Discover the splendor of the Villa de Leyva Desert on a 4-hour tour led by a bilingual guide, where you choose your own adventure route!
Amidst the hidden marvels of this vast arid landscape, you have the opportunity to select three iconic sites to fully experience the cultural and historical richness of the area, including:
Villa de Leyva Zaquencipa Archaeological Park "El Infiernito", where you will uncover secrets of ancient civilizations; Los Pozos Azules, a stunning oasis with crystal-clear waters in the heart of the desert; and The El Fósil Community Museum, home to prehistoric fossils that reveal the fascinating story of the creatures that once inhabited this region.
Get ready to explore and enjoy a personalized, unforgettable adventure designed just for you.
Tour Description
The Desert Route is a guided experience designed to let you explore three of the most iconic and significant sites in Villa de Leyva.
Your assigned guide will accompany you to each selected location, where you will have 45 minutes to 1 hour at each stop to immerse yourself in its beauty, history, and discover the hidden secrets that each site holds.
You can choose from the following destinations:
1. Paleontological Research Center: Here, you will journey into the prehistoric era. The center preserves fossils and remains of ancient creatures that roamed this region millions of years ago. You’ll be captivated by the fascinating discoveries that unveil the evolution of life here.
2. Villa de Leyva Zaquencipa Archaeological Park "El Infiernito": Explore the mysteries of ancient civilizations and gain insight into the worldview and wisdom of pre-Columbian cultures. The site features astronomical alignments and ancient structures that allow you to step back in time and experience history firsthand.
4. Convent of Santo Ecce-Homo: This historic convent stands as a testament to the religious and architectural heritage of Villa de Leyva. Within its walls, you’ll find sacred art, exquisitely carved altarpieces, and religious relics that reflect centuries of devotion and tradition. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the spirituality and religious history of the area.
In addition to its rich history, the convent provides an outstanding panoramic view of the Villa de Leyva Desert. From its towers and viewpoints, you can gaze over the vast desert landscape, feeling the connection between the spiritual and the earthly.
5. Fibas Desert Garden: The Desert Garden is a botanical sanctuary showcasing an impressive collection of cacti and succulents within the arid surroundings of Villa de Leyva’s desert. This garden celebrates the diversity and resilience of plant life adapted to challenging desert conditions.
Here, you will have a unique chance to learn about the ecological importance of desert plants and their cultural significance in the region. Your guide will share insights on the medicinal uses, traditional roles, and unique characteristics of each species.
6. El Fósil Community Museum: More than just a fossil exhibition, this museum transports you to a distant past, unveiling the secrets of prehistoric creatures that once inhabited these lands.
The highlight of the museum is its centerpiece: a complete skeleton of an ichthyosaurus, a marine reptile from the Mesozoic era. Discovered in the local area, this fossil is among the few complete specimens of its kind in the world—a true treasure and pride of the collection.
7. Terracotta House: Discover an architectural marvel in the heart of the desert. This extraordinary building is a symbol of creativity and innovation.
Designed and constructed over 15 years by architect Octavio Mendoza Morales, this house is a tribute to artistic expression and uniqueness. Entirely built with clay, it is recognized as the largest clay structure in the world, and its organic design beautifully blends with the surrounding desert landscape.
Each site offers a unique perspective on the history, nature, and culture of the Villa de Leyva Desert. On this tour, you get to choose your own adventure to explore.
What’s included?
What’s included:
* Pick-up and drop-off transfer to hotels located within Villa de Leyva
* Professional bilingual guide
* Choice and guided tour of three emblematic sites on the desert route.
* Entrance to the three chosen sites.
* Personalized tour adjustable to the group`s preferences.
What’s NOT included:
* Breakfast
* Lunch
*Entry to sites not mentioned
* Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
The desert tour offers a complete adventure and cultural experience in the dunes. Depending on the package selected, it may include round-trip transportation from your hotel, off-road driving on the dunes, camel riding, sandboarding, and time to take photos of the desert landscape. Some options also include a visit to a traditional camp, a buffet dinner, and live entertainment, such as belly dancing or fire shows. We recommend reviewing the details of your chosen package when booking, as the activities, meals, and services included may vary depending on the excursion and the season.
Generally, the desert tour includes pickup from hotels and accommodations located in the city's main tourist areas. During the booking process, you will need to provide the correct name and address of your hotel to coordinate the transfer. The exact time can be confirmed by email or through the information provided by the local operator, as it depends on the location, traffic, and the safari's start time. If you are staying outside the service area, you may need to go to a designated meeting point or pay an additional transportation fee.
The duration of the desert tour depends on the package you choose, but it's usually a multi-hour excursion, with half-day options or longer experiences available. The afternoon safari is one of the most popular because it allows you to enjoy driving through the dunes, watch the sunset over the desert, and continue with evening activities at a traditional camp. For those who prefer more pleasant temperatures and a different experience, some tours can start in the morning. When booking, please check the schedule, total duration, and estimated travel time from your accommodation.
To comfortably enjoy your desert safari, we recommend wearing light, breathable, light-colored clothing, as well as closed shoes or comfortable sandals. It can get chilly at night, especially during the winter months, so a light jacket is a good idea. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, and a camera or phone with enough battery to photograph the dunes and the sunset. If you'll be participating in sandboarding or camel rides, avoid overly tight clothing. It's also important to inform us in advance about any allergies, dietary restrictions, or special needs.
The excursion can be a great family activity, but some experiences, especially the intense dune bashing, may not be suitable for young children, pregnant women, people with back problems, or travelers with certain physical limitations. Access to campsites and optional activities may also vary depending on terrain conditions. If you are traveling with children, seniors, or people with reduced mobility, please inquire before booking which services are adapted and if there is a dune bashing-free alternative. Informing the operator of any special needs will help arrange a safer transfer and experience.
PRICES 2026-2027
Desert Route With Guide In Spanish
Private Tour
- Start Time: 09:00
- Languages: ESP
- Duration: 4 hrs
- Operation Days: Every day
From
ARS 182.850
per person
Desert Route With Guide In English
Private Service Upo.
- Start Time: 09:00
- Languages: ENG
- Duration: 4 hrs
- Operation Days: Every day
From
ARS 188.161
per person
Desert Route With Guide In French
Private Tour
- Start Time: 09:00
- Languages: FRA
- Duration: 4 hrs
- Operation Days: Every day
From
ARS 193.472
per person
Price per person based on a booking for 2 people. Prices may vary depending on the date and number of travelers.
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