Horseback riding in the Eastern Hill

The Andes show up fast from Bogotá. This half day ride takes you from a central meeting spot to La Calera’s mountain trails with creole horses and big views. You also get smart extras like certified helmets and a medical assistance card.

What I like most is the way the day is paced. You get a private vehicle transfer (or public transport if the group is larger), then a full 2-hour horseback ride where you can trot easily or, if you are comfortable, push for a faster pace. I also like the finish: after the ride you return for a regional canelazo, and you can swap it for beer or soda if you prefer.

One thing to keep in mind is the riding is for a minimum age group. This activity is only for children 12 and older, and if you are in a state of drunkenness or anything that puts your health at risk, you will not be allowed to ride.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group feel with a maximum of 10 travelers, which helps the pace and horse handling stay calm
• Helmet and medical card included, so you can focus on the ride instead of logistics
• A real mountain route around La Calera with views of the San Rafael Reservoir and Andean vegetation
• Two ride styles possible (leisure trot for beginners, faster going for experienced riders)
• Comfortable vehicle transfer with air-conditioning, plus a quick walk to the horses at the start
• Canelazo stop built in, so the experience ends with a real regional drink

Riding to La Calera: how the Eastern Hills start your morning

Most of your time goes to the ride and the views, not to sitting around. You start at Avenida Chile, Cl 72 #10-34 in Chapinero, a practical pick because it is easy to reach with public transportation. The tour runs about 4 hours total, and it is offered in English.

The first move is a short transfer to where the horses are waiting. If your group is small (up to 4 people), you ride in a private vehicle. If your group is larger, you use public transport for that transfer, but the idea stays the same, get you to the start area without wasting daylight.

What this means for you

If you are visiting Bogotá for the first time, this kind of setup is worth it. You get out of the city fast, you arrive with your gear handled, and you start the horse portion with minimal fuss. It is also a good option if you want the Eastern Hills experience without committing to a full day.

Stop 1 at Avenida Chile: meeting, transfer, and quick momentum

Your guide meets you at the main entrance of the Avenida Chile shopping center. Then you head toward the horse area, about 40 minutes away, where the horses are already ready.

This stop is more than a pickup. It is your chance to get oriented with your guide before helmets and medical details come into play. And because the meeting point is tied to a shopping center, you can usually plan around bathrooms, snacks, and meeting your guide without hunting through side streets.

The timing trade-off

That 40-minute transfer means you are not immediately in the saddle. But you are also not spending your morning stuck in traffic or waiting for horses to be ready.

Stop 2 in La Calera: helmets on and the 2-hour ride through Andean terrain

At La Calera, you leave the vehicle and get the gear and paperwork handled right away. Helmets are provided, and they activate a medical assistance card before you start riding. Then it is a short walk, about 5 minutes, to where the horses wait.

Once you mount, you ride for approximately 2 hours. The route is built around mountain scenery and takes in views of the town of La Calera, the San Rafael Reservoir, and the native vegetation of the Andes. You are also high enough for the Andes feeling to be real, and some riders have reported reaching around 3,001 meters during the experience.

Pace matters: beginners, intermediate riders, and gallops

This is one of the biggest reasons people seem happy with the tour. If you are inexperienced, you can usually stick with a relaxed trot and enjoy the ride without feeling rushed. If you are experienced, you may have the chance to gallop, depending on how your group is doing and what the horses and terrain allow.

Because horses and terrain work together, the smoother experience comes from matching your comfort level early. If you tell your guide you want a calm pace, you should expect that. If you are comfortable and want more speed, you should also be ready to follow the guide’s direction on where that is safe.

The views you are actually riding for: La Calera and San Rafael Reservoir

The Eastern Hills around Bogotá are famous for big elevation changes and wide sight lines, and this ride gives you those views without turning it into a hiking day. On this tour you are not looking at the Andes through glass. You are moving along the mountain edges and watching the reservoir area come into view.

The San Rafael Reservoir is a key feature here. It supplies water for Bogotá, and it comes with a strong sense of scale when you can see it from higher ground. That is the kind of detail that makes the scenery feel specific, not generic.

What to look for during the ride

When you are riding, keep an eye on two things:

• how the vegetation changes as you gain and lose elevation
• how the reservoir and town look from different angles as you round the route

It is easy to focus only on the horse under you, but a quick glance up and around is how you get the full payoff.

Stop 3 back at the restaurant: canelazo, beer or soda, and a calm landing

When your riding time ends, you return to the restaurant area. Then you get a regional drink: canelazo. If you are not in the mood for it, you can order a beer or soda instead.

This part matters because it gives you a decompression window. After sitting in the saddle for two hours, your body is ready for a warm drink and a few minutes of low-pressure conversation. It also turns the outing into more than just a scenic ride.

What I’d plan for

Bring a little patience. You are not ending with a quick photo and a goodbye, you are stepping into a relaxed stop where the day officially wraps up. If you ride in the cooler morning air, warm up slowly with the drink you choose.

Stop 4 return to Avenida Chile: ending where you started

The final transfer brings you back to Avenida Chile Centro Comercial y Financiero. Your guide leaves you there, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

This makes the end simple. You are not dropping into some random neighborhood with limited options. You can head back to your hotel, grab lunch, or keep exploring Bogotá without guessing your next transportation step.

Price and value: is $97 worth it for 4 hours near Bogotá?

At $97 per person, you are paying for a full package: transfer time, helmets, a trained guide, the 2-hour ride, and the canelazo at the end. You are also paying for a smaller group cap, up to 10 travelers, which usually makes a difference for how quickly things move.

Here is the honest value math from what is included:

• 2 hours of horseback riding in the Andes area around La Calera
• Certified helmets plus medical assistance card activated before you ride
• Professional tour guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle for part of the transfer
• Canelazo included, with beer or soda as an alternative

That is a lot bundled into one half-day outing. If you were to price helmets, guide time, and transportation separately on your own, it likely turns into a bigger, more confusing bill.

Group size, guide style, and communication that keeps it smooth

This tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, which supports a more personal feel. The guided structure also helps if you have never ridden before, because you get the order of operations clearly: meet at Avenida Chile, transfer, helmet and medical card setup, short walk to the horses, ride, then restaurant finish.

The guides also seem to communicate well. Names like Andreas and Sofía show up in positive comments, especially for being punctual and organized at the meeting point. In practical terms, that means fewer delays and less uncertainty about where to stand and when the ride starts.

One practical tip

If you have any riding preference or limits, mention them early. It is much easier for the guide to match your expectations when they hear it at the start.

Who this horseback ride is perfect for

This is a great fit if you want a mountain experience near Bogotá but still want it to feel doable. You will enjoy it most if you:

• like the idea of riding in the Andes environment rather than just sightseeing
• want a guided day with helmets and safety steps handled for you
• are comfortable with a short walk to the horses after you arrive

It is also a good match for English speakers. The tour is offered in English, and the guide setup supports travelers who do not speak Spanish fluently.

Who should skip it or plan differently

This is not a pick for everyone. You should not count on the ride if:

• you are traveling with kids under 12
• you are in a state of drunkenness or anything that puts your health at risk, since you will not be allowed to ride
• you are expecting a long hiking route, this is primarily a horseback riding experience

Also, if you have a strong fear of horses, you will want to think carefully. You will be in the saddle for about two hours, so your comfort matters.

Weather and what it means for your plan

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

That matters because the Eastern Hills can be unpredictable. If you are deciding between this tour and another activity on a tight schedule, try to keep this horseback ride flexible enough to swap if the day turns.

Should you book Horseback riding in the Eastern Hill?

I think you should book it if you want an authentic taste of the Eastern Hills around Bogotá without turning it into a complicated day. You are getting real riding time, a small group structure, and a straightforward schedule that starts at Avenida Chile and ends back there.

Book it with confidence if you:

• want 2 hours in the saddle with Andean views
• appreciate safety basics like helmets and a medical assistance card
• like the idea of ending with a regional drink like canelazo

Skip it if you are bringing a child under 12, you are not comfortable around horses, or you are looking for a purely low-activity sightseeing day. And if you are sensitive to weather changes, schedule it with backup options.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

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

How long is the horseback riding portion?

The horseback riding activity lasts about 2 hours.

What is the total duration of the tour?

The tour is approximately 4 hours total.

What is included besides the horseback ride?

Included items are an air-conditioned vehicle, certified helmets, the 2-hour horseback ride, a medical assistance card, a professional tour guide, and a canelazo typical drink of the region.

Is the canelazo included, and can I skip it?

Yes, canelazo is included. If you do not want it, you can order a beer or soda instead.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, this tour/activity is offered in English.

What is the minimum age for participants?

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

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. 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.