Advice on how to get from Bogota to Villa De Leiva and surrounding towns

goosekirk says on Feb 4, 2005, 01:38:

I've done it My girlfriend and I were able to pick a taxi off the street in Bogota and negotiate for a ride to Villa de Leyva. Only some taxis have the permit to do this, so it may take a few tries to find one, but it is doable. For us, it was a last-ditch resort at a very busy time; ordinarily, we just take the bus. I don't remember now how much we paid... 120,000 pesos, maybe? Assuming your girlfriend is Colombian, let her negotiate the price.

Arranged in advance, I'm sure you could get a driver for the whole weekend. One of the better hotels in Bogota would probably be a good resource for finding one. You'd want to spend at least a day hanging out in Villa de Leyva, maybe go horseback riding and so on, so he'd be basically useless while you're there, but it might be fun to be able to drive around and explore some other towns if you have time and energy. This would be a nice way to go if you don't mind spending the money.

I wouldn't rent a car, either - the road to Villa de Leyva goes through some winding mountains, and I'd want someone experienced behind the wheel. I have seen accidents on that road. Doesn't look like fun.

I suspect going by bus is actually safer than car. I think the biggest danger is hitting something, and in an accident between, say, a bus and a car, I know which one I'd rather be in. I wouldn't let safety sway your decision. The bus from Bogota stops at a depot in Tunja, and you'll have to catch a smaller bus to Villa de Leyva. There is a chance that a bus will be stopped at an army checkpoint... an unpleasant prospect, if you've read much about the war here. But the roads in the area are secure and I doubt the army will hassle you. They make everyone get off the bus, check everyone's ID and search the men, and then on you go. The only time it's happened to me, my girlfriend was terrifed for me, but the soldiers took one look and totally ignored me, as if I wasn't even there. Never even asked for ID.

Anyway, in a nutshell, I think the best advice I have is to ask at a good hotel for a good, private driver. I wish I could give you a number for a guy that I've used in the past, but it's been awhile and he's changed his number. The advantage is, it'll probably be cheaper, the car is privately owned and nicer than a taxi, and you'll probably get better service.

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kernow62 says on Feb 4, 2005, 04:50:

Thanks for the good advice Gooskirk.

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ShazCas says on Feb 4, 2005, 05:17:

Bus Taking a bus is much safer than being in a car, because bus companies pay the guerrilla not to bother them, and you're MUCH more likely to be stopped in a private car or taxi. Not that it's a dangerous road anyway, Boyaca is one of the safest regions in Colombia.

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carldecolorado says on Feb 4, 2005, 07:21:

Thanks for all the feedback so far Thank you for all the feedback so far, I really do appreciate all the helpful advice that people are willing to give on this site!

Carldecolorado

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bramafear says on Feb 4, 2005, 07:46:

Tunja, eh? We have Casa Aque! I would strongly suggest that you hire a driver, not a taxis... it is a loooooooong way from Bogota. The Familia hired a driver w/van and he was super! The van was terrible though... inspect van for noxious fumes first! But, really nice, honest, safe guy.

You have to provide accommodations and all if you expect for him to hang around with you... which I would strongly suggest for security, for what little there actually is.

Cheers!
Bram

PS: Is it tea time yet?

When can we pack our bags?

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bramafear says on Feb 4, 2005, 07:52:

Guerrilla Good point on the Bus... There are in excellent shape too! Just like riding in a nice 767... really. The only goofy part is getting on one.

You have to go down to South Bogota, I believe, at the bus terminal to access these buses. I don't believe they have a North terminal, right?

When can we pack our bags?

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Gator says on Feb 4, 2005, 08:05:

Our Favorite Place to Visit Close to Bogota goosekirk's advice is right on the money.

1. Do NOT attempt to drive your own vehicle unless you are have had experience in driving in Colombian-not for the faint hearted.
2. I have taken the taxi/private car route but then you have a third "amigo" to feed and house.
3. Check some of the tour agencies in Bogotá that make this trip.
4. If you do not have your own transportation you are limited in what you can do in the way of side trips.
5. Break travel up: Bogotá to Tunja by bus, then Tunja to Paipa, Paipa to Villa de Lleva. Side trip to Raquira from Villa de Lleva worth it and much of this type of travel can be done by hiring a taxi or driver.

Might I recommend the Hosteria Del Molino La Mesopotamia, a 450-year sugar mill converted to a hotel as an excellent place to stay in Villa de Lleva. The original mill stream still runs through the hotel's restaurant. Very romantic and within easy walking distance of everything. If you plan on being in this area on the weekend I would book ahead.

Enjoy the area.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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pauli says on Feb 4, 2005, 13:38:

bus is best cheap and easy. no significant security problems. if you want to go from the north you can get a bus from 170 con autopista. Personally if i had a car i would drive (carefully) but wouldn`t bother paying for a driver - a lot of extra expense that is not really necessary and probably doesnt make it any safer. have a good trip.

Paul Paul Urwin www.planfin.com www.inglesbogota.com

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SiempreHero says on Feb 4, 2005, 15:00:

Just Drive Boyaca is really nice. You should just rent a car and drive. There are many places you can go in Boyaca, and having a car makes it much better. Besides Ville de Leiva, you should check out the hot springs in Paipa. Stay at the casona del salitre. It is an amazing Haciende with a very nice, clear and hot pool. Also the Puente de Boyaca is on the way and pretty cool too. Just start early in the morning and drive durring the day. Dont take some smelly taxi, the area is really romantic and you dont need company. Driving in Colombia is not that hard. I live now in Miami, and i see many many more accidents every day here than i saw each year in colombia. The drivers tend to get close, but nobody wants to hit anything. If you ever have driven in a big city, you will be fine.
Good luck and have fun.

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goosekirk says on Feb 4, 2005, 15:03:

And I'm in agreement with Gator... Going by bus or private car with driver are the two best options, and a bit of a toss-up as far as I'm concerned. Pros and cons either way. Go with what you're comfortable with. 170 con autopista is a good place to catch a bus, but if you go that route, I suspect that on weekends the buses can be pretty full.

But do go to the Hosteria Del Molino La Mesopotamia. I only have one photo from there on my website, but it'll give you a little bit of an idea of what it's like:

http://www.pbase.com/goosekirk/image/35873787

This is a really special, unique place, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

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SiempreHero says on Feb 4, 2005, 15:09:

I just noticed something If your from Colorado.... ( i guess that from your name), i grew up in Boulder, and just was there at Xmas. I went skiing, and the drive to Keystone was worse (the traffic had gotten really heavy in Colo these days) than you will find on the way to Boyaca. Also, dont think a typical taxi or hotel driver is going to give you ANY security. It is a false sense. The typical driver is not trained in any way to help you. Besides, Boyaca is very safe by Colombian standards.

Good Luck!

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carldecolorado says on Feb 4, 2005, 15:33:

Yes I am from Colorado Yes I am in Colorado, Dever area. And yes the traffic to the mountains on weekends is horrible anytime of year now.

As for the other suggestions on things to see and do around Villa De Lieva, right now I am thinking about spending an afternoon in Paipa and relax in the termales, also spend an afternoon in the town or rather Pueblo of Tibasosa (I have an old family friend that lives there).

As far as were I will stay at night. I will look into the suggestions listed here, but I am also looking at possibly staying at Hospendencia Duruelo. I had breakfast there last summer and it seems like a really nice and romantic place to stay for a weekend.

The drive thing is something I still need to figure out, I am leaning toward finding a driver for the whole weekend. I know I will have to pay extra, but I just dont want to deal with driving, and honestly the drivers in Bogota scare me to death. I now understand why Pablo Montoya drives the way he does.

Ciao carldecolorado

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goosekirk says on Feb 4, 2005, 15:50:

Duruelo I've stayed at the Duruelo, too, and I like it just fine. But trust me, if you want romantic, have a look at the Mesopotamia before you make up your mind. Unless it's a holiday weekend, I'd guess the Duruelo will always have a room available (it was nearly empty when I was there!), but make a reservation at the Mesopotamia well in advance, and then go take a look when you arrive. If you don't prefer it, then you can just go to the Duruelo.

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santiBOG says on Feb 4, 2005, 15:53:

Direct Bus to Villa de Leyva You don't have to go to the terminal in the south of Bogota.

There is a direct ride to Villa de Leyva without stopping in Tunja. If you go to the Exito in the Autopista and Calle 170 you'll see that there are many buses standing by. Since your girlfriend is Colombian, she can probably do some asking and get yourselves in the right bus. This is the best way. Forget hiring a 3rd person, it's too much hassle, then you have to feed and house him. Why not rent a car... I really don't think it's as bad as everyone puts it. You're a guy, you'll be fine driving.

I can't think of a good reason to hire a taxi for such a long ride.

Do go to Raquira, they have some great artesania shops there, and it's only about 30 minutes from Villa de Leyva.

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goosekirk says on Feb 4, 2005, 16:09:

Renting a car No, it's certainly not THAT bad to drive to Villa de Leyva. I just think that if someone feels nervous driving around Bogota, I wouldn't want them to assume that the drive to Villa de Leyva would be a much more relaxing jaunt in the country. I think if you're cool with driving in Bogota, then sure, make the drive. If not, don't.

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santiBOG says on Feb 4, 2005, 17:23:

Just wanted to add The road is in perfect condition form Bogota to Villa de Leyva (that is, if you take the Bog-Tunja-Villa de Leyva route). Especially from Bogota to Briceño or Gachancipá. Whomever is driving you, make sure they don't take the Samacá 'shortcut', as it is in very poor condition.

If you go the other way, that is Bog-Ubate-Chiquinquira-Sutamerchan-Villa there may be some spots that need a little maintenance.

They're both about a 3-hour drive. A bit more if you take the bus.

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carldecolorado says on Feb 5, 2005, 17:46:

Mesopotamia looks very nice Hey Goosekirk

You are right, the photo you have of Mesopotamia is really nice as are the other picts on your web site. Thanks, I will see if I can find out more info on Mesopotamia and try and make some reservations.

And having been to Bogota twice now, I know I am not comfortable with driving in that town, besides I am not big on using the horn and that seems to be a requirement to driving out there.

Thanks for all the help!

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meteoro says on Feb 6, 2005, 08:07:

Goosekirk I can't seem to upload any pictures. I have some nice shots of Cucunubá and Villa de Leyva, taken earlier this year. Do you have any advice?

Good luck to carldecolorado

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carldecolorado says on Feb 6, 2005, 09:42:

Photos and web sites for Villa De Leiva To load photos into your gallery, they need to be compressed down quite a bit. I know if you do a google search opn this site you will find some other threads that discuss the exact steps to post pictures. Let me know when you get them posted, I would love to see them. I also have some picts of the Hotel Duruelo that I will try to post in the next few days as well as picts from the Termales in Santa Rosa.

One last thing, I have found a really helpful web p-age for anyone else interested in going to Villa De Leiva it is http://www.villadeleyva.net/

Unfortuneately I can not seem to find a web page for more info and picts of El Molino la Mesopotamia, so it looks like I will have to call them from the states and try to get info over the phone. I hope they understand my terrible spanish.

carldecolorado

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Colombia314159 says on Feb 26, 2005, 20:38:

Villa de Levya and other photos Loved your photos!!! Very beautiful!

Sue

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webmanco says on Feb 27, 2005, 08:36:

Villa de Leiva, knows also for mushrooms Villa de Leiva in Boyaca and Barichara in Santader are probaly the most beautifull towns in Colombia, I haven´t been to Salento in Quindio, I heard it is nice as well.

Traveling to Villa de Leiva and all is surrounding towns is safe. The best way to get there is by driving yourself or whoever you go with, for privacy and quality time. It is better to go on a private car because that way you can stop wherever and whenever you want, for example you would like to stop in Ventaquemada to try the best arepas in Colombia, the view once you are exiting Bogota is nice and on a bus you just had to ajust to the speed of the bus and have a quick look of the environment.

Other places to visit
Sogamoso, a city
Duitama
Paipa, known for chese and almojabanas
Tibasosa, known for freijoa
Raquira, known for being a market place with lots of craftsmanship items.
Tunja
Chiquinquira

Once you are in Villa de Leiva you can go to "La Periquera" seven small waterfalls.

Some links
Vila de Leiva
Lukemasting
Convent and Chapels of the Carmelitas



65 Friends of Colombia and Colombians all over the world

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

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gebeck50 says on Jun 26, 2005, 14:06:

Que quiere decir Que es o que quiere decir "170 con autopista?"

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Cerealkiller says on Jun 26, 2005, 14:15:

Calle 170 intersecting Autopista Norte...or the main highway.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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CTina70 says on Nov 19, 2005, 19:36:

Winding Roads I went to Villa De Leyva last January with my mother and a friend of hers. We had an Embassy vehicle so my driver took us. We did not go through Tunja on the way there, we went through Raquira instead. On the way back we went through Tunja. The road from Villa De Leyva to Tunja is more curvy then the road from Bogota/Raquira/Villa De Leyva. If you get car sick, take something for it. The roads are good by Colombian standards but they are only 2 lane and people drive very fast around the curves and busses pass when they should not.

I am glad we went, but bought alot of pottery in Raquira and Villa De Leyva is so clean compaird to Bogota. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes in Villa De Leyva because the streets are all cobblestone and it is easy to turn your ankle.

If you go to a travel agent in Bogota you should be able to get on a tour charter bus.

Good Luck.

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