Cartagena Beach Trail
Following a few days of riding you'll have the final days out of the saddle where you'll take a boat trip to the tropical island paradise of Isla Mucura for snokelling and swimming in the warm, crystal clear waters before exploring the old town of Cartagena. Your final night is spent in the historical centre of Cartagena, enjoying live music and local cuisine.
The trail begins with three days of riding in coastal Colombia. The route is all on the estate of a private ranch close to Cartagena and there are over 100 miles of beautiful landscape to explore including tropical jungle and Caribbean-style beaches. Suitable for those who are confident cantering and have a sense of adventure!
This trail has been created using the knowledge of local guides to take you to the most unspoilt parts of the Caribbean coast. You'll saddle up after breakfast and ride for a few hours in the morning before breaking for unch and heading off again in the afternoon. In total you'll ride for around 5 hours a day on the riding days.
- Ride along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, combining beach riding, tropical countryside and traditional fishing villages.
- Canter on long stretches of sandy beach with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
- Discover the culture and landscapes of the Cartagena region, far from the usual tourist routes.
- Enjoy warm hospitality, local cuisine and accommodation full of Caribbean character.
- A unique trail blending great riding, coastal scenery and the vibrant atmosphere of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
itinerary
Day 1
Our courtesy vehicle will pick you up at Cartagena international airport. From here its straight to our Caribbean beach-side 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.
Day 2
Breakfast before short 5 minute drive to the stables and an early morning ride through the extensive grounds of this stunning cattle ranch. Acres of open fields and sandy tracks weaving past lakes, through forestry with plenty of canter opportunities.
Day 3
Early morning ride through protected forest. Home to howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, parrots and more.
Day 4
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.
Day 5
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.
Day 6
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.
Day 7
Breakfast before transport to Cartagena international airport or chosen location in Cartagena.
know before you go
This ride is suitable for intermediate and experienced riders. All riders should be confident and in control while cantering out in the open and over uneven ground.
A good level of riding fitness is required as you’ll be spending 5 hours in the saddle each riding day.
Weight limit: 90kg / 14.1 stone
You will be guided by Marc, born in the UK, he earned his guiding stripes by being the longest serving guide at our sister company Freerein Riding Holidays in Wales. Over this time he learnt all there is to know about what makes a great trail and set up his own trail riding business in the wilds of Colombia. Marc is a member of the Long Riders’ Guild, and he will guide this trail alonside local guides who come with a wealth of knowledge and experience of the area.
The maximum number of riders on a group is 6.
The horses used on this trail are of variety of breeds, such as Appaloosas, Criollos, Paso Finos, Quarter horses, American Paint horses and Percherons. All horses are hand-picked and trained to respond to both English and Western riding styles.
The tack is Western/Spanish style. The saddles are tailored and hand-made specially for trail riding. Saddlebags are provided for carrying daily essentials you might need while on the trail.
Grooming and tacking up is optional.
Price includes
- 5 full days of riding
- Trail riding horse, Spanish/Western tack and saddlebags
- 6 nights accommodation based on two sharing (single rooms available for a supplement)
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on day 7
- Local wine and beer with evening meal
- Airport transfers
- Services of guide
Price Excludes
- Flights
- Tips
Accommodation
You'll be staying at luxury beachfront villas in Cartgena, these come with their own private beach. Spend the night on the exclusive Isla Mucura, a tropical paradise, beachfront cabins with the sound of the ocean. The final night is spent in the historical centre of old-town Cartagena.
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 horseriding holiday. The trail includes breakfast, lunch, evening meal, refreshments and drinks in the evening. Dietary requirements will be catered for and noted at point of booking. Alcoholic drinks outside of dinner time not included
Cartagena Beach Trail
Booking Conditions
See the full booking conditions specific to this trail here.Do not book flights until you have received the Booking Confirmation email from saddletravel.com.
Flights & Transfers
You should book your flights to Cartagena, Colombia.
The airport is Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). Airport transfers are included and you will be collected and dropped off at the airport.