Jewels of the Colombian Andes

Introduction
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.

Accomodation

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 includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding



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.

Itinerary

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

Rates and Dates for Jewels of the Colombian Andes

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Cartago
Airport: Matecaña International Airport in Pereira
Transfer: Pereira

Climate:
                                                Pereira area