Cali: Horseback Riding

Trade city streets for a saddle. This three-hour horseback ride takes you north of Cali for two hours on Colombian Creole horses, with routes adjusted for first-timers and experienced riders alike. I like the careful horse matching and the small group size, limited to six people, which should give you more personal attention than a large trail ride.

I also like that you can choose a quiet walk, a faster trot, or a gallop if your skill level allows it. The main thing to consider is the travel time: the stable is north of the city, and the round trip from central Cali takes about 40 to 50 minutes. Bring spare clothes, too. Rain or a river crossing may leave you wet.

Key things to know before riding

• Colombian Creole horses: Strong, gentle, and well suited to riders with different levels of experience.
• A two-hour ride: The riding itself lasts about two hours, but plan on three to four hours from pickup to return.
• Small groups: A maximum of six participants allows the guide to give more direct help.
• Flexible pace: Depending on your ability, the ride may include walking, trotting, or galloping.
• Possible water crossings: Weather and the route may leave you wet, so a change of clothes is essential.
• Bilingual support: The driver speaks Spanish, while the riding host and horse expert provide instruction in English and Spanish.

Leaving Cali for the Valle del Cauca countryside

The experience begins with pickup from a hotel area in central Cali, subject to confirmation with the local supplier. If you are staying elsewhere, you should check the pickup details before booking. The listed end point is Hotel Intercontinental, so the return arrangement may not be identical to your starting point.

A Spanish-speaking driver handles the ground transportation. The journey to the stable is part of the outing, not just a quick transfer. From central Cali, the trip to the horse facility and back takes roughly 40 to 50 minutes in total. That matters when you plan your day. The advertised duration is three hours, but you should allow three to four hours for the full experience.

I see this as a fair trade for getting beyond the city. Cali is famous for music, food, and salsa, but the Valle del Cauca also gives you room to slow down. This ride offers a change of pace without requiring a full-day excursion.

The transport is included, as is pickup and drop-off from your lodging within the stated limits. Food and drinks are not included, so eat beforehand and bring water. Extra refreshments are not supplied during the outing.

Choosing the right horse for your ability

At the stable, the host and horse expert will ask about your riding background. That includes people who have never sat on a horse and riders who are comfortable in the saddle. The guide then chooses a horse based on your experience and needs.

This is one of the most useful parts of the arrangement. A first-time rider should not simply be handed the biggest or fastest horse available. A more experienced rider may want a horse that responds well to a quicker pace. Matching the horse to the person can make the difference between relaxing scenery and a tense afternoon.

The horses are Colombian Creole breeds. They are described as strong but also docile, kind, and noble. That combination is useful on a trail ride, especially when the group includes beginners. Still, horse riding always requires attention. You should listen closely to the instructions and be honest about your experience.

Before setting off, you receive advice on handling the horse and riding safely. The guide can adjust the route and pace for the group. If you are new to riding, do not feel pressured to trot or gallop. A steady walk is a perfectly good way to enjoy the countryside.

Two hours on nature trails

The actual ride lasts about two hours. The route leads through natural surroundings in the valley, offering a quieter view of the area than you get from a city tour or a vehicle window.

The appeal here is simple. You are moving slowly enough to notice the countryside, but you are not confined to a bus or car. You may have direct contact with animals and the outdoor setting, with the exact route shaped by riding ability and expectations.

The description allows for a walk, trot, or gallop. That does not mean every participant will do all three. The guide chooses the appropriate pace based on safety, skill, and the group. If you are a beginner, expect the experience to focus on control and comfort. If you already ride, ask about faster sections, but follow the guide’s judgment.

The trails are also affected by weather. A river crossing may be part of the route, and wet conditions are possible. This adds a little adventure, but it also creates a practical concern. Wear clothing that can get dirty or wet, and bring a spare set for afterward.

You are asked to avoid shorts and open-toed shoes. Comfortable shoes or hiking shoes are better choices. Sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, water, and biodegradable insect repellent are also recommended. These are not decorative packing suggestions. You will be outdoors for a sustained period, and the route may expose you to sun, insects, mud, or water.

A ride that works for beginners and experienced riders

Many horseback outings quietly favor people who already know what they are doing. This one is designed for a wider range of ability. The horses can be selected for beginners, and the host provides instructions before the ride begins.

For a first-time rider, the most valuable feature is the chance to start at a manageable pace. You can spend the ride walking and learning how the horse responds. The small group limit helps here, since six people or fewer is easier to supervise than a large line of riders.

Experienced riders may appreciate the freedom to trot or gallop when the route and guide permit it. The ride is not presented as a technical lesson, so you should not book it expecting formal training or advanced riding instruction. It is a recreational outing with an adaptable pace.

Your comfort level matters. Tell the host if you are nervous, inexperienced, or hoping for a faster ride. The better the guide understands your expectations, the easier it is to pair you with the right horse and route.

The ride is not suitable for wheelchair users. The stable setting, horse mounting, and trail conditions make this a poor fit for anyone who needs wheelchair access.

Why the group size matters

A maximum of six participants is a strong point. Horseback riding becomes less personal when a guide has to manage a long line of riders with very different abilities. Here, the host has a better chance of checking each rider, adjusting the pace, and responding to questions.

The group size also helps keep the ride calmer. Beginners may feel less self-conscious when they are not surrounded by a large crowd. More experienced riders can explain what they want without competing for the guide’s attention.

The activity includes a host and expert horseman who speaks English and Spanish. A Spanish-speaking driver handles the transport, while the riding portion has bilingual support. That makes the practical instructions easier to follow for English-speaking visitors.

The strongest praise connected with this experience centers on enjoyment and professional guiding. A verified January 2022 booking specifically praised guide David as professional and described riding in Cali as a great experience. Another verified booking from November 2021 simply called the outing a lot of fun. Those comments are brief, but they point to the two things this activity needs most: competent handling and a pleasant atmosphere.

Is $139 a fair price?

At $139 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning or afternoon around Cali. The price includes transport from central Cali, the horse, horse selection, the two-hour ride, a bilingual riding host, and a medical assistance policy.

The value depends on what you would otherwise need to arrange. You are not only paying for time in the saddle. You are also paying for transport to the stable, help choosing a suitable horse, instruction, and a small-group format. For a first-time rider, that support can justify the higher cost.

For an experienced rider seeking a long or highly technical ride, two hours may feel short for the price. The total outing is also partly taken up by transportation. I would book it for the convenience and personal attention, not because it offers the longest possible riding time.

Food, drinks, and tips cost extra. You should budget for those separately, though the tour does not require you to buy anything additional. Bring your own water and eat before pickup if you prefer not to spend time looking for food.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms are useful if your Cali plans are still changing, but you should confirm the pickup details with the local supplier before finalizing your schedule.

What to wear and pack

Clothing is especially important here because the ride may include wet weather or a river crossing. Long trousers are required in practice, since shorts are not allowed. Wear closed shoes with enough support for uneven ground.

Pack the following:

• Comfortable or hiking shoes
• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Biodegradable insect repellent
• A complete change of clothes

Do not bring pets, luggage, large bags, or open-toed shoes. Large bags can be awkward and unsafe around horses, so keep your belongings compact.

A waterproof bag for your phone and other small items would be sensible, though the supplied information does not specify whether one is provided. Treat the spare clothing as essential rather than optional. The possibility of getting wet is clearly part of the outing.

Who will enjoy this horseback ride most?

I would recommend it to a visitor who wants countryside time without committing to a full-day tour. It suits couples, small groups of friends, and solo riders who are comfortable joining a small shared activity.

It is also a good choice for a beginner who wants a guided introduction rather than an independent horse rental. The horse matching, safety advice, bilingual support, and adaptable pace all reduce the usual uncertainty.

Experienced riders may enjoy it if they want a scenic outing with the option to trot or gallop. I would suggest confirming expectations with the supplier, since the exact pace depends on the group and route.

This is less suitable if you need wheelchair access, want a formal riding lesson, or are looking for an all-day trail journey. It may also disappoint anyone expecting a city-center activity, since a transfer to the northern stable is required.

Should you book the Cali horseback ride?

Book it if you want a small-group countryside ride with flexible pacing, included transportation, and horses chosen for your ability. The professional guidance, especially the positive note about David, adds confidence for first-time riders.

Think twice if you dislike getting wet, have limited time between other activities, or want more than two hours on horseback. The ride offers a pleasant rural escape, but the trip to the stable and the return transfer take part of your day.

For most suitable riders, the best reason to book is the balance of adventure and support. You can enjoy trails, animals, and open countryside without needing advanced riding skills. Just arrive in long trousers, closed shoes, and a spare outfit.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The activity is advertised as three hours, but you should allow three to four hours from pickup through completion. The actual horseback ride lasts about two hours.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup may be available from a hotel area in central Cali, subject to confirmation with the local supplier. The listed tour end point is Hotel Intercontinental.

How far is the stable from Cali?

The stable is north of the city. The round trip from your accommodation, using central Cali as the reference point, takes about 40 to 50 minutes.

Is the ride suitable for first-time riders?

Yes. The experience is adapted for first-time riders, beginners, and experienced participants. The guide gives instructions and selects a horse based on your ability.

Can experienced riders trot or gallop?

Depending on your riding level, expectations, route, and group conditions, the ride may include walking, trotting, or galloping.

What languages are available?

The driver speaks Spanish. The riding host and expert horseman provide support in English and Spanish.

What should I wear for the ride?

Wear comfortable or hiking shoes, long trousers, and closed shoes. Shorts and open-toed shoes are not allowed.

Could I get wet during the activity?

Yes. Weather conditions or a river crossing may leave you wet. Bring a complete spare set of clothes, along with water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and biodegradable insect repellent.