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

Medellín’s best escape from city streets may be a slow ride through the hills outside town. This $59 horseback adventure takes you from El Poblado to a rural ranch about 30 minutes away, where you ride trails, pause for photos, and finish beside a finca-style restaurant.

I like two things here: the horses have a reputation for being calm and well-trained, and the outing works for first-time riders as well as people who already know their way around a saddle. I also like the simple plan, with transport from El Poblado and no need to arrange a distant ranch visit yourself.

The main concern is coordination. Pickup problems, last-minute meeting changes, language gaps, large riding groups, and confusion over extra charges have all caused trouble. Confirm the meeting details, driver contact, language support, and what you will pay before setting out.

Key points to know before booking

• A 30-minute transfer leads to rural trails: You leave from La Makha in El Poblado and reach a quieter town and ranch outside Medellín.
• The horses suit beginners: Basic instruction is provided, and the horses are generally described as responsive and easy to handle.
• The actual riding time may vary: The advertised horseback portion is about 1.5 hours, but some accounts describe much less time in the saddle because of photo stops and slow group progress.
• Large groups can affect the pace: The maximum is 25 people, and a group of more than 20 can feel crowded, especially when several riders are new.
• Expect Spanish first: Local guides, including a guide named Ricardo, may speak Spanish only. Do not assume an English interpreter will be present.
• Food is extra: Colombian dishes, tapas, and drinks are available at the ranch restaurant, but they are not included in the $59 price.

Leaving El Poblado for the countryside

The meeting point is La Makha, a restaurant at Cra. 25 #10-51 in El Poblado. This is a useful starting place because it is a recognizable restaurant rather than an isolated roadside pickup, but you should still arrive early and check the exact pickup instructions.

The transfer to the ranch takes about 30 minutes. That short ride changes the feel of the day quickly. Medellín’s dense streets give way to a peaceful town and open countryside, making this a convenient way to see a rural side of the area without spending a full day on transportation.

The weak point is not the route itself. It is making sure the driver actually finds you. Several people have been left waiting at the stated meeting place, while others received a last-minute location change. The operator has acknowledged earlier logistics problems and says the meeting point is the cafe itself, not merely a nearby parking lot.

For your own peace of mind, keep the booking confirmation available on your phone and use a working local data connection if possible. If you have no Colombian service, arrange access to Wi-Fi before leaving your hotel. The supplied contact number has not always answered promptly, and that is a poor position to be in when your ride is due.

Meeting the horses at the ranch

The ranch combines a farm setting with a restaurant. You meet your horse there, receive riding instructions, and get help from the local staff before joining the trail.

This is where the tour earns much of its appeal. You do not need advanced riding skills, and the horses are described as well trained, intelligent, and responsive to commands. That matters for beginners, since the first few minutes on a horse can feel far more intimidating than expected.

The experience also suits people who have ridden before. Some accounts describe opportunities to gallop, while others describe a slower, easygoing outing. That difference probably comes from the mix of riders and the size of the group. If several people are new to horses, the guide may keep everyone at the same pace.

Do not expect a private lesson. The maximum group size is 25, and some outings have included more than 20 riders. A large line of horses can be fun and social, but it limits individual attention and makes the ride less nimble.

There is also a safety detail to clarify before booking: one account reports that no helmets were provided. The supplied information does not confirm a standard helmet policy, so ask directly. If wearing a helmet is important to you, do not leave that question until you arrive.

The 1.5-hour ride and its changing pace

The planned trail ride lasts about 1.5 hours and passes through countryside near an old town. You ride along paths around the farm, with hills, rural views, and opportunities to stop for photographs.

The scenery is the strongest part of the route. You get a look at the countryside around Medellín that is difficult to reach on foot from the city center, and the horse provides a relaxed way to move through it. The ride includes uphill and downhill sections, and at least one description refers to crossing a highway, so this is not simply a short circle around a paddock.

Still, the advertised duration needs a little interpretation. One account measured only about 3.6 kilometers round trip and estimated roughly 40 minutes of actual riding, with a long pause for photos. That is much shorter than 1.5 hours in the saddle.

You should therefore think of this as a three to four-hour outing with a horseback segment, transport, instruction, waiting, and photo time. If you want a long-distance equestrian ride, this may feel brief. If you want a gentle countryside activity with attractive views, the shorter riding time may be perfectly acceptable.

The pace can also depend on the group. Beginners may need more help, and a guide may keep experienced riders from moving ahead. That can make the outing feel slow if you came hoping to gallop for much of the route. On the other hand, the shared pace helps less experienced riders feel less pressured.

Ask at the start how much time will be spent riding, how much time is planned for photographs, and if faster riding is permitted. These questions are especially useful if you have ridden before and want more than a casual walk.

Guides, language, and group comfort

The guide Ricardo is specifically identified as friendly and helpful, and the local staff are often described as making people feel comfortable. The setting brings together riders from different countries, which can give the outing a pleasant social quality.

Language is less predictable. English interpretation has been promised in at least one booking but was not available on the day. The guide spoke Spanish, yet basic instructions were still manageable for someone who did not speak the language.

I would not book this expecting a full English-language lesson. Simple riding commands can often be demonstrated, but safety instructions and changes in the route are more important. If you do not speak Spanish, ask the provider in advance who will lead the ride and whether an English-speaking guide is guaranteed or merely requested.

The staff’s attitude seems to be a strong point, but group management is mixed. A large group that includes several beginners can produce a stop-and-start ride. If you prefer quiet trails and close personal guidance, ask if a smaller group or private ride is available. The advertised activity allows up to 25 people, so do not assume an intimate outing.

The finca restaurant after the trail

The trail ends at the same farm restaurant where the horses are based. This makes the finish easy: you do not need another transfer to find food, and you can sit down while the transport is prepared for the trip back to Medellín.

Colombian tapas, local dishes, and drinks are available at your own expense. That can be a nice part of the afternoon, especially if you want to linger in the countryside instead of returning immediately. Food is not included, though, so include it in your budget.

There have been complaints about food quality and a disagreement over the amount charged for a meal. There was also confusion in one case about transport payment. The operator said the payment issue was a driver mistake and that it was sorted out, but the practical lesson is clear: confirm the price of anything extra before ordering or paying.

The $59 tour price is easier to judge if you treat the meal as optional. You are paying for the transfer, ranch access, instruction, and horseback experience. If you add dishes and drinks, the final cost rises, so ask for the menu and prices first.

Is $59 a fair price?

At $59, this is reasonably priced for an outing that includes round-trip transport from El Poblado and a guided ride outside the city. You avoid arranging a taxi to a rural ranch, and the transfer makes the experience practical for a short Medellín stay.

The value depends on what you want from horseback riding. For a beginner, the trained horses, staff assistance, rural setting, and relaxed pace can make the price worthwhile. You get a simple introduction without needing prior experience.

For an experienced rider, the value is less certain. The ride may include long photo pauses, a short route, and a pace set by the least experienced person in the group. If you are looking for several hours in the saddle, compare this with a private or specialist equestrian tour before booking.

The tour is also not the cheapest possible way to arrange transport. One account describes a separate local transport cost of 160,000 Colombian pesos shared among up to four people, while another describes confusion over a higher amount. Those details do not match the advertised $59 arrangement, so confirm that round-trip transport is included in your booking and that no cash payment is expected from you unless clearly explained.

Timing, weather, and what to bring

The full outing is expected to take about three to four hours from departure to return. That includes the transfer from El Poblado, preparation at the ranch, roughly 1.5 hours on the trail, any restaurant stop, and the ride back.

Build in extra time if you have a later reservation. Large groups, photo stops, restaurant meals, or a delayed pickup can stretch the day. The activity ends back at La Makha, not at your hotel.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Wear clothes that can handle dust, mud, and contact with a saddle. Long trousers and closed shoes make more sense than shorts and sandals, though the supplied details do not specify a required dress code. Bring water, sun protection, and a phone for photographs, but keep it secure while riding.

You should also bring your booking details with you. This is especially important if your phone service is limited and the driver needs to identify you at the meeting point.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend this experience to a first-time rider who wants a scenic half-day outside Medellín. The horses are widely described as gentle and well trained, and the staff can provide the basic guidance needed to get started.

It also fits a mixed group of friends or family members with different riding backgrounds. Beginners can take it slowly while more experienced riders may get some livelier movement, including possible galloping, depending on the guide and group.

I would be more cautious if you need guaranteed English instruction, a small group, professional riding equipment, or a long trail. The group may be large, the guide may speak only Spanish, and helmet availability is not clear.

This is also not the best choice if you dislike uncertain logistics. Pickup communication has been the biggest weakness. You need to be proactive, confirm the meeting point, and allow time for possible delays.

Should you book it?

Book this horseback ride if you want a reasonably priced rural outing, enjoy pretty views, and are happy with a relaxed group ride rather than a serious equestrian excursion. The horses and scenery are the main reasons to go, and the transfer from El Poblado keeps the day simple.

Before paying, confirm four things: the exact pickup instructions, the language of the guide, whether helmets are provided, and the amount of riding time expected. Keep food and drinks separate from the tour price, and ask about any extra transport charge.

My verdict: good value for beginners who prioritize scenery and convenience, but only a qualified choice for experienced riders or anyone who needs polished communication. If the provider confirms your pickup and answers the safety questions clearly, this can be a memorable afternoon outside Medellín. If the replies are vague, choose a better-organized alternative.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour begin?

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

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in El Poblado.

How long does the entire experience take?

The complete trip is expected to last approximately three to four hours from start to finish.

How long is the horseback ride?

The planned riding portion is about 1.5 hours. Actual time in the saddle can vary because of photo stops, group size, and the pace of the ride.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is described as suitable for all levels, including beginners, and riding instructions are provided at the ranch.

Is an English-speaking guide included?

English support is not guaranteed. A guide may speak Spanish only, so confirm language arrangements before booking if you need English instruction.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Colombian tapas, dishes, and drinks are available at the finca restaurant but must be paid for separately.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 25 people. Larger groups can include more than 20 riders, which may affect the pace and amount of personal instruction.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may result in a new date, another experience, or a full refund.