Private Tour of Villa de Leyva: The Best Things to Do in Town

5–6 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Private Tour of Villa de Leyva: The Best Things to Do in Town, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Three hours north of Bogotá, time moves differently. This private full-day tour takes you through a colonial town frozen in 1572, a potter's village where every facade is painted a different color, turquoise mineral pools in a semi-desert landscape, and a fossil museum sitting on one of the richest Cretaceous sites in South America.

The adventure begins at Sisga Dam, a perfect spot for breathtaking photos, before continuing to Ráquira, a colorful town where Colombia’s best artisans keep centuries-old traditions alive. In Villa de Leyva, you’ll walk its cobblestone streets and stand in awe at the vast Plaza Mayor, where colonial charm remains untouched.

Your guide will lead you to the Fossil Museum (entry included) to discover prehistoric wonders, and finally to the Pozos Azules, striking turquoise pools unlike anything else in Colombia.

It’s more than sightseeing—it’s a private journey through legends, traditions, and the magic of Colombia’s highlands.

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At a glance

Duration: 5–6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Cielo.Travel

Ages: Children (2–8 years) · Youth (9–17 years) · Adults (18–65 years) · Seniors (66–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Visit to Sisga Dam for panoramic views
Included: Private certified guide (English/Spanish)
Included: Entrance fees: Entrances fee for all the activities includes in All Day Tour.
Included: Stop in Ráquira, artisan town famous for pottery

Not included

Not included: Breakfast
Not included: Lunch
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Stop 1

30 min

The first stop before arriving in Villa de Leyva is at the Sisga Dam, where you can enjoy the incredible views of this impressive place, with amazing photo spots.
Raquira

one hour

Next, there is a second stop to visit the magical town of Ráquira, one of the colonial relics of the Boyacá region, famous throughout the country and South America for its artisans, creators of beautiful ceramic artifacts.
Plaza Mayor

2 hours

Our guide will pick you up and take you first to the Plaza Mayor, Colombia's largest cobblestone square. From here, you will take a tour through different periods of history, including the recent history of this region: its characters, houses, and monasteries that bear witness to the historical and cultural development of Villa de Leyva, which continues to write its legacy to this day.
Casa Museo Antonio Narino

30 min Admission included

Built in the 17th century, it was the residence of Antonio Nariño, a pioneer of independence, from his arrival in Villa de Leyva until his death on December 13, 1823. The house is a jewel of colonial architecture and was declared a Site of National Cultural Interest in 1961. It houses documents and objects from the 19th century that can be viewed on a tour of the rooms that make up the building. The Antonio Nariño House Museum of the Ministry of Culture promotes the historical memory of Colombia, the life of Antonio Nariño, and his main work as the first American to translate and disseminate the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in the 18th century.
Museo Paleontologico de Villa de Leyva

one hour Admission included

In short, glimpse the archaeological wealth of this land as you stroll through some of the paleontological and fossil museums. Of course, our guide will give you recommendations for additional activities, places to visit, and food to try, so you can have the most complete experience of this trip to Villa de Leyva.
Pozos Azules

one hour Admission included

Pozos Azules invites you to contemplate its charm at leisure; explore it, it is a unique experience. The place is ideal for planning events, as well as meeting new people and hearing their stories. Those who visit this ecological wonder never forget the color of its waters and the beauty of the landscape.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Hotel Soy Caribe
Casa Hotel Atelier
Modelia Living & Parking
Yashira Boutique Hotel
AZ Hotel
Garden's Aparta Hotel
Business Travel BC Hotel
Hotel American Visa Boutique
Hotel Boutique Radel
AW Hotel Arena Park
Studio House Hotel
Hotel Casa Botero 204

and 142 more pickup points

Pickup at hotels in Bogotá is available. Please wait at your main entrance or lobby 10 minutes early. Your private guide will find you to start your 12-hour Villa de Leyva full-day experience.