Medellin: Horseback Riding Adventure In Nature (Don’t Overpay)

Trade city traffic for mountain trails. This three-hour horseback riding outing takes you from El Poblado to a peaceful town about 30 minutes from Medellín, where you ride through open countryside, hills, and farm scenery. I like the well-trained horses, which make the tour approachable for first-time riders, and I like the chance to finish with Colombian food at a finca restaurant.

The main caution is logistics. Several bookings have been affected by missed pickups, last-minute meeting changes, or unclear communication. Large riding groups can also slow the pace, and the actual time in the saddle may feel shorter than the advertised 1.5 hours.

Key points at a glance

• A short escape from El Poblado: Round-trip transport takes you from La Makha restaurant to the countryside and back.
• Beginner-friendly horses: The horses are described as calm, responsive, and easy for new riders to manage.
• Scenic but not remote: Expect farm roads, hills, trails, photo stops, and even a highway crossing rather than a wilderness ride.
• The group may be large: The maximum is 25 people, and a group of more than 20 has made the ride feel crowded.
• Food costs extra: Colombian tapas, arepas, dishes, and drinks at the finca restaurant are not included.
• Confirm pickup details: Communication has been the weakest part of the experience, so arrive early and keep your booking information handy.

Leaving El Poblado for the countryside

The meeting point is La Makha, a restaurant at Cra. 25 #10-51 in El Poblado. From there, a driver takes you out of Medellín to a quieter town roughly 30 minutes away. That short transfer is part of the appeal: you get a quick change from apartment towers, traffic, and cafés to farms and open views without arranging a full day trip.

The transport is described as round trip, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. Still, I would treat the pickup as the part requiring the most care. Some people were left waiting at La Makha, while others received a meeting-location change just as the activity was due to begin. The operator has apologized for earlier coordination problems, but you should still arrive early and verify the exact pickup instructions before setting out.

The booking is mobile-ticket based, and confirmation is issued at booking. If your phone does not have Colombian service, save the confirmation and contact details before leaving your hotel. One unhappy booking involved a person who could not access mobile service easily, which is a useful warning for international visitors.

Reaching the farm and meeting your horse

The ranch includes a restaurant and serves as both the starting and finishing point for the ride. It has the feel of a working finca rather than a polished tourist attraction, which gives the outing some local character. You meet your horse here, receive basic riding instructions, and get additional help if you need it.

This is where the tour earns its strongest praise. The horses are repeatedly described as well trained, smart, and responsive. That matters if you have never ridden before. A calm horse lets you focus on sitting comfortably, following directions, and enjoying the scenery instead of worrying about every step.

The experience also suits riders with some prior knowledge. A few outings have included faster riding and galloping, but you should not assume every departure will offer that. The pace depends on the group, the guide, and the number of beginners present. If the group is large, experienced riders may spend more time waiting for less confident riders.

The guides have been helpful and friendly, with Ricardo named in one account. English support is not guaranteed. English interpretation was promised to at least one booking but was not provided, and the guide spoke Spanish. Basic riding instructions were still understood through demonstration and simple communication, but you should be comfortable with limited English support or use a translation app before leaving.

One and a half hours on the trail

The central ride is advertised at about 1.5 hours, with stops for photographs. The route passes through attractive countryside near an old town and includes hills, farm areas, and changing views around Medellín. You may ride up and down slopes, cross a highway, and stop at scenic points.

This is a pleasant way to see the area at a slower speed. From horseback, small details become more noticeable: the shape of the hills, the farm buildings, the trail surface, and the shift from town to open country. The photo stops are useful, especially if you want views for your trip album, but they also reduce the amount of time spent actually moving.

That distinction matters. One account calculated only about 40 minutes of real riding, with a long break for photographs and a total distance of around 3.6 kilometers there and back. The advertised 1.5-hour riding period may therefore include stops, organizing the group, and waiting for other riders. For a first-time rider, that can be just right. For someone seeking a long trail ride, it may feel short.

The scenery is the most consistent strength of the outing. You are not signing up for a demanding expedition or a remote mountain route. You are getting a straightforward countryside ride with attractive views and enough variety to make the trip worthwhile.

Why group size changes the experience

The maximum group size is 25. That is manageable for a simple guided ride, but it is not intimate. Groups of more than 20 have been described as crowded, especially when several people were riding for the first time.

A big group creates two different experiences. Beginners may appreciate the company and the extra guidance, while confident riders may find the pace slow. Keeping everyone together also means the guide cannot always let experienced riders move faster. If your priority is a relaxed social outing, a larger group may be fine. If you want quiet riding or individual instruction, ask about the expected group size before booking.

The ride can also feel overwhelming at the beginning, when horses are being assigned and everyone is learning how to move together. Once the group gets onto the trail, the experience becomes easier for many people. Guides have been praised for helping riders feel comfortable, but the quality of the day depends heavily on how well the group is managed.

The horses and basic safety questions

The horses receive some of the warmest praise. They are described as beautiful, obedient, and suitable for people who have never ridden. That makes this a good introduction to horseback riding, particularly if you want a rural activity without committing to a full-day excursion.

At the same time, do not assume that every safety detail is included. One account specifically noted that no helmets were provided. The supplied information does not state that helmets are available, so ask before booking if head protection is important to you.

The route may include uneven ground, hills, and a highway crossing. You should follow the guide closely and wear clothes that can handle dust, mud, and contact with a saddle. The tour is described as suitable for most people, but the information does not give a detailed medical or weight policy. If you have mobility concerns or a specific riding limitation, contact the provider before paying.

Lunch, Colombian dishes, and extra costs

After the ride, you return to the ranch restaurant. You can sit down for Colombian tapas, arepas, other dishes, and drinks, but these are not included in the $59 price.

This optional meal gives the outing a pleasant ending, especially if you want to linger in the countryside instead of rushing straight back to Medellín. It also gives you a chance to relax after the saddle. However, prices and payment arrangements need careful attention. One booking involved confusion over the transport charge and a higher-than-expected restaurant bill. The operator said the payment issue was a driver mistake and that it was resolved.

I would ask two direct questions before the vehicle leaves El Poblado: Is any transport payment due locally, and what is included in the booked price? Also ask for the current restaurant prices if you plan to eat. The published experience price is $59, but extra food, drinks, or separately arranged transport can change the final cost.

Is $59 good value?

At $59, the package can be good value if you want a short countryside escape with transport, a horse, basic guidance, and scenic riding. Comparable independent arrangements may require finding your own way out of Medellín, negotiating locally, and arranging a return trip. Here, the main work is handled for you.

The value drops if your main goal is a long ride. The 3 to 4 hour total includes transport, mounting, instructions, photo breaks, and time at the restaurant. Some riders may spend considerably less than 1.5 hours actively moving on horseback.

The price also buys convenience rather than privacy. A group of 20 or more, Spanish-only guidance, and optional food costs are all realistic possibilities. I would see the tour as a good half-day activity, not a premium private horseback excursion.

Who should book this ride?

This outing fits first-time riders, couples, families, and small groups looking for an easy change of pace from Medellín. The trained horses and patient assistance make it less intimidating than a demanding trail ride. It also works well for people who want views and photos without spending an entire day away from the city.

Experienced riders should book with more caution. You may enjoy the hills, open views, and occasional faster riding, but the pace can be limited by beginners and a large group. Ask if a smaller departure is available, and confirm how much time will be spent riding rather than stopping.

I would also think twice if you need precise English instruction, strict timing, or dependable transport with no room for confusion. The ride itself has earned many strong marks, but the pickup process has been the recurring weak spot.

Booking tips that can save you trouble

• Arrive early at La Makha and wait at the exact stated meeting point.
• Save your confirmation on your phone before leaving Wi-Fi.
• Keep the operator’s contact information available, especially if your phone service is limited.
• Confirm the pickup time, vehicle, and return plan the day before.
• Ask if an English-speaking guide will be present.
• Ask whether a helmet is supplied.
• Confirm that food, drinks, and any local transport charges are separate.
• Wear practical clothes and shoes suitable for riding and uneven trails.
• Leave room in your schedule because the full outing can take 3 to 4 hours.
• If the weather turns poor, the activity may be moved to another date or canceled with a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refundable, and poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should you book the Medellín horseback ride?

I would book it if you want an affordable, easy countryside outing and are happy with a group ride. The horses, views, and friendly on-site help are the reasons to go. For a beginner, the calm horses can make this a memorable first ride.

I would not book it expecting a private trail adventure, a guaranteed English interpreter, or a full 90 minutes of continuous riding. The best approach is to confirm the pickup, helmet, group size, and extra charges before you commit. If those details are clear, this can be a fun way to see a quieter side of Medellín without spending a full day away.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour begin?

It begins at La Makha, Cocina de Origen, at Cra. 25 #10-51 in El Poblado, Medellín.

How long does the complete experience take?

The full outing is expected to take about 3 to 4 hours, including transportation, riding, stops, and the return to El Poblado.

How long is the horseback ride?

The ride is described as approximately 1.5 hours, including time for scenic stops and photographs. One account experienced about 40 minutes of active riding.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is described as suitable for all levels, and the horses have been praised as calm, trained, and easy for new riders to manage.

Is transportation included?

Round-trip transport from the El Poblado meeting point is part of the experience description. Confirm the current arrangements before departure because some bookings have had pickup and payment confusion.

Is food included in the $59 price?

No. Food and drinks at the finca restaurant are optional and must be paid for separately.

Is an English-speaking guide guaranteed?

No. English interpretation was expected in at least one booking but was not provided. The guide may speak Spanish only.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 25 people. Groups of more than 20 have occurred, so the ride may feel crowded.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not refunded. Weather or minimum-participant cancellations may result in another date or a full refund.