From Villa de Leyva: La Periquera Hiking Tour

La Periquera gives you a quick change of scenery from Villa de Leyva’s grand plaza and stone streets. In less than a day, you move from colonial buildings to a trail beside the Cebada River, three waterfalls, and hills shaped by Boyaca’s varied climate. The 15-meter La Periquera waterfall is the main prize, but the easy walk and river stop make the outing feel relaxed rather than like a hard trek.

I especially like the chance to see three waterfalls in one short outing and the private hotel pickup, which saves you from sorting out transport. The nature lesson can also add real value, particularly when your guide explains the plants and animals along the path. The main caution is the guide language: English is offered, but two bookings had Spanish-only guides, so confirm this before paying if English matters to you.

Key points at a glance

• Three waterfalls along the Cebada River: The route reaches three falls, including La Periquera, which drops about 15 meters.
• A gentle five-hour escape: The hike is described as low difficulty, with most of the activity spent walking outdoors.
• Swimming is part of the fun: Bring a swimsuit and spare clothes for a quick bath in the river or creeks.
• Private transport from Villa de Leyva: Pickup and return are included from hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and points of interest in town.
• Nature interpretation adds depth: Your guide may explain endemic flora, fauna, and local culture as you walk.
• Weather can change the mood: The tour runs in all weather, so rain gear and dry clothing are sensible.

Leaving Villa de Leyva for La Periquera

Villa de Leyva is famous for its historic center, but its surroundings change quickly. The area can shift from dry, almost desert-like ground to misty forest in a short drive. La Periquera is a useful way to see that broader setting without giving up an entire day.

Your guide picks you up anywhere within Villa de Leyva town. That includes hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and other points of interest. Transportation is private, and the drive to the park is short, though the exact driving time is not specified. For you, the practical benefit is simple: no taxi negotiation, no concern about finding the park entrance, and no need to arrange a return ride after getting wet.

The tour lasts about five hours from pickup to return. That makes it easy to fit before or after time in the historic center. If you are planning a longer stay, I would give La Periquera its own half-day rather than trying to squeeze it between several other stops.

Following the trail through Boyaca’s plant life

Once you enter La Periquera Ecological Park, the outing becomes a walking experience. The route passes curious endemic plants before reaching the Cebada River. The supplied description calls the hike smooth and low in difficulty, so this is aimed at people who want outdoor time without a demanding mountain climb.

That does not mean you should treat it like a paved stroll. Most of the tour is walking, and the park operates in all weather. Wet ground, rain, or slippery sections may make the route feel less gentle than it sounds. Wear shoes with a firm grip, and bring clothing that can handle mud or splashes.

The plant and animal information is one of the better reasons to take a guided tour instead of simply finding the park on your own. Miguel, one guide identified by name in the tour feedback, received especially warm praise for explaining what the group saw and for his respect for nature. Another guide was credited with explaining local flora, fauna, and Colombian culture. That kind of interpretation can turn a pretty walk into a more meaningful one.

Still, guide quality may vary. One person felt the guide added little and would have preferred visiting independently. If you already know the park or mainly want a walk to the waterfalls, the private tour may feel more expensive than necessary. If you enjoy asking questions and learning about the setting, the guide has a clearer purpose.

Reaching the three waterfalls

The Cebada River crosses the park and forms several waterfalls. The route allows you to see three of them, giving the walk a sense of progress. You are not simply transported to one viewpoint, take a picture, and leave. The falls arrive as part of a short nature route.

La Periquera is the largest named waterfall, falling about 15 meters. That height gives you the strongest photo stop, but the smaller waterfalls help make the route varied. The surrounding Boyaca hills provide the backdrop, and the changing views give you plenty of opportunities for pictures.

The tour description does not promise a long stop at every waterfall, so you should expect the pace of a guided half-day outing rather than a full photography workshop. If you want time for careful tripod work, birdwatching, or a long picnic, ask about the schedule before booking. Breakfast and lunch are not included, and the five-hour length may work best with a meal before or after the excursion.

The river swim and what to pack

The river stop adds a playful edge to the hike. You can take a quick bath in the clear water of the river and creeks, assuming conditions allow. It is not presented as a long swimming session or a formal water activity. Think of it as a refreshing pause after walking.

Bring a swimsuit and a complete change of clothes. This is not optional advice if you plan to enter the water. A small towel would also be sensible, although one is not listed among the included items. Keep extra purchases to a minimum by carrying what you need before leaving Villa de Leyva.

The water may be cold, and rain can affect the trail and river conditions. The tour runs in all weather, so pack a light waterproof layer even if the morning looks dry. A phone or camera case that can resist splashes will protect the photos you are most likely to take near the falls.

Why the private format matters

This is a private group experience, not a large shared bus outing. That gives you more control over the pace and makes it easier to stop for pictures or ask questions. It also suits couples, families, or friends who want the outing to match their own energy.

Private tours usually ask you to pay more than a basic shared excursion. At $76 per person, the value depends on what you want from the day. The price includes a private guide, private transportation, entry to La Periquera, and all-risk insurance. It does not include food or extra purchases.

For someone who would otherwise need to arrange transport, park admission, and a guide separately, the package is convenient. For an independent hiker who can reach the park easily and does not need interpretation, the cost may feel high. One Canadian booking described the amount as excessive for the length and simplicity of the hike. That is a fair concern, especially if your main goal is only to see the waterfalls.

The strongest value comes when you use the guide well. Ask about the plants, local wildlife, the river, and the cultural setting. If you only follow the path silently, you may not get as much from the private format.

Guide language deserves a careful check

The tour is offered in Spanish and English. However, the actual guide assigned to your booking may not always match the language requested. Two people specifically had trouble with Spanish-only guiding after asking for English. One companion had to translate throughout the outing, which made the experience tiring instead of restful.

This is the clearest practical issue in the feedback. Confirm the guide language before finalizing your plans, and repeat the request if English is important to you. Do not assume that selecting English guarantees an English-speaking guide on the day.

The positive side is that Spanish-speaking guides can still be warm and capable. Miguel was praised for being friendly, professional, and strong on nature explanations. The problem is not necessarily the quality of the guide. It is the mismatch between the promised language and the guide you receive.

Photos, weather, and the feel of the day

La Periquera is well suited to a camera. You can photograph the river, the three waterfalls, the hills, the trail, and the plants along the route. The scenery has enough variety to keep the five hours from feeling like one repeated view.

Rain does not automatically ruin the outing. One booking went ahead in wet weather, and the guides kept a good attitude while taking time to explain the surroundings. Rain may even change the appearance of the falls. But it can also make walking less comfortable, so bring a rain layer and protect your electronics.

The tour is best for you if you like active sightseeing with a relaxed pace. You should be comfortable spending most of five hours outdoors and walking in changing conditions. The low difficulty makes it accessible to people who want a manageable hike, but the available information does not give a distance, elevation gain, or accessibility details. If you need those specifics, ask before booking.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend La Periquera to anyone who has already allowed time for Villa de Leyva’s historic center and wants a clear change of pace. It is also a good choice if you want a nature day without committing to a long or difficult trek.

The tour fits:

• Couples looking for waterfalls and easy photo stops
• Families and friends who prefer a private outing
• Visitors who enjoy learning about plants, animals, and Colombian culture
• People who want a short swim during a walking tour
• First-time visitors who prefer door-to-door transport

It is less convincing for independent hikers who can arrange their own ride, need only a quick waterfall visit, or want to spend the day walking alone. It is also a poor match if you dislike wet weather, river swimming, or uncertain trail conditions.

Booking, cancellation, and practical planning

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. The tour starts at several possible times, depending on availability. Pickup is included within Villa de Leyva town, but the information does not specify pickup outside town.

Entry to the ecological park, private transportation, the guide, and all-risk insurance are included. Breakfast, lunch, and personal purchases are not. Plan your meals around the five-hour schedule rather than expecting food at the park.

The most important preparation is simple:

• Wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
• Bring a swimsuit and spare clothes.
• Carry protection from rain.
• Keep valuables and electronics safe around the water.
• Confirm whether your guide will speak English or Spanish.
• Ask about the exact route if you need details on distance or terrain.

The overall score is 4.5 out of 5 from 10 verified bookings. The strongest praise centers on the scenery, waterfalls, guide attitude, and nature explanations. The lower scores focus on guide language and the price compared with the fairly simple hike. That gives you a clear way to judge the tour: it is not just a waterfall transfer, but its value depends on receiving the right guide and making use of the interpretation.

Should you book La Periquera?

Book it if you want an easy half-day in nature, private pickup, three waterfalls, and a chance to swim near Villa de Leyva. The scenery is the main attraction, and the route offers much more variety than another morning among colonial streets.

Before booking, confirm the guide language and decide if $76 per person feels fair for convenience, park entry, insurance, transport, and a private guide. If those features matter, La Periquera is a practical and enjoyable add-on. If you are an independent hiker who only wants the trail, you may prefer to arrange the visit yourself.

FAQ

Where does the La Periquera tour take place?

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

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts five hours, including pickup and return to your accommodation or another point within Villa de Leyva town.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $76 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Is the hike difficult?

The tour is described as a smooth hike with a low level of difficulty. Most of the experience involves walking, and the tour operates in all weather conditions.

Can I swim during the tour?

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

How many waterfalls will I see?

The route includes three waterfalls. One of them is La Periquera, which is about 15 meters high.

Is the tour available in English?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish. Because some bookings received Spanish-only guides after requesting English, confirm the guide language before your tour.

What is included in the price?

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