Horseback trail ride in BRAZIL : COAST & CANYONS

RANDONNEE A CHEVAL AU BRESIL
PROGRAMME INDICATIF *

Jour 1: Riders are met at the airport and transferred to a Lusitanian stud farm, located 225 km southeast of Porto Alegre, near the Lagoa dos Peixes National Park. This area is an ecological paradise. Lagoa dos Patos (literally translated: duck lake) is the largest lagoon in Brazil. The national park was created to protect a wintering area for migratory birds along the lagoon. In the afternoon, meet the horses and take a short introductory ride. Night at the stud farm.

Jour 2: After breakfast, you will saddle up and head towards the Atlantic Ocean through the Lagoa dos Peixes National Park. In the afternoon, you will ride along deserted beaches. You will leave the horses in a local field and drive back to the stud farm (approx. 20 min). Overnight at the stud farm.

Jour 3: After breakfast we join the horses and ride through the northern side of the Lagoa dos Peixes National Park, between the lagoon and the sand dunes. We have a picnic break in a field along the way. In the afternoon we continue on horseback to the accommodation. Overnight at the stud farm.

Jour 4: This morning, possibility to do some last gallops on the deserted beaches of the lagoon. After lunch, drive inland (6 hours) to a farm (fazenda) located in the highlands where you are welcomed by the hospitality and delicious cuisine of the gauchos. After a tasting of a local drink (cachaça and fruits), the riders are introduced to Paulo, owner of the horses and guide during the rest of the ride. After dinner, a discovery session for the group will take place around the bar of the fazenda. Night at the fazenda.

Jour 5: After breakfast, departure along the escarpments of the Aparados da Serra National Park, which covers an area of ​​exceptional beauty of Campos de Cima da Serra (highlands), with Atlantic rainforest in the lower part of the canyons, fields extending over the plateaus and ferns, lilies and bromeliads growing on rich slopes. This whole area was formed by intense volcanic activity that occurred millions of years ago. Successive lava flows created a plateau covered with clean fields, araucaria forests and countless crystal clear rivers. There are also many impressive canyons along the way, and the steep, vertical basalt slopes have a streaked coloration of water, grass vegetation, small bushes and bare rocks. In the late afternoon, riders may encounter the mysterious mists (called viracão by locals), drifting in the local rivers. Enjoy a picnic on Horse riding vacation in Brazilpath. Overnight at the fazenda. Ride time: 5 hours

Jour 6: After a hearty breakfast, you start riding towards the summit of Monte Negro, at 1,403 meters, the highest point of your trek. From there, a view of majestic landscapes stretches out at your feet, creating a vast feeling of freedom. Today's lunch is a barbecue overlooking the canyon or on the bank of a local river, while the horses rest in the shade of a nearby forest. After a short nap, you continue riding to see other canyons, cliffs or as the locals call them, "the peirais of Aparados". Overnight at the fazenda. Ride time: 5 hours.

Jour 7: After breakfast, you start your hike to Fazenda Potreirinho, crossing many rolling hills with opportunities for long gallops. There are beautiful waterfalls to see along the way. You pass the Lopes family ranch, where the famous Serrano cheese is produced. This gaucho family works and lives in the same way their ancestors did over 100 years ago. After a few hours, you reach Fazenda Potreirinho, a typical ranch with a warm gaucho atmosphere. Overnight at the fazenda. Journey time: 5/6 hours.

Jour 8: After a good breakfast, you leave towards Cachoeirão, the largest waterfall in the region. It is very impressive and you can take beautiful photos. After your stop at the waterfall, you continue up and down many hills, with fantastic panoramic views. You trot, gallop and enjoy the feeling of freedom that comes from riding in a wide open space. Arrival at the fazenda for dinner and overnight. Duration of the ride: 5 hours.

Jour 9: Transfer to Puerto Alegre airport after breakfast.

* The itinerary may be modified, in particular due to weather conditions and the availability of gauchos.