Horseback riding in the Eastern Hill

REVIEW · BOGOTA

Horseback riding in the Eastern Hill

  • 5.07 reviews
  • 4 hours (approx.)
  • From $97.00
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Operated by Cabalgatas Montana Ecological Tourism · Bookable on Viator

Horses in the Andes are close enough. This Bogotá-area ride takes you out of the city and up toward La Calera for a guided horseback session with mountain views and Andean plants. I like the combination of surefooted horses (including gallop options for experienced riders) and the clear payoff in scenery around the San Rafael Reservoir. One thing to plan around: this is for riders 12+ and it depends on good weather, so cloudy or rainy days can change the schedule.

You get a smooth setup: you meet at the Avenida Chile shopping area in Chapinero, then the team organizes transport, safety gear, and a 2-hour ride time on horseback. Afterward, you swing by a restaurant for a regional canelazo (you can also grab a beer or soda), then return to Avenida Chile. It’s also capped at 10 travelers, which helps keep the ride feeling personal instead of chaotic.

Key Points at a Glance

Horseback riding in the Eastern Hill - Key Points at a Glance

  • A maximum group size of 10 keeps the pace calm and the guide’s attention focused
  • Certified helmets plus a medical assistance card mean you’re not scrambling for safety basics
  • La Calera to the reservoir area gives you real high-mountain context near Bogotá
  • Experienced riders may be able to gallop, while others can trot at an easy pace
  • Canelazo is included, with beer or soda as an alternative
  • English-speaking guide availability makes the experience easier to enjoy

Why Eastern Hill Horseback Riding Feels Like a Quick Mountain Escape

Horseback riding in the Eastern Hill - Why Eastern Hill Horseback Riding Feels Like a Quick Mountain Escape
Bogotá can be noisy and vertical, and you feel that every time you’re stuck in traffic or juggling streets and schedules. This ride shifts the day fast. You’re pulled up from the city toward La Calera and the high-Andes surroundings, where the air, the views, and even the pace change.

What makes it especially satisfying is that you don’t just see a viewpoint from a bus. You’re on horseback, moving through the terrain with guides who understand the area. One review mentioned riding as high as 3,001 meters, and you can feel the altitude difference in the air and how the mountains frame the horizon.

Price and What You Actually Get for the $97 Fare

At $97 per person, you’re paying for more than a ride. You’re getting the full day structure: transport (including an air-conditioned vehicle when the group size allows), a guided session, safety gear, and the included regional drink afterward.

Here’s what that means for value:

  • You’re not on your own dealing with helmets, horses, or medical paperwork. That’s handled for you.
  • The ride time is solid: about two hours on horseback, not a short photo-op lap.
  • You get a built-in cultural moment with canelazo, which is a regional staple in the area.

If you like outdoor activities but don’t want the hassle of planning stables, routes, or what-to-bring lists, this price starts to make sense quickly.

Getting There: Avenida Chile Meeting Point and the Trip Up

Horseback riding in the Eastern Hill - Getting There: Avenida Chile Meeting Point and the Trip Up
Your meeting point is Avenida Chile, Cl 72 #10-34, Chapinero. The plan is straightforward: meet at the main entrance of the Avenida Chile shopping center, then transfer toward where the horses are waiting.

The transport detail matters. If your group is up to about four people, you go by private vehicle. If there are more people, you use public transport for part of the transfer. Either way, you’re in motion fast, and the total “getting there” time is about 40 minutes before you start.

Practical tip: because you’re starting in a busy part of Bogotá, give yourself a little cushion. Meeting at a mall entrance sounds easy until you’re matching faces in a crowd.

Stop 1: Avenida Chile to the Horses Waiting for You

Horseback riding in the Eastern Hill - Stop 1: Avenida Chile to the Horses Waiting for You
Stop 1 is basically your handoff point. Your guide meets you at the Avenida Chile shopping center entrance, then the vehicle transfer begins.

During the trip, you’re not just wasting time. You’re moving into a different feel of the Bogotá region, and the mountains start showing more clearly. This is when the day turns from city to outdoors, and you’ll likely notice that your schedule suddenly feels simpler: arrive, meet the guide, then ride.

This is also where group dynamics show up. Because the tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, you’re less likely to feel like you’re waiting for a giant busload of people.

Stop 2 in La Calera: Helmets On, Medical Card Activated, Then 2 Hours on Horseback

Horseback riding in the Eastern Hill - Stop 2 in La Calera: Helmets On, Medical Card Activated, Then 2 Hours on Horseback
Stop 2 is the core of the experience: you leave the vehicle, get helmets, and the team activates a medical assistance card. After a short five-minute walk to the horses, you begin the ride that lasts about two hours.

Other things to do around Bogota

What you’ll likely see and where it feels special

This is not just “ride around.” The route is described as giving you a view of:

  • the mountains and Andean native vegetation
  • the town of La Calera
  • the San Rafael Reservoir

One review added extra color: the guide pointed out remote homes tucked into the mountain area and explained how the reservoir serves Bogotá. That kind of context is exactly what turns a scenic ride into a meaningful one.

Pace: trot vs. gallop (based on comfort)

The best detail for many riders is how the ride pace is handled. If you’re experienced, you may have the chance to gallop. If you’re new, you can trot along at a leisurely pace.

I like this approach because it respects different comfort levels without making you feel like you’re stuck doing the slow option. You’re still riding for two hours, and you still get the views.

My advice on how to enjoy the ride more

Even if you’ve ridden before, take a moment to match your posture to the horse’s movement. Keep a light grip, stay loose in your arms, and let your legs do the work. You’ll get a smoother ride and you’ll enjoy the scenery more.

Stop 3 Back in La Calera: Canelazo Time and a Real Break

Horseback riding in the Eastern Hill - Stop 3 Back in La Calera: Canelazo Time and a Real Break
When the horseback riding ends, you head back to the restaurant area for about 50 minutes.

The included highlight here is canelazo, described as a typical drink from the region. If you don’t want it, you can order a beer or soda instead. That’s a nice touch because it keeps the included part flexible.

This stop is also where your body catches up. Two hours in the saddle can be surprisingly active, even with an easy pace. This is a good time to:

  • sit, sip, and rehydrate
  • check your phone camera battery (mountain light can eat it fast)
  • ask the guide a follow-up question about what you saw, since you’re done doing the riding part

Also, you’re not stuck lingering. Once you finish here, the transportation returns you to Avenida Chile.

Stop 4: Back at Avenida Chile and How to Use the Rest of Your Day

Horseback riding in the Eastern Hill - Stop 4: Back at Avenida Chile and How to Use the Rest of Your Day
Stop 4 is shorter: your guide leaves you at Avenida Chile Centro Comercial y Financiero for about 30 minutes, and the activity essentially ends back at the start area.

You’ll likely have a chunk of time left in the day. If you’re staying in Chapinero, this is a practical finish point—close enough to keep the rest of your schedule easy. If you’re heading elsewhere, plan your next move with the understanding that weather and ride conditions can slightly influence the timing.

Horses, Helmets, and Safety: What This Tour Builds Into the Day

Horseback riding in the Eastern Hill - Horses, Helmets, and Safety: What This Tour Builds Into the Day
This experience checks the boxes you want for an active outing:

  • Certified helmets are provided
  • the team prepares a medical assistance card
  • the ride is guided by a professional tour guide
  • there’s a clear rule about health and judgment: people in a state of drunkenness or in a state that puts health at risk won’t be allowed to ride

That last point is more important than it sounds. Safety doesn’t only come from gear. It also comes from who’s handling the horse.

Based on the reviews, the horses are described as noble and obedient and extremely surefooted. That’s the kind of detail that gives you confidence, especially when you’re riding near uneven terrain.

Who Should Book This Horseback Ride (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is best for people who want an outdoors hit without taking on the stress of planning. It also helps that most travelers can participate, but with some clear limits.

It’s a great match if you:

  • want a guided ride with someone handling route and pace
  • like scenery plus context (reservoir, La Calera, Andean vegetation)
  • want a small group experience (max 10 travelers)
  • enjoy regional food/drink moments—especially canelazo

You should think twice if you:

  • are under 12 years old
  • don’t do well with two hours in the saddle
  • have mobility limits that could make helmet and riding awkward (the plan doesn’t mention alternative activities)

If you’re choosing between “take it slow” and “go for speed,” this ride can flex—gallop for experienced riders and easier pacing for beginners.

Should You Book? My Decision Guide

Book it if you want a realistic mountain day from Bogotá with real payoff: a two-hour horseback ride, mountain-and-reservoir views near La Calera, and a guided explanation that makes the scenery feel connected to the region.

Skip it (or at least wait for a clearer weather window) if you’re sensitive to altitude, you’re riding purely for comfort over activity, or you want a strictly urban-day plan.

Also, check your comfort level with riding. The pace can adapt, and the horses are described as steady and well-trained, but this is still time on horseback.

If your schedule is flexible, this tour is a good bet because it’s designed as a half-day outing and you return to Avenida Chile when you’re done—easy on your evening plans.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The total experience runs about 4 hours (approx.), including transport, the ride, and the stop for canelazo.

What is the price per person?

The price is $97.00 per person.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at Avenida Chile, Cl 72 #10-34, Chapinero, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia.

Does the tour operate in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

What’s included in the tour besides horseback riding?

Included items are an air-conditioned vehicle, certified helmets, a medical assistance card, a professional tour guide, the 2-hour horseback ride, and canelazo (with beer or soda available as alternatives).

Are helmets provided, and is there any safety support?

Yes. You’ll receive certified helmets, and the team activates a medical assistance card before the ride.

How many people are in each group?

The tour/activity has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What is the minimum age to participate?

This tour is suitable only for children 12 years and older.

Can beginners ride, or is it only for experienced riders?

Most travelers can participate. If you’re inexperienced, you can ride at a more leisurely pace; if you’re experienced, you may have the chance to gallop.

What happens if weather is bad?

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

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