Desert Tour

The Desert Route offers a guided journey that allows you to explore three of the most iconic and significant sites in Villa de Leyva.

Your assigned guide will lead you to each selected location, giving you 45 minutes to an hour to appreciate its beauty, history, and uncover the remarkable secrets they hold.

1. Paleontological Research Center: Here, you can immerse yourself in the prehistoric era. This center safeguards fossils and remnants of creatures that roamed these lands millions of years ago. Discover the fascinating secrets that unveil the evolution of life in the area.

2. Villa de Leyva Zaquencipa Archaeological Park "El Infiernito": Unravel the enigma of ancient civilizations and gain insight into the worldview and wisdom of pre-Columbian cultures. Experience history through astronomical alignments and ancient structures.

3. Blue Wells: These natural pools, created by water deposits amidst the arid landscape, invite all travelers. Enjoy the tranquility and natural splendor in this oasis of crystal-clear water. The blue hues of its pools craft a breathtaking scene that encourages reflection and a bond with nature. Learn about its history and capture stunning photographs.

4. Convent of Santo Ecce-Homo: A living testament to the religious and architectural legacy of Villa de Leyva. The walls enclose sacred art, intricately carved altarpieces, and religious relics that narrate stories of devotion and tradition. Explore the spirituality and religious dedication of the region.

Besides its historical and religious significance, the convent provides an outstanding panoramic view of the Villa de Leyva Desert. From its towers and viewpoints, admire the vast desert landscape and sense the connection between the divine and the earthly.

5. Fibas Desert Garden: This Desert Garden is a botanical sanctuary that will captivate you with its vibrant collection of cacti and succulents amidst the arid Villa de Leyva Desert landscape. It celebrates the diversity and resilience of flora adapted to the desert's harsh conditions.

The garden offers a unique opportunity to learn about the role of plants in desert ecosystems and their cultural significance in the area. The guide will provide insights into the medicinal properties, traditional uses, and uniqueness of each species.

6. El Fósil Community Museum: More than just a fossil exhibit, this museum serves as a gateway to a distant past, unveiling secrets of creatures that lived here millions of years ago.

The museum's highlight is its centerpiece: the complete skeleton of an icthyosaurus, a prehistoric marine reptile that inhabited the oceans during the Mesozoic era. This fossil, discovered locally, is one of the few complete skeletons of its kind globally, and it stands as the pride and jewel of the exhibition.

7. Terracotta House: An architectural marvel set within the Desert. This extraordinary structure is a testament to creativity and innovation.

Designed and built over 15 years by architect Octavio Mendoza Morales, the house is a tribute to art and originality. Constructed entirely of clay, it is the largest structure in the world made from this material. Its unique style and organic design blend seamlessly with the surrounding desert environment.