From Villa de Leyva: La Periquera Hiking Tour

Waterfalls make a fine change of pace. La Periquera Hiking Tour gives you a short, easygoing escape from Villa de Leyva’s stone streets and grand plaza. In about five hours, you’ll ride to La Periquera Ecological Park, follow a trail through Boyacá scenery, see three waterfalls, and get time for a quick swim in the Cebada River.

I like the private hotel pickup and drop-off, which keeps this outing simple, and I like the chance to learn about local plants and animals instead of merely walking past them. The main caution is language: although the tour is sold with English and Spanish guiding, some bookings have been handled by Spanish-only guides. At $76 per person, the price also deserves a close look if you mainly want a walk and a waterfall.

Key points at a glance

• Three waterfalls in one short outing: The Cebada River crosses La Periquera Park, including the 15-meter La Periquera waterfall.
• A gentle nature break from town: The hike has a low level of difficulty, though most of the five-hour experience is on foot.
• River swimming is part of the fun: Bring a swimsuit and extra clothes for a quick bath in the clear river and creeks.
• Private transport saves effort: Pickup and return are included anywhere within Villa de Leyva town.
• A guide can add real value: The best guiding includes local flora, fauna, and Colombian culture, with Miguel receiving especially warm praise.
• Weather matters: The tour runs in all conditions, so wet trails and rain are possible.

Leaving Villa de Leyva for La Periquera

Villa de Leyva is famous for its colonial architecture and huge main square, but its surroundings change quickly. Within a short drive, you can move from dry, almost desert-like ground to cooler, misty forest. La Periquera gives you a good look at that less famous side of the area.

The tour begins with pickup at your hotel, hostel, vacation rental, or another point within Villa de Leyva town. Since the transportation is private, you do not need to find a meeting point or arrange a taxi to the park. That convenience matters most if you have only one free day in town or prefer not to manage local transport on your own.

The total outing lasts five hours. That includes the drive, entry to La Periquera, the walk, time near the waterfalls, a river stop, and the ride back. You should think of this as a half-day nature trip rather than a full mountain trek.

The trail through Boyacá’s plant life

Once you arrive, you enter a trail lined with local plants. The tour includes a short lesson about endemic flora and fauna, which can turn an ordinary walk into a more observant one. I like this part because it gives the scenery some context. You are not only looking for the next waterfall. You are also learning what grows here and what makes this part of Boyacá different from the dry country around Villa de Leyva.

The route is described as low difficulty, so it should suit you if you want fresh air and scenery without committing to a demanding hike. Still, low difficulty does not mean effortless. Most of the tour involves walking, and the park operates in all weather. Mud, wet rocks, or slippery ground are possible after rain.

A German visitor specifically found the guides upbeat and willing to explain things despite rainy weather. That is useful to know: the outing does not depend on perfect sunshine to work. In fact, rain may make the waterfalls more dramatic, but it also makes sensible shoes and extra clothing more important.

The trail provides plenty of places to stop for photographs. You can expect views of the hills, the river, the falls, and the surrounding Boyacá countryside. Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from splashes and rain. The scenery is one of the strongest reasons to book this trip.

Three waterfalls along the Cebada River

The Cebada River is the main feature of La Periquera Park. It crosses the area and forms several waterfalls, with the tour visiting three of them. The largest named fall is La Periquera, which drops about 15 meters.

Seeing three falls in one short walk gives the outing a useful rhythm. You are not driven to one viewpoint, handed a few minutes for photographs, and taken back to town. Instead, the water follows you through the park, with different views and stops along the route.

The waterfalls are also where the tour feels most rewarding for people who want an active break from sightseeing. You can pause, take photographs, listen to the water, and enjoy the cooler air. The exact conditions can change with rain, so the sound and flow of the river may be different from one visit to another.

I would keep expectations sensible. This is not presented as a long wilderness expedition or a remote expedition into the mountains. It is a compact waterfall walk close enough to Villa de Leyva for a half-day visit. That makes it easy to fit before or after time in the historic center.

A quick swim in the river

The tour includes a chance to bathe in the river and creeks. You should bring a swimsuit and a full change of clothes, even if you are not sure you will swim. The water is described as clear and refreshing, which sounds appealing after walking, though it may feel cold.

Swimming is a bonus rather than the whole purpose of the outing. The description calls it a quick, fun stop, so do not book this expecting hours at a swimming hole. You will have time to cool off and enjoy the water, then continue the route.

Take care with your belongings. The provided information does not state that changing rooms, lockers, or towel service are available, so pack lightly and keep valuables secure. A small waterproof bag would be sensible, especially on a rainy day or near the falls.

What the guide adds to the walk

The guide can make a major difference here. A good escort explains the plants, animals, waterfalls, and local culture, giving the walk more substance than a self-guided visit. Miguel is singled out for being friendly, professional, and deeply interested in nature. Another strong account describes a guide who explained local flora, fauna, and Colombian culture in a way that made the trail more meaningful.

That said, the language arrangement needs attention. The activity is offered in English and Spanish, but at least two bookings involved Spanish-only guides despite an English request. In both cases, the guides themselves were praised, but the language mismatch created a real problem. One person had to translate for a companion throughout the outing, which is not a relaxing way to spend a holiday.

If you need English guiding, confirm this directly before departure. Do not assume that selecting English guarantees an English-speaking guide on the day. If you speak Spanish, or if someone in your party can translate comfortably, this concern is much smaller.

The group is private, another helpful feature. You are not placed with an unknown busload of people, and the pace can be more personal. The supplied information does not state the maximum number of participants, so ask the provider if group size matters to you.

Is $76 a fair price?

The cost is $76 per person. That includes a private Gran Colombia Tours guide, private transportation from and back to your accommodation, entry to La Periquera, and all-risk insurance. Breakfast, lunch, and personal purchases are not included.

The price makes more sense if you value convenience and explanation. You are paying for door-to-door transport, a private group, park admission, and someone who can point out plants and animals you might miss alone. If you do not have your own vehicle, that transport can be the most useful part of the package.

The value is less clear if you mainly want access to the park and a short walk. One Canadian booking felt the outing was expensive for what it offered and believed the park could be visited independently. That is a fair criticism, especially for confident walkers who can arrange transport, entry, and route details without help.

I would judge the price this way:

• Good value for you: You want private transport, a planned half-day, a guide, and no need to organize the park yourself.
• Questionable value for you: You already have a car, prefer self-guided walks, or do not care about explanations of plants and wildlife.
• Best value: You receive the requested language, take advantage of the guide’s knowledge, swim, and spend time enjoying the scenery rather than rushing.

The overall score is 4.5 out of 5 from 10 ratings, with especially strong marks for scenery, waterfalls, guide attitude, and natural interpretation. The lower marks focus on price and language delivery, not on the beauty of La Periquera itself.

Weather, clothing, and trail comfort

This tour operates in all weather, and most of the experience is walking. Pack for a damp outdoor outing, even if Villa de Leyva looks sunny when you leave.

Bring:

• A swimsuit
• Extra dry clothes
• Comfortable shoes with good grip
• A light rain layer
• A towel
• Protection for your phone or camera
• Water and any personal snacks you may need

Breakfast and lunch are not included, so plan around the five-hour schedule. The available details do not specify meal stops or food service. You may want to eat before pickup and carry water, especially since the activity is active and food is not part of the price.

The trail is described as low difficulty, but the park’s natural surfaces may still be uneven. If you dislike wet paths, swimming, or changing weather, this may not be your ideal Villa de Leyva outing. If you enjoy a little mud and do not need polished paths, the conditions are part of the appeal.

Who will enjoy this half-day outing?

This tour fits you best if you want to add nature to a stay focused on Villa de Leyva’s historic center. It is also a good choice if you have one extra day and want something active without signing up for a hard hike.

Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the low difficulty, though the information does not give a minimum age or specific child policy. Ask before booking if you are bringing young children. The river stop also gives the day a playful element for anyone who enjoys swimming.

Nature lovers will get the most from the outing, especially if you enjoy learning names and details rather than simply taking photographs. The guide’s explanation of endemic species can be a real advantage. Photographers will also find repeated opportunities around the river, falls, and hills.

Independent hikers should think twice. If you are comfortable arranging your own transport and entering the park without a guide, the $76 price may feel high. The private service is most useful when you value ease, local interpretation, and a set plan.

How La Periquera fits into a Villa de Leyva trip

I would place this tour before or after your time in the historic center. It gives you a change from architecture, cafés, and paved streets without taking up a full day.

After a morning walking Villa de Leyva, the park can provide fresh air and moving water. Before beginning a longer Colombia itinerary, it offers an easy introduction to Boyacá’s outdoor side. The contrast is the point: dry surroundings near town can give way to river valleys, waterfalls, and thicker plant life surprisingly quickly.

Do not treat La Periquera as a substitute for Villa de Leyva itself. The park does not replace the town’s history, buildings, or plaza. It adds another reason to stay an extra day.

Should you book La Periquera Hiking Tour?

Book it if you want a well-organized private nature trip with hotel pickup, three waterfalls, a short swim, and a guide who can explain local life. The scenery receives the strongest praise, and the outing offers a pleasant change from Villa de Leyva’s historic streets.

Before paying, confirm that your guide will speak the language you requested. Also ask yourself if private transport and interpretation are worth $76 per person. If yes, this is a practical and enjoyable half-day. If you are an independent walker with your own transport, visiting La Periquera alone may offer better value.

FAQ

Where does the La Periquera Hiking Tour take place?

The tour takes place at La Periquera Ecological Park in Colombia’s Boyacá Department, a short drive from Villa de Leyva.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts five hours, including transportation from Villa de Leyva, the park visit, hiking, waterfall stops, swimming time, and the return journey.

How difficult is the hike?

The route is described as having a low level of difficulty. However, most of the activity involves walking and it operates in all weather conditions.

How many waterfalls will I see?

You will have the opportunity to see three waterfalls along the Cebada River. One of them, La Periquera, is about 15 meters high.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The itinerary includes a quick chance to swim or bathe in the clear waters of the river and creeks. Bring a swimsuit and extra clothes.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Private hotel pickup and drop-off are included for locations within Villa de Leyva town, including hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and points of interest.

Is the tour private?

Yes. The activity is offered for a private group rather than as a shared group experience.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in Spanish and English. Since some bookings have received Spanish-only guiding after requesting English, confirm the guide’s language before departure if this is important to you.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Breakfast and lunch are not included, and extra purchases are also excluded from the price.