Villa de Layva: Colonial Era Colombia

Filed in archive Latin Travel on December 26, 2009

© Diego Torquemada


The interior of Colombia is opening up to tourism. And one location bound to get attention is Villa de Layva.

Because of the relative stability of the current government and the reduced footprint of guerrilla groups, Colombia is opening up beyond typical destinations like Bogotá and Cartagena. Villa de Leyva is bound to get some attention because of its ancient - at least in New World terms - origins, and because of its popularity with the Colombians themselves. There is an impressive array of hotels, haciendas for rent and other accommodations. The hotels are relatively cheap and often spectacular on a small scale, particularly the courtyards, which are so inviting and restful that it can be difficult to get motivated and hit the streets.

The NY Times travel section recently described a trip to the town. Bus fare from Bogotá is about $35 round trip. The three and a half hour drive crosses some beautiful scenery. The Times articles paints some vivid images of the town and provides an ample list of things to do.