From Villa de Leyva: La Periquera Hiking Tour

La Periquera gives you a quick change of scene from Villa de Leyva’s stone streets to a trail of waterfalls, river pools, and open Boyaca views. The main reward is the chance to see three waterfalls, including the 15-meter La Periquera fall, without giving up a full day.

I like the easy walking pace and the chance to stop for a short swim in the Cebada River. I also like the nature focus: a good guide can point out endemic plants and explain how the area fits into local life. The main thing to check is the guide language. English is offered, but some bookings have received a Spanish-speaking guide, which can be a real problem if you do not speak Spanish.

Key points to know before you book

• Three waterfalls on one short trail: The route follows the Cebada River and reaches three falls, including the 15-meter La Periquera waterfall.
• A gentle outdoor break: The hike is described as low difficulty, but most of the five-hour outing is on foot and goes ahead in all weather.
• Swimming is part of the fun: Bring a swimsuit and dry clothes for a quick bath in the river or creeks.
• Private transport from Villa de Leyva: Pickup and drop-off are included at hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and points of interest within town.
• Nature explanations add value: Guides such as Miguel have explained local flora, fauna, and Colombian culture well.
• Language needs careful checking: Spanish and English are listed, but two bookings reported Spanish-only guiding.

From Villa de Leyva’s plaza to open Boyaca country

Villa de Leyva is famous for its grand square, whitewashed buildings, and colonial streets. Yet the town’s setting is just as interesting. Within a short drive, you can pass from dry, almost desert-like ground to cooler hills and misty forest.

La Periquera is a useful way to see that less familiar side of the region. It is close enough for a half-day outing, so you do not need to sacrifice your time in the historic center. You can schedule it before exploring town, after your main sightseeing, or as an extra morning or afternoon during a longer stay.

The private pickup matters here. You do not need to arrange separate transport to the park or work out where to meet a group. The operator collects you anywhere within Villa de Leyva town, including hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and other points of interest.

The outing lasts about five hours. That includes the drive, park entry, walking, explanations, photo stops, and the river break. Exact starting times depend on availability, so check the time before booking if you have a bus, meal, or other tour planned later.

Entering La Periquera Ecological Park

Once you arrive, the tour enters La Periquera Ecological Park and follows a trail through local vegetation. The route is not presented as a hard mountain trek. It is a smooth walk with a low level of difficulty, making it a good choice if you want nature without signing up for a demanding hike.

Still, low difficulty does not mean effortless. Most of the tour is walking, and the path can feel different after rain. The activity runs in all weather conditions, so footwear with a solid grip is a sensible choice. You should also be comfortable walking on an outdoor trail rather than a smooth town pavement.

The first part of the route gives the guide room to explain the plants and animals around you. This is where the private format can be useful. A guide can set the pace for your group and stop when you have a question or see something worth discussing.

The quality of this part depends heavily on the person leading the walk. Miguel received especially strong praise for explaining what the group saw and for showing clear respect for nature. Another guide was described as very well informed about local plants, wildlife, and Colombian culture.

That said, you should confirm the language when you reserve. Spanish and English are listed as available languages, but at least two bookings had an English request followed by a Spanish-speaking guide. If you need English, ask the operator to confirm that an English-speaking guide is assigned, rather than relying only on the general language label.

Following the Cebada River to the waterfalls

The trail eventually reaches the Cebada riverbed. The river crosses the park and shapes the route, creating several falls and natural pools. Water becomes the main feature here, replacing the quiet plant walk with rushing sounds, rock formations, and better photo angles.

You will see three waterfalls during the outing. The largest named fall is La Periquera, which drops about 15 meters. It is the visual high point of the route, but the smaller falls help make the walk feel varied rather than like a single viewpoint with a long approach.

This is a good place to slow down. The park offers open views of the surrounding Boyaca hills, plus close views of the water and rock. You can take photographs from several points along the trail, although the exact conditions will change with weather and water flow.

I would keep your camera or phone protected from splashes and rain. The tour is outdoors in all conditions, and the river section is not the place to carry delicate gear without care. A small waterproof pouch is a practical addition, even though it is not supplied as part of the tour.

The setting is attractive because it feels different from Villa de Leyva itself. You get a short nature outing rather than another architectural stop. If you have only seen the town center, La Periquera adds hills, water, plants, and a more active part of the region.

The river swim: short, refreshing, and optional in spirit

The tour includes an opportunity to bathe in the clear water of the river. The swimming time is described as quick and refreshing, not as a long beach-style break. Think of it as a cool reward during the walk.

Bring a swimsuit and extra clothes. This is the most useful packing advice for the tour. Even if you decide not to swim, wet conditions, rain, or splashes can make spare clothing welcome.

The supplied information does not give water temperature, depth, or a detailed safety description for the pools. Use common sense at the river and follow your guide’s instructions. The all-risk insurance included with the tour is reassuring, but it does not turn a natural river into a controlled swimming facility.

The swim also affects the timing. Five hours is enough for the hike and a brief bath, but this is not an all-day picnic beside the water. Breakfast and lunch are not included, so plan food around the departure time. Extra purchases are also your responsibility.

How much value do you get for $76?

At $76 per person, the tour costs more than simply finding your own way to the park. The price includes a private guide, private hotel transport, park entry, and all-risk insurance. Those inclusions make the cost easier to understand, especially if you value door-to-door service and do not want to arrange transport separately.

The private group is another part of the value. You are not placed into a large shared outing, and the guide can focus on your party. That is useful for families, couples, or friends who want to set a relaxed walking pace and stop for photos.

The price is less compelling if you are confident arranging local transport and mainly want to walk the trail on your own. One booking felt the route could be done independently and did not find the guide useful. That is a fair concern, particularly if you do not need nature interpretation or private pickup.

For me, the tour makes the most sense when you want convenience and explanation, not just entry to a waterfall park. A good guide adds context about endemic flora and fauna, and the return transport keeps the half-day simple. The value drops if the language match is wrong or if you prefer independent hiking.

The guide can make or break the outing

The strongest part of this experience is the guide when the match works. Miguel was praised for being friendly, professional, and able to explain the plants and scenery in a clear way. Another guide earned high marks for combining nature information with details about Colombian culture.

The guide also helps with the practical side of the trail. You have someone who knows the park route, points out the waterfalls, and helps you move through the river section. That can make a short hike feel more meaningful than a walk taken without context.

But language is not a minor detail here. One French-speaking booking described the guide as friendly but Spanish-only, while another booking said the Spanish guide was excellent but required constant translation for a companion. The issue was not the guide’s attitude. It was the mismatch between the requested and delivered language.

If English interpretation matters to you, contact Gran Colombia Tours before paying and ask for direct confirmation. The tour lists Spanish and English, but the actual assignment should be checked. This is the single most important caution in the available feedback.

Weather, clothing, and trail readiness

La Periquera operates in all weather. Rain does not automatically cancel the outing, and one wet-day experience still went well because the guides kept a good attitude and took time to explain the area.

That does not mean you should dress as if conditions will stay dry. Wear clothes you can walk in comfortably, bring a swimsuit, and pack a full change of clothes. Shoes should be suited to a damp outdoor trail.

You will want protection for your phone and camera. The waterfalls and river provide the best images of the day, but rain and spray are part of the setting. Pack light enough for walking, while keeping essentials secure.

The activity is not described as accessible or suitable for people with limited mobility. Since most of the tour is walking on a natural trail, ask the operator about current trail conditions if you have mobility concerns or need a firm surface.

Who will enjoy this five-hour outing?

I would choose this tour if you want an active break from Villa de Leyva but do not want a strenuous trek. It suits people who enjoy waterfalls, short nature walks, simple photo stops, and a brief swim.

It is also a good fit for visitors with only one spare half-day. You get a different view of Boyaca without moving hotels or committing to a long expedition. Families and private groups may appreciate the flexible pace, though the supplied information does not give a specific minimum age or child policy.

Nature learners should pay close attention to the guide choice. The best version of the tour includes explanations of endemic plants and animals, not just directions from one waterfall to the next.

Independent hikers may prefer to visit on their own if transport is easy for them to arrange and they do not need interpretation. At $76, the tour is buying you more than admission, but not everyone will find the private guide and vehicle worth the added cost.

Booking details that matter

Pickup and drop-off are included within Villa de Leyva town. That covers hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and points of interest, which makes the tour convenient for most people staying in town.

The price is $76 per person, and the outing takes five hours. Breakfast, lunch, and personal purchases are not included, so allow time and money for food outside the tour.

Spanish and English are the listed languages, and the experience is for a private group. Confirm the guide language in writing if anyone in your party does not speak Spanish.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold the booking without paying immediately, which is useful when your Villa de Leyva plans are still changing.

Should you book La Periquera?

Book it if you want an easy, well-organized nature outing with private transport, three waterfalls, and a chance to swim. The scenery is the strongest reason to go, while the guide can add real value through plant, wildlife, and cultural explanations.

I would be more cautious if you are mainly looking for the cheapest way into the park, or if you have limited walking ability. Most important, confirm the language of your guide before booking. With that point settled, La Periquera is a worthwhile half-day addition to Villa de Leyva, especially for anyone who wants to trade colonial streets for river sounds and Boyaca hills.

FAQ

Where does the La Periquera Hiking Tour take place?

The tour takes place at La Periquera Ecological Park in Boyaca Department, near Villa de Leyva. The trail follows the Cebada River and reaches three waterfalls.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts five hours, including transportation from Villa de Leyva, the hike, waterfall visits, and the river swimming opportunity.

What is the price?

The price is $76 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included in private transportation from hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and points of interest within Villa de Leyva town.

Is the hike difficult?

The hike is described as low difficulty, but most of the activity is walking on an outdoor trail. It operates in all weather conditions.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. You have the opportunity to take a quick, refreshing bath in the river or creeks. Bring a swimsuit and extra clothes.

What languages are available?

Spanish and English are listed as available languages. If you need an English-speaking guide, confirm the assignment with Gran Colombia Tours before booking.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a private Gran Colombia Tours guide, private hotel pickup and drop-off, entry to La Periquera, and all-risk insurance. Breakfast, lunch, and extra purchases are not included.