Colibri Trail

Coffee Zone Colombia: (IT-COL15)
URL: https://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/colombia_coffee_trails.aspx

Introduction
Coffee Zone Colombia
This spectacular 3-day horseback adventure takes you to some of the most beautiful spots in the department of Risaralda.

You will ride from the “green capital of Colombia” – Marsella, and up into the Colombian Andes, an area rich in wildlife. Pass coffee farms and endless breathtaking views and enjoy nights around camp fires, under starlit skies.

The trail covers over 50 miles in 3 days, during which you will be immersed in Colombian culture. You’ll experience the exhilaration and freedom of riding in these awe inspiring mountains.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights are spent in different locations. 

Description
Throughout your trip, you’ll stay in a combination of comfortable farm houses or haciendas all carefully selected.

Most rooms have their own bathrooms though you may be asked to share bathrooms on one or two nights. 

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hacienda near Marsella
Night 2: Coffee Farm


Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory is we cannot find another rider to share.


Meals
All meals are included in the trip.

Meals feature a good mix of traditional and international food.
Lunch is generally picnic style although we do have a couple of stops where we pass small "restaurants" where the horses can also accompany us. 

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Horses
We have over the years built a team of horses that we are extremely proud of. Each one of our horse brings something different. We have horses to suit all riding abilities and tastes.
Here at the ranch, we have a mixture of Appaloosas, Colombian Criollo, Quarter horses, Paso Fino and Andalusian horses. All have been trained to respond to English and Western riding styles and each has their own custom-made saddle ensuring they and you are comfortable throughout your trip.

Riding Pace & Experience
The pace varies with the terrain and altitude but overall is moderate to slow. There will be some good chances to canter along wide dirt tracks but there are some steep climbs, and you are often riding on narrow winding paths or where the vegetation is thick, and the pace must be slow. The horses are sensible, calm and responsive but you are expected to be a competent rider, secure and well balanced in the saddle at a walk, trot and canter, and with experience riding over different types of terrain. You should also be comfortable getting on and off and handling a horse from the ground.

Insurance
All riders MUST have private travel insurance and a copy of this must be sent prior to your arrival. Insurance must include cover for horse riding activities and cover for medical expenses and repatriation costs should you become too ill to continue your trip. We reserve the right to cancel your tour if we are not satisfied that you have adequate insurance in place prior to departure.

Itinerary

Sample itinerary - subject to changes

This ride is suitable for those who are confident cantering and have a sense of adventure. Our trails have been created using the knowledge of local guides to take you to the most unspoilt and untrodden parts.
All luggage will be transported between overnight stops for you.


Day 1: Marsella - Green Capital of Colombia
Your riding adventure starts in the picturesque town of Marsella. We will meet for coffee in the historic town centre before heading out on trail as we circle the Green Capital of Colombia. Enjoy your first taste of true trail riding, before arriving at your first night’s accommodation, a charming traditional hacienda.
Overnight at Hacienda near Marsella

Day 2: Northern tip of Risaralda
Your horse will be groomed and tacked up for you, but feel free to join in and help. We’ll be out on trails all day, making our way to the most northern tip of Risaralda. Take in the endless views as you climb your way through the Andes. Tonight, we arrive at a traditional coffee farm with over 200 years of production history. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Coffee Farm


Day 3: Ride back to Marsella
Today we make our way back to Marsella. This is a full day’s ride through an area steeped in history, once home to the Quimbaya. You’ll see petroglyphs dating back thousands of years. This area due to its protected status is renowned for its abundant birdlife.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch


Rates and Dates for Colibri Trail

Rates include:

Accommodation, All meals, Transfers to/from Pereira & Riding as described in itinerary

Packages and Options



  • SeasonYearDescription US$
    A
    20243 day trip$920

* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy

Transfer and Other Charges:



 Description
2024 Transfers from/to Pereira included
2024 Non-Riders welcome - please inquire for rates

Season Seasons  Min / MaxReserve
A 2024 01/01 - 12/31 3d / 2n 3 day trip 4 /6 Reserve

Dates Note:

Rates do not include:

Gratuities

Other Info
Meeting: Marsella
Airport: MatecaƱa International Airport in Pereira
Transfer: Pereira

Climate:
                                                Pereira area


Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average High Temperature (°F)

80

80

80

79

78

78

79

80

79

78

78

78

Average Low Temperature (°F)

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

Average High Temperature (°C)

27

27

27

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

25

26

Average Low Temperature (°C)

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

Average Precipitation (days of rain)

9

9

12

14

14

13

10

10

12

15

16

12

Source: NOAA


Seasons

The weather in Colombia only has two seasons: a dry season (from December to January and July to August) and a cloudy season (from April to May and October to November), when usually it’s sunny in the morning and cloudy/rainy in the afternoon.

What To Bring:
We recommend bringing the following items.

To ride:
  • Comfortable trousers or jodhpurs
  • Lightweight long sleeved shirt, t-shirt and warmer layer for higher altitudes
  • Boots – waterproof walking boots that have a heel and good grip on the sole
  • Waterproof jacket – lightweight but good quality. These are stowed in your saddle bags when not needed
  • Waterproof trousers – lightweight but good quality. These are stowed in your saddle bags when not needed
  • Half or full chaps depending on personal preference. Comfort is key! These are essential to prevent your legs from being rubbed by the stirrup leathers
  • Riding hat – you must arrive with your own hat that is comfortable for you to wear all day. We are unable to provide these, so it’s essential you bring your own
  • 2 x re-usable water bottles, dimensions no bigger than 10 inches tall and 3 inches wide. We recommend Stanley go bottle 24oz
  • Waterproof pouch for your mobile phone/camera
  • Sun block
Traditional riding boots with a smooth sole / no grip or tread, inflatable air jackets and fashion/non-waterproof jackets are not suited for this riding tour!


You will need to pack spare clothes and footwear for the evenings and your wash kit. Towels are provided at all overnight accommodation.
Comfortable evening clothing should include warmer layers for evenings.

We also recommend packing the following items:
  • Swimwear
  • Insect repellent
  • Binoculars for avid birdwatchers
  • Head lamp
  • Chargers and plug adapters