Jewels of the Colombian Andes Coffee Zone Colombia This 9-day horseback adventure shows you the very best of the department of Risaralda in the heart of the coffee triangle of Colombia. You will ride from the “green capital of Colombia” – Marsella, to the thermal springs of Santa Rosa. Riding across the Colombian Andes, an area rich in wildlife, you’ll pass by coffee farms and endless breathtaking views. Enjoy nights around camp fires, soak in the therapeutic waters of the natural thermal hot pools and discover what makes this part of Colombia so special. You will experience rural Colombia at its finest, riding open trails that lead you through over 100 miles of beautiful landscape. The open grasslands high up in the Andes mountains provide plenty of opportunity to canter. Progressive Ride (no camping) Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Cartago Airport: Matecaña International Airport in Pereira Transfer: Pereira Riders: Min 4 riders Max 6 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfers are included between Pereira and Marsella on the first and last day of the tour.

Sample itinerary - subject to changes

This ride is suitable for those who are confident cantering and have a sense of adventure. Our trails have been created using the knowledge of local guides to take you to the most unspoilt and untrodden parts.
All luggage will be transported between overnight stops for you.

Day 1: Arrival
We will pick you up from the airport or bus terminal in Pereira and bring you to our Rancho. Here, you will be welcomed into our home, with time to relax by the pool, explore the grounds and meet your horse. Also you will be given the chance to learn how to tack up western style. and if you wish get a little time in the saddle in our arena. The evening will include a poolside BBQ and a trip briefing.
Overnight at Rancho near Cartago

Day 2: Ride to Marsella
Depart from the Rancho after a relaxed breakfast and quick transfer to the hills of Risaralda. This morning, you will go on a short ride to apprehend the terrain you’ll be riding over the next 6 days. After lunch in the picturesque town of Marsella, you’ll head out for an afternoon sunset ride and your first taste of trail riding in Colombia!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight near Marsella

Day 3: Central Andes Ride
Your horse will be groomed and tacked up for you, but feel free to join in and help. We ride through the Central Andes, the highest of the three branches of the Colombian Andes. We will pass by coffee, plantain and cattle farms before ending the day at a beautiful accommodation: a coffee farm high up in the mountains with endless views to enjoy from the infinity pool.
View from horseback of a lush green trail leading towards mountains.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Coffee Farm

Day 4: Ride to Santa Rosa
We spend half the day in the saddle, ending at a stunning glamping resort a stones throw away from the spectacular natural thermal hot springs of Santa Rosa. After lunch, you will pass the afternoon enjoying the thermal hot springs, soaking in the therapeutic waters. Spend an evening under the stars enjoying the warmth of a camp fire.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Glamping Resort near Santa Rosa

Day 5: Waterfalls Ride
This is a stunning day’s ride climbing open trails with spectacular views, passing by waterfalls and crossing rivers as we ride to our next overnight stop.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at

Day 6: Northern tip of Risaralda
Ride to the most northern tip of Risaralda. Enjoy endless views as you climb your way through the Andes, ending your day at a traditional coffee farm with over 200 years of production history. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Coffee Farm

Day 7: Andean Wildlife
Today, we make our way back to Marsella. This is a full day’s ride through an area steeped in history, once home to the Quimbaya. You’ll see petroglyphs dating back thousands of years. Nowadays, this area is home to countless species of birdlife, giant butterflies, capybaras and more. At the end of your day we will head into the town of Marsella for an evening meal in the historic town center, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this welcoming traditional town.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight near Marsella

Day 8: Sightseeing (no riding)
Breakfast before a brief trip into Marsella. This is your chance to visit this unspoilt Colombian town, enjoy coffee in the town square, visit the Cultural house and artisan stalls before your transfer back to the Rancho. Back at the ranch house you’ll enjoy a delicious evening meal.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rancho near Cartago

Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, we take you to either the airport or bus terminal of Pereira, depending on your plans.
Meals: Breakfast

                                                Pereira area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	80	80	80	79	78	78	79	80	79	78	78	78
Average Low Temperature (°F)	63	63	63	63	63	63	63	63	63	63	63	63
Average High Temperature (°C)	27	27	27	26	26	26	26	26	26	26	25	26
Average Low Temperature (°C)	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	17	17
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	9	9	12	14	14	13	10	10	12	15	16	12

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The weather in Colombia only has two seasons: a dry season (from December to January and July to August) and a cloudy season (from April to May and October to November), when usually it’s sunny in the morning and cloudy/rainy in the afternoon.

We recommend bringing the following items.

To ride:

• Comfortable trousers or jodhpurs
• Lightweight long sleeved shirt, t-shirt and warmer layer for higher altitudes
• Boots – waterproof walking boots that have a heel and good grip on the sole
• Waterproof jacket – lightweight but good quality. These are stowed in your saddle bags when not needed
• Waterproof trousers – lightweight but good quality. These are stowed in your saddle bags when not needed
• Half or full chaps depending on personal preference. Comfort is key! These are essential to prevent your legs from being rubbed by the stirrup leathers
• Riding hat – you must arrive with your own hat that is comfortable for you to wear all day. We are unable to provide these, so it’s essential you bring your own
• 2 x re-usable water bottles, dimensions no bigger than 10 inches tall and 3 inches wide. We recommend Stanley go bottle 24oz
• Waterproof pouch for your mobile phone/camera
• Sun block

Traditional riding boots with a smooth sole / no grip or tread, inflatable air jackets and fashion/non-waterproof jackets are not suited for this riding tour!


You will need to pack spare clothes and footwear for the evenings and your wash kit. Towels are provided at all overnight accommodation.
Comfortable evening clothing should include warmer layers for evenings.

We also recommend packing the following items:

• Swimwear
• Insect repellent
• Binoculars for avid birdwatchers
• Head lamp
• Chargers and plug adapters

 

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights are spent in different locations. 

Description
Throughout your trip, you’ll stay in a combination of comfortable guesthouses, farmhouses and hotels, all carefully selected. You’ll stay with us at our stunning 150-year-old colonial home for a night before and after the trail ride, with the option to book a longer stay if you’d like to.

Most rooms have their own bathrooms though you may be asked to share bathrooms on one or two nights. 

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Rancho near Cartago
Night 2: Marsella
Night 3: Coffee Farm
Night 4: Glamping Resort near Santa Rosa
Night 5:
Night 6: Coffee Farm
Night 7: Marsella
Night 8: Rancho near Cartago



Rancho near Cartago
Our ranch house is a beautiful colonial property with 6 unique and traditionally restored bedrooms. Some rooms have en-suite bathrooms while other have shared bathrooms.
The property has a swimming pool and squash court all set in 12 acres of fertile farmland. Lush plant life means we are also home to countless species of birds.
Free Wi-Fi is available.



Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory is we cannot find another rider to share.


Meals
All meals are included in the trip.

Meals feature a good mix of traditional and international food.
Lunch is generally picnic style although we do have a couple of stops where we pass small "restaurants" where the horses can also accompany us. 

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Custom-made saddles (similar to western)
Horses:		Colombian Criollo, Appaloosa, Appaloosa crosses & Paso Fino
Pace:		Moderate 5-6 hours in the saddle per riding day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 5 out of 5)    Intermediate +
Age:		Min 18
Weight:		Max 200 lbs / 90 kg
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 6 riders

Horses
We have over the years built a team of horses that we are extremely proud of. Each one of our horse brings something different. We have horses to suit all riding abilities and tastes.
Here at the ranch, we have a mixture of Appaloosas, Colombian Criollo, Quarter horses, Paso Fino and Andalusian horses. All have been trained to respond to English and Western riding styles and each has their own custom-made saddle ensuring they and you are comfortable throughout your trip.

Riding Pace & Experience
The pace varies with the terrain and altitude but overall is moderate to slow. There will be some good chances to canter along wide dirt tracks but there are some steep climbs, and you are often riding on narrow winding paths or where the vegetation is thick, and the pace must be slow. The horses are sensible, calm and responsive but you are expected to be a competent rider, secure and well balanced in the saddle at a walk, trot and canter, and with experience riding over different types of terrain. You should also be comfortable getting on and off and handling a horse from the ground.

Insurance
All riders MUST have private travel insurance and a copy of this must be sent prior to your arrival. Insurance must include cover for horse riding activities and cover for medical expenses and repatriation costs should you become too ill to continue your trip. We reserve the right to cancel your tour if we are not satisfied that you have adequate insurance in place prior to departure.

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart.

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above except:
1. nationals of Estonia who do need a visa (please note that nationals of Canada, Ireland, Malta and the USA are only permitted visa-free stays of up to three months);
2. US citizens travelling on diplomatic or official passports require a visa.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist: £27. Business and Tourist: Enquire at consulate (or consular section at embassy) for cost as it may vary with the exchange rate. US visas: $42.
Validity
Visas are usually for stays of up to three months, but check with the consulate, as this is dependent on nationality. Extensions for a further three months are possible; apply at the immigration office in Uruguay.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses.
Working Days Required   21.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No/2
Other EU	No/1
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.