Bogota to Villa de Leyva Day Trip: Is It Worth It? – Review

Thinking about a day trip from Bogota to Villa de Leyva? So, that’s a frequent question from people visiting Colombia’s capital. Getting away from a busy city, you know, that really sounds quite appealing, particularly when the countryside starts showing off its charming colonial towns. Villa de Leyva, you see, it is just one of those towns, and you can find many tour operators providing a “Bogota Villa de Leyva Full Day Tour with Lunch.” But, that said, before you go right ahead and book that tour, there are a few things you may want to, arguably, think about. Is the lengthy travel really justified? Is Villa de Leyva definitely something you’d find delightful? Hopefully, this review gives you enough data to help you decide if this popular tour is really a solid pick for your precious time.

What to Expect From the Full-Day Tour

Alright, let’s jump a little bit into what this full-day tour typically entails, or involves. Basically, most tours run on pretty much the same structure, though particular details might vary between companies, that is true. To start, expect a super early pickup. Think between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, so get a lot of sleep, because, clearly, Villa de Leyva sits a good distance from Bogota – we’re really talking about a 3-4 hour drive each way, give or take traffic. Then, after your very scenic (and hopefully restful) drive, the tour will start with, seemingly, a walk around Villa de Leyva’s celebrated Plaza Mayor, one of the largest town squares that you can find in South America. After that, you’ll typically see some of the area’s points of interest, very similar to the Casa Terracota or El Fósil. After a morning packed with exploration, most tours include lunch at a spot in town, so you can enjoy traditional Colombian cuisine. And that said, the afternoon gives you time to discover even more of Villa de Leyva on your own before getting back on the bus to Bogota. Finally, you’re dropped off, quite tired, usually, at your hotel late at night, maybe around 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM, as a matter of fact.

The Long Drive: Is the View Worth the Time?

Now, alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the drive. In general, a 3–4 hour drive, just one way, it might seem a little extreme for just one day trip, don’t you think? I mean, you can use, roughly, around 6-8 hours of your day basically sitting in a vehicle. Still, you know, there’s also an argument to be made that the views alone will pay for the time. Then, as you make your way out from Bogota, that is often a scene right out of a postcard, with views of green rolling hills and, arguably, really imposing mountains in the distance. Now, as I was saying, the route does provide glimpses into rural Colombian life, therefore giving you a sense of place that you might just miss by staying in the capital. Therefore, make sure you are going in the dry season.

Villa de Leyva Highlights: What Makes it Special?

Ok, let’s get to what really makes Villa de Leyva a must-see spot. Of course, the main attraction will have to be the Plaza Mayor. This huge square it is a photographer’s delight, surrounded by colonial architecture, as a matter of fact, that looks as though it’s hardly changed in centuries, I think. First, it will allow you to picture everything that might have occurred here! Beyond the square, wandering around is something to really think about, so that you could find cobbled streets, and homes painted in that really signature whitewash style, just asking for you to post to social media. Depending upon the specific tour, you will see places like Casa Terracota, which you could find that it is an odd building constructed completely of clay. Then you may visit El Fósil, so it might have an awesome display of a kronosaurus fossil discovered near the city. Ultimately, the attraction of Villa de Leyva, is it not only comes from its sights, but the sensation that it is one-step back in time.

Food for Thought (and Lunch): What’s on the Menu?

A lunch included in your tour is clearly something worth some serious thinking. Very often, expect classic Colombian fare, I would say. The tours I am aware of usually will present you with a handful of options, and something common can be the bandeja paisa – now, this it is really a platter with many different types of meat, rice, beans, and other accompaniments. Then, something else could be ajiaco, which, admittedly, might be a type of chicken and potato soup usually served in Bogota. It can often vary based on restaurant, yet most often anticipate fairly hearty portions and also the opportunity to use genuine local flavors. Should you possess certain eating requirements make sure that you speak to the tour group beforehand so that you could establish if they will meet the needs.

Pros and Cons of the Villa de Leyva Day Trip

Before deciding on anything at all, thinking through the pluses and minuses may be smart.

Pros:

Convenience: Seriously, tour handles all logistics and transport, thereby, so that it may take away stress.
Expertise: You can count on a knowledgeable local guide will provides insights on background and culture, so, more or less, boosting the event.
Efficiency: Well, basically, one-day trip may possibly squeeze most important features, it is seemingly great for a short schedule.

Cons:

Long Travel Times: Much of day spent on the tour bus.
Pace: Structured schedule isn’t perfect for someone preferring travel independently at their own pace.
Cost: Day tours, basically, maybe a more expensive option rather than independent travelling utilizing public transit.

Making the Decision: Is It Worth It?

Well, ok, and therefore, ultimately, is a day trip from Bogota up to Villa de Leyva something you’ll enjoy doing? This decision, it actually does mostly rely upon how important these items are to you actually: your time and tastes and even your finances, really. As a matter of fact, if perhaps you’ve not too much spare time when in Colombia and wish a sample of something that Colombia provides further than its town center and its landmarks next clearly, a structured tour that heads to Villa de Leyva it really may provide a reasonably excellent experience in but one day only, actually! Conversely, those which like their activities taken somewhat slower, then you might want to actually just rather plan maybe perhaps an independent travelling arrangement or a possibly over night visit instead which would offer greater mobility or options, I believe. Now, prior to booking make absolutely certain that the tour’s itinerary is properly synchronized by using particular spots or things you care most about looking at too!

Tips for Booking and Enjoying Your Tour

Book Ahead: Now, primarily while in peak season it may be preferable if these seats that exist about organized trips become fast booked or sell out easily; which might only be very clever booking on time in advance!
Comfortable Clothing: Given a bit of trekking could probably be involved with looking at colonial cobblestone pavements after that don some apparel designed essentially in direction of comfort plus good simply walking sneakers etc!
Bring layers: Altitudes associated here may often vary and, therefore getting that done this helps enable modifying as climatic situations alter constantly!
Stay Hydrated: It will be significant consuming more fluid that it will become rather dry throughout! And furthermore at altitude very easily even!!
Check Inclusions: Ascertain any deals, primarily everything included that this trip provides which will cover anything starting somewhere about the dishes, towards attraction charge cards just to ensure an individual fully understands or even values whatever that this covers!!!