The Jewel of Risaralda
A 9 day trail from Marsella to the thermal springs of Santa Rosa, traversing the Colombian Andes.
Saddle up for an unforgettable Colombian Horseback adventure!
- 9 days
- USD 3,320
Description
This 9 day horseback adventure shows you the very best of the department of Risaralda in the heart of the coffee triangle of Colombia. You will ride from the “green capital of Colombia” – Marsella, to the thermal springs of Santa Rosa. Traversing the Colombian Andes, an area rich in wildlife, you’ll pass coffee farms and endless breathtaking views. Enjoy nights around camp fires, soak in the therapeutic waters of the natural thermal hot pools and discover what makes this part of Colombia so special.
You will experience rural Colombia at its finest, riding open trails that lead you through over 100 miles of beautiful landscape. The open grasslands high up in the Andes mountains provide plenty of opportunity to canter. 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. Here you will begin your
Colombian trail riding experience: 6 days on horseback, enjoying the clean air and lush green mountains in this area world famous for its coffee production. Staying overnight in truly memorable accommodation. Enjoy stunning scenery by day and the most spectacular sunsets and starlit skies at nightfall. All luggage will be transported between overnight stops for you.
An unforgettable experience
From the moment you touch down in Pereira we will be on hand to share with you this beautiful area we are lucky enough to call home. Our traditionally restored ranch house is set in 12 acres of sub tropical farmland. You’ll have time to relax by the pool as well as to meet the herd and get to know your horse. Enjoy a chef prepared family style evening meal before beginning your 100 mile adventure the following day.
This trail takes you through a beautifully preserved Unesco World heritage site, an area with a very proud and rich horse culture. Over the next six days you and your horse will ride challenging terrain, with views that span three departments. You’ll enjoy nights in a variety of spectacular settings, glamping locations, luxurious converted coffee farms and traditional haciendas. A true trail ride for adventure lovers!
Accommodation
Throughout your trip, you’ll stay in a combination of comfortable guesthouses, luxury farm houses, glamping resorts 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. and if you wish get a little time in the saddle in our arena. 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 Risaralda 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. After lunch in the picturesque town of Marsella, you’ll head out for an afternoon sunset ride and your first taste of trail riding in Colombia!
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 winding your way through the Central Andes, the highest of the three branches of the Colombian Andes. Passing coffee, plantain and cattle farms before ending your day at your luxurious accommodation, a coffee farm high up in the mountains with endless views to enjoy from the infinity pool.
Day 4
Your horse will be groomed and tacked up for you, but feel free to join in and help. Out on trail half day ending at a stunning glamping resort a stones throw from the spectacular natural thermal hot springs of Santa Rosa. After lunch you will pass the afternoon enjoying the thermal hot springs, soaking in the therapeutic waters. Spend an evening under the stars enjoying the warmth of a camp fire.
Day 5
Your horse will be groomed and tacked up for you, but feel free to join in and help. Out on trail all day. A stunning day’s ride climbing open trails with spectacular views, passing by waterfalls and crossing rivers as we lead you to our next overnight stop.
Day 6
Your horse will be groomed and tacked up for you, but feel free to join in and help. Out on trail all day, taking you to the most northern tip of Risaralda. Endless views as you climb your way through the Andes, ending your day at a traditional coffee farm with over 200 years of production history.
Day 7
Your horse will be groomed and tacked up for you, but feel free to join in and help. Today we make our way back to Marsella. A full day’s ride through an area steeped in history, once home to the Quimbaya, you’ll see petroglyphs dating back thousands of years. This area is home to countless species of birdlife, giant butterflies, capybaras and more. At the end of your day we will head into the town of Marsella for an evening meal in the historic town center, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this welcoming traditional town.
Day 8
Breakfast before a brief trip into Marsella. A chance to visit this unspoilt Colombian town, enjoy coffee in the town square, visit the Cultural house and artisan stalls before making our way back to Rancho Saman. Back at the ranchhouse you’ll enjoy a chef prepared meal and re-live the last 7 days.
Day 9
Breakfast before our courtesy transportation takes you either to 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, Percheron
- Riding ability - intermediate to advanced
- Weight limit - 90 kgs (14 st 2lbs)
- Accommodation - ranch houses, glamping destinations, 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
2024
January – 6th – 14th
February – 10th – 18th
March – 9th – 17th
April – 6th – 14th
June – 22nd – 30th
July – 6th – 14th
August – 3rd – 11th
September – 14th – 22nd
October – 12th – 20th
December – 7th – 15th
2025
Coming soon …