Scenic Horseback Riding in the Medellín Mountains

Leave the city behind on horseback. This Caldas ride takes you into quiet mountain country only about 20 to 30 minutes from Medellín, with pine forest, streams, open views, and small local roads along the way. I like the careful matching of horses to riding ability, and I like that the guides, including Ricardo, Joshua, Javier, and Gafas, keep beginners calm without holding back experienced riders.

The included transport from the meeting point, drinks, snack stop, and bag of Colombian coffee add real value to the $66.60 price. My main caution is that the ride can be physically demanding, especially for first-time riders, and the exact amount of time in the saddle seems to vary from roughly 1.5 hours to four hours depending on the day and group.

Key points to know before booking

• Mountain scenery close to Medellín: Ride through pine forest, countryside, small communities, and streams in the Caldas area.
• Horses matched to your ability: Beginners receive calm, well-trained horses and extra help with stopping, steering, and body position.
• Guides who set a friendly tone: Ricardo and Joshua receive especially strong praise for patience, humor, and care with both people and animals.
• A proper break along the way: Expect drinks, carrot cake, and sometimes fresh orange juice at a local home or rest stop.
• Transport included: Meet at Le Brunch Express in Envigado, then ride by included transport to the ranch and return to the same meeting point.
• Dress for dust and saddle time: Long pants, sturdy shoes or boots, and sunscreen will make the ride far more comfortable.

From Envigado to the Caldas countryside

Your day begins at Le Brunch Express, at Cl 30A Sur #44 A-51 in Zona 2, Envigado. Arriving early makes sense. You can have breakfast or coffee before the group leaves, and this is a useful moment to meet the guides and fellow riders.

The meeting point is near public transportation, but you should still allow time to get there. One person described the route to the meeting point as a little tricky, so do not cut it close. The included ride to the ranch removes much of the usual hassle once you arrive.

The transfer takes about 20 minutes according to the tour description, though some accounts put the trip closer to 30 minutes. Either way, you move quickly from urban Medellín to a more rural setting. That contrast is part of the appeal. You do not spend half a day reaching the countryside.

The total outing lasts about four hours, though timing can stretch to four or five hours on some departures. The pace depends on the number of riders, photo stops, snack breaks, and the comfort level of the group.

Choosing your horse and learning the basics

At the ranch, the team pairs you with a horse based on your experience. This is one of the strongest parts of the outing because the ride welcomes complete beginners as well as people who already know how to ride.

Before setting off, you receive instructions on how to make the horse move, stop, and respond to your body and reins. Guides are present throughout the ride, and beginners may receive extra support when needed. One family said a small child’s horse was led by rope, which shows the staff can adjust the ride for younger riders and less confident participants.

The horses are repeatedly described as calm, healthy, and well cared for. You may also meet dogs, goats, and young animals around the ranch. Pedro, a baby goat, has become something of a favorite with people on the tour. The animal care is not a minor detail here. If you are uneasy about riding operations that treat horses as equipment, the visible care given to the animals should matter.

Still, horseback riding is not effortless. Even a calm horse can make your legs and back work. One first-time rider reported bruising afterward, with long pants and boots recommended instead of shorts. The stated weight limit is 130 kilograms, or 260 pounds. If you are close to that limit, confirm the current policy before booking.

The first trails through pine forest and countryside

The ride starts at a gentle pace while you get used to your horse. The route passes through rural areas near Caldas, with green hills, trees, farms, and stretches of countryside that feel far removed from Medellín’s traffic.

Pine forest is one of the most frequently praised parts of the route. The shade helps on sunny days, while the changing views keep the ride interesting. You may pass through a small town before reaching more open country, giving you a look at ordinary life beyond the city.

The guides also share local stories and information about the area, ranches, horses, mules, and different breeds. This gives the outing more meaning than a simple photo ride. You are not only sitting on a horse while someone leads you around a fenced property. You are moving through a working rural setting and hearing about the animals and the region from people who spend their time there.

At certain points, experienced riders may be allowed to trot or canter ahead. This is optional, not a requirement. Beginners can stay at a walking pace, while confident riders may get a little more speed. That flexibility makes the tour work for mixed groups, though you should tell the guide clearly what feels comfortable.

Crossing streams on horseback

The stream crossings are among the most memorable moments. The route includes two creeks or streams, and riding through the water gives the outing a sense of adventure without requiring advanced riding skills.

Water levels and trail conditions can change with weather, so do not expect the exact same ride every day. The horses are accustomed to the route, and the guides help the group through, but you should still pay attention to instructions and keep your feet positioned properly.

The scenery around the water is a strong reason to bring a phone or camera. There are also scenic overlooks where the group stops for photographs. These breaks let you enjoy the views without trying to take pictures while managing a horse.

The trade-off is pace. A group needs time for everyone to cross safely and take photos. If you want a fast, continuous ride, this may feel slow. If you prefer a relaxed outing with chances to look around, it works well.

Carrot cake, cold drinks, and a local pause

At some point, the group stops for refreshments. Depending on the day, you may receive beer, soft drinks, fresh orange juice, and a snack of carrot cake. The stop may take place at a local woman’s home, which gives the break a more personal feel than a standard tourist café.

The food is simple, but it matters. A sweet snack after time in the saddle is welcome, and the cold drink gives you a chance to cool down. The stop also breaks up the ride for first-time riders who may be tiring.

The tour description also includes a bag of premium Colombian coffee. This is a nice take-home extra rather than the main reason to book, but it adds value to the price. If you arrive early at Le Brunch Express, you can also have breakfast there at your own cost before departure.

Some people find the refreshment stop too long when the group is large. That is a fair criticism. The same pause that makes the day pleasant can slow the schedule, particularly when everyone wants drinks, cake, and photos.

How long are you actually on the horse?

The advertised riding time is about three hours, but the accounts of the outing give a wider range. Some describe three to four hours on horseback, another says about 2.5 hours, and one family reports roughly 1.5 hours of riding within a four-hour outing.

That difference is important. The total activity lasts around four hours, but not every minute is spent riding. Transport, horse selection, safety instructions, photo stops, stream crossings, and refreshments all take time.

I would book this as a half-day countryside excursion, not as a nonstop endurance ride. If your priority is maximum saddle time, ask Colombian Horses to confirm the expected riding duration for your date. If your priority is a relaxed day outside Medellín, the varied pace is likely to suit you.

Guides, safety, and the feel of the group

Ricardo and Joshua receive the most frequent praise, with Javier and Gafas also described as helpful and patient. Their role goes beyond leading the horses. They explain how to control the animal, check on nervous riders, help with mounting and dismounting, and adjust the pace when needed.

That matters most if you have never ridden before. Several beginners found the horses easy to handle after a short lesson, and the guides did not push people beyond their comfort level. Experienced riders can ask for more freedom in suitable sections, while cautious riders can stay with the main group.

The published maximum is 14 people. One family described a group of about 30, however, so group size may differ by departure or may have been remembered differently. I would confirm the number if a small-group ride is important to you.

The tour operator says animal abuse is not tolerated, and the repeated descriptions of well-kept horses support that claim. You should still treat the animals with care: listen to the guides, avoid sudden movements, and do not assume a calm horse wants to be petted everywhere.

What to wear and bring

Wear long pants. Jeans or riding trousers protect your legs from brush, dust, and rubbing from the saddle. Shorts are a poor choice for several hours on horseback.

Choose sneakers you do not mind getting dirty or, better yet, boots with a secure sole. The route can include streams and uneven ground. Sunscreen is essential, even when parts of the trail pass through trees.

Useful items include:

• Sunscreen
• Water
• A phone or camera with a secure pocket
• Clothing that can handle dust and mud
• Long pants and sturdy footwear

You do not need to bring riding equipment. The necessary equipment is included, and the tour provides instruction before departure. Sombreros are available for sale if you want a classic Colombian riding look, but they are optional.

Is $66.60 good value?

At $66.60 per person, the price is fair for a four-hour outing that includes transport from Envigado and back, horse and equipment, guides, drinks, a snack, and Colombian coffee.

The value is strongest because the tour combines several experiences in one package. You get mountain scenery, a rural ride, stream crossings, local conversation, a food stop, and animal contact. Booking separate transport to a ranch would also take time and money.

The price is less attractive if you want a private ride, a small group guaranteed to be under 14 people, or several uninterrupted hours at speed. This is a social excursion with stops and a shared pace.

The 98 percent recommendation rate and 4.9 rating suggest a strong record, but I would still read the practical details carefully. The one serious complaint involved a missed booking and a refund request made less than 24 hours before departure. The policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not accepted, and poor weather may lead to a new date or full refund.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to first-time riders who want patient instruction, families with older children, couples, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and experienced riders looking for a scenic day rather than a technical riding lesson.

It is especially good for people who want a break from city attractions without spending a full day away from Medellín. The short transfer, included transport, and varied route keep the outing manageable.

I would think twice if you dislike animals, have back or leg problems, need a strict schedule, or want a private and fast-paced ride. Children can take part, but the information is mixed. One family had small children and received extra support, while another person would not recommend it for children under 17. Ask the operator about age and horse arrangements for your group.

Should you book Colombian Horses?

Book it if you want an easy way to reach the countryside and you value scenery, friendly guides, and calm horses more than nonstop riding. Ricardo and Joshua appear to bring warmth and confidence to the day, and the route offers more variety than a short loop around a ranch.

Before paying, confirm the expected saddle time, group size, age arrangements, and meeting instructions. Arrive early at Le Brunch Express, wear long pants and sturdy shoes, and leave room in your schedule for photo and refreshment stops.

For a first horseback ride in Colombia, this is a strong choice. For an advanced rider seeking a demanding trail ride, it may feel too gentle and social.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour meet?

The tour meets at Le Brunch Express, Cl 30A Sur #44 A-51, Zona 2, Envigado, Antioquia, Colombia.

Does transportation to the ranch come with the tour?

Yes. Transportation from the meeting point to the riding location and back is included.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts approximately four hours. The actual riding time can vary, with descriptions ranging from about 1.5 hours to four hours.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. Guides provide instructions and match horses to riding experience. Beginners can ride calm, well-trained horses and receive help during the outing.

What is included in the price?

The price includes transportation from the meeting point and back, the horseback ride, necessary equipment, guides, traditional drinks such as beer or soft drinks, a snack, and a bag of premium Colombian coffee.

What should I wear?

Long pants and sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. Wear sunscreen and choose footwear and clothing that you do not mind getting dirty.

Is there a weight restriction?

People weighing more than 130 kilograms, or 260 pounds, are not recommended to participate.

How many people can join the tour?

The stated maximum is 14 participants, though one account described a group of about 30 people. Confirm the expected group size when booking if this matters to you.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted. If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.