Horseback Riding from Guadalupe to Monserrate Private Day-Tour

This is not a slow pony ride beside a city park. You’ll ride from Guadalupe Hill to Monserrate through farmland, forest, rocky slopes, and rough downhill paths, with Bogotá spread below you. I like the unusual route and the chance to connect the city’s religious landmarks with rural and Indigenous traditions. I also like that first-time riders can take part, with guides such as Luis Vásquez offering patient help.

The main caution is the terrain. Steep, wet, and rocky trails are part of the experience, and you may get muddy. Also, the food details are unclear: the tour information says breakfast and lunch are not included, despite other promotional wording suggesting food may be provided, so bring money and eat before setting out.

Key points to know before you book

• The route crosses the Eastern Hills: You ride between Bogotá’s two best-known hilltop religious sites rather than simply visiting Monserrate by car.
• The horseback portion lasts about 2.5 hours: The full outing takes roughly six hours, including transfers, stops, and time at the monuments.
• The trail is a real mountain ride: Expect steep, rocky, and sometimes wet ground, not a gentle beginner loop.
• First-time riders can participate: Prior riding experience is not required, and guides can let you walk sections if you feel uneasy.
• The views change constantly: You see Bogotá from Guadalupe, then pass through countryside and forest before reaching Monserrate.
• Food needs clarification: Breakfast, lunch, and extra purchases are listed as excluded, and a promised snack was missed on at least one outing.

Why this route is different from a normal Monserrate visit

Most people reach Monserrate by cable car, funicular, or on foot. This outing takes a much less direct route. A driver brings you up toward Guadalupe, then you ride across the hills toward Monserrate before returning to the city by cable car or funicular.

That change of pace is the whole point. You begin with Bogotá’s vast urban view, then move into farmland, forest, and rough mountain tracks. The city does not vanish, but it feels far away. You get a look at the Eastern Hills as living countryside, not just as a backdrop behind the capital.

The tour also adds a useful historical thread. Your guide discusses colonial religious expansion, earlier Indigenous traditions, rural life, and the way these hills have been used over time. It is not just sightseeing from a viewpoint. The ride gives the history a physical setting.

This is a private activity, so only your group participates. That matters on a demanding trail. A guide can adjust the pace, stop when needed, and give more attention to a nervous rider than would be possible in a large group.

Guadalupe Hill gives you the first big view

Your day begins with hotel pickup and a drive south through the mountains. The first major stop is the Santuario Virgen de Guadalupe, a religious site high above Bogotá with an immediate view across the capital.

Guadalupe is a good starting point because it gives you your bearings before the ride begins. You can see how large Bogotá is and how sharply the Eastern Hills rise behind it. The stop is relatively short, about an hour, but it sets up the contrast that follows: a huge city below, then rough countryside under your horse’s feet.

The church and surrounding viewpoint also introduce the religious character of the route. Guadalupe and Monserrate are sister hills in Bogotá’s popular imagination, and this tour links them by trail rather than treating them as separate photo stops.

Weather matters here. One guide described a gray day that still turned out well, while another outing benefited from skies clearing during the ride. The views can be excellent in changing weather, but cloud, rain, or poor trail conditions can affect the day. The operator requires good weather and may offer another date or a full refund if conditions force a cancellation.

The horseback route is the main event

After Guadalupe, you meet the horses and the horse handler. The riding section lasts about 2.5 hours, although the exact rhythm depends on the group, trail conditions, and stops.

The first part may pass along country roads, farms, and pastures. Then the ride becomes more demanding as the route enters trails through the hills. You may encounter steep slopes, rough downhill river beds, forest, mud, and loose or uneven ground. The horses are described as sure-footed, but you still need to trust the animal and follow the guide’s instructions.

That last point is important. One experienced rider called the route much more adventurous than ordinary trail rides. Another rider with very little experience found it exciting after receiving patient instruction. The same advice applies to you: begin slowly, get comfortable in the saddle, and do not feel pressured to act like an expert.

If a section feels too steep, you may have the option to walk. That does not make the ride a failure. It is a sensible choice on rough ground, especially if you are new to horses or feeling the altitude. A private guide can wait and help you continue at a pace that feels manageable.

Wear clothes that can get dirty. Waterproof boots are a wise choice, and you should not wear anything precious. The route is described as wet and rugged, so clean shoes and light city clothing may not survive the day in good shape.

Guides make a major difference

The guide is especially important on this tour because the ride combines navigation, safety, history, and horse handling. Luis Vásquez has been praised for helping beginners get used to the horses, explaining plants and wildlife, and waiting for a rider who needed time to adjust to the altitude. His English was described as very good.

Diego and Francisco have also led the ride, with particular attention to riders on the trail. Marcela Tamayo was remembered for being friendly and fun, and other guides have been described as professional and accommodating. Guide assignments can change, so you should not assume one particular person will lead your departure.

The best guides do more than point out the next bend. They explain the connection between the hills, farming communities, Indigenous customs, and Colombia’s colonial religious past. They also watch the group closely when the route becomes steep.

At a rating of 4.9 from 27 reviews, with 96 percent recommending the activity, the strongest praise centers on the guides and the ride itself. That is useful, but the sample is not large. I would treat the score as encouraging rather than a guarantee of identical conditions on every departure.

Monserrate brings the ride back to Bogotá

The trail eventually reaches Monserrate, Bogotá’s best-known hilltop religious site. After the quiet of the countryside, the arrival can feel lively, especially on a Sunday when people gather around the church and viewpoints.

Here you can visit the cathedral area, hear more about the site’s religious and colonial role, and look back across the city. The guide may provide a fuller explanation of Monserrate after the ride, which helps connect what you saw on the trail with Bogotá’s wider history.

The tour also mentions a walk near important city locations, including Casa Museo Quinta de Bolívar. The exact timing of this stop is not spelled out, so consider it part of the broader city portion rather than a guaranteed extended museum visit.

At the end, you descend to Bogotá by cable car or funicular. That return is a practical finish after several hours in the saddle. It also gives you one final view of the hills from above or along the mountain route, depending on the transport used.

Food is the detail you should settle before booking

The food information needs careful attention. The highlights describe typical Colombian fare and mention breakfast and lunch, but the inclusion list specifically says breakfast and lunch are not included. Another account describes stopping for empanadas and hot sugarcane tea near the horses, while a different outing had no snack despite the expectation that one would be supplied.

So I would not book this assuming meals are part of the $116 price. Eat before pickup, carry money for food, and ask the operator directly what is planned for your date. Roadside food stands may be available, but they should not be treated as a guaranteed meal stop.

This matters because six hours on mountain trails is a long stretch if you start hungry. Food and drinks are also listed among extra purchases, and the operator acknowledges that a snack was forgotten on one departure. The safest plan is simple: have breakfast first, carry water, and keep Colombian pesos or another accepted payment method for food along the way.

Is $116 a fair price?

At $116 per person, the price is reasonable if you value a private outing with hotel transportation, a driver, a horse handler, insurance, a guided route, and the Monserrate return. You are paying for more than a short ride. The route links two major Bogotá viewpoints and takes you through countryside that would be difficult to visit independently in the same way.

The value is strongest for a small group with mixed riding ability. A private format lets you ask questions and slow down without holding up a large party. It also reduces the planning burden of arranging transport to Guadalupe, finding the trail connection, managing horses, and returning from Monserrate.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a quick view from the hilltops or a gentle introduction to horseback riding. In that case, visiting Monserrate by cable car or funicular may be simpler and less demanding. You should also remember that meals and personal purchases are not included according to the detailed inclusions.

Who should choose this horseback tour?

I would choose this experience if you want an active day and enjoy seeing a famous place from an unusual angle. It suits confident riders, but it can also work for beginners who are comfortable with uneven ground and willing to follow instructions.

It is a good match for:

• Couples or families with children aged 12 and older
• Small private groups seeking a flexible pace
• Riders who want mountain scenery rather than a short arena ride
• Visitors interested in Bogotá’s colonial, religious, Indigenous, and rural connections
• People with a layover long enough to use the airport as a pickup point, as the operator permits

I would hesitate if you dislike horses, have difficulty walking on steep ground, or want a polished sightseeing day with little physical effort. The minimum age is 12, but age alone does not tell you how comfortable someone will be on a wet, rocky trail.

The tour is near public transportation, though hotel pickup and drop-off are provided. Most people can participate, but the activity still requires enough mobility to mount, ride, and manage some walking on uneven ground.

Practical preparation for a safer, better day

Wear long trousers, sturdy shoes, and layers. Bogotá’s mountain weather can shift, and rain can make the trails more slippery. Bring a waterproof layer and protect your phone or camera.

Do not assume that city sneakers will be enough. The route has been described as rocky, steep, and wet, and muddy clothing is a real possibility. If you have not ridden before, tell the guide at the start and use the early section to get comfortable.

Altitude can also affect how you feel. One rider needed time to adjust after arriving at Guadalupe. Take the first part slowly, drink water, and tell your guide if you feel unwell.

Confirmation is sent at booking, and the guide contacts you the day before in case you have questions or special requirements. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If you cancel later, the amount is not refunded, and changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a genuine mountain adventure connected to Bogotá’s best-known hilltop sites, not a mild tourist ride. The changing scenery, private format, attentive guides, and unusual route give it real character.

Before paying, confirm the food plan and ask about trail conditions for your date. If you can handle steep ground, muddy clothes, and a little uncertainty, this is a memorable way to reach Monserrate. If you need comfort, predictable meals, or an easy ride, choose a standard Monserrate visit instead.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The full experience takes about six hours. The horseback portion lasts about 2.5 hours, with the rest of the time used for transportation, Guadalupe, Monserrate, and related city stops.

Is previous horseback riding experience required?

No. Previous experience is not required, and most people can participate. The route is still steep and rugged, so beginners should tell the guide and follow instructions carefully.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12 years.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

What is included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, about 2.5 hours of horseback riding, all-risk insurance, and a horse handler are included.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

The detailed inclusions state that breakfast and lunch are not included. Because other tour information refers to food and one outing included a roadside stop, confirm the plan before departure and bring money for meals or snacks.

Can I take this tour during a layover in Bogotá?

Yes. If you have a Bogotá layover, you can select the airport as the pickup point for the layover tour.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you are offered another date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.