Villa de Leyva, Colombia

Villa de Leyva

Listed as one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia, we decide to stop here for a couple of nights. We pack into a free campsite at the edge of the city and spend the evening walking around the town. It looks very similar to Barichara with cobbled stone streets, whitewashed walls, and terracotta roofs. On Saturday morning, the market square starts filling up with local farmers and produce, restaurants, clothes, and handmade goods.

Our campsite for the night – with the town of Villa de Leyva in the background.

The view of the city from our campsite

The streets of Villa De Leyva

The streets of Villa De Leyva

Empanadas & Arepsas being warmed on hot coal.

Charcoal grilled ribs.

Local corn. It’s not sweet like the ones that are available in North America, but much more savory and chewy.

Local Strawberries & Lime

Garlic – Not that common in Colombia

There were so many vendors like this

Chorizo platem – yum.

The Exchange

We eventually meet up with Pascal, Virgine & Quito who have already met up with another Swiss couple (Nina & Timo) who have travelled upwards from Ushuaia. For the next day exchanging tips and ideas while getting wine, dinner, empanadas. It’s so insightful since – we have no idea where we are going in the next few months. We have some ideas… but since everything in South America is so far apart we never know if a place is worth taking a 5 hours detour.

Our family photo – courtesy of Pascal.

A french restaurant

Empanadas

Guess who doesn’t get Empanadas.

Streets of Villa de Leyva (Nina & Timo)

Group Photo!

Zoe

Quito (Pascal & Virgine’s Puppy)

After a joint breakfast on the 2nd day, we are the first to depart to Bogota. Pascal & Virgine will be coming down to Bogota in a few days and Nina & Timo will be going to Guaimaro and Barichara. Time to hit the road!