With a population of less than 10k & boasting one of the biggest main plazas in the Americas that’s dominated by this unbelievably picturesque old cathedral, that also happens to hold coffee shops, restos & bars, set against an imposing backdrop of foothills, Villa de Leyva gives Barichara a run for its money. I’m going to go out on a limb here & opine that Barichara is overall a slightly more charming, peaceful town but Villa de Leyva’s grand plaza is hands down the most impressive view in either town. It just begs to you to sit at one of its many surrounding cafes & have a beer or jugo naturales. 
Arriving the way I did was not easy as it required 3 different buses from Barichara, but for most people it’s an easy 4hr direct bus ride from Bogota (my next destination). I arrived on a Sunday so I was able to see the bustling main plaza & town still teeming with Bogotanos in visiting for the weekend. They had clearly all returned Sunday night bc Monday morning it seemed I had the town to myself but for locals buzzing about.