Bogotá traffic fades fast when the mountains take over. This half-day ride out of La Calera gives you fresh air, real Andes scenery, and a surprisingly relaxing pace.

You’ll love the easy going setup—hotel pickup with private transport—and the guides, especially Diego, who brings the area to life. You’ll also enjoy the riding itself: calm horses, scenic trails, and a real chance to gallop if you’re comfortable.

One thing to keep in mind: the trail can be steep, rocky, and muddy at times, so you’ll want proper footwear and you should accept that not every saddle moment will feel perfect.

Key things to know before you ride

• Hotel pickup + private transport: less stress than trying to wrangle buses out of Bogotá.
• Helmet required, no exceptions: the tour can be canceled on the spot if helmets aren’t worn.
• Trail time is flexible: expect about 1.5 to 3 hours in the saddle depending on conditions and the group.
• Andes views plus farms: you’re not just riding for the photo—there’s real pastoral scenery up close.
• Sugarcane tea and a picnic sandwich: a simple but memorable taste of the region.
• Max 9 people: small-group feel without feeling rushed.

From Parque de la 93 to La Calera: getting out of the city

This is built for people who want a break from Bogotá without turning the day into a logistics project. You start near Parque de la 93, and the whole trip is typically handled with private transportation, not public buses. That matters in Bogotá, where getting out can take longer than you expect.

The drive up toward La Calera takes about 1.5 hours. Along the way, you’re heading from the bustle into higher, cooler air—and the views start changing fast enough that you’ll feel like you’re leaving the city behind for real.

Meet your guide, get helmeted, then mount up

Once you reach La Calera, you meet your local guide and get ready to ride. This part is quick but serious: you’ll get a helmet and you have to keep it on the entire time you’re on the activity. It’s not a loose suggestion. One of the tour’s clear rules is that failure to wear the helmet means the tour can be canceled with no refund.

I like that the company takes safety this literally. You’re in the Andes, on a farm trail, and you want “boring safety” when you’re handling a horse near rocky paths.

What to wear (so you don’t hate the ride)

Bring long pants and thick socks. Closed-toe shoes help a lot, especially when there’s mud or uneven ground. If weather is anything less than sunny-perfect, dress for sun, rain, and wind—layers are your friend because the mountain air can swing.

The main event: riding mountain trails, farm paths, and a waterfall stop

The core experience is the horseback ride through scenic trails and farmland around La Calera. You’ll spend roughly 1.5 to 3 hours on horseback, depending on timing and conditions. The good news is that the pace is usually manageable, even for first-timers who follow the guide’s instructions.

You’re not stuck in a loop. You’ll ride along mountain trails and through areas that feel like working countryside, with open stretches where the scenery keeps widening.

Where the ride gets really fun

If you’re an experienced rider, you may get to gallop on open fields. Even if you’re not, you’ll still get those “I’m actually in the mountains” moments—steep inclines, narrow sections, and rocky footing that makes the ride feel real rather than staged.

The waterfall visit

Part of the plan includes a stop at a small waterfall. This is the kind of break that changes the whole tone of the ride. Instead of just moving forward, you get a quick reset, a few photos, and a moment to take in the area around you.

Sugarcane tea and the simple picnic lunch

You’ll get warm sugarcane tea during the experience. This isn’t a fancy cafe moment. It’s more like a home-style comfort drink—sweet, warm, and perfect when the air up high feels a bit crisp.

You also get a picnic sandwich. Do note this is not vegetarian, so if that’s a concern for you, it’s worth planning ahead. The food is meant to keep you riding and enjoying, not to turn this into a long meal day.

How hard is it really? Beginners vs experienced riders

This is one of those tours that works for many skill levels. Most people can participate, and the guides help with directions so you can focus on staying balanced and relaxed.

Still, the Andes aren’t flat. Expect some steep up-and-down sections and narrow paths. One of the things I appreciate is that the guide can set the pace, which helps you avoid that panicky “why are we climbing so fast” feeling.

If you’ve ridden before

If you’re experienced, you’ll likely enjoy the option of galloping on open ground. The ride is long enough to feel like an adventure, not a quick “hello horse, goodbye horse” loop.

If it’s your first time

You’ll probably feel the learning curve early on. That’s normal. What matters is how the guide handles you—clear directions, steady pacing, and horses that are familiar with the route. For many first-timers, the payoff is reaching a view spot where you can dismount, rest a bit, and take pictures without feeling rushed.

Timing and what the “half-day” really feels like

The total experience runs about 5 hours. The riding portion is roughly 1.5 to 3 hours, with about 1.5 hours to return to Bogotá. In other words, you’re not just buying time on a horse—you’re buying the trip out and back.

A potential drawback is that the drive can be longer than you hope, especially on busy days with traffic or construction along the way. That doesn’t mean the tour is poorly run. It just means your “half-day” may feel more like “half-day plus car time,” so plan your day accordingly.

Price and value: is $90 worth it near Bogotá?

At $90 per person, you’re paying for more than horseback time. You’re getting:

• a local horse guide,
• the mandatory helmet,
• private transportation (no public transport),
• sugarcane tea,
• and a picnic sandwich.

For Bogotá, that combo is usually where the value comes from. You’re not spending hours figuring out transport to La Calera. You’re not renting gear. You’re showing up, getting helmeted, riding, and coming back without the mental overhead.

Is it overpriced for people who only want a quick view? Maybe. This is for people who want the ride experience itself. If you’re hoping for a gentle stroll with zero effort, you might find the trail’s ups and downs more than you bargained for.

The guides: the difference-maker on this ride

Good guides turn an outdoor activity into a story you remember. Many people highlight guides like Diego and others such as Andres and Jorge, along with drivers like Hector and Gustavo. In practical terms, this shows up in how the tour explains what to do, how the ride is paced, and how safely everyone gets through tricky sections.

If English matters to you, you’ll be happy to know at least some guides work in excellent English. It can make a huge difference when you’re learning how to handle the horse calmly and confidently.

Practical tips that make the day smoother

Here’s what I’d do to make this day feel easy and fun:

• Wear long pants and bring thick socks.
• Choose shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Rocky Andean trails can do that fast.
• Treat the helmet rule like your most important checklist item.
• If you care about photos taken during the ride, ask how sharing works before you start, so you aren’t stuck wondering later.
• Bring a light layer. Even when Bogotá is warm, higher elevations can feel cooler.

Also, the tour operates in all weather conditions. That means you should pack for rain or wind even if the forecast looks friendly.

Who should book this horseback ride?

This works especially well if you:

• want a break from Bogotá without spending the day on transfers,
• like small-group outdoor time (max 9 travelers),
• want a real Andes experience with farms and views,
• and enjoy learning about local plants and birds while you ride.

You might skip it if:

• you don’t like getting muddy,
• you have expectations of a completely flat, gentle trail,
• or you’re sensitive to saddle comfort and already know your body doesn’t tolerate long rides well.

One last point: it’s a group activity, and you may be joined by other travelers at any point. That’s not a deal-breaker for most people, but it changes the vibe from private-only to shared adventure.

Should you book Andes Mountains Horseback Riding?

If you want an Andes day that feels active but not exhausting, this is a strong choice. The combo of private transport, helmet-required safety, a guided trail ride around La Calera, and included tea plus a picnic makes it good value for a short trip out of the city.

Book it if your priority is riding, views, and countryside time. Consider other options if you need a fully relaxed outing with minimal physical effort or if vegetarian food is non-negotiable for you.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

It lasts about 5 hours total, including the drive to La Calera and the return to Bogotá.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Parque de la 93, Cra. 11a #93A – 22, Bogotá, Colombia.

Do I need to bring my own helmet?

No. A helmet is provided, and you must wear it at all times during the activity.

Is this a private tour?

It’s described as a group activity. You may be joined by other travelers, and the group has a maximum size of 9.

How long do I ride horses?

Expect about 1.5 to 3 hours of horseback riding during the main part of the day.

Are gallops included?

Experienced riders may be able to gallop on open fields, depending on conditions and how the ride is managed.

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll have warm sugarcane tea and a picnic sandwich. The picnic sandwich is not vegetarian.

How does transportation work?

The tour uses private transportation (not public transport). Hotel pickup is part of the experience.

What should I wear?

Wear long pants, thick socks, and narrow, closed-toe shoes. Dress for sun, rain, or wind since the tour operates in all weather conditions.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather conditions. Dress appropriately for whatever you see that day.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.