Waterfalls are a short walk from Villa de Leyva. On the La Periquera hike, I love how you get to see three waterfalls in one outing, including the 15-meter La Periquera, and I also like the chance to cool off with a quick river swim. One thing to plan around: this is mostly walking for about five hours and it runs in all weather, so you’ll want the right layers and a swimsuit.

This is a private group tour with hotel pick-up and drop-off inside Villa de Leyva town, plus park entry and all-risk insurance. If you’re pairing it with a day in the historic center, it’s a great way to switch gears from old streets to rushing water and endemics—just make sure your guide language expectations are clear before you go.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Three waterfalls in one outing, with La Periquera topping out at about 15 meters
• Endemic flora and fauna lesson as you walk, not a random lecture at the end
• River swimming time that fits the hike without turning it into a full day in wet gear
• Photo-friendly viewpoints along the Cebada riverbed and at the falls
• Private transportation pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Villa de Leyva town
• Runs in all weather, with guides still moving the day forward

Why La Periquera Feels Like a Quick Nature Reset

Villa de Leyva can surprise you in a hurry. You can go from drier, more open terrain to misty, cooler pockets in a short stretch of time. La Periquera Ecological Park is built for that kind of contrast: you come for the hiking, and you leave with a different sense of Boyacá’s natural variety.

What makes this tour work well is how efficient it is. In about five hours, you’re not just “doing a trail.” You’re following a path through plants that are native to the area, reaching a riverbed that forms multiple waterfalls, and getting enough water time to make the day feel complete. And because it’s private, the pace and stops can feel more human than bus-line tight.

The 5-Hour Flow: Trail Plants, Cebada Riverbed, and La Periquera Falls

The day starts with your pick-up in Villa de Leyva town. Then you head to La Periquera Ecological Park and enter the trail system.

1) The entrance trail: endemic plants first

Early on, you’ll walk through sections that focus on endemic flora. This matters more than it sounds. When you know what you’re looking at, the scenery turns from scenery into something you can actually name. A good guide helps you notice shapes, textures, and habitat clues you’d otherwise miss while just trying to keep moving.

2) Reaching the Cebada riverbed: waterfalls appear in sequence

As the trail leads you toward the Cebada riverbed, the water starts doing the planning. The river cuts through the park and creates several drops, so the route naturally becomes a string of viewpoints rather than one long stretch to a single finale.

You’ll have time to see three waterfalls. One of them is called La Periquera, and it’s listed as about 15 meters high. The other two are part of the same water story, so you’re not bouncing around the park chasing separate tickets. It’s a coherent mini circuit.

3) River time: a short swim where conditions allow

A highlight is the chance to take a refreshing bath in the clear water near the falls and river areas. This isn’t positioned as an all-day water park session. It’s quick, fun, and usually timed so you can get wet without turning the rest of the hike into misery.

You’ll also have plenty of chances to stop for photos. The waterfalls plus the moving water give you natural backdrops from multiple angles, especially when you’re near viewpoints along the riverbed.

4) Return and drop-off

After the hike and the water time, you head back toward Villa de Leyva for drop-off at your hotel or rental. The whole outing stays focused, which I appreciate if you have limited days and still want to enjoy the historic center afterward—or before.

The Trail Experience: Low Difficulty, Real Footing, and Weather Reality

This is described as a smooth hike with low difficulty. That’s good news if you’re not training for a mountain challenge. But low difficulty doesn’t mean no effort. You’re still walking most of the time, and you’re in a natural setting where wet ground, slick rocks, and shifting conditions can show up.

Also, it operates in all weather conditions. That means:

• If it’s rainy, you should expect slippery surfaces and cooler air.
• If it’s dry, you’ll still want breathable shoes and a way to handle sun exposure.

In one case, even with rain in the mix, the guides kept a positive tempo and made time to explain what was happening in the environment. That’s the difference between a hike that feels rushed and one that feels guided—even when the sky doesn’t cooperate.

What to wear (practical, not fancy)

Bring extra clothes so you can change out of anything soaked after the river swim. A swimsuit is specifically recommended, and I’d treat that as essential rather than optional if you plan to use the water time. Shoes with solid grip help with the riverbed areas.

Waterfalls and Photos: How to Get the Best Moments Without Rushing

If you like photos, you’ll probably enjoy this one. The park’s layout naturally creates multiple stopping points, and the waterfalls give you strong visual variety even if you’re taking the same trail line.

Here’s how I’d think about the photo strategy:

• Start with wide shots when you first see the falls so you capture the full scene.
• Then move in for close-ups once the water is framed behind you.
• Use the riverbed’s different angles to avoid getting the same composition over and over.

The 15-meter La Periquera moment

La Periquera being about 15 meters high means you’ll have a clear “big moment” in the middle of the day. That’s useful for pacing. It’s not just a gentle walk to a tiny trickle; you get at least one place that feels like a real payoff.

The swim moment

The swim time can be the most memorable part because it’s not just watching water—you’re inside it. It also makes the hike feel like an experience, not a museum walk in the woods.

If you’re sensitive to cold water, check the weather beforehand and consider whether you’ll fully commit to a swim or just dip. The tour is built to include a refreshing bath, but your comfort still comes first.

Your Guide Matters: Endemic Nature Lessons and Real Communication

A big reason people enjoy this tour is the way the guide brings the park to life. You’ll get a brief lesson on endemic flora and fauna, and that turns the hike into something you can understand.

One guide name that stands out is Miguel. People describe him as professional and friendly, with deep knowledge while explaining what you see. That kind of guiding style matters because you’re not only earning views—you’re building a mental map of what the park contains and why.

Language tip you should take seriously

The tour states guides speak Spanish and English. Still, there can be a mismatch if you request English. If you need an English-speaking guide, I’d confirm that clearly when you book, so you don’t end up doing extra translating while you’re trying to enjoy the day off.

If your Spanish is basic, don’t panic. Even with partial understanding, you’ll still get the visuals and the structure of the walk. But for the nature lesson portion, language access can change how much you take home from the experience.

Price and Value: What $76 Buys You in Boyacá

At $76 per person for a roughly five-hour private tour, the key value question is what you get beyond your own walking.

Here’s what’s included:

• Private guide through Gran Colombia Tours
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off across Villa de Leyva town
• Entry to La Periquera
• All-risk insurance

What that means in real life: you’re paying for convenience, access, and guidance. You’re not just buying a trail. You’re buying transport so you don’t waste time coordinating, and you’re buying entry so you can focus on the hike itself. The insurance adds a layer of reassurance for a day that involves water areas and uneven ground.

Is it the cheapest way to see waterfalls? Probably not. But for a short, guided nature day with pick-up, entry, and insurance included, it’s a reasonable deal—especially if you’re traveling solo or you don’t want to manage directions and logistics on your own.

Who this is best for

This tour fits you if you:

• want a nature day close to Villa de Leyva
• prefer guided explanations over self-exploring
• like the mix of walking plus a cool-down swim
• can handle about five hours of moving, even with low difficulty

It also works well for couples, friends, or small groups because the tour is private and pick-up is included within town.

When to Think Twice (or Pack Smarter)

This isn’t the tour to choose if you want zero walking or a fully seated experience. Even if the route is low difficulty, it’s still a hike. Also, it runs in all weather, so you need to be okay with a day outdoors no matter what.

Language can be another factor. If you strongly require English for the nature lesson, double-check the plan when you book. One criticism in past experiences was that a guide wasn’t as helpful when expectations were set for English communication.

Finally, plan around food. Breakfast and lunch aren’t included, so you’ll want to eat before you go or have a plan for after.

Should You Book the La Periquera Hiking Tour?

If your goal is a real nature break from Villa de Leyva, I’d put this on your short list. You get multiple waterfalls in one outing, a guided lesson on local nature, and a swim that makes the day feel active rather than passive. With pick-up, entry, and insurance included, the day is neatly packaged for people with limited time.

Book it if you:

• want a short adventure with a clear payoff
• enjoy photos and waterfall viewpoints
• appreciate explanations about flora and fauna

Skip it or adjust expectations if you:

• want a lighter, less active half-day
• need guaranteed English language support and can’t risk mismatch
• don’t want to hike outdoors in mixed weather

If you’re staying in Villa de Leyva for more than a day, this is the kind of trip that turns the surrounding area into the main story. And once you’re standing near La Periquera’s drop, you’ll understand why it’s worth setting aside five hours.

FAQ

How long is the La Periquera Hiking Tour?

The tour lasts about 5 hours.

Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?

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

What’s included in the price?

The price includes a private guide, entry to La Periquera Ecological Park, hotel transportation within Villa de Leyva town, and all-risk insurance.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

You’re recommended to bring extra clothes and a swimsuit since the tour includes a quick but fun swimming time in the river.

What language are the guides?

Guides are listed as available in Spanish and English.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes, the hike operates in all weather conditions, so it’s smart to dress for rain and wet ground.