Things to do
Things to do
We have highlighted some of the best experiences in BogotĂĄ and Villa de Leyva below. We hope you find the time to explore these recommendations during your trip.
While our suggestions focus specifically on BogotĂĄ and Villa de Leyva, if your schedule allows, we highly recommend venturing into other cities across the country for a more comprehensive Colombian experience.
Enjoy your journey!
VILLA DE LEYVA
There are so many activities and places to eat in Villa de Leyva. Youâll find local artisans for crafts and leather goods, coffee shops, museums, art galleries, the church on the square, monastery gift shop and spas.
You can also enjoy activities such as the traditional chiva, horseback riding and ecological hikes, ATV tours, among others.
MUSEO DEL CHOCOLATEâ
CRA. 9 #11-55, VILLA DE LEYVA, BOYACĂ, COLOMBIA
+57 321 4410073
This Chocolate Museum is not to be confused with the restaurant location of the same name. Both locations happen to serve food and have chocolates for sale but this one is more elaborate in shopping and has a tour.
VINEYARD AIN KARIM
SUTAMARCHAN – STA. SOFIA #KM 5, SUTAMARCHĂN, BOYACĂ, COLOMBIA
+57 317 4319583
As a result of its cool temperatures, dry climate, and rich soil, Villa de Leyva has established itself as a wine region, with the emergence of a number of wineries around the town in recent years. Visit this vineyard for samplings of the local wine!
PLAZA DE RĂQUIRA
CRA. 4 #322, RĂQUIRA, BOYACĂ, COLOMBIA
This is a very colorful ceramics town. A must-visit town near Villa de Leyva, especially if you want to buy traditional Colombian souvenirs.
PASO DEL ĂNGEL
SANTA SOFĂA, BOYACĂ, COLOMBIAÂ
+57 310 4805502
Bicycles through the clouds at 60 meters high, 2km ecological walk (nature contemplation), 7 Tibetan bridges over the cañón in Paso del Ăngel, 1 red catamaran to enjoy the MoniquirĂĄ River at 183 m high, 1 line from Canopy 132 mts in Paso del Ăngel crossing the Guatoque gula.
PARQUE EL HAYAL
SANTA SOFĂA, BOYACĂ, COLOMBIAÂ
Staircase to heaven: The worldâs longest with 234 meters of ascension. Also visit the waterfall.
FOSSIL MUSEUM
VIA EL FĂSIL, VILLA DE LEYVA, BOYACĂ, COLOMBIA
Villa De Leyva is known for its abundance in prehistoric sea creature fossils, which you will be able to see within the construction of floors and walls in some places. A local farmer discovered the most complete fossil of a kronosaurus ever found! The museum area also includes a restaurant, souvenir shops, and art exhibitions.
GRANJA DE AVESTRUCES
KM 6 VIA FOSIL, VILLA DE LEYVA, BOYACĂ, COLOMBIA
+57 313 4944062
Interested in feeding ostriches and pet animals? This is a fun tour for you!
Their mission is the adaptation and reproduction in Colombia of ostriches and other exotic species, in addition to carrying out agrotourism activities with a pedagogical and sustainable sense, seeking not only business and industrial growth, but also improving the quality of life of the community by generating jobs.
CASA TERRACOTA
VEREDA MONQUIRA, VILLA DE LEYVA, BOYACĂ, COLOMBIA
+57 314 5023863
Terracotta House is a construction project that uses the four elements, earth, air, water and fire, turning baked earth into architecture.
In this magical place, architecture and design, as well as other arts and crafts, come together. Since its origin and concept, the Colombian architect and ceramist Octavio Mendoza Morales has sought to promote an alternative and harmonious lifestyle for both the individual and the community, as well as for the surrounding environment.
SANTO ECCE HOMO CONVENT
CONVENTO AL SANTO ECCE HOMO, VILLA DE LEYVA, BOYACĂ, COLOMBIA
+57 310 2274147
The Santo Ecce-Homo of Villa de Leyva is a medieval fortress that stands before a green valley, with a pleasant temperature and is known as the Universal Monument of Silence . On March 15, 1620, the founding of the convent was carried out and its construction was It began in 1650 and ended in 1695. It is a building supported by 33 monolithic columns, galleries and semicircular arches. In its architecture, Mudejar or Moorish art is combined with Romanesque, Gothic or Renaissance art techniques.
IGUAQUE FLORA AND FAUNA SANCTUARY
VILLA DE LEYVA, BOYACĂ, COLOMBIA
In Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, the visitor can find the Sacred Lagoon of Iguaque that, according to Muisca mythology, is the cradle of humanity. BachuĂ©, the mother of the Muisca people, emerged from this lagoon and for this reason, it is believed that a pilgrimage here cleanses the soul and purifies the spirit. There are a total of 7 lagoons of glacier origin in the Sanctuary. With altitudes between 2,400 and 3,800 MASL, the territory and its area of influence in the southern extreme contain one of the main areas of oak in the country. The Sanctuary is of vital importance as provider of ecosystem services such as source of water for human consumption for the populations of Villa de Leyva, Arcabuco and ChĂquiza.
HOT SPRINGS: LA PORTADA DE LA VILLA
SĂCHICA, BOYACĂ, COLOMBIA
+57 310 7668903
The hot springs are located among the semi-desert mountains of the Alto Ricaurte, where the contrasts of the sky and the mountains allow for a unique connection between man and nature. You can enjoy circuits between the different water temperatures and take full advantage of their medicinal properties.
We recommend you work with your hotel or tourism offices to book for these tours. For more information contact:
Gaia Adventure: +57 3213109525
BOGOTĂ
ZONA Tâ
CL. 83, BOGOTĂ, COLOMBIA
+57 322 3101629
Zona T is a pedestrianized zone within Zona Rosa, where you can find several trendy restaurants and bars that fill the streets of BogotĂĄ at night. In addition to the bustling nightlife, this neighborhood is home to designer stores, large hotels, and the city’s main shopping malls!
This is a neighborhood to be visited both day and night. With more modern buildings, it is the sophisticated neighborhood of BogotĂĄ, where the city’s main and most expensive shopping malls are located, such as Centro Comercial Andino , El Retiro and Atlantis Plaza , very close to each other. Furthermore, just a short walk through the streets of Zona Rosa you will find several international brand stores and the most renowned designers in the country. Therefore, for those who want to do some shopping, this is the best place.
In addition to shopping, this neighborhood is home to the best restaurants and liveliest bars in the city, especially in Zona T.
MONSERRATEâ
CL. 29A SUR #40A-2, PUENTE ARANDA, BOGOTĂ, COLOMBIA
Over time, Cerro de Monserrate has become a cultural symbol of the city, where national and international visitors choose it as a must-see tourist destination in BogotĂĄ.
The Monserrate Sanctuary in the city of BogotĂĄ contains great myths and legends about its construction and development.
Cerro de Monserrate is open 365 days a year with a sanctuary, market, and restaurants on top of this mountain. You can take a cable car, train or hike all the way to the top to see breathtaking views of Bogota from 10,341 feet above sea level! Their schedule is as follows:
Monday to Saturday from 6:30 am to 12:00 (midnight) with ticket sales until 10:00 pm.
On Sundays the hours are from 5:30 am to 6:00 pm, box office service until 5:00 pm, there will be no access at night.
They have an incredible restaurant at the top called Santa Clara.
USAQUĂN FLEA MARKETâ
CALLE 119 CON CARRERA 6A, USAQUĂN, BOGOTĂ, CUNDINAMARCA, COLOMBIA
+57 310 8061319
An absolute must-visit when visiting the capital. Itâs one of the most emblematic happenings of the city (and even the country), a âcultural and touristic national heritageâ event, according to Agreement 544 by the âConcejo de BogotĂĄâ. This is where art, leather goods, jewelry and other artisanal artistic forms have a space to gather, every Sunday and national holiday, from 9am to 6pm. Stroll through UsaquĂ©nâs charming and historic scenery and appreciate the handmade works of each exhibitor, while taking in the workshops and live music that fill the streets.
This street is also filled with delicious restaurants and great bars!
SALT CATHEDRAL
PARQUE DE LA SAL, ZIPAQUIRĂ, CUNDINAMARCA, COLOMBIA
(601) 8519502
A favorite day trip for visitors to BogotĂĄ is the city of ZipaquirĂĄ (pop. 112,000). About 40 kilometers (25 miles) from BogotĂĄ, ZipaquirĂĄ is known for its Catedral de Salâa cathedral built in a salt mine. ZipaquirĂĄ is named for the the Zipa, the Muisca leader of the BacatĂĄ confederation. The Muisca settlement was very close to the mines, and they traded salt for other commodities with other indigenous groups.Â
You can expect temperatures to get colder as you descend into the mine!
LAKE GUATAVITA
SESQUILĂ, CUNDINAMARCA, COLOMBIA
Lake Guatavita is steeped in cultural history and legend. It is renowned as the site of the El Dorado myth, where the indigenous Muisca people held elaborate ceremonies involving offerings of gold and precious objects to their gods. The lake’s significance lies in the legends of the gilded initiation rituals of the Muisca chief, who would be covered in gold dust before diving into the lake as an offering. This fascinating cultural history has intrigued explorers and historians for centuries and contributed to the allure of Lake Guatavita as a symbol of the quest for hidden treasures and lost civilizations.
Pro tip: the hike up is worth the spectacular views!
ANDRĂS CARNE DE RES
CL. 3 #N° 11A – 56, CHĂA, CUNDINAMARCA, COLOMBIA
+57 305 7341931
A restaurant-cum-nightclub-cum-wonderland, AndrĂ©s Carne de Res has been a prime destination for diners, drinkers and party-goers since its opening in 1982. Located about an hourâs drive from BogotĂĄ city, the destination run by AndrĂ©s Jaramillo is a maze of dining areas, dance floors and kitchens, filled with glittering lights, over-the-top outfits and quirky characters. Itâs the place to come with a group of friends to enjoy a feast alongside excellent cocktails and a non-stop-party atmosphere.
