Horseback Rides in Valle del Cocora

Ride on horseback to the viewpoints of the Wax Palm Forest, the river and the most iconic landscapes of Valle del Cocora.

From $70.000per person
Guide additional cost
Ages 5 and upfamily-friendly
Entrance includedto Valle del Cocora
Choose your route

Book your horseback ride in Cocora

Several routes departing from the La Esperanza Stable, ordered from the easiest to the most complete. Book online with instant confirmation.

Km 11 Valle del Cocora road, La Esperanza Stable, last parking lot.

Forest or Peña de la Virgen Horseback Ride Valle del Cocora

5 (7 Reviews)
Km 11 Valle del Cocora road, La Esperanza Stable, last parking lot.

Viewpoint One and River Horseback Ride Valle del Cocora

5 (8 Reviews)
Km 11 Valle del Cocora road, La Esperanza Stable, last parking lot.

River and Viewpoint Two Horseback Ride, one way, return on foot

5 (4 Reviews)
Km 11 Valle del Cocora road, La Esperanza Stable, last parking lot.

Horseback Ride to Viewpoint Two and the River, Valle del Cocora

5 (7 Reviews)
Km 11 Valle del Cocora road, La Esperanza Stable, last parking lot.

Cocora Horseback Ride: Viewpoints Two, One and the River

5 (6 Reviews)
Km 11 Valle del Cocora road, La Esperanza Stable, last parking lot.

Mixed 4-Point Horseback Ride, Valle del Cocora

5 (10 Reviews)
The Experience

On horseback among wax palms

Horseback rides in Valle del Cocora take you along mountain trails to the viewpoints of the Palm Forest, home of the wax palm, Colombia's national tree. All rides start at Caballeriza La Esperanza stable, just minutes from Salento (Quindío).

Choose your route based on the time you have: from a gentle ride through the forest to the four-point journey with the blue hand viewpoint and the river. Gentle horses, local guides and the most photogenic scenery in Cocora.

Quick facts

Valle del CocoraDeparture: Caballeriza La Esperanza
45 min – 2.5 hdepending on the route
Ages 5 and upgentle horses, family-friendly
Entrance includedto Valle del Cocora

Palm Forest viewpoints

Ride up to viewpoints No. 1 and No. 2, balconies with 360° views over the valley and the tallest wax palms in the world.

The blue hand and the photo

The iconic blue hand at Viewpoint No. 1 is the perfect frame against the palm-studded horizon. The Cocora postcard shot everyone wants.

River and cloud forest

Routes that descend to the river and wind into Quindío's humid forest, perfect for unplugging away from the crowds.

Local guides

Local guides who know every trail and look after their gentle, well-rested horses. The care of people who make their living in the valley.

Ready to ride

What's included in your horseback ride?

Every route includes the horse with its saddle and admission to Valle del Cocora. A local guide is mandatory and costs extra: every ride goes with a local guide. These are private horseback rides: only your group, no combined bookings.

Horse and saddle

A gentle, well-rested horse, with saddle and stirrups adjusted to fit you so you ride safely.

Valley admission

Admission to Valle del Cocora is included on every route; no surprise fees when you arrive.

Local guide (mandatory)

Every ride goes with a local guide who knows the trails. The guide is mandatory and costs extra, which is added automatically when you book.

Safety and support

Horses suitable for ages 5 and up, with support throughout the entire ride. Your safety comes first.

Get ready

What to bring and tips

Comfortable clothing

Long pants and comfortable riding clothes. Bring a jacket in case it gets chilly in the mountains.

Closed-toe shoes

Closed-toe shoes with good grip. Avoid sandals for riding and hiking the trails.

Mountain weather

Cap, sunscreen and water. The valley's weather changes fast: you may get sun and rain on the same day.

Documents

Bring your ID. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Where it starts

Departure point and transfers

All horseback rides start and end at Caballeriza La Esperanza, at the entrance to Valle del Cocora, about 20 min from Salento.

Caballeriza La Esperanza

Meeting point at the valley entrance. Arrive early: in the morning Cocora is clear and looks its best.

View on map

Optional pickup

Transportation and pickup cost extra on top of the horseback ride: we pick you up in Salento, and also from Armenia or Pereira (bus terminal or airport). Let us know your starting point when you book.

Book with confidence

Why ride with Cocoratours?

Local operator

We work with horse-riding families from the valley. We'll help you choose the ideal route based on your time and experience.

Well-cared-for horses

Gentle, rested and healthy. No mistreatment or overloading: the horse's well-being is part of the ride.

Book online

Book your horseback ride in just a few clicks, with instant confirmation and secure payment.

WhatsApp support

We're with you before, during and after your horseback ride in Cocora.

Quick guide

Horseback Rides in Valle del Cocora: Your Horse Ride Through the Coffee Region

Horseback rides in Valle del Cocora are one of the best ways to discover this unique Colombian landscape. On horseback you reach the Palm Forest viewpoints, home to the wax palm, Colombia's national tree and the tallest palm in the world, with specimens up to 60 meters (200 ft) tall.

We offer several horseback riding routes in Valle del Cocora, from a gentle ride through the cloud forest to the full four-stop journey, passing Viewpoint No. 1 with the iconic blue hand, Viewpoint No. 2 and the river. All start at Caballeriza La Esperanza, at the valley entrance, and admission to Valle del Cocora is included.

It's a perfect activity for families (ages 5 and up), couples or groups, with gentle horses and local guides. If you're short on time in Salento (Quindío), a horseback ride is the most comfortable and memorable way to experience Cocora without hiking long distances.

Explore the valley

Valle del Cocora Toursall the valley experiences
Camping in Valle del Cocorasleep among the palms
Coffee Region Trips and Packagesmultiple days and destinations
More horseback routes

Horseback Rides in Salento and Quindío

Start: Calle 2 #6-09 Salento Quindío, Cocoratours office or nearby hotels

Horseback Ride to the Magic Forests and Santa Rita Waterfall

5 (4 Reviews)
Start: Calle 2 #6-09 Salento Quindío, Cocoratours office or hotels in Salento

Sestillal Viewpoint Horseback Ride, Salento

5 (2 Reviews)
Start: Calle 2 #6-09 Salento Quindío, Cocoratours office or hotels in Salento

Horseback ride through coffee farms with coffee tour

5 (5 Reviews)
Lagos de pesca la cascada. We are located 2 km from downtown Filandia.

Bremen Experience: High-Altitude Horseback Ride in Filandia

5 (2 Reviews)
FAQ

Questions about horseback rides in Cocora

Do I need riding experience?

No. The horses are gentle and suitable for beginners; our local guides ride with you and give you basic instructions before setting out.

What is the minimum age to ride?

From age 5. Children are always accompanied and ride calm horses.

How much does a horseback ride in Valle del Cocora cost?

From $70.000 per person. The price varies by route and duration; the most complete one (4-point combined route) is $200.000. Check each route in the booking section.

What happens if it rains?

The valley has a mountain climate. If the weather makes it unsafe, we reschedule your ride. Bring a rain jacket just in case.

Is the guide included?

A local guide is mandatory on all routes and costs extra: it's charged separately, like one more person. These are private rides: only your group goes (if 2 book, 2 ride), with no mixing of different bookings. One guide accompanies up to 6 people. The guide fee is added automatically when you book.

Where do the rides start?

All rides start at Caballeriza La Esperanza, at the entrance to Valle del Cocora (~20 min from Salento). We offer optional pickup in Salento, Armenia and Pereira for an additional fee.

What should I bring?

Comfortable clothes and long pants, closed-toe shoes, a cap, sunscreen, water and a camera. The valley entrance fee is already included.

Book your horseback ride in Cocora

Message us and we'll plan your route based on your time and what you want to see in the valley. Gentle horses and local guides.