Updated on 06/19/2024
Dear reader,
I would also like to recommend our Colombia travel guide, which provides a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Colombia. Enjoy reading it!
Did you know that in Colombia you can go horseback riding, while observing native flora and fauna?
In this blog we will tell you where you can go horseback riding.
Where to Horseback Ride in Colombia
Quíndio – Eje Cafetero
Location: The Hacienda Pilarica is located 25 miles from Armenia in the heart of the coffee axis.
Access: Charged.
Entre Orejas is a vacation experience that has been organizing horseback rides for 27 years. Its founder, Paul Coudenys, drew inspiration from Latin American culture to create equestrian routes through Colombia and other countries on the continent.
The journey takes you through the famous “Coffee Axis.” This 8-day tour offers two horseback routes: one through the trails of the country’s most popular coffee plantations and the other through the central trails of Colombia, where you’ll see flora and fauna.
On both routes, you’ll ride Colombian Creole horses with saddles for riding. You’ll also encounter authentic colonial haciendas and hotels for accommodation to enhance your enjoyment of the activities.
Activities and Services:
- Visit coffee farms.
- Horseback ride through the Cocora Valley.
- Explore the colorful towns of Salento and Filandia.
- Discover the Los Nevados National Natural Park.
- Accommodation and meals.
Requirements:
- Weight limit for riders: 264,5 pounds
- Riding level: You must have firmness on a horse (intermediate level).
- Minimum age: 12 years, and up to 17 years accompanied by an adult.
- Group size: Experiences are conducted with groups of a minimum of 6 riders and a maximum of 16.
How to Get There:
- From Bogotá, you can travel by car or bus service by taking the Girardot – Ibagué- Armenia route, which takes between 7 and 9 hours.
- Armenia also has an airport, so you can take a flight to the city.
It’s important to book before visiting the place through Entre Orejas.
Casanare – Los Llanos
Location: Situated on Calle 8 in Yopal, in the department of Casanare in the plains of Colombia.
Access: Charged.
Wild Llanos is a company that offers horseback riding routes with the best views of the Colombian plains landscapes.
During this journey, you’ll explore everything from farms to natural reserves, to Colombian wild habitats found in the eastern plains.
The guides will take you through the most challenging spots in the Casanare department. They really are professionals as they are very experienced locals and know the trails like the back of their hand.
Activities and Services:
- 3-day horseback rides, showcasing flora and fauna.
- 2-day horseback rides, including participation in local tasks such as cattle farming.
- Customized routes lasting 4 to 5 days tailored to your preferences.
- Accommodation in cabins and rural hotels.
- Restaurant.
- Transportation from Yopal.
How to Get There:
- From Bogotá, you can take the route north to Tunja/Sogamoso or head south from Bucaramanga and San Gil towards Duitama/Sogamoso.
- Once in Sogamoso, follow the “route to the plains” through Aguazul until you reach Yopal, approximately a 4-hour journey.
- Alternatively, you can take a direct flight from your city to Yopal.
- Upon arrival, the Wild Llanos team will be awaiting you.
For personalized assistance and further information, visit the official website.
Tabio a Zipaquirá – Cundinamarca
Location: La Isabela Centro Ecuestre is located in the municipality of Tabio, Vereda Santa Bárbara, 22.3 miles from Bogotá in Cundinamarca.
Entrance: Admission fee required.
La Isabela Centro Ecuestre is dedicated to equine tourism, horse training, equine-assisted coaching, and therapy.
Rides typically last two hours, showcasing the cultural landscapes of Cundinamarca and some of its plains.
I personally took the journey from Tabio to the Zipaquirá Cathedral, which lasted over 4 hours. Check out my experience in the video below.
Activities and Services
- Horse riding courses in just 10 hours.
- Horseback rides along Tabio’s rural paths.
- Customized selection of difficulty levels, routes, and landscapes.
- Equine-assisted therapy to boost self-esteem, confidence, and sensory integration.
- Sustainable accommodation (with Wi-Fi, restaurant, etc.).
- Picnic area.
How to Get There
From Bogotá, take a bus at the transport terminal to the municipality of Tabio, a journey of over an hour. Inform the driver to drop you off in front of La Isabela Centro Ecuestre, located on the left side of the road.
Visit the official website for more information.
Ubaté – Cundinamarca
Location: Situated in Ubaté, in the Villa de San Diego de Ubaté, in Cundinamarca, 51 miles from Bogotá.
Access: Charged.
Valle Verde Horse Riding stands out for offering rides on the backs of Colombian Paso Fino horses. Here, you’ll find a variety of options for horseback excursions across the country.
They have 4 different routes, and depending on the route you choose, you’ll ride with a different horse. The truth is, all their horses are sturdy, well-trained, and responsive to riders’ commands. And you don’t need to have much experience to get on one.
It is a place with very good references, since not only the services stand out, but also the clients highlight the care given to the horses in this place.
Activities and Services:
- Accommodation in traditional coffee plantations.
- Restaurant.
- 7-day, 6-night Gualivá Route through the Gualiva region in Cundinamarca.
- 7-day, 6-night Coffee Route through the Colombian coffee region.
- 7-day, 6-night route through the oldest agricultural production Haciendas in the country.
- 7-day, 6-night cattle farming route.
- Customized routes according to your preferences.
How to Get There:
It’s quite simple. From Bogotá, you should take a bus at the transport terminal heading towards the municipality of Ubaté. These buses take the route along the Northern Highway (Chía/Cajicá, Zipaquirá). The journey takes about 2 hours.
Once you arrive in Ubaté, the Horse Riding team will be waiting for you. For more information, we invite you to visit the official website.
El Rosal – Cundinamarca
Location: Located in Vereda Cruz Verde, 1,2 miles from the municipality of El Rosal and 22,3 miles from Bogotá, in Cundinamarca.
Access: Charged.
Lusitania Hatchery is an equestrian center dedicated to breeding Colombian Paso Fino horses.
It’s one of the places with the most experience in horseback riding with a legacy of more than three generations. In fact, they have three national and international recognitions, such as the Paso Fino title.
Probably the hatchery with the most personalized and demanding attention for visitors. Their excursions are private, and you’ll tour both the savannahs and the surroundings of Bogotá.
However, you must reserve first, as you cannot just arrive there and then purchase the service. You don’t need experience to ride a horse.
Activities and Services:
- Private and personalized guided tours on Paso Fino horses, a 6-hour tour around the outskirts of Bogotá.
- Sale of Paso Fino horses.
- Financing plans and personalized attention.
- Lunch and restaurant service.
- Free welcome Colombian coffee.
How to Get There:
From Bogotá, take a bus fleet at the transport terminal heading towards La Vega / El Rosal –Siberia- El Vino – La Vega- Villeta, up to the municipality of El Rosal, more than an hour’s journey.
Once in El Rosal, you can hire a transportation service to Lusitania hatchery, about an 8-minute journey. You can also walk for about 30 minutes.
You’ll know you’re close when you pass by the Benedictine Monastery El Rosal.
Make your reservation and visit Lusitania Hatchery for more offers and personalized attention.
Cartagena
Location: Near Manzanillo del Mar beach, 7,4 miles from Cartagena via Barú, in the Bolívar department.
Access: Charged.
Horse Cartagena Tours is a company that offers horseback expeditions in Cartagena and its surroundings. Here, you’ll get to know the Colombian Paso Fino breed, which is indeed one of the finest and most elegant in the world, and witness exhibitions of its different modalities.
There are many routes, but one that always catches visitors’ attention is the tour around Barú Island, where you can visit Villa Bonga, a landmark tourist spot of the local culture.
The tours last for 4 hours, and it’s not just a space for horse riding. You’ll be surrounded by incredible views comprising beaches and the Caribbean Sea.
Undoubtedly an ideal plan if you want to learn about the culture and history of the region through horseback riding, no experience is required.
Activities and Services:
- Horseback excursions along the beaches of Cartagena.
- Customized tour on Barú Island.
- Tour on Colombian Paso Fino horses with a focus on the local culture of horse riding.
- Tour through natural reserves and ecological trails in Cartagena and its surroundings.
- Guides available in Spanish and English.
- Transportation included.
- Refreshments and meals.
How to Get There:
From Cartagena, you should take a bus service or travel in your own vehicle.
Simply take the Vía al Mar, up to kilometer 12 via Barú, about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic, and on the left side of the road, you’ll find a sign for Horse Cartagena Tours. We recommend using a GPS if necessary.
For more information, you can visit Horse Cartagena Tours and schedule your visit.
Medellín y Oriente Antioqueño
Location: In the Sajonia sector, near José María Córdova Airport in Rionegro, Antioquia, 15 miles from Medellín.
Access: Charged.
Cabalgatas Oriente offers horseback rides through the eastern Antioquia region, a region of Colombia known for its natural beauty and Paisa culture.
This company offers different routes and plans so that you can adapt to the preferences and level of experience of the clients, whether you are a beginner or an expert.
Some of the most popular routes are the coffee route, the river route, the waterfall route, or the mountain route. You’ll notice that prices vary according to duration and type of plan, but in general, they are affordable. The guides are not only professionals but also speak Spanish and English.
Activities and Services:
- Horseback rides through the mountains near Medellín, with different routes and durations.
- Guided tour service.
- All-risk insurance.
- Burroteca (Music during the journey)
- Transportation from Medellín.
- Option to customize your horseback riding plan with food, accommodation, party, and spa.
How to Get There:
First, make sure to get to Medellín. You can use a bus in the fleet of terminals in your city or take a flight to José María Córdova Airport.
Once you arrive, we recommend using the transportation service you hired with Cabalgatas Oriente. They will pick you up at the location and take you to the farm, where your expedition will begin.
For that, you can first contact Cabalgatas Oriente and make your reservation.
More nature tourism experiences in Colombia
Here you will find a list of incredible destinations for hiking and other nature activities in Colombia:
- Best 9 Hiking Regions and 27 Routes in Colombia For Travelers
- Colombian Flowers: The Top 11 Most Representative Species
- Cocoa Guide Colombia – Features & Producers
