Bogota: Horseback Riding through the Eastern Hills

Ride above Bogotá for a change. This five-hour outing takes you from Avenida Chile to La Calera, where you can enjoy fresh mountain air and views of the San Rafael Reservoir and Mirador del Salitre from horseback. I like the mix of open-air riding and a barbecue meal, since the day includes more than a quick horseback circuit.

I also like the small group limit of 10 people, which should make meeting the guide and handling the transport easier. The main consideration is physical comfort: this activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with disabilities, people with waist problems, or children under 8. You should also confirm the tour language before booking, since the activity information lists Sesotho.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours on horseback: The main activity gives you enough time to see several viewpoints rather than simply take a short ride around a ranch.
• San Rafael Reservoir views: The route includes views of the reservoir and the Mirador del Salitre.
• Barbecue included: After riding, you return to the restaurant for about an hour and have a barbecue.
• Avenida Chile meeting point: Your guide meets you at the main entrance on 72nd Street at Domenico Avenida Chile.
• Transport is included: The outing includes round-trip public transportation, although private transport may be used depending on the group.
• Flexible booking: You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund and reserve without paying immediately.

Meeting at Avenida Chile and heading to La Calera

Your day begins at the main entrance of the Avenida Chile shopping center, on 72nd Street. Look for the guide at the stated meeting point rather than going directly to the horses. The group then travels to a restaurant in La Calera by private vehicle or public transportation, depending on the size and arrangements of the group.

The listed transport time is about one hour. That matters because the five-hour duration includes the journey, the ride, and the barbecue. You should think of this as a half-day outing from Bogotá, not two full hours of riding plus five additional hours of sightseeing.

Transportation is included in the $109 price, which makes the cost easier to assess. You are not paying only for the horses. The package also covers the entrance, the medical assistance card, the activity insurance process, transport, and the barbecue. For someone who wants a simple organized trip into the hills without arranging each part separately, that is useful value.

The transport arrangement is not completely fixed. A private vehicle may be used, or the group may use public transportation. If you want a specific type of transfer, ask before the day begins. That small question could make a difference if you prefer a quieter ride or need to plan around luggage.

Getting ready for the two-hour ride

Once you reach the restaurant in La Calera, the guide activates the insurance for the horseback riding activity. From there, you walk about five minutes to the horses. The walk is short, but you should still wear practical shoes and clothing that you can ride in comfortably.

The ride lasts about two hours. That is long enough for the scenery to be the main event. You are not simply mounting a horse for a photo and returning a few minutes later. The route gives you time to look around, breathe cooler air, and settle into the steady pace of riding.

You should bring a change of clothes, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather. The advice is sensible because outdoor conditions can shift during a five-hour outing, and riding can leave clothing dusty or uncomfortable. Pack lightly, since you will be moving between transport, the restaurant, and the riding area.

The tour is intended for a small group of no more than 10 participants. That is a practical number for an activity involving horses. It should be easier to hear instructions, stay with the group, and ask for help than it would be on a large excursion.

Seeing the San Rafael Reservoir from horseback

The strongest part of the experience is the scenery. During the ride, you can see the San Rafael Reservoir and the Mirador del Salitre, along with other views across the Eastern Hills. These are the moments that make the trip different from an ordinary city excursion.

The reservoir gives the ride a clear visual focus. Instead of looking only at the trail directly ahead, you have a chance to pause mentally and take in water, hills, and open views. The Mirador del Salitre adds another viewpoint to the route, giving you more than one scenic highlight during the two-hour ride.

I like that the activity promises time in nature without requiring you to plan a separate visit to the countryside. You leave the urban meeting point, travel to La Calera, and spend the central part of the day outdoors. If your Bogotá schedule has been heavy on museums, restaurants, and city streets, this offers a useful change of pace.

Still, the ride may not be the right choice for everyone. Horseback riding can be tiring, and the tour specifically excludes people with waist problems. Pregnant women, people with disabilities, and children under 8 should not book it. If you have another medical concern that is not listed, ask the provider before paying.

The activity information also lists Sesotho as the tour language. That is unusual for a trip departing from Bogotá, so I would confirm exactly what language the guide uses for instructions and safety information. Clear instructions matter more here than on a standard sightseeing walk.

Returning to the restaurant for barbecue

After about two hours on horseback, you return to the restaurant in La Calera. The meal lasts around one hour and includes a barbecue. This gives the outing a relaxed finish instead of sending you straight back into transport after the ride.

The barbecue is included in the price, but the description does not specify the menu, drinks, or dietary options. If you have food restrictions, ask in advance. Do not assume that extra drinks or special dishes are covered, since the package says that items not specifically listed are not included.

A restaurant meal also gives you a place to change clothes if needed, though that is not specifically promised. At minimum, the stop provides a break after riding and a chance to eat before the return journey. A change of clothes is still worth packing because the day combines outdoor activity and a seated meal.

Returning to Avenida Chile

The final part of the outing takes about an hour by bus, coach, or the transport arrangement used for your group. You return to the Avenida Chile shopping center, ending at the same general meeting point.

Allow some flexibility around the schedule. The stated duration is five hours, while the detailed timing lists roughly two hours of riding, one hour for the barbecue, and one hour of transport. The meeting, transfer between the restaurant and horses, and any waiting time account for the remaining period, but exact timing can vary.

This is one reason to avoid scheduling a tight appointment immediately afterward. The experience is organized around a group, a vehicle, and horses, so a little patience is sensible. The small group size should help, but it cannot remove all delays from a countryside outing.

Is $109 a fair price?

At $109 per person, this is not a bargain-priced horseback ride. It becomes more reasonable when you count the full package: transport from Avenida Chile and back, entrance, activity insurance, a medical assistance card, two hours of riding, and a barbecue.

The value is strongest for you if you want convenience. You do not need to find a stable, arrange your own route to La Calera, or locate a restaurant afterward. The provider handles the main pieces of the day, which is useful if you are unfamiliar with the area.

The value is weaker if your main goal is simply to ride a horse for the lowest possible price. In that case, you may be paying for transport and organization that you do not need. The tour also spends a significant part of its five hours on transfers and the meal, so the riding itself is not the entire experience.

The one available rating is a perfect five out of five, with the short comment focused on riding the horse. That supports the idea that the horseback portion is the main reason to book. It does not provide much detail about the meal, transport, or guide, so I would keep your expectations centered on the outdoor ride and views.

Who will enjoy this La Calera outing?

I would recommend this experience to you if you want:

• A half-day break from Bogotá
• A guided outdoor activity rather than an independent plan
• Two hours of horseback riding
• Views of the San Rafael Reservoir and Mirador del Salitre
• A small group setting
• A barbecue included after the activity

It is especially suited to people who are comfortable sitting on a horse for two hours and who like a day with a clear schedule. The pace should appeal to you if you want scenery and fresh air more than a packed list of attractions.

I would not choose it for a very young family. Children under 8 cannot take part, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with disabilities or waist problems. It is also a poor match if you want detailed sightseeing in Bogotá, since the focus is nature and horseback riding in La Calera.

Before booking, confirm the guide language, transport method, meal details, and any health concern that could affect your ability to ride. Those checks are more useful than simply looking at the perfect rating.

Practical details that can make the day easier

Wear clothes that can handle outdoor conditions and bring sunscreen. A change of clothes is a smart addition, especially since the day includes riding followed by a barbecue at a restaurant.

Alcohol and drugs are not permitted. The operator includes a medical assistance card and activates insurance for the horseback riding activity, but you should still disclose relevant health concerns before the ride.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is helpful if your plans in Bogotá are still changing. Starting times vary, so check the available departure time before you commit to another activity that day.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Bogotá?

You meet the guide at the main entrance of Domenico Avenida Chile, on 72nd Street.

How long is the horseback riding?

The horseback riding portion lasts approximately two hours.

What sights can I see during the ride?

The route includes views of the San Rafael Reservoir and the Mirador del Salitre, along with other scenery in the Eastern Hills.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip public transportation is included. Depending on the group, the transfer may instead use a private vehicle.

Is food included?

Yes. A barbecue at the restaurant in La Calera is included. Other items not specifically listed in the plan are not included.

Who cannot participate?

The activity is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, people with disabilities, or people with waist problems.

Should you book this horseback ride?

Book it if you want a straightforward escape from Bogotá with two hours in the saddle, open views, and a meal included. The combination of organized transport, a small group, the San Rafael Reservoir, and the barbecue gives the day a useful balance.

Skip it if you need a low-cost ride, have physical limitations, or want a tour conducted in a language other than the one listed. Confirm the language and transfer arrangements first. For an active half-day in La Calera, though, this is a focused and appealing choice, with horseback riding clearly at its heart.