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According to my philosophy to ever offer experiences rare to find elsewhere, our new “São Joaquim Highland and Adventure Ride” in the Santa Catarina highlands includes areas such as the Santa Barbara Mountain range, Espraiado Canyons and the Campos dos Padres high altitude fields, thus offering even more breath taking natural attractions.
The new itinerary has been drafted exclusively for you. It did not exist in that composition. It is a very well - organized ride offering challenging, adventurous and safe riding at all paces. The ride as such can be adapted to your personal preferences as long as distance and terrain cooperate.
Finally, but nevertheless very important to mention, one thing is not new as you will continue to be welcomed as a special guest and friend everywhere you pass by and stay for some time. Hospitality and authenticity are among the highlights of our rides. This is where you fit in, right?
Pick-up from Florianópolis Airport and transfer in a private car from Florianopolis to Urubici (3 1/2 hs) Urubici and further to Estância Vô Ana (30 minutes) for check-in. Lunch en -route. Horse check on a short ride around the property. Dinner and overnight at Estância Vô Ana.
The Estância Vó Ana, as all the other ranches in the region, is a small ranch by Central Brazilian standards. It is located some 20 kms distant from the town of Urubici and is owned by the family of your riding guide Felipe Silveira. Guests are treated like friends and have the opportunity to participate in the day to day life of a traditional southern Brazilian mountain ranch.
Leaving Vó Ana after a solid rancher breakfast we leave on horseback to discover during the following days the highlands and canyons of the Santa Catarina Serra Geral, with an ever- changing itinerary of scenic beauty and riding fun including thus, gallops and smooth canters. Overnight at Coxilha do Verão lodge / Estância Rio Pelotas
Approximate Distance: 22 km
Today's ride starts at Estância Rio Pelotas, leading through the scenic mountain trails of the Santa Catarina highlands to Pousada das Laranjeiras. After enjoying an authentic local ranch lunch, we remount and head toward the impressive Portal Canyon (Cânion do Portal), known for its sheer rock faces and vast, unspoiled vistas. After taking time to appreciate the majestic scenery, we make our way back on horseback to Pousada das Laranjeiras for dinner and a cozy overnight stay. (Pousada Laranjeiras)
Approximate Distance: 24 km
Today’s ride journeys through some of the most striking mountain landscapes in southern Brazil. Leaving Pousada das Laranjeiras, our trail leads directly to the edge of Laranjeiras Canyon, offering vast, open vistas over towering cliffs and deep-cut valleys. We then traverse open rolling grasslands and ancient rural tracks to arrive at Fazenda João Vargas. Surrounded by untouched mountain scenery, we enjoy a classic ranch dinner and a comfortable overnight stay. (Fazenda João Vargas)
Approximate Distance: 28 km
Today delivers one of the most authentic and immersive experiences of the journey, directly retracing the steps of the historic Tropeiros (cattle drovers). Leaving Fazenda João Vargas, we cross the Pelotas River on horseback and ride past the dramatic Segualquia rock formations toward the historic Santa Bárbara Centenary Cemetery. Here, we pause in the open high country for a rustic field lunch (almoço de campo).
In the afternoon, the trail descends toward the Espinilho River, following quiet rural tracks and rolling mountain paths back to Estância Vó Ana. Arriving in the late afternoon, guests can unwind and enjoy a well-earned evening at the ranch. (Estância Vó Ana)
Duration: Approx.: 6 hours on horseback
Today begins with a short vehicular transfer to Fazenda Morro Azul for a distinct change of scenery. After four days traversing wide-open high-altitude grasslands and sprawling ranches, this leg immerses us in a dramatically different landscape. We ride through dense native forests, cross clear mountain streams, and navigate winding natural trails carved deep into the wilderness. A captivating, sheltered ride that reveals the intimate, lush side of the Santa Catarina highlands. (Estância Vó Ana)
We depart by 4x4 truck with horse trailers toward the breathtaking Espraiado Canyon (Cânion Espraiado), located in the rugged highlands of Campo dos Padres—one of the highest and most remote plateaus in southern Brazil.
Today’s expedition is a full-day ride across demanding alpine terrain. Given the rugged topography, steep ascents, and technical ground, the pace is deliberately slow and steady, requiring careful navigation and focused horsemanship. In return, riders are rewarded with unmatched, wild panoramas along dramatic canyon precipices.
Sônia Munaretto is an emblematic figure and a trailblazer in Urubici (SC). Known as the "Woman of the Sun Mountain" (mulher da Montanha do Sol), she is a vital reference for nature tourism, preservation, and culture in the mountain region, managing a traditional ranch in the Campo dos Padres area.
Her property, located near Campo dos Padres and the Espraiado and Laranjeiras Canyon (Cânion Espraiado), is well-preserved and serves as a base for research and specimen collection for botanical and university studies in the region.
Sônia is widely recognized for her hospitality, welcoming visitors to remote, high-altitude areas, which has made her a highly respected figure, honoured by both local authorities and the community.
Riding in altitudes between 1500-1700m is daily, with options regarding length and destination. We should reserve a full day out riding including out-door gaucho style BBQ and a good siesta under a shadowy araucaria Parana pine tree. Overnight: Sônia´s Ranch
Set in the wild heart of the Santa Catarina Serra Geral, Campo dos Padres represents the most isolated and high-altitude territory of southern Brazil’s horse country. Rising between 1,500 and 1,700 meters above sea level, this expansive plateau is defined by vast mountain pastures, ancient Araucaria pine groves, and sheer basalt precipices dropping over a thousand meters into the coastal valleys below.
Riding across this rugged terrain demands a quiet, intuitive connection between horse and rider. The trails weave over rocky alpine ridges, pristine headwater streams, and historical Tropeiro cattle tracks that have remained unchanged for centuries. Because of the technical ground, steep ascents, and unpredictable mountain weather, the ride moves at a deliberate, measured pace. It is a journey built around true horsemanship, where you rely entirely on the sure-footed nature of your Criollo-cross mount while taking in some of the most dramatic, untouched canyon landscapes in South America. Overnight: Estância Vó Ana
After seven full days in the saddle, today offers a relaxing change of pace with a scenic vehicular tour exploring the most iconic natural landmarks of Urubici:
In the evening, enjoy a celebrated farewell dinner at one of Urubici’s finest local restaurants. Visit to a local high-altitude winery and a traditional artisanal saddlery. Overnight: Estância Vó Ana
After enjoying a final home-style breakfast, we check out and begin our comfortable private transfer back down the scenic mountain pass toward Florianópolis. The drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, bringing you to Pousada Ilha Faceira at Campeche Beach. No further activities that day.
From here your driver takes you back to your Pousada where the round on the island of Florianopolis comes to an end. The approximate duration considering normal traffic on route is estimated to take 6-7 hs.
Day at leisure. No activities planned.
Depending on your departure time, timely transfer to Florianópolis Airport. This marks the end of our services.
From here your driver takes you back to your Pousada where the round on the island of Florianopolis comes to an end. The approximate duration considering normal traffic on route is estimated to take 6-7 hs.
The Santa Barbara ranch is located some 30 kms distant from the town of Urubici. Our long-time partner "Zorro" Elvio and his wife Rosie, manage this working ranch of about 500 ha land, where some 400 cattle of mixed breed graze happily throughout the year. Pigs, sheep, chickens, dogs and cats also are part of the family. The Santa Barbara is, as all the other ranches in the region, a small ranch by Central Brazil standards like in the Pantanal. It is family run and non-touristy. Guests are treated like friends and have the rare opportunity to participate in the day to day live of a traditional southern Brazilian mountain ranch.
Nearby the Santa Barbara ranch is the Canoas River. Its creeks and rapids do invite for trout fishing. Host Elvio knows not only all the secrets of ranching, but is also a skilled fisherman, while his wife Anna Rose takes care of the kitchen, where the trouts end up for dinner "Belle Meuniere" style. Talking about food: it consists of enormous portions of delicious, regional food (also vegetarian, if required), mostly homegrown and homemade. Our guests will further relish on authentic churrascos from the fogo do chão and the stimulating mate tea from the chimarrão, a gourd with a silver spoon. An early morning camargo straight from the udder, makes you forget the delicious capucchino of your favoured Italian restaurant. Another traditional delicacy for the highlands gaúchos is passoca, grinded lamp meat with pinhão, Paraná pine nuts. At this point we would like to mention that at Santa Barbara, and elsewhere we emphasize and cultivate between visitors and host a relationship that is strictly based on friendship and common respect.
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 programme, our guests will visit these traditional events and enjoy great hospitality.
One thing that will become very obvious to our guests is the Brazilian love of mules. They are thought to inherit the best features of both their donkey fathers and their horse mothers. They are taller than donkeys, less stubborn and more comfortable to ride; and they are stronger, more sure-footed and easier to care for than horses. They were used as pack animals in Brazil long after most other countries had switched to carts and wagons, and are now the riding animals of choice by the majority of Brazilian cattle farmers. They have also found a new role in the show arena. 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. Our host for our two-night stay in Vacas Gordas is a mule aficionado and trainer, on whose wonderful mule specimens we might be able to try a ride.
| USD (American Dollars) |
| 2 Riders | 5,720.00 USD p.person |
| 3 to 4 Riders | 5,090.00 USD p.person |
| Please add 250 USD p.person for Xmas ride. | |
| 2026 |
| December 16 | to | December 29 (Special X-mas Ride*) |
| * our X-mas ride puts you in touch with traditions and events celebrated within the family of your host and friends during the festivities. | ||
| 2027 |
| January 4 | to | January 16 |
| February 15 | to | February 27 |
| March 3 | to | March 15 |
| March 17 | to | March 29 |
| November 15 | to | November 27 |
Best time to travel: From November to March
Because of the partially difficult terrain and the length of the ride, there are several sets of horses at disposal. Our clients may chose, from Crioulo breeds, 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.
We also recommend 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.
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 are lighter than Western saddles and covered by 2-3 colourful sheepskin layers for comfort on long working days.
To ensure maximum comfort, experience and fun, our group size is never more than 4 riders. Special groups and families with members up to 6 riders can also accepted. The owner of the Fazenda will normally ride the trails with you. In addition, you will be accompanied by a a local horse man and a multilingual interpreter and guide, who will provide you with information about the history of the region, its economy and ecology, its politics and religion, and – of course – the role of the horse. He can do so in English, German, French, Spanish and Italian, as required. He also takes care of the organisation of the trip and makes sure everything runs well.
Accommodation is generally in double or single rooms. Hot showers, either en suite or shared, are always available. We generally stay at Fazendas (the Portuguese word for working farms or ranches), which may be simple but are always clean and cosy.
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, and cane fudge and caramel sauces. During your trip you will be treated to many other delicacies, local to the country and the region.
The High Sierras of Santa Catarina are the coldest regions of Brazil. During April - October temperatures may go down as much as -5°Cel., feeling much lower because of thermal sensation caused by subtropical humidity. The best time to visit the High Sierras of Santa Catarina is in the summer, from Nov ember through March, when temperatures are very pleasant although they may reach +30°Cel in January.
Check out our available extensions for this ride:
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