Horseback Riding Forest of the Virgin Salento River Crossing

Cross two river fords and climb to a rock outcrop in the Andean forest

Horseback riding through the Forest of the Virgin near Salento, Colombia, where you ride for approximately one hour along a bridle path, cross the Quindío River twice (once as a small waterfall), and reach Peña de la Virgen for photos before returning. A Spanish-speaking guide leads the ride from the Cocoratours Valle de Cocora stable, and the route stays in the jungle without visiting the wax palms valley.

The experience

The ride starts from the Cocoratours stable and follows an uncovered road into the Andean forest. You'll cross the Quindío River in an area called Planchón, where the water drops as a small waterfall, then continue deeper into the natural wet forest on a bridle path. The second river crossing comes before the final climb to Peña de la Virgen, a rock outcrop where you stop for photos. The whole loop takes about an hour and returns by the same route.

This is a quiet ride built around the forest itself, not a long journey through multiple valleys. The guide speaks Spanish and leads the group. A helmet is provided and optional rain ponchos or tents are available if weather turns. The stable can accommodate a five-minute wait if you're running slightly behind, and medical assistance policies are in place. If you need an English-speaking guide, that's available for an additional fee at checkout.

What’s included

• Horse for the ride.
• riding helmet.
• Spanish-speaking guide.
• rain ponchos or tents if needed.
• medical assistance policies.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (19 to 44 years) · Senior (45 to 77 years) · Youth (13 to 18 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupPrivate

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cocoratours Valle de cocora

Is this one for you?You ride the horse yourself on a guided route, so this suits anyone comfortable in the saddle who wants a guide leading the way through the forest rather than navigating alone. The fixed one-hour loop keeps the pace steady and the distance manageable for riders of all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for people with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 18 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Quindío River crossing like on horseback?

The Quindío River is crossed twice during the ride. The first crossing happens in the Planchón area, where the water flows as a small waterfall. The second crossing comes later as you approach Peña de la Virgen. Both are part of the bridle path route through the forest.

How long is the horseback riding activity?

The ride lasts approximately one hour from start to finish, including the two river crossings and the climb to Peña de la Virgen for photos.

Does the ride visit the wax palms in Cocora Valley?

No. This ride stays in the Forest of the Virgin and does not include a visit to the wax palms. It's designed as a focused jungle experience rather than a multi-site tour.

What happens at Peña de la Virgen?

Peña de la Virgen is a rock outcrop where the ride reaches its highest point. You stop there for a short time to take photos before heading back to the stable along the same route.

Is the guide in English or Spanish?

The guide speaks Spanish. English-language guiding is available for an additional fee if you arrange it at checkout.

What should I bring or wear for this ride?

A riding helmet is provided. Rain ponchos or tents are available if weather looks uncertain. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. The forest can be wet and muddy, especially after rain.