Mountains and Waterfalls

Introduction
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!

Accomodation
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 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:
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.

Rates and Dates for Mountains and Waterfalls

Dates Note:

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

Climate:
                                                Pereira area