zipaquira to visit the famous Salt Cathedral. This is one of the wonders of Colombia and was built in 1954 in an underground mine around 600ft underground!

On arrival into Ville de Leyva check into your hotel and enjoy the peaceful nature and wandering the cobblestoned streets.

Day 2

Villa de Leyva

Enjoy a guided walk through the quite streets of Villa de Leyva today. Your guide will explain the fascinating history of this region. The town has been home to many notable noble, political and heroic personalities over the years and they have left their mark and stories. Visit the Argenlogical Park of Monquira – also known as the ‘Stonehenge’ of Colombia, followed by the blue pools or Pozos Azules of Villa de Leyva – these are known for having a beautiful turquoise blue colour due to the minerals present in the soil. See Casa Terracota – a building that harnesses the four elements – earth, air, water and fire.

Day 3

Towns of Boyaca

This morning you will be collected bright and early from your hotel and embark on a town to the region of Boyaca. Enjoy a stop in some of the charming colonial towns such as Paipa – home to the San Miguel Arcangel Church and Tibasosa which houses a 16th century temple. Stop in at local bakeries and learn about the use of the fruit feijoa in local cuisine. Continue onto the town of Iza and see the beautiful historic houses and head to Lake Tota, the largest freshwater reservoir in Colombia where you will sample local trout for lunch and enjoy a boat ride on the lagoon. En route back to Villa de Leyva stop in at Pueblito Boyacense, which displays replicas of typical houses in the region.

Day 4

Villa del Leyva Bogota

You will be transferred back to Bogota and can be dropped at your preferred hotel if you are extending your stay or at the airport in time for your onward connecting flight to explore more of the wonders that Colombia has to offer!

Accommodation

Standard accommodation with breakfast daily
Hotel upgrades available

Food

Other meals where stated

Fees & Services

Transfers & tours
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Extend your stay – add on Tayrona National Park or Cocoro Valley!
International Flights, Visa and Reciprocity fees (if applicable), Tips, Travel insurance

See the famous Casa Terracotta - a whimsical home made entirely from clay
View an ancient ceremonial site at the archaeological park of Monquira or Infiernito.
Visit the picturesque towns of Boyacá, including Paipa, Vargas Swamp and Tibasosa.
Discover a breathtaking temple within a salt mine - Zipaquira Salt Cathedral.

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Duration

4 days

Price from

$1,100 USD

Per person, sharing

Daily departures

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