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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Colombia
Intro to Colombia
Coffee Zone Orinoquia
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Ecuador
Peru
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Casanare Trail Ride
Orinoquia
Colombia
The Colombian eastern Llanos were colonized more than four centuries ago and to this day, horses are fundamental in the daily work of the llanero man.
This equestrian crossing is made to honor the llanera culture, in remembrance to the use of the old royal roads and cattle inns, sleeping some days in hammocks with mosquito net.
This will be three unforgettable days, riding on typical Creole horses descendants of Arabs and Spaniards of 400 years ago in the style of the llanero man, a total cowboy. We will ride in the McClellan saddlers known in the eastern Llanos as Galapagos.
We will eat a snack called Bastimento, which was what the llanero used to eat on his long journeys through the savannas.
Progressive Ride (no camping) Safari Ride Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Bogota airport
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Airport:
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Bogota
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Transfer:
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Bogota
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
15 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2024
Rates include*:
Accommodations, All meals, Transfers including return flight Bogotá - Yopal, Activities described in the itinerary, 4 riding days & Personal accident insurance, during the stay
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
2023
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Single supplement
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$250
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2023
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Small group supplement (2-3 pax only), pp
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$625
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2023
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Small group supplement (1 pax only)
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$1,000
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Pick-up / Drop-off is included from El Dorado Luis Carlos Galan Sarmiento International Airport, in Bogotá.
Transfers from hotels in Bogotá are also possible for an extra fee (please inquire).
Tour Dates for 2024
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A |
2023
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01/01
- 12/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip
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4
/15
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Reserve
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This trip can be arranged at any time of the year depending on availability
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Rates do not include:
Gratuities
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
Transfer from El Dorado airport to the hotel in Bogotá.
Overnight at Hotel in Bogotá
Day 2: Introduction
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer from the hotel to the El Dorado airport for the flight to the city of Yopal. At the Alcaravan airport we will pick you up and transfer you to the El Paraíso farm. General orientation on accommodation with welcome cocktail, then lunch, rest and in the afternoon we will make a presentation about the crossing and introduce you the staff, people such as the "cabrestero", the "chocotero" the guides, and other participants.
The horses will be chosen and induction will be done. Then around a fire we would hear some songs about the work in the llanos that will locate us in the context for our llanera experience. Dinner, rest to start the journey the next day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at El Paraíso farm
Day 3: Ride to Hato Banco Largo
Breakfast then departure for the crossing, we will go to the hato Banco Largo located in the town of Orocue, we will go through the oil well of Rancho Hermoso to the old cattle ranch of Santa Teresa and real cattle roads then we will cross the pastures in Orocue, observing the big farms on both side of the road.
At the end of the day, we will arrive at the hato Banco largo, where we will hear the songs of more than 120 species of birds that spend the night there, we will be received by them as well the manager of the hato, a native llanero and his family that will offer us a delicious creole dinner and while eating it they will delight us with their stories, songs and legends of the llanos. We will spend the night in hammocks with mosquito nets as the llaneros used to do on their trips long time ago.
Riding 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hato Banco Largo
Day 4: Hato Banco Largo to Guariamena
The tautacos (Buff-necked Ibis) will wake us up with their morning songs, we will have breakfast and we will leave to visit the “Garcero” of two hectares that belongs to the hato, there we will see alligators and turtles in the Trinchera canal, then take the way out to the crossroads of Guariamena, where the old cattle ranches of Tanganica and Camoruco were, passing through forests, estuaries and savannas of multiple colors. Arriving at the Agua verde canal, if it’s winter time or if the flows have increased due to rain, the horses will across the river and we will go through a handmade bamboo bridge; if it’s not we can pass riding the horse. Arriving at the royal pass of Guariamena, their habitants will receive us with a Creole dinner, and we will enjoy a counterpoint performance of llanero musicians and finally we will go to sleep.
Riding 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Guariamena
Day 5: Guariamena to La Quesera
After breakfast we will leave to the town of Maní. Along roads we'll see birds, lagoons and morichales (Mauritia flexuosa), and finally arrive at the farm "La Quesera" where we will say goodbye to the horses and continue by vehicle to the pier on the Cusiana River to go have lunch and watch the sunset over the river. We will have live musical groups and llanera dance performances to leave to go to Yopal.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Yopal
Day 6: Altamira Reserve Safari
Breakfast then departure for the photographic safari in the Altamira reserve in the town of San Luis de Palenque, one hour and forty five minutes from Yopal. Upon arrival we will take a refreshing drink and begin our tour through the reserve where we will see: chigüiros or Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), deer (Odocoileus virginianus), babillas (Caiman crocodilus), among other species in their natural habitat. Lunch in the hato Mata de palma and sunset in the Altamira canyon where we could do artisanal fishing of the Caribe fish or piranha. Dinner and return to the hotel in Yopal.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Yopal
Day 7: Departure
Breakfast then visit to the Creole saddlers to the city of Yopal, lunch break and then departure to the airport. Return to Bogotá.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Meeting:
Bogota airport
Airport:
Bogota
Transfer:
Bogota
Pick-up / Drop-off is included from El Dorado Luis Carlos Galan Sarmiento International Airport, in Bogotá.
Transfers from hotels in Bogotá are also possible for an extra fee (please inquire).
Tack:
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McClellan saddles known in the eastern Llanos as tortoises and some cowboy chairs produced in Colombian factories will be used and available
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Horses:
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Colombian Creole horses, some with quarter-mile crosses, all the horses are born and bred in the savannas of the Llanos, fed with the native pastures
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Pace:
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Based on the experience - Walking 80%, trail and jog 15%, canter 5%.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(1
to
3
out of 5) Novice to Experienced
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
15 riders
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart.Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above except: 1. nationals of Estonia who do need a visa (please note that national. more
Bogotá area
Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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68
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68
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68
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67
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67
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66
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65
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66
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66
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67
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67
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67
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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43
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45
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47
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49
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49
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48
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47
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46
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46
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47
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47
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45
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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20
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20
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20
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20
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19
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19
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18
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19
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19
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19
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19
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20
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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6
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7
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8
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9
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9
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9
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8
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8
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8
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8
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8
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7
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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3
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6
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9
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11
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12
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9
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7
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7
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8
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11
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10
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7
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The average temperature is 26 °C, relative humidity is above 75%, rainy season is between April to November, and summer season or dry season is from December to March.
The climate is hot all year round with plenty of rainfall. The least amount of rainfall occurs in January. The average in this month is 42 mm. The greatest amount of precipitation occurs in October, with an average of 278 mm.
It’s recommended to wear comfortable clothes, long-sleeved shirts, long, fresh and easy to dry pants, hat, boots or shoes to tie, sunscreen and repellent that’s environmentally friendly, sunglasses and if you want equestrian gloves.
TO RIDE:
- Easy-drying seamless pants ideal for reducing skin chafing
- Long-sleeved shirts
- A set of clothes for the day and an extra set of clothes in case we would require an extra change
- Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
- Equestrian gloves if you use them
- Hat for windy conditions
PERSONAL CLOTHING:
- Waterproof jacket (in rainy season April-November)
- Comfortable T-shirts
- shirts
- Pants
- Shorts
- Underwear
- socks
- Pajamas
- Bag for dirty clothes
- runners or boots
- bathing suit
- bath shorts
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING:
- Personal items
- protection against insects and sunscreen that’s environmentally friendly
- personal medicines
- handkerchiefs
- camera
- Sunglasses with straps
- Canteen or thermos (if you have them): we count with water dispenser to fill them
- Small flashlight.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
This is a progressive ride where nights are spent in 5 different locations.
Description
All accommodations on this trip offer basic comfort and warm hospitality. Wi-Fi is only available while staying at hotels in Bogota and Yopal.
Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Holiday Inn Airport Hotel in Bogota
Night 2: Finca El Paraíso or Eco-hotel la Fortuna
Night 3: Hato Banco Largo
Night 4: Accommodation in Guariamena
Night 5 & 6: Holiday Inn or Hampton by Hilton in Yopal
Holiday Inn Airport Hotel in Bogota
This hotel, conveniently located just a few minutes away from the airport, offers modern rooms. All rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, satellite TV and a private bathroom.
Finca El Paraíso
This finca has a garden and an outdoor pool where guests can relax. It offers basic but comfortable accommodation in double occupancy room for groups of up to 8 people. All rooms have air conditioning and most rooms have shared bathrooms. Other amenities include a pool table, board games and table tennis facilities.
Eco-hotel la Fortuna
If there are more than 8 people, we will use this accommodation. This small hotel offers double or single occupancy room, all with private bathrooms.
Hato Banco Largo
This property is set in a beautiful natural environment. It offers simple accommodation in hammocks with mosquito nets and shared bathrooms and showers. At this accommodation, you will have the opportunity to share the Colombian cowboy (llanero) way of life with authentic llaneros.
Accommodation in Guariamena
The accommodation is very basic with external bathrooms and showers.
Holiday Inn Express in Yopal
This recent hotel offers comfortable ensuite rooms all fitted with a TV, air conditioning, a safe and a coffee machine. There is also a beautiful outdoor pool on the rooftop, offering views of the city.
Hampton by Hilton in Yopal
Rooms all come with air conditioning, a mini fridge, a safe and a private bathroom. There is a rooftop with great views over the mountains and the city.
Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory is we cannot find another rider to share.
Meals
All meals are included in the trip. The food is local Colombian cuisine. All meals are eaten at the accommodations.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.
This trip
can accommodate special dietary requests.
Tack:
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McClellan saddles known in the eastern Llanos as tortoises and some cowboy chairs produced in Colombian factories will be used and available
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Horses:
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Colombian Creole horses, some with quarter-mile crosses, all the horses are born and bred in the savannas of the Llanos, fed with the native pastures
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Pace:
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Based on the experience - Walking 80%, trail and jog 15%, canter 5%.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(1
to
3
out of 5) Novice to Experienced
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
15 riders
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Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above except:
1. nationals of Estonia who do need a visa (please note that nationals of Canada, Ireland, Malta and the USA are only permitted visa-free stays of up to three months);
2. US citizens travelling on diplomatic or official passports require a visa.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist: £27. Business and Tourist: Enquire at consulate (or consular section at embassy) for cost as it may vary with the exchange rate. US visas: $42.
Validity
Visas are usually for stays of up to three months, but check with the consulate, as this is dependent on nationality. Extensions for a further three months are possible; apply at the immigration office in Uruguay.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses.
Working Days Required 21.
Passport Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
Yes |
Visa Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
No/2 |
Other EU |
No/1 |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Casanare Trail Ride
Tour Code:
IT-COL04
7 days /
6 nights
Dates :
All year
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained A | Beginner | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | B | Novice
| Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | C | Intermediate
| Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
D | Strong Intermediate
| Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | E | Advanced
| All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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