Experience the backcountry of Brazil with all its rich cattle farming customs and hospitality. Superb riding, at all paces, at 3.000 to 5.500 ft elevations - surrounded by outstanding ever-changing scenery. Ride across wide open and hilly grass, bush and woodland with lush patches of magnificent South American Araucária pine forest that frame the landscape. You will cross a great number of rivers, canter through lovely green valleys and circle the edges of the Serra Geral canyons. Ride on top of the clouds or right amidst them. The region is scarcely 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 conserved and show proudly their traditions. On weekends, folks gather in the rustic galpões, the barn and animal shelters of the farmhouse and dance and sing while an opulent churrasco bbq is prepared at the open fireplace.
This trail from one fazenda to another has been designed for riders that seek harmony between the horse and the environment including the local people, with their traditions and their different way of living. For this reason emphasis has been given to authenticity in every way, rather than to luxurious resorts or hotels. Riders are always welcomed as friends when they meet up with locals anywhere on the trail. A comfortable trail for riders wanting to take home overwhelming impressions of the real life in the Brazilian backcountry.
Pick-up at Florianopolis airport. Our regular transfer to Urubici is set between 10am and noon. A three hours scenic drive from sea level takes you to the high sierra of Santa Catarina and the village of Urubici. The village of Urubici is a community of farmers and ranchers producing vegetables and fruits that are exported all over the country. The region produces also apples (Gala and Fuji), plums and is the state biggest producer of vegetables. Mountain rainbow trout and mate tea are other products for which Urubici is known. There are no polluting industrial activities of any kind in the whole region!
After arrival clients usually like to visit a farm supply and handicraft shop. Here you can buy at very reasonable prices anything related to cattle, farming, the horse and riding. We recommend waterproof leather boots with rubber sole, beautiful gaucho ponchos and hats, horsewhips and lassos from raw hide and much more... Depending on the month/day/hour of arrival however we might drive over to the Gaucho Cultural Traditions Centre, to watch a regional rodeo instead...
From November to May - nearly every weekend- the region hosts regional, national and international rodeos and rope throwing competitions. These are very colourful events where visitors will see beautiful horses, top riders, displays of fine leather handicraft, local products, typical food and drinks, and after all, since we are in Brazil: plenty of good music and dances. To put it simply: Urubici is rural Brazil at it’s best.
We will now proceed to our trail base, the Fazenda Santa Barbara Farm. The Fazenda Santa Barbara is part of the Jararaca community, named after a snake Bothrops jararaca, a venomous pit viper that is quite common in Brazil. No reason to worry however - the snakes did not survive the transformation of the region into cattle country. The Fazenda is surrounded by magnificent Araucaria angustifolha also known as Parana Pine forest. The tree, an endangered species, is characteristic for the Southern part of Brazil. The warm welcome of our hosts Rosie and Elvio, her husband and our guide, includes a generously set coffee table, here called Café Colonial. You will be shown to your rooms either at the main house or the new guest house, a 5 minute away, where you can relax from the long journey to get here. The group will meet again for dinner and overnight.
Day 2 - Santa Barbara Farm – Morro da Taipinha – Santa Barbara Farm
The hearty farmer breakfast includes a hot Camargo coffee, a local specialty. In the meantime horses are saddled and we leave to explore the greater area around the Fazenda. The ride will take us up to the Morro da Taipinha Mountain at about 1700m above sea level. To get there however we will have to tackle with dense forest, swamps and steep hills, safely negotiated by our sturdy mounts under the skilled lead of our guide Zorro Elvio.
A steep uphill ride, during which several breaks are recommended, the group arrives at the high fields that are characteristic for the region. Here we may see, but hopefully not hear the trumpeted cry of the siriema bird, Cariama cristata, as it advises 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 shy us off from their hidden nest raising hell if we get to 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 endangered red-tail Amazon Amazona pretrei.
We will be back at Santa Barbara late afternoon. Time free until dinner, when a delicious Entrevero , a local specialty, will be served. Total riding time today mounts from 6 to 6½ hrs.
Day 3 - Santa Barbara Farm – São Joaquim National Park – Vacas Gordas
After a solid breakfast the riders get on their horses for a long days ride that will take them into the São Joaquim National Park. On the way we will pass the village of Vacas Gordas which most significantly means: Fat Cows. Here, we pause briefly for a chat and refreshments with our hosts for tonight, before we continue all the way uphill now into the National Park. 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.
As we arrive on top of the elevations the flat sections not only provide magnificent views but also invites for canters and gallops. Here, aside a soft flushing creek and beneath shadowy trees, we unsaddle and prepare our saddle bag lunch, which is normally a generous chunk of meat grilled over the open fire. There, also our brave horses find their share of delicacies. The siesta may not take too long as more riding is on the menu for the afternoon.
We estimate to reach our destination for the day sometime late afternoon, when will take care of the horses and let them graze on lush pastures. Meanwhile our back-up car has arrived and takes us on adventurous mountain roads to the village of Vacas Gordas. Unfortunately our hut in the mountains burned out recently, leaving us without overnight options within the National Park boundaries.
After showers a caipirinha, the Brazilian National drink, will prepare us for the following dinner of sumptuous local delicacies cooked on the old iron stove. With some energy left we may sit down around the fire place for some storytelling, before we hit the sheets for overnight in this cozy country house. The total riding time is about 7 hrs.
Day 4 - V. Gordas – São Joaquim N.P. – Cayambora Canyons - V. Gordas
The day begins early with the back-up car taking us again to the high fields. We collect the horses we left behind last night, saddle them and we are off with destination Cayamborá Canyons. Heading first for the Chapada da Macela or Macela high sierra, a region named after a herbal plant, used in therapeutic teas and recommended as treatment for gastritis, stomach and other related diseases. In autumn, when the plant is in flower, the green of the high fields contrast with the bright yellow of Macela. The region is also home of the mountain lion or puma, Felis concolor.
Further ahead, the riders pass a crystal clear creek, what would become some 250 kms to the west, the great Rio Uruguay. On our way to the Cayamborá Canyon we also pass by the Fazenda Salgado, the former home of our host Zorro Elvio. The National Park Authorities bought the Fazenda founded by Elvios Grandfather. It is now completely in ruins, an eyesore in an otherwise overwhelming environment of natural beauty. Between February and April raspberries, blackberries and delicious wild guavas can be collected on route.
While riding on top of the ridges, breathtaking views into the canyons and on clear days as far as to the 200 km distant Santa Catarina coastline can be appreciated by overwhelmed riders. Not far from here is the Morro da Igreja, with 1822 meters the highest peak in Santa Catarina. Near a freshwater creek we break for lunch. It will be an authentic Churrasco, the Brazilian BBQ, lunch out of the saddle bag . After the feast, shadowy Araucarias invite for a nap, with the rich food doing the rest.
We take another trail on our way back over the mountains to the place where we unsaddle the horses and give them a good treatment. With the back-up car waiting for us we drive again to Vacas Gordas for dinner and overnight. Today, our time in the saddle will be 7-8 hrs.
Day 5 - V.Gordas – São Joaquim N.P. – Santa Barbara Farm
After an early breakfast we say good-by to our hosts and take the car to meet our horses again. The trail back to Santa Barbara Farm leads past the Fazenda do Baú, a 2nd century old ranch house, right on top of the Morro do Gado Quebra or “crashing cattle mountain”, with another story to be told at the right moment. Not far from there is the former Conta Dinheiro Farm, which was owned by Elvios relatives and has also been taken over by the National Park Authorities. Typically, it is also in ruins now. We pause at an old, wind worn cemetery. Stories about people who got lost in the mountains and were buried here will be making the rounds in the evenings.
The trail continues over several high mountain ridges, and on top of the Morro Careca or Bald Mountain, at 1700 meters above sea level, the riders enjoy magnificent 360º views. Here, the terrain allows for great canters on rolling hills. Further down and in sharp contrast with the high fields, we ride through dense jungle of Dicksonia, giant ferns, here called Xaxim, and Bracatinga, Mimosa scabrella trees.
We estimate to arrive at Fazenda Santa Barbara in the early evening hours. As we have not changed horses for the last 4 days, demanding all of the strength and energy they could muster, they will be are tired now and have earned the best possible care, which is what they will get. The riders are offered an invigorating Chimarrão tea and hot showers which should prepare them to enjoy one of these dinners only Rosie puts on the table, which is a big one…..Later on, when the flames blaze in the fireplace, Zorro Elvio will tell us how and why he loses newborn calves and pigs frequently to the puma. As usually one story leads to another, intercultural encounters, knowledge and understanding spreads among the group, which is one of the aims of our rides. This was another long riding day, with estimated 7-8 hrs in the saddle. Overnight.
Day 6 - Santa Barbara Farm – Cadet / Fazenda da Mena
After breakfast we mount on fresh horses to a region, called Cadet, which is today´s destination. Differing from the previous days we will be riding through landscapes with small elevations. On mostly open hilly terrain we observe agricultural activities, like vineyards, apple orchards and cattle farming. During the ride we will have opportunities again to take our mounts to enjoyable canters and gallops.
Before we arrive at Fazenda da Mena we have to cross the river Uruguay, provided the water level and currents will be adequate for safe passage. We estimate to arrive at Fazenda da Mena in late afternoon. Relax, refreshments, shower, Dinner. This Fazenda is another property that belongs to the large family of our host Rosie, who was actually born here. The charming old wooden building is framed by enormous Araucaria trees and a lake, where frogs concert in the warm evening hours and at night. It is nearly 100% Years old and one of the first cattle farms of that region. The group will have spent 6 -7 hrs in the saddle today.
Day 7 - Cadet/Fazenda da Mena – Santa Barbara Farm
As on the ride to the Cayambora Canyons we have a support car carrying provisions and personal belongings. While Elvio saddles the horses we give Rosie a hand to load luggage and the other stuff onto the 4x4. For the way back from Fazenda da Mena back to Fazenda Santa Bárbara we ride on another trail which offers nice and easy riding. On route we break for visit to the Salto do Rio Lavatudo waterfall, a river that forms, together with the Rio Pelotas the Rio Uruguay. Here, right at the falls, we will have a scenic lunch.
Arriving at Jararaca horses are unsaddled and left to graze on the rich pastures of our trail leader and host Elvio's property. Those who wish to change activities for a moment and relax their minds can go fishing in the pond right behind the main house, or take a walk around the property, playing with the dogs and cats, watching pigs and chickens, until Rosie calls in for dinner. Most probably the entrée will be some crispy grilled fish….
Today´s estimate is about 6-7 hrs in the saddle.
Day 8 - Santa Barbara Farm – Monte Cará – Santa Barbara Farm
Today we head to another great destination over 1600mts above sea level, which is the Mount Cará. After having passed some nearby properties the group passes open fields and dense forest and will hardly meet any living soul in this area.
Wild flowers and splendid orchids like the lovely red Sofronites and bromeliads grow from December-January on branches draped with moss. For our siesta, we have chosen a beautiful panoramic spot at the top of the mountain with great views of 360º and as far as to the village of Urubici down below. Here a spring surfaces right out from between the stones with the purest mineral water, beating Perrier, Evian and other sophisticated brands hands down. We picnic sandwiches, cheese, fruits, cookies out of the saddle bag, washed down with a fresh boiled coffee or tea prepared cowboy style, on the open fireplace.
After a break for horses and riders, the trail goes on through highland forest covered mainly with shadowy Paraná pines and the ever present Vassourinha bushes, which are used for firewood, broom, brushes, but also produces pollen for a delicious honey, that is even exported to Europe. We are planning to arrive home around 5pm totaling some
6 hours in the saddle.
Day 9 - Santa Barbara Farm – Monte Alegre – Santa Barbara Farm
The last full day of riding will take us to the Monte Alegre mountain, claimed to be even higher than the Morro da Igreja, which is 1822 m above sea level. To get to the Monte Alegre and back, the riders will face again dense forest, swamps, steep and rocky ascents and high camps with grassy hills, accessible on hidden trails that only a trained scout as Elvio can identify as such. Our saddle bag lunch today include most probably a decent chunk of beef masterly grilled on the open fireplace, homemade cheese and rolls, cookies and apples, coffee and tea. After all that we recommend to take our sheep skins off the saddle as they guarantee a comfortable snooze.
A long days ride, but it is worthwhile the effort, mainly because of great adventure riding and an overwhelming mix of outstanding landscapes and views. Back at the Fazenda, Rosie has prepared some decent caipirinhas for apéritif and a fare well dinner for the last evening, with delicacies from the local cuisine. For the rest of this last evening among our hosts we have invited friends with their gaita and violão. So there will be dancing and great music from the Gaucho lands, like the hot and swinging chama-me, venerão, xote, milonga, chimarrita.
Today´s estimate is 6½ hs riding time.
Day 10 - Santa Barbara Farm – Urubici - Florianopolis
Packing gear and getting ready for departure to Florianópolis. Depending on the flight times there might be the chance to go for some early riding in the morning. There is always enough time however to pay a visit to the mysterious pre-historic stone wall carvings, unexplored and unexplained to this day. If not done so already on the arrival day, leather handicraft from saddle to boots, ponchos and hats, reins and other riding accessories can be purchased for reasonable prices in the local stores. We recommend booking of a late afternoon flight out of Florianópolis.
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
NOTES - SANTA CATARINA TRAIL
Small group supplements:
If fewer than 4 people have been confirmed on this holiday at the time of your booking the trip will still depart with a small group supplement. Please see 'detailed prices' for more details. Small group supplement will be refunded once 4 or more riders have booked in.
Single supplement
There is no single supplement charged; riders must be prepared to share as a single room cannot always be guaranteed.
A particularly nice time to go there is the spring (Oct/Nov) and autumn (March/April).
The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Private transfers from Florianópolis, all accommodation in twin or single rooms, all meals and refreshments, non alcoholic drinks, all riding and English speaking nature guide.
For price details click here
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Alcoholic drinks, personal items, tips.
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What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
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