Adventure in the Andes Mountains

Adventure in the Andes Mountains from Bogotá is one of those plans that feels simple on paper, then turns into a full reset in the saddle. You leave the city, trade traffic noise for fresh mountain air, and get time on well-behaved horses with big views like Alto de la Cruz and Embalse San Rafael.

What I like most is the way the day is paced for real humans, not schedule robots. You get a guided ride (and the guide, often Andres, keeps things calm and clear), plus a proper barbecue lunch after you’re back on solid ground.

One thing to consider is that this is still horseback riding up in the hills. If you’ve had surgery in the last three months, or you’re not able to ride safely, this may not be the right choice for you.

Quick hits before you go

• Small group feel (up to 15 people), so you’re not fighting for attention on the trail
• Beginner-friendly pacing, including time to learn as you ride
• Andes viewpoints built into the ride, with stops guided by your instructor
• Well-trained, calm horses, which makes the experience easier than it sounds
• Warm meal after the ride, a barbecue lunch that helps you finish strong
• Bring the right layers, because it can be colder than you think in the mountains

Leaving Bogotá for La Calera, the practical way

This tour runs from Chapinero, starting at Avenida Chile Cl 72 #10-34, Bogotá. It’s built around getting out to the mountains near La Calera quickly, then making the ride the main event.

You’ll meet at the shopping center area and then head up toward the hills. Depending on group size, you travel by vehicle or public transportation. That mix matters because it affects how “city to mountain” the day feels, but either way, you’re out soon enough to enjoy daylight views.

A half-day plan like this is also a good value move. Instead of spending most of the day commuting, you get about 5 hours total, including the ride and the meal. And since it’s usually booked about 12 days in advance, I’d treat it as something you plan rather than something you “maybe” fit in last minute.

The first stop: insurance setup and the short walk to helmets

Before you mount up, you’ll meet at a restaurant to activate the insurance. This is a big practical plus. It removes the guesswork so you can focus on the experience, not paperwork.

If you need a helmet, there’s a short walk of about five minutes from the restaurant area to where the horseback activity begins. It’s quick, but it’s also a signal that you should wear clothing you can move in, not just “nice for photos.”

This part of the day also helps you get your bearings. You’ll see the flow of how everything works, get a feel for your horse assignment, and listen for any last-minute safety guidance from your guide.

Two hours in the saddle, with real Andes scenery

The horseback ride lasts about 2 hours, which is a sweet spot. Long enough to settle in and enjoy the trail, not so long that it turns into a full-day endurance test.

The trail takes you through farms and rural areas, and your guide brings you to two vista points. Even without overhyping it, that setup is ideal. You ride, you look around, and you stop in places where the scenery actually deserves a pause.

You can also see famous-looking targets in the view like Alto de la Cruz and Embalse San Rafael. Those names come up for a reason, because they help you connect what you’re seeing to the geography around Bogotá.

Why the horses matter more than you think

Horseback riding tours rise and fall on one thing: the horse. Here, you’re in good hands with horses described as calm and well trained, and most people can participate.

If you’re new to riding, this is exactly the kind of setup you want. One review experience focused on how the guide helped a first-timer feel comfortable, and that matches what you should look for in a good guide-led ride.

Still, don’t assume it’s 100 percent slow and steady the entire time. There can be moments when your horse picks up a little speed. I’d go in mentally ready for that, then you’ll enjoy it more instead of bracing.

What your guide does, especially if you’re a beginner

The guiding here gets praise for being friendly and attentive, and it’s not just “say hi then let you figure it out.” Guides like Andres are described as knowledgeable and helpful, with instruction that makes a first ride feel manageable.

That matters because beginners often worry about control. In this kind of well-run operation, you’re not expected to be a horse-whisperer. You follow guidance, keep your balance, and enjoy the ride while your horse handles the hard parts.

I also like the human side of this. People mention the guide being informative and relaxed, which helps a lot if you’re anxious going in. If you’ve never ridden before, that calm approach is the difference between enjoying the moment and spending it thinking about what could go wrong.

Dress for cooler mountain weather, not Bogotá sunshine

Here’s the advice I’d follow from the start: wear a jacket and jeans. The mountains can feel colder than you expect, and you’re likely to be outdoors for hours once you factor in the ride and time waiting at meeting points.

Go for long pants that you’ll be comfortable sitting in for two hours. If you’re the type who gets chilly easily, bring an extra layer you can keep on during the ride.

Comfort beats style here. The photos will still look great, but the real win is finishing the tour warm enough to feel satisfied, not stiff and rushed.

Lunch after the ride: barbecue that actually hits the spot

After the horseback riding, you head back to the restaurant for a barbecue. This is one of the easiest parts of the day to underestimate, yet it’s a frequent highlight.

The key value is timing. Riding builds an appetite fast, and then you’re not stuck hunting for food or paying extra for a rushed meal. You get a satisfying lunch right when you need it.

Also, a shared meal helps the group decompress. With small group sizes, you’ll often end up chatting with people from your ride before heading back down.

Back to the meeting point, with your time still intact

After the barbecue, you return to the Avenida Chile shopping center, ending back at the meeting point. That round-trip structure is what makes the day feel clean and low stress.

You’re out for about 5 hours, so you still have time to plan the rest of your Bogotá evening. Think dinner nearby, a casual stroll, or just a chance to rest your legs without scrambling for transit.

Price and value: what $105 buys you in the real world

At $105 per person for about 5 hours, this isn’t a bargain-tour price, but it also isn’t overpriced for what you’re getting. You’re paying for the full package: transportation up to the La Calera area, insurance setup, a guided ride, well-trained horses, and a barbecue lunch.

The best value piece is the combination of horse quality and guidance. If horses are calm and the guide is attentive, you enjoy the experience more even if you’re new. That’s a direct cost saver, because you’re less likely to need extra help on the trail or cut the ride short due to discomfort.

The small group limit of 15 travelers also matters. In a crowded group, riding and listening can feel chaotic. Here, the smaller number tends to support better attention and smoother pacing.

Who should book this Andes horseback ride

This is a strong fit if you want a nature break close to Bogotá, and you’re comfortable with the idea of riding for about two hours. It’s also a good match for first-timers since the experience is described as beginner-friendly, with guiding that helps you feel secure.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you like countryside views, farm trails, and stopping at vista points for the kind of scenery that makes you slow down.

It’s not a great fit if you’ve had surgery in the last three months, or if you cannot participate safely. The tour also states it is not suitable for people in a state of inebriation, which is fair and part of keeping riders safe.

Booking smart: how far ahead to lock it in

This tour is usually booked about 12 days in advance on average. That doesn’t mean you need to book months ahead, but it does mean you should not wait for an impulsive last day plan.

If your schedule is tight, booking early gives you options with the guide timing and the group size. And confirmation is provided at booking time, so you’ll know you’re set.

Should you book Cabalgatas Montana Ecological Tourism?

If you want a half-day experience that mixes countryside views with a guided horseback ride and a real lunch, I think this is an easy “yes” to consider. The most praised aspects are the well-trained horses, the friendly, attentive guide work (often highlighted by Andres), and the simple fact that the day feels smooth from start to finish.

I’d say don’t book if you’re medically restricted because of recent surgery, or if you’re not able to ride safely and attentively. And do plan for mountain chill, bring layers, and wear jeans.

If that sounds like you, you’ll likely come away with exactly what you came for: a day off the Bogotá grid, time in the Andes hills, and the satisfaction of doing something active that still feels well organized.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

The start location is Avenida Chile Cl 72 #10-34, Chapinero, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The horseback riding activity lasts about 2 hours, and the overall tour is approximately 5 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $105.00 per person.

What is the maximum group size?

This activity has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is this tour good for beginners or first-time riders?

Most travelers can participate, and reviews highlight that it works well for first-timers who are new to horseback riding.

What will we do before starting the ride?

You will meet at a restaurant to activate the insurance. If you need a helmet, you will walk about 5 minutes to begin the horseback riding activity.

What kind of scenery will we see while riding?

You can see wonderful landscapes such as Alto de la Cruz and Embalse San Rafael.

Is there food included?

Yes. After the ride, you go back to the restaurant for a barbecue.

Who should avoid this tour?

It is not recommended for people who have had surgeries in the last three months, and it is not suitable for people in a state of inebriation.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation is free. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.