Villa de Leyva, Colombia 🇨🇴
#228
,
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Villa de Leyva is a picturesque colonial town in Boyacá, Colombia, known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 15,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 25 Mbps, with some cafes offering faster Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 4,000 COP. Major banks including Bancolombia and Davivienda are available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like Claro, Movistar, and Tigo provide good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Credit cards widely accepted; ATMs are available in central areas. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hostels, and local guesthouses. Prices vary, but expect around 40,000 COP per night for budget hosts. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderate; cash is still preferred in many local shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings available; average cost around 160,000 COP per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Villa de Leyva offers beds starting from 40,000 COP per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Centro Historico, around the main square (Plaza Mayor). |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near the Plaza Mayor for cafes with Wi-Fi and a social community. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Casa de la Cultura offers a quiet place with basic amenities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Parque is known for good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly local meetups for digital nomads are organized through social media portals. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Villa de Leyva group hosts informal gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | EasyTaxi is commonly used in Villa de Leyva. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through local shops for about 20,000 COP per hour. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is approximately 2.5 hours away at Playa Blanca. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca serves regional routes from nearby airports. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM airlines connects to major South American cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible by the main road from Bogotá (approximately 3.5 hours drive). |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No trains; local buses provide access to nearby towns. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses and local vans are used for short trips; no transit passes required. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to Bogotá and other cities are frequent and affordable, costing about 30,000 COP. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital San Rafael provides basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Casa de Yoga offers classes at reasonable prices. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center Villa de Leyva provides basic workout equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available for around 15,000 COP per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Domicilios.com serves the area well. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Arepas Boyacenses, a traditional local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | La Molienda offers a range of vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería el Cafecito has well-regarded ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit Plaza Mayor market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Libre provides local e-commerce options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Colsubsidio offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Plaza Mayor comes alive at night with bars and cafes. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Villa de Leyva offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca Villa de Leyva offers a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Enjoy local empanadas from street vendors around the plaza. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza El Italiano offers Italian dishes at affordable rates. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Plaza Mayor and the nearby Templo de San Agustín are must-see attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Casa Museo de Antonio Narino showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | El Fossil, a paleontological museum, draws visitors interested in natural history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Convento del Santo Ecce Homo is a beautiful historical site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festivals like the Festival of Lights happen in December. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic town center is rich in colonial architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cine Villa de Leyva routinely hosts cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets on Sundays offer local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events occur sporadically in the town square. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public murals can be found throughout the streets of Villa de Leyva. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer classes in traditional Colombian dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte offers a window into local artistic talent. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de Nariño is a key historical site in the town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The town celebrates its heritage through various cultural festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Iguaque National Park is a nearby destination for nature lovers, about 1 hour away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | El Cocuy National Park is also accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails surround the town; some notable routes lead to nearby villages. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador del Alto del Fique provides stunning views of the valley. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Iguaque offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the nearby park allow campfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Envíos W, a local courier service, offers parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local phone shops provide basic tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes host table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language schools offer classes for different proficiency levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The town has a small public library for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural provides spaces for community activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming spots exist; most gaming is done at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; local entertainment focuses on cultural events. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax system based on residency status. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% on incomes exceeding COP 49 million. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard 19% VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regular CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax based on cadastral values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1% to 2% transfer tax depending on the property. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Colombia offers a digital nomad visa with beneficial tax conditions. |