Jewel of Risaralda Trail
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!
This trail has been created using the knowledge of local guides to take you to the most unspoilt and untrodden parts.
- Ride through Colombia’s famous Coffee Triangle
- Traverse over 100 miles of spectacular Andean scenery
- Relax in the natural thermal springs of Santa Rosa
- Discover authentic rural Colombia far from the tourist trail
- Stay in a variety of unique, authentic and luxurious accommodations
- Encounter rich wildlife, history and coffee culture
itinerary
Day 1
You will be picked up from Pereira airport and settle into your accommodation, a 150 year old Colonial home. Here you will have 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 by car 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. You will be out on the 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, you'll end 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
After breakfast you will hit the trail for a half day of riding, 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
After your relaxing afternoon the previous day, today involves a full day of riding, climbing open trails with spectacular views, passing by waterfalls and crossing rivers as your guide leads you to your next overnight stop.
Day 6
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
Last day in the saddle! Today you make your 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 you will head into the town of Marsella for an evening meal in the historic town centre, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this welcoming traditional town.
Day 8
Breakfast before saddling up for a short ride back to our home base on the outskirts of Marsella, stopping off for one last coffee with your horse. Relaxed afternoon with chance to visit local artisan stall, cultural house or simply watch the world go by in the town square. Accommodations just a short stroll from the iconic plaza Bolivar Evening meal at Rancho Saman.
Day 9
Breakfast before the courtesy transportation takes you either to the airport or bus terminal depending on your plans.
Get a free
Jewel of Risaralda Trail
Mini-brochure PDF
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. The pace of the ride is moderate with trots and canters where the terrain allows faster riding.
A good level of riding fitness is required as you’ll be spending 5-8 hours in the saddle each day.
Weight limit: 90kg / 14.1 stone
You will be guided by Marc, a member of the Long Riders’ Guild, and his local guides who come with a wealth of knowledge and experience of the area.
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.
Grooming and tacking up is optional.
Price includes
- 7 days of riding
- Trail riding horse, Spanish/Western tack and saddlebags
- Accommodation
- Breakfasts
- Lunches
- Evening meals
- Local wine and beer with evening meal
- Refreshments
- Airport transfers
- Services of guide
Price Excludes
- Flights
- Tips
Accommodation
First and last night of the trail will be spent in a stunning 150-year-old Colonial home where you can unwind by the pool. During the trail you’ll be staying in comfortable country guest houses, glamping resorts, luxury farm houses and haciendas.
All meals and drinks are included in the cost of the trail. This includes breakfast, lunch and evening meal with refreshments and drinks in the evening (wine and local beer available). While staying in Filandia and Solento, the dinner is served in a local restaurant.
Allergies and special dietary requirements can be catered with advance notice.
Luggage will be transported by car between overnight stops.
Jewel of Risaralda Trail
Booking Conditions
See the full booking conditions specific to this trail here.Flight and transfer information
Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com
- Arrival airport: Pereira (PEI)
- Arrival time: Early in the morning on day 1
- Departure time: After breafast day 8
- Transfer arrangements: Included
Single room supplement: Riders must be prepared to share accommodation during two nights of the trail