La Periquera turns a short drive into big scenery. In about 5 hours, you’ll walk through Boyacá terrain, learn a bit about endemic flora and fauna, and reach three waterfalls (including 15-meter La Periquera).

What I like most is the mix: the low-difficulty hike stays fun, and the river time is a genuine break, not just a view. I also love how the park route builds good photo stops along the way, so your camera gets a workout even if you’re not trying.

The main thing to weigh is that this is mostly on foot and it runs in all weather conditions. If you’re expecting a mostly seated tour, or you don’t want to bring dry layers and a swimsuit, you’ll feel it.

Key things to know before you go

• Three waterfalls on one route, with La Periquera reaching about 15 meters
• Endemic plants and a short fauna/flora lesson while you hike
• Quick swimming time in the Cebada river and creek waters
• Low difficulty, smooth pace, designed for easy enjoyment rather than serious trekking
• Photo-friendly viewpoints along the trail and at the falls
• Private group with hotel pickup across Villa de Leyva town

From Villa de Leyva to La Periquera Park: the change of scenery you’ll feel fast

Villa de Leyva isn’t only about white streets and old buildings. Even in short stretches of time, you can go from drier-looking areas to cooler, mistier zones, and La Periquera shows that nature switch in a very practical way. The park is a quick ride out, so you get a nature day without losing half of your trip to travel.

This tour also works well as a “buffer day.” If you’re starting your Colombia loop and you want something outdoors right before or after the historic center, La Periquera is a smart fit. You’ll get fresh air, movement, and that satisfying sense of having left town for the right reason.

Pickup, private transport, and a realistic 5-hour rhythm

You’re picked up in Villa de Leyva town—hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and points of interest—using private transportation. That matters because it removes the mental load of figuring out how to get to the park, especially if your Spanish is limited.

The tour runs about 5 hours, and it’s built around walking plus stops at the waterfalls and river. With that timing, you shouldn’t expect long detours or a slow “wander all day” pace. Instead, you get a tight, friendly rhythm: arrive, hike, see the falls, cool off, then head back.

Since it’s a private group, you’re not trapped in a big crowd’s pace. Still, you’ll want to be ready for a walking-based day and the occasional wet terrain—this is not a museum visit.

Entering the trail: endemic plants and the park’s route through the Cebada riverbed

Once you arrive, the tour starts with a trail area where you’ll notice endemic plants. That early walk is more than “getting warmed up.” It sets the tone: the park isn’t only about pretty water; it’s about the local life that makes this place work.

From there, you reach the Cebada riverbed, the feature that shapes the whole route. As the water crosses the park, it forms multiple waterfalls, and the path is designed so you experience that progression instead of just reaching one single viewpoint.

You’ll then see three waterfalls. One of them is La Periquera, about 15 meters high. In practical terms, that means you’ll likely spend a good chunk of your time moving between viewpoints where you can see how the water changes and where the best photo angles tend to be.

The waterfalls: what to watch for at La Periquera and the others

Waterfalls are easy to romanticize, but the smarter way to enjoy them is with a simple checklist: where the water falls, how it hits rocks, and how the air changes near the mist. At La Periquera, the height adds drama—more spray, more sound, more “I’m actually here” energy.

The other two falls may not be the towering headline, but they’re part of why this tour feels complete. Seeing three in one outing helps you understand the park’s layout and keeps the day from turning into a single photo stop followed by a long stretch of walking.

One useful note: because this is an outdoors route in changing conditions, the river flow and how slick certain rocks feel can vary. If you’re not into careful footing, keep an eye on your guide and move only as fast as the terrain allows.

The short flora and fauna lesson that makes the walk click

A big reason I’d pick this tour over a self-guided hike is that you get a brief lesson on endemic flora and fauna during the walk. It’s the kind of information that can turn random plants and birds into “oh, that’s why it’s here” moments.

This also helps with photo viewing. When you know what you’re looking at—even in a basic way—you stop shooting only for pretty and start shooting for meaning. You’ll remember the place longer, not just how it looked.

Guides like Miguel have gotten strong praise for their knowledge and professionalism. You may not meet the same person every time, but the point is clear: when the guide knows the park, your hike becomes more than steps and water.

The river swim: refreshing fun, plus the gear reality

You’ll have a chance for a quick swim in the river and creeks—refreshing water time that keeps the tour from feeling like all “watching and walking.” This is one of the highlights, and it’s also the part that can catch people off guard if they’re not prepared.

Plan for the basics: bring a swimsuit and have extra clothes ready for afterward. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so even if it’s not bright and hot, you may still get damp. Dry layers are what keep the day comfortable when the terrain and air turn chilly.

If you don’t want to swim, you can still enjoy the water views and the falls. But I’d still recommend having a swimsuit even if you’re hesitant—because the water time is short, and you don’t want to be deciding on the spot.

Photo spots: how to get the shots without rushing

The route is full of amazing photo spots, and you’ll see why: the combination of waterfalls, the riverbed setting, and the changing angles as you move along the path. You don’t have to be a photographer to get good results, but you do need a simple approach—pause when the group stops, then reposition once if conditions allow.

Try to capture three types of images:

• Waterfall wide shots to show scale (especially at La Periquera)
• Medium shots where you can see rock textures and water flow
• Close-up details of plants and the edge where water meets trail

One more practical tip: if the weather is wet, treat the ground as unpredictable. Shoot when you’re stable and only move when you’re sure of footing. The best photo is the one you can take without wiping out.

Language expectations: Spanish/English, and what to double-check

The tour offers a live tour guide in Spanish and English, and the guide is part of the value since you’ll get that flora/fauna explanation. That said, language experiences can vary in practice.

For example, some people reported needing more English support than they received, so it’s worth setting your expectation before you go. If English is important to you, confirm during booking that your guide will lead in English for your group.

If you’re comfortable translating or you don’t mind a mixed experience, you’ll likely still enjoy the visuals and the natural route. But if you want a fully explained day in English, do a quick check ahead of time.

Price and value: is $76 for 5 hours fair?

At $76 per person for about 5 hours, the value comes from what’s included: a private guide, hotel pickup and drop-off in private transportation, entry to La Periquera, and all-risk insurance. That adds up because you’re paying for access plus a trained guide—not just a ticket and a map.

What’s not included is also clear: breakfast and lunch. So you should budget for a meal plan separately or plan to eat before and after. If you’re the type who hates hunting for food mid-day, this tour still works, but you’ll want to handle meals outside the scheduled window.

How do you decide if it’s worth it? Ask yourself what you want most:

• If you want guided explanation, waterfall viewing in one compact day, and the river swim, this price can feel fair.
• If you’re confident navigating independently and don’t care about the nature lesson, you might question whether a guide is worth it for you.

That’s the honest trade-off, and it depends on your travel style.

Weather reality: why you should dress like it’s always changing

This tour runs in all weather conditions, and most of it is walking. That means you’ll be dealing with mud potential, slippery sections, and the kind of cool damp that shows up without much warning.

Your best prep:

• Bring extra clothes in case you get wet
• Pack a swimsuit if you want to use the river time
• Wear footwear with grip for uneven terrain

The good news is that several people noted guides staying upbeat even when rain showed up. The vibe tends to hold because the route is built for real outdoors conditions, not indoor comfort.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is ideal if you:

• Want a smooth, low-difficulty hike without committing to a full-day trek
• Like nature breaks that include a real activity (the river swim)
• Prefer a guided day with some learning built in
• Need a short getaway right before or after exploring Villa de Leyva’s historic center

It’s less ideal if you:

• Hate walking and want mostly sightseeing with minimal movement
• Are very language-sensitive and need guaranteed English-only guiding
• Expect a long, meal-and-culture-packed day instead of a nature-focused route

Should you book the La Periquera Hiking Tour?

I think you should book if you want a practical nature day: waterfalls close together, a guide who helps you notice what you’re seeing, and a chance to cool off. The combination of three falls, an actual swim, and the short endemic flora/fauna lesson makes it feel more complete than a simple viewpoint hop.

Before you pay, do two quick checks: bring a swimsuit and dry clothes, and confirm language expectations if you need English. If those boxes are covered, La Periquera is one of the best ways to see a different side of Boyacá without draining your whole schedule.

FAQ

How long is the La Periquera Hiking Tour?

It lasts 5 hours.

Where does the tour operate?

It’s in the Boyacá Department around Villa de Leyva, at La Periquera Ecological Park.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. You get hotel pick-up and drop-off within Villa de Leyva town using private transportation.

Is entry to La Periquera included?

Yes, entry to La Periquera is included.

What language is the guide?

The guide provides a live tour in Spanish and English.

How difficult is the hike?

The route is described as having a low level of difficulty and being smooth to walk.

Will I get a chance to swim?

Yes. There’s a quick but fun swimming time in the river.

What should I bring?

Bring extra clothes and a swimsuit, since the tour involves walking and can happen in all weather.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes a private guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, entry, and all-risk insurance.

What’s not included?

Breakfast and lunch are not included, and there may be extra purchases you choose to make.