Macanal–Chivor Trail | 3-Day Horseback Riding Trip

Macanal–Chivor Horseback Ride — A Unique Experience in Boyacá

Macanal is a municipality in the province of Neira, in the southern part of the department of Boyacá, bordering Chivor. On this journey, we’ll explore both places on horseback and by mule, crossing the La Esmeralda Reservoir by ferry.

3 days. 2 days of horseback riding. Spectacular views of the reservoir, home to a unique variety of flora and fauna (if we’re lucky, we might even spot some deer). A 70-meter-high waterfall, historic emerald mines, and a boat tour of the magical reservoir. All in true La Bandolera style.

Itinerary

Day 1 — The Landscapes of Macanal

Meeting point: La Esmeralda Reservoir, Macanal | Time: 8:30 a.m. | Duration: 5 to 6 hours

A representative from La Bandolera will be waiting for you at the meeting point to begin the journey across the reservoir by ferry (free of charge). You will cross the reservoir to reach the house, our base, where we will be staying and which will serve as the starting point for the trails. Those traveling with their own pets must notify us in advance so we can arrange for a special ferry.

• 9:30 a.m. — Start of the ride on horseback or by mule through the Macanal
• 1:30 p.m. — A La Bandolera-style picnic in the Macanal Mountains
• 2:30–3:20 p.m. — Return trip to La Casa, our base
• 3:20–4:00 p.m. — Arrival at the house, socializing, and afternoon tea
• 7:00 p.m. — Dinner

Day 2 — Chivor

Meeting point: Breakfast at “La Casa” | Time: 8:00 a.m. | Duration: 4 to 5 hours

During the tour, we’ll see a 70-meter-high waterfall and visit the area where several emerald mines are located, all while enjoying spectacular views. To do this, we’ll board a ferry and travel along part of the dam with our animals.

• 9:00–9:30 a.m. — La Bandolera-style breakfast
• 9:30 a.m. — Start of the ride on horseback or by mule
• 10:15 a.m. — We’ll cruise across the reservoir, taking in the spectacular scenery, for 35 minutes until we reach Chivor
• 10:50 a.m. — We arrived in Chivor to continue our journey on the backs of our animals
• 1:30 p.m. — La Bandolera-style picnic
• 4:30–5:00 p.m. — We arrive home, eat, and rest

Day 3 — Exploring the Dam

Meeting point: Breakfast at “La Casa” | Time: 9:30 a.m. | Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Today we’ll focus on exploring the reservoir by boat—a magical place full of stories and waterfalls waiting to be discovered. Anyone who wants to can take a swim in the reservoir. It’s a lovely way to cap off our two days of riding.

• 9:30–10:30 a.m. — La Bandolera-style breakfast
• 10:30 a.m. — Pack up all our belongings and load them into the cars
• 11:00 a.m. — Leave our headquarters for the dam
• 11:15 a.m. — Park the cars and get on the boat
• 1:15 p.m. — Get off the boat and head to the cars
• 1:30 p.m. — Closing