Description
On these diverse and challenging trails you will encounter the real Colombia, exploring its stunning landscapes and discovering the fascinating history and culture of this extraordinary country. You can expect to ride through verdant mountains, tropical forests, moorlands, open pastures and riverine valleys peppered with towering palm trees. Predominantly overnighting in old haciendas you will be immersed in the traditions of this unique culture, dominated in part by its affinity with the horse, which helped build the infrastructure of the country itself, and which is revered and celebrated throughout the land. While many are familiar with Colombia's established association with both coffee and emeralds, another jewel in their crown is the national breed, the Colombiano Criollo, which is a distant cousin of the Spanish gaited horses (the Spanish Jennet) brought to the country by the Conquistadors. These were bred with the local criollos, and today these horses are the pride of Colombia, often seen at celebrations and ferias, demonstrating their smooth, high-stepping gait. Paso Finos are also famously comfortable for long-distance riding.
You can be guaranteed of a warm welcome by your hosts German and Ernesto Barreto. Together with their companion Bernardo "Chalas" Salazar (“chalas” referring to the Colombian cowboys), they will guide and take care of you during your entire riding holiday. For the entirety of the eight days of your trip, you will become immersed in one of the most appealing horse cultures in the world. The team here can also help you to organise extensions to other destinations upon request. You can stay on after the trail ride to dance the salsa in Cali, taste fresh coffee in Manizales, relax on a Caribbean beach in Cartagena, go scuba diving off the coast of Santa Marta or maybe try some hiking up mount Nevado in the root of the Andes. You might even fall in love with the horses and want to try a local riding course offered by our guides and hosts on these trips!
Please note that on the ride there is generally mobile phone coverage in villages and towns only. During the days and in some more remote locations we cannot guarantee full coverage all the time. There is sometimes internet available at hotels and restaurants in towns and villages but not in all the accommodations used on this trip. Therefore, you should be prepared to disconnect a little when taking part in this trail!
