Villa De Leyva Private Full-Day Trip From Bogota

Villa de Leyva is a true colonial gem nestled in the Andes Mountains just a few hours from Bogotá. This private full-day trip promises an immersive experience, allowing visitors to discover the town’s charming architecture, visit the impressive Terracotta House, and explore the Dinosaur Village. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – travelers will also venture to the vibrant town of Sutamarchan, known for its unique tomato fight festival. With a knowledgeable guide and private transportation, this trip offers a chance to dive deep into Colombia’s rich cultural heritage.

Key Points

• A private full-day tour from Bogotá to the colonial village of Villa de Leyva, known for its well-preserved architecture and central square.
• Visits to the Terracotta House, the largest clay structure, and the Dinosaur Village with scale models of dinosaurs.
• Stops in Sutamarchan, famous for its annual tomato fight and regional specialties, and Ráquira, known for colorful buildings and handicraft shopping.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all activities, and entrance fees, but excludes lunch and gratuities.
• Tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 7:00 am and returning to Bogotá after the tour concludes.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This private full-day tour from Bogotá allows visitors to explore traditional Colombian villages.

The highlight is the picturesque Villa de Leyva, known for its colonial architecture and central square.

Travelers will also visit the Terracotta House, the largest clay structure globally, and Dinosaur Village with scale models of dinosaurs.

The tour makes a stop in Sutamarchan, famous for its annual tomato fight, where visitors can sample regional specialties.

The final destination is Ráquira, a village with colorful buildings and an opportunity to shop for handicrafts.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, activities, entrance fees, and a driver/guide.

Inclusions and Logistics

The full-day tour from Bogotá includes hotel pickup and drop-off, covering all activities, entrance fees, and the services of a driver/guide.

You’ll have the opportunity to purchase alcoholic drinks, but food and beverages not mentioned in the tour details are excluded.

While the tour takes care of transportation and admission costs, gratuities and lunch aren’t included in the package price.

The tour includes:

1. Private transportation
2. All activities and entrance fees
3. Driver/guide services

Guests are advised to dress in smart casual attire for this immersive exploration of traditional Colombian villages.

Itinerary Details

The tour starts at 7:00 am with pickup from your Bogota hotel. It’s a 2.5-hour drive to the first stop, the 16th-century Boyaca colonial bridge, with scenic stops along the way. Next, you’ll enjoy a 4-hour walking tour in Villa de Leyva, exploring its colonial architecture and central square. After, you’ll have free time in Ráquira to shop for handicrafts and take photos before the return to Bogota.

Departure Time	Drive Duration	Stops	Walking Tour	Free Time
7:00 am	2.5 hours	Scenic	4 hours	Ráquira

The tour then returns you to your Bogota hotel.

Accessibility and Tour Information

Wheelchair users and those with strollers or service animals can comfortably join this tour, as the transportation and surfaces throughout are wheelchair accessible.

The tour has a smart casual dress code, encouraging guests to dress appropriately for a day of exploration.

The tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide, allowing for a more inclusive experience for international travelers.

Key information to note:

1. Wheelchair accessible transportation and surfaces
2. Stroller and service animal friendly
3. Smart casual dress code recommended

Reviews and Ratings

Positive reviews with an average rating of 4.2 stars highlight the tour’s ability to showcase the beauty of Colombia beyond Bogotá. Guests praise the engaging guides and stunning landscapes encountered throughout the day. The tour offers a chance to experience traditional Colombian villages, discover unique attractions, and take in the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Rating	Count	Percentage
5 stars	3	60%
4 stars	1	20%
3 stars	1	20%

A promotional code, MCS, is available for discounts on future bookings, allowing travelers to experience this enriching journey at a more accessible price point.

Villa De Leyva: a Colonial Gem

Located in the picturesque Andes mountains, Villa de Leyva is a captivating colonial town that transports visitors back in time. Known for its well-preserved 16th-century architecture, the town’s highlight is its vast central plaza, one of the largest in Colombia.

Visitors can explore:

1. The majestic Plaza Mayor, lined with striking white-washed buildings and cobblestone streets.
2. The Terracotta House, the world’s largest clay structure, showcasing the region’s clay-working traditions.
3. The Dinosaur Village, with life-size dinosaur replicas, a nod to the area’s rich paleontological finds.

Beyond its historic charm, Villa de Leyva offers a serene escape, inviting visitors to stroll, dine, and enjoy Colombia’s colonial past.

Terracotta House and Dinosaur Village

The Terracotta House stands as a captivating attraction, showcasing the region’s rich clay-working traditions. As the largest clay structure globally, it’s a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of local craftspeople.

Visitors can explore the intricate architecture and marvel at the sheer scale of this unique building.

Adjacent to the Terracotta House is the Dinosaur Village, featuring scale models of prehistoric creatures. This open-air exhibit offers a glimpse into Colombia’s ancient past, allowing visitors to walk among the "dinosaurs" and enjoy the region’s paleontological heritage.

Exploring these distinctive attractions provides a well-rounded experience of Villa de Leyva’s cultural and natural wonders.

Sutamarchan and Ráquira: Culinary and Cultural Experiences

As the tour progresses, visitors can look forward to seeing the culinary and cultural experiences of Sutamarchan and Ráquira.

In Sutamarchan, travelers will have the opportunity to sample regional specialties for lunch, including local delicacies. The highlight of the visit is the annual tomato fight, a unique cultural tradition that showcases the town’s vibrant energy.

Ráquira, known for its colorful buildings, offers visitors the chance to explore local handicrafts and artisanal goods. Browsing the bustling markets provides a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of this enchanting Colombian village.

1. Sample regional specialties for lunch in Sutamarchan.
2. Witness the annual tomato fight, a lively cultural tradition.
3. Explore the colorful buildings and local handicrafts in Ráquira.

Sum Up

The Villa de Leyva Private Full-Day Trip from Bogotá offers a delightful immersion into Colombia’s colonial charm and cultural heritage. From the stunning architecture of Villa de Leyva to the unique Terracotta House and the vibrant tomato fight in Sutamarchan, this tour provides a well-rounded experience that showcases the region’s natural beauty, historical significance, and lively traditions.