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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Colombia
Intro to Colombia
Andean Orinoquia
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Ecuador
Peru
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Orinoquia Natural Reserve Ride
Orinoquia
Colombia
In this tour we will ride through the natural reserves of the Orinoquia.
Hato La Aurora is a Natural Reserve of the Civil Society (RNSC - Reservas Naturales de la Sociedad Civil) of 17,000 hectares, in which 16,000 are currently Important Area for the Conservation of Birds (AICA - Área Importante para la Conservación de las Aves). The trip time to the hato is about 5 hours starting from Yopal to Totumo - Paz de Ariporo over 180 km by land. Altitude of 320 meters above sea level.
Safari Ride Center-based 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-Yopál, Activities as desribed in the itinerary, 5 riding days & Personal accident insurance, during the stay
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
2021
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Small group supplement (2-3 pax only), pp
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$625
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2021
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Small group supplement (1 pax only)
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$1,225
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2021
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Single supplement
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$300
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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 |
2021
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01/01
- 12/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP
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4
/15
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Reserve
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Sold Out Dates (as of 5/17/21): Dec 22 2021 to Jan 2 2022
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Rates do not include:
Gratuities
Sample itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
Transfer from El Dorado airport to Hotel in Bogotá.
Overnight at Hotel in Bogotá
Day 2: Fundo Cascabel Ride
Transfer from your hotel to the airport for the flight from Bogota to Yopal in the morning, then transfer to the hato la Aurora. Welcome at the hato, general orientation about lodging, activities, and meet the horses. Once comfortable after lunch, we will ride to the Fundo (typical house in the hato inhabited by the people that takes care of the natural reserve) Cascabel to admire the Llanero sunset, then we return to the hotel and tour through the facilities, and finally, dinner.
Riding 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Juan Solito
Day 3: Wildlife Ride
After breakfast we will cross the Ariporo river in slabs with the horses to start the great adventure through the savannas of Casanareñas full of native fauna. Then, we will go to the estuary of the babillas (Caiman crocodilus) and feed them!
We will have a typical lunch in this location to continue to the Lagoon of the Capibaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) where we will see hundreds of them. We will go through the burrows of the Morrucos o mochuelos (Athene cunicularia) to continue the green water fundo where we will sleep similar to the llanera style in hammocks with a mosquito net.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Fundo
Day 4: Nature Ride
We will have breakfast then we will take “the jaguar road”, if we are lucky we will see some of the traces or footprints of the jaguars and pumas, then we will go to the main house of the hato that was inhabited by the Jesuits many years ago at the time of the colonization. This reserve promotes the conservation and research of these felines in agreements with the Pantera Foundation.
Here we get to admire herd of deer (Odocoileus virginianus), large herd of chigüiros (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), and buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). In the corrals we will see how the horses work there and their modalities of lasso to the llanera way. At the end of the day we will get to sleep at Juan solito the Ecolodge after hearing some harp tunes, songs, and local performances. Dinner at the Ecolodge.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Juan Solito
Day 5: Caño el Indio Ride
On this day we will go looking for the trace of the anacondas (Eunectes murinus) in another area of the reserve. We will go to the “Caño el Indio” where we will also fish.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Juan Solito
Day 6: Last Ride
First breakfast then we will ride this day through the forests of native plants and orchids. We will say goodbye to the horses and go sailing through the majestic Ariporo River to the Caño del Indio. Lunch and then departure to Yopal. Dinner and overnight in Yopal.
Riding 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Yopal
Day 7: Departure
Today after breakfast we'll visit and watch Colombian paso fino horses on the track and rope, lunch and visit the area of the Creole saddlers of the city of Yopal, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport. Return to Bogota at the end of the afternoon.
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 |
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Level:
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(1
to
3
out of 5) Beginner 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
Bogota has a tropical rainforest climate, which means there is no dry season - all months have mean precipitation values of at least 60 mm (2.36 in). Tropical rainforest climates have no pronounced summer or winter; it is typically hot and wet throughout the year and rainfall is frequent. One day in an equatorial climate can be very similar to the next, while the change in temperature between day and night may be larger than the average change in temperature between "summer" and "winter".
The climate in Honda is hot all year round (25-35 °C), with plenty of rainfall. The temperatures are highest on average in August and lowest on average in October.
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.
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
- socks
- Pajamas
- Bag for dirty clothes
- 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.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
This is a progressive ride where nights are spent in 3 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: Hotel in Bogota
Nights 2, 3, 4 & 5: Hato la Aurora (3 nights at Ecolodge and 1 night in a fundo)
Night 6: Hotel 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.
Eco Lodge Juan Solito
During your stay here, you will be surrounded by nature while enjoying basic comfort and privacy. This accommodation overlook the Ariporo River and offers to sleep in a private palm tree cabin with its own bathroom. There are also some rooms located in the main building, all with private bathrooms as well. All rooms are equipped with light and a fan. The architecture follows the traditional style of the region with high ceilings. There is no Wi-Fi available at this property.
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
includes some wine with dinner
and
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%.
|
Walk |
Trot |
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Level:
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(1
to
3
out of 5) Beginner 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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Orinoquia Natural Reserve Ride
Tour Code:
IT-COL03
7 days /
6 nights
Dates :
All year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained A | Beginner ![](/_templateresources/images/horse_icons/horse_1.0.gif) | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | B | Novice
![](/_templateresources/images/horse_icons/horse_2.0.gif) | 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
![](/_templateresources/images/horse_icons/horse_3.0.gif) | 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
![](/_templateresources/images/horse_icons/horse_4.0.gif) | 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
![](/_templateresources/images/horse_icons/horse_5.0.gif) | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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