Horseback riding to the viewpoints and the Sestillal waterfall in Salento

Ride beyond the usual Salento route. This private horseback outing pairs forest viewpoints, possible bird sightings, a rural road ride, and a walk to Sestillal Waterfall. I like the mix of riding and hiking, and I like that the waterfall entrance fee is included. The main catch is clear: this is not a Cocora Valley tour, and the advertised ride is in Spanish unless you pay an extra $70 for an English-speaking guide.

The experience costs $55 per person and takes about two and a half hours, though the pace can change the timing. You should also read the activity description carefully. Some guests expected several hours on horseback and instead faced a much longer walk, so the exact balance between riding and hiking deserves attention before you book.

Key points to know before you book

• Forest viewpoints near Salento: Ride along rural roads and through wooded areas around town, with chances to spot different bird species.
• Sestillal Waterfall access included: The estate entrance fee is covered, then you walk through the property to reach the falls.
• Not in the Cocora Valley: Promotional photographs may show Cocora Valley scenes, but this ride takes place around Salento.
• Spanish-only horseback riding: An English-speaking guide costs an additional $70 per booking.
• Private experience: Only your group participates, which can make the pace more flexible and personal.
• Moderate fitness required: The ride itself is only part of the outing, and some accounts describe a demanding hike.

What this Salento horseback tour actually includes

The outing begins at Cocoratours in the Las Colinas neighborhood of Salento. From there, you set out on horseback into the countryside around the municipality. The route passes natural viewpoints, forested areas, and stretches of unpaved road before reaching Sestillal estate.

At the estate, you pay no extra entrance charge because access is included in the tour price. You then leave the horses and walk through the property toward Sestillal Waterfall. After time at the waterfall, you return to the meeting point in Salento.

That sounds simple, but the wording matters. The activity is sold as a horseback ride to viewpoints and a waterfall, not as a full-day Cocora Valley horseback trip. The supplied photographs may include Cocora Valley images from other outings, so do not use those pictures as a promise of what you will see here.

The stated duration is approximately two hours and 30 minutes. The actual length depends on riding pace, time spent at the estate, and the route taken. Yet some past participants described roughly 45 minutes of riding followed by several hours of hiking. That is a major difference from a relaxed two-and-a-half-hour ride, so I would ask Cocoratours to confirm the current route and walking time before paying.

Leaving Cocoratours for the forest viewpoints

The starting point is Cocoratours, Valle del Cocora, Barrio Las Colinas, Cl. 2 #6-09, Salento, Quindío. The same location is used at the end, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

The first section is about getting out of town and into the surrounding countryside. You ride along roads and through forested areas, reaching viewpoints that give you a broader sense of Salento’s rural setting. This is not a polished attraction with railings and viewing platforms at every turn. The appeal comes from moving through the area at a slow pace, with the sound of the horses and the chance to pause for a view.

The forest also gives the ride a birdwatching angle. You may see different types of birds along the way, although the activity does not promise a dedicated bird guide or guaranteed sightings. Bring patience, and keep your phone or camera ready. You will have better luck by watching quietly rather than expecting a constant parade of wildlife.

The horseback section is led by a guide, and the strongest feedback centers on the care taken with both people and animals. One account specifically praised the horses as well looked after and trained, while also noting that the riding guide handled the animals well. That matters for first-time riders, who often need calm instructions more than a fast pace.

The ride itself: scenic, but not a long equestrian trip

If you are booking this because you want hours in the saddle, reset your expectations. The activity description gives a total duration of about two and a half hours, not two and a half hours of continuous riding. The route includes the stop at the estate and the walk to the waterfall.

One group described riding for around 45 minutes before continuing on foot. Another account describes an itinerary involving about an hour of horseback riding and several hours of hiking, though that report also mentions confusion about what had been purchased. These accounts do not fit neatly with the advertised length, so the safest advice is to treat the riding time as limited and confirm the details locally.

For a short ride, the format works well. You get a taste of rural riding without committing to a full day on horseback. It also gives you access to areas that would feel slower to reach on foot. The tradeoff is that you cannot count on this as a pure riding experience.

This is a private tour, so only your group takes part. That is useful if one person rides slowly, needs help mounting, or wants to stop for photographs. It may also allow the guide to adjust the pace, though the available information does not promise a fully custom route.

The riding is conducted in Spanish. If you speak little or no Spanish, the $70 English guide supplement is not a minor detail. It is charged per booking, not per person, so it may be reasonable for a couple or small private group. Still, it changes the total price sharply, especially for a solo participant.

Reaching Sestillal Waterfall on foot

The best part of the route for many people is the change from horse to hiking shoes. At Sestillal estate, you walk through the property toward the waterfall. This section lets you slow down and take in the surroundings without managing a horse at the same time.

The estate access is included, which makes the $55 price easier to understand. You are not paying only for a short ride. The fee also covers the guide and entry to the property where the waterfall is located.

Do not assume the walk is flat or effortless. One participant described the walking as a proper hike and stressed that good walking shoes were needed. Another warned that the route could be very demanding for people without mountain-hiking experience. Those comments are especially important because the short headline duration may make the outing sound easier than it is.

You should wear sturdy hiking or walking shoes with a good grip. Avoid smooth sandals and casual shoes that offer little support. The route can involve uneven ground, rocks, and changes in footing, based on the descriptions of the hike. The activity requires a moderate level of physical fitness, and that should be treated as a real requirement rather than a polite suggestion.

The waterfall stop gives the tour its strongest sense of purpose. Instead of only riding to a viewpoint, you get a destination that requires a walk through the estate. Allow yourself time to enjoy the setting, but keep in mind that the exact stay and return schedule depends on the group’s pace.

Guides can make the difference

The guide quality appears to be one of the best parts of this experience. Nicolas received especially strong praise for helping people complete the route and for explaining the surrounding plants, animals, birds, and local setting. Daniel was also praised for explaining the itinerary and for spending extra time helping one participant who struggled with the horse.

In one unusual case, two guides, Daniel and Carlos, split up to assist two people with different needs. One guide took a participant on foot while the other continued with the horseback portion. That sort of personal attention is valuable on a private outing, though you should not assume two guides will always be assigned.

The guides also seem to help nervous riders. A French-speaking participant noted that the ride could be difficult for a first-time rider, but that the guide offered support. This is encouraging if you have little riding experience, but it does not remove the need for a basic fitness level.

The language question remains important. The standard experience is in Spanish. If you need detailed explanations about the route, wildlife, or safety instructions, pay for the English guide in advance. Otherwise, you may have to rely on simple Spanish, gestures, or translation tools.

Price, value, and the Cocora Valley confusion

At $55 per person, the tour sits in the range of a paid nature outing rather than a casual local horse rental. The price includes the ride, a tour guide, and entrance to Sestillal estate. Food is not included.

I see fair value here if you want a private combination of riding, forest scenery, and a waterfall walk. The included estate access helps, and the guide support adds value for anyone unfamiliar with horses or the local countryside.

The value is weaker if you expect a long horseback excursion or a Cocora Valley visit. Some people have found the price high compared with other activities in the region and suggested booking after arrival to negotiate. That may sometimes work, but it also carries a risk: you lose the security of a confirmed reservation and may find less availability.

The most important correction is geographic. This ride is around Salento, not in the Cocora Valley. The name of the meeting office and some photographs can create confusion, especially if you are planning a separate Cocora Valley visit. If seeing the famous wax palms of Cocora is your main goal, confirm that you are booking the right activity.

The tour is often reserved about 16 days ahead, which suggests that planning early can matter during busy periods. At the same time, you should not rush into booking without clarifying the riding-to-hiking ratio and language arrangements.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to a reasonably fit visitor who wants a small, private outing and enjoys variety. You get horseback riding, rural roads, wooded viewpoints, possible birdwatching, and a waterfall walk in one package.

It also suits a first-time rider who wants a guide nearby. The horses have been described as trained and well cared for, and the guides have shown patience with people who need extra help.

I would be cautious if you have limited walking ability, dislike uneven paths, or are over 55 and not used to mountain hiking. Age alone is not the issue. Fitness, balance, and comfort on rocky or steep ground matter more. The experience is not suitable for someone expecting an easy stroll after a gentle ride.

I would also think twice if your main aim is photography in the Cocora Valley. This route does not go there, even though some images associated with the activity may show that area.

Practical preparation for the day

Wear hiking shoes, not dress shoes or loose sandals. The walk to the waterfall is the part most likely to test you, and proper footwear can turn an awkward outing into an enjoyable one.

Bring water and protect yourself from the sun. Food is not included, and no meal is listed as part of the experience. Keep your belongings compact so they are easy to manage around the horses and during the walk.

If you do not speak Spanish, arrange the English-speaking guide for the additional $70 per booking. Do not assume that English support is included because the booking platform uses English.

Finally, ask for a clear description of the current timing. Specifically confirm the expected riding time, the walking time, and the total return schedule. This one question can prevent the biggest disappointment reported about the experience.

The activity offers free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants can lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Sestillal ride?

Book it if you want a private, mixed horseback-and-hiking outing near Salento, and you are comfortable with Spanish or willing to pay for English support. The scenery, waterfall stop, careful horses, and helpful guides give the experience real appeal.

Skip it if you want the Cocora Valley, several hours in the saddle, or an easy walk. Before committing, confirm the itinerary in writing, especially the amount of hiking. With that detail settled, this can be a pleasant way to see a quieter side of Salento without spending a full day on one activity.

FAQ

Where does the horseback tour start?

It starts at Cocoratours, Valle del Cocora, Barrio Las Colinas, Cl. 2 #6-09, Salento, Quindío, Colombia.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Salento.

How long does the experience last?

The advertised duration is approximately two hours and 30 minutes. The timing can vary depending on the riding pace, time at Sestillal estate, and the return schedule.

Is this horseback tour in the Cocora Valley?

No. The ride takes place in the surroundings of Salento. It is not a Cocora Valley tour.

Is an English-speaking guide included?

No. The standard horseback riding is conducted in Spanish. An English-speaking guide costs an additional $70 per booking.

What is included in the $55 price?

The price includes the horseback ride, a tour guide, and access to Sestillal estate for the walk to the waterfall. Food is not included.

How physically demanding is the activity?

A moderate level of physical fitness is required. The outing includes walking to Sestillal Waterfall, and some descriptions characterize this as a proper or demanding hike. Good walking shoes are recommended.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.