Paso Fino gaits are pure magic. This private, guided day trip from Bogotá to El Rosal turns a horse-breeding visit into a clear, hands-on lesson on Colombian equines, from the ranch process to what you see on the track. You start with a welcoming cup of Colombian coffee, then move through the facility stations at Criadero Lusitania.

What I like most is the focus on seeing horses up close and learning how the breeding work connects to the horses’ movement. You’ll also get a traditional Colombian lunch, which makes this feel like a real ranch day instead of a quick stop-and-snap photo moment. The only thing to consider is timing, it is a full day with a long drive out of Bogotá and a return planned for 6:30 pm.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Private group experience with only your group taking part, so your questions do not get buried.
• Coffee welcome in El Rosal, plus a quick history and trajectory chat before you hit the ranch.
• Facility walk-through with designed stations, built to explain how the breeders work.
• Close-up Colombian Criollo gaits and track time, so you can connect the theory to movement.
• Traditional Colombian lunch included, which helps you stay comfortable during the day.

Bogotá to El Rosal: your coffee welcome and the ride that sets the pace

This tour is set up as a true day trip, and it starts with the practical part: getting from Bogotá to El Rosal, Cundinamarca. The drive is about 1 to 1.5 hours by car, with departures at 10:30 am or 11:00 am as agreed, depending on how your day is scheduled.

Before the ranch portion begins, you get a welcome with a cup of Colombian coffee. It is not just a polite start, it also sets a tone, you’ll have small talk about the local history and the ranch’s path, which gives you context for what you are about to see.

The best way to think about this first stretch is mental setup. When you arrive, you are not starting the horse lesson cold, you already have the story and the rhythm of the day, so the explanations on-site land better.

Inside Criadero Lusitania: facility stations and emblematic horses

Once you reach the ranch area, the experience shifts into a guided facility tour. You’ll be shown around the Criadero Lusitania property and the different stations designed to explain the process as Colombian horse breeders. This part matters because it gives you a framework, you are not only watching horses do things, you are learning how breeders think about outcomes.

You will also be able to see some of the ranch’s emblematic and famous horses. That is valuable because it helps you understand what the breeders aim for, and why certain traits matter when you watch gaits later.

The tone here comes from the way the ranch owners handle the day. The strongest feedback centers on them slowing down, explaining clearly, demonstrating, and answering questions in a personalized way. If you like interactive learning, this is the part that usually delivers.

What to watch for during the facility walk

You’ll get the most from this section if you treat it like a question-and-observation loop. As they explain the process, keep an eye out for what they connect to later, like how movement and handling fit into breeding goals. If something is unclear, ask. The entire structure of the tour is built to support back-and-forth questions.

Lunch at the ranch: refuel without losing the day’s momentum

After the first portion of the experience at the facility, you move into traditional Colombian lunch. Even though lunch can feel like a break in many tours, here it works as a bridge between the breeding-process lesson and the horse action on the track.

For value, this is a smart inclusion. You are paying $170 per person, and this lunch helps turn that into a full day experience rather than a series of separated, add-on costs. It also means you can keep your energy steady for the later segment when you’ll be watching gaits closely.

One practical consideration: plan to eat at a comfortable pace. You will likely want to head into the second half alert enough to notice details in movement, and a calm lunch helps you do that.

Close-up Colombian Criollo gaits and genetics on the track

The second part is where the day earns its name. This is your time to get to know the Colombian Criollo horse up close and learn about its different gaits. You also cover genetics in a way that connects the breeding background from earlier to what you’re actually seeing in the horses.

This section is designed around direct observation. Instead of only hearing facts, you’ll watch several horses on the track. That matters because gaits make more sense when you can see the rhythm, the footwork, and the way a horse moves in real time.

If you’re interested in horses beyond casual riding, this segment is the core payoff. It is where the tour stops being just a ranch visit and becomes a focused lesson you can take home with you, even if you don’t consider yourself an expert.

How to make the most of the gait explanations

When they talk about gaits and genetics, you’ll get better value by asking for small, clear comparisons. For example, ask what you should notice in movement and how the differences show up on the track. You will leave with a sharper mental picture, not just a list of terms.

Timing, pacing, and what a 6-hour day actually feels like

The tour is listed at about 6 hours, with return to Bogotá planned for 6:30 pm. The start time is 9:00 am, but the actual departure toward El Rosal is at 10:30 am or 11:00 am as agreed, so you may have a little waiting time between meeting and driving depending on your schedule.

For most people, the pacing works best if you treat the day as one block. This is not a drop-in experience you can fit around other plans in Bogotá, because you’ll be out in El Rosal for both learning phases and lunch.

You are also in a private tour/activity, meaning your group stays together and you do not share the experience with other parties. That can make the day feel less rushed and more responsive to your questions, especially during the interactive parts.

Price and value: is $170 per person worth it?

At $170.00 per person for a private guided experience in El Rosal, value depends on what you want from it. If you simply want a short look at horses, this might feel expensive compared to basic farm visits. But if you want explanations, time for questions, and a structured learning path, the price starts to make sense quickly.

Here’s what you are getting for that cost, based on the day’s structure:

• Private, guided time from Bogotá to El Rosal by car
• Welcome coffee and ranch small talk
• Facility tour with designed stations explaining the breeding process
• Traditional Colombian lunch
• Second half focused on close-up Colombian Criollo gaits, genetics, and track viewing
• Admission ticket is listed as free

In other words, the pricing is built around a full, guided ranch day with multiple learning moments, not just access to a stable. For families or couples who like guided structure, it can be money well spent. For solo travelers who prefer self-paced exploring, you might compare against less structured options, but you’ll likely pay more for this level of guided, personalized time.

One more note for planning: the tour is often booked around 18 days in advance on average. If you travel during peak times, booking early helps you secure the slot you want.

Who should book this Paso Fino and Criollo horse experience?

I’d book this tour if you like horses and want a guided, interactive learning day. You’ll get the most if you enjoy questions, demonstrations, and the chance to observe several horses on the track while explanations connect back to breeding and genetics.

It also fits well if you’re visiting Bogotá and want a break from city time. The ranch trip gives you a grounded, real-world experience tied to Colombian equine culture, and it is designed as a full itinerary, not a quick photo stop.

If you’re tight on time, or you prefer short outings in the morning only, consider that this is scheduled as a day trip with a late return to Bogotá. Also, since the experience involves a ranch environment and track observation, you should be comfortable being outdoors and moving at a ranch pace.

On the plus side, service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation. The listing also says most travelers can participate, so it is not framed as an extreme activity.

Should you book the Criadero Lusitania guided horse tour?

If you want a guided day that connects breeding, horses, and movement, this is an easy yes. The standout theme is the way the ranch owners run the visit, they take time, explain clearly, demonstrate, and answer questions in a personalized way. Add coffee welcome, a traditional Colombian lunch, and a track-focused second half, and you get a coherent experience for the money.

I would only pass if you’re looking for something very short, or if you dislike structured learning and prefer to wander on your own. For a Bogotá stay, this tour gives you a meaningful horse-focused day that is both educational and hands-on.

FAQ

Where does this tour take place?

The tour is in Bogotá, Colombia, and the horse experience happens in El Rosal, Cundinamarca.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 6 hours, with the return to Bogotá planned for 6:30 pm.

When do we leave Bogotá for El Rosal?

The departure is at 10:30 am or 11:00 am as agreed, and the drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What is included during the day?

You’ll have a coffee welcome, a guided tour of the facility with stations about the breeding process, traditional Colombian lunch, and the second part focused on Colombian Criollo horses, including gaits, genetics, and horses on the track.

Is there an admission ticket cost?

The admission ticket is listed as free.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded. Cancellation and cutoff times are based on the experience’s local time.