Medellin: Horseback Riding Adventure In Nature (Don’t Overpay)

Trade city streets for hoofbeats. This $59 horseback ride takes you from El Poblado to a peaceful rural town about 30 minutes away, where you ride through hills, farm land, and open countryside. I like the calm setting and the horses, which are widely described as gentle and well trained. The main concern is coordination: pickup problems, large groups, and unclear language support have affected some departures.

The outing suits first-time riders best, especially if you want a simple half-day outside Medellín rather than a demanding equestrian trip. I also like that the ride ends at a finca restaurant, where you can order Colombian food and drinks. Just remember that lunch is extra, and the actual time in the saddle may feel shorter than the advertised 1.5-hour ride if the group pauses often.

Key points to know before you book

• The ride starts in El Poblado: Meet at La Makha, a popular restaurant at Cra. 25 #10-51, then use the provided transfer to reach the countryside.
• The horses suit beginners: Several riders found them calm, responsive, and easy to manage, though some experienced riders wanted a longer, faster ride.
• Expect a group setting: The tour can hold up to 25 people, and a group of more than 20 may include riders with very different skill levels.
• The countryside is the star: You ride along pretty trails, up and down hills, and past farmland near an old town, with time for photographs.
• Spanish may be the working language: An English interpreter was expected on at least one departure but was not present, so basic visual communication helps.
• Allow three to four hours: The transfer takes about 30 minutes each way, and the ride itself is listed at roughly 1.5 hours.

Leaving El Poblado for the countryside

The day begins at La Makha, Cocina de Origen, in El Poblado. This is a sensible meeting point in one of Medellín’s most visited areas, but you should arrive early and keep your phone available. Pickup coordination has not always been perfect, with reports of drivers arriving late, changing locations, or failing to appear.

That is not a small issue. A horse ride can be wonderful once you reach the ranch, but a missed transfer can ruin the whole morning. I recommend confirming the meeting instructions shortly before departure and making sure you have the booking details saved on your phone. If your phone has no Colombian service, download the information before leaving your accommodation.

The transfer to the ranch takes about 30 minutes. It is included in the advertised experience, and the same transport is meant to return you to El Poblado. The exact vehicle arrangement may vary, since local drivers handle the transfer and the riding staff meet you at the farm.

Once you leave the city, the trip changes character quickly. The point is not to reach a famous monument or a major park. You are heading into quieter country, with farms, hills, and rural roads replacing apartment towers and busy commercial streets.

Meeting the horses at the farm

The ranch is also home to a restaurant, giving the arrival point a relaxed, informal feel. You meet the horses, receive riding instructions, and get help with the basic commands. That introduction matters if you have never ridden before.

The strongest part of this outing is the horses themselves. Multiple riders describe them as beautiful, smart, and well trained. Beginners were able to settle into the saddle without much trouble, while more experienced riders appreciated that the horses listened to commands.

Still, you should keep your expectations sensible. This is an outdoor activity run in a rural setting, not a formal riding school. Instructions may be brief, and Spanish appears to be the main language used by some guides. A guide named Ricardo was praised for being friendly on one departure, and other riders found the staff helpful and reassuring.

Some bookings have included the promise of an English interpreter, but that support may not be available. You do not need fluent Spanish to sit on a calm horse, but you should be comfortable following hand signals and simple instructions. Ask about pace, stopping, and safe spacing before the group leaves.

Safety equipment deserves a quick check. One rider specifically reported that no helmets were provided. The available information does not confirm that helmets are always absent, so ask the operator before booking if head protection is important to you.

One and a half hours on rural trails

The ride lasts about 1.5 hours according to the advertised schedule. The route takes you through attractive countryside near an old town, with hills and farm views providing the main scenery. Riders describe going up and down slopes, crossing a highway, and stopping for photographs.

That mix gives the outing more variety than a short loop around a paddock. You get a taste of rural life and see how quickly Medellín’s urban setting gives way to open country. The scenery is the reason to choose this trip, not a long distance on horseback.

The pace can vary. Some riders enjoyed plenty of galloping, while others described a much shorter period of actual riding, around 40 minutes, because of a long photo stop. These accounts may reflect different guides, routes, weather, or group conditions, but they point to a useful question: ask how much of the scheduled time will be spent moving and how much will be spent stopped.

If you are a beginner, frequent pauses are helpful. They let you adjust your seat, take pictures, and enjoy the setting without feeling rushed. If you already ride regularly, a slow group may test your patience, especially when first-time riders need extra attention.

The route is described as suitable for all levels, but all-level activities require compromise. A confident rider may want a faster pace, while a first-time rider may prefer to remain at a walk. The operator does not promise a private guide or separate groups for different abilities.

Why group size matters here

The maximum group size is 25. That is a useful capacity limit to know before you pay, because horseback riding feels very different with six people than with more than 20 horses on the same trail.

Large groups can create a friendly social atmosphere. People from different countries ride together, and the shared setting makes it easy to talk and laugh between stops. The guides have also been praised for helping people feel comfortable, even when the group includes nervous beginners.

The tradeoff is control and pace. A very large group moves at the speed of its least confident riders. One account described experienced riders being kept with beginners instead of being split into smaller groups. Another described the start as overwhelming because too many horses were together.

I would choose this trip for a relaxed social ride, not for quiet solitude or serious riding practice. If you want a more personal experience, ask in advance how many people are booked for your date. Since the maximum is 25, a smaller departure could make a major difference.

The photo stops and countryside views

Bring your phone or camera. The views are one of the most praised parts of the outing, and the route includes time to stop for photographs. The combination of horses, hills, farms, and rural roads creates the kind of pictures you cannot get in central Medellín.

The photo pause also gives you a chance to enjoy the setting without managing the horse every second. You can look around, take pictures of the group, and appreciate the contrast between the city and nearby countryside.

But a long stop has a cost. If you want a full 1.5 hours of active riding, a lengthy photography break may leave you disappointed. I would think of the ride as a countryside outing that includes horseback riding, rather than a serious trail-riding session measured by saddle time.

The route may include uneven ground and slopes. The provided information does not describe the exact trail surface, so wear closed shoes and clothes you can move in. You should also expect dust, mud, or weather changes on a rural ride, even though the precise conditions depend on the day.

Finishing at the finca restaurant

The trail ends at the same farm restaurant where you started. This makes the final part easy: you do not need to move to another venue or find your own way back to the vehicle.

You can order Colombian tapas, dishes, and drinks at your own expense. This is a nice option if you want to linger over food after riding, but it is not included in the $59 price. Budget for your meal separately, and clarify prices before ordering if you are unsure.

Food quality and pricing have not been consistent for everyone. One account described the restaurant as expensive and complained about hard arepas. That does not mean every meal will be poor, but it does mean you should treat the restaurant as a convenient add-on rather than the main reason to book.

The meal can also affect your return timing. The standard plan is to return to Medellín using the original transport, but the complete outing is expected to last three to four hours. If you choose to eat, allow enough flexibility for the meal and any delays.

What $59 really gets you

At $59, the value depends on what you want from a half-day. You are paying for the riding experience, the rural setting, instructions, and round-trip transport from El Poblado. For a visitor who does not want to arrange a taxi, find a ranch, negotiate transport, and organize a ride independently, that package is convenient.

The price looks especially fair if you receive the full advertised riding time and a smooth transfer. The horses and scenery have received the warmest praise, and those are the two parts you cannot easily reproduce on your own in a city stay.

The value weakens if your departure has transport problems, a very large group, or a long pause that cuts down saddle time. Food and drinks cost extra, and a reported payment mix-up created confusion over transport charges. The advertised price is $59, so confirm exactly what is included and avoid paying an unexpected extra amount at the end.

This is not the place to save every minute or demand a private lesson. It is a reasonably priced way to reach the countryside, ride a calm horse, and enjoy a change of pace from Medellín.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to first-time riders, casual riders, couples, families with participants who can follow instructions, and anyone who wants a scenic outing without committing to a full day. The horses appear to be the right match for people who feel uncertain about getting in the saddle.

It can also suit experienced riders who enjoy a social group and do not mind a relaxed pace. The chance of galloping exists, based on one particularly enthusiastic account, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed feature.

I would hesitate if you want advanced riding, a private guide, guaranteed English instruction, or a long stretch of uninterrupted trail time. I would also be cautious if a missed pickup would cause you to lose an important flight, reservation, or other timed activity.

The outing is listed as suitable for most people, but you should judge your own comfort with mounting, sitting in a saddle, and riding over uneven rural ground. The available details do not provide a more specific physical requirement.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided when you book. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Inside that 24-hour window, changes and refunds are not accepted.

Weather matters. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached and the operator cancels the departure.

Because logistics have caused problems on some dates, I would keep the booking confirmation, meeting address, and provider contact details together. Arrive at La Makha with time to spare, and do not assume a last-minute location change is routine.

Should you book the Medellín horseback ride?

Book it if you want well-trained horses, country views, and an easy escape from El Poblado at a moderate price. The strongest case is for beginners and casual riders who value scenery and a friendly group more than technical riding.

Think twice if you need precise timing or a polished, English-language operation. The experience can be excellent once you reach the ranch, but pickup communication, group size, meal costs, and actual saddle time deserve attention.

My practical verdict: this is a worthwhile Medellín side trip when you confirm the pickup details, ask about group size and helmets, and accept that the ride may be leisurely. Go for the horses and the countryside. Treat the restaurant and transport as parts that require a little extra patience.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour start?

The tour starts at La Makha, Cocina de Origen, at Cra. 25 #10-51 in El Poblado, Medellín.

How long does the full experience take?

The complete outing is expected to last about three to four hours, including transportation. The horseback ride itself is listed at approximately 1.5 hours.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip transport from the El Poblado meeting point to the rural town and farm is included in the planned experience.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is described as suitable for all levels, including people riding for the first time. Instructions and additional guidance are provided at the farm.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You can order Colombian tapas, dishes, and drinks at the finca restaurant, but you pay for them separately.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather causes the activity to be canceled, you should be offered a different date or a full refund.