From Villa de Leyva: La Periquera Hiking Tour

Waterfalls are Villa de Leyva’s wild side. This five-hour private outing takes you from the town to La Periquera Ecological Park, where a gentle trail crosses Boyaca scenery, local plants, three waterfalls, and the Cebada River. I especially like the easygoing pace and the chance to swim in clear river water. The main caution is guide language: English is offered, but several bookings were handled by Spanish-speaking guides, so confirm this before you pay.

I also like that hotel pickup, transport, park entry, and insurance are included. That makes this a simple half-day escape, especially if you do not want to arrange a local taxi or figure out the park on your own. At $76 per person, it is not the cheapest way to see a waterfall, and the value depends heavily on receiving the promised English guide if you need one.

Key points at a glance

• Three waterfalls on one short route: The trail follows the Cebada River and reaches three falls, including the 15-meter La Periquera waterfall.
• A gentle nature outing: The hike is described as low difficulty, but most of the five-hour tour involves walking and can be wet in poor weather.
• A real swimming stop: You can take a quick bath in the river and creeks, so bring a swimsuit and dry clothes.
• Private transport from Villa de Leyva: Pickup and drop-off are included at hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and points of interest within town.
• Useful nature interpretation: The guide may explain endemic plants, animals, and Colombian culture along the way.
• English needs confirming: The activity lists English and Spanish, but some bookings received Spanish-only guiding.

Why La Periquera makes a good break from Villa de Leyva

Villa de Leyva is famous for its grand plaza, whitewashed buildings, and historic streets. Yet the countryside around town changes quickly. Within a short drive, you can move from dry, almost desert-like ground to cooler forest and running water.

La Periquera gives you a chance to see that change without committing to a full-day expedition. The park is close enough to fit before or after your time in the historic center, though the five-hour duration deserves a proper half-day slot in your plans.

I would choose this outing after spending time in town, when you are ready for open air and a little mud. It also works well near the start of a longer Boyaca trip because it gives you an introduction to the area’s plants, waterways, and hills.

The attraction is not a single grand viewpoint. It is the combination of a walk, three falls, river sounds, changing vegetation, and time outside. That makes the experience feel more like a small country outing than a standard sightseeing transfer.

The private ride from town

Pickup is available anywhere within Villa de Leyva town, including hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and points of interest. Gran Colombia Tours provides private transportation, so you are not joining a large shared bus or waiting for a long list of unrelated stops.

That private format matters here. The tour lasts only five hours, and direct transport helps preserve time for the park. It also makes the outing easier if you are carrying a change of clothes, a towel, or wet shoes after the river stop.

The starting time is not fixed in the information provided. You need to check availability for the date you want. That is worth doing before arranging other plans, particularly if you want to visit Villa de Leyva’s historic center on the same day.

A private group can also make the walk feel less rushed. You can ask questions, stop for photos, and set a comfortable pace within the limits of the route and guide. The experience is still active, though. This is not a drive-up waterfall visit with only a few steps from the vehicle.

Following the trail into La Periquera Park

Once you enter La Periquera Ecological Park, the outing becomes a walking tour through local vegetation. The path passes curious endemic plants, and the guide may explain what you are seeing rather than simply leading you from one waterfall to the next.

That nature lesson is one of the strongest reasons to book the organized tour. A self-guided walk may show you the same trees, plants, and river bends, but you could easily miss their importance. The guide can add context about local flora and fauna, and some guides have also explained parts of Colombian culture.

Guide quality appears to vary by person and language. Miguel received especially strong praise for his friendly manner, professionalism, and ability to explain the natural surroundings. Another booking described a guide who stayed upbeat in the rain and took time to explain the area.

Still, you should confirm the language in advance. The activity is offered in Spanish and English, but some people who requested English were paired with Spanish-speaking guides. If you do not speak Spanish, that can change the experience considerably because the nature interpretation is a major part of the value.

The Cebada River and three waterfalls

The trail eventually reaches the Cebada riverbed. The river cuts through the park and forms several falls, with three included on this route.

The best-known is La Periquera, a waterfall about 15 meters high. It is the visual centerpiece of the walk, but the other two falls help make the route feel varied rather than like a single viewpoint followed by a return walk.

This is a good place to slow down and take photos. The moving water, rock formations, surrounding hills, and changing plant life create plenty of natural backdrops. The scenery was one of the most praised parts of the outing, with particularly strong reactions to the views and the waterfalls.

The park is not presented as a difficult mountain trek. The route is described as smooth and low difficulty, which suits visitors who want a nature outing without a demanding climb. Even so, low difficulty does not mean city walking. Much of the tour is on foot, and wet conditions can make any trail more tiring.

The tour operates in all weather. Rain may add atmosphere and make the falls more dramatic, but it can also make the route less comfortable. One particularly positive experience took place in rainy conditions, with the guides keeping a good attitude and continuing to explain the area. You should still dress for the forecast and accept that the ground may be wet.

A quick swim in the river

The river stop adds a playful element that many waterfall walks lack. You can take a refreshing bath in the clear water of the river and creeks, provided conditions allow the activity during your visit.

This is not presented as a long swimming session. Think of it as a quick chance to cool off and enjoy the setting. The water may be refreshing in the full sense of the word, so do not expect a warm pool.

Bring a swimsuit and extra clothes. That advice is especially important because the tour combines possible rain with river swimming. A small towel and a bag for damp clothing would also be sensible, although only the swimsuit and extra clothes are specifically recommended.

If you prefer to stay dry, you can still enjoy the waterfalls and river views without treating the swim as the main purpose of the outing. The walk and scenery carry the experience. The water stop simply gives it a more active finish.

What the $76 price really covers

The price is $76 per person. Included are a private guide from Gran Colombia Tours, private hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance to La Periquera, and all-risk insurance.

That package is more useful than the headline price first suggests. You are paying for transport, admission, a guide, and the convenience of a private group. If you would otherwise need to arrange transport to the park, pay entry separately, and find your way along the trail, the extra cost buys simplicity.

The price is harder to justify if you only want to see the waterfalls and do not care about guiding. One booking specifically felt that the route could have been done independently and that the cost was too high for the amount of hiking. That is a fair concern.

I would see the value this way:

• Good value for: visitors who want private transport, a guide, park entry, and a half-day plan arranged in advance.
• Less convincing for: confident independent walkers, budget-conscious visitors, or anyone who mainly wants a quick waterfall photo.
• Best value condition: make sure the guide language you need is actually confirmed.

Breakfast, lunch, and extra purchases are not included. Plan to eat before or after the tour rather than expecting a meal during the park visit.

Who will enjoy this half-day outing

This tour suits you if you want a short nature break from Villa de Leyva and prefer a relaxed walk over a serious trek. The low difficulty makes it approachable for many active visitors, while the waterfalls and river provide enough variety to keep the outing interesting.

It is also a good choice for photographers. You will have the park trail, endemic plants, riverbed, three waterfalls, hills, and changing weather as photo subjects. The 15-meter La Periquera fall offers the clearest focal point, but the smaller falls and river sections may produce more intimate pictures.

Families and mixed-ability private groups may appreciate the slower format, though the supplied information does not give a specific age policy or accessibility details. Since most of the tour is walking and operates in all weather, you should judge the route against your own comfort with uneven or wet outdoor conditions.

Nature lovers will get the most from a guide who can explain the local environment. If you only want transport to a scenic spot, the organized tour may feel expensive.

Guide quality and the English question

The strongest praise focuses on the guides’ friendliness and ability to explain the area. Miguel was singled out for his kindness, professionalism, and clear knowledge of nature. Another guide was praised for explaining local plants, animals, and Colombian culture.

That praise is not universal. Some people received guides who spoke only Spanish despite requesting English. In one case, a companion had to translate throughout the outing, which made the tour tiring rather than relaxing.

This is the most important practical issue to settle before booking. The advertised languages are Spanish and English, but the actual guide assignment may not always match the request. If English matters to you, ask Gran Colombia Tours to confirm an English-speaking guide rather than assuming the language option guarantees one.

If you speak Spanish, the language concern largely disappears, and the tour may offer better value because the guide’s explanations become a central part of the outing.

What to pack for La Periquera

Keep your packing simple but practical:

• Swimsuit
• Extra dry clothes
• Shoes suitable for a walking trail
• Protection for your belongings if rain is expected
• A phone or camera for the waterfalls and river views

The official advice specifically calls for extra clothes and a swimsuit. That is not a throwaway suggestion. Rain is possible because the tour runs in all weather, and the river stop can leave you wet even on a dry day.

You should also plan around the fact that breakfast and lunch are not included. The activity lasts five hours, so arrange food before or after it.

Cancellation, timing, and basic planning

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option allows you to hold the plan without paying immediately.

The full duration is five hours, including pickup, the drive, the park walk, waterfall stops, the river swim, and return transport. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before you build your day around the tour.

A private group and pickup within Villa de Leyva make the logistics easy. You do not need to find the park entrance yourself, and you return to your accommodation or another point within town after the outing.

Should you book the La Periquera Hiking Tour?

Book it if you want an easy half-day in nature, private transport, three waterfalls, and a quick river swim without arranging the details yourself. The scenery is the main reward, while a strong guide can add useful information about endemic plants, animals, and local culture.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling on a tight budget or are happy hiking independently. At $76 per person, the tour depends on the included transport and guiding to make financial sense. Confirm the English guide before booking if you need one, and bring extra clothes even if the weather looks friendly.

For the right visitor, La Periquera is a refreshing change from Villa de Leyva’s historic streets: simple, scenic, active, and close enough to fit into a well-planned stay.

FAQ

How long does the La Periquera Hiking Tour last?

The tour lasts five hours, including transportation from Villa de Leyva, time in the park, and the return trip.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $76 per person.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a private Gran Colombia Tours guide, private transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, entry to La Periquera, and all-risk insurance.

Is lunch included?

No. Breakfast and lunch are not included.

Can I swim during the tour?

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

How difficult is the hike?

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

How many waterfalls will I see?

The route visits three waterfalls formed by the Cebada River. One is La Periquera, which is about 15 meters high.

Is transportation from my accommodation included?

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

Are English-speaking guides available?

The tour is offered in Spanish and English. However, English is not guaranteed in every guide assignment, so confirm this before booking if you need English.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.