8 day Ruta de Oro trail
This spectacular 8 day trail takes you through the stunning hills of Risaralda and Quindio.
A true trail riding adventure!
- 8 days
- USD 2,850
Description
Riding in the hoof prints of “El Libertador” Simon Bolivar, you will pass coffee farms, giant wax palms, cross rivers and extinct volcanoes. Enjoy nights around camp fires, under starlit skies and truly experience what this incredible part of the world has to offer.
The trail covers over 100 miles of extremely varied terrain, passing alongside mountains and rivers, traversing lush ravines and open grasslands. Suitable for those who are confident cantering and have a sense of adventure! Our trails have been created using the knowledge of local guides to take you to the most unspoilt and untrodden parts.
Your holiday starts with a day to relax, acclimatise and meet your horse at our stunning 150 year old colonial home. From here you will begin your Colombian trail riding experience: 6 days on horseback, spending your evenings at truly memorable accommodation. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery by day, soak in the most spectacular sunsets by night. All luggage will be transported between overnight stops for you.
An unforgettable experience
We’re here to welcome you to our luxurious ranch house, set in 12 acres of sub tropical farmland. You’ll have time to spend time by the pool as well as to meet the herd. Enjoy a chef prepared family style evening meal before heading out the following day to begin your 100 mile adventure.
This trail is designed to show you the best of this beautiful area, a world heritage site, an area rich in culture and with a landscape that lends itself to horseback travel. Over the next six days you and your horse will pass breathtaking scenery and enjoy nights in a variety of spectacular settings, from mountain-top guest homes to luxury yurts and traditional haciendas. A Colombian adventure awaits!
Accommodation
Throughout your trip, you’ll stay in a combination of comfortable guesthouses, luxury yurts, farm houses and hotels, all hand picked by us. You’ll stay with us at our stunning 150 year old colonial home for a night before and after the trail ride, with the option to book a longer stay if you’d like to.
Food and drink
All meals and drinks are included in the cost of your trail. This includes breakfast, lunch, evening meal, refreshments and drinks in the evening. Dietary requirements will be catered for and noted at point of booking.
Itinerary
Day 1
Our courtesy vehicle will pick you up from the airport or bus terminal in Pereira and bring you to Rancho Saman. Here you will be welcomed into our home, with time to relax by the pool, explore the grounds and meet your horse. Also you will be given the chance to learn how to tack up western style. The evening will include a poolside BBQ and an explanation of the terrain you will be covering over the following 6 days.
Day 2
Depart Rancho Saman after a relaxed breakfast and head to the hills of Quindio courtesy of our equibus. This short ride will give you a chance to view the terrain you’ll be riding over the next 6 days. Arriving close to the small idyllic town of Filandia. After lunch heading out for an afternoon sunset ride and your first taste of trail riding in Colombia! You will ride alongside coffee, plantain and avocado farms, open trails lead you to your spectacular accommodation to a chef prepared evening meal.
Day 3
Your horse will be groomed and tacked up for you, but feel free to join in and help. Out on trail all day ending the day at a stunning glass fronted guesthouse with views of the coffee farming valleys below. Day 3 takes you into the “Corredor de los Monos” Here you will ride to the sound of howler monkeys and maybe even catch a glimpse, eat lunch surrounded by hummingbirds, too many varieties to count. Evening meal is in the nearby picturesque town of Filandia. Vibrant and welcoming, a chance to enjoy rural Colombian hospitality.
Day 4
Optional grooming and tacking up. Out on trail all day, finishing at luxurious yurt accommodation. Day 4 has it all, valleys, river crossings, wildlife, mountains. Then to top it off you spend the evening under the stars around a camp fire to the sound of your horses grazing close by. Evening meal is in the nearby bustling tourist town of Salento, after dinner enjoy a favourite pastime of coffee in the square watching the world go by.
Day 5
Optional grooming and tacking up. Out on trail all day alongside rivers, trekking deep into the department of Quindio. Day 5 takes you once again to the edge of national parkland, you will see and hear a huge variety of birdlife, crossing rivers and enjoying lunch by a hidden waterfall. Your day ends at a most spectacular accommodation, stunning views of the valley below, open air jacuzzi under the stars and a chef prepared meal.
Day 6
Optional grooming and tacking up. Out on trail all day passing rivers and volcanoes. Welcome to true rural Colombia. Day 6 leads you through eucalyptus lined trails high up in the cloud forest above Salento, a spectacular days riding that ends at a luxurious farmhouse accommodation. Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner prepared by our fantastic chef, then head to the deck to enjoy a camp fire and soak up the starlit sky.
Day 7
Optional grooming and tacking up. A short ride to our end point through forest and past giant wax palms, several river crossings before reaching a secluded waterfall. From there you will arrive into the town of Salento for lunch and a chance to visit local craft stores before meeting our equibus and returning to Rancho Saman. Here you can once more make the most of our pool and beautiful grounds. Enjoy a chef prepared evening meal and re-live the past 7 days.
Day 8
Breakfast before our courtesy transportation takes you to either the airport or bus terminal depending on your plans.
Summary
- Riding - 6 days, 5 to 8 hours per day
- Horses - Colombian Criollo, Appaloosa, Appaloosa crosses, Paso Fino
- Riding ability - intermediate to advanced
- Weight limit - 90 kgs (14 st 2lbs)
- Accommodation - ranch houses, luxury yurts, haciendas, country guest houses
- Group size - maximum 6
- Season - year round
- Ride type - true trail ride
- Age limit. Riders must be over 18 years old. 14-17 year olds will be considered, but must be accompanied by at least one riding parent or guardian and have the required riding ability
- What's included? - The price of this trail includes airport pick up and drop off from Pereira airport, or Pereira bus station; all accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) refreshments and evening drinks (wine and local beer will be available). It does NOT include flights
Trail dates
2023
April – 22nd – 30th
June – 20th – 28th
November – 4th – 12th
December – 2nd – 10h
2024
Coming soon …