Cartagena beach and Cabalgata trail

Canter along deserted beaches following 30kms of untouched coastline. Take part in the jewel in the crown of the Colombian horse calendar and ride amongst over 2000 other horses and riders in the Cartagena Cabalgata through the historic centre. Finish up on a tropical island paradise swimming in warm Caribbean waters. Get ready for the most exclusive horse event in South America.

Description

Take part in the most exclusive horseback experience in South America. Ride through national parkland full of wildlife, monkeys, parrots, macaws and toucans to name just a few as we weave our way along the coastline. Canter along the waters edge on 30+ kilometres of untouched beach. Following that we will take part in 2 “Cabalgatas” a traditional horse parade. Thousands of horses descend on Cartagena in this one off event, the first of which riding through the old town, over 2000 horses and riders, incredible atmosphere and the streets lined with people wanting to catch a glimpse of this spectacle. The following day everyone and their horses head to the beach, swimming with horses in the Caribbean sea, live music and horse shows with “pistas” set up in the main stage area where people show their Paso Fino and Trochadora horses. After all that party its time to head to the tropical island paradise of Isla Mucura, snorkel in crystal clear waters, swim in bioluminescence in this unspoiled paradise. This trail is a once in a lifetime experience and shows you the best of Cartagena. We look forward to sharing it with you.

An unforgettable experience

From the moment you touch down in Cartagena we will be on hand to share with you this beautiful area. Evenings spent soaking in the warm Caribbean air, enjoy chef prepared meals that highlight the fresh produce available here on the coast. Take part in the biggest horse event in the South American calendar and ride with thousands of others in the traditional horse parade that is “Cabalgata Cartagena”

Ride sandy tracks and protected forestry, canter along the waters edge and emerse yourself in Colombian horse culture. A unique experience that will stay with you forever.

Accommodation

We have lined up the most exclusive of locations to enjoy the best of Cartagena. Stay at luxury beachfront villas with their own private beach, spend the night on the exclusive Isla Mucura, a tropical paradise, beachfront cabins and the sound of the ocean, our final night spent in the historical centre of old town Cartagena.

Food and drink

All meals and refreshments are included in the cost of your trail. Freshly prepared meals using the finest ingredients available, this is as much a celebration of Caribbean cuisine as it is a horseback experience. Trail includes breakfast, lunch, evening meal, refreshments and drinks in the evening. Dietary requirements will be catered for and noted at point of booking.

Itinerary

2nd Dec

Our courtesy vehicle will pick you up at Cartagena international airport, from here its straight to our Caribbean beachside accommodation with a lush green backdrop and the beach on our doorstep, located just 20 minutes north of Cartagena old town. Relax poolside, evening bbq with explanation of what to expect in the coming days.

3rd Dec

Today we begin our 3 day trail leading along 30 kilometres of unspoilt coastline, ride though rural fishing villages, lush forests that drop down to beach as we follow the Atlantic ocean and make our way toward Cartagena and the Caribbean.Evening spent at beachfront lodge.

4th Dec

Early morning or afternoon ride (dependant on tide times) Following coast before entering forest home to howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, parrots and more. Beachfront accommodation.

5th Dec

Today we head to the beach with the horses, afternoon ride finishing with sunset beach canters along a stunning 10km stretch of unspoiled private beach. Night spent poolside in private beachfront villa.

6th Dec

Rest Day: chance to explore old town Cartagena’s impressive museums, take a dip in the Caribbean or simply relax poolside enjoying the sea breeze.

7th Dec

Cabalgata Cartagena! Today we take part in the world famous Cabalgata Las Velitas” in old town Cartagena – joining 2000 plus riders and horses, the jewel in the crown of horse parades in Colombia. With live music, unrivalled atmosphere in this celebration of horses, huge crowds gather to watch this spectacular event, a truly unique horse experience.

8th Dec

Beach Cabalgata! Today the party moves to the beach, riders and horses enjoy swimming with their horses, horse shows, live music all on the waters edge. Miles of Caribbean beach to canter along, ride into the waves and soak in the party atmosphere.

9th Dec

Today we head to the tropical island paradise of Isla Mucura. Boat ride to this unspoiled location, relax with a fresh coconut in your private beach accommodation. Snorkel in crystal clear waters full of tropical fish. Evening swim in a bioluminescent bay, electric blue light emanating from the warm Caribbean sea.

10th Dec

Breakfast before boat transport to Cartagena. Enjoy the warm welcoming atmosphere in old town Cartagena, artisan stalls and much more to enjoy in the walled city. Evening will involve live music at one of Cartagena’s most renowned restaurants.

11th Dec

Breakfast before transport to Cartagena international airport.

Summary

Riding - 5 days, 4 to 6 hours per day
Horses - Colombian Criollo, Appaloosa, Appaloosa crosses, Paso Fino, Colombiano
Riding ability - intermediate to advanced
Weight limit - 90 kgs (14 st 2lbs)
Accommodation - Private beachfront villas, beachfront cabanas, hotels
Group size - maximum 8
Season - Once a year event
Ride type - beach, cattle ranch and cabalgata
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 Cartagena airport; all accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) refreshments and evening drinks (wine and local beer will be available). It does NOT include flights or alcoholic drinks outside of dinner times.