Villa de Leyva y Ráquira: Colonial Towns, Architecture, and History

We will depart from Bogotá to visit one of Colombia's most beautiful national heritage towns. Upon arriving in Villa de Leyva, we will wander its streets accompanied by a local guide who will narrate its history through anecdotes. We will explore its architecture while strolling through its beautiful streets. After lunch, we will head to the rural area to enjoy the natural beauty of the Blue Wells. We will return to the town and have the afternoon to walk around, have a coffee, and enjoy this beautiful village.

The next day, after breakfast, we will visit the Casa Terracota. On our way back, we will visit Ráquira, another charming colonial town where we can explore its main square and stroll through its various sites filled with beautiful crafts. We will also participate in a pottery workshop where we can create clay utensils with our own hands. After this experience, we will return to Bogotá.

Municipality of Ráquira

In 1994, it was awarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Boyacá. Ráquira, which in the Muisca language means "City of Pots," is known for its production of handmade ceramics. Upon arriving in the town, you will find a large crafts fair featuring clay pottery such as vases, pitchers, and jars, as well as woven items like sacks, baskets, dresses, and hammocks, all representative of its culture. The central square boasts various life-sized sculptures, including the Ráquira horse, the whirlwind, the singer-songwriter Gustavo Adolfo Renjifo, and the "carranguero" Jorge Velosa, a native of this land.

Villa de Leyva

In the Zaquencipá Valley, the settlement of the Muisca culture, the Villa de Nuestra Señora de Santa María de Leyva was established on June 12, 1572. Declared a national monument in 1954, this town is characterized by the preservation of its colonial architecture, its main square, its parks, and its cobblestone streets that preserve the memory of the colonial era.

Main square or Plaza Mayor

Considered the largest square in Colombia with 14,000 m2. Its colonial appearance and a stone-carved fountain in the center of the square that supplied drinking water to the town are its main attractions. Surrounding the square are the City Hall, museums, hotels, restaurants, craft stores, and other buildings that preserve the architecture of the colonial era.

Casa Terracota

Anyone passing by Casa Terracota inevitably feels attracted and intrigued by the unconventional shapes, colors, and textures, as well as its volume and constructed areas. Apart from being the largest ceramic house in the world, Casa Terracota is a space located in Villa de Leyva (Boyacá, Colombia) where architecture and design merge, as well as other arts and crafts. From its origin and concept, Colombian architect Octavio Mendoza Morales seeks to promote an alternative and harmonious lifestyle for both the individual and the community, as well as for the surrounding environment.

Pozos Azules

Its greenish-blue color that changes with the weather, its contrast between desert and nature, the surrounding pine forest, and the tranquility are the main ingredients that make this place one of the most attractive in the current Villa. It is more beautiful when the sky is clear; if it is cloudy, they are not as blue. The color is given by the minerals in its waters, and bathing is not allowed; the water is not suitable for these activities due to its mineral content.

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😷 Bring a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kit (face masks, hand sanitizer, alcohol spray).

💧 It's important to carry a water bottle and stay hydrated constantly.

🧢 Wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun. Sunscreen is important; remember to use a mineral sunscreen for your face.

👕 Pack enough clothing for two days. Comfortable, waterproof, and breathable clothing is recommended. The weather is temperate but quite variable, so bring some warm clothes. Don't forget your spare clothes in case you get wet or dirty.

🥾 Wear comfortable shoes, preferably sneakers.

💊 Bring your medications and personal documents (health insurance card and ID).

🎒 Carry a hands-free backpack to store your luggage. Bring an additional small backpack so you can carry your personal items during walks.

🔦 We suggest bringing a blanket for cold weather and a flashlight.

🍎 Bring some snacks like cereal bars, snacks, fruits, and nuts.