Horseback Riding in Guatapé Antioquia
Horseback riding around Guatapé is a quietly underrated experience. The trails wind through coffee farms, riverside meadows and lookouts over the reservoir that you cannot reach by road.
This guide covers operators, prices, what to expect from a typical ride and who should think twice before booking.
Rides around Guatapé follow farm tracks above the reservoir and normally last 60 to 120 minutes at walking pace, so no experience is needed. Our catalogue lists one product that adds a ride to the classic day, the Guatape & Horse Ride & El Peñol Rock & Quaint Town From Medellin, from $174, rated 5.0 with 69 reviews over about 9.5 hours. Horses are led by local guides on tracks away from traffic. Prices are estimates and vary with season.
- Duration: ride 60 to 120 minutes, full day about 9.5 hours
- Included: guided ride plus the rock and Guatapé town
- For whom: beginners, the pace stays at walking speed
- Morning rides avoid the afternoon rain and the heat
- Long trousers and closed shoes, the stirrups are basic
The only ride in our catalogue that pairs horses with the rock and the town in one day.
Check availability →Estimated "from" price, confirm on the operator site.
Where the rides happen
Most operators leave from fincas 10 to 20 minutes outside the pueblo. Routes head into the hills above the lake or follow the shore through farmland and small communities.
Rides last from 90 minutes to a full half day. The longer ones include a snack and a swim stop at a quiet inlet of the reservoir.
Book this tour: Guatape & Horse Ride & El Peñol Rock & Quaint Town →
How much it costs
A 90 minute group ride costs around 80,000 COP per person, a half day private ride runs 250,000 to 400,000 COP. Tips for the guide are appreciated and not included.
Most operators do not require a deposit but Saturday and Sunday slots fill quickly. Book a day ahead through your hotel or a local agency.
What to expect from the horses
The horses are mostly Colombian creole types, used to mountain trails and gentle paces. Beginners get the calmest mounts and a guide who walks beside them for the first 15 minutes.
Helmets and basic instructions are provided. Wear long pants to avoid leg chafing and closed shoes with a small heel.
Who should skip
Pregnant travelers, people with serious back issues and very young children should avoid the longer rides. Children from 8 years old can usually join a slow group ride with a parent.
If you have never been near a horse, take the 90 minute group option first. If you ride often at home, ask for the half day with more terrain variety.
A horseback ride is the best way to see the landscape behind Guatapé that the buses never reach. Half a morning gets you off the tourist track and into the working countryside that still defines life around the lake.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need riding experience in Guatapé?
No. Rides are led at walking pace by guides who stay with the group, and horses used for tourism here are chosen for calm temperament.
How long is a horseback ride near Guatapé?
Usually 60 to 120 minutes on farm tracks above the reservoir. Longer half day routes exist but are arranged directly with local stables.
Can children ride in Guatapé?
Small children normally ride with a guide leading the horse. Ask the operator about the minimum age before booking, since it varies.
What should I wear for a ride?
Long trousers to avoid chafing, closed shoes with a small heel and a hat. The tracks are exposed and there is little shade on the ridges.
Ready to plan? Browse our private Guatapé tours.