7 Days Bogotá, Villa De Leyva And Barichara

Two of us arrived in Bogotá 12/29/23. Leaving the US was the worst part: AA never mentioned any travel requirements by Colombian immigration. AA would not let us board unless we filled out a form, which they said Colombia wouldn’t look at anyhow. It took 3 people, 3 cell phones and one laptop 1 full hour and at least 10 attempts to open/fill out the form. It indeed was never required. We spent the night in Bogotá and the rest of the week-long vaca in Villa de Leyva. Villa has doubled in size and the traffic volume is overwhelming the narrow streets. The center of town and its surroundings are as charming as ever. Food choices abound. There are overpriced tours for unsuspecting tourists. You can walk most places or get a taxi at the transportation hub a few blocks south of the square. The hot springs were a scam. So were the Pozos Azules. Casa Terracota is a must. The winery was alright. We hiked the hill to the East up to the statue of Christ. Make sure to bring hiking boots. 30 min long climb on rocky and super steep terrain, and worth the view. We paid an arm and a leg for private transport to/from Bogotá (US$70 pp RT), but one can take public buses for much much less. Villa was safe, 70 F degree weather day/60 at night. Bougainvilleas of all colors abound. Vegetarian options also are easy to find.