Boyaca Colombia Tour

Departure in the morning from the hotel in Bogota to the North. Before Chocontá, we take a right turn towards Tenza. The stretch of road between Machetá and Tenza is one of the most spectacular in Boyacá. After 4 hours we arrive in Tenza, a quiet village of approximately 2000 inhabitants with a mild climate and pleasant atmosphere. On arrival, transfer to Turística de Tenza Hotel. One night stay with American breakfast included. In the afternoon, visit to the beautiful “La Capilla”, a chapel constructed in 1793.

After breakfast, we leave Tenza and drive across Boyacá towards Paipa; a quiet, small town located on the middle of a lush landscape of green hills and valleys. In the afternoon, transfer to Hotel Paipa (or other hotel of same category). The Hotel overlooks a lake. Paipa is famous for its agreeable climate and thermal baths, the ideal way to relax after a hike. One night stay including American breakfast.

After a filling breakfast, a we begin our tour of Boyaca, a region full of historic interest and spectacular landscapes and the witness to many of the battles fought during the notorious Wars of Independence. We visit “Pantano de Vargas” where another of the most decisive battles against Spanish settlers was waged and won. The trip continues to “Casona del Salitre” which in 1974 was declared a national monument. We then go south towards the “Lago de Tota”, Sogamoso and Duitama. Our cross-country trip continues until we arrive in Villa de Leyva, one of the most enchanting colonial towns in Latin America. 2 nights stay including American breakfast.

In the morning, we will stroll through Villa de Leyva, visiting the central plaza and all colonial attractions. In the afternoon, visit to the Dominican “Ecce Homo” convent, constructed in the XVII century, followed by a visit to a fossil discovered just outside the town, which has been dated at over 150 million years. The rest of the afternoon is free for tourists to walk around the town and take in the charm of Villa de Leyva for themselves.

(Instead of visiting Villa de Leyva and surroundings, there will be the option on this day of a whole day outing to Iguaque National Park).

After breakfast, our return trip passes first through La Ráquira, a pretty village of brightly-coloured houses, with a thriving industry of handmade pottery and ceramic ware, and then through the pilgrimage site of Chiquinquirá, before arriving in Zipaquirá. Here there will be an extensive visit to the Salt Cathedral. Finally, return to Bogota and transfer to the hotel or airport.