Bogota & Villa de Leiva Tour

Bogota, Founded in 1538, the capital offers more than its reputation might suggest with cosmopolitan restaurants, excellent museums and a well preserved colonial quarter, it's an eclectic mix of the old and new.

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 wondering 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.

Bogota, Colombia’s historic and beautiful capital. Meet and assist at the airport, transfer to selected hotel for overnight.

Morning tour, highlighted by a visit to the world famous Gold Museum displaying over 18,000 golden artefacts — amulets, nose rings, breast plates, necklaces and figurines. Continue to the heart of historic Bogotá and the imposing Bolívar Plaza and Cathedral. Afternoon at leisure.(B) 

Day 3: Bogota/Villa de Leiva 

Drive north through the rolling, fertile plateau of Bogotá to visit Boyaca Bridge, site of the celebrated Battle of Colombia’s Independence. En route call at the charming town of Tunja to see the Founder’s House, Santo Domingo Church and markets. Continue to beautiful Villa de Leiva. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of this wonderfully preserved colonial town including a visit to the house where Narino died, the Convent and Chapels of the Carmelitas, and other places of interest. (B,L) 

Visit the beautiful Ecce Homo Convent, Desert of La Candelaria with its many fossils and the extraordinary Dinosaur Fossil. Return to Bogotá via Zipaquira for lunch and visit the underground Salt Cathedral. (B) 

At convenient time, transfer to the airport for your flight out.(B)