Things To Do
Walking Tour of Villa de Leyva
Get to know the town we're getting married in and love so much! Meet your English speaking guide in front of the Selina Hotel and start your guided tour of Villa de Leyva. This is one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia. Walk towards the main square. This iconic spot features Our Lady of the Rosary Church, a fountain and cobbled roads, which gives the impression that time has stood still for centuries. Did you know that Villa de Leyva's square is one of the largest squares in South America? It's also why Villa de Leyva was named a National Monument. Next, discuss the origins of this town and go as far back as prehistoric times. Villa de Leyva is home to three museums that exhibit Cretaceous fossils and dinosaur sculptures that have been found in this area. Admire the colonial architecture found in the town by strolling through the different streets with colorful balconies. After 2 hours 30 minutes in the old part of the town, you'll finish our tour in the town centre.
Casa Terracota
Located about 20-25 minutes on foot from the main square of Villa de Leyva, you'll find this whimsical, fantastical-looking cottage that lets visitors imagine what it would be like to live inside a giant piece of pottery. Colombian architect and ceramist, Octavio Mendoza Morales, sculpted the 5,400-square-foot abode entirely from clay, using no other materials, to support the two-story structure. He then let it bake and harden in the sun, which transformed the pliable clay into solid, sturdy ceramic. He refers to the home as the biggest piece of pottery in the world. Downstairs there are several rooms, including a full working kitchen, bedrooms and a dining room. Upstairs there is a master suite and lounging areas, along with access to the upstairs patio. All the furniture is made out of clay. Tickets range in price from $5.50 - $14.00 USD depending on age and time of year. They can be purchased on arrival.
Chocolate Museum Villa de leyva
A little boutique Chocolate Museum that opened in 2013. Very popular and delicious chocolate!
Mirador del Santo Hike and Viewpoint
To access this 2 hour out and back hike, you'll start on Calle 12 towards the sports field. Google maps will tell you where to go as it's a very common hike. The start of the hike is very close to Hotel Duruelo. This hike takes you up into the mountains behind Villa de Leyva and offers beautiful views of the town. Parts of the trail are steep, but overall the hike is doable for most and considered to be pretty easy.
Visit the Marques Villa de Leyva Vineyard
Just 7 miles from Villa de Leyva you'll find the famous Marqués de Villa de Leyva vineyards. On this guided, two hour tour with an English speaking guide, you'll be picked up from your hotel and transported to the vineyard. Tour the grounds that have helped win medals such as the Mondial de Bruxelles or the Vinus. Throughout the visit you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about the grape: the harvest, the smell, the aroma and the color. Afterwards, you’ll learn about the wine processes and the history of Pablo Toro, the pioneer who decided to start producing wine in the land of corn, barley and tomatoes - a total entrepreneur! Finally, enjoy a wonderful wine tasting. After the tour, transportation will bring you back to your hotel in Villa de Leyva.
ATVing in the Desert Surrounding Villa de Leyva
For this tour you will be picked up from your hotel by an English speaking guide. Drive to the outskirts of Villa de Leyva, hop on an ATV and enjoy a two hour ride through beautiful landscapes. After the driving the ATVs, transportation will bring you back to your hotel.
Handicraft Workshop in Raquira
Located 40 minutes from Villa de Leyva by car, Raquira is the artisan capital of Colombia and one of the most beautiful, colorful towns in the region. On this tour you will be pickd you up from your hotel in Villa de Leyva and set off for Ráquira with an English speaking guide. You will visit a local business to learn about Ráquira's long tradition of pottery making. Then, you will have the opportunity to witness the process of clay making and how the potter's wheel is used to shape the ceramic figures. After an hour of learning, you will have the opportunity to sit down and make your own work under the guidance of a master craftsman! Finally, you’ll head back to Villa de Leyva. You will arrive back at your hotel after three hours of activities in Raquira.
Horseback Riding to the Blue Wells
The Pozos Azules or Blue Wells are large natural pools in vibrant shades of blue and green. In all honesty, the Pozos Azules themselves aren't the most incredible tourist attraction, but the horseback riding there and back is a lot of fun! The scenery and landscapes are also beautiful. For this tour, an English speaking guide will pick you up at your hotel and transport you to the outskirts of Villa de Leyva to meet your horse. From there, you'll enjoy a ride to the Pozos Azules where you'll walk around the area and learn more about these natural wonders. After touring the Wells, you'll hop on your horse and head back to town!
