Reviewed · HORSEBACK RIDING TOURS

Full-Day Zipline, ATV and Horseback Riding Private Adventure from Medellín

★ 5.0 · 33 reviews 10 hours (approx.) From $360 Operated by Medellin City Services · Bookable on Viator
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Medellín’s hills make a fine playground, and this private 10-hour outing lets you see them from three very different angles: the seat of an ATV, the back of a horse, and a zipline high above the trees. It is an easy way to combine countryside, fresh air, and a full day of activity without arranging separate transport.

I like the door-to-door service, which matters when the day starts at 6:30 a.m., and I like the chance to go beyond paved roads near Rionegro. Guides such as David, Luis, Juan, and Steven have been praised for their warmth, English, and care with first-time participants.

The tradeoff is time in the car. You will spend much of the day moving between Medellín, Rionegro, the riding area, and Arví. The zipline portion may also feel brief for the price, and the walk to it can be tiring.

Key points to know before booking

Full-Day Zipline, ATV and Horseback Riding Private Adventure from Medellín - Key points to know before booking

  • Three activities in one day: ATV riding, horseback riding, and ziplining are arranged as one private experience.
  • A 300-meter zipline: The course at Arví Natural Reserve reaches a maximum height of about 984 feet.
  • Private transport from your hotel: You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with your own group and driver-guide.
  • A long day with real physical effort: ATV riding, horseback riding, and walking to the zipline require energy and secure shoes.
  • Lunch is separate: Stop for traditional Colombian food at a local restaurant, but pay for your own meal and drinks.
  • Strict cancellation terms: The booking is normally non-refundable, though weather or minimum-participant cancellations can bring a refund or alternate date.

Three countryside adventures beyond Medellín

Full-Day Zipline, ATV and Horseback Riding Private Adventure from Medellín - Three countryside adventures beyond Medellín

This is not a quick activity close to the city. It is a full day built around variety. You leave your hotel early, ride in private transport, and spend the day in the wider Medellín area, mainly around Rionegro and Arví Natural Reserve.

The format works best if you want to pack a lot into one day. Instead of choosing between a trail ride and an ATV outing, you get both, then finish with a zipline. That variety is the main reason to consider the $360.05 price per person.

The tour is private, so only your group participates. That gives you more room to ask questions, settle your nerves, or move at a pace that feels comfortable. It also makes the long transport sections easier, since you are not sharing the vehicle with strangers.

The day is active but not presented as an extreme sports test. Most travelers aged eight and older can participate, children must be with an adult, and instructors provide equipment and basic instruction. The maximum permitted weight is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds.

More ATV Tours in Medellin

Leaving Medellín at 6:30 a.m.

The early start is practical, not decorative. You need time to reach the countryside, complete three separate activities, stop for lunch, and return to the city. Your guide picks you up at your Medellín hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

Guides serve as both driver and trip host, while certified instructors handle the individual activities. That division is useful. You get one person organizing the day and trained staff focused on ATV safety, horseback riding, and zipline procedures.

The drive is part of the cost, but it is also part of the day’s drawback. You will not be active from morning to evening. There is substantial road time between the city and the activity areas, so bring water, a light snack if you need one, and something to occupy you during the quieter stretches.

The private setup helps here. Guides named David, Luis, Juan, Steven, and Wilson have received especially warm praise for being attentive, careful, and easy to talk with. Assignments can change, so you cannot count on a specific guide unless the operator confirms one.

ATV riding near Rionegro

The ATV section begins with a safety briefing, driving instruction, and protective equipment. A local guide then leads you along hillside routes, where the appeal is less about speed than reaching places a normal car cannot.

One particularly appealing riding area is near the airport, with open views and old abandoned airplanes visible along the route. The exact riding path can vary, but the setting gives this portion more character than a closed practice circuit.

You should expect uneven ground and changes in elevation. An ATV can be fun for a first-timer, but it still demands attention. Listen closely during the briefing, keep both hands where instructed, and do not treat the machine like a theme-park ride.

Mechanical trouble is possible. One account describes an ATV stalling several times on a mountain route, with staff helping the rider continue. That is a useful reminder that these machines work hard on rough ground. The guide’s response matters more than a perfectly smooth ride, and assistance is available if a vehicle has trouble.

The activity runs in rain or shine, according to the experience details. Mud and wet conditions may add fun, but they also mean dirty clothes and a less comfortable ride. Wear clothing you can move in and do not bring anything precious.

Lunch with Colombian food in the middle of the day

After the ATV ride, you stop at a local restaurant for traditional Colombian food. Lunch is not included, so bring cash for your meal and any drinks or extra purchases.

This stop gives your legs a break before the horse ride and zipline. It also keeps the day connected to local life rather than turning it into a chain of sealed-off adventure facilities. The menu is not specified, so your guide can help with the practical details on the day.

Do not count on lunch as a short snack break. You have already been active, and you still have two activities ahead. Eat enough to stay comfortable, but avoid turning the meal into a race if you are prone to motion sickness during the next drive.

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A slower pace on horseback

Full-Day Zipline, ATV and Horseback Riding Private Adventure from Medellín - A slower pace on horseback

At the stables, you meet the horseback-riding guide and receive a horse chosen for a gentle ride. Basic riding instructions are provided before you set off on a leisurely forest route.

This is the calmest section of the day. After the noise and concentration of the ATV, a horse ride gives you time to notice the countryside at a slower pace. If you do not want to ride, you can enjoy the surroundings instead, an important option for mixed groups.

Expect the ride to be more about atmosphere than advanced horsemanship. Some past participants found the instructions brief, especially when they already had riding experience. If you are new to horses, say so clearly and ask for a fuller explanation before leaving the stable.

Wear long pants. This is not just a style tip. The saddle and brush can make bare legs uncomfortable, and one participant learned that the hard way. Closed-toe shoes are also recommended, with a secure fit that will not slip while walking or riding.

Ziplining above Arví Natural Reserve

The final adventure takes place at Arví Natural Reserve, where a certified instructor leads you through the zipline course. The highest point can reach about 984 feet, or 300 meters, giving you broad views over the surrounding countryside.

The height is the headline, but the approach is part of the experience too. The walk to and from the zipline can be tiring, so save some energy for the final activity. Comfortable shoes matter here more than fancy adventure gear.

The course may feel smaller than the price suggests. One detailed account describes only two zipline lines, which is worth keeping in mind if you expect a long series of runs. The appeal is the setting and height, not a full afternoon of repeated ziplining.

Fire or other safety problems can force a change. In one case, a fire caused the zipline portion to be canceled, and the operator worked to make the situation right. The written policy also says poor weather can lead to an alternate date or a full refund.

What the $360.05 price really covers

At $360.05 per person, this is not a budget activity. You are paying for private hotel pickup and drop-off, a driver-guide, certified instructors, equipment for three activities, and the convenience of arranging a long day through one provider.

The value improves when you are traveling as a small private group and would otherwise need separate taxis, guides, and bookings. It also makes more sense if you genuinely want all three activities. If you mainly want a zipline, or mainly want an ATV ride, you may find the package hard to justify.

Lunch and drinks are extra. You should also allow for cash purchases along the way, since the tour instructions specifically recommend bringing cash. The price does not buy a luxurious or leisurely day. It buys range, transport, and organization.

The experience is booked about 47 days in advance on average, which suggests you should not leave it until the last minute if your Medellín schedule is fixed. The non-refundable policy is strict: canceling or requesting a change normally means losing the amount paid. Weather-related cancellations and failures to meet the minimum number of participants are exceptions covered by alternate arrangements or a full refund.

Clothing, fitness, and practical preparation

You do not need to pack helmets, riding equipment, or zipline gear. The necessary equipment is provided for each activity, and instructors explain how to use it.

You should pack:

  • Long pants
  • Comfortable, secure closed-toe shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • A hat
  • Cash for lunch and additional purchases
  • Comfortable active clothing

Most people aged eight and older can participate, but the day is not a good match for someone who wants minimal walking or long periods of rest. The horse ride is leisurely, yet the ATV route and walk to the zipline require physical effort.

The maximum weight is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The operator also says temperatures are measured at the beginning of each working day and vehicles are periodically disinfected.

Weather deserves attention. This is an outdoor day that can be canceled or altered for poor conditions. Bring clothing that can handle sun, dust, or rain, and accept that the exact order or availability of activities may need to change for safety.

Who will enjoy this private day most

I would choose this for an active couple, friends who want a full day away from Medellín, or a family with older children who are comfortable trying several new activities. It is especially useful for people who dislike planning transport and want one guide coordinating the moving parts.

It also suits you if your group has mixed interests. One person can ride the horse while another enjoys the stable area, and the private format gives your group more flexibility than a large shared excursion.

I would think twice if you dislike long drives, want deep time at one site, or expect the zipline alone to fill several hours. The package is broad rather than deep. You get a taste of three outdoor activities, not an extended course in any one of them.

Should you book it?

Book this private adventure if you want an energetic countryside day and value having transport, instructors, and equipment arranged in one package. The best parts are the variety, the private attention, the ATV routes near Rionegro, and the high views at Arví.

Skip it if you are looking for a cheap single activity or a relaxed tour with little road time. Go prepared for a 10-hour day, a possibly short zipline segment, extra lunch costs, and strict cancellation terms. Wear long pants, protect your shoes, and tell the guides your experience level before each activity. Those small choices will make the day much more comfortable.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

Hotel pickup begins at 6:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts about 10 hours.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Medellín are included in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates.

What activities are included?

The day includes ATV riding, horseback riding, and a zipline course at Arví Natural Reserve.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at a local restaurant is at your own expense, as are additional food and drinks.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is eight. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is equipment provided?

Yes. Necessary equipment for each activity is provided.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable active clothing, long pants, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable secure closed-toe shoes.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum allowed weight is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. If poor weather causes cancellation, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a refund?

The experience is normally non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. A full refund may apply if the operator cancels because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not met.

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