Horseback riding to the Elephant Stone Lookout - Guided Tour
If you're looking for an authentic experience filled with history, nature, and breathtaking views, the Cabalgata Mirador La Piedra del Elefante tour is the adventure you've been waiting for. On this journey, you will immerse yourself fully in the semi-desert landscapes surrounding the magical town of Villa de Leyva, a destination known for its natural beauty and cultural richness. This tour is perfect for those who want to escape the routine and enjoy a day in direct contact with nature.
The tour begins with comfortable and safe transportation that will take you from the center of Villa de Leyva to the starting point of the horseback ride. During the drive, you will have the opportunity to admire the first views of the region, where the contrast between lush vegetation and the arid landscapes of the semi-desert area becomes evident. This visual contrast will prepare you for what’s to come as you venture deeper into the heart of Boyacá.
Once you arrive at the point where the horses are, you will be greeted by local guides who, in addition to giving you the necessary instructions for riding, will provide an introduction to the area, its history, and the cultural significance of the route. At this point, you will be ready to begin your horseback ride, accompanied by experts who will guide the group along the way.
The horseback ride will take you along an ancient royal road, a path that connects the region's villages with the history and traditions of the area. As you ride, you will enjoy the semi-desert landscapes, rock formations, and beautiful colors painting the horizon as the terrain gradually shifts from arid to a more mountainous and rocky landscape. This route allows you to get a close look at the peculiarities of the local flora and fauna, including cacti, hardy shrubs, and birds soaring in the clear skies.
Along the way, the guides will share fascinating stories about the local flora and fauna, as well as anecdotes about the indigenous peoples who lived on these lands centuries ago. The atmosphere is relaxed, unhurried, and you’ll have time to stop and admire the surroundings while breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the tranquility that characterizes this region of Boyacá.
As you approach the final destination, Mirador La Piedra del Elefante begins to reveal its magic. This is a place that seems straight out of a storybook, a viewpoint located about 8 kilometers from Villa de Leyva, along the same road that leads to El Infiernito. The stone from which the viewpoint takes its name is imposing in size, and its unique shape, when the sunlight strikes it in a particular way, casts a shadow on the ground that resembles a giant elephant.
This natural phenomenon has left visitors in awe for generations, and it is one of the major attractions of the region. The exact moment when the shadow of the stone comes to life as an elephant is truly unique, and it is the perfect time to pause, take photographs, and enjoy the magnificence of nature. If you're lucky, the sunlight and weather conditions will create a visual spectacle that will leave you speechless.
After enjoying this natural display, you will have time to relax at the viewpoint, breathe in the fresh air, and immerse yourself in the peace that envelops this secluded corner of the earth. Once this magical moment comes to an end, you will begin your return journey along the same path, continuing to appreciate the surroundings and enjoying the horseback ride back.
The return trip, accompanied by our local guides, will allow you to reflect on everything you’ve experienced during the tour, as the sun sets behind the mountains. This is a perfect journey for those seeking a complete experience, one that combines physical activity, contact with nature, and the opportunity to discover a unique spot in Villa de Leyva.