Town in Boyacá, Colombia
Villa de Leyva
Whitewashed colonial town on a huge cobbled square, with fossils, wineries and desert landscapes nearby. Easy weekend from Bogotá; cold nights, crowded holidays and weak nomad infrastructure.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,150–1,810Comfortable, one person · $3.8M–6MDetails
- Value for money69/100Better value than 68% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJul–Aug, Dec–FebWarmest: Feb, 22°CDetails
- Air quality20.6 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · PollutedDetails
- Internet231 MbpsFixed broadband, Colombia medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated but locals recommend bottled or filtered; ask your hotel.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$24–45Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBus from BogotáVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in many hotels and restaurants on the plaza; cash is needed for small shops, taxis, markets and entry fees.Details
Where to stay in Villa de Leyva
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Plaza Mayor area | Colonial hotels, restaurants and everything on foot |
| Edge of town (Barrio Los Olivos, Sachica road) | Quiet stays and cheaper guesthouses with parking |
Apps that work in Villa de Leyva
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Picap: Motorbike taxis in big cities
- Taxis: No ride apps; use local taxis, tuk-tuks or hostel-arranged drivers. Agree prices in advance, especially on holiday weekends.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Colombia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in many hotels and restaurants on the plaza; cash is needed for small shops, taxis, markets and entry fees. ATMs exist in town.
- Currency: Peso (COP). US$1 ≈ $3,311.93 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls; most charge foreign cards a flat fee and limit each withdrawal.
- Tipping: Restaurants suggest a voluntary 10% service charge and ask before adding it. Taxis and ride apps aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in cities; Nequi and Daviplata need a Colombian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the free Check-MIG form online between 72 hours and 1 hour before arriving, and again before leaving.
- Airlines and immigration may ask for proof of onward or return travel.
- San Andrés and Providencia charge a tourist card fee, usually paid at your departure airport in mainland Colombia.
Emergency numbers
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid chips from Claro, Movistar or Tigo sell in carrier stores and supermarkets; register with your passport. Claro has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Colombia
Going to Villa de Leyva solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Villa de Leyva meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.