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

The best part of this outing is the quick change of scene. In about 30 minutes, you leave Medellín’s city streets for a quiet farm near an old town, where you meet your horse and ride along country trails with hills, open views, and plenty of photo stops.

I like the well-trained horses, which make this a reasonable choice for first-time riders. I also like the relaxed farm setting and the chance to finish with Colombian food and drinks at the finca restaurant, even though that meal costs extra.

The weak spot is coordination. Pickup problems, last-minute meeting changes, large groups, limited English, and unclear transport charges have all caused trouble. The ride itself can be very enjoyable, but you should confirm the meeting details and expected costs before setting out.

Key points to know before booking

• About 30 minutes from El Poblado: Meet at La Makha, then travel by vehicle to the countryside ranch.
• Beginner-friendly horses: Basic instruction is provided, and the horses are described as calm and responsive.
• A scenic but variable ride: The advertised horseback portion lasts about 1.5 hours, though the actual riding time can be shorter.
• Groups may be large: The maximum is 25 people, and some outings have had more than 20 riders together.
• Spanish may be the main language: Guide Ricardo is specifically mentioned, but an English interpreter was not always present.
• Food is optional and extra: The ride ends at a finca restaurant where you can order Colombian tapas, arepas, dishes, and drinks.

Leaving El Poblado for the countryside

The tour begins at La Makha, a restaurant at Cra. 25 #10-51 in El Poblado. This is both the meeting point and the return point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup across Medellín.

The drive to the ranch takes about 30 minutes. That short transfer is a real advantage. You get a taste of rural Antioquia without spending half a day in a vehicle, and the change from city traffic to quiet country roads comes quickly.

Still, this is the part of the outing that deserves the most care. Several people were left waiting when the driver did not arrive, while others dealt with a last-minute change of meeting location. There was also confusion over whether pickup was at the café or in a nearby parking area. The operator has said that the meeting process was improved, but I would still arrive early and keep the confirmation available on your phone.

If your phone has no international service, download the booking details before leaving your hotel. One booking problem came from a visitor who could not access mobile service, while the operator said reminders had been sent to the number on the reservation. This is a small preparation step that can save you a large headache.

Meeting the horses at the farm

The ranch sits near a peaceful town and includes a restaurant. It is not simply a place to mount a horse and leave. You have time to get oriented, meet the horse assigned to you, and receive riding instructions before heading onto the trail.

That makes the outing accessible to beginners. The horses are repeatedly described as trained, smart, and responsive to commands. One beginner-friendly account noted that someone with no riding experience could manage without much trouble. The guide also gives extra help when needed.

The tone can vary with the group. Some outings have included riders from several countries and a mix of complete beginners and experienced riders. That can make for a sociable afternoon, but it can also slow the pace. If you are hoping for quiet riding or a carefully tailored lesson, this is not a private riding school experience.

One important point concerns helmets. A French-language account specifically stated that no helmets were provided. The supplied details do not establish a general helmet policy, so ask about this before booking if head protection is important to you. One account also raised concerns about some horses appearing thin, while other accounts described the animals as beautiful and well cared for. I would inspect the horses and equipment for yourself and speak up if anything feels wrong.

The 1.5-hour trail through Antioquia

The horseback section is advertised at about 1.5 hours. You ride through natural countryside on trails suitable for different ability levels, with some hills and changes in elevation. The route can include climbing and descending, and one account described crossing a highway as part of the outing.

Expect a gentle countryside ride rather than a technical mountain expedition. The scenery is the main attraction: open views, farm surroundings, hills, and a slower pace than you can get in Medellín. The guide may stop so you can take photos and enjoy the setting. These pauses are useful for first-time riders, though they reduce the amount of time spent actually moving on horseback.

That distinction matters. One account estimated only about 40 minutes of real riding over a 3.6-kilometer out-and-back route, with a long photo stop. Other accounts described plenty of galloping and a highly enjoyable ride. The difference may reflect the group, guide, pace, and weather, but you should not book this expecting a guaranteed long-distance horseback journey.

For a first ride, the slower format may be just right. You can learn how to handle the horse, settle into the saddle, and take in the views without being pushed too hard. Experienced riders may find it short, especially if a large beginner group keeps everyone at the same pace.

Group size changes the quality of the ride

The maximum group size is 25 people. That is a fairly large group for horseback riding, especially when some riders have never been on a horse.

A large group has one clear benefit: the price stays low and the atmosphere can be social. Several people enjoyed meeting riders from different countries, and the staff helped make the group feel comfortable. If you are traveling alone, this can be a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

The tradeoff is control. A large line of horses can feel crowded at the start, and a beginner may feel overwhelmed when many animals are close together. One account specifically criticized the decision to keep beginners and experienced riders in one large group instead of splitting them up. The ride may also move at the pace of the least confident rider.

If you have riding experience and want to gallop, ask the operator how many people are booked that day and how the group will be divided. Some outings included galloping, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed feature. The safest assumption is a mostly guided ride at a moderate pace, with faster sections only if the guide and group conditions allow.

Guide language and local communication

The local guide may speak Spanish only. Guide Ricardo is named in one account and was described as friendly. Another account praised the staff for being helpful throughout the ride, while an English interpreter promised in the booking information was not present on one outing.

You can still manage basic instructions through demonstrations and simple signals, especially if the group is moving slowly. But horseback riding depends on clear commands, so language matters more here than it would on a casual city walk.

I would ask in advance whether an English-speaking guide will be present on your date. Do not assume that the driver is also the riding guide. The transport driver and the ranch staff may be separate people, and confusion about that arrangement caused frustration for at least one booking.

Finishing at the finca restaurant

The trail ends back at the farm restaurant. You can sit down for Colombian tapas, arepas, other dishes, and drinks before returning to El Poblado.

This stop is optional, and all food and beverages are extra. It gives the outing a pleasant local finish, but the value depends on what you order and how long the group stays. One account complained about hard arepas and high prices, while the itinerary presents the meal as an option rather than part of the paid tour.

The restaurant also becomes important if transport timing slips. A late pickup left one group waiting at the finca, where they ordered food while they waited. Clarify whether the vehicle will remain at the farm during the meal and whether any separate transport payment is expected.

There was also a dispute involving a stated 120,000 Colombian peso charge and a later request for 240,000 pesos. The operator said the driver had become confused about payment and that the matter was sorted out. To avoid a surprise, confirm the price of the tour, any shared transport charge, and the cost of the return ride before you leave El Poblado.

Is $59 a fair price?

At $59, this is positioned as an affordable way to get out of Medellín and enjoy a rural activity without arranging a private taxi, ranch visit, and horse rental yourself. The price includes the organized ride and round-trip transfer from the El Poblado meeting point, according to the tour details.

The value is strongest for beginners and visitors who want a simple half-day outing. You receive transport, instruction, a horse, a guided route, and time in the countryside. That saves effort, and the short transfer keeps the day manageable.

The value is weaker if you are an experienced rider seeking a long or technical ride. The horseback portion may be shorter than the advertised 1.5 hours, particularly when photo stops and group delays are included. Food and drinks are not included, and some transport payment confusion has occurred, so your final cost may need clarification.

I would compare this with a private or smaller-group ride if you care about personal attention. A larger group can be fine for a casual afternoon, but it is less appealing if you want a quiet ride, a faster pace, or detailed instruction.

Who should book this experience?

This outing fits a few kinds of visitors especially well:

• First-time riders who want trained horses and basic guidance.
• Couples and small groups looking for an easy countryside activity near Medellín.
• Solo visitors who enjoy meeting an international group.
• Budget-minded visitors who value included transport from El Poblado.
• Photographers and scenery seekers who want a rural setting with regular stops.

I would be cautious if you need a confirmed English-speaking guide, a helmet, a private group, or a long ride with steady time in the saddle. I would also avoid booking it on a tight schedule. Pickup delays and a longer restaurant stop could push the total outing beyond the expected three to four hours.

The activity requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low enrollment causes cancellation, you should be offered another date, another activity, or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but cancellations or changes inside that period are not refunded.

Should you book the Medellín horseback ride?

Book it if you want a low-cost rural escape with trained horses, attractive views, and a simple transfer from El Poblado. Beginners are likely to get the most from it, and the farm setting gives you something different from Medellín’s urban sights.

Do not book it blindly. Confirm the pickup point, the total transport cost, the language of the guide, the group size, and the helmet policy. Ask how much actual riding time is expected on your date.

My call: this can be a fun and memorable afternoon, but it is best approached as a casual group outing rather than a polished riding lesson or serious equestrian excursion.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour begin?

It begins at La Makha, located at Cra. 25 #10-51 in El Poblado, Medellín.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same El Poblado meeting point after the return transfer.

How long does the complete outing last?

The complete trip is expected to take about three to four hours, including transportation, the ride, and time at the restaurant.

How long is the horseback ride?

The horseback portion is described as about 1.5 hours, though one account reported about 40 minutes of actual riding because of a long photo stop.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is described as suitable for all levels, and riding instructions and additional guidance are provided.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You may order Colombian tapas, dishes, and drinks at the finca restaurant, but these cost extra.

Is an English-speaking guide guaranteed?

The provided information does not guarantee that an English-speaking guide will be present. One outing had a Spanish-speaking guide despite an expected English interpreter.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 25 people. Some outings have included more than 20 riders together.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you should be offered a different date or a full refund.