Private Guided Tour of Colombia’s Paso Fino Horse

Colombia’s smoothest ride begins outside Bogotá. This private visit to Criadero Lusitania in El Rosal offers a close look at the Colombian Criollo horse, including the famous Paso Fino gait, breeding work, and daily life at a working horse facility. I like the personal format and the chance to see the horses on the track rather than only hearing about them in a city museum.

I also like the welcome coffee, traditional Colombian lunch, and open time for questions. The main point to consider is the timing: the experience is described as about six hours, yet the full day includes transport, a departure around 10:30 or 11:00 a.m., and a return around 6:30 p.m. Confirm the exact pickup schedule before you set other plans.

Key points about the El Rosal horse experience

• A private visit at Criadero Lusitania: Your group has the activity to itself, which makes it easier to ask questions and spend time with the horses.
• A look at Colombian horse breeding: You tour the facility and learn how the breeders manage their process and bloodlines.
• Paso Fino and other gaits on the track: The second half brings the horses close and shows how their different movements look in practice.
• Coffee, conversation, and a traditional lunch: The day includes simple Colombian hospitality, not just a technical demonstration.
• A full-day trip from Bogotá: The drive to El Rosal takes about one to one and a half hours each way.
• Strong guest satisfaction: The experience has a 5 out of 5 rating from 37 ratings, with 100 percent recommending it.

Why Colombia’s Paso Fino deserves a closer look

The Colombian Paso Fino is not simply a horse that happens to move smoothly. It is part of Colombia’s equine identity, and the point of this outing is to show you how breeding, training, genetics, and movement fit together.

You will hear about the Colombian Criollo horse and see several horses in person. That matters because a description of the Paso Fino gait can feel abstract. On the track, you can watch the horses move and compare their different gaits with your own eyes.

The format also gives you a better chance to ask practical questions. The family running the ranch takes time to explain the process, demonstrate what they do, and answer questions. That personal attention was the most praised part of the experience, and it is a major reason to choose this over a quick horse show.

I would not book this simply because you want to ride a horse. The supplied details focus on learning about the horses, viewing their gaits, and meeting breeders. Riding is not listed, so you should not assume that you will get in the saddle.

The drive from Bogotá to El Rosal

The day begins with transport from Bogotá to El Rosal, in Cundinamarca. The drive takes roughly one to one and a half hours, giving you a practical half-day excursion beyond the capital without requiring an overnight stay.

The listed start time is 9:00 a.m., while the departure from Bogotá is described as taking place at 10:30 or 11:00 a.m., by agreement. That is a notable scheduling difference. I would confirm the meeting time and pickup details when booking, especially if you have a morning flight, a timed museum visit, or a dinner reservation back in Bogotá.

The drive is part of the value of the experience. A private vehicle avoids the trouble of arranging your own transport to a rural facility, and the private format means you are not joining a large coach group. You can ask questions during the journey and keep the day focused on your own group.

The return to Bogotá is planned for about 6:30 p.m. This is not a quick morning activity. Set aside most of the day, and keep your evening plans flexible in case traffic affects the return.

Coffee and the first conversation at Criadero Lusitania

On arrival, you are welcomed with a cup of Colombian coffee. It is a small touch, but a useful one. Rather than rushing you directly toward the horses, the hosts begin with a conversation about their history and experience as breeders.

I like this opening because it gives the horses a human context. You are not just looking at attractive animals. You are hearing how the people at Criadero Lusitania became involved with Colombian horses and what their work involves.

The conversation also sets the tone for the rest of the visit. The experience is designed to be interactive. If you are curious about breeding, training, bloodlines, or the differences between gaits, this is the right time to ask. The hosts make a point of explaining and answering questions rather than delivering a short speech and moving on.

Coffee is also a sensible way to begin a rural day trip. You have a chance to settle in, meet your hosts, and get a basic introduction before the facility tour begins.

Touring the breeding facility and its horse stations

The first main section takes you around the facility and its different stations. These areas are designed to explain the breeding process and show you how the breeders work with Colombian horses.

The supplied information does not name each station, so you should expect an overview rather than a technical tour with a fixed list of rooms or procedures. The value comes from seeing the operation in person and connecting the explanation to the horses you meet.

You will also see some of the facility’s emblematic and famous horses. That gives the visit a clear focus. Instead of treating every horse as an interchangeable example, the hosts can point out particular animals and explain why they matter to the farm.

This part should suit you if you enjoy learning how an animal tradition is maintained. You can see the difference between watching a performance and understanding the work behind it. Breeding is about more than appearance. The discussion includes genetics, which helps explain why certain horses are selected and how desirable qualities are passed on.

Still, keep your expectations realistic. This is an educational ranch visit, not a large professional show with a long program of formal acts. The appeal lies in the direct access and the conversation.

A traditional Colombian lunch at the ranch

A traditional Colombian lunch is included during the day. The exact dish is not specified, so you should think of this as a chance to eat local food rather than a guaranteed menu item.

Lunch breaks up the visit at a sensible point. Horse breeding and gaits can involve plenty of detail, and a meal gives you time to talk with the hosts in a less formal setting. It also keeps the day from feeling like a series of demonstrations.

I value the lunch because it adds a local element without making the experience feel staged around food. You are visiting a Colombian horse breeder in Cundinamarca, and eating a traditional meal helps connect the outing to the region.

If you have dietary restrictions, ask about them before the visit. The available information confirms that lunch is included, but it does not specify vegetarian choices, allergies, or substitutions.

Seeing the Colombian Criollo horse on the track

The second half is the highlight for anyone interested in movement and horse performance. You get to see the Colombian Criollo horses up close and watch several animals on the track.

The hosts explain the different gaits, discuss their genetics, and show how the horses move. This is where the visit becomes more than a farm tour. You are given a visual way to understand what makes these horses special.

The Paso Fino gait is known for its smooth, precise movement, but the experience is not limited to one label. You will see different gaits and several horses, which allows you to compare them. Pay attention to the rhythm and footwork. Even if you know little about horses, the track demonstration gives you something concrete to watch.

The close access is another strength. You are not viewing the horses from far away in a grandstand. The exact boundaries and interaction rules are not provided, so follow the hosts’ instructions around the animals. Horses are powerful animals, and a careful approach is part of a good visit.

The track session should appeal to both horse enthusiasts and curious first-time visitors. You do not need a technical background to appreciate the movement. The breeder’s explanations help you notice details that you might otherwise miss.

The value of a $170 private tour

At $170 per person, this is not a budget outing. The price makes more sense when you consider what is bundled: private participation, transport from Bogotá, the facility visit, guided explanations, track viewing, coffee, and lunch.

A cheaper independent trip would require you to arrange your own transport to El Rosal and locate a horse facility willing to provide this level of access. You would also lose the benefit of a planned introduction to the breeding process and a host available to answer questions throughout the visit.

The private format is especially important for the price. Your group is the only group participating, so the experience can be more personal and flexible than a large scheduled tour. If you are traveling as a couple, family, or small group with a serious interest in horses, that privacy adds real value.

The calculation is less favorable if you only want a brief photo stop or a short horse ride. The experience is built around conversation, education, and watching the gaits. You are paying for access and attention, not an amusement-park attraction.

The strong 5 out of 5 rating from 37 ratings and the 100 percent recommendation are encouraging signs. The most praised quality is the way the ranch owners explain, demonstrate, and answer questions while keeping the visit fun and personal.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this tour to anyone with an interest in horses, animal breeding, Colombian culture, or hands-on rural experiences. It works particularly well for visitors who want to see a side of Colombia that is difficult to find in central Bogotá.

Families may enjoy the visual nature of the horse demonstrations, though the activity is not specifically described as child-focused. The fact that most participants can take part makes it broadly accessible, but you should still consider how your group handles a full day with driving and time at a working horse facility.

It is also a good choice for photographers, provided you follow the facility’s rules. The famous horses, coffee welcome, rural setting, and track demonstrations offer more varied subjects than a single formal show.

You may want to skip it if your schedule in Bogotá is extremely tight. The drive and return time take up most of a day, and the schedule has some variation. You may also prefer another activity if your main goal is horseback riding, since riding is not included in the stated program.

Practical details before you book

Confirmation is provided at booking. The tour is private, and only your group participates.

Service animals are allowed, and the location is near public transportation. The information also says that most people can participate. That is helpful, but it does not provide details about wheelchair access, uneven ground, or the distance between stations, so ask the provider if you have specific mobility needs.

The experience can be canceled for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted.

Because the activity is often booked about 18 days ahead, reserving early is sensible if your Bogotá dates are fixed. That advance-planning pattern also fits the private format, since the ranch needs to set aside time for your group.

Should you book the Paso Fino horse tour?

Book it if you want a personal introduction to Colombia’s horse culture and you are happy to spend most of a day outside Bogotá. The combination of private transport, breeder conversation, facility access, traditional lunch, and track demonstrations gives you far more context than a quick staged performance.

I especially recommend it if you like asking questions. The owners’ patient explanations and willingness to demonstrate are central to the experience, and that personal contact is what gives the visit its value.

Think twice if you want a short excursion, a guaranteed riding session, or a precisely timed schedule. Confirm the pickup time, allow for the full return journey, and ask about food or mobility needs before paying.

For the right visitor, this is a thoughtful and unusually direct way to meet Colombia’s Paso Fino tradition. You leave with a better sense of how the horses move, how breeders work, and why the Colombian Criollo horse matters.

FAQ

Where does the private horse tour take place?

The experience takes place at Criadero Lusitania in El Rosal, Cundinamarca, outside Bogotá.

How far is El Rosal from Bogotá?

The drive from Bogotá to El Rosal takes approximately one to one and a half hours each way.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $170 per person.

How long does the experience last?

The tour is described as approximately six hours, although the full day includes transportation and a return to Bogotá at about 6:30 p.m.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:00 a.m. The departure from Bogotá is also described as taking place at 10:30 or 11:00 a.m., as agreed, so confirm the exact schedule when booking.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The experience includes a traditional Colombian lunch, though the specific menu is not provided.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed, and the location is near public transportation.