Horseback riding to the viewpoints and the Sestillal waterfall in Salento

Horseback riding to Salento’s viewpoints and then down to the Sestillal waterfall is a smart way to see this area without being stuck in a car all day. I love the forest-side route with chances to spot birds, and I also like that you get access included to walk through the Sestillal estate to the falls. One thing to consider: this isn’t just a casual stroll, the walking portion can be demanding, so plan for real hiking shoes and a steady pace.

This tour is based in Salento Quindío, starting at Cocoratours, and it is in the surrounding countryside, not inside the Cocora Valley itself. You’ll ride in a private setup, but the experience is Spanish-only unless you book a bilingual guide at an extra cost.

Key things to know before you go

• Not in Cocora Valley: this runs in the Salento surroundings and viewpoints nearby.
• Forest + birds on the way: expect wildlife moments, including hummingbirds if you’re lucky.
• Horse time is only part of it: the route can include a longer hike than some people expect.
• Sestillal estate access is included: you pay the entry fee as part of the tour flow.
• Trained horses and helpful handling: riders report the animals were well cared for.
• Spanish guide by default: English support costs extra.

Horseback to Sestillal, not a typical Salento bus tour

If your days in Salento are starting to feel repetitive, this is a good reset. You trade a paved, straight-line plan for a moving route through countryside and forest edges, then finish with a waterfall you actually walk to. It’s also private, meaning it’s just your group on the day, not a crowd forcing your pace.

The best part is that the ride does more than transfer you from point A to point B. It sets you up for the viewpoints along the way, and it puts you close enough to nature to notice birds and changes in the vegetation. Even when the scenery looks similar at first, you’ll start seeing patterns once you’re walking and riding through the green corridor.

The one caution I’d underline is expectations around difficulty. You might picture an easy nature walk. Instead, you should assume there will be a meaningful on-foot stretch after the horseback segment. That’s great if you like hiking, frustrating if you do not.

Starting at Cocoratours in Salento Quindío

The meeting point is Cocoratours in Salento, at Barrio las Colinas, Cl. 2 #6-09. You’ll start from the Salento municipality area, and the tour begins right after you check in with your guide team.

Because the tour is private, the guides can adapt the timing to your group. That matters on horseback routes where riders have different comfort levels. Some people report the guides handled this with care, including splitting plans so one person could walk while another rode, instead of forcing everyone to stay in sync no matter what.

Plan to arrive ready to move. This is not the kind of activity where you’ll want to take long breaks or wait for everyone to feel ready. If you’re prone to getting cold, bring a light layer, because rural rides can feel cooler as you transition through shade and open stretches.

The forest viewpoints part: where the birdwatching happens

The ride takes you along forested stretches near the national road. You pass by what are described as some of the best natural viewpoints around Salento, and the route is set up so you can stop, look, and notice birds.

This is where the tour feels most like an experience, not a checklist. You’re at a slow enough pace to pick out small things. One rider noted hummingbirds, and that detail matches the overall theme: you’re not just seeing scenery, you’re getting the chance to observe wildlife activity in the area.

If you enjoy photography, this section is also practical. You’ll likely have multiple natural angles and lighting conditions as the route moves between tree cover and open sightlines from viewpoints. Bring something to protect your phone or camera from light rain, because weather can shift fast in mountain regions.

How the horseback riding segment is paced

Expect horseback riding for around 45 minutes, though the exact pacing depends on your group and conditions. Horses are part of the charm here, and reports indicate they’re well looked after and trained.

You should also take the horse-handling time seriously. Even if you’ve ridden before, mounting and steady riding require focus. If you’re a first-timer, ask for extra guidance at the start. Guides are used to helping people adjust, and several visitors describe the support as friendly and practical.

Another real-world tip: don’t assume horseback time equals the whole tour. Some people came in thinking they were booking mostly riding, then learned there is a longer hiking section after. That mismatch can turn a great day into an annoying one, so treat horseback time as the opening chapter of the day, not the main event.

The Sestillal estate: entrance is included, and you get a walk to the falls

After the viewpoint riding, the route continues along land roads until you reach the Sestillal estate. The big deal here is simple: the access fee to walk through the estate is included in your tour.

Once you arrive, you transition from riding to walking. This is where the day turns from “ride and look” into “walk and earn the payoff.” The estate walk is your connection to the waterfall, and it’s the part that takes steady legs and good footwear.

Waterfalls are often busy and slippery places. The estate portion is still nature, but you should assume uneven ground. If you hate wet shoes, plan to accept wet shoes. If you love the outdoors, this is the moment that usually makes the tour feel worth it.

Timing: 2.5 hours on paper, plan longer on your feet

The tour duration is listed at about 2 hours 30 minutes, and the pace will vary. At the same time, I don’t want you to be surprised by how long the walking can feel once you factor in stops and the full route flow.

I’ve found that horseback and nature combos often run longer in practice than the headline duration. Here, that pattern shows up in how people describe their day. Some report a hike lasting several hours after the riding segment, which tells me the on-foot part can be substantial depending on the day and how the guides shape your route.

So, if you have a tight dinner reservation after, give yourself breathing room. If you’re the kind of traveler who packs their day with transfers, this may not be the best fit for a high-precision schedule.

Spanish guide by default, bilingual costs extra

Your tour guide is included, but the language is Spanish only unless you pay extra for a bilingual guide, which costs $70 per booking. If you don’t speak Spanish comfortably, this is a decision point, not a minor detail.

The upside is that a guide who speaks Spanish well can still be great at communicating through gestures and clear route direction. But if you want explanations about plants, animals, and the area’s details, budgeting for bilingual support may be the smarter play.

Also note that the guide team can be split. Some reports mention two guides during the horseback portion. That can make the experience smoother because one person can manage horse handling while another keeps everyone oriented and helps with timing.

Guides you might meet: Nicolas, Daniel, and Carlos

It helps to know the names of real guides you could meet on your day. Nicolas comes up in reports as friendly, informative, and knowledgeable about surrounding nature. Daniel is mentioned for route clarity and area context, and Carlos is mentioned as another guide in the riding component.

Even if you get a different guide, the pattern from these examples is consistent: the guides focus on guiding the route, talking about what you’re passing, and keeping the group comfortable. That’s a big part of why the activity earns such strong ratings.

And yes, the guide quality matters here because the tour has an active component. When instructions are clear, the day feels smooth. When they’re not, even a beautiful route can feel stressful.

Price and value: $55 gets you the ride and a guide

The price is $55 per person, and it includes the ride and a tour guide. It also includes access to the Sestillal estate, since you pay that entry as part of the experience flow.

What costs extra is mostly about comfort and communication:

• Feeding is not included.
• A bilingual English guide costs an additional $70 per booking.

So is $55 overpriced? For people who want only a short horseback experience, the value complaint makes sense. For people who actually enjoy a full nature day, including viewpoints, birds, and a real walk to a waterfall, the pricing can feel fair because you’re not just paying for transportation. You’re paying for guidance, animal handling, and access.

One practical approach: eat before you go or bring a simple snack for later, since feeding is not included. Also, if English is a must for you, do the math early so you don’t end up comparing a Spanish tour price to what you were imagining in English.

What to bring, what to wear, and how to prepare

This tour is best with moderate physical fitness. And based on real feedback, it’s not a walk in the park. You’ll want shoes that handle dirt and uneven ground.

My baseline packing list for this kind of day in Salento:

• Proper hiking shoes with grip
• A light rain layer or poncho, especially if weather looks unstable
• Water, because you’re active and stops can be spaced out
• A small snack, since feeding is not included
• Sunglasses and sunscreen if the sky clears, because viewpoints can be bright

If you’re unsure about your fitness, be honest with yourself. The day works best when you’re comfortable walking for a stretch and staying steady on mixed terrain.

Who this horseback ride to Sestillal is best for

This is a great fit if you like active sightseeing. You’ll enjoy it if:

• You want a break from driving and want a slower, nature-focused route
• You like birds and small wildlife moments
• You’re okay with a longer walking segment after horseback time
• You can handle moderate physical exertion with good shoes

It may not be ideal if:

• You want mostly horseback and very little hiking
• You have limited hiking experience and aren’t comfortable with rocky or uneven terrain
• You need English explanations and don’t want to pay extra for a bilingual guide

One more thought: if you’re visiting with someone who gets uncomfortable on a horse, the guides have experience adjusting. That can be a relief and can keep your day enjoyable instead of turning it into a battle over who feels safe.

Weather and day-of conditions

The experience requires good weather. That matters because rain changes the feel of roads, footing on the walk, and how comfortable riding is.

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you should expect options like rescheduling or a full refund. Planning a flexible day in your Salento schedule gives you less stress if conditions turn.

Should you book this horseback ride to the Sestillal waterfall?

If you want a genuinely outdoor Salento day, I think this is a strong choice. The combo of viewpoints, forest wildlife time, and Sestillal waterfall access makes it feel like more than a simple tour transfer. The horseback segment is also a big part of the appeal, and the reports about the horses and guide handling suggest it’s not just for thrill-seekers.

But book it with your feet in mind. If you’re the type who expects an easy walk and then be done, you’ll likely feel disappointed. If you’re comfortable hiking and you’re willing to keep a steady pace for the full route flow, this tour can be a memorable way to see Salento surroundings.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour take?

It is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, and the exact timing depends on the pace of the ride.

Is this tour inside Cocora Valley?

No. It is in the surroundings of Salento, not in the Cocora Valley itself.

What is included in the $55 price?

The price includes the horseback ride and a tour guide. Access to the Sestillal estate is included as part of the experience.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

The horseback riding portion is only in Spanish by default. If you want a bilingual English guide, it costs an additional $70 per booking.

Is the walking part easy?

The tour includes a walk through the Sestillal estate to the waterfall, and you should have moderate physical fitness. Proper hiking shoes are strongly recommended.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.