Horseback in the Andes can be surprisingly calm. This Bogotá-area ride pairs well-trained horses with big views like Alto de la Cruz and Embalse San Rafael. The only real catch: it’s not a fit for everyone, especially if you’ve had recent surgery or are pregnant.

I like the way this tour keeps things simple. You meet at Avenida Chile, get sorted with insurance at a restaurant, then you’re walking only a few minutes before the ride starts. One consideration is the cold up in the mountains—bring warm layers or you’ll feel it fast.

Quick Hits: what makes this ride special

• Two-hour horseback session that feels manageable for most first-timers
• Trained horses that follow the route, so you spend less time “controlling”
• Andes viewpoints tied to places like Alto de la Cruz and Embalse San Rafael
• Guides who look out for riders, with Andres specifically mentioned as attentive
• Barbecue lunch after the ride so you don’t have to plan food

From Chapinero meet-up to La Calera mountains

The day starts back in Bogotá at Avenida Chile, Cl 72 #10-34 in Chapinero. That matters because you’re not crossing the city at random times—you start and finish in the same area, and the tour is designed around that flow.

From there, you head up toward La Calera by vehicle, or by public transportation if the group is smaller. It’s the kind of setup that keeps the day efficient, not scattered across multiple pickup points.

The tour runs about 5 hours total, which is a good sweet spot. You get a real mountain experience without turning your whole day into transportation math.

Insurance first, then the horses (and warm clothes)

Before anyone mounts up, you’ll meet at a restaurant to activate insurance. This is one of those details that you don’t notice until you need it, and it’s nice to have it handled before the ride gets underway.

If you need helmets, the plan includes a short walk—about 5 minutes—to the riding start point. It’s not far, but it’s long enough that you’ll feel temperature changes if you show up underdressed.

This is also the moment where you’ll want to think about clothing. Reviews make it very clear: it’s colder than you expect up in the Andes, and the best comfort move is to wear a jacket and jeans. Plan for cool air even if Bogotá feels warm earlier in the day.

Two hours on trail: calm guidance, farm paths, and view stops

Once the ride starts, the pacing is built for enjoying the scenery rather than doing technical horsemanship. The ride itself is about 2 hours, which is long enough to settle in and feel the rhythm—but not so long you’re exhausted before lunch.

If you’re new, you’ll likely appreciate how the horses are described: calm, well cared for, and well trained. Multiple riders point out that you’re not constantly wrestling with reins or fighting the horse’s direction. The horses know the way.

You’ll also ride with a guide who helps you feel confident. Andres is specifically mentioned as friendly, attentive, and informative, especially for people who are new to riding. That kind of guiding matters because it turns a “sit on a horse and hope” experience into something you can actually relax in.

The trail scenery and the viewpoint moments

You pass through farms as you move through the countryside. That farm-road feel gives the ride a sense of place—less like you’re just riding through open space, more like you’re traveling between real working areas.

You also get two vista points on the route, with the guide taking you to the best spots for views. Names mentioned include Alto de la Cruz and Embalse San Rafael. Even if you’re not a serious photographer, these stops are worth it because they give your eyes a break from the “horse and trail focus” mode.

A small heads-up: one review notes that there can be a moment where your horse picks up a little speed. You don’t need to panic, but it’s smart to stay relaxed in your seat and be ready for motion.

After the ride: barbecue lunch and time to cool down

When the riding part ends, you head back to the restaurant for a barbecue lunch. This is a big deal for comfort and timing. You’re not forced to hunt for food immediately after getting dusty and cold—warm meal comes right after, and you can reset fast.

The food is repeatedly described as delicious and satisfying, which makes the lunch feel like part of the day instead of an afterthought. This structure also helps if you’re traveling with mixed comfort levels—riders who might get nervous on horseback often appreciate having a clear plan and a cozy payoff.

Total timing stays around the 5-hour mark. That means you’re not stuck waiting around for hours after your ride ends. It keeps the day feeling forward-moving rather than dragged out.

Price and value: is $105 fair for a Bogotá Andes horseback outing?

For $105 per person over about 5 hours, you’re paying for more than just a ride. You’re getting mountain transportation up from Bogotá, a guided trail experience, the insurance activation, and a full barbecue meal after.

This is also not a huge group. The tour caps at 15 travelers, which usually translates to more attention from your guide and less crowding when you’re adjusting gear or pausing at viewpoint stops.

The horses also factor into the value. When riders say the horses are calm, obedient, and clearly well cared for, that’s not a small detail—it’s the difference between feeling safe and feeling stressed. If you’re paying to experience the Andes, you’ll want that ride to feel smooth, not chaotic.

In other words: the price seems to match what’s included. If you specifically want a short, guided Andes day with horses and a real meal at the end, this looks like good value for Bogotá.

Who should book this ride (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want an Andes day without complicated logistics. It’s described as suitable for most travelers, and several reviews say it’s perfect for first-timers.

It’s also a good choice if you like guided nature time with a clear structure: transportation up, insurance setup, trail with viewpoints, then food. You don’t have to think through routes or how you’ll get back.

But do not book if you fall into the stated health limits. The tour is not recommended for people who have had surgeries in the last three months. And it’s not suitable for people who are pregnant (listed as not suitable for a state of “embriagez”).

There’s also the human side. One review mentions a friend who was frightened. So if you’re strongly anxious about being on horseback, you might want to consider whether a calm horse ride still feels like a good match for you.

Practical tips that make a difference on the Andes route

Want your day to feel smooth? These are the details that matter most.

• Wear jeans and a jacket. The Andes can surprise you with cold air even when you think you’re dressed right.
• Expect a short walk around helmet time (about 5 minutes) so bring shoes you’re comfortable moving in.
• If you’re a beginner, listen closely during the start. The difference between feeling uneasy and feeling relaxed is often just knowing what to do with your posture and cues.
• Bring a layer for your hands if you run cold. The data doesn’t list gloves, but cold wind on a mountainside is common sense comfort planning.
• Plan to enjoy the viewpoint stops. The “two vista points” moments are where the trip really earns its scenery time.

If you’re booking ahead, note that this experience is often reserved about 12 days in advance. Booking earlier can help you lock in a spot without last-minute stress.

Should you book Cabalgatas Montana Ecological Tourism in La Calera?

I’d book this if you want a straightforward Bogotá-to-Andes day with horses, guided stops, and a barbecue meal that doesn’t feel like a consolation prize. The strongest reasons to say yes are the repeated notes about well-trained, calm horses and guides like Andres who make the experience easier for beginners.

I’d think twice if cold weather is a problem for you or if you’re within the stated health limits (recent surgery) or if you’re pregnant. Also, if horseback riding makes you very anxious, you should only book if you feel truly comfortable with the idea of mounting and staying seated for a couple hours.

If your goal is simple: do something outdoors, see big views around La Calera, and come back to Bogotá fed and satisfied—this is the kind of tour that fits.

FAQ

Where does the horseback tour start in Bogotá?

The start and end point is Avenida Chile, Cl 72 #10-34, Chapinero, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia.

How long is the whole experience?

It runs about 5 hours, approximately.

How long do I ride horseback?

The horseback riding activity lasts about 2 hours.

What happens before the ride starts?

You meet at a restaurant to activate insurance. If you need helmets, you’ll walk about 5 minutes to start the horseback riding activity.

What views or areas are part of the route?

You can see views including Alto de la Cruz and Embalse San Rafael, with the guide taking you to two vista points.

Is this tour good for first-time horseback riders?

Yes. The experience is described as suitable for most travelers, and multiple reviews highlight it as a great first-timer option with guidance.

What should I wear?

Wear a jacket and jeans. It can be colder than you think in the mountains.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, you won’t get a refund.

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