Villa de Leyva Fossils, the Hidden Treasure of Colombia

You may have heard of Villa de Leyva, a magnificent colonial town nestled in the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes, at the heart of Colombia. Renowned for its historical center, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1967, Villa de Leyva also harbors a hidden treasure: its subsoil, known as the “Paja” geological formation, abundant in fossils.

Indeed, beneath the town and its surroundings lie countless fossils, remnants of the Cretaceous period. As such, Villa de Leyva stands as Colombia’s paleontological epicenter and a dream destination for fossil enthusiasts.

Fossils of Villa de Leyva, a geological miracle

The high concentration of fossils in Villa de Leyva can be traced back to its geological history. During the Cretaceous period, which spanned from approximately 145 to 66 million years ago, the area was submerged under the sea.

As the Andean Mountain range emerged, between ten and six million years ago, the sea withdrew, leaving behind a treasure of thousands of fossils that have remained in perfect condition for millions of years.

Indeed, the “Paja” geological formation stands out as the richest site in Colombia for fossils. Notably, it shelters a great variety of marine reptile fossils and ammonites. To illustrate the abundance of fossils found in the region, it is worth mentioning that locals have even constructed entire walls with fossils embedded in them.

Kronosaurus and other amazing fossils

Remarkably well-preserved, the most renowned fossil is undoubtedly the Monquirasaurus boyacensis, colloquially known as the Kronosaurus, a marine reptile that could reach lengths of nine to ten meters (30 to 33 feet). Discovered in 1977 by a local farmer, it is to this day the most complete fossil skeleton found of the species.

It is exhibited in the Fossil Museum, which was literally constructed around the find. In this Museum, accessible for only five dollars (20 000 COP), one can also find a perfectly conserved ichthyosaur fossil, along with prehistorical fish and shellfish.

For those eager to extend their journey into prehistory, the nearby Paleontological Research Center displays an almost complete Plesiosaur fossil, another marine reptile, that could measure up to 15 meters (49 feet) in length.