From the wildlife-rich wetlands of the Pantanal to dramatic coastal trails and breathtaking cliffs, our horse riding holidays take you through some of Brazil’s most diverse landscapes. Brazil is a huge country occupying almost half of South America. A riding holiday is an ideal way to get to know the local areas and cultures: stay at traditional fazendas, encounter fascinating wildlife and meet the gauchos and land owners - all while riding well-trained, sure-footed Brazilian criollo horses and enjoying warm hospitality.
Despite its large size, Brazil is surprisingly flat because it does not contain the Andes mountains that dominate much of South America. It is, however, home to the Amazon. Brazil also has extensive coastlines that stretch over 4,600 miles along the Atlantic Ocean with plenty of beautiful beaches and coastal ecosystems. The Amazon basin and rain forest covers much of the north and the central region has vast savannas known as the Cerrado.
About two thirds of Brazil's population lives near the coast, with most tourists flocking to Rio de Janeiro and the southern beaches. Brazil’s vibrant culture is celebrated through music, dance, and festivals, with each region contributing its own unique traditions. In the south, the gaucho culture is especially prominent, with strong equestrian and cattle ranching traditions passed down from early settlers.
Explore the Pantanal on Horseback
Between the southern rivers and the Amazon lies the vast Mato Grosso plateau, the gateway to the Pantanal. This incredible wilderness, about half the size of France, is one of the world’s largest wetlands and home to the highest concentration of wildlife in the Americas. The Pantanal is teeming with diverse species, including black howler monkeys, pink spoonbills, giant storks, macaws, and even jaguars. It also boasts one of the largest ecological sanctuaries in the world, covering around 100,000 square miles. The landscape consists of a mixture of the three most important ecosystems in South America: swamps, seasonally flooded grasslands and woodlands, with various types of forest. Rich in biodiversity, the Pantanal is not only a natural wonder but also home to working cattle ranches (fazendas) and a strong cultural cowboy tradition.
It’s in this remarkable landscape that Unicorn provides a one-of-a-kind riding vacation, allowing you to explore this untamed landscape and observe first hand the harmonious balance of wildlife, horses, and cattle. This exclusive Pantanal ride takes you between traditional fazendas, exploring both lowland and highland Pantanal areas, maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities in this ecological sanctuary. Rides are on Pantaneiro horses - well-mannered, sure-footed, and perfectly adapted to the terrain. Accommodation alternates between comfortable fazendas and a memorable night spent in a bush camp, where guests sleep in hammocks under the stars. This adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature in one of the world’s most extraordinary environments.
Discover Our Other Horseback Riding Vacations in Brazil
In addition to our Pantanal ride, we also offer a variety iconic horseback riding vacations across Brazil, including:
The Beaches and Fazendas of Rio ride is a seven-day exploration of beaches, national parks and mountain trails near Rio de Janeiro. Guests ride on smooth-gaited Mangalarga Marchador horses and stay at beach hotels and historic fazendas. This intermediate-level ride combines coastal scenery with cultural experiences. The accommodation includes four nights at a modern beachfront hotel with excellent amenities and three nights in a beautifully restored colonial fazenda. Wildlife encounters might include red-headed macaws, trogons, azure-blue jays and various native species.
The Beaches, Dunes and Mangrove Trail in Alagoas state (top half of the coastline just south of Recife) offers nine days of tropical coastline exploration. Riders enjoy beach gallops, swimming, and wildlife observation while staying in traditional pousadas. The trail features Mangalarga Marchador crossbreeds, known for their smooth gaits and stamina. This relatively unexplored region offers spectacular beaches, lush jungle and picturesque villages. The journey includes boat trips to explore the Marapé Dunes ecological preserve and the San Francisco River. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood and authentic Brazilian cuisine throughout their stay.
The Rio Grande do Sul Coast and Canyons ride in the south combines coastal wetlands with dramatic mountain scenery. Riders can ride both Lusitano and Criollo horses while exploring lagoons, dunes and canyons. The first three days focus on the wild coastlands of Lagoa do Peixe National Park, which is recognised as a wetland of international importance. The following four days venture into the mountainous regions with a chance to see dramatic canyons and waterfalls. Accommodations vary between modern hotels and traditional fazendas, which gives guests authentic gaucho experiences and excellent regional cuisine.
The Santa Catarina Gaucho Trail in the south is an eight-day immersion in traditional gaucho culture. Guests can ride the renowned Criollo horses that are known for their exceptional endurance and stay at authentic fazendas and gaucho family homes. The terrain is mostly open grasslands that are perfect long trots and canters. The trail has approximately six hours of daily riding, with opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.
Getting to Brazil
Direct flights to Brazil are available from the UK and US, with non-stop routes from London Heathrow, New York, Miami, and other major cities to Brazil's main international airports, Rio de Janeiro (Galeão) and São Paulo (Guarulhos). Once in Brazil, domestic flights connect to regional airports like Maceió, Florianópolis, and Campo Grande, bringing you closer to your riding destination.
Be sure to check your chosen ride for detailed travel information and transfer arrangements, and feel free to reach out if you need assistance with any part of your journey as Unicorn Trails is a fully licensed travel agency.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Brazil
The best time to plan your riding holiday to Brazil largely depends on the area and specific ride you choose and what you’re looking for in your trip.
For riding in the Pantanal, the dry season from April to October gives the best conditions. During these months, water levels recede and the wildlife will move to the remaining water sources and make the trails more accessible for horses. July to October has the best wildlife viewing opportunities as the animals will gather at the shrinking water holes. September and October can be very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), which may limit riding to early mornings and late afternoons.
The famous Rio Carnival typically occurs in February or early March, during the summertime in Brazil. While this is a spectacular time to visit Rio de Janeiro, accommodations become scarce, and prices surge. For the Beaches and Fazendas of Rio ride, the spring months of September to November or autumn months of March to May have pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, which is ideal for combining riding with city exploration.
The coastal rides in Alagoas benefit from a tropical climate with year-round warmth. The driest period runs from September to March which is perfect for beach riding and swimming. The rainy season (May to August) brings brief but intense afternoon showers, but the morning rides usually enjoy clear skies. Water levels in the mangroves are higher during these months and this creates different wildlife viewing opportunities.
For the Rio Grande do Sul Coast and Canyons ride, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) provide the most comfortable riding conditions. Winter (June to August) can bring chilly temperatures and occasional overnight frost in the canyon regions, and summer (December to February) offers warmer temperatures but increased rainfall, particularly in the afternoons.
The Santa Catarina Gaucho Trail is best experienced during the spring and autumn months when temperatures are moderate, and rainfall is less frequent. These seasons also coincide with local gaucho festivals.
Book your Riding Holiday in Brazil with Unicorn Trails
At Unicorn Trails, we specialize in connecting riders with authentic equestrian experiences worldwide. Our horse riding trips in Brazil emphasise responsible travel while also providing access to knowledgeable guides, healthy horses and small group sizes. Our team goes the extra mile to provide independent, personalized advice, helping you select the ideal trip that aligns with your preferences and skill level. From the initial planning stages to the final ride, we'll guide you through every step to make your Brazilian riding holiday one to treasure forever.
Add Ons
We can also help arrange trip extensions to explore some of Brazil's most iconic landmarks and attractions. These include the Foz do Iguaçu waterfalls, the vibrant attractions of Rio de Janeiro, the colonial beach town of Paraty, Amazon jungle adventures, or the exploration of historic towns along the Estrada Real in Minas Gerais. If relaxation is more your style, extend your stay in Santa Catarina and unwind on the beautiful beaches of Florianopolis. No matter how you choose to expand your riding holiday, our team can help create a tailored itinerary that ensures your journey through Brazil is as enriching and memorable as possible
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