The Coffee Trail Ride

5.0 (6)
8 days 7 nights
Colombia
Photo Paul C.
5.0
Paul C.
Tour Provider
View Paul’s tours
Difficulty
Moderate
Comfort
Basic+
Weight limit

Colombia, a land of diverse geography and climate, is equally rich in its natural environment and cultural variations. Despite regional differences in habits, traditions, and ways of life, Colombians share a common passion for coffee and horses. The cultivation of coffee in Colombia is marked by dedication and passion, with more than 563,000 families involved in its production, often in small haciendas.

This trail ride invites participants to the heart of Colombia's coffee triangle, specifically at Hacienda Pilarica near Armenia. A team of Colombian hosts and tripleader Paul will guide you through picturesque landscapes, the nature reserve Valley del Cócora, colonial villages like Salento and Filandía, and various coffee farms.

The trail ride offers more than just coffee experience. With an average altitude of 2,000 meters and a pleasant year-round temperature of approximately 25°C, the ride promises a captivating exploration of Colombia's natural beauty.

from
$4,448
$4,800
per tourist for 8 days
Departing from
Quindio, Armenia
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Photo Paul C.
Paul C. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
If anyone can say "been there, done that" then it’s Paul! Paul, born in Flanders Belgium, was once in his previous life a farrier. At age 21, he traveled backpacking around the globe, 3 years later and with a luggage full of travel and riding experiences he returned to Belgium. During his "long journey", he worked as a blacksmith shoeing horses at the polo club in Singapore, as a blacksmith and cowboy at a cattle station in Australia, as a Gaucho in South America and as a rider in too many places and countries to mention. In 1996 he became one of the pioneers of worldwide riding holidays in Europe. Paul rode horses in 61 different countries and is perhaps one of the most experienced trail riders in the world. Loving the great horse culture and hospitality in Latin America Paul decided to move to Brazil in 2010. He lives in the southern state of Santa Catarina, home of the South American gaucho (cowboy). After years of experience in organizing and guiding equestrian holidays and riding expeditions around the world, he now only concentrates on trail rides and equestrian tourism in Latin America. He is guiding all the riding trips himself and assures you participating at the best horse treks in Latin America. Paul is also co-founder and president of ALATCE; "Asociación Latinoamericana de Turismo y Cultura Ecuestre". (Latin American Association of Equestrian Tourism and Culture) He speaks 6 languages, loves humor and life, is a very social person and knows like no other how to take you on a ride on the wild side!

Tour highlights

Feel the Dedication to Coffee Cultivation
Find out how coffee beans from the tree arrive to your cup
Live Like a Local
Get to know local habits, traditions, beliefs and ways of life
Discover the Stunning Landscapes
Ride through the nature reserve Valley del Cócora, colonial villages and different coffee farms

Route details

Day 1
Armenia – Hacienda El Balcón

Meeting in Armenia at the Mocawa hotel at 9 a.m.

Visit a  saddlery.

Visit the arrieros show  in Parque de los arrieros.

Arrival at Hacienda El Balcón in Buena Vista coffee taste.
Welcome and accommodation at Hacienda. Dinner.

 

We strongly recommend to arrive the night before! So you can spend the night at the above mentioned hotel Mocowa and meet the guides and group the next day at breakfast 09:00 AM in the hotel. We will be happy to make the hotel reservation for you.

Day 2
Hacienda El Balcón - Córdoba (28km)
Day 3
Córdoba Radial Route
Day 4
Córdoba - Hacienda Hotel La Joya (25km)
Day 5
Hacienda Hotel La Joya - Hacienda La Paloma (28km)
Day 6
Hacienda La Paloma - Salento (30 km)
Day 7
Valle del Cocora
Day 8
Salento – Armenia
Difficulty
Moderate
Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity
Tour provider's comments

Suitable for intermediate to experienced riders.You should be confident on a horse at all paces. The pace is varied to include walk, trot, and canter.

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic+
Guest House
7 nights

Nights in authentic and comfortable farm rooms in different colonial Haciendas.

Night before the trail
We strongly recommend to arrive the night before! You can spend the night at the Hotel Mocowa so you can meet the guides and group the next day at breakfast 09:00 AM in the hotel. We will be happy to make the hotel reservation for you.

7 nights
Hacienda

Based on double-rooms.  
The Haciendas are original farms, not build for tourism, couples will have their private rooms but other participants will share the room with other travel compagnons as most rooms have 2 to 4 beds.

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Quindio, Armenia
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Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips
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Tour conditions

Included

  • accommodation;
  • back up vehicle: for brings your luggage to the daily overnight place/pousada; 
  • meals: full board;
  • Guides: professional and multilingual guides;
  • horses & tack, including saddlebags;
  • transfer: from meeting point in Armenia to Hacienda El Balcón and Salento to the Airport in Armenia. 

Extras

  • travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance are mandatory. You will not be allowed to participate in the riding holiday program without having both of these personal travel insurance;
  • flight: international and local flights;
  • transfer to the meeting point on day 1 in Armenia (airport taxis available 24/7 and very cheap);
  • alcoholic beverages and soft drinks: (cheap);
  • Open Bar – all you can drink – one price;
  • single supplement - ONLY ON REQUEST;
  • personal expenses;
  • tips.

Group size

up to 16 tourists

Duration

8 days
7 nights

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour
  • Valid international passport. 
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Pocket money (you can change EUR/£/USD in the airport).
  • A sweater and a jacket.
  • 4 or 5 T-shirts and minimum 1 a shirt with long sleeves.
  • Jodhpurs or jeans to ride with.
  • Riding shoes or boots / riding shoes with mini-chaps or long chaps.
    (Gaucho boots can be bought on location).
  •  A second pair of shoes for the evening.
  • Swimsuit.
  • Comfortable clothing + a hat.
  • One towel.
  • Toiletries.
  • Sun Cream.
  • Camera.
     

*It is recommended to put your luggage in travel bag instead of a hard suitcase. 10 bags are easier to get in the backup vehicle than 10 suitcases.  (thanks!).

What is the weather to be like in Colombia and during the Trailride?
Can I join the ride if I am travelling alone?
Cancellation of booking

Reviews

5.0
Based on 6 reviews
  • L
    Layla
    10 Sep, 2024
    about provider
    I’ve been on four of Paul's tours, and each time he surpasses my expectations. He’s incredibly friendly, upbeat, and fun to be around. Every tour has been fantastic, so I couldn’t possibly choose a favorite. I highly recommend his tours!
    10 Sep, 2024
    1 more photo
  • P
    Pablo
    5 Aug, 2024
    about provider
    Unforgettable Adventures I’ve had the privilege of going on two remarkable horseback riding trips with Paul, and I can’t recommend them enough! (Check out the photos I’ve included to catch a glimpse of these incredible experiences.) Andes Trail Ride from Chile to Argentina: This ride was truly spectacular. We journeyed through the awe-inspiring Andes, crossing from Chile into Argentina. The scenery was breathtaking, with towering mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and lush valleys. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable, always making sure we were safe and comfortable. This adventure offered a unique and unforgettable way to immerse ourselves in the chilly beauty of the Andes. Gaucho do Brasil Trail Ride in Southern Brazil, Santa Catarina State: It was another amazing experience. Riding through the stunning landscapes of Santa Catarina, we were immersed in the vibrant culture and traditions of the Brazilian gauchos. The trail led us through diverse terrains, from wide-open plains to dense forests, showcasing a variety of beautiful views. The local gauchos were incredibly welcoming, sharing their way of life and treating us to delicious traditional meals. The well-cared-for horses made the ride smooth and enjoyable, blending adventure, culture, and natural beauty perfectly.
    5 Aug, 2024
    6 more photos
  • L
    L
    2 Aug, 2024
    about provider
    A horse riding holiday with Paul is a truly carefree experience. Leave your worries behind and simply enjoy and relax. You’ll be surrounded by exceptional horses, top-notch accommodations, delicious food, expert guides, and a warm personal touch. The care and attention you receive make the whole experience feel special. It’s nothing short of wonderful. If you're planning a horse riding holiday, go with Paul – it is absolutely worth it!
    2 Aug, 2024

Dates and Prices

  • from
    $4,448
    $4,800
    3 – 10 May, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book
  • from
    $4,448
    $4,800
    10 – 17 Aug, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book

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