DAY 1 – BOGOTÁ, PUENTE DE BOYACÁ, VILLA DE LEYVA

After breakfast, departure with your private driver to spend a few days in the beautiful Boyacá region, famous for its historical relevance in the process of independence of Colombia and for its fascinating landscapes. Some of the most beautiful villages in Colombia are located in this region, just north of Bogotá.

From Bogotá, relax during a pleasant 3-hour drive on the way to Villa de Leyva, a true Colombian jewel. The city was recognized in 1954 as a national monument for its perfectly preserved colonial-style architecture.

Before getting to Villa de Leyva’s historical city center, enjoy a stop at the famous Terracotta House, the largest pottery house in the world. You will have the opportunity to visit a masterpiece of architecture: a habitable house completely built with terracotta by the architect Octavio Mendoza Morales.

Check-in at your hotel in Villa de Leyva and enjoy the whole afternoon at your leisure to visit the historic center. The large main square, 2-storey colonial buildings with balconies and terraces, whitewashed walls and cobblestone streets make Villa de Leyva one of those places you’ll certainly fall in love with.

Overnight in Villa de Leyva (typical hotel in the historic town centre)

Included: private transportation, entrance to the Terracotta House, hotel with breakfast included in Villa de Leyva.

DAY 2 – PÁRAMO DE OCETÁ, MONGUÍ

Today we leave early from Villa de Leyva to reach Monguí (about a 2 hours and 30 minutes drive) and enjoy an amazing hike at the Páramo de Ocetá, a unique ecosystem typical of the Andean region.

Transfer from Monguí to Páramo de Ocetá by 4×4 off-road vehicle. Then a Spanish-speaking local guide will take you on a 4-hour hike (medium difficulty) at an altitude between 3,300–3,700 m (10,800–12,100 ft) to appreciate the wonderful landscapes and the unique vegetation of the páramo, including the iconic native plants known as “frailejones”. The páramo is a fragile and strategic ecosystem, considered in Colombia a “water factory” because it absorbs, purifies and releases large quantities of water that give origin to the main rivers that cross the country.

At the end of this beautiful hike, check-in at your hotel. Free time to have lunch on your own, relax and discover Monguí at your leisure, universally considered among the most beautiful villages in Colombia. Do not miss the main square with the Basilica of Our Lady of Monguí and the Puente Real de Calicanto.

Overnight in Monguí (typical hotel in the historic town center)

Included: private transportation, guided hike at Páramo de Ocetá with Spanish-speaking local guide, transportation in a 4×4 vehicle, hotel with breakfast included in Monguí.

DAY 3 – TOTA LAKE, PUEBLITO BOYACENSE, BOGOTÁ

Today after breakfast, departure from Monguí to Lake Tota (an approx. 2-hour drive), the largest lake in Colombia with an area of 55 square km (21.3 square miles). Located at 3,015 m (9,892 ft) above sea level, it is the second-highest navigable lake in South America after Lake Titicaca (Perú/Bolivia).

Enjoy amazing views along the road on the way to one of the most iconic places in the area, Playa Blanca (White Beach). Have a stroll on this incredible natural sandy beach in a small bay located on the south-western shore of the lake. In such a surreal landscape, it seems impossible to find oneself at more than 3,000 m (9,000 ft) above sea level.

Then it’s just a short drive to the lovely village of Iza where you can have lunch.

After lunch, we reach the town of Duitama in just 1 hour to visit the famous Pueblito Boyacense, one of the most visited attractions in the Boyacá region. Here you are able to walk through the streets of a “pueblo” – town – with the reconstruction of about 100 of the most iconic buildings from 7 towns of this region (Monguí, Tibasosa, Villa de Leyva, Tenza, Ráquira, Sáchica and El Cocuy).