Reviews

E.L., Ottawa, Canada – El Sisga-Cucunuba-El Sisga ride, March 2024

“I really enjoyed the conversations I had with Julio – who speaks near perfect english –  it was nice to cover a wide range of topics, including topics other than horses/riding”

K.D., Glendale, U.S.A. – Exploratory ride (Invitational), Oiba – Villa de Leyva, july 2023

“The work you put into these rides is really amazing, there is a lot of back ground work, logistic’s and the element of ???? Thank you for inviting me on this tour.  Your horses beat out most of the other horses I have ridden.  The culture of horses is still evident in Colombia and Thank you for that!”

(Kay did also the Barichara ride in december 2018, the Casanare ride in december 2019, the Villa de Leyva ride in september 2021, this was her 4th ride with us!!)

L.B., Berlin, Germany – Casanare ride, june 2023

“Thank you for the perfeKt organization.  It was a great time with you and we hope to see you again!”

M.D., San Rafael, C.A., U.S.A. - Villa de Leyva ride, february 2023

“Your horses are fabulous, everything excellent.  The ride was magnificent. As discussed, maybe promote to the Endurance community worldwide.”

(Melanie did also the Barichara ride in august 2022)

J.K., New York, N.Y. Casanare ride, january 2023

“Challenged myself to the next level” 

“This trail is NOT for weak riders. It requires endurance and generally good cardio fitness.”
“If you are a seasoned traveler who is not going to complain about every single thing you are used to in your first world country then this trail will open up your eyes and you will remember this experience forever.”

J.N., Cayucos, CA., U.S.A., Barichara ride, august 2022

“The ride was an absolutely fabulous adventure! I can’t wait to come back and do another ! The only suggestion I would make, after reviewing my pictures, is to slow the pace slightly on the days we arrived at hotels before 5 pm. While it was nice to have several hours before 7 pm dinner to relax, I think i would have preferred a slightly slower pace to take more pictures and arrive at the hotel an hour or so later, instead of earlier. I do understand that it takes several hours for the guides to take care of the horses AFTER we’ve arrived so i’m sure this is a factor as well.”

“Thank you! Such a wonderful life changing experience. I am very grateful to you, the horses and Colombia ❤️”

A.V., Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA – Barichara Ride, march, 2022

“I didn’t know what to expect as far as hotels went, as I wasn’t sure if my North American ideas would translate to Colombinan food and hotels. I’m pretty open and happy to experience anything, and the trip was fabulous. The level of service is absolutely outstanding, I’ve never experienced that in my life. The ride is challenging, and I think that you are brave to take people you don’t know out there!

 I wasn’t expecting all of the long stops at lunch, but I liked it. Gave me time to relax and enjoy where I was each day. I liked the pace of the ride, where I had time to walk and think about life at times, and enjoy the wind in my face at other times while cantering. It was nice to be able to ride a few different horses, and see all of their different personalities. Booking this ride is the best decision I’ve probably ever made.”

 

D.W., Cincinatti, Ohio, U.S.A. - Barichara Ride, extended version – private-, february 2021

“It really was one of the best organized and most diverse trips I have taken, with a lot of attention to detail and safety.  It was special to go where few people have gone in a long time”

(Dan did 4 more long private rides in different regions of Colombia right after ours)

M.L.C., Bogotá, COLOMBIA - Travesía El Sisga – Cucunubá – El Sisga, diciembre de 2020

“LO ENCONTRADO SUPERÓ LO INFORMADO CON ANTERIORIDAD DE FORMA MUY POSITIVA. LA INFORMACION GENERAL Y PARTICULAR SOBRE LOS CABALLOS, RUTAS, DESCANSOS, HORARIOS, COMIDA, ALOJAMIENTO, ETC, FUE PRECISA Y OPORTUNA.”

 “LA ORGANIZACIÓN GENERAL DE LA TRAVESIA FUE IMPECABLE. EL CUIDADO EN LOS DETALLES Y ATENCION TANTO A JINETES COMO A LOS CABALLOS ES EVIDENTE Y MUY AGRADABLE HACIENDO DE LA EXPERIENCIA ALGO INCOMPARABLE. REALMENTE ME SIENTO MUY COMPLACIDA Y CON SEGURIDAD SERAN LA PRIMERA OPCIÓN PARA FUTURAS TRAVESÍAS”

D.W., Leer, GERMANY – Casanare ride, december 2019

“He gozado muchísimo de nuestra cabalgata. Otra vez muchas gracias por tu hospitalidad y las conversaciones interesantes. Si tengo tiempo y la oportunidad, voy a volver a tomar parte en una de tus otras cabalgatas.”

K.D., Glendale, U.S.A. – Casanare ride, december 2019

“Challenge Was extreme!! Great nature. Having the musical people was Special – Such Exclusiveness. Got to see a different area of Colomiba what I was never exposed to. Yopal was HOT!.. I’ve never experienced such heat where you sweat, just being outdoors standing there. The Hato was a great experience also. The people were nice and the place huge. I’ve never seen an operation that big before in my life. The other farm houses where ate and slept were good, you see the country life and really appreciate the hard work they do. I came back from Colombia and reflexed back the such hardworking caring people.”

“Great tour- Keep me posted of other exploratory ride.”

(Kay did also the Barichara ride in 2018)

E.M. – N.Y., U.S.A. – Barichara ride, june, 2018

“I felt very well  prepared for the ride by the information provided before.”

 The trip was amazing! I had the best time! The horses were incredible, the route we took was beautiful and the pace of the ride was perfect. Julio was a great host and all of our guides were fantastic! Thank you!”

A.W. - Cleobury Mortiner, UNITED KINGDOM - Barichara ride, june 2017

“I’ve had great fun on the Barichara Ride.  There have been long days of riding, there has been plenty of sunshine and a bit of rain. I’ve seen beautiful towns, pretty architecture and bustling rural villages. We’ve ridden through coffee plantations and beside sugar cane fields, we’ve crossed rivers and climbed mountains. But what will stay with me is the hard-working, enthusiastic horses and the energy and friendliness of the people we’ve met along the way. This isn’t a luxury riding holiday where you are shielded from the reality of the country you are visiting; on this ride you get to see, smell, hear and experience the real Colombia along the way.”

M.D. Jackobstowe, UNITED KINGDOM – Barichara ride, october 2017

“The anglo-arab horses were fit and willing, there were amazing ascents and desecents everyday- huge valleys and fantastic scenery. Julio, our guide was outstanding.”

S.K. Toronto, Canada – Suesca Lake – Cucunubá – El Sisga ride, december 2023

“Thank you Julio! The ride was perfect!  I didn’t really know what to expect to be honest, and after a mixed ride with another supplier in Colombia I was extremely impressed! “

T.P. London, U.K. – Barichara ride, november 2023

“I echo Giselle’s thanks. I had the most amazing time and you looked after us so well. Will never forget!! Xx”

G.D.S London, U.K. – Barichara ride, november 2023

“Absolutely superb. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful and considerate host . Giselle 🏇🏾🙂”

L.K., Berlin, Germany – Casanare ride, june 2023

“Thanks again for everything it was a very amazing and adventurous week!”

O.D. and L.D. , Paris, France, Villa de Leyva ride, february 2023

“We had a great time and would ride again with Julio and his team with great pleasure.   We struggled to find any room for improvement!”

R.H., T.H., London, UNITED KINGDOM - Hidden Barichara, june, 2022

“All days very different and we enjoyed all of them in different ways. 2nd day was the most technically challenging which I like.

We really enjoyed the trip!”

A.P., Dijon, FRANCE, Barichara ride, august 2022

“Sorry it’s difficult to full this in english….but this horse trip is th best i did in my life….my horses were perfect ,the guide too,the landscape too..thank you Julio but also wilson and rubiel!”

M.D., San Rafael, C.A., U.S.A. - Barichara ride, august 2022

“Jullio, you are a wonderful guide and Wilson and Rubiel are great additions to the team. It’s so fun to find an organization that cares about their horses so much, and that the horses were in such good shape. Love the endurance type pace of the ride too. I will definitely be back.”

T.H. London, UNITED KINGDOM - Villa de Leyva ride, december 2021

“The trip was excellent and Julio and team are very professional. Horses were the best I’ve ridden I think. One horse I rode twice had won a national endurance race -120 km- in 2016 and another came 4th. I would highly recommend it”

S.L., Remscheid, GERMANY – Barichara ride, november 2019

“Great horses, all three (Palmyra, Sahara, Erasmus).  Forward going, responsive, sensitive, just what I like.”

 “I found that the trip exceeded my expectations. Rafting and the ants meal were not mentioned in the programme. Good idea to set up a WhatsApp Group before the ride.  Keep it up! It was a fantastic tour!”

D.R., Voerde, GERMANY – Barichara ride, november 2019

“My most challenging trail by now – will be hard to top that.  It was an overall perfect and highly satisfying experience! Thank you very much!!!”

A.W., Leicester, UNITED KINGDOM - Barichara Ride, September 2019

“Exceptional riding holiday. Horses brilliant which is important and accommodation great. Would rather have spent more time in Barichara than Bogota at the end of the trail though! Definitely for fit, good riders though as I was struggling a little towards the end with sore knees. Otherwise thoroughly enjoyed it!”

“Thank you again for all of you help and wonderful company this week. We have throughly enjoyed ourselves and will definitely recommend the ride to anyone that will listen to me!”

J.F. - Seinäjoki, FINLAND - Casanare ride, march, 2019

“Thought it would be a little bit faster trail, now it was mainly walking and ocasional trotting.  Julio and staff extremely helpful and attentive.  Only positive things to say.  Horses also lovely and easy to ride.  Food was very good but almost always the same.  Eating at local´s homes was very interesting though, keep that!” 

G.P. – Toronto, CANADA - Casanare ride, march 2019

“I enjoyed the ride, and the company a lot.”

(Gary did also the Barichara ride in 2018)

K.D. – Glendale, U.S.A. - Barichara ride, november, 2018

“The horses were fantastic, they got along with each other and the matching up of the horses with the riders were fine.  Training of the horses exceptional.  The leather reigns where smooth to the touch and supple, I noticed this the first time.  Good care of the tack.  Guides were great attentive, you gave a recommendation for me to turn my foot in the surups inward and it worked.  Thank you, upbeat and positive attitude and willing to think ahead for plan B, such as when it rained.”

“What an excellent experience.  I will come back for exploratory rides or if you offer the Casanane route.  Also the swimming pools at stops were great to strech your muscules.” 

M.S. - Stafford, UNITED KINGDOM – Barichara ride, june, 2018

“Colombia´s previous reputation is not deserved now and is a very friendly and non touristy destination.  This ride is very well organised with a lot of variable terrains and extras included.”

“ Everything done was to make sure I had a good time.  Julio is more than a guide, he is an excellent host determinbed that you have a good holiday”

B.M., Toronto, Canada – Suesca Lake – Cucunubá – El Sisga ride, december 2023

“Thank you for a couple of great memorable days.  Your country is beautiful, and your professionalism exceeded my expectations.”

M.D., San Rafael, C.A., U.S.A. - Exploratory ride (Invitational), Oiba – Villa de Leyva, july 2023

“I think this is the easiest, more diverse, most beautiful of your rides (so far!)”

(Melanie did also the Barichara ride in august 2022 and The Villa de Leyva ride in february 2023, this was her third ride in a year with us!!)

G.P. – Toronto, CANADA - Villa de Leyva ride, february 2023

“Julio, Thanks again. I admire your reselience. Your second fall was frightening, but you continued as nothing happenned.”

(Gary did also the Barichara ride in 2018 and the Casanare ride in 2019 with us)

S.A., Berlin, GERMANY - Barichara Ride, october 2022

“it was my first riding trail so I had no expectations. But now I fell in love with exploring a country on horseback, you did a great job! keep on working! I wish every horse lover an experience like the one I had with you and your horses”

M.L.C, Bogotá, Colombia – Villa de Leyva ride, september 2021

“REALMENTE SATISFECHA Y CONTENTA DE HABER TENIDO ESTA EXPERIENCIA. FELICITACIONES POR  LOS EXCELENTES CABALLOS Y EL CUIDADO Y DEDICACION CON QUE LOS TIENEN. LAS RUTAS INMEJORABLES, BUEN GRADO DE DIFICULTAD SIN PERDER DE VISTA LA SEGURIDAD. MUY VARIADAS Y PAISAJES ESPECTACULARES. LOS HOSPEDAJES INMEJORABLES!”

(Marta Lucía hizo también la travesía El Sisga-Cucunubá -El Sisga en diciembre 2020)

K.D., Glendale, U.S.A. – Villa de Leyva ride, september 2021

“THis is a great ride, everyday different. Like the stay in the 400 house, as it was old and orginal, Took a hot shower by candle light. 1st night stay at lake was good start, Quite and slept well. 2nd night fine, 3rd night monestary fine The nights at Rapheal place nice also. It was nice meeting them, the whole expericence was so cool, Eating in their hotel was like we had a private party and the pizza really was great. Whole trip was well executed. Recommend as traffice heavy on the last day going into Bogata, Time it a little earlier to beat the traffic. It was odd it was a Friday afternoon byt here was traffic going into bogata. Great Trip.”

(Kay did also the Barichara ride in 2018 and the Casanare ride in december 2019)

K.R., Los Angeles, U.S.A. - Barichara Ride, September 2019

“An adventurous ride in a little-travelled area of the world. The horses were all very fit and well cared for. The terrain was hilly, if not mountainous, with a few very steep sections that were easily handled by the horses. We did a fair amount of trotting and cantering up and down hills. Overall the pace of the riding met my expectations as described.”

“Our guide Julio is a treasure. I have been on many, many rides, and he stands out as one of the best.  He really wanted us to have a great time and he did his best to ensure we did.  He is safety conscious but still lead a fast-paced ride that allowed us to use our riding skills.”

“The countryside and scenery was great and I really felt we were seeing “authentic” Colombia.

S.G, London, UNITED KINGDOM - Barichara ride, september 2019

“Beautiful country and lovely, willing horses. Colombia is a beautiful country and this is a great opportunity to see the ‘real’ countryside away from the tourist trail. The horses were lovely and clearly well loved and cared for. The riding was fun and fast but there are one or two days with a lot of roadwork and one day that was very strenuous for the horses. During the week I rode two horses and enjoyed both of them very much. The scenery really was incredible.”

J.A. Leicester, UNITED KINGDOM - Barichara Ride, September 2019

“Hardcore riding with spectacular views. The riding was challenging, with some very long days in the saddle and some tough terrain. However, the horses were amazing, strong and resilient. Spare horses travel loose at times, which can lead to some issues but are essential for keeping them all fit.”

“Was prepared for bed and breakfast style accommodation, and pleasantly surprised with the actual rooms! Barichara in particular a massive highlight. “

P.C. - Saumur, FRANCE - Casanare ride, september, 2018

“Really good experience with great memories (With the locals and the team).  Thank you very much!”  

G.P. – Toronto, CANADA - Barichara ride, february 2018

“I had an outstanding ride.  Everything was perfect”