100-year-old Family-run Finca: Horseback Riding & More

We had such a wonderful experience at Monte y Panela! I went with my daughter, and we absolutely loved it. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the service was wonderful. One of our favorite parts was being able to interact and engage with the animals. It was such a fun and special experience, especially for my daughter. You can also tell the animals are very well cared for and treated with love. Such a beautiful place for families — we will definitely be back! ❤️

This was easily one of the best parts of our trip. The Monte and Panela team ran everything smoothly and thought of every detail, right down to the perfectly timed coffee and snacks. The scenic drive out of the city was a great way to start, and having a small group made it easy to chat and connect. The farm visit was a lot of fun, complete with a fantastic breakfast and surprisingly friendly cows and chickens. The trail ride itself was incredibly beautiful. We don't have much riding experience, but the horses were calm, very well trained, and got along perfectly.

Beautiful finca. Juan and staff was great. Estella's cooking special. Definitely worth the time and money. Wish I had the time to spend the night. Maybe next.time

This was a great experience to do if you want a relaxing day outside of the city while visiting Medellin. The farm itself was very beautiful, and Juan showed us around and even took us in the recently completed cabin they have for overnight guests! Doing a relaxing long weekend at this farm would be pretty great I think. The tour experience itself included a lot of interaction with the farm animals. For the chickens it was gathering eggs, feeding the chickens, and meeting the baby chicks. I grew up with chickens and I talked to Juan about how they have one of the breeds I had growing up. The cow experience included meeting the cows (they had loaner rubber boots for this!), milking the cows by hand if you want to try this, and bottle feeding the babies. If you want to, you can even try the raw milk fresh from the cow. I grew up in a farming area so I have met many cows and chickens- I do think this would be an excellent experience with kids! The horseback ride was very fun, I was happy to see that the horses were well cared for and had some personality. Be honest about your experience level- I know how to ride and they gave me a horse who was a little more spirited, which I thought was fun! They gave the calmest horse to a man who had not ridden before. On the ride, we saw scenic views of Medellin and of the Finca itself. We then had a unique stop to rest in hammocks, give treats to our horses, and have some bonding time with them. On my tour, there was even a proposal during this time! Very romantic! I absolutely recommend the tour, or contacting Juan to book for an overnight stay if you want a beautiful place to stay a few days outside the city.

Five stars by far, beautiful place very private trout so you enjoy to the fullest the experience , Juan takes care of every detail , horses are well taken care of . We did the afternoon ride . If you look for best way to ride horses and have a day of connection with nature . This is a must come back, Thanks Juan Jose

This experience was one of a kind. They did a wonderful job making it unique and memorable.

Excellent experience with a great guide!! Beautiful views and relaxing! Highly recommend to anyone visiting Medellin!.

This is definetely a must go when you are in Medellín. I went with my three year old daughter and she LOVED it. From the beginning to the end I only have positives, the communication was fast clear and honest. José is such a warm person and the animals (horses) are all too. Definetely a core memory for both me and my daughter. Worth every penny!

I had an amazing time at Monte & Panela ! Beautiful nature, a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, and every little detail is designed to make you feel good. It’s the perfect place to completely disconnect. I did the sunset ride and the views are stunning ! A huge thank you to Juan, who made everything even more special. He’s incredibly kind, and talking with him felt just like chatting with a friend. You can truly feel how passionate he is about what he does, and it makes all the difference. He takes the time to connect, share, and pass on his love for this place. I couldn't recommand it more ☺️

We did this experience in Medellín with my wife and my dad, and it ended up being the highlight of our entire trip. I originally booked it just because my wife wanted to go horseback riding, but it turned out to be so much more than that. The whole experience is really well thought out and way more comprehensive than what you’d expect. The property itself is beautiful, with amazing mountain views, and they give you time to actually relax and take it all in—not just rush you from one activity to the next. On top of the horseback riding, we got to interact with animals and enjoy different parts of the property, which made it feel like a full experience rather than just a single activity. A big thank you to Juan, our host. His customer service was excellent—super accommodating, attentive, and he made sure everyone in our group was comfortable and having a great time. Everything was very well organized, ran smoothly, and you can tell they really care about the experience they’re providing. Highly recommend booking this if you’re in Medellín. It’s absolutely worth it and something we’ll remember for a long time.

What a wonderful day spent at this lovely Finca, high in the mountains. Juan is an excellent host and I enjoyed hearing all about his family and how special this wonderful Finca is. The breakfast is Deliciously prepared using the eggs we collected. We got to milk a cow, feed the calves and chickens and ride through the surrounding terrain on my lovely horse Flicker. You really are made to feel at home here and I've had a great experience. I thoroughly recommend this trip for an authentic experience. Thank you Juan and team 🫶

I can’t begin to express just how special and unique this experience was. My sister took me on this excursion for my birthday (it was her second time, her first time being two years ago with Juan). We had the best time learning about the family’s property, eating/drinking delicious food and drinks, milking cows, collecting the morning’s eggs from the chickens, riding horses and meeting other amazing people on the tour. Juan took care of EVERYTHING (picking us up from our hotel, driving us an hour into the mountains and back, and leading the entire tour). I recommend this experience to everyone visiting medellin. 10 stars!!!! Thank you Juan!!!

This was the most personal and genuine tour I’ve ever experienced. From the moment we arrived at the family finca, it felt less like a “tour” and more like being welcomed into someone’s home. Our host shared their family history so openly and thoughtfully... not just facts, but stories, context, and real insight into the culture and way of life. The horseback ride was absolutely stunning. You could tell this experience was built with intention and pride. Gracias Juanito! ;)

We had such a wonderful and memorable experience visiting the farm. We truly felt everything was perfect. This was by far the highlight of our trip. Juan was a wonderful host. We felt that we did so much at the farm and enjoyed every single one of the many activities, yet the pacing of the tour was great. We had plenty of downtime to relax and never felt rushed. Juan and the staff made us feel welcome and at home. This was such a unique, authentic, and special day for us. We started the day early. When we arrived at the farm, we heard a bit about the history and had time to explore and relax before getting ready for breakfast. We then walked to the chicken coop to pick up the eggs we were going to use. On the way, we interacted with their local dogs and parrots, who were a pure delight. Ms. Stella cooked us a very traditional and delicious breakfast. We were stuffed. After relaxing for a bit, we spent time with the cows and little calves. This was pure joy. Feeding the calves was great, and so was learning how to milk. We then had a bit of downtime for a siesta before getting ready for the horseback riding portion of the trip. Juan did a great job assigning horses based on each visitor’s experience and skill level, and even those who had never been on a horse felt comfortable and safe. We enjoyed beautiful views, snacks, and quality time with our horses. It was a truly magical experience. It’s been a few days since our trip, and we are still thinking about how wonderful that day was.

Of the 2 weeks we spent traveling around Colombia this farm trip was by far the top highlight of the entire trip. Juan shared his family history and explained in detail everything we ate, each animal we interacted with, and his vision for the future of the farm. You can tell the animals are well taken care of, and the dogs especially felt safe and loved. Juan did an excellent job instructing how to ride the horses and what to expect throughout our day together. I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Medellin, you won’t regret it.

Second time visiting Colombia for my wife’s birthday and this time around she wanted to spend her exact special day enjoying this whole experience since she loves the country side so much. We had the pleasure of meeting Juan G. and he was truly an amazing host and became a great acquaintance also. We had booked the morning experience for $240, for the both of us. Juan came to pick us up from the place where we were staying at and also brought us right back once we’re done with the experience. The whole ranch is amazing, with great overlooks and views to all around the mountain as it is located at the very top. Such a great experience from picking freshly hatched eggs, to feeding the cow calf, to enjoying a horseback riding hike throughout the wilderness of the mountain.

This tour is absolutely a must do while in Medellin. The farm is absolutely beautiful and the breakfast was the best breakfast I’ve had while in Colombia. The animals are so sweet and well taken care of, and it was so much fun to spend the morning with them and Juan and co!

I highly recommend Monte y Panela if you want to truly experience what the Colombian culture is about. I loved this experience so much. My favorite part was interacting and bonding with my horse. Transportation, breakfast, and light snacks were provided. Price is reasonable for the experience. Horses are really nice and well taken care of. Mountain views were amazing. Worth every penny. 10/10

This is not only a place to ride horses around Medellin. It is a complete memorable and authentic experience in the countryside thanks to Juan and his family. The finca is amazing and you will feel at home. I loved every minute of this day and really hope to come back one day! My best memory of Colombia. I trully think it’s the best option in the area, and you won't regret it 🙏🏼

The farm was truly one of the best Colombian experiences. The farm-to-table breakfast was delicious, the animals were treated with so much care and respect, and the views were absolutely beautiful. It felt authentic, peaceful, and not touristy at all. I would recommend this experience to anyone visiting Medellín.

As a seasoned traveler, I can easily say this was one of my favorite experiences! Juan and his team shared their beautiful mountain home with us. We enjoyed stunning views, the farm animals, a delicious breakfast and horseback ride through the mountains. I highly recommend!!

It was worth every penny. Didn’t feel gimmicky. Juan was a great host and he welcomed us into home/farm and traditions. Do it ! Oh and the views were breathtaking !!

The most amazing experience we’ve ever had - I can’t even explain how good this day was! The farm was so scenic, horses (and all animals) were excellently cared for and brilliantly trained. Juan was able to cater for our mixed riding abilities perfectly - I have a good amount of experience but my boyfriend has never even sat on a horse but we both were given horses that perfectly matched our abilities and were able to enjoy the day. Juan was an amazing host, helped by his team who prepared the most delicious breakfast & snacks. It was lovely to spend time at the farm, learn about the family history and traditions and meet all the animals! I Cannot recommend this any higher - do it!!

Even with the early morning start and the drive up the mountains. This is by far one of the best activities I’ve done. I love how we were treated like family from all the staff members. Juan was also such a great guide. He showed us all the spots to see and take pictures on the tour. Hanging out with the cows to pigs and dogs. Then getting to horseback ride made every minute worthwhile. I highly recommend check out the finca and learning. About the family and home.

Even with the early morning start and drive up the mountains. Once on the farm you’ll have one of the most wonderful views and experiences ever. Juan made sure to make us feel at home. And Ms. estella did the same. You get to learn so much about the family but also the farm. After a few activities with the cows and chickens and get to meet the horses and take off into the mountains on one of the coolest most memorable riding ever. Words cannot describe how amazing this experience was highly recommended.

From the moment I arrived, I felt an undeniable warmth! It’s the kind of energy that lingers in the air, in the smiles, and even in the way the morning light hits the hills. The property is breathtaking, full of life, with a family history and quiet magic. You’re greeted by adorable dogs, the soft sound of chickens, and the peaceful rhythm of the countryside. The staff here radiates kindness. You can feel that they are passionate about what they do. The hospitality is beyond anything I expected! Very thoughtful, genuine, and full of heart. Breakfast was paisa perfection. The drinks were refreshing, and the food was made with care. I’m very particular about my eggs, but Estella made them as requested and that kind of attention to detail doesn’t go unnoticed. She has such a wonderful spirit. And then, the horses… what a dream. Whether you’ve ridden a hundred times or it’s your very first, the experience feels immersive, almost spiritual. I love riding and I can tell you from these visits to the farm that each horse has its own personality. They roam free on the property which keeps them calm, happy, and clearly shows they’re loved. The host truly cares for his animals, his staff, and his guests. He’s respectful, warm, and carries an energy that makes you feel safe and seen. There’s plenty of time to just be! To wander, to breathe, to meditate, to manifest. I’ve come here three times in just one month, and somehow each visit becomes more special. I’ve built a bond with the host, the team, and even the animals. As a solo traveling woman, that sense of connection and comfort means everything. Enjoying the moment and flowing with it. Every time I leave, I do so with a full heart and new girl friends. It’s a place that gently pulls you out of the city’s chaos and reminds you how beautiful life can be when you slow down and let nature hold you. A beautiful story, a beautiful property, and an experience that keeps getting better .. like the kind of love you never want to end. Im a true cinematic romantic at heart and I’d say this property/experience gives you a great opportunity for some aesthetically pleasing photos/videos provided by the host. Transportation is included within the area of El Poblado/Laureles, which makes everything effortless, though it’s important to keep in mind to be on time to keep the day flowing smoothly. Juan has great music taste so be ready to add a couple tracks to your playlist. - Valeria Bermudez

Was in Medellin for work and knew I wanted to go on a ride. When I found Juan’s experience listed I knew this was the exact place I needed to be. Me and two of my friends made some of the best core memories of our life here. From the drive up the mountain, to collecting fresh eggs, milking cows, eating traditional freshly cooked food, seeing the 100+ old finca in all of its glory (+ the additions Juan is making) and then riding around the hills of Colombia. I mean, I would do this every day if I could! 100/10 highly recommend for beginners to experienced riders. This is THE place to ride horses in Medellin.

This was a great experience and exactly as described. 10/10 would recommend if you enjoy farm or animal experiences. Host was super nice and attentive and food was amazing. I would go again!

What an amazing experience. From the drive up to this beautiful Colombian farm with Juan to the tour of their amazing farmhouse, just a delightful start of the day. Then there was tending to getting eggs for breakfast, to having a chance to milk a cow. All valuable experiences to see what goes into farm life of so many people in the world. Then off to a wonderful country breakfast, with homemade butter and cream for your coffee and those delicious eggs and homemade bread. Their lady who cooks for your breakfast and made the bread, she was a delight and the eggs were delicious and I’m not a big egg eater. After breakfast, a rest while the staff prepares the horses. The horses were all very sweet and good natured. A couple of the people in our group had never ridden or had ridden very little and they were able to manage wonderfully with these magnificent horses. This is mountain terrain and I have to admit I was a little worried. There was a good amount of up and down hills. But the horses have been on the trail enough that the horses made it easy even for the most inexperienced rider. I think what helped was that Juan and his staff pick out a horse that they think you will enjoy the ride, but also with your safety in mind. The ride was wonderful with such beautiful country to see. I can’t say enough good stuff about this experience. I felt so great after my accomplishment of this ride. One of my friends who was with me, it was his first ride. He is going back again to ride, he enjoyed it so much. Much thanks to Juan and his sister for their hospitality and warmth.

Must Do!!
 This horseback riding experience in Medellín was the highlight of my Colombia trip! Everything was well organized, from smooth transportation to the warm, welcoming staff. We learned the finca’s history, interacted with animals, and enjoyed a traditional Colombian breakfast before heading out on a peaceful, scenic ride through the countryside. The views were stunning, the horses well cared for, and the experience suitable for all skill levels. A mid-ride break with hammocks and fresh fruit made it even more special. This was a true cultural immersion and an unforgettable experience. Absolutely a must do in Medellín!

This MUST be Medellìn's best kept secret!!! Such an authentic, unique, off-the-beaten-path tour. If you're looking to understand Colombia from the perspective of a family willing to let you quite literally step into their lives, this is for you. From picking our own eggs (that we would later eat), to milking cows, to riding horses through the forest to a mountaintop overlooking all of Medellìn, every detail is carefully considered and curated to provide an opportunity to connect with the land, animals, and culture in an authentic way. There is so much time to connect, chat, and learn about anything you're most curious about. ***Highlight: Because the horses and cattle roam free across the land, we trotted side-by-side with 2 mules prancing through the forest for several miles. Magical is an understatement. And, Juan Jo was the kindest, most knowledgeable host. This was one of the most beautiful experiences of all my time in Colombia. I can't wait to come back!

Our visit was fantastic thanks to Juan and the awesome folks he has working with him like Estella, Filipe and Saul. Of course the horseback riding through the hillsides overlooking the farm and valleys was incredible but even before we started with that our kids (10 & 12 years old) had a blast collecting eggs for Estela to prepare our breakfast, milking the cows with Saul and enjoying all the farm had to offer. Juan took great care to assess our riding skills (we are beginners) and to pick the right horses and trail for us. The ride was exciting, the scenery lush, the views fantastic and totally enjoyable. He even brought hammocks and snacks so we could take a nice break along the trail to soak it all in!

Juan was amazing from start to finish! He welcomed us into his grandparents’ home, which was such a lovely and personal touch—it made us feel right at home. The whole experience had a really nice pace—nothing felt rushed, and we had time to really enjoy every moment. We honestly had the best time, and the horse ride at the end was the perfect way to finish the day. We’d 100% recommend this beautiful experience with Juan—you’ll make memories that’ll stay with you forever. He’s such a fun, friendly guy and really takes an interest in you and what you’re about. Thanks so much, Sarah & Alan (UK)

We had an amazing experience from start to finish, we loved feeding and interacting with the animals, the riding, the food, the views and land. Our hosts were great, warm and welcoming. We would definitely recommend this experience 🤗

Amazing experience. A true slice of Colombian culture, a day at Monte y Panela offers a deep connection with nature through exploration of an amazing landscape, up-close and personal fun with animals and a delicious taste of a regional breakfast. It was the best experience we had in the medellin area by far. Just wish it could’ve been a bit longer. Juan Jose is an amazing host and his staff couldn’t have been more hospitable. The house is beautiful and the rare bird sightings are the cherry on top. Next time I’ll bring more people with me. No one should miss this. It’s the real Colombia, just the way I remember it growing up.

Hidden gem in Medellin. Juan is a great host and tour guide. He’s kind, friendly and full of great stories to tell about this beautiful farm. It was fantastic being able to gather eggs from chickens, to milk and feed cows, to ride horses and feed horses. The views were spectacular and the meals were excellent. Everyone in the family there was friendly and welcoming. So far this has been the best experience I’ve had in Medellin. I would recommend this to anyone with a love for animals, culture and adventure.

It was a very intimate tour. We had a blast and would def do it again. We got to experience the culture of Colombia.

This finca offers a delicious breakfast, interaction with farm animals, a beautiful location, delicious coffee and the absolute highlight of the trip was the horseback ride. Aquiles, a well trained obedient and loving horse was my companion for a memorable ride in the mountains with beautiful scenery. Juan, the guide, made this trip extra special with his warmth, professionalism and passion for ensuring each guest had a great safe ride.

This family-run finca tour was truly therapeutic and peaceful. I especially enjoyed our host, Juan—his hospitality, warmth, and down-to-earth nature made the experience unforgettable. His good energy set the tone for the entire visit. The animals were another highlight: healthy, clean, with shiny coats and gentle temperaments. They seemed to reflect Juan’s kind spirit, as if his warmth extended to them too. Horseback riding through the mountains and into the wooded areas was incredibly relaxing. Listening to the natural sounds all around felt like receiving a Swedish massage for the soul. Feeding the animals—especially the baby calf, who literally jumped with excitement when it was time to eat—is an image that will stay with me forever. I highly recommend this tour—you won’t regret it.

This was a very special day for me. I did what I’ve been wanting to do for a very long time—milk a cow! When we first arrived, I knew from the get go that this was the place I had visioned. When we arrived all the animals welcomed us with so much love and you were able to see how happy they all were to be there. It felt like I went back in time when I visited my grandparents the moment I walked into the house. The energy I felt was very peaceful and the story behind how it was built made it even more special. I fell in love with every corner, the decoration, the sound, and the smell. I wish I could write everything I experienced but I’ll let this place surprise you and let you create your own memories. You will meet Estela, Saúl, and Juan Jose. The most caring and welcoming people. Estela made us a delicious breakfast and coffee (tinto). Saúl walk me through the process of milking a cow and feeding a calf. He knew this was my first time so seeing his face full of joy watching me with my boots, my hat, a bucket, and full of energy doing what I think was one of the best experiences in my life was something that made me build a special connection with him. He told me if a calf was born that month, he was going to name her after me and HE DID!! There is now a little cow named “Andrea”. What a wonderful gesture Saúl had with me and definitely became a sweet story to tell. After all my hard work, our day was not over, we went horseback riding in the mountains. The ride was full of adventure and surprises. The view was OUT OF THIS WORLD! I took so many pictures and videos and came back home with so many unforgettable memories. This place had everything I was looking for. I am forever thankful with Juan Jose, Saúl, and Estela for making me feel so special <3.

This farm was the highlight of our trip! Juan Jose was an amazing host! He was very punctual and picked us up from our Air B&B and dropped us back off at the end of the tour. Estella was very sweet and prepared a delicious breakfast. Saul was also very attentive and nice ! The farm and views from the farm were amazing. All the animals where very well taken care of. The horseback ride was beautiful and a very unique experience that gave you the time to connect with each horse in a beautiful pasture at the top of a hill. Everyone that was part from this tour was very special and made us feel very welcomed. Highly recommend this tour and would love to return to the farm in the near future!

This was an unforgettable experience, with beautiful sights, great food, and great activities. Juan was great and he and his family have such an amazing farm; grateful to have experienced it!

This was one of the highlights of my Wife and I’s trip to Medellín. The landscape is stunning and the farm, and the area surrounding it, truly embodies the Colombian countryside. Juan is an amazing host and tour guide. Highly recommend!

It was a nice trip. Beautiful area and a fun ride. Nice breakfast and snacks. An excellent breakfast. They also have an interesting parrot, many dogs, and, among the cows, one that is essentially a large fig. The people were great. While you don’t need to be a good rider, I’m not sure it’s great for someone riding a horse for the first time and/or is very nervous about it.

Absolutely incredible day!!! Highlight of my trip in Colombia This is a must for anyone visiting Medellin !!!! Truely unique and beautiful experience

This was the best birthday trip! Juan does an amazing job at making you feel like you are part of the family. I would definitely recommend this excursion.

I can honestly say this was one of the best experiences I have ever done. Me and my friend went as we both love animals and riding and it was a day we will never forget, and we were very lucky as it ended up being just the two of us and Juan which made the experience even more special! Juan was incredible, so friendly and knowledgable. The experience felt very safe and the horses were absolutely gorgeous and well behaved, though very excited to get home on the way back! There was the perfect amount of free time to wander around and take in the incredible scenery and spend time with the animals. Even the breakfast was incredible and felt so personal, trying all the locally made produce. Can’t rate this experience highly enough!! Would love to do it all over again :) thank you Juan and all the others who made it such a special day!!!

Our favorite experience on our Colombia trip! We had a farm fresh breakfast with the eggs we gathered, milked cows, fed calves, and interacted with the farm animals. The highlight was riding horseback through the stunning Andes mountains and taking a break in hammocks to enjoy the scenery and give the horses a snack. Thank you, Juan for an authentic, unforgettable experience sharing your family history and traditions.

I can't say enough about the experience. Juan and the folks that works on the farm are amazing. If you would like to have a local farm experience you will love this excursion.