The Central Colombian Trail Ride

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Basic+

Weight limit

120 kg / 265 lb

Colombia, named after Christopher Columbus, boasts wild geography and a rich history. Beyond its renowned coffee and emeralds, the country treasures the Paso Fino Colombiano, an extraordinary horse breed. The equestrian adventure unfolds in the eastern highlands, where participants are welcomed at Hacienda La Casona.

Mounted on comfortable saddles, participants embark on a trip through historic trails, traversing the Cordillera Oriental, La Candelaria desert, and provinces of Cundinamarca and Santander.

With an average of six hours in the saddle daily, riders explore picturesque villages, meet friendly locals, and experience the hidden gems of central Colombia. The off-the-beaten-track adventure encapsulates the sentiment that the only risk in Colombia is wanting to stay. The trip also offers the unique opportunity to ride a purebred Paso Fino Colombiano at a renowned breeding stable, showcasing the distinct qualities of this gaited horse.

Paul C. is the provider of this trip

5.0 1 review

The provider speaks: English

If anyone can say "been there, done that" then it’s Paul! Paul, born in Flanders Belgium, was once in his previous life a farrier. At age 21, he traveled backpacking around the globe, 3 years later and with a luggage full of travel and riding experiences he returned to Belgium. During his "long journey", he worked as a blacksmith shoeing horses at the polo club in Singapore, as a blacksmith and cowboy at a cattle station in Australia, as a Gaucho in South America and as a rider in too many places and countries to mention. In 1996 he became one of the pioneers of worldwide riding holidays in Europe. Paul rode horses in 61 different countries and is perhaps one of the most experienced trail riders in the world. Loving the great horse culture and hospitality in Latin America Paul decided to move to Brazil in 2010. He lives in the southern state of Santa Catarina, home of the South American gaucho (cowboy). After years of experience in organizing and guiding equestrian holidays and riding expeditions around the world, he now only concentrates on trail rides and equestrian tourism in Latin America. He is guiding all the riding trips himself and assures you participating at the best horse treks in Latin America. Paul is also co-founder and president of ALATCE; "Asociación Latinoamericana de Turismo y Cultura Ecuestre". (Latin American Association of Equestrian Tourism and Culture) He speaks 6 languages, loves humor and life, is a very social person and knows like no other how to take you on a ride on the wild side!

Tour highlights

Ride through Stunning Landscapes

While off the beaten track in South America you will soon understand why they say “Colombia, the only risk is that you want to stay”

Ride the Roads of Christopher Columbus

Make your way along centuries old rolling horse trails

Get to Know "El Paso Fino Colombiano"

Colombia is the homeland to one of the most amazing horse breeds in the world!

Route details

Offical meeting at 09:00AM at the Hotel Retiro84 in Bogota (most guests spent the night before in that same hotel).

Road transfer to the colonial village Cucunuba, 75 kms from Bogotá. Along the way we stop to visit a typical Colombian saddlery where you will learn about Colombian tack. We will have lunch along the way in a typical restaurant. After lunch and a short drive we arrive at La Montesa, a renowned breeding farm of Colombian Paso Fino Horses where you will ride these pureblood horses and experience why they say the Paso Fino is the smoothest horse in the world! We continue to for little drive to La 'Posada de Don Pedro' in Cucunuba where we will be accommodated. Dinner.

Difficulty

Moderate

Tour provider's comments

Suitable for intermediate to experienced riders.You should be confident on a horse at all paces. The pace is varied to include walk, trot, and canter.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic+

Guest House

7 nights

Nights in authentic and comfortable farm rooms in different colonial Haciendas.

Night before the trail
It is recommended to arrive in Bogota one night before the official start of the trail ride program. So we suggest you to stay one night in a hotel in Bogota (that we can book for you) and we meet all together the next day at breakfast in the hotel at 09:00. A double room is about € 75/room including breakfast. The hotel**** we will book for you is located in the Zona T,in the north of Bogota. A very nice and safe neighborhood with many restaurants, bars and shops.

Based on double-rooms.
The Haciendas are original farms, not build for tourism, couples will have their private rooms but other participants will share the room with other travel compagnons as most rooms have 2 to 4 beds.

Travel recommendations

Group meeting place

Bogota

Tour conditions

Included

accommodation;
back up vehicle: for brings your luggage to the daily overnight place/pousada;
meals: full board;
Guides: professional and multilingual guides;
horses & tack, including saddlebags;
transfer: drop off at the Airport of Bogota on day 8.

Extras

travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance are mandatory. You will not be allowed to participate in the riding holiday program without having both of these personal travel insurance;
flight: international and local flights;
alcoholic beverages and soft drinks: (cheap);
Open Bar – all you can drink – one price;
single supplement - USD 65/night: only possible if we have a single room available;
personal expenses;
tips.

Group size

up to 18 tourists

Duration

8 days

7 nights

It's important to know

Valid international passport.
Travel Insurance.
Pocket money (you can change EUR/£/USD in the airport).
A sweater and a jacket.
4 or 5 T-shirts and minimum 1 a shirt with long sleeves.
Jodhpurs or jeans to ride with.
Riding shoes or boots / riding shoes with mini-chaps or long chaps.
(Gaucho boots can be bought on location).
A second pair of shoes for the evening.
Swimsuit.
Comfortable clothing + a hat.
One towel.
Toiletries.
Sun Cream.
Camera.

*It is recommended to put your luggage in travel bag instead of a hard suitcase. 10 bags are easier to get in the backup vehicle than 10 suitcases. (thanks!).

Tour reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

B
Ben

20 Oct, 2021

about provider

It was a wonderful trip. We were so lucky that they organized this trip and we were able to go on it for the first time. I'm sure others will want to do this. Every aspect of the holiday was great - we were looked after in every way from start to finish. I highly recommend this holiday. Many thanks to the entire team for everything you have done for us.

20 Oct, 2021