Uruguay is classic gaucho country and also has some of the world's finest unspoiled beaches. This itinerary on this horse riding holiday explores not only working estancias but also tropical palm groves, protected wetlands, beaches, shipwrecks and marine life such as dolphins, whales and seals. Horseback riding is an integral part of the culture as raising cattle is big business and the gauchos still depend heavily on horses to handle the cow. The Criollo horses are reliable and responsive mounts and the traditional saddles very comfortable. The food is excellent, varying from tender organic local beef to fresh sea food. The riding is excellent and Uruguay still offers an authentic South American experience with large unpopulated stretches ideal for riding.
No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise:
2012: £275/€329/$399
SAMPLE ITINERARY - ESTANCIAS AND BEACHES
Day 1 Montevideo – Tango & Candombe
Today is set aside to relax and explore the seaside city of Montevideo the most important city as well as the capital. Guests are met at the Carrasco International Airport and driven along the wonderful coastline called “Rambla” to the downtown hotel. Explore the downtown streets and experience the typical Rio de la Plata music, the Tango or Candombe with the rhythms and coloured costumes. Luxury barbecue at the Mercado del Puerto and city tour to discover Montevideo, a very quiet and safe city that combines museums, street markets, nice restaurants and very friendly people. Overnight at a nice centrally located 3 to 4 star hotel.
Day 2 Cerro Verde natural protected area & the Santa Teresa national park, dolphins & shipwrecks. After breakfast we will be driven to the Brazilian border and into Rocha, arguably the most beautiful province in Uruguay with its pristine beaches, emerald shores and network of lagoons. Just after lunch, we will prepare for our first ride which will let us discover the Cerro Verde natural protected area. The grassy rocky headland that gives its name to the area is also the base for a sea turtles research and protection organization (Carumbé). We pass a shipwreck buried in the sand – one of many along this treacherous coast. Indeed, Polonio, where we ride later is named after a Spanish galleon that went down just off the point. Luckily ‘Beagle’ with Charles Darwin aboard did not succumb to this fate and Darwin spent quite some time in Uruguay collecting species and most likely starting to formulate his theories of evolution. Most days there is a wonderful sight of dolphins feeding in the bay.
This beautiful setting with firm beaches, sand dunes and coastal forest will take us to the immense Santa Teresa National Park. The
center piece of the park is a fort started in 1762 by the Portuguese to defend the edge of their territories then completed by the
Spaniards who took it by assault just a year later. This was just the start of a succession of conquering, loosing and reconquering the fort; it was not until 1825 that the newly forming ‘Uruguay’ finally captured and held the fort.
The fort is surrounded by 3000 hectares of forest containing over 2 million trees the majority from other
parts of the world. After a traditional picnic close to the fortress or on the beach, depending on the weather, we will canter back along the water’s edge to the hotel for barbecued fresh fish, Uruguayan wine and a pleasant overnight listening to the waves.
Day 3
Barra de Chuy beach – ride along a pristine beach.
During the morning we will cross La Coronilla tiny town and ride towards the Brazilian border. Enjoying a fast-pace ride, we will ride along the wonderful, isolated ocean beach of ‘Barra del Chuy’. Visitors seldom reach this beach so we can enjoy a long, exhilarating canter with no signs of habitation as we ride across the pure white sands alongside the Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes we will go inland and we will surely see ibis, herons, egrets, storks and a legion of migrating birds (birds arrive here from as far as Alaska and the Falkland Islands). At midday we have a picnic lunch and then riders may have a pleasant “siesta” discovering that gauchos saddles are so comfortable to ride as to sleep! . We will canter back along the beach enjoying an incredible sense of freedom! Dinner and overnight at the beachside hotel.
Day 4 Estancia Guardia Del Monte, the Ombu forest and tropical palm groves
The second day starts with an early morning drive to “Guardia Del Monte”, a working estancia next to the “Laguna de Castillos”. “Guardia Del Monte” has outstanding landscape beauty with important ecosystems like the wetlands with a great variety of birds and native scrublands. This area has been declared Natural Animal Reserve since 1996. We will have the opportunity to visit the forest of Ombúes. The Ombú curiously rarely grows in groups of more than 2 or 3; the forest of Ombúes that we visit is possibly the only one in the world. Each tree has its own wonderful shape with thick, twisting roots spreading out over the ground; some are over 500 years and have a diameter of 2 meters (6 feet). After lunch, we will ride to the nearby unique palm groves; despite a number of stories, no one knows how the palm trees got here -some 300 years old. They are not native but they give the landscape a very exotic look. During our afternoon transfer, we will pass many roadside stalls selling the fruit and the less innocent ‘hooch’ brewed from the palm nuts. The cloudy, sticky liquid is so potent that if you leave the cap off the old bottles it is sold in the liquor evaporates in a flash! On arrival to El Sauce, a working estancia run by its owners we will be welcomed with a delicious meal. Overnight.
Day 5
El Sauce, an authentic estancia – ‘mate’ tea & the gaucho life
We wake up on a farm - El Sauce is a working estancia run by its owners where we will enjoy a full day riding around the crops and very varied vegetation on the property. The estancia, built in 1920, is very comfortable –it is not a hotel but the family house that we have been invited to stay as guests of the owners, offering us an incredible experience and a very special insight into the life in the country. For example, guests can sample the ‘mate’ sipped hot out of a dry gourd. The gauchos and their mate are inseparable and a ceremony has developed around drinking mate. In addition to the cattle grasslands this estancia has a large area of marshlands and also rice crops both of which are teeming with bird life (more than 400 species in this area) making another very varied ride and giving us the chance to see the graceful black-necked swan (largest populations in the world found here), the rare white goose and many ducks and other birds such as the largest bird in South America- the ‘ostrich-like’ “ñandú” (rhea). Otters,
coypus and capybaras inhabit the marshlands and streams. At several points on the trip we will see the pink flamingo – a species of flamingo with very bright pink pigment and quite common in Uruguay. Overnight at this authentic working estancia.
Day 6
Cabo Polonio – shifting sands & sea lions
The day starts with a short drive along a scenic road where we will be able to enjoy an incredible view of the unique extensive palm groves. Despite a number of stories, no one knows how the palm trees got here -some 300 years old; they are not native but they give the landscape a very exotic look. During the trip we will pass many roadside stalls selling the fruit and the less innocent ‘hooch’ brewed from the palm nuts. The cloudy, sticky liquid is so potent that if you leave the cap off the old bottles it is sold in the liquor evaporates in a flash! Pretty close to the coast we will meet our horses and ride into the desert! We ride through the area which has been declared a natural animal reserve and a Biosphere Natural Reserve by UNESCO. We will ride towards Cabo Polonio, a charming fishing village which can only be reached by horse or four wheeled drive. The fascinating part of is the huge area of shifting sand dunes; as we ride through it is possible to imagine that we are right in the middle of the Sahara. After lunch at a typical restaurant on the beach we will see seals and sea lions that populate the small islands and make up one of the largest populations of seals in the world; very occasionally we spot a migrating Right Whale. Riders can swim in one of the most beautiful
beaches of the country. After this ride full of surprises and diverse scenery, we will stay at a lovely comfortable working estancia, El Charabón.
Day 7 Cattle and ship work with the gauchos on the estancia
The day starts with a breakfast out on the veranda with homemade bread, jams and cakes, admiring the views out across the hills. Guests can take a close look at the rheas; the estancia has some of these native South American birds as pets. The armadillos often pop up out of holes ruining Jorge’s (the owner) beautifully manicured lawns. We will enjoy a full day working alongside the gauchos and their trusty dogs as they tend to the cattle and sheep on this 1200 hectare (2900 acre) ranch (4hrs riding). The work varies depending on the time of the year, but the gauchos always welcome a bit of help checking and moving the stock or
putting animals in the corrals. Sometimes a lame animal has to be caught and tended to. The wonderful, friendly gauchos with their berets, ‘bombachas’ (riding trousers) and with their knives tucked into their colorful belts all seem to have been born on a horse and it is a delight to be riding with them. Their dogs are very much work animals and it is an amazing sight to see four dogs working in unison moving a herd of cattle. The dogs unfortunately cannot count and that gets very tricky for us, especially with the sheep, a recount often being required! During the late afternoon, guests can relax around the pool, sunbathe or admire the sunset over the surrounding hills and then gaze in awe at the star-filled southern hemisphere sky. Another delicious dinner with our delightful hosts. Overnight at the estancia.
Day 8
Eucalyptus woodlands, open pastures & rolling hills
The ride today takes us through the scenic estancia lands traversing the eucalyptus forests and grasslands then across the huge fields of the neighboring estancias. There will be a chance of some long canters as we ride across the flatlands. Riders enjoy the glorious blue skies and tranquility as we gallop across the pastures, often sighting the abundant wildlife. A game of armadillo jumping often inadvertently gets underway as the little armor-plated animals make a dash for their holes as the horses approach. After a final swim in the estancia pool and a wonderful home-cooked lunch we say goodbye to the horses and head back to Montevideo – to the airport or the city, or to start an extension tour.
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 - ESTANCIAS AND BEACHES
This ride will still be confirmed if there are less than 4 riders booked prior to departure but the itinerary may be modified.
Heavier riders can be accommodated by having an extra horse along to enable more frequent changes. There is a supplement for this service.
SUGGESTED EXTENSIONS:
Extension 1
Balcon del Abra, rolling hills of Lavalleja Province
A lovely extension tour to the hills of Lavalleja where guests will have the opportunity to keep on riding for another 2 extra days in a completely different landscape. Guests will be driven to the city of Punta del Este from where they will take the bus to the small town of Mariscala and stay at a cozy and charming inn called “El Balcon del Abra” that offers unique landscapes, great comfort and great horses. Guests will discover wonderful trails on horseback and trekking up the hills, along the countryside and across streams including the fantastic Salamanca Grottoes day trip and visits to nearby estancias.
Extension Includes:
- Private transfer Estancia Charabon/ Punta del Este
- Regular bus tour to Mariscala
- Private transfe to the Balcon del Abra
- 02 nights at Balcin del Abra with full board included
- Ride to Nearby estancia
- Private transfer to Mariscala town
- Regular bus to Montevideo
- English Riding Guide
Extension 2
Balcón del Abra & Quebrada de los Cuervos National Park
Need more riding? In between the hills of the Province of Lavalleja, only minutes away from the small town of Mariscala, and 160 km away from the capital city of Montevideo, El Balcon del Abra offers unique landscapes, great comfort and the charm of a small posada with only 4 rooms. Guests will discover wonderful trails on horseback and trekking up the hills, along the countryside and across streams including the fantastic Salamanca Grottoes day trip and visits to nearby estancias. After 2 nights here, we will
continue our trip to the province of Treinta y Tres where we will stay at “Pinos de la Quebrada”, where we will participate in the traditional farmer’s activities and visit the amazing “Quebrada de los Cuervos” National Park on a 4 hour ride. At the National Park, we will do the mini trekking tour down the gorge until we reach the lovely natural pools that form where the Olimar River joins the Yerbal Stream.
Extension Includes:
- Private transfer to Estancia Balcón del Abra
- 02 nights Estancia Balcón del Abra with full board included
- Ride across the hills to the nearby estancia with lunch included
- Private transfer to Mariscala Town
- Regular bus to Treinta y Tres
- Private transfer to Estancia Pinos de la Quebrada
- 02 nights Estancia Pinos de la Quebrada with full board included
- Cross country ride to Quebrada de los cuervos National Park
- Private transfer to Treinta y Tres City
- Regular bus to Montevideo
- English Riding Guide
Extension 3 (Beach Extension) La Pedrera, a lovely small town on the emerald coast of Uruguay
La Pedrera is located on the South Atlantic coast, 230 km east of Montevideo. The geological rock formations on this part of the coast and the particular location of La Pedrera gave it the reputation of being the perfect balcony to watch the big ocean. Also known for its casual atmosphere, La Pedrera is that kind of place where time flows freely and “make up” is absent. You sleep when you need it, you eat when you are hungry and you dress comfortably all the time. Peace and quiet is legendary in La Pedrera; restaurants and pubs are open late allowing for enjoyable evenings with your couple or friends.
Brisas de la Pedrera, the oldest hotel in town, restored as a boutqie hotel, is located in the oldest area of town, one block from the Rambla and meters away from the beach, also within walking distance of many of the town's restaurants and activities. Taking advantage of its strategic location; sitting on the highest spot in town BRISAS captures 30 kilometers of seducing Atlantic Ocean, open skyes and mind blowing views all the way to world-known Cabo Polonio. The hotel combines memories of a humble colonial past with a new disposition towards comfort and space; the rooms are ample, luminous, many with exceptional views, all appointed with elegance as well as comfort and privacy in mind. La Pedrera in ROCHA is a paradisiacal spot in Uruguay!
Extension Includes:
- Private transfer Estancia Charabon/ Brisas de la Pedrera
- 03 nights Brisas de La Pedrera with breakfast included
- Private transfer to bus terminal in La Paloma
- Regular bus to Montevideo
Extension 4 (Beach Extension)
La Barra, Punta del Este
Formerly a small fishing village settled on the banks of the Maldonado stream, La Barra has grown to be a seaside resort with plenty of spirit and special characteristics which have turned it into the favorite spot for young people because of its teeming nightlife. La Barra starts just after the striking humpbacked, Reinforced Concrete Bridge, built by the Uruguayan engineer Leonel Viera in 1965, on the estuary formed by the stream as it runs into the ocean.
During the last week of December and until the first fortnight in February, the discos work from two in the morning until sunrise. La Barra has its own shopping high street and a choice selection of restaurants where they serve á la carte specialties of typical national and international dishes. The restaurants are strategically located on the road or next to the most packed beaches which are Montoya, Bikini and Manantiales. Thanks to the original styling and careful manufacture, it is worth admiring the local craftwork, the best in the region and among the most outstanding in Uruguay. In the last few years, La Barra has also becomed very renown because of the quality of its artwork and handicrafts. The ateliers open to the public where the actual painters work, receiving visitors to witness the creative act live and allowing them to draw closer to the artist. Photography, currently so much in vogue thanks to large-scale exhibitions in galleries and important museums, is also present in photo art workshops. Galleries, craft stores and shops selling ornaments add up to a wide range of possibilities that make La Barra the perfect place to choose a painting, a photo, pottery work or something decorative. Most stores stand on route 10 in the “Paseo de la Barra” where the circuit sprang up spontaneously approximately ten years ago and works as an integrated, fun, offbeat trail. Wehave chosen the cozy Posada de los Pájaros in this area, a small 16 room Mediterranean - style hotel located in front of the beautiful Montoya beach.
Extension Includes:
- Private transfer Estancia Charabon/ Posada de los Pajaros
- 03 nights Posada de los Pájaros with breakfast included
- Private transfer to bus terminal in Punta del Este
- Regular bus to Montevideo
Extension 5 (Beach Extension) Jose Ignacio, the “Saint Tropez” of South America
Spend some relaxing days at Jose Ignacio, the last town on Maldonado’s Atlantic coastline and the last to be discovered and treasured. It is a rocky headland that juts almost a kilometer into the sea forming natural bays on both sides with white sandy beaches and two landmarks: the 32 meter high lighthouse built in 1877 and a sunken boat. José Ignacio owes its name to one of the first settlers in the area during Spanish colonial times and is considered to be one of the best fishing spots either from
the shore or from a boat. The area was famous in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries due to the maritime tragedies that took place on the rocky crags. It has two beaches and still maintains the cozy atmosphere of a former fishing village with cobblestone
streets, low houses, and no towers rising to compete with the lighthouse. On the two lagoons of Garzón and José Ignacio that surround the peninsula, you are allowed to wind surf, row and sail but no motorized water sports are permitted in order to protect the wildlife that inhabits the zone. The elegant, black-necked swans and different species of herons with their varied, colorful feathers are the queens of these waters. Depending on the date and season, guests can stay at the glamorous Estancia Vik, where they will find exceptional design, flawless personalized service, environmentally minded practices and an unparalleled
collection of contemporary Uruguayan and international art, or at some of the beach side properties such as Playa VIK, a strikingly contemporary property that incorporates natural elements, nd which can be instantly recognizable from a distance, thanks to its so-called “living roof” planted with Uruguayan wild flowers, setting a unique architectural tone created by Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott, who has also worked on the Paris Opera House.
Extension Includes:
- Private transfer Estancia Charabon/ Playa VIK Jose Ignacio
- 03 nights at Playa VIK with breakfast included
- Private transfer to Montevideo
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
All transfers, accommodation (private bathrooms), meals and mineral water (except Day 1), English speaking guide, horses and grooms services, city tour of Montevideo.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flights, soft and alcoholic drinks, items of a personal nature and gratuities.
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This is a hospitable family run ranch of 3200 acres. Your hosts' grandparents were the original homesteaders and carved the ranch out of the wilderness. Cattle work is also done for all the neighbours, so there is 22 square miles of territory to cover. The horses are well schooled with paces to suit all.
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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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