Our Villa de Leyva tour offers an enchanting short break in Colombia, allowing you to get to know the stunning town of Villa de Leyva as well as the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, one of Colombia’s many wonders.
Despite (or perhaps because of) the rapid development that characterizes nearby Bogotá, Villa de Leyva manages to stay distinctly peaceful and exudes an atmosphere of calmness in every one of its cobbled streets. As you wander through the maze of unspoiled colonial buildings, you’ll invariably stumble upon many cafes, restaurants and shops that can easily turn a short break into a week spent relaxing in Villa de Leyva. As well as visiting the historic colonial town, you can explore the nearby Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, a feat of architecture and human endeavor. Charming, quaint and full of atmosphere, Villa de Leyva will enchant all those who venture there.
Day 1 - January 6. Bogota -Zipaquira - Villa de Leyva
Departure towards Villa de Leyva. On the way we will visit the salt mines of Zipaquira, from where the monumental Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira was excavated. This unique structure is almost 400ft deep and it occupies an area of around 8000m², with four sections, each one 300ft long and 42ft wide. It presents 12, 30ft high impressive salt columns that support the structure. In the first tract of the underground journey, you will find the XIV Stations of the Via Cruxis, each designed by a local artist. Subsequently, a 175 meter long ramp descending to the last 13 meters towards the balconies on the cameras and the church choir. The final tract leads to the center of the Cathedral where we find the three monumental cameras and the 16m tall cross.
Day 2 - January 7. Villa de Leyva. Half day city tour
The visit begins in Ricaurte Square, also known as San Agustin Square and continues to the house of Antonio Nariño, who was a journalist, politician, and militant who played an important role in the independence of the country. The visit continues through the Main Square. Covering over 14000m², it is the biggest cobbled square in Colombia. There you will see the famous Cathedral, and the facade of what used to be the house of Luis Alberto Acuña, a painter, sculptor, and Colombian historian who transformed it into a museum. The tour ends with a visit to the church of El Carmen and its surrounding park. The rest of the day is free for you to get lost in any of Villa de Leyva’s enchanted cobble stone streets or to join any of the optional activities available. Meals: B.
Day 3 - January 8. Villa de Leyva – Raquira – Bogota
After breakfast we will begin to make our way back to Bogota. On the way we make a short stop in Raquira. It is a colorful town, which in Chibcha means “the town of pots”, that is known as the handicrafts center of Colombia, and has also been named one of the prettiest towns in Boyaca thanks to the unique decorations of its many facades. We continue our journey back to Bogota. Meals: B.
All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 3 days just isn´t enough time in Colombia, our tours are 100% customizable and we´d be happy to extend your stay with us. Just ask for more details.
