cOLOMBIA Riding Adventure
Ride through forests, deserts and rocky mountains
- 9 nights
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Up to 12 riders (on average 8)
- Traditional Colombian Farmhouses
- Colombia
- Available year round
- Easy
From £3200
Similar Trips
Join us in one of the most exciting and diverse countries in South America. We will be exploring Colombia on horseback, staying in traditional fincas (farms) and learning the histories of the Colombian Cowboys
Our Journey will start in the capital of Bogota where we can explore the colourful streets, learn about their history of Gold and look over the city from the top of Monserrate.
Our trek will take you on a journey through time. We will ride through the Old Hacienda route, you will travel through forests, deserts, moorlands, and rocky mountains as we learn the histories of this beautiful country.
We love this ride for it’s diversity. We begin in the low green valleys where people say they have never seen grass so green. We then venture up into the forests getting fantastic views across the countryside. We cross rocky mountains before heading into the desert.
It is a mountainous desert surrounded by green mountains just outside or villa de leyva. It is most riders favorite part of the ride.
Each night we stay in a different Hacienda (farm house) and have the lovely Dani prepare delicious meals for us. It is a great way to see the traditional houses and country life of the Colombians while being looked after by our fabulous team. We end the ride in the beautiful colonial town of Villa de Leyva where we can enjoy delicious food and dancing.
With nights under the stars and immersion into local culture you will be sure to have the adventure of a lifetime. We have more dates available and other rides through Colombia get in touch for more details.
Included
1 night shared accommodation Bogota
7 nights shared accommodation in traditional Fincas
6 Days Riding Adventure
Ground Transport – Air Conditioned Mini Bus
English Speaking Tour Guide
AdAstra Guide
Riding the incredible Colombian Criollo Horses
Three meals per day plus snacks on the trek
1x Breakfasts and 1x Dinners in Bogota
Horses, tack, and equipment needed for the ride
All activities on the trek
Wine and Beer
Not Included
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International Flights
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Personal Travel and Medical Insurance
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Spending Money
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Activities Not Mentioned
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Additional Alcohol
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Tips
Itinerary
What to expect day to day
Arrive in Bogota by 4pm where you will be transferred back to our hotel
For guests arriving before 12noon – we will arrange an afternoon activity.
Dinner at one of Bogota’s top Restaurants
Breakfast at the hotel before being picked up for our transfer out to the farm.
On the way we will visit a traditional Colombian Talabartería – Saddlery. and then visit to a Colombian Criollo horse breeding center (paso fino, trocha y galope).
In the afternoon we will match horses to riders, checking all equipment.
Route briefing before dinner.
During our first day riding we verture through the low valleys before heading up into the mountains for spectacular veiws across the valley. This is a great day to try out our horses as there will be the opportunity to change horses if we need.
Delicious dinner at our next hacienda.
Our second day begins through with a ride through narrow, horseshoe roads until we reach Sutatausa. Here we will visit a sacred place formed by 4 chapels and a national monument.
We will continue to the rocky mountains of the “Hato” Dam where we will have a local traditional lunch.
We will travel through the Ubaté plains, Green plains and meadows will lead us the way. We will stop for lunch at a colonial hacienda “Punta de Vega”.
In the afternoon we will continue our journey till we reach “La hacienda Potosí” specialized in ranching, farming and “Percherones and Belgas” breeding, where we will spend the night.
We will start our journey from “La hacienda Potosí” passing through the Fúquene lagoon and the San Miguel roads. Lunch will be served at the colonial hacienda “Ticha”, a place where history pours from the walls.
In the afternoon we will travel through an impressive wood of oak trees. We will then change states from Cundinamarca to Boyacá, till we reach a semi desert plains of Raquira, where we will spend the night in local cabins.
Our night will be brightened by local folk musicians.
Leaving from de semi desert plains we will have the chance to visit the traditional town of Raquira, were homemade crafts and mud made ornaments are the main attraction.
Will have time to walk, enjoy lunch and relax through the exotic rock made roads
In the afternoon we will begin riding till we reach the “Candelaria” monastery, a sacred place founded in 1.604 and is owned today by the Agustinos father’s community.
On day 8 we will change sceneries drastically, just an hour away from the monastery we will enter the inhospitable desert of the “Candelaria”, rocky roads and strong winds will guide the way. In the desert we will visit an astrological observatory in the middle of nowhere called “Patio de brujas”, This is a magical place filled with legends of woman from the past.
In the afternoon we will reach the majestic town of Villa de Leyva, founded in 1572 and known as a national monument. This is a place known to keep its traditional architecture between moorlands and deserts.
We enjoy a wonderful evening in Villa de Leyva, exchanging stories of the past week.
Breakfast and checkout from the hotel in Villa de Leyva and travel to Bogotá. A trip that last approximately 3 hours.
We will check back into our hotel and then spend the afternoon exploring more of the old town and getting Birdseye views of the wonderful city from up top Monserrate.
You will have the option of a sunrise trek up through the Bogota Jungle.
We will then get ready and check out for your flights back home or for the next part of your Colombian Adventure.
Bogota
We have a few hotel options in Bogota depending on what the group wants. All are lovely hotels with access to the best bits of Bogota.
The Ride
We stay in beautiful fincas on the ride which we will be the only guests. These are usually brightly coloured and have great facilities but not always very modern. Each finca has its own character so you have a new surprise everyday!
You will have shared rooms with onsuit bathrooms. Single rooms are available. We eat delicious home cooked food and enjoy drinks under the stars.
Everyday Dani will meet us on the trail so we can enjoy lunches in the wild. We personally love this kind of dining!
Riding Kit list
Our comprehensive kit list has been created to ensure you have the right kit for your ride. This will make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable. For specific advice please get in touch.
General
- Passport plus travel documents and photocopies: These can be stored securely at the hotel during the trek
- Duffle Bag – This will be transported day to day to the next location.
- LED Headtorch: For use in the evening. Bring spare batteries.
- Camera: Plus memory & spare batteries
- Personal Entertainment: Music, books, cards, diary, notepad and pen
Head & hands
- Riding Hat
- Sunglasses: Cat 3 or 4, 100% UVA/UVB
- Sun Hat: Essential
- Buff – Helpful against the dust and sun
- Warm Hat
- Riding Gloves
- Warm Gloves
Upper Body
- Down Jacket: It’s very cold during the evening and mornings so this is essential.
- Waterproof Jacket: Lightweight and breathable. e.g. GoreTex
- Baselayers – T-shirts or lightweight long sleeve shirts (not cotton); polypropylene or Merino wool. Lighter colours are better.
- Lightweight Fleece
- Heavyweight Fleece: Softshell or primaloft jacket.
Legs & feet
- Riding Boots / Hiking Boots: Comfortable and waterproof with good ankle support.
- Chaps: If you are not riding in long boots
- Trainers/Sandals: For use in the evenings.
- Down Slippers: For the evenings.
- Socks: 3 – 4 pairs of lightweight trekking socks plus a pair of thicker mountaineering socks e.g. smartwool
- Riding Trousers: Comfortable lightweight and quick drying
- Long Thermal Trousers: To sleep in and wear under your trousers when the temperatures drop.
- Waterproof Trousers: Lightweight and breathable. e.g. GoreTex
- Shorts: It can get hot during the day when you’re not riding
- Swimming Costume: In case you fancy a swim
Hygiene Food and Toiletries
- Suncream & Lip Protection: Essential: High SPF (30+)
- Anti-bacterial Hand Gel
- Wash Kit: Wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste and travel towel.
- First Aid Kit: Your mountain Guide will carry a comprehensive group first aid kit. A small blister/first aid kit of your own is advised. Compeed / Second skin plasters, painkillers (Paracetamol and Ibuprofen), zinc oxide tape, powdered rehydration sachet, antibacterial foot powder plus any personal medication you need.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
This ride is over mountains much of which is very rocky so we tend to be walking or trotting. We do however have the chance to canter everyday if the group wants with some nice long uphill canters. However because we are in the mountains we get some incredible views across the Colombian countryside.
On this ride we have some lovely horses that often have the Criollo breed in them. You can also ride the mules which are my personal favorite for this ride. We has access to a lot of different horses and can match you to your horse.
We usually spend about 6 hours in the saddle each day.
We spend about 6 hours in the saddle each day but we are usually going at a walk. Some parts of the trail are more demanding as they require you to get up and down some very steep bits of of hillside. A good level of riding fitness will make the trip more enjoyable.
Colombia doesn’t have any seasons so it is possible to do this ride at any time of year.
We normally have these trails completely to ourselves other than the local Colombian Farmers. We will also be staying in lovely local farmhouses which are just for us.
Yes the water is very safe to drink. We also have our very own Dani who will be on hand with delicious drinks and snacks.
Most of the Farmhouses have wifi but it is not always reliable. You can however get phone signal for most of the ride.
All the farm houses have charging points so it’ll be easy to charge your cameras and phones throughout the ride.
All the bathrooms are well equipped and lovely to use. They all have hot water and many have been recently updated.
After your ride why not come and explore the Caribbean coast. With jungle hideaways, beautiful beaches and loads of exciting activities this is the perfect way to extend your holiday.
We know this area incredibly well and can put together the perfect package for you. Swing your hips in Santa Marta’s bars, relax on the beaches of hike through the jungle! Tell us your dreams we’ll make them reality.
Why AdAstra
Colombia was AdAstra’s first destination and our riding partner was one of the first we worked with. Colombia is one of our favorite places to take people in the world and when you go you’ll see why. We are so excited to be able to show you the real, untouched, unknown Colombia that we love!
- Small groups of adventurers
- Team of passionate local guides
- Your AdAstra guide there to look after all your needs.
Is Colombia for you?
We often get asked, how safe is Colombia? Well very! Tourisum is taking off and they are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. We work with local people who know the areas we go to very well and keep us safe every step of the way.
- 6 days riding
- 6 hours in the saddle a day
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