Villa de Leyva
The town has not changed much over the past 400 years due to its remote location in a high altitude valley of semi-desert landscape and lack of adjacent mineral reserves that may be exploited. Due to this, it is one of the few towns in Colombia that has mostly maintained its original colonial architecture and design.
Many of the buildings date back to the sixteenth century, and the streets and vast center square are still covered in cobblestones. As a result, Villa de Leyva has grown to be one of Colombia's top tourist destinations, and on December 17, 1954, it was designated a National Monument to protect its architecture.
The town and the surrounding countryside, which is home to various tourist attractions, are well-liked weekend getaway locations for Bogota residents and are drawing a growing number of foreign visitors. Villa de Leyva has established itself as a wine district, with the creation of several wineries around the town in recent years, as a result of its mild weather, dry climate, and rich soil.
The charming 16th-century town of Villa de Leyva is now a favorite weekend getaway for rolos (people from Bogotá). The largest square in Colombia is surrounded by beautifully maintained Spanish colonial houses, with their whitewashed walls strikingly different from their rusty red-tiled roofs. Go during the week if you're really hoping to get away from the grind.
- Top Attractions:Ain Karim winery, Pozos Azules, Laguna de Iguaque, Infiernito Archaeological Site, Fossil Museum, Kite Festival
- Location: Boyacá
