Great views, short price-tag fun outside Medellín.

This horseback riding adventure gets you out of the city and into a countryside ranch setting with a round-trip transfer from El Poblado, then hands you a saddle and a trail to explore for about 1.5 hours.

What I like most is how friendly the experience feels for first-timers. The horses are described as well trained and responsive, so you’re not stuck just holding on and hoping for the best. I also like that the route is set up for a range of abilities, with instruction provided and guides helping you manage turns and pace.

One thing to consider is that pickup and communication can be messy if you assume everything will be perfectly smooth. A few riders reported driver no-shows or last-minute meeting-location confusion, so I’d plan to arrive early and confirm details the day of.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Well-trained horses make it approachable even if it’s your first time
• Beginner-friendly trail options with guide support throughout
• El Poblado round-trip transfers save you from figuring out rural logistics
• Photo breaks on the trail help you get good shots without feeling rushed
• Crowds can happen when the group runs large, so go with the right expectations

El Poblado pickup and the trip to the ranch

This tour starts in El Poblado at La Makha – Cocina de Origen, on Cra. 25 #10-51. You’ll use a mobile ticket, and you should plan to be at the meeting point before your start time—don’t roll in at the last minute and hope the driver finds you.

From there, you get a transfer out of the city. The drive is about 30 minutes to a peaceful town area, then you arrive at a farm with a restaurant. This matters because it keeps the day simple: you’re not juggling taxis, finding stables, or trying to explain what you want in your best second-language Spanish.

In real-world terms, the best part of the logistics is that the whole thing is built around a smooth loop: pickup in El Poblado, transfer to the ranch, ride, then come back to the same meeting spot. The catch is reliability. Some past experiences flagged missing drivers or unclear changes to the meeting spot, so it’s smart to keep your confirmation details handy and be ready to contact the operator if needed.

The 1.5-hour ride: pace, views, and photo stops

Once you reach the farm, you’ll get set up with your horse and guidance from the staff. Riders describe getting help that works for novices, while still offering enough activity to keep it fun if you’ve ridden before.

The ride itself is about 1.5 hours out on the trails. There are opportunities to stop for photos, and the pacing tends to allow moments to enjoy what’s around you—not just a continuous trot the entire time. One rider even mentioned the ride included crossing a highway and climbing up and down hills, which tells me the day isn’t only flat strolling.

What to watch for: some people said the actual time spent actively riding can feel shorter than expected when the group is large and there are long photo pauses. Another detail from a non-English review is that a group can run big—over 20—without always splitting into smaller groups. If you’re the type who wants more time in motion, that’s the one expectation to manage.

For gear, the data doesn’t specify special items. So I’d stick to practical basics: wear closed-toe shoes with a grip (your feet will thank you), long pants if you’re prone to saddle rubs, and a light layer because mountain weather around Medellín can shift. If you care about safety gear like helmets, read the room: one rider noted they weren’t provided, so it’s worth asking before you mount.

Horses and guides: friendly instruction, language expectations

The standout praise across the experiences is consistent: the horses are well trained and generally calm. People described horses that listen to commands and make it possible for beginners to enjoy the ride instead of wrestling with the basics.

You’ll ride with a guide who provides direction during the trail. One review specifically mentioned a guide named Ricardo and described him as helpful. But language support isn’t guaranteed. Another rider said an English interpreter was expected but didn’t happen, and the guide spoke Spanish. That doesn’t automatically ruin the day—because riding is physical and guides can demonstrate—but it’s still something you should plan for.

My practical advice: bring a phone with offline translation loaded in advance. Even basic Spanish like how to slow down, stop, or turn can make the experience feel smoother. And if you’re sensitive to communication gaps, go into it knowing the guide can still manage the ride without a full English interpreter.

Group size also affects how much one-on-one attention you get. If the group runs large, you may get guidance but less frequent corrections. That’s not necessarily bad, it just changes the vibe from personalized to more group-managed.

Price and logistics: is $59 good value?

At about $59 for roughly 3–4 hours total (including transfer time), this is priced like a solid budget activity. You’re paying for three things: transportation from El Poblado, access to a working ranch environment, and a guided horseback session plus setup time.

The value case looks strong if:

• You’re a first-timer who wants an easy introduction
• You don’t want to coordinate your own transportation
• You’re happy with a short-to-medium ride time rather than a full day on horseback

Where it may not feel like a deal is if your top priority is lots of riding time. One French-language note estimated closer to 40 minutes of real riding on horseback, while the day included travel and extended photo pauses. In other words: the total tour length is longer than the time you’ll spend in the saddle.

Add in the crowd factor. When groups are large, the experience can feel busier at the start and less flexible for riders who want slower, more controlled instruction. Still, even with these trade-offs, the feedback leans positive on the quality of horses and the overall fun.

The big reason I’d consider this a good buy: horseback riding around Medellín can get pricey fast, and this one stays in a more approachable range while still delivering a guided, outdoorsy afternoon.

The finca meal option: Colombian tapas, and what to expect

After you finish the ride, you return to the same restaurant where you started. This is where the day can end in one of two ways: you head back to Medellín right away, or you choose to eat at the finca restaurant.

The meal is optional, and food and beverages are not included in the tour price. You can sample Colombian tapas and drinks, with the cost paid on site. This part of the experience is usually best if you’re hungry, want an easy post-ride hangout, and don’t mind paying a bit for convenience.

That said, not every meal was loved. One rider complained the restaurant felt overpriced and mentioned hard arepas. So I’d treat the food as a bonus, not the main event. If you’re picky about texture or value, you might skip or split small plates, or plan to grab something back in Medellín after the tour.

Who this tour suits best (and who should rethink)

This horseback riding experience fits best if you want a fun, social outdoor activity without a lot of planning. It’s a good pick for:

• Beginners who want instruction and calm horses
• People staying in El Poblado who want an easy half-day escape
• Travelers who like photo stops and scenic pauses more than nonstop riding

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want a long, action-packed ride with minimal waiting
• Prefer small groups and lots of individual coaching
• Are very strict about safety gear like helmets (since one report said none were provided)
• Need strong English support with an interpreter (since at least one rider expected English and didn’t get it)

If you fall into a “maybe” category, you can still make it work by going with the right mindset: expect a guided ranch outing, not a private western movie shoot where you can set your own pace.

Logistics checklist: how to avoid the common headaches

Based on the issues that popped up for some riders, here’s how I’d protect your afternoon:

• Arrive early at La Makha – Cocina de Origen in El Poblado. If a pickup driver is delayed or confused, you’ll have time to straighten it out.
• Keep your contact info and your booking confirmation accessible. Some people reported phone numbers not getting answered, so don’t rely on luck.
• If there’s any last-minute meeting-point change, ask for it clearly and in writing if possible. One rider described last-minute location changes that left them stranded.
• When you reach the ranch, ask about safety gear like helmets before you mount. One rider noted no helmet was provided.
• Go into it knowing the group can run large. If you’re sensitive to crowding, consider going earlier in the day if schedules allow.

None of this means the tour is doomed—it’s still widely liked—but these are the practical steps that turn a good day into a great one.

Should you book this Medellín horseback riding adventure?

If you want a low-cost way to ride horses near Medellín—with calm, responsive animals and a guided experience—this is a reasonable choice at $59. The biggest positives are straightforward: well-trained horses, beginner-friendly instruction, and an easy El Poblado pickup that keeps the day simple.

If you’re the type who can’t handle uncertainty around meeting logistics, I’d think twice. The occasional driver no-show and meeting-point confusion are the main risk to know about. For a smoother experience, plan to arrive early, confirm details the day of, and ask about safety gear on site.

FAQ

What’s the price and how long does the tour take?

It costs about $59 and lasts around 3 hours total, with the full experience expected to take about 3–4 hours including transfers.

Where do I meet for pickup in Medellín?

You meet at La Makha – Cocina de Origen, Cra. 25 #10-51 in El Poblado. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is food included?

No. You can stop at the finca restaurant for Colombian tapas and drinks, but food and beverages are paid separately.

How long is the horseback riding part?

The riding time is about 1.5 hours, with additional time for transfers, setup, and pauses on the trail.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. It’s described as suitable for all levels, including beginners, with instructions and guidance provided by the staff.

Do I need good weather for it to run?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.