Horseback Riding Tour and visit to Tablón, Chaquira, Pelota

A horseback ride through ancient statues is a rare mix. This 4-hour tour around San Agustín pairs gentle riding with guided stops at stone sculptures, including La Pelota – Estatuas a Color.

I like two things a lot: you get panoramic views from the saddle, and your guide explains what you’re seeing as you move between sites. The only real catch is that it depends on good weather and a moderate fitness level for getting on and riding.

The other big win is the human scale of the day. The horses are chosen for kids, beginners, and more experienced riders, so you’re not stuck with one pace or one skill level. The consideration to keep in mind is that this tour is not suited for people with back problems, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or anyone with pre-existing medical conditions.

Key highlights to look for

• Horses for multiple skill levels, including kids and first-timers
• Stops at La Chaquira and La Pelota – Estatuas a Color with short breaks and photo time
• Guide-led meaning, with explanations of statues and monoliths as you ride
• Original colors you can still see, especially at the color statues stop
• Small group feel, with a cap of 10 participants and a total maximum of 15 travelers

Horseback Riding Through San Agustín, With Statues That Feel Up Close

This isn’t just a scenic ride. It’s a horse tour built around specific archaeological stops, so your time actually has shape. You start in San Agustín, ride out through the surrounding area, and then return after a focused half-day that stays active without turning into a full-day grind.

I like that the tour doesn’t treat the riding as the only event. The sites matter here. You’re not simply passing by stone markers, you’re getting guided context so the sculptures connect into one story. And because you’re elevated on horseback, your photos tend to capture both the monuments and the wider setting in a single frame.

If you want a calm way to see San Agustín beyond the main archaeological park, this format fits well. You still get guided visits, timed breaks, and time for pictures, but you’re moving through the region in a way that feels hands-on.

Meeting Pacho, and Why Your Guide Affects Everything

The tour runs with an experienced guide, and the guide name that comes up most clearly is Pacho, who has over 25 years of guiding experience. That matters because San Agustín’s statues can be visually striking, but without explanations they can also feel like isolated objects.

Your guide is there to interpret what you’re looking at. During the tour, you’ll get the significance of the statues and monoliths at each stop, plus background tied to each location you visit. That turns your photos from just snapshots into something you can actually remember and describe later.

Language is another practical advantage. The tour offers live guidance in Spanish, English, French, and German. Some days you may be guided by someone other than Pacho, with guide names like Milton and Luna showing up in real bookings, and the common theme is that the guiding is active and information-forward, not just a handoff.

How the Pickup Works: The Horse Meets You at Your Hotel

One of the smartest logistics choices on this tour is the hotel pickup method. Instead of you walking out to a meeting point and finding your own transport, the guide brings the horse to you. Pickup is in front of your hotel, and the guide handles getting the horse ready at the start.

For a short, 4-hour experience, this reduces friction. It means less waiting, fewer moving parts, and a smoother start. You also avoid the common stress of coordinating with transport schedules while still managing bags, camera gear, and whatever you need for a couple of short stops.

It’s also a good fit for people who want to keep the rest of the day flexible. San Agustín can be busy, so a tour that begins right at your hotel makes it easier to plan dinner and other activities after you return.

La Chaquira Stop: Break Time, Photos, and a Guided Look

The day includes a stop at La Chaquira, with a structured chunk of time for a break, a photo stop, and a visit (around 30 minutes total). This is the kind of stop that works well for first-time riders, because it gives you a moment to settle in from the ride and then refocus when you dismount.

The value here isn’t only the visuals. It’s how the guide connects the sculptures to meaning. You’ll get an explanation of what you’re seeing, so your visit feels intentional rather than rushed. Since the tour is designed around multiple sites, your guide uses each stop to add context and keep the story moving forward.

Practical tip: at these archaeological photo stops, wear the shoes you can stand in comfortably for 15 to 30 minutes. You may not be walking a long distance, but you will likely spend some time looking up, stepping around for angles, and listening.

La Pelota – Estatuas a Color: Why This Stop Deserves the Time

This is the highlight stop for many people, and for good reason. You’ll visit La Pelota – Estatuas a Color with about 30 minutes set aside for a break, photo time, and the visit itself.

The key detail is that these statues still retain their original colors. That’s not a minor point. When you’re seeing color on stone, it changes the whole feel of the monuments. It adds clarity when the guide explains the significance, and it makes your photos look more alive than stone-only sites.

This stop is also a good marker for your comfort level during the tour. By the time you reach La Pelota, you’ve already ridden out and found your rhythm. If you’re new to horseback riding, this is the moment where you can relax into the idea that the day is working. You’re not just learning how to ride, you’re also being rewarded with a very photo-friendly, visually distinct location.

El Purutal and El Tablón: The Monolith Part of the Story

Two additional stops are part of the itinerary highlights: El Purutal and El Tablón. Even without long time blocks spelled out for each in the schedule, these locations are presented as key parts of the route, meaning the guide treats them as meaningful stops rather than quick pull-offs.

This matters because San Agustín’s appeal is not only in standalone statues. It’s in how the monuments connect to the broader region and to each other. At these stops, the guide explains significance of statues and monoliths, and you’ll get the context you need to understand why these sites are worth stopping at.

The other thing to watch for here is timing and pace. Your overall experience is only 4 hours, so the tour moves with intent. The upside is that you won’t feel exhausted by logistics. The downside is that you should go in expecting short, efficient visits rather than a slow, museum-like tour.

If you like structure, you’ll appreciate this. If you prefer long lingering time at every site, you may find yourself wanting more minutes than the tour allows.

Horses Built for Kids, Beginners, and Experienced Riders

This is a tour that clearly aims to be rideable for different levels. Horses are suitable for children, beginners, and experienced riders, and the guide tailors the tour based on your needs and preferences.

That tailoring is the hidden reason this can work for families. If your child is riding for the first time, you need a horse and a pace that are steady enough to keep the experience calm. If you’re comfortable on horseback, you also want a tour that doesn’t treat you like you’re incapable. The guide’s ability to adjust matters.

Also, the tour provides horse riding gear. That helps you travel lighter and reduces the hassle of bringing riding-specific clothing. Still, wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty and shoes that grip.

One more practical note: this is not listed as suitable for people with back problems or anyone with pre-existing medical conditions, so be realistic about how riding affects your body. If you’re on the fence, it’s better to ask questions early so you don’t end up with an uncomfortable experience you didn’t plan for.

Views and the 4-Hour Format: Value in a Short, Active Day

This tour is priced at $90 per person and runs about 4 hours. For a half-day, that sounds straightforward, but the value comes from what’s bundled in.

You get:

• pickup support at your hotel with the guide bringing the horse
• riding gear
• all fees and taxes
• insurance
• entry/admission for La Pelota – Estatuas a Color

When you combine those, the price starts looking more like a guided activity package than just transportation. In places like Huila, it can be easy to find tours that charge separately for guide time, entrance fees, and logistics. Here, those costs are part of the offer, which makes it easier to compare.

The 4-hour duration is also a sweet spot. You get multiple sites and a real experience, but you’re still back in San Agustín in time for the rest of your day. That’s a big deal if you’re planning archaeological visits on other days.

Weather Matters, and It Can Change Your Plans

This activity requires good weather. If conditions are poor enough that the tour can’t run, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That doesn’t just affect comfort. Weather affects safety and footing, especially when you’re on horseback and stopping at multiple sites. So even if you’re flexible, don’t lock in tight timing for the rest of your day without leaving breathing room.

Also, plan on a moderate level of fitness. The ride and on-and-off moments at stops require basic comfort with movement. If you’re unsure, consider how you handle stairs, uneven surfaces, and being seated for a while.

One more note: alcohol and drugs are not allowed. It’s a normal rule for safety and for keeping the group focused, especially in a short tour where the guide needs to manage pacing and timing.

Who Should Book This Ride, and Who Should Skip It

I’d book this when you want a guided San Agustín experience that includes riding, but still includes real archaeological stops with explanations. It’s especially appealing if you like getting outside, walking a little, and seeing more than one site without spending a whole day on logistics.

It’s also a good choice for mixed groups, because the horses are suitable for children, beginners, and experienced riders and the pace can be tailored. If your group includes someone who’s new to horseback riding, this setup can reduce the pressure that usually comes with shared adventures.

Skip it if you fall into the tour’s not-suitable categories: pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, or anyone with pre-existing medical conditions. Riding can be physically demanding even when the pace is gentle, and the tour is explicit about who should not do it.

Should You Book Chaska Tours for the Horseback Statues Tour?

If you want a half-day that blends horseback riding with guided visits to specific San Agustín sculpture sites, this is a strong match. The value is in the package: entry included for La Pelota color statues, insurance included, gear provided, and a hotel pickup that reduces hassle.

The main reason not to book is simple: if you’re traveling during a time when weather is likely unreliable, the whole plan becomes fragile. Also, if mobility or medical issues affect sitting and getting on and off a horse, you should look for a different kind of tour.

If you’re good with that, I think you’ll come away with two things you can feel: a more immersive sense of the region from the saddle, and a clearer understanding of what the statues and monoliths mean thanks to the guide.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The experience lasts 4 hours.

Where does the pickup happen?

Pickup is in front of your hotel in San Agustín, and the guide brings the horse to your hotel for pickup and to start the tour.

What stops are included?

The tour includes visits to La Chaquira and La Pelota – Estatuas a Color, plus stops at El Purutal and El Tablón.

Is the entrance fee included?

Yes, entry/admission is included for La Pelota – Estatuas a Color.

Are horses suitable for beginners and kids?

Yes. Horses are suitable for children, beginners, and experienced riders, and the guide tailors the tour to your needs.

How big is the group?

The activity is listed as a small group limited to 10 participants, with a maximum of 15 travelers noted as well.

What languages is the guide available in?

Live tour guidance is available in Spanish, English, French, and German.

What is included besides the guide?

Horse riding gear is included, along with insurance and all fees and taxes.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed during the tour.