Horseback Riding in La Calera: Andes Mountain Trails

Ride into the Andes forest and taste homemade sugarcane tea at a mountain waterfall

Horseback riding in La Calera takes you on mountain trails around the San Rafael dam through Andean forest, with a local guide in English, Spanish, Italian or French. The ride lasts 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your experience level; beginners get a 2-hour ride while experienced riders can gallop on open fields. Pickup from the city is included, a helmet is provided and mandatory, and you'll taste warm sugarcane tea during the ride. Children are welcome from age 6.

The Experience

La Calera sits in the high Andes about 1.5 hours' drive from the city. You'll meet your local guide there and get fitted for a helmet before mounting. The trail winds through dirt roads and cobblestone pathways, past farmland and lush forest, with a small waterfall as a stopping point along the way. If you're an experienced rider, you can gallop across open fields; beginners stick to a steadier pace on the scenic routes.

The ride itself runs 1.5 to 3 hours depending on which option you book—a 2-hour beginner ride or a 3-hour experienced ride. Partway through, you'll stop for warm homemade sugarcane tea. The whole outing, including the drive up and back to the city, takes about 5 hours. You'll need to wear long pants, thick socks and closed-toe shoes; the helmet stays on the entire time and is non-negotiable.

This is a group activity, so you may ride with other travelers. The guide speaks your language—English, Spanish, Italian or French—and knows the local trails and the forest. Weather doesn't stop the rides, so dress for sun, rain or wind depending on the day.

What’s included

• Pickup from the city and return.
• local guide in English, Spanish, Italian or French.
• horse and helmet (mandatory).
• warm sugarcane tea during the ride.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Andes EcoTours

Is this one for you?Pick this ride if you're starting out with horses or prefer walking pace through forest; choose the galloping version if you can already trot and want open terrain in the high mountains.

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Top questions

How long is the actual horseback riding part of the day?

The ride itself lasts 1.5 to 3 hours depending on whether you book the beginner 2-hour option or the experienced 3-hour option. The full outing, including the drive to La Calera and back to the city, takes about 5 hours total.

Can I gallop, or is it only walking and trotting?

Experienced riders can gallop on open fields during the 3-hour ride. Beginners stick to a steadier pace on the scenic mountain trails, which is still a full ride through the forest and farmland.

What's included in the price?

The ride includes pickup from the city, a local guide, a helmet, and warm sugarcane tea during the ride. You provide your own long pants, thick socks and closed-toe shoes.

Is this suitable for children?

Children are welcome from age 6 and up. They ride with the group and follow the same helmet and clothing requirements as adults.

What happens if it rains?

The rides operate in all weather—sun, rain or wind. Dress appropriately for the conditions on the day you ride; the helmet and long pants protect you in wet weather.