You can go from town to waterfalls fast in Boyacá. This 5-hour La Periquera Hiking Tour swaps Villa de Leyva’s historic streets for a walking route inside La Periquera Ecological Park, where you move across a riverbed, see three waterfalls (including a 15-meter drop), and cool off in the water.

I especially love two parts of this outing: the endemic plant and animal focus on the trail, and the simple fact that you get both big scenery and an actual river moment (not just a photo stop). One possible drawback: most of the time you’re walking in real weather, so if you hate getting damp or muddy, you’ll want to prepare.

Key Takeaways You’ll Actually Use

Three waterfall views in one outing, including La Periquera at about 15 meters

A low-difficulty hike that still feels like you did something outdoors

Endemic flora and fauna explanations that make the trail more meaningful

A quick river swim that refreshes without turning the day into a water-park

Hotel pickup and drop-off in town, so you don’t waste time figuring logistics

La Periquera Hiking Tour from Villa de Leyva: Waterfalls and a quick swim

If your trip to Villa de Leyva needs a break from stones, museums, and cafés, this is the kind of day trip that clears your head. You’re in Boyacá’s highland outdoors without having to commit to a long, punishing trek. The tour is built around La Periquera Ecological Park, with a walking route that follows the natural shape of the Cebada riverbed.

The vibe is relaxed-but-active. You’ll move along a trail full of plants, stop for views at the waterfalls, then finish with a brief swim in the refreshing river and creeks. It’s the rare nature outing where you get both explanation and action.

And yes, you’ll take a lot of photos. The park’s waterfalls and viewpoints naturally create frames, even if you’re not trying.

The 5-hour plan: from hotel pickup to three waterfalls

This tour runs about 5 hours, and it starts in a straightforward way: hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere within Villa de Leyva town. That matters. You avoid the awkward part of many day trips—starting late because everyone has to meet somewhere random.

Once you arrive at the park, the day becomes a chain of short walking sections plus stops. You enter the trail through an area with interesting endemic plants, then keep moving toward the Cebada riverbed. From there, the walking route crosses the park in a way that lets you see three waterfalls.

One of them is the star: La Periquera, listed at 15 meters high. You don’t just pass by. You’ll have time to look, take photos, and enjoy the sound and mist that come with a bigger drop.

Finally, you head back to Villa de Leyva by the same private transportation method. It’s designed to feel like a complete day, not a half-day of wandering with no structure.

Walking trail with endemic plants and practical nature lessons

A highlight here is the brief nature lesson. You’re not on a lecture tour. Instead, your guide points out endemic flora and fauna as you walk. That’s a big deal in Colombia, because it helps you notice what your eye might otherwise skip.

On this type of trail, plants can look similar if you’re just passing through. With a guide, you start seeing patterns—how species are adapted to the region, and which plants are most tied to this specific ecosystem. You also get a clearer sense of what you’re looking at in the surrounding area, not just the waterfall at the end.

From what I’ve seen, the best moments happen when your guide explains in simple terms while you’re standing in the right spot. Some guides also bring a respectful tone toward the environment, which makes the explanations land better and makes the trail feel more intentional.

La Periquera Ecological Park waterfalls: what makes the route special

The park’s layout is the real reason this tour feels good. The walking route runs across the riverbed, so the waterfalls aren’t random “point A to point B” stops. They’re part of how you progress through the park.

You’ll get to see three waterfalls, with La Periquera at about 15 meters. The effect is cumulative: smaller falls help you build context, then the main waterfall becomes the moment you remember. Even if you’re not a hardcore photographer, you’ll notice how the viewpoints naturally vary as the route crosses different sections of the riverbed.

One practical note: waterfalls can be slippery. Expect footing that’s more careful than the word low-difficulty might suggest. The route is designed to be manageable, but you still have to watch your step, especially if conditions are wet.

River time: that quick swim you’ll be glad you brought for

This tour includes a short swimming window in the river, described as a quick but fun time in the water. It’s not presented as a long swim session. Think of it as a chance to cool down and feel the park up close.

That’s why bringing a swimsuit and extra clothes matters. You’ll likely want to change after, because you don’t want to spend the rest of the day in damp clothing. Even if you don’t swim, you may get splashed near the waterfalls and river sections.

If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who prefers not to swim, you can still enjoy the river area and waterfalls. Just note that the tour’s pacing includes this river element, so plan to be ready for wet conditions.

Price and value for $76 per person

At $76 per person for about 5 hours, this tour sits in a fair range for a private, guided day trip. Here’s why the value works: you get hotel pickup and drop-off, park entry, a private guide, and all risk insurance.

Transportation and entry fees alone can eat up a chunk of many self-arranged outings. The private guide also turns the park into more than a scenic walk. Instead of only seeing water, you’re learning what you’re walking past—endemic flora and fauna—and that adds real value if you care about nature.

What you should weigh is matching guide style to your expectations. Some reviews highlight guides who are warm and very knowledgeable, taking time to explain. Another experience described a guide who wasn’t helpful and didn’t know enough when questions came up. That’s not something you can always predict. If you want strong English support or lots of explanation, confirm language needs directly when you book.

Weather matters: low-difficulty walking in all conditions

The tour operates in all weather conditions, and most of it is walking. That means you should pack for a day that might include mist, rain, or wet ground.

Here’s the mindset that helps: treat it like a nature hike, not a dry sightseeing stroll. Even when the route is manageable, conditions can make surfaces slick. You’ll enjoy it more if you show up ready.

Bring:

• extra clothes (yes, even if you only expect a little rain)
• a swimsuit if you want the water time
• footwear with grip for wet spots

Also, be ready for the fact that the best photos often come when conditions are moody. Mist around waterfalls can make for dramatic pictures, and this park gives you that natural effect.

Guide language: English is offered, but plan for real-life variability

The tour lists live guiding in Spanish and English. That’s great if you want explanations in your own language.

Still, language experience can vary in practice. One review mentioned an English request where the guide spoke only Spanish, and the guest had to translate. If you need English specifically, I’d recommend confirming the guide language in advance so you’re not trying to translate while you’re hiking.

If your Spanish is basic, you can still enjoy the views and the guide’s direction on where to go. But if you’re depending on detailed explanations in English, don’t leave it to chance.

Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)

This is a strong pick if you want:

• a half-day outdoor break from Villa de Leyva
• a low-stress hike with real nature payoffs
• a tour that includes short, refreshing water time
• guides who explain plants and animals, not just point at waterfalls

It’s also a good “around Villa de Leyva” day if you already explored the historic center and want a different side of the region. The park is close enough to feel like an easy add-on before or after the rest of your Colombia itinerary.

Think twice if:

• you hate getting wet or don’t want to manage slippery footing
• you’re traveling only for high-intensity hiking (this is low-difficulty)
• you strongly need English interpretation, and you’re not okay with possible variation—confirm before you go

Should you book La Periquera Hiking Tour?

Book it if you want an easygoing nature day with three waterfalls, a real river moment, and explanations that make the trail more than a backdrop. At $76, the value works because you’re paying for guided entry, pickup, and insurance—not just for a path.

Don’t book it if weather-based wet hiking is a deal-breaker for you. Also, if language is a top priority, confirm English guide coverage before you commit.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes your best memories to come from walking somewhere beautiful and then cooling off in the water, this tour matches that style perfectly.

FAQ

How long is the La Periquera Hiking Tour?

The tour lasts about 5 hours.

How difficult is the hike?

It’s described as low level difficulty, but it is still walking for most of the tour.

Do you go inside La Periquera Ecological Park?

Yes. Entry to La Periquera is included.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. There is a quick but fun swimming time in the river and creeks.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a private guide (Gran Colombia Tours), hotel pickup and drop-off in private transportation, entry to La Periquera, and all risk insurance.

What is not included?

Breakfast and lunch are not included, and you may have extra purchases during the day.

Do they pick you up from anywhere in Villa de Leyva?

Pickup is included anywhere within Villa de Leyva town, including hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and points of interest.

What languages do the guides speak?

The live tour guide can be Spanish or English.

What’s the cancellation policy and can I pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.

What should I bring?

Plan for walking in all weather and bring extra clothes and a swimsuit.