The best option is El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá.
Villa de Leyva is about a 3 hour drive north of Bogotá. We'll be providing a shuttle from the airport. More details in travel tab.
We recommend arriving in Bogota by Thursday morning the latest as we're coordinating the bus to leave on Thursday at 4 p.m. Please see travel and hotel tab for hotel block in Bogota if you are arriving before or staying after.
We are coordinating a block in a hotel right in the city center where we recommend you stay at. This will also be the meeting point for the transportation taking you to the venue. More details in travel and hotel tab.
We would like all guest to wear formal attire. This includes long dresses and suits. Additional details in attire tab.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. You just need a valid passport.
Villa de Leyva sits at about 7,000 feet (2,100 meters). While lower than Bogotá (8,600 ft), it is still high. Tip: Drink plenty of water, limit alcohol on your first night, and take it easy. "Soroche" (altitude sickness) is usually mild but can cause headaches or shortness of breath. If altitude impacts you, let us know and we can find you some "te de coca" (coca tea).
In Villa de Leyva, it is best to stick to bottled or filtered water. Most hotels will provide this. Even when brushing your teeth, many travelers prefer to use bottled water just to be safe.
It’s a bit of a "four seasons in one day" situation. Daytime: Highs around 70°F (21°C). It can feel very hot under the direct Andean sun, so bring sunscreen! Nighttime: Once the sun goes down, temperatures drop significantly to around 50°F (10°C). Always bring a jacket or wrap for the evening.
Villa de Leyva is widely considered one of the safest and most tranquil destinations in Colombia. Because it is a small heritage town with a local economy that relies heavily on tourism, the community is very protective of its peaceful reputation. The "Golden Rule" of Colombian safety: "No dar papaya." Literally translating to "Don't give papaya," it means don't make yourself an easy target. Walking & Sightseeing The "Street Smart" Phone Rule: Avoid walking with your phone in your hand or in your back pocket. Leave the "Bling" at Home: This is the perfect time to leave expensive watches and flashy jewelry in the U.S. Stick to simple accessories so you don't stand out as a high-value target. Nighttime Awareness: Villa de Leyva is very safe for evening strolls around the Plaza Mayor. However, if your hotel is on the outskirts of town, we recommend taking a quick taxi ($2–$3 USD) rather than walking on unlit rural roads at night.