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

Medellín’s high-rise streets give way quickly to quiet country trails on this horseback ride near a small old town. You meet your horse at a rustic farm, learn the basics, and spend about 1.5 hours riding through hills, open views, and farm country.

I like two things here: the calm, well-trained horses make the ride approachable for beginners, and the round-trip transfer from El Poblado removes the need to arrange transport into the countryside. You also finish at a finca restaurant, where Colombian dishes and drinks are available if you want to linger.

The main concern is coordination. Several bookings have involved missed pickups, last-minute meeting changes, payment confusion, or a very large riding group. Confirm the pickup details, arrive early, and do not assume an English-speaking guide or a small group.

Key points to know before you book

• About 30 minutes from El Poblado: Meet at La Makha, then ride by arranged transport to a peaceful rural town outside Medellín.
• Beginner-friendly horses: The horses are described as calm, responsive, and easy for first-time riders to handle.
• About 1.5 hours on horseback: The full outing takes roughly three to four hours, including transfers and time at the ranch.
• Scenery is the star: Expect hills, farm views, trail riding, photo stops, and some riding up and down slopes.
• Groups can be large: The stated maximum is 25 people, and a group of more than 20 can feel crowded on narrow trails.
• Food costs extra: Colombian tapas, arepas, dishes, and drinks are available at the finca restaurant, but they are not part of the $59 price.

Riding into the countryside from El Poblado

The experience starts at La Makha, a restaurant at Cra. 25 #10-51 in El Poblado. This is a central meeting point in one of Medellín’s most visited districts, but it is still worth arriving early. Pickup confusion has been a real weakness with this outing, so I would give yourself extra time to find the restaurant and keep your phone available.

From there, the arranged vehicle takes you about 30 minutes outside Medellín. That short transfer is a useful part of the package. You get from the city to rural roads without organizing a taxi, negotiating a fare, or trying to locate a ranch on your own.

The transfer arrangements deserve careful attention. The advertised experience includes transport from the El Poblado meeting point and back again, but payment and pickup details have not always been clear. Before setting out, confirm the exact meeting place, the driver’s contact number, and that the return ride is included. Keep your booking confirmation accessible on your phone, especially if your mobile service does not work in Colombia.

Meeting the horses at the finca

The ranch is attached to a restaurant and serves as the base for the ride. This gives the outing a more local, country feel than a simple horse loop beside a city attraction. You meet the horse here, receive basic instruction, and get help from the staff before leaving the farm.

The strongest part of the experience is the horses. They are described as well trained, intelligent, and responsive to basic commands. That matters greatly if this is your first time in the saddle. A nervous beginner needs a horse that will not react sharply to every uncertain movement, and the ride has earned repeated praise for making newcomers feel comfortable.

The guides also help create that relaxed start. Ricardo is specifically named as a friendly guide, and the staff are described as helpful during the preparation and ride. Still, communication may be in Spanish. An English interpreter was promised in at least one booking but was not present, so do not book this expecting a guaranteed English-language guide.

You should also ask about safety equipment before paying. Helmets are not listed among the included features, and one account specifically noted that no helmet was supplied. That is an important point for families, cautious riders, and anyone who normally rides with protective gear.

What the 1.5-hour trail is really like

Once everyone is mounted, the group heads onto the rural trails. The scenery includes green hills, farm views, and broad countryside around the old town. You may ride up and down slopes, pass through changing terrain, and at one point cross a highway, according to the route description from past outings.

This is not a technical riding lesson or an all-day trek. It is a short introduction to the countryside on horseback. The advertised riding time is about 1.5 hours, but the actual time in motion can vary. One account described only about 40 minutes of active riding because a long photo stop took up much of the outing.

That is not necessarily a fault. The photo pauses let you enjoy the setting without bouncing in a saddle, and they suit beginners who need a break. But experienced riders may find the outing short, especially if they expected a continuous trail ride or several hours on horseback.

The route appears suitable for basic walking and relaxed riding, with some reports of faster riding and even galloping. That difference matters. A group containing first-time riders may move slowly, while a more confident group may get opportunities for a livelier pace. Ask the guide what pace is planned on the day, and be honest about your riding experience.

Why group size can change the whole experience

The maximum group size is 25 people. That is a fairly large number for horseback riding, particularly on narrow countryside paths. When the group is full, horses can bunch together, beginners may feel crowded, and the guide has to divide attention among many riders.

A large group also affects pace. The most experienced riders may spend time waiting for first-timers, while beginners may feel hurried if the group moves faster than expected. One especially important concern is that large mixed-ability groups have not always been divided into smaller rides.

I would treat the group size as the biggest practical question to ask before booking. If you want a quiet, personal ride, request the smallest available departure or ask if private rides are offered. If you are happy with a social outing, a large group can be part of the fun. People from different countries have shared rides here, and the social side can make the afternoon lively.

For a first ride, the horses and guides seem to matter more than the group size. For an experienced rider, the group may matter more than the scenery. Know which kind of outing you want.

The ranch restaurant and Colombian food

The trail finishes at the same ranch restaurant where you started. This makes the end of the trip simple: you do not need to transfer immediately after dismounting, and you can sit down while the horses and staff complete their work.

Food and drinks are not included in the $59 price. You can order Colombian tapas, arepas, other dishes, and refreshing drinks at your own expense. This is a pleasant way to extend the countryside visit, but be clear about the bill before ordering.

There has been confusion about restaurant pricing and transport charges in some bookings. I would ask the staff to explain prices in Colombian pesos before you order, and keep any written transport agreement available. The meal is optional, so you can also skip it and return to Medellín with the group.

The restaurant is best viewed as a useful finishing point rather than the main reason to book. The riding and rural setting provide the value. If you want an inexpensive meal after the trail, it gives you that option, but the meal should not be treated as part of the tour price.

Is $59 a good value?

At $59, this can be a fair deal for a short countryside escape from Medellín. The price is attractive because it combines the horse ride with transport from El Poblado, basic instruction, the ranch setting, and a return transfer. You are paying for convenience as much as for saddle time.

The value drops if you measure the outing only by minutes on horseback. The full trip lasts about three to four hours, but the ride itself is advertised at about 1.5 hours, and active riding may be shorter if the group stops for photos. Experienced riders looking for a long trail will likely want something more substantial.

The price also needs careful checking because transport and payment arrangements have caused confusion. The experience information says round-trip transfers are included, while some booking experiences have involved separate transport charges. I would not hand over an unexpected amount without checking the agreed price and asking for a clear explanation.

Compared with arranging a private ride and transport independently, $59 may still be good value. Compared with a full-day equestrian excursion, it is a short introductory outing. Think of it as a half-day nature activity, not a serious riding expedition.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

This outing suits you best if you want to leave Medellín for a few hours, see rural scenery, and try horseback riding without needing advanced skills. The calm horses and basic instruction make it a reasonable choice for first-time riders.

It also works well for couples, friends, and mixed groups where some people ride regularly and others are complete beginners. The social atmosphere and shared transfer can make the activity feel easygoing rather than formal.

You may want another tour if you are an experienced rider who wants long, uninterrupted trail time. The route can be short, photo stops can be lengthy, and a large group may limit the pace. It may also be a poor match if you need guaranteed English instruction or a helmet supplied as standard.

Anyone uncomfortable with uncertain logistics should take extra care. The meeting point is listed as La Makha, and the activity ends there, but you should still confirm the exact pickup procedure shortly before departure.

Practical preparation for a smoother outing

Wear clothes that can handle dust, mud, and contact with a saddle. Long trousers and closed shoes are sensible choices, though the supplied information does not set out a formal clothing list.

Bring water, sunscreen, and a phone or camera for the photo stops. The countryside is the main reward, and the pauses give you a chance to take pictures without trying to manage a camera while riding.

Arrive early at La Makha. Have the booking confirmation ready, and make sure you can receive calls or messages if possible. If you have no Colombian service, arrange access to Wi-Fi before leaving your hotel or ask your accommodation to help confirm the pickup.

Tell the guide clearly if you are a beginner. That allows the staff to match instructions and pace to your comfort level. If you are an experienced rider, ask if faster riding is planned and how the group will be handled.

Finally, ask about helmets, food prices, and any transport charge before the vehicle leaves El Poblado. These are small questions that can prevent large annoyances later.

Cancellation and weather details

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refundable, and changes during that period are not accepted.

The ride depends on good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund. The activity also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason should bring the same choice of another date, another experience, or a refund.

Most people can participate, and the maximum group size is 25. The information does not provide detailed limits for weight, age, medical conditions, or mobility, so contact the provider before booking if any of those points affect your ability to ride.

Should you book this Medellín horseback ride?

I would book it if you want a reasonably priced rural break from El Poblado and are comfortable with a short, shared ride. The horses are the strongest reason to go. Their calm behavior, combined with helpful local staff and attractive countryside views, gives beginners a friendly introduction to riding in Colombia.

I would hesitate if your priority is long saddle time, a small group, formal English guidance, or dependable door-to-door coordination. Confirm the meeting procedure, total transport cost, language support, helmet availability, and expected group size before you commit.

For a first horseback ride, the $59 price can make sense. For an experienced rider, book only if the scenery and relaxed country outing matter as much as the riding itself.

FAQ

How much does the horseback riding experience cost?

The listed price is $59. Food and drinks at the finca restaurant are not included. Confirm any transport or other charges before departure because payment arrangements can vary.

How long does the full activity take?

The complete outing takes about three to four hours, including transfers, preparation, riding, stops, and the return to Medellín.

How long do you ride the horses?

The advertised horseback ride lasts about 1.5 hours. The amount of continuous riding can vary because the group may stop for photographs.

Where does the tour begin?

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

Where does the activity end?

The return transfer brings you back to the original meeting point at La Makha in El Poblado.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is described as suitable for all riding levels, including beginners, and instruction is provided before the ride.

How many people can join the group?

The maximum stated group size is 25 people. Groups can be large, and some departures may include more than 20 riders.

Are food and drinks included?

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

What happens if the weather is bad?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also receive a full refund by canceling at least 24 hours before the start time.