Colombia Beyond Trail

On arrival at Bucaramanga Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to the beautiful colonial town of Barichara, approximately three hours away. After settling into your accommodation and enjoying a welcome lunch, you’ll meet your horses and guides before heading out on a relaxed introductory ride through the surrounding countryside. This is a great opportunity to get comfortable in the saddle and take in your first taste of rural Colombia before returning for dinner and your first night in Barichara.

After breakfast, you’ll set off on horseback along ancient stone trails and quiet country roads, riding through rolling farmland and spectacular canyon scenery. Your destination is the charming colonial village of Cabrera, where you’ll stop for lunch and have time to explore before riding back to Barichara in the afternoon. Spend the evening relaxing at your accommodation before dinner.

Today’s ride explores more of the beautiful landscapes surrounding Barichara, following scenic mountain trails, peaceful rural paths and traditional farming communities. Lunch is enjoyed along the route before returning to town in the afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to relax by the pool or wander the cobbled streets of one of Colombia’s most picturesque colonial towns.

After breakfast, a short transfer takes you to nearby Villanueva, where you’ll begin another full day in the saddle. Ride through the rolling hills and remote countryside of the Santander region, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way before returning to Barichara in the late afternoon. This evening, gather with your fellow riders for a farewell dinner before tomorrow’s journey north. 

After an early breakfast, you’ll transfer back to Bucaramanga Airport for your domestic flight to Santa Marta on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. On arrival, the afternoon is yours to unwind by the beach or hotel pool, or simply soak up the relaxed coastal atmosphere before your wilderness expedition begins the following morning.

Your expedition begins with an early transfer to the trailhead, where you’ll meet your mules and organise your equipment before setting off into the spectacular Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Ride deep into the mountains, following remote trails through breathtaking scenery that can only be reached on horseback. After lunch en route, you’ll arrive at Palacio de las Nubes, your rustic mountain accommodation for the night. 

Today is a full day in the saddle as you journey further into the Sierra Nevada, riding along remote mountain trails and through indigenous Kogui territory. The scenery becomes increasingly wild and untouched as you pass isolated villages and cross crystal-clear rivers. After arriving at your mountain cabin, there’ll be time for a refreshing swim before enjoying dinner and another night immersed in nature. 

Your final day on horseback takes you through more spectacular jungle and mountain scenery as you continue towards Guachaca. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the traditions and way of life of the Kogui people before enjoying a picnic lunch in the wilderness. On reaching the end of the trail, you’ll transfer back to Santa Marta, bringing an unforgettable journey through two very different sides of Colombia to a close.