The Fossil Museum in Villa de Leyva: Location, Hours, Prices and Complete Guide

If you're looking for a unique and fascinating experience in Colombia, you can't miss the Community Museum El Fósil in Villa de Leyva. This museum houses one of the best-preserved fossils in the region, a Kronosaurus that is over 110 million years old.

Can you imagine being face to face with the remains of a creature that swam in the seas of prehistoric times? In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know to make the most of your visit. Get ready for a trip to the past you will never forget!

Where is the Community Museum El Fósil Located?

The Community Museum El Fósil is just 5 km from Villa de Leyva, a charming colonial town in Boyacá, Colombia, famous for its cobblestone streets and beautiful landscapes. Located on the route to Santa Sofía, this museum is in a rural setting surrounded by mountains, offering a

How to Get to the Museum the Fossil Villa de Leyva?

To get to the Community Museum El Fósil, you must first go to Villa de Leyva, which is approximately 3 hours from Bogotá, the capital of Colombia.

From Bogotá: Take a bus at the Bogotá Transport Terminal to Villa de Leyva. The trip takes about 3 and a half hours and costs $39,000 COP Once in Villa de Leyva, you can take a taxi or a tour to the museum

In Villa de Leyva: At the transport terminal, look for buses to Santa Sofía or the Museum El Fósil. The ticket costs approximately $5,000 COP and the journey takes about 10 minutes, but the buses have fixed schedules and leave every 1 or 2 hours.

Taxi: If you prefer to save time, a good option is to take a public taxi; the round trip costs around $25,000 COP (we chose this option for practicality).

Schedule and Price of the Museum the Fossil

• Schedule: The museum is open from Monday to Sunday, usually from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Entrance fee: The entrance fee is approximately $10,000 COP for adults and $5,000 COP for children.

Hotels in Villa de Leyva

If you plan to travel between today and September 30, 2025 , by booking through Booking with Mochiliante, you can get a 20% discount or more on your next getaway by clicking here

Villa de Leyva has a wide variety of accommodations. Below, we recommend three good options we found

• Glamping Taida Chalet: Surrounded by gardens and with a cozy terrace, this mountain chalet in Villa de Leyva offers free wifi and beautiful garden views. It is located just a 6-minute walk from the Carmen Museum and 500 meters from the Plaza de Armas, in the heart of the city. Click to book

  

• Casa Bretonne B&B: 9 minutes from the Plaza de Armas, this bed and breakfast has a garden, terrace, free wifi and parking. All rooms include a private bathroom with shower and toiletries. Click to book

  

• Apartahotel Balcones de Nariño 2: 3 minutes from the Plaza de Armas and 500 meters from the Carmen Museum in Villa de Leyva, this aparthotel offers free wifi and flat-screen TV. It is located 28 km from the Iguaque National Park and 6.6 km from the Gondava Park. Click to book

  

What to Do at the Community Museum El Fósil?

The Museum El Fósil offers an incredible educational experience. Here are some must-do activities during your visit:

1. Observe the Kronosaurus fossil

The star of the museum is the almost complete fossil of a kronosaurus boyacensis, a giant marine reptile that lived over 110 million years ago. This fossil measures about 7 meters long and is one of the best-preserved pieces in the world.

2. Explore the collection of marine fossils

In addition to the Kronosaurus, the museum exhibits fossils of ammonites, bivalves, and other marine organisms that inhabited this region when it was a prehistoric sea.

3. Educational workshops

Some days, the museum organizes workshops and activities for children and adults where you can learn more about paleontology and the history of fossils.

4. Photographs

Don't forget your camera or cell phone, as the museum allows you to take pictures of the fossils. In addition, the landscape around the museum is ideal for capturing impressive images.

Recommendations for Your Visit

• Comfortable clothes: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as the weather in Villa de Leyva can vary. Bring a light jacket, especially if you visit in the early morning hours.

• Sun protection: The region is quite sunny. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap.

• Hydration: Bring water, especially if you decide to do the tour by bike or walking from the town.

• Cash: Although some places accept cards, it is advisable to bring cash to pay for the museum entrance and other minor expenses.

  

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take to tour the museum?

  A typical tour takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how much time you want to dedicate to each exhibit.

• Can you take photos in the museum?

  Yes, photos are allowed, although it is recommended not to use flash.

• Is it suitable for children?

  Of course! The museum is ideal for families; children love to see the huge fossil and learn about prehistory.

• What other attractions are nearby?

  Near the museum are the Terracota House, the Infiernito and the Plaza Mayor of Villa de Leyva, one of the largest and oldest in Latin America.

• What is the best time to visit?

  Villa de Leyva receives visitors all year round. January and December are the busiest months, so if you are looking for tranquility, visit during the week and avoid holidays.

  

Visiting the Community Museum El Fósil in Villa de Leyva is a unique experience that combines nature and science. From the imposing Kronosaurus fossil to the mountainous landscapes, every corner will transport you to the prehistoric world. Good luck on your adventure, Backpacker! (Mochiliante) 😁🫡😉