Horseback Riding from Guadalupe to Monserrate Private Day-Tour

The best part of this Bogotá outing is the unusual route: you reach the famous Guadalupe and Monserrate hills on horseback, not simply by car, cable car, or city tour bus. The ride crosses mountain trails, forest, farms, and rough downhill sections, with wide views over the capital.

I like the private format and the chance to hear about Indigenous traditions, colonial religious life, and rural Colombia while moving through the hills. I also like that hotel transport, a horse handler, insurance, and the downhill ride from Monserrate are built into the day.

The main caution is that this is not a gentle pony ride. Trails can be steep, rocky, wet, and muddy, and Bogotá’s altitude can affect you. Food details also need care: the highlights mention breakfast and lunch, but the inclusions specifically say meals are not included, and one guest was left hungry when an expected snack did not appear.

Key points to know before you book

• This is a genuine mountain ride: Expect steep, rocky, and sometimes wet trails rather than a slow circuit in a fenced field.
• Guadalupe gives you the first big city views: The day begins above Bogotá, then follows trails toward Monserrate.
• The guides can make a major difference: Luis Vásquez, Diego, Francisco, and Marcela Tamayo are named in positive accounts, though a specific guide is not guaranteed.
• You do not need previous riding experience: Beginners can participate, but you still need to feel comfortable with uneven ground and a long day outdoors.
• Bring food money and confirm the meal plan: The written details conflict about breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
• Private touring adds value: Only your group takes part, so the pace and support can be more personal than on a large group excursion.

Why this route is more than a ride

Bogotá sits high in the Andes, and the Eastern Hills rise directly behind the city. Guadalupe and Monserrate are the two best-known peaks in this part of the hills, both tied to religious sites and long-standing local traditions.

You will see Bogotá from above, but the point is not only the view. The trail connects places that are usually visited separately. You begin at Guadalupe, ride through the hills, and finish at Monserrate, where the sanctuary, cathedral, viewpoints, and public activity give the day a strong sense of arrival.

I like this format because the distance between the two sites becomes part of the story. You are not just checking off two churches. You are moving through the rural edge of the capital and learning how the hills connect city life, farming, religion, and older Indigenous traditions.

The tour lasts about six hours. That is long enough to feel like an outing rather than a quick photo stop, but it also means you should plan for changing weather, limited comfort on the trail, and a fair amount of time in the saddle or on foot.

Starting at Guadalupe with Bogotá below

Hotel pickup begins the day. The driver heads south through the mountains toward Guadalupe, where you get the first clear views over Bogotá and visit the Santuario Virgen de Guadalupe.

The sanctuary is an important opening stop because it gives context to the religious character of the hills. It is also a practical place to get your bearings before the ride. From here, the route continues toward the trails linking Guadalupe with Monserrate.

The first part of the excursion includes roughly an hour at Guadalupe, with additional time in the Eastern Hills. Timing can shift because of weather, trail conditions, and your group’s riding pace. Since this is a private outing, you have a better chance of asking questions or taking a little extra time at a viewpoint than you would on a tightly packed group schedule.

Altitude deserves attention here. One rider needed time to adjust before continuing, and the guide waited patiently. If you are sensitive to high altitude, tell the guide as soon as you feel unwell. Do not treat the ride as a contest. The goal is to enjoy the route safely.

The horseback trail between two famous hills

The central ride is the reason to book this experience. The route takes about two and a half hours according to the inclusions, although the full itinerary gives roughly three hours for the Monserrate section and surrounding activities. In practical terms, you should expect a substantial ride, with some time spent getting to the horses and walking around key sites.

The early section may pass along country roads, farmland, pastures, and rural paths. The more demanding riding begins when the trail turns into the hills. Reports from the route describe steep downhill sections, rocky ground, forest, and even dry riverbed-style terrain.

That detail matters. You are not simply sitting on a horse while someone leads it around a flat park. The horses are described as sure-footed, but you still need to follow the handler’s instructions and pay attention to the ground.

One useful piece of advice is to trust the horse, but not blindly. The horse knows how to place its feet, while you need to keep your balance and listen to the guide. If you are uneasy on a steep section, you can walk for part of the route. That option makes the ride more manageable for beginners, though it will not turn the outing into an easy stroll.

I would wear clothes that can get dirty and sturdy waterproof boots or shoes. Mud and wet ground are possible, and the route may brush against rough vegetation or uneven stone. The exact weather can change quickly in the hills, so a waterproof outer layer is sensible.

What beginner riders should expect

Previous riding experience is not required, and the minimum age is 12. That makes the tour possible for families with older children and adults who have only ridden a few times.

Still, no previous experience does not mean no physical demands. You need to mount, sit on a horse for a long period, and handle the movement of a mountain trail. Some riders become comfortable quickly, while others may need the first section to settle in.

A good guide will introduce the horse, explain the basics, and watch how you manage. Luis Vásquez is praised for giving inexperienced riders time to adjust, explaining plants and wildlife, and stopping when altitude became a problem. Diego and Francisco are also noted for being attentive. These names suggest the company has guides who know how to support beginners, but you should not assume a particular guide will be assigned.

Experienced riders should not expect a boring beginner loop. One highly experienced rider described the route as more exciting than other rides taken in places including Iceland, Costa Rica, and the American Southwest. That is a strong sign that the terrain, rather than speed, creates the challenge.

You may find yourself riding slowly much of the time, especially on rocky or steep sections. The excitement comes from the setting and the footing, not from galloping.

Food: a detail you should clarify

Food information is the weakest part of this experience. The headline highlights say breakfast and lunch are included, while the inclusions list says breakfast and lunch are not included. A separate account describes stopping for empanadas and hot sugar cane tea, but another guest expected a snack and received nothing until reaching the top of Monserrate.

That is not a small issue on a six-hour excursion. Riding and walking at altitude can leave you hungry, and food vendors may not be available at the moment you need them.

I would contact the operator before departure and ask exactly what is included on your date. Unless you receive a clear answer, bring money and plan to buy food along the way. It is also wise to carry water and a small snack if permitted.

The stop by the road can be part of the local character of the day. Empanadas and sugar cane tea are more interesting than a standard packaged snack, but the food should be treated as uncertain until confirmed.

Arriving at Monserrate

After crossing the hills, you reach Monserrate, one of Bogotá’s best-known religious and viewing sites. The final approach brings you back into a more developed and popular setting after the quieter rural trail.

Here you can visit the cathedral, learn more about Colombia’s colonial religious traditions, and take in the city from the viewpoints. The tour also refers to a walk past important city sites such as Casa Museo Quinta de Bolívar. The exact order may vary, but this adds a historical stop to the mountain experience.

Monserrate can feel lively, especially on a Sunday, when local activity is in full swing. That energy contrasts nicely with the solitude of the trail. You may also find food stands and other purchases at the top, which is useful if the meal arrangement was not clear earlier.

The guide’s explanation is important here. The route is designed to connect religious colonialism with Indigenous and rural traditions, rather than presenting Monserrate as a single isolated church. Luis, in particular, is praised for giving a detailed explanation at Monserrate and for speaking very good English.

Returning by cable car or funicular

After the ride and the Monserrate visit, you descend to Bogotá by cable car or funicular. The specific method may depend on operating conditions and the arrangements for the day.

This is a smart ending. You get the mountain experience without riding horses all the way back through the same terrain, and the descent gives you another view of the city. It also limits the amount of time you spend on horseback, which matters for new riders.

Hotel drop-off is included, so you do not need to arrange your own transport at the end. Airport pickup is also possible for a Bogotá layover, provided you select the airport as your pickup point when booking. That makes the experience worth considering if you have enough time between flights, though you should allow room for traffic and any weather-related changes.

Private touring and the $116 price

At $116 per person, this tour is not the cheapest way to see Monserrate. You are paying for more than access to the hill. The price covers hotel pickup and return, a private group, horseback riding, an attendant for the horses, and all-risk insurance.

The value improves if you want a full half-day with transport and historical explanation. Hiring a car, arranging a separate ride, visiting Guadalupe, and reaching Monserrate independently can take more planning. The private format also gives you a better chance of receiving help when a rider is nervous, tired, or affected by altitude.

The price is less attractive if you only want a quick view of Bogotá from Monserrate. A standard Monserrate visit will be simpler and likely less demanding. This tour earns its cost through the unusual connection between the two hills and the trail itself.

Because the food details conflict, do not calculate the price on the assumption that meals are included. Confirm first, and budget for extra purchases at the top or along the route.

Weather, safety, and what to pack

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund. This is important because wet trails can become harder for both horses and riders.

The operator provides all-risk insurance and a horse handler. Most people can participate, and no previous riding experience is required. Even so, the rugged route calls for sensible preparation.

Bring:

• Waterproof shoes or boots with a firm sole
• Clothing that can get muddy
• A waterproof jacket
• Water and money for food or drinks
• A small bag that is easy to carry
• Sun protection for exposed viewpoints

The hills can be cloudy, cool, wet, or bright within the same outing. Your best clothing choice is practical rather than stylish. You may finish with dirty trousers, but that is part of the experience.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted, so watch the local cutoff time.

Who should book this ride?

I would choose this for you if you want outdoor adventure, local history, and a different way to see Bogotá. It suits couples, families with children aged 12 and older, and private groups that prefer personal attention.

It is especially good for riders who have some experience and want a more serious trail. Beginners can also enjoy it if they are willing to move slowly, accept help, and walk parts of the route when needed.

I would think twice if you dislike horses, have trouble with steep or uneven paths, or want a relaxed sightseeing day with very little exertion. Altitude can also be a concern. The route is rewarding, but it is not effortless.

Should you book the Guadalupe to Monserrate ride?

Book it if the idea of crossing Bogotá’s Eastern Hills on horseback excites you more than simply arriving at Monserrate. The combination of Guadalupe views, rural trails, forest, colonial religious history, and a cable car or funicular descent gives the day a clear sense of place.

Before paying, confirm the food arrangements and ask about current trail conditions. Then arrive ready for mud, altitude, and steep ground. With that preparation, this private ride offers a memorable alternative to Bogotá’s standard hilltop visit.

FAQ

How long does the horseback tour take?

The full experience lasts about six hours. The horseback portion is listed as approximately two and a half hours, while the itinerary allows additional time for Guadalupe, Monserrate, viewpoints, and related stops.

Is previous horseback riding experience required?

No. Previous experience is not required, and beginners can participate. The trail is still steep, rocky, and sometimes wet, so you should be comfortable with an active outdoor outing.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12 years.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

The information is inconsistent. The highlights mention breakfast and lunch, while the inclusions say they are not included. One account also describes a light food stop, while another says an expected snack was missing. Confirm the current arrangement before departure and bring money for food.

Does the tour include hotel transportation?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. If you are taking the tour during a Bogotá layover, you can select the airport as the pickup point.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.