Boyacá Region

Over the last long weekend celebrating Columbus day we made the most of one of the 18 'bank holidays' here in Colombia and headed off to Villa de Leyva, Nobsa and Lago Tota in the Boyacá region.  Villa de Leyva is considered one of the finest colonial villages of Colombia and was declared a National Monument in 1954 to preserve its architecture.  With one of the largest town squares in South America, white houses and cobble-stoned streets it is a beautiful place to stroll around and take in the atmosphere.  Nobsa is home to some of the handicrafts including Ruanas (similar to ponchos), which, in the Chibcha language means "Land of Blankets", in reference to the woollen fabrics manufactured by the Muisca Indians.  The Ruana is made from 100% virgin sheep's wool and woven on a loom and its thick, soft (this is debatable) texture is ideal for low temperatures.
Over the weekend the weather wasn't ideal with some rain and overcast skies, but we took pictures anyway!

 Flowers, hedges and stone walls surround homes and streets in Villa de Leyva, adding to the charm of the little town.

The cobblestone streets are beautiful but became testing after a number of days!

The town square - one of the largest in South America.

Restaurants and artisan stores line the square and fill at night on the weekends with tourists from Bogotá and the surrounding cities.

 The Saturday Farmers Market with plenty of fresh produce from around the area.

Breakfast at the farmers' market - rack of lamb, boiled potatoes and yuka - yummmmmmm!

 Tasting the local food is a 'must-do' in the Boyacá region.

A short walk outside of Villa de Leyva brings you to the Pozos Azules (Blue Pools), a stark contrast against the dry and red surrounds. 

 Our campsite for two nights at Renacer Hostal.  

 Night time in Villa de Leyva provided beautiful and majestic walks through town.

 Best barbeque around (in Sogamoso).

The quaint little town of Nobsa, known for its Ruanas and other artisanal goods.

Lago Tota is the second highest lake in Latin America at 3,015 metres above sea level, and has a white sandy beach where, in nice weather is a great place for relaxing, and if you're brave enough - swimming (average water temperature is 13 degrees celsius).  It felt as We sampled beautiful trout and took in the views before heading back to Bogotá.

 Playa Blanca - White Beach - didn't look so white due to the overcast weather.

 The lake is surrounded by farmland.

 The little cottage of Arco Iris, a quaint little hostel and restaurant, serving beautiful trout caught fresh from the lake.

 It felt as if we were in England or Scotland somewhere.