Bogotá Andes: Horseback Riding, San Rafael Views & BBQ Lunch

Summary

Andes horseback ride from Bogotá with mountain views and local lunch

You’ll ride through crisp Andean air outside Bogotá with a local guide, take in wide-open views from Salitre and San Rafael viewpoints, and share a barbecue lunch after your horseback adventure. Expect small surprises — maybe laughter over lunch or quiet moments on the trail — that linger long after you’re back in the city.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous about getting on a horse again — it’s been years since I tried. We met up at the Avenida Chile shopping center in Bogotá, where our guide, Camilo, was already joking about how city people forget how to sit straight in a saddle. The drive out to La Calera was quick but you could feel the air changing as we climbed higher; it got cooler, that kind of crisp that wakes you up. There was this faint smell of eucalyptus when we stepped out near the restaurant, which I guess is just normal for folks living up here.

After sorting out helmets (Camilo insisted on double-checking mine — “safety first!”), we walked five minutes up a dirt path. The horses looked relaxed, almost sleepy. Mine was called Luna and she kept flicking her ears back at me like she knew I was a little unsure. Once we started moving, though, it felt surprisingly easy — slow rhythm, hooves crunching over dry grass. At Alto de la Cruz viewpoint, Camilo pointed out where the city disappears behind the hills. You could see all the way to Embalse San Rafael shimmering below; honestly, I didn’t realize how close Bogotá is to these wild stretches.

The two hours passed weirdly fast. There were moments when nobody talked — just wind and distant dogs barking somewhere down the valley. On the way back, my legs felt wobbly but in a good way. We ended up back at the restaurant for barbecue (the chorizo was smoky and perfect after riding). Someone spilled their soda and everyone laughed; it felt like being with old friends even though we’d only met that morning. Still think about that view over San Rafael sometimes — not sure photos would do it justice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding and barbecue in La Calera

• Meet at Avenida Chile shopping center
• Travel to La Calera mountains
• Meet at restaurant and activate insurance
• Walk 5 minutes to horseback riding start
• Horseback ride to Alto de la Cruz viewpoint
• Horseback ride to Embalse San Rafael viewpoint
• Return to restaurant for barbecue
• Return to Avenida Chile shopping center

Top questions

How long does the horseback riding last?

The horseback riding activity lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is pickup included for this tour?

The tour starts at Avenida Chile shopping center with transportation to La Calera included.

Are helmets provided for horseback riding?

Yes, certified helmets are provided and mandatory for children 12 years and older.

Is lunch included in this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at a local restaurant after horseback riding.

Can travelers with recent surgeries join?

No, it’s not recommended for people who have had surgeries in the last three months.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What viewpoints are visited during the ride?

You’ll see Alto de la Cruz and Embalse San Rafael viewpoints during the ride.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting point.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Avenida Chile shopping center in Bogotá by vehicle or public transport depending on group size, all safety gear like certified helmets (especially required for kids), guidance from an experienced local guide throughout your horseback ride past Alto de la Cruz and Embalse San Rafael viewpoints, medical assistance coverage during activities, refreshments along the way, and a barbecue lunch before heading back into town.