Experience the true Brazilian back country with all its rich traditions and hospitality. We offer superb riding, at all paces, at 3.000 to 5.500 ft elevations, surrounded by outstanding, ever-changing scenery. Our horses accommodate all levels of riding ability and experience. From obedient, calm and patient to very forward going and fast when demanded. Less experienced rider can count on gentle and sure-footed animals.
The impressive mountain panorama of the Southern Brazilian High Sierra, with 1 National and 2 State Parks offers a variety of superb natural attractions. Wide open and hilly grassland, bushland, lush patches of magnificent South American Araucária pine forest, a great number of clear rivers, rapids, waterfalls change to breathtaking canyons interspersed with lovely green valleys of the Serra Geral Mountain range.
Animal and plant live of this part of the tropical highlands is well preserved, in particular birds like the blue-crowned trogon, siriemas, buff-necked ibis, Southern lapwings, quails, a great diversity of hawks, falcons, eagles, saffron finches, shiny cowbirds, owls and many others. The area is also habitat of Puma, and you may be lucky to discover its trail, while he is far ahead or... behind you. Other animals of the region are ocelot, pampas deer, armadillo, coati, otter and capibara.
The region is sparsely populated by small dairy farms and cattle ranches that seem almost lost in the vastness of the land. This is the home of the mountain gaúchos and horsemen. They have preserved their traditions through the generations and proudly show them off. On weekends, folk gather in the rustic galpões, the barn and animal shelters of the farmhouse, and dance and sing while a lavish churrasco BBQ is prepared on an open fire. Beautiful horses and superb horsemanship are on display at the frequent rodeos, where, dressed in their traditional outfits, people dance to the chamamê, xote or vanerão, to the sound of live Brazilian country music. Whenever this can be fit in with our program, our guests are invited to visit these traditional events and enjoy great hospitality.
The second part of this combination ride offers a perfect contrast to our stay in this magnificent mountain landscape, with daily rides across the pristine white beaches and dunes of the Rio de Janeiro coast. The stunning turquoise color of the sea is particularly noteworthy, which is why this stretch of coast is known as the "Caribbean of Brazil".
The “Região dos Lagos” is one of Brazil´s most exiting places. A two hours’ drive on highway RJ 124 gets you to the scenic Araruama lagoon. The lagoon extends alongside the ocean for over 160kms to the east and further to Cabo Frio, with its historic down town and it´s Venice like lagoons and channels, to the former fishermen village of Arraial do Cabo with some of the best beaches in Brazil. During July-September visitors can watch here the spectacle of Southern Right and Hunchback Whales on their way fro/to Antartic to raise and protect their off-spring in calm waters. Not to forget Búzios, once a romantic village by the sea, today an international resort where luxurious villas and top of the notch Pousadas, Restaurants and Bars catch the eye and the purse of the visitor.
Our riding facilities are located near Búzios. Accommodations are in Arraial do Cabo, offering thus additional fun enjoying some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Upon request accommodations in both Búzios or Cabo Frio can be arranged for.
The great variety of attractions and highlights described here, combined with the freedom to ride to one's heart's content, best define this unique combination ride.
Joint transfer from Florianopolis to Urubici (3 1/2 to 4 hs) and proceed to Estância Vô Ana (45 minutes) for check-in.
Afternoon checking horses on a ride around the property. Dinner and overnight at Estância Vô Ana.
9:00 am
Getting on horses for the ride to Fazenda Segualquia. The approximate 5 hrs ride takes us through lush araucaria Parana pine forest to the breathtaking Santa Barbara high fields. Here we may see the Siriema bird, Cariama cristata, but hopefully not hear its trumpeted cry, as that advises of bad weather ahead. They are also otherwise useful animals, since their preferred diet is snakes! The Quero-Quero, Vanellus chilensis will watch us all the way and scare us off from their hidden earth nest, raising hell if we get too close. Another typical southern Brazilian bird is the Gralha Azul or Azure jay, Cyanocorax caeruleus, which plays a significant role in preventing the Paraná pine Araucaria angustifolha from extinction. More difficult to watch is the highly vulnerable parrot red-tail Amazon Amazona pretrei.
We should arrive at Segualquia around 4pm, and will be received with a good drink for relaxation. Dinner is cooked by the guide himself with pictures of his capabilities as chef of the wilderness available. Riding pace today varying, canters and gallops always possible. Overnight at to Fazenda Segualquia.
8:30 am
Our destination today are the Laranjeiras canyons which are part of the Campos do Padres High Plateau, said to be an ancient Jesuit hide out. This is another ride totaling approximately 5 hrs in the saddle, of which 2 hrs in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon. On the way to the Laranjeiras canyons you will experience a scenery of pure nature, mostly typical sub-tropical mountain vegetation, consisting of grass pastures interrupted by patches of forest and rocky terrain. At a creek we break for lunch. It will be an authentic churrasco, the Brazilian BBQ lunch out of the saddlebag and coffee from the Polaca, our more than exotic coffee pot. After the feast, shadowy Araucarias invite for a nap.
As the region is scarcely populated, we will not see signs of tourists or other folks around. Riding along the edges of the canyon you appreciate spectacular 360° views. On very clear days you may even be able to see the coast line of Florianopolis. At Fazenda Laranjeiras, a high-altitude cattle ranch, we stay for dinner and overnight. This is another ride totaling approximately 5 hrs in the saddle, of which 2 hrs in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon.
8:30 am
Today we leave Fazenda Laranjeiras with destination to another mountain ranch, the Fazenda São João do Rio Pelotas.
Ever changing terrain requires up- and downhill riding. On their way, the riders may eventually encounter a man or two collecting Herba Mate leafs Ilex paraguaiensis , a bush that grows here naturally between Araucaria and other Forest. According to the legend, Jesuit Missionaries left the region between Paraguay/Argentina/ Brazil, when the order was abolished in 1773, seeking safety and new activities on the highlands of Santa Catarina and introduced thus the Ilex paraguaiensis to the region. The approximately 6 hrs high altitude ride, at an average of 1200-1600m comprehends among great natural sights and patches of Araucaria pine forest an extended ride through the Pelotas River. Furthermore, we need to tackle some swampy grounds which however is not problem for tough and sure-footed mounts. After arrival at the Fazenda the riders are offered an invigorating chimarrão which is the yierba mate tea. After hot showers the riders are best prepared to enjoy one of these home cooked dinners of gigantic size and taste. Later on, when the flames blaze at the fireplace, our host will tell us how he frequently loses new born calves and pigs to the Puma. As usually one story leads to another, intercultural encounters, knowledge and understanding spreads among the group, which is one of the declared aims on our rides.
8:30 am
This will be an up and down hill ride with altitudes varying between 1200 and 1600 m. The scenery changes from high fields with grazing cattle to mighty Araucaria pine and Atlantic rain forest. The Dicksonia giant ferns, here called Xaxim, grow up to 10ms high. Their trunk was cut into smaller pieces to be used as flower and plant pots as they reserve water for a long time. Once at the brink of extinction their populations recovered due to strict environment protection. An intriguing sight is the "Casa de Pedra" or stone house, said to be from the 17th century having served as bandits hide outs, revolutionary h/q, rich farmers, hidden love nest and so forth.
Arrival at Fazenda Coxilha de Verão is estimated between 3 - 4 pm. The place a rustical mountain lodge and Fazenda with no electricity. A hot shower however is available and food is cooked on the open fireplace.
8:30 am
This last full day ride offers the whole range of natural highlights of the region as it takes us through a variety of changing scenery with high altitude grazing fields, crystal clear rapids, rivers rushing down into the valleys, Atlantic Rain Forest and even an old weathered graveyard of dubious origin. As the story goes a whole family died there tragically after getting lost on the snow-covered high plains is buried here.
The diverse landscapes will accompany us during the whole ride and will give the group plenty of opportunities to change the pace according to the terrain. Your guide will advise you on which is the recommended pace at the different types of terrain. Today´s ride may take a bit longer as we have to make it back to the place we started, which is the Estância da Vô Ana, where we are estimated to arrive around 5 pm. For this last evening we have arranged for a special good-by dinner.
At a convenient time we transfer you to Florianópolis airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Our driver is waiting at Rio de Janeiro airport to take you on a 3hrs drive to Hotel in Arraial do Cabo. Overnight.
Our riding package offers: two rides on days 8 and 9 of approximately 4 hrs each plus a full day ride on day 10. The rides cover the following beaches, lagoons and panoramic high lights in:
Pick up from the hotel is usually at 09:00 am returning around 02:00 pm but can suffer ad-hoc changes according to weather and other conditions.
Starting at 09:00 from with transfer from Hotel Arraial do Cabo at 08:00 am. Leaving our riding facilities for Praia Rasa beach and heading from there on horses north-east at a smooth pace with destination Barra de São João river. Deserted beaches and isolated small fishermen communities are part of the colorful scenery as further ahead the environment changes to restinga, palm forest and dunes. Restinga is a stretch of diversified vegetation adapted to the salty climate from the sea. At some point we cross small creeks always being accompanied by marine birds, like sea gulls, frigate birds, large- billed terns, cormorants and others.
Riding over flooded plains, amidst well preserved native vegetation, wild animals such as marmosets, egrets and even giant anteaters can be seen occasionally. The ideal place to relax and refresh both riders and horses.
Continuing on endless white beaches and dunes which invite for great canters and gallops.
Where the mouth of the São João river meets the Sea, it is normally not possible to cross the river except at a very low tide. We need to bypass the river therefore on a paved road to get to the other side. The scenery requires a stop to contemplate the silence of the surrounding nature, the compelling river with its mangrove forest, rich in biodiversity, sand banks and views of the Ocean.
The group now arrives at Barra de São João a river inlet and small town with charming colonial housing. Horses are tied safely in the shadow while the group stretches the bones strolling on a seaside esplanade to a nearby Restaurant for lunch. The Restaurant is noted for its home - made sea food platters which are enjoyed with a romantic view over the river.
The ride, the sun, the good food requires a well-earned siesta, before getting ready to return to our basis by car, where the group is estimated to arrive around 4 pm.
Note: This ride is operated only in off season on week-days from March to November. From December to February a half day beach ride in either Búzios or Arraial do Cabo plus a city tour to Cabo Frio is on the schedule for the day
End of our services!
The Brazilian Mangalarga Marchador horse was bred in 1822 as a cross between a Royal Alter Stallion and selected mares from Minas Gerais to produce a horse with fast but smooth pace. Initially they became known as sublime horses. Nowadays they are considered the National Horse of Brazil, as well as being one of the most popular and ubiquitous breeds in South America.
Intelligent, regal, alert and of incredible endurance, they are renowned for their marchas, or gaits. The marcha picada is a lateral and very smooth movement, while the marcha batida is a diagonal four beat gait that appears to the naked eye to be a trot, yet has very little vertical movement and so it is extremely smooth.
Mangalarga horses are amazingly clever, patient and friendly. They are perfect for novice and advanced riders alike, who wish to outride the endless beaches of Rio de Janeiro´s beautiful eastern shores.
You are invited to enjoy a beautiful region on a sweet-tempered four-footed companion.
| US$ (American Dollars) |
| 4 Riders | 3390 p.person |
| 3 Riders | 3730 p.person |
| 2 Riders | 4.420 p.person |
| 2026 |
| January 17 | to | January 27 |
| February 1 | to | February 11 |
| March 3 | to | March 13 |
| March 18 | to | March 27 |
| November 28 | to | December 8 |
Accommodations at São Joaquim National Park and canyons are generally in double or single rooms at Fazendas, Portuguese for working farms or ranches, and cabins. They are simple but are always clean and cosy. Hot showers, either en-suite or shared, are always available. At the Beach Rides the hotels offer all necessary comfort.
Food consists of a great variety of regional delicacies - and comes in gigantic portions! We also cater for vegetarians on demand. All meals are highlighted by local cuisine, some of the most delicious meat you have ever tasted, home-made breads, beignets and rolls, exotic fruits and vegetables, home-made cheeses, compotes, cane fudge and caramel sauces. During your trip you will be treated to many other delicacies, local to the country and the region. Good restaurants are available during the “Rio de Janeiro Beach Ride and Mangalargas”.
Because of the partially difficult terrain and the length of the rides during the São Joaquim Adventure Ride there are several sets of horses at disposal. Our clients may choose, from Crioulo, Quarter Horses and Crioulo and Quarter Horses cross breeds. All the horses are forward going, sure-footed and 100% trustworthy on any ground. For novice riders we provide horses matching with their abilities and experiences.
Certainly, you want to have a ride on our fantastic and much loved Pega mules. The large native Brazilian donkey, the Pega, is used primarily to sire mules. When mated with the Brazilian national horse, the Mangalarga, which is famous for its running walk, the result is an extraordinarily elegant and valuable mule.
On the Beach rides the horses are Mangalargas. Please refer to the note on the itinerary. Handling and tack of the horses is similar to the Western Style. The horses are sensitive to the bit and are grateful for soft handling of the reins. Crioulo saddles and Australian type saddles are lighter than Western saddles and covered by 2-3 colorful sheepskin layers on the crioulos.
DEU