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Mountains and Waterfalls in Central Andes
Coffee Zone
Colombia
This route begins in the stunning area of Santa Rosa, Risaralda in the Central Andes mountains of Colombia, from here we head straight into the hills and towards the department of Quindio, riding through a UNESCO World Heritage site. This area is renowned for its abundant wildlife, home to howler monkeys, wild orchids and hummingbirds. The trail finishing up in the picturesque town of Salento. We look forward to sharing this ride with you!
Covering 80 miles of extremely varied terrain, passing alongside mountains, waterfalls and rivers, traversing lush ravines and open grasslands. 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.
Your holiday starts with a day to relax, acclimatize and meet your horse at our stunning 150 year old colonial home. From here you will begin your Colombian trail riding experience: 5 days on horseback, spending your evenings at truly memorable accommodation. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery by day, soak in the most spectacular sunsets by night. All luggage will be transported between overnight stops for you.
We’re here to welcome you to our luxurious ranch house, set in 12 acres of subtropical farmland. You’ll have time to spend time by the pool as well as to meet the herd. Enjoy a chef prepared family style evening meal before heading out the following day to begin your 80 mile adventure.
This trail is designed to show you the best of this beautiful area, an area rich in horse culture and with a landscape that lends itself to horseback travel. Over the five days on trail you and your horse will pass breathtaking scenery and enjoy nights in a variety of spectacular settings, from lodges nestled in the foothills of the Andes mountains to luxury yurts and traditional haciendas. A Colombian adventure awaits!
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Cartago
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Airport:
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Matecaña International Airport in Pereira
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Transfer:
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Pereira
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
6 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2025
Rates include*:
Accommodation, All meals, Transfers to/from Pereira & Riding as described in itinerary
| A | 2025 | 7 day trip | 7d / 6n | $3300 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2025
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Non-Riders welcome - please inquire for rates
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$0
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2025
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Single supplement $30 per night
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$30
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Transfers are included between Pereira and Marsella on the first and last day of the tour.
Rates do not include:
Gratuities
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:
Our courtesy vehicle will pick you up from the airport or bus terminal in Pereira and bring you to our ranch. Here you will be welcomed into our home, with time to relax by the pool, explore the grounds and meet your horse. The evening will include a poolside BBQ and an explanation of the terrain you will be covering over the following 5 days
Day 2:
Depart from the ranch after a relaxed breakfast and head to the hills of Risaralda and our start point for this trail – “La Herradura” on the outskirts of Santa Rosa and just a stones throw from the thermal hot springs. Afternoon ride to spectacular waterfall before making our way to the thermal hot springs.
Day 3:
Out on trail all day. A stunning day’s ride climbing forest trails, long canters along eucalyptus lined avenues, along ridge tops with spectacular views, passing by waterfalls and crossing rivers as we lead you to our next overnight stop. A beautiful riverside chalet.
Day 4:
Out on trail half day. A beautiful ride high up onto the edge of Risaralda as we cross into the department of Quindio arriving at our next destination sitting on the edge of national parkland. A stunning location with countless butterflies and hummingbirds.
Day 5:
Out on Trail all day. This day has it all, valleys, river crossings, wildlife, mountains. We enter the “Corredor de los Monos” or corridor of the monkeys. Here you will ride to the sound of howler monkeys and maybe even catch a glimpse, eat lunch surrounded by hummingbirds, too many varieties to count, cross ravines, rivers and on to our next specially selected accommodation.
Day 6:
Out on trail all day, here we begin the climb into coffee country, an area where horses and mules are the main mode of transporting goods, riding a spectacular disused railway line, finishing at a luxurious yurt accommodation, enjoy sunset with a camp fire to the sound of your horses grazing close by. Evening meal is in the nearby bustling town of Salento, after dinner enjoy a favorite pastime of coffee in the square watching the world go by.
Day 7:
Breakfast before a visit to the market and artisan stalls of Salento before transport to either airport or back at the ranch depending on your plans.
Meeting:
Cartago
Airport:
Matecaña International Airport in Pereira
Transfer:
Pereira
Transfers are included between Pereira and Marsella on the first and last day of the tour.
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Tack:
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Custom-made saddles (similar to western)
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Horses:
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Colombian Criollo, Appaloosa, Appaloosa crosses & Paso Fino
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Pace:
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Moderate
4-6 hours in the saddle per riding day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
5
out of 5) Intermediate +
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Age:
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Min
18
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs / 90 kg
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
6 riders
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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.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart.Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above except: 1. nationals of Estonia who do need a visa (please note that national. more
Pereira area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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80
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80
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80
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79
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78
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78
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79
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80
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79
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78
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78
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78
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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63
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63
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63
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63
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63
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63
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63
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63
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63
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63
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63
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63
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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27
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27
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27
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26
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26
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26
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26
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26
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26
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26
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25
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26
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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17
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17
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17
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17
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17
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17
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17
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17
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17
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17
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17
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17
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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9
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9
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12
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14
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14
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13
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10
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10
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12
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15
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16
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12
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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
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*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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Throughout your trip, you’ll stay in a combination of comfortable guesthouses, luxury yurts, farm houses and lodges, all hand picked by us. 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.
All meals and drinks are included in the cost of your trail. This includes breakfast, lunch, evening meal, refreshments and drinks in the evening. Dietary requirements will be catered for and noted at point of booking.
This trip
can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
Custom-made saddles (similar to western)
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Colombian Criollo, Appaloosa, Appaloosa crosses & Paso Fino
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Pace:
|
|
Moderate
4-6 hours in the saddle per riding day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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|
Level:
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(3
to
5
out of 5) Intermediate +
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Age:
|
|
Min
18
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs / 90 kg
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|
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.
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Mountains and Waterfalls in Central Andes
Tour Code:
IT-COL19
7 days /
6 nights
Dates :
All year
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accommodation
Tack:
Custom-made saddles (similar to wester...
Horses:
Colombian Criollo, Appaloosa, Appaloos...
Pace:
Moderate
4-6 hours in the saddl...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Airport:
Matecaña International Airport in Pereira
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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