Villa de Leyva, a colonial jewel tucked into Colombia’s Boyacá highlands at 7,030 feet (2,140 meters), lures expats with its sprawling cobblestone Plaza Mayor, whitewashed facades, and a stillness that feels plucked from another era. Dubbed a “Pueblo Patrimonio,” this town of roughly 17,000 souls offers a low-cost, slow-paced life framed by rugged Andean vistas and quirky landmarks like fossilized sea monsters and clay houses. Perfect for artists, retirees, or anyone craving a quiet retreat, Villa de Leyva whispers history with every step. Whether you’re plotting a permanent escape or a long linger, this guide unveils all you need—expert tips, cozy stays, and one-of-a-kind experiences baked into this highland hideaway.
Pros and Cons of Living in Villa de Leyva as an Expat:
Pros:
- Timeless Plaza: The 14,000-square-meter Plaza Mayor, one of South America’s largest, anchors a postcard-perfect town.
- Crisp Air: A cool 55-70°F (13-21°C) year-round, with starry nights and sweater weather.
- Dirt-Cheap Living: Affordable rents and meals compared to urban Colombia or abroad.
- Oddball Wonders: Fossils, blue pools, and a clay-crafted house make it a treasure trove of quirks.
- Nature’s Backyard: Andean trails, vineyards, and deserts like Desierto de la Candelaria surround you.
Cons:
- Sleepy Hollow: No big-city buzz—think one main street, sparse nightlife, and early bedtimes.
- Expat Rarity: A tiny foreign crowd means you’ll lean on locals for company, Spanish a must.
- Chilly Evenings: Highland nights drop below 50°F (10°C), so fireplaces or blankets are key.
- Off the Grid: 3-4 hours from Bogotá by bumpy roads, with Tunja (1 hour) as the nearest hub.
- Shaky Tech: Wi-Fi wobbles and power flickers, testing your off-grid patience.
- Weekend Influx: Bogotá day-trippers swarm holidays, shattering the silence.
How to Research Moving to Villa de Leyva
Before packing your bags, spend at least two weeks soaking in Villa de Leyva’s colonial hush. The town center hums with history around the plaza, while the edges fade into pastoral calm with mooing cows and dirt paths. Sip chicha with boyacenses, crunch cobblestones underfoot, and gauge if this quaint, cool escape matches your heartbeat. Its pint-sized scale lets you know it fast.
Where to Stay When Researching the Area
Your digs can mirror Villa de Leyva’s old-world soul or rural hush. Here’s a lineup:
- Luxury Stay: Hotel Plazuela de San Agustín – A restored colonial mansion steps from the plaza, oozing elegance.
- Mid-Range Comfort: Hospedería Duruelo – A hillside retreat with cozy rooms and valley peeks.
- Budget-Friendly: Hotel El Giro – Hotel in Villa de Leyva with free breakfast and spa services.
- Authentic Experience: CPE Villa House – Apartment (second floor), colonial family with an excellent location just 6 blocks from the main square.
Things to Do When Researching the Area
To feel Villa de Leyva’s pulse, ease into its highland tempo:
- Roam the Core: Trace the plaza’s edges, duck into Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, and browse clay pots.
- Stock Up: Grab bread from Doña Cecilia’s bakery or veggies at the Saturday mercado by the bus stop.
- Mingle: Swap tales with artisans at the plaza or hunt expats at La Wafflería over coffee.
- Move Around: Walk everywhere (it’s small), bike to the fossil museum, or catch a bus to Ráquira.
- Test the Essentials: Pop into the hospitalito, sip Wi-Fi at Café Don Pedro, and savor the quiet dusk.
- Settle In: Nibble arepas boyacenses at a tienda, sip aguapanela by a hearth, and watch mist cloak the hills.
Top Activities in Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva weaves history, nature, and eccentricity into a highland tapestry. These activities spotlight its magic:
- Plaza Mayor Sunset: Sip canelazo as the sun gilds the cobbles—pure colonial poetry. Linger at dusk.
- Casa Terracota: Step inside this hand-molded clay home, a potter’s fever dream. Book a peek.
- El Fósil: Gawk at a 12-foot kronosaurus skeleton from when oceans lapped these peaks. Plan a visit.
- Pozos Azules: Snap pics of these surreal turquoise pools in a desert patch. Reserve a trip.
- Ráquira Pottery Hunt: Browse this clay-crazy village, 30 minutes away, for rainbow-hued crafts. Book a jaunt.
- Iguaque Lagoon Trek: Climb to this sacred Muiscas lake through misty moors. Join a guided hike.
- Viñedo Ain Karim: Taste Colombia’s rare highland wines at this boutique vineyard. Book a sip.
Click the links above to book your activities and sink into Villa de Leyva’s quirky, quiet spell!
Banking & Finances
Opening a Bank Account
Banks like Bancolombia and Banco Agrario have minimal presence in Villa de Leyva—just a branch or two and an ATM. Expats typically need a visa (e.g., Migrant or Resident), passport, proof of address, and sometimes proof of income; for anything serious, Tunja (1 hour) or Bogotá (3-4 hours) beckons.
Managing Money Internationally
Villa de Leyva’s sleepy, tourist-tinged vibe means banking is bare-bones—think a lone ATM and no global chains. Most expats lean on home-country accounts, withdrawing Colombian pesos (COP) from the Bancolombia ATM by Plaza Mayor, the town’s cash heartbeat. Services like Wise, Charles Schwab, and Capital One offer low-fee transfers and ATM reimbursements, but that ATM can empty out during tourist rushes—hit it midweek. Local digital apps like Nequi or Daviplata barely register here; if you’ve got them linked to an international card via a Colombian number from elsewhere, they might work at a café or market stall. Cash is your best friend in this colonial nook.
Currency & Exchange Rates
The Colombian peso (COP) reigns supreme. U.S. dollars won’t buy you a tinto here, so exchange at the Bancolombia branch (spotty hours) or pull cash from the ATM for rates beating airports. Stock up in Tunja or Bogotá before holiday weekends.
Cost of Living Budget
- Rent: $250–$900/month (varies—plaza-adjacent vs. rural finca)
- Groceries: $150–$300/month
- Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet): $30–$80/month
- Transportation (Buses, Bikes, Walking): $20–$60/month
- Healthcare (Private Insurance or EPS): $50–$200/month
Final Thoughts
Villa de Leyva hands expats a cheap, cool, and history-drenched life amid cobbles and clouds. Its smallness and seclusion crave a taste for calm—visit to trace its streets, unearth its fossils, and let its silence seep in to see if it’s your haven. From plaza picnics to desert pools, Villa de Leyva could be your highland expat dream.
Start Your Journey Today!
Click the affiliate links above to book your stay, plan activities, and take the first step toward your new life in Villa de Leyva!
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Information may change over time, so always consult local experts, legal professionals, and financial advisors before making decisions about moving to or living in Villa de Leyva.