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HORSE RIDING |
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At the moment we offer horse trails in Minas
Gerais (from fazenda to fazenda), in Sao Paulo (Serra
da Bocaina National Park), Pantanal, Parati (day rides through the rain forest and to waterfalls),
Rio de Janeiro (nature reserve Grumari), Morro
de Sao Paulo and other beaches
of Bahia, and Ilha do Marajó. The only long trail one is the one
in Minas Gerais. It is easy and beautiful. The other destinations allow
up to four days of fun riding in very different landscapes. Combine them
to a great horseback vacation at your taste.
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The best time of the year for horse riding in Brazil is the dry season between March and November. The fazenda trail crosses the highlands where it is cold between July and October.
If you are not a group of six or more we offer an open group every year in November for the Minas Gerais trail. Ask us for the exact date.
The best time of the year for horse riding in Brazil is the dry season between March and November. The fazenda trail crosses the highlands where it is cold between July and October.
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Minas Gerais fazenda trail |
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Day 1 to 3:
Transfer (about 6 hrs) from Rio de Janeiro to the first farm (fazenda) in Minas Gerais. Here is the cradle of the Mangalarga Marchador and you will ride pure-breds or mixtures of this easy-going cross-country race. Mixtures contain arab, quarterback, lusitano and indio criollos. These horses are used to work with the cowboys, so they are strong, well-trained and are very sure-footed in rough terrain.
The farm is close to beautiful mountains and waterfalls. The first three nights we do tours around this farm to different places so you can get used to your horse and possibly change to another one. Log fires and camping can be included.
The terrain is the so-called cerrado, the Brazilian bush savannah which contains small trees, bushes and high grass. There are some mountains, but in general you will cross rolling hills and have great views all the time.
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Day 4:
We will set out south. There can be a support jeep for luggage and emergencies. The ride takes about 6 hrs. There are enough places to stop in-between to have a picnic or a drink. The farm, as all of them, is simple, clean and authentic. The Brazilian hosts are extremely friendly, and the food of Minas Gerais is very good.
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Day 5:
Now we take it a bit easier. The ride only takes 4 hours. Of course you can inspect today's fazenda and ride up the highest hill to see the sunset if you are not tired. A small waterfall is on the way today and there is enough time to take a rest there.
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Day 6:
takes us further up in the Serra da Mantiqueira. Gorgeous views, a gentle breeze and the sunny coolness of this 1000 to 1800 meter range make the ride extremely pleasant. There are some very narrow paths in the bushes and some steep inclinations so you must work a little bit.
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Day 7:
takes us about 5 hrs to a beautiful tropical pousada in a secluded mountain community. Waterfalls for bath and picnic are close.
This ride can be continued for 2 more nights the same style. But if you have enough of the cerrado we suggest to transfer by car to Parati.
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Parati |
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Parati is one of the most picturesque villages of Brazil. From its tiny port the gold was shipped away. The town is surrounded by dense rain forest, beautiful beaches and a calm bay with many small islands. It's a great place to recover from a long trail. Day rides in the rain forest to beautiful waterfalls are available. During the ride you visit local farmers producing manioc flour, sugar cane, and cachaça. |
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Bahia |
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There is no other state in Brazil like Bahia - the inspiration of Brazilian painters, the shangri-la of poets and musicians for its beautiful colors and gentle people, its afro-brazilian heart, cuisine and rhythms.
Morro de Sao Paulo, a car-free island and hippie refuge of the 70's, offers several leisure rides on criollos around the island.
Porto Seguro and neighbor villages offer rides for just a couple of days along the fabulous deserted beaches, crossing rivers and visiting indio reserves. |
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Pantanal |
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The Pantanal is the most famous wild life reserve in South America. The abundance of wild animals can be visited all year around, even if some guide books only recommend the dry season. You will always stay on ranches and ride with cowboys at dawn and sunset to spot animals. If you want to assist the cowboys in their work with the cattle you must plan well in advance and be a very good rider.
The ranches are simple and clean and have a pool and air-condition. You fly into Cuiabá for the North Pantanal and to Campo Grande for the South Pantanal. We recommend the North Pantanal, as ranches in the South Pantanal are extremely expensive - but just right if you like the splendid atmosphere of powerful estates. |
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