Spring Mill Cavalcade - Full-Day Guided Tour
Embark on a unique horseback adventure where history, tradition, and nature come together to offer you an unforgettable experience in the heart of Boyacá. The Molino La Primavera Horseback Riding Tour will take you through tranquil rural paths and landscapes full of charm, leading you to one of the few water mills that have preserved their original structure, transporting you back in time. Experience a day full of history, culture, and nature on this one-of-a-kind journey.
The tour begins on the outskirts of Villa de Leyva, in a peaceful setting surrounded by the natural beauty of the region. Once mounted on your horse, you will venture into rural trails that lead to Valle Escondido, a secluded place away from urban life, where you can feel a deep connection with nature.
As you ride through the beautiful landscapes of Valle Escondido, the journey becomes a true lesson in living history. This valley is famous for its tranquility and natural beauty and is considered a place of peace where the sounds of nature prevail over any modern noise. The fields filled with vegetation, the mountains surrounding the valley, and the whisper of the wind transport you to another time, allowing you to enjoy the serenity of the Boyacá countryside.
Along the way, you will have the opportunity to observe a variety of local plant and animal species. You may see horses grazing peacefully, and if you are lucky, you might even spot some local bird species. This is the perfect place to disconnect, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the company of the guides, who will share fascinating stories about the region’s agricultural heritage and its connection with the mills.
The true gem of the tour is the Molino La Primavera, an ancient water mill dating back to the 17th century that has been preserved as a historical museum. This is the only mill that has survived of the eight that once existed in the region, and it has remained operational to demonstrate how wheat and corn were ground in colonial times.
Upon arriving at the mill, you will be greeted by an expert guide who will take you on a tour of the museum. Here, you will learn about the historical milling process, how the locals used the force of water to grind grains and produce flour, an essential ingredient for daily life in that era. The mill retains much of its original machinery, allowing you to closely observe the hydraulic wheels and millstones that were used to process the grains.
The museum is not only dedicated to the mill’s machinery but also to the history of the region, showcasing how these mills were vital to the agricultural development of the area during the colonial period. As a witness to the past, Molino La Primavera offers a unique view of food production processes in the 17th century, making it a must-see site for history and culture lovers.
What makes this mill even more special is the fact that it has remained intact, while many of the other mills in the region have disappeared or been restored for other uses. Of the eight original mills in the area, this is the only one that retains its original structure and machinery, making it a unique historical gem. Throughout the tour, you will learn not only about milling but also about the customs and lifestyle of the people who lived here more than 300 years ago.
The visit to the mill gives you a detailed view of how agricultural work was intrinsically tied to water and how the technology of the time used the force of rivers and streams to fuel the local economy. By the end of the visit, you will have a deeper understanding of the impact the mills had on the lives of the people of Villa de Leyva and how this process helped lay the foundation for the agricultural culture that endures to this day.