When I was planning my trip to South America and decided to visit Colombia, I knew right away that I wanted to experience an authentic horseback riding adventure in the country. I’ve always found horses fascinating, and the idea of riding through Colombia’s wild landscapes was simply too tempting to resist. So, after arriving in the small town of Salento, nestled in the heart of the country’s famous Coffee Triangle, it quickly became clear that this would be the perfect place for my horseback riding in Colombia adventure.
Note: This is in no way a sponsored post, just my personal experience and recommendation.
Why I chose Salento and Cabalgatas San Pablo for Horseback Riding in Colombia
The small, colorful village of Salento, with its population of fewer than 10,000 people, along with the nearby Cocora Valley, is a must-see in every Colombia travel guide. Of course, I couldn’t miss out on this beautiful destination during my Colombia trip. As soon as I arrived in Salento, I was immediately charmed by the town’s cozy atmosphere. And few places in Colombia are as perfect for horseback riding as Salento. Its rolling hills, lush landscapes, and stunning vistas provide the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable ride.
After some research online, we chose Cabalgatas San Pablo because it had excellent reviews on Google and seemed to treat their horses well—something that unfortunately isn’t always the case with many horseback riding tour operators in Colombia.
Cabalgatas San Pablo in Salento
The tours with Cabalgatas San Pablo are offered twice daily, at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and last about three hours. They cost 90,000 Colombian Pesos per person (approximately 22 USD). The best way to reserve the tour is to stop by Oscar and Giselle’s home in person. I’ve visited them the day before our tour, and everything worked out perfectly. You can either make a deposit or pay the full amount upfront (cash only).
Google Maps Location: Cabalgatas San Pablo
Review: My Horseback Riding Tour in Salento
Getting started
Since I opted for the earlier tour, I arrived at Oscar and Giselle’s small cabin just before 9:00 AM on the day of the excursion. They are the proud owners of 15 beautiful horses. I slipped into my riding boots and greeted the other members of the group who would be joining the tour. We watched as Oscar and Giselle led the horses out of the stable and prepared them for the ride. Then, they explained what we needed to keep in mind while riding.
I hardly speak any Spanish, and Oscar knows very little English, but the communication still worked out well. After the briefing, we were assigned horses based on our size and riding experience. No riding experience is required for the tour. Experienced riders or those who ride regularly were given the more “challenging” horses, while beginners were matched with the easier ones. The general rule is simple: as long as you follow Oscar’s instructions and treat the horses with respect and calmness, you’ll be perfectly safe.
Once we were all in the saddle, knew our horses’ names (each horse has a little name tag on its saddle), and had adjusted the stirrups correctly, we set off. My horse, Lulú, affectionately nicknamed “crazy Lulú” by the owners, immediately nudged past a few others and started making its way up the steep hill.
Scenic landscapes and a coffee stop
We began by riding along a scenic path through the mountains. Oscar, who looked every bit like a real South American cowboy, occasionally pointed out the avocado, banana, and coffee plantations on the hills. He consistently praised us with “Muy profesional” whenever he noticed us applying his riding tips correctly or handling our horses with skill.
The ride took us uphill and downhill, sometimes on paved roads, other times on dusty, rocky trails right through the jungle. We followed a stream for a while, crossing it several times. The landscape on all sides was – to use Oscar’s words – “muy espectacular.” At one point, we crossed the river at such a deep spot that the water reached some riders’ boos. A refreshing treat in the warm, sunny weather.
When we arrived at a large meadow, we had the chance to gallop with the horses, an exhilarating experience. Giselle eagerly captured photos and videos of us during this thrilling moment. Afterward, we stopped at a small café nestled in the mountains, dismounted, and enjoyed an espresso while taking in the breathtaking green, mountainous scenery. We chatted with the couple and the other participants before getting back on our horses. After a little more than three hours, we returned to Oscar and Giselle’s small farm. We thanked them for the unforgettable adventure and said our goodbyes.
Final Words on Horseback Riding in Colombia
Overall, my horseback riding adventure with Cabalgatas San Pablo was an unforgettable experience! From the breathtaking landscapes to the warm hospitality of Oscar and Giselle, it was just perfect. Whether you’re an experienced rider or trying it for the first time, this tour offers a great combination of adventure, relaxation, and fun. If you’re ever in Colombia and looking for an authentic horseback riding experience, this is an absolute must-do!
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