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Cordillera Oriental: Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva is a lovely colonial town nestled in the Cordillera Oriental, nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. Founded in 1572 and named for the first president of the New Kingdom of Granada, the town originally served as a retreat and training ground for priests, nobility, and military officers. In honor of its remarkably well-preserved colonial architecture, Villa de Leyva was declared a national monument in 1954.
Today, the town is a destination of choice for those drawn to cultural heritage, mountain landscapes, and slower rhythms. Highlights include the Casa del Cabildo, the homes of independence leaders Antonio Ricaurte and Antonio Nariño, a paleontological museum housed in the region’s oldest surviving mill, and four stately colonial churches. At the center of town lies Plaza Mayor—at 3.5 acres, it’s one of the largest stone-paved public plazas in the Americas.
What to do in Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva offers a blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty. Within the town, travelers can visit the paleontological museum, tour colonial churches, or simply soak up the atmosphere of Plaza Mayor.
Outside of town, visitors can hike to waterfalls, swim in natural pools, examine a kronosaurus fossil, and tour a monolithic pre-Columbian observatory. Horseback, zip-line, hiking, and caving excursions can also be arranged. A short drive southwest, the Monasterio de la Candelaria offers tours of the 17th-century chapel, library, and tapestry collection.
Villa de Leyva also hosts several annual festivals and celebrations; ranging from the gastronomic to the spiritual. Among these are the Kite Festival (held in August) and the Noche de las Velitas (Night of Little Candles), held each December.
What is the Weather Like?
At nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, Villa de Leyva enjoys a cool, dry climate year-round. Even sunny days carry a crispness, and hot chocolate and wool sweaters are ubiquitous. Sun protection and layered clothing are recommended. If you’re arriving from sea level or are sensitive to elevation, consider resting well, avoiding alcohol, and eating lightly on your first day in town.
These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.
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