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Colonial Villa de Leiva
Located only three hours from Bogota, Villa de Leiva is a fascinating, small but beautiful colonial town. Founded in 1572
and home to many important politicians, artists and wealthy families of the colonial period it is steeped in
history and is extremely well-preserved. The enormous plaza mayor (the largest in Colombia) is flanked on all
sides by red-tiled, white houses and most of the streets are cobbled. The town is perfect for wandering at a
leisurely pace taking in the atmosphere of times gone by, browsing in the handicraft shops and also boasts a
number of interesting museums.
The town is in Boyaca, a region once under the sea and a large number of marine dinosaur fossils can be seen in the area. The
scenery of the surrounding countryside is Mediterranean in appearance, with olive, orange and curuba groves.
Villa de Leiva - 5 day/4 night package:
| Itinerary | |
| Day 1: | Arrive in Bogota. Transfer to hotel La Opera. |
| Day 2: | Departing from Bogotá by private vehicle, the journey to Villa de Leiva takes around 3-4 hours following the route via Tunja. Arrival at Villa de Leiva around midday. Stay at one of many attractive, colonial hotels housed in charming mansions, most of which have pretty flower filled courtyards. Afternoon free to visit town and museums. |
| Day 3: | Excursion into the surrounding countryside to visit ‘EL Fósil’ (a 7m fossil of a marine dinosaur found in the area) to the Dominican Convent of Ecce Homo, and the archaeological site of ‘El infiernito’. Optional horse-riding trip a beautiful waterfall in the surrounding hills. | Day 4: | Departure from Villa de Leiva to return to Bogotá taking an alternative scenic back-road via Chiquinquirá. Stop en route to visit the pretty village of Ráquira, famous for its handicrafts, the best place in Colombia for buying pottery. A visit is also made to the unusual Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, carved underground in an old salt mine. Arrive Bogotá in the evening. Overnight at the Hotel La Opera | Day 5: | Tour ends in Bogota. |
| Code: COL12 | from £447 |
| Notes: | Prices are per person based on double occupancy, in the low season unless otherwise stated. |
| The price shown is a guideline only and may change due to variations in the dollar / pound exchange rate or season. Please contact us for an exact quote based on your requirements. |
Last Updated: Tuesday May 13 2008