Long Rider Marc Noonan has put together a very special trail in Colombia. In 2014, Marc, a member of the Long Rider’s Guild traveled for 11 months and more than 5,000 kilometres on horseback from the north of Colombia through Ecuador to Peru. Marc is now proud to call Colombia home and excited to show you this wonderful region.
On this adventure you will experience rural Colombia at its finest, riding open trails in the western central region of the country that is part of the ‘Coffee triangle,’ a UNESCO world heritage site. The open grasslands high up in the Andes mountains also provide plenty of opportunities to canter. These trails have been created using the knowledge of local guides to take you to the most beautiful and remotes parts of the country.
On this ride you will also be passing by several waterfalls and we have added an extra night of glamping where we can enjoy nights around the camp fire every evening but still go to a comfortable bed!
Departure & Return Location
Pereira International Airport, Colombia
Date and Rates
US $3,320 per person / 6 riders maximum per group
March – 9th – 17th
April – 6th – 14th
June – 22nd – 30th
July – 6th – 14th
August – 3rd – 11th
September – 14th – 22nd
October – 12th – 20th
December – 7th – 15th
Price Includes
- includes airport pick up and drop off from Pereira airport
- all accommodation, meals, refreshments and evening drinks (wine and local beer )
- guiding and riding for 6 days
- All transportation in destination location
Price Excludes
- air fares
- personal expenses
- tips
This 9 day horseback adventure shows you the very best of the department of Risaralda in the heart of the coffee triangle of Colombia. You will ride from the “green capital of Colombia” – Marsella, to the thermal springs of Santa Rosa. Traversing the Colombian Andes, an area rich in wildlife, you will pass coffee farms and enjoy endless, breathtaking views. Enjoy nights around camp fires, soak in the therapeutic waters of the natural thermal hot pools and discover what makes this part of Colombia so special.
Throughout your trip, you’ll stay in a combination of comfortable guesthouses, luxury farm houses, glamping resorts and hotels. The first and last nights are spent in the beautiful 150 year old colonial homestead.
The horses are Colombian Criollo, Appaloosa, Appaloosa crosses, Paso Fino and Percheron and you are required to be an intermediate or advanced rider enjoying riding at all paces in open country. The weight limit is 90 kgs. You will be riding for 6 days, 5 to 8 hours per day
- experience one of the most scenic parts if Colombia on horseback
- learn about the traditions, music and culture of this region of Colombia
- ride through the beautiful colonial town of Marsella
- enjoy evenings under the stars but still have comfortable glamping' accomodation
- visit waterfalls and soak in hot springs along the way
Day 1 Arrival
Our courtesy vehicle will pick you up from the airport or bus terminal in Pereira and bring you to the ranch. Here you will be welcomed into the home, with time to relax by the pool, explore the grounds and meet your horse. Also you will be given the chance to learn how to tack up western style. and if you wish get a little time in the saddle in our arena. The evening will include a poolside BBQ and an explanation of the terrain you will be covering over the following 6 days.
Day 2 Riseralda hills -Marsella
Depart Rancho Saman after a relaxed breakfast and head to the hills of Risaralda by vehicle.. This short ride will give you a chance to view the terrain you’ll be riding over the next 6 days. After lunch in the picturesque town of Marsella, you’ll head out for an afternoon sunset ride and your first taste of trail riding in Colombia.
Day 3 Climbing up through the Andes - traditional coffee farm
Your horse will be groomed and tacked up for you, but feel free to join in and help. Out on trail all day winding your way through the Central Andes, the highest of the three branches of the Colombian Andes. Passing coffee, plantain and cattle farms before ending your day at your luxurious accommodation, a coffee farm high up in the mountains with endless views to enjoy from the infinity pool.
Day 4 Winding our way towards Santa Rosa
Your horse will be groomed and tacked up for you, but feel free to join in and help. Out on trail half day ending at a stunning glamping resort a stones throw from the spectacular natural thermal hot springs of Santa Rosa. After lunch you will pass the afternoon enjoying the thermal hot springs, soaking in the therapeutic waters. Spend an evening under the stars enjoying the warmth of a camp fire.
Day 5 Spectacular views
Your horse will be groomed and tacked up for you, but feel free to join in and help. Out on trail all day. A stunning day’s ride climbing open trails with spectacular views, passing by waterfalls and crossing rivers as we lead you to our next overnight stop.
Day 6 Climb through the Andes
Your horse will be groomed and tacked up for you, but feel free to join in and help. Out on trail all day, taking you to the most northern tip of Risaralda. Endless views as you climb your way through the Andes, ending your day at a traditional coffee farm with over 200 years of production history.
Day 7 Marsella
Your horse will be groomed and tacked up for you, but feel free to join in and help. Today we make our way back to Marsella. A full day’s ride through an area steeped in history, once home to the Quimbaya, you’ll see petroglyphs dating back thousands of years. This area is home to countless species of birdlife, giant butterflies, capybaras and more. At the end of your day we will head into the town of Marsella for an evening meal in the historic town center, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this welcoming traditional town.
Day 8 Journey back to the ranch- live music and farewell dinner
Breakfast before a brief trip into Marsella. A chance to visit this unspoilt Colombian town, enjoy coffee in the town square, visit the Cultural house and artisan stalls before making our way back to Rancho Saman. Back at the ranch house you’ll enjoy a chef prepared meal and re-live the last 7 days.
Day 9 Departure
Breakfast before the courtesy transportation takes you either to the airport or bus terminal depending on your plans.
