Forest or Peña de la Virgen Horseback Ride Valle del Cocora

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Km 11 on the road to Valle del Cocora, Caballeriza La Esperanza, last parking lot.
7 reviews
5 (7 Reviews)
Km 11 Valle del Cocora road, La Esperanza Stable, last parking lot.
From: $ 70.000
5
(7 reviews)
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Duration

45 minutes

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

6 people

Languages

Spanish

About this tour

Prefer real adventure over the traditional tourist routes? This horseback ride isn't the typical palm tour: it's a deep immersion into Quindío's cloud forest, for riders seeking total disconnection, shade, and the pure sound of water.

We want to be clear: this tour does not visit the wax palm viewpoints or the commercial trail. It's the secret path, a private and authentic route through the forest, with the thrill of crossing the Quindío River on horseback several times.


Horseback ride details

  • Duration: approximately 45 minutes on horseback.
  • Route: cloud forest, Quindío River crossing (4 times), El Planchón (waterfall), and the base of Peña de la Virgen; starts at La Esperanza Stable.
  • Level: suitable for beginners (gentle horses and a guide). Does not include the palm viewpoints.
  • Age: 5 and up (each person on their own horse).
  • Format: private (we don't combine groups).
  • Starting point: Caballeriza La Esperanza stable, Valle del Cocora.
  • Includes: guided horseback ride, 4 river crossings, entrance fees, insurance, optional helmet, and rider's poncho.

Who this horseback ride is for

Ideal for those who have already seen the palms and want something different, prefer the cool, shady forest, and value a private, authentic route. Please note this tour does not visit the wax palm viewpoints.


What will you experience?

You head into Quindío's cloud forest along a vibrant, lush trail, far from the crowds. You'll feel the adrenaline of crossing the Quindío River on horseback four times, a technical and exciting experience that immerses you in the vitality of the water reserve.

You'll stop at El Planchón, a crystal-clear waterfall, perfect for letting the horses drink and capturing the beauty of the mountains, and then reach the base of Peña de la Virgen, an imposing natural landmark that marks the end of the ride before returning to the starting point.


Guide and private tour

All our horseback rides in Valle del Cocora are 100% private: we don't combine groups, so you can enjoy at your own pace and in complete safety. Each ride includes an expert local guide (mandatory) who looks after your safety; the guide's fee equals one spot and is added to the booking total (maximum 6 people per guide).


Our horses' well-being and care

The well-being of our horses is a priority. We work with healthy, well-cared-for animals, with proper rest and rotation between rides and saddles in good condition. For their well-being, the maximum weight per rider is 120 kg (265 lb). Please always follow the guide's instructions so the horses are treated with respect.


Photos and videos of the tour

During the tour, your guide will take photos and videos at the best spots, so your only concern is enjoying yourself. At the end, we'll share them with you as a keepsake of the experience.


Meeting point and how to get there

The horseback ride starts at the Caballeriza La Esperanza stable, inside the Valle del Cocora. Transportation to the starting point is not included: you can arrive in your own vehicle or in the traditional Jeep Willys that leaves from Salento's main square (about 25 minutes). We'll give you full directions when you book.


Departure times

You can choose your preferred time, subject to availability, every day between 8:00 a. m. and 4:00 p. m. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.


What to bring and tips

  • Pants or ankle-length clothing to prevent chafing from the saddle.
  • Comfortable closed-toe shoes or boots (also useful for walking).
  • Sunscreen and a cap or hat.
  • A waterproof jacket in case of rain (we provide a rider's poncho).
  • A charged camera or phone and some cash.

Tips and safety

  • No previous experience needed: the horses are gentle and your guide is with you at all times.
  • Each person rides their own horse, under the guide's care (ages 5 and up).
  • No alcohol is allowed during the activity; please respect the environment and don't leave any trash.

Customize your experience

Want to adjust the route or combine the horseback ride with another Cocora experience? Tell us what you have in mind and we'll tailor it for you.

Highlights

  • Cocora's secret path: cloud forest far from the crowds.
  • Cross the Quindío River on horseback 4 times.
  • Stop at El Planchón, a crystal-clear waterfall.
  • Arrival at the base of Peña de la Virgen.
  • 100% private, with gentle horses and an expert guide.

Included/Excluded

  • Medical assistance insurance
  • Riding helmet (optional)
  • Rider rain poncho in case of rain
  • 4 river crossings, round trip
  • Forest edge and river crossing
  • Drinks or food
  • Transportation to the starting point

Duration

Less than 3 hours

Languages

Spanish

Frequently asked questions

No. Our horseback rides are private and personalized, with gentle horses and an expert local guide who stays with you the whole time.

Horseback rides are for ages 5 and up, and each participant rides their own horse with special care from the guide.

Yes, it's 100% private: we don't combine groups or individuals. A guide is mandatory; the guide's fee equals one spot and is added to the booking total (maximum 6 people per guide).

The horseback ride starts at Caballeriza La Esperanza, in Valle del Cocora. Transportation to the starting point is not included: you can arrive in your own vehicle or on the Jeep Willys that leaves from Salento's main square.

Long pants or clothing down to the ankles, closed-toe shoes or boots (no sandals), sunscreen, a cap or hat, and some cash.

You can choose your preferred time, subject to availability, every day between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Our official website offers all national and international payment methods, in pesos or dollars. You can also pay 50% through an advisor on WhatsApp and the remaining 50% at the ticket office on the day of the tour.

We recommend paying online to secure your booking. You can also pay 50% in advance and the remaining 50% on the same day at the ticket office, before the ride begins.

For the horses' well-being, the maximum weight per rider is 120 kg (265 lb).

The horseback ride runs as usual in light rain (we include a rider tarp or poncho). If the weather worsens and compromises safety, it will be rescheduled or an alternative will be arranged.

We offer service and guiding in Spanish and English. If you need the tour in English, let us know at checkout.

Tour's Location

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

Reviews

5/5
Excellent
(7 Reviews)
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7 reviews on this Tour - Showing 1 to 3
LukasW
29/11/2025
We did the Valle del Cocora tour and a horseback ride combined with a coffee farm. Everything went great, and the guides were very professional and friendly, just like the people at the office when we had some questions beforehand.
alvaro abril
29/09/2025
Simply amazing!!!!! Nicolás led our tour and made the experience perfect.
Miguel Mejía
29/09/2025
Luisa was an exceptional guide. Funny, knowledgeable, and attentive! We left with a wonderful memory of the experience.

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From: $ 70.000
5 (7 Reviews)
More options
  • Horseback Ride Guide (Required)( $ 70.000) *
  • Round-trip Jeep Willys transportation from Salento ($ 180.000)

Why book with us?

  • Horseback ride guide

    Horseback ride guide

    The guide is not included in the price and must be paid as an additional cost per group. This means the guide's fee is automatically added when you select the number of people.

  • Secure your adventure

    Secure your adventure

    Plan your horseback getaway with no pressure. To confirm your booking, we only require a 50% deposit, and you can pay the rest hassle-free right before your tour begins

  • Instant confirmation when you complete your purchase!

    Instant confirmation when you complete your purchase!

    At Cocoratours, we want you to have all the information instantly. Once you confirm your purchase, you'll receive an automatic email with: your booking receipt, all the details of your activity, contact information and meeting points.

  • Private horseback rides

    Private horseback rides

    We want your experience to be unique. That's why all our horseback rides are private. Each booking gets its own guide, ensuring a personalized and memorable tour just for your group.

  • Your security is our priority

    Your security is our priority

    At Cocoratours, we take the protection of your data very seriously. That's why we use the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) security protocol, which ensures that all the information you share with us is fully encrypted and protected.

Owner

cocoratour

Member Since 2022

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