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Guide
Villa de Leyva, Colombia π¨π΄
#228
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Villa de Leyva is a picturesque colonial town in BoyacΓ‘, Colombia, known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant cultural scene. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 15,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average 25 Mbps, with some cafes offering faster Wi-Fi. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD β 4,000 COP. Major banks including Bancolombia and Davivienda are available. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
π Power | 110V, 60Hz, π Type A/B sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers like Claro, Movistar, and Tigo provide good coverage. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Credit cards widely accepted; ATMs are available in central areas. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hostels, and local guesthouses. Prices vary, but expect around 40,000 COP per night for budget hosts. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Moderate; cash is still preferred in many local shops. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings available; average cost around 160,000 COP per night. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Villa de Leyva offers beds starting from 40,000 COP per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Centro Historico, around the main square (Plaza Mayor). |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near the Plaza Mayor for cafes with Wi-Fi and a social community. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Casa de la Cultura offers a quiet place with basic amenities for remote work. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Parque is known for good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Monthly local meetups for digital nomads are organized through social media portals. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expats in Villa de Leyva group hosts informal gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | EasyTaxi is commonly used in Villa de Leyva. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through local shops for about 20,000 COP per hour. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is approximately 2.5 hours away at Playa Blanca. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Avianca serves regional routes from nearby airports. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | LATAM airlines connects to major South American cities. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Accessible by the main road from BogotΓ‘ (approximately 3.5 hours drive). |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | No trains; local buses provide access to nearby towns. |
π Public Transport Passes | Buses and local vans are used for short trips; no transit passes required. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses to BogotΓ‘ and other cities are frequent and affordable, costing about 30,000 COP. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital San Rafael provides basic medical services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Casa de Yoga offers classes at reasonable prices. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center Villa de Leyva provides basic workout equipment. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry services available for around 15,000 COP per load. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Domicilios.com serves the area well. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Arepas Boyacenses, a traditional local dish. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | La Molienda offers a range of vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | HeladerΓa el Cafecito has well-regarded ice cream. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit Plaza Mayor market for fresh produce and local goods. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Libre provides local e-commerce options. |
π Grocery Delivery | Colsubsidio offers grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Plaza Mayor comes alive at night with bars and cafes. |
π» Local Brewery | CervecerΓa Villa de Leyva offers local craft beers. |
π· Wine Bars | Vinoteca Villa de Leyva offers a selection of local wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Enjoy local empanadas from street vendors around the plaza. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Pizza El Italiano offers Italian dishes at affordable rates. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Plaza Mayor and the nearby Templo de San AgustΓn are must-see attractions. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Casa Museo de Antonio Narino showcases local history. |
π° Historical Sites | El Fossil, a paleontological museum, draws visitors interested in natural history. |
π Religious Sites | The Convento del Santo Ecce Homo is a beautiful historical site. |
π Annual Events | Festivals like the Festival of Lights happen in December. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The historic town center is rich in colonial architecture. |
π Theater Venues | Cine Villa de Leyva routinely hosts cultural events. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Weekly markets on Sundays offer local crafts and food. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music events occur sporadically in the town square. |
π¨ Street Art | Public murals can be found throughout the streets of Villa de Leyva. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer classes in traditional Colombian dishes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | GalerΓa de Arte offers a window into local artistic talent. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Casa de NariΓ±o is a key historical site in the town. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The town celebrates its heritage through various cultural festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Iguaque National Park is a nearby destination for nature lovers, about 1 hour away. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | El Cocuy National Park is also accessible for day trips. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails surround the town; some notable routes lead to nearby villages. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador del Alto del Fique provides stunning views of the valley. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Iguaque offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the nearby park allow campfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | EnvΓos W, a local courier service, offers parcel delivery. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local phone shops provide basic tech repair services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes host table tennis tables. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Spanish language schools offer classes for different proficiency levels. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The town has a small public library for study and research. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Centro Cultural provides spaces for community activities and workshops. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming spots exist; most gaming is done at home. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; local entertainment focuses on cultural events. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 50 mΒ² = $60,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per mΒ² (e.g., 50 mΒ² = $45,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $66,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $48,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $80,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $56,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 31% for corporations. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | Progressive income tax system based on residency status. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% on incomes exceeding COP 49 million. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard 19% VAT rate. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regular CFC rules apply. |
π Property Tax | Property tax based on cadastral values. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1% to 2% transfer tax depending on the property. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Colombia offers a digital nomad visa with beneficial tax conditions. |