Horseback riding to the viewpoints and the Sestillal waterfall in Salento

A horse ride beats the usual Salento stroll. This private outing from Cocoratours takes you from town into the forest and past standout viewpoints, then sends you to the Sestillal waterfall with estate access included.

I love the mix here: part time in the saddle for big views, part time on foot through the estate trails. And I also like the way the guides can adjust to real-life comfort levels, like when Nicolas, Daniel, or Carlos lead you while matching your pace and needs. The main thing to consider is that this is not a light walk, so plan on a moderate fitness level if you are hoping for an easy outing.

Key things that make this tour worth your attention

• It is not in the Cocora Valley: you stay in Salento surroundings, then you focus on viewpoints and the Sestillal waterfall.
• Viewpoints from the forest: much of the scenery is accessed by horseback along the national road area.
• Bird-watching potential: the ride passes spots where you may see different types of birds.
• Estate access included: you pay access at the Sestillal estate, and the walk to the waterfall is part of the experience.
• Spanish-only unless you add English: horseback riding is only in Spanish unless you book an English language guide for an extra fee.
• Private tour format: it is just your group, not a big mixed crowd.

What this Salento ride includes, and what it is not

If you are picturing the classic Cocora Valley wax palm walk, take a breath and reset. This horseback experience starts from Salento (at Cocoratours) and goes through the surrounding area. You are not doing the Cocora Valley itself.

That difference matters because it changes the “why” of the trip. Here, you are choosing a more varied day: you ride to scenic lookouts, you travel through forested stretches, and you finish with a walk through the Sestillal estate to reach a waterfall. It feels like two experiences stitched together, scenic viewpoints plus a nature walk.

Starting at Cocoratours: where you meet and how the timing works

The meeting point is Cocoratours, Valle del cocora, Barrio las Colinas, Cl. 2 #6-09, Salento, Quindío, Colombia. The tour ends back at the same place, so you are not dealing with awkward drop-offs.

The overall duration is listed as about 2 hours 30 minutes, but your actual time can flex based on ride pace and your group rhythm. That is a normal travel detail, but it helps you plan. In practice, you should think of this as a half-day block with a moving schedule, not a quick “hour and done” outing.

One more timing note: the experience is built around both horseback riding and walking at the end. So even if the clock total looks short, you should still treat the day as active.

Horseback through the forest to Salento’s best viewpoints

The horseback portion starts from Salento and moves along forest edges and roads in the area. The goal is views. You pass several of the best natural viewpoints around Salento, and you do it from the comfort of a trained horse.

This is also where bird spotting can happen. The ride passes areas where you might spot different types of birds, and being up off the ground gives you a different angle than standing at roadside viewpoints. If you like slow observation, this part will reward you. If you rush and keep your head down, you will miss the point.

A small but important comfort detail

You are riding through uneven natural terrain and open areas near roads. If you have never been on a horse before, start with patience. The guide will help, and it tends to be a team effort. In multiple experiences, guides such as Nicolas, Daniel, and Carlos are described as friendly and hands-on, and the horses are often noted as being well cared for and trained.

Walking the Sestillal estate for waterfall access

After the horseback segment, you continue along the road and arrive at the Sestillal estate. At that point, you gain access (included in the tour as described), and you walk through the estate grounds to reach the waterfall.

This is the part that catches people off guard. The route is not described as a stroll, and your comfort will depend on your hiking tolerance. The estate walk is long enough that footwear matters, and it is better to go in expecting a real walk rather than a flat, quick leg stretch.

What makes the waterfall stop feel special

The value of the estate segment is that it ties the viewpoints to a finish with payoff. You spend time earning the scenery, then you get a nature destination. The structure also gives you a chance to move at your own pace once you are on foot. If you are the type who likes to slow down for photos and a breather, this ending works well.

Birds, forest pace, and the guide factor (Nicolas, Daniel, and Carlos)

The guides are a big reason this tour works. People name Nicolas, Daniel, and Carlos as standouts, and the praise is consistent: clear directions, helpful energy, and real knowledge about what you are seeing.

• Nicolas comes up for being friendly and knowledgeable, with strong wildlife and nature spotting context, including hummingbirds.
• Daniel is described as sharing the itinerary clearly and adjusting when someone needed a different approach. In one account, if a participant felt unwell on horseback, Daniel led a personal hike while the other guide handled the horseback side.
• Carlos is mentioned for taking the horseback segment when the group split for individual attention.

That split-and-adapt style is not just nice. It improves safety and comfort. If you end up riding longer than expected or if someone wants a slower pace, it is better to have guides who can handle that without turning the whole day into stress.

Price and value: what $55 covers, and what can add up

The listed price is $55 per person, and it includes the ride and a tour guide. It also includes access at the Sestillal estate as part of the experience.

What is not included:

• Feeding
• An English language guide (listed as an additional $70 per booking)

Here is the real-value math. If you are comfortable with Spanish guidance, you are paying $55 for a private, guided, mixed horseback-plus-walk experience with estate access. If you need English, the total becomes $55 plus the $70 add-on, per booking.

The “overpriced” concern, handled honestly

Some people felt the price was high and suggested negotiating or checking for better deals when you are in Salento. That is worth taking seriously. It does not mean the tour is bad. It means you should treat it like a guided service you are buying, not a bargain commodity. If you want the best value, compare the total cost after language needs are included.

What to bring and how fit you need to be

You should come with moderate physical fitness. The tour is described as requiring proper walking shoes in practice, and the estate walk is not positioned as a casual stroll.

Pack smart:

• Proper hiking shoes or sturdy closed-toe shoes (this is the biggest must)
• Water and something light to eat, since feeding is not included
• Sun protection, because you may be exposed during road stretches and viewpoint stops

Also keep an expectation gap in mind. This is not just horseback. The horseback portion is only part of the overall day. If you are hoping for mostly riding and minimal walking, you may feel disappointed.

Who this tour suits best in Salento

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• Viewpoints plus a nature destination (waterfall) in one outing
• A guided day that mixes riding and walking
• A private format where your group sets the pace
• Bird-spotting interest while you travel through forest areas

It is probably a weaker match if:

• You have limited comfort with longer walks
• You are not comfortable on uneven terrain
• You need English throughout, and the added cost feels like a stretch

And one more practical reminder: horseback riding is only in Spanish unless you pay for an English language guide. If you do not speak Spanish and you do not want to add that fee, plan a different tour.

Weather and day-of flexibility in the Salento area

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you should expect an offered alternative date or a full refund. It also has a minimum traveler requirement, so if the minimum is not met, you may be offered a different option or refunded.

Translation for your trip planning: do not schedule this as your only outdoor plan on a storm-prone day. If you have flexibility, you will handle changes much easier.

Should you book this horseback and waterfall tour?

Book it if you want a guided, private mix of scenic viewpoints and a real nature payoff at the Sestillal waterfall, and you are okay with a walk that takes some effort. The strongest reasons to choose it are the viewpoint access by horse, the potential wildlife moments, and the clear praise for guides like Nicolas, Daniel, and Carlos.

Skip it or think hard first if you are looking for an easy level walk or you are sensitive to language barriers. The Spanish-only riding detail, plus the extra fee for English, can change the value fast.

If you are deciding today, here is the simplest rule: if you can handle active hiking shoes and a mixed ride-and-walk day, this is a smart way to see more of Salento beyond the usual viewpoints.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Cocoratours, Valle del cocora, Barrio las Colinas, Cl. 2 #6-09, Salento, Quindío, Colombia, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the horseback riding and waterfall experience?

The duration is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the pace of the ride and the time spent walking through the estate.

Is this tour inside the Cocora Valley?

No. This horseback riding experience is in the surroundings of Salento, and it is not the Cocora Valley itself.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the horseback ride and a tour guide, plus access at the Sestillal estate for the walk to the waterfall.

What is not included?

Feeding is not included. An English language guide is also not included and can be added for an extra $70 per booking.

Is the tour private?

Yes. This is listed as a private tour or activity, so only your group participates.

What language is the horseback riding provided in?

Horseback riding is only done in Spanish. If you want a bilingual guide, you must pay an additional $70.

What fitness level do I need?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level.

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 my money back?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.