This 7 day horseback riding vacation explores the beauty of Brazil's coffee highlands. Ride responsive, well trained Arab/ Mangalarga crosses on a round trip that begins and ends at the host's plantation house, close to the picturesque city of Mococa. Ride through rolling meadows and along wooded paths. Splash through crystal-clear springs while passing through Banana trees, fields of sugar cane, and of course, coffee plantations. Ride to the Itambé Waterfall, the higest in the Sao Paulo district and spend time swimming with the horses on one of the afternoons.
Accommodation is in a selection of comfy rooms in Fazendas on the host's plantation. Experience the welcoming culture of the Coffee Highlands with an itinerary that reflects the historical memories of Brazil.
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Day 1
Meet the transfer at Sao Paulo airport for the 3.5hr trip to the host's plantation close to the picturesque town of Mococa. The first day is spent settling in and meeting the horses. Discuss the upcoming journey over a welcome dinner at the plantation.
Day 2
After breakfast head to the stables for the allocation of the horses. The first ride is aimed at familiarizing riders with the horses. This includes a ride on the trails inside the main farm, crossing forests and streams. This is the group's first contact with the Atlantic rain forest and the centennial Jequitibás trees. Overnight and dinner at the plantation.
Day 3
Today the group leave on a day ride that passes through several coffee plantations, sugar cane fields, fruit orchards and cattle. Riders arrive back at the plantation in the late afternoon to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Day 4
After breakfast, transfer by car to Fazenda Serrinha (25km / 30 minutes) to meet the horses for a full day ride to the Itambé Waterfall. Known for it's stunning beauty, this is the highest waterfall in the Sao Paulo area at 72m, and a popular ecotourism site. Enjoy a picnic lunch while watching the antics of the Capuchin monkeys. Return late afternoon at the plantation to freshen up before dinner.
Day 5
Today the group returns to Fazenda Serrinha for a day of fun helping with the cattle before heading off to the lake to swim with the horses. Lunch is served at Fazenda Boiada where riders can relax before heading back to the host's plantation for dinner.
Day 6
Enjoy breakfast before heading off for an all-day ride deep into the coffee plantations, sugar cane and corn fields, orange orchards, and of course, the cattle and horses that call this beautiful area of Brazil their home. Late afternoon return to the host's plantation where riders say a fond goodbye to the horses before a farewell dinner and overnight.
Day 7
After breakfast transfer back to Sao Paulo airport for departing flights.
Itinerary subject to change according to date/time of year and group profile
This ride can also be booked per night with a minimum of 3 nights on request. Included: 4-5hrs riding daily, accommodation, all meals. Transfers as per the 7 day ride.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
The horses used are mainly Arab and Mangalarga crosses that have been bred and trained at the host's plantation. All are trained, well manerred and responsive standing between 14.2hh and 15.3hh. Both Western and English saddles are available. Horses are tended and tacked by the team, but riders are welcome to assist should they want to.
Intermediate riders who are confident at all gaits and riding in a group for up to 6 hours for 5 days. Rider maximum weight limit 100kg. Minimum age limit 12 yrs old. Not suitable for non-riders.
The weight limit for this ride is 220 lb/100 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
The accommodation ranges from comfortable rooms in the main plantation house to simpler, but comfy rooms at Fazenda Nova. There is a selection of double and twin rooms. Some guest rooms are converted slave quarters that are furnished with charming antiques and tiled floors. Most rooms are en suite, but there are a few with shared bathrooms. Be prepared for the quirks of Brazillian plumbing, which can be temperemental at times.
Meals are hearty and are mainly based around local ingredients, but special diets can be catered for with advance notice. Please advise when booking.
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Oct 2023 - Brazil reintroduces visa requirements for tourists from US, Australia, Canada, and Japan Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Brazil. You can travel to Brazil without a visa as a tourist for up to 90 days; however Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Brazil.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/brazil
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
Sao Paulo state lies to the southeast of Brazil. The seasons are the reverse of the UK. The wet season is hot, muggy, and mostly cloudy and the dry season is warm and mostly clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 12°C to 30°C and is rarely below 8°C or above 35°C.
At Unicorn Trails, the health and safety of our customers is of paramount importance.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
Tap water is heavily treated giving it an unpleasant chemical taste but is safe to drink in most urban areas providing it has been passed through a charcoal filter system; you should check with your hotel/restaurant management before drinking tap water. Tap water in remote areas can be unsafe even if filtered; stick to bottled mineral water, which is available virtually everywhere.
UK health authorities have classified Brazil as having a risk of Zika virus transmission and chikungunya, yellow fever and dengue are present.
Cases of dengue fever have increased, especially in the north, south-east and central-west of Brazil.
You should take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Brazil and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
Brazil is one of the very few countries that do not have a standard mains voltage, but at the same time it has only one official type of socket. In other words, you cannot tell the difference between a 220 V and a 127 V socket. Most states use 127V electricity, but a couple of them are on 220 V. Make sure to check with your hotel or hosts when checking in.
If using a GoPro please ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.
Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
WARMER CLIMATES
Lightweight long sleeved shirts – light colours are best
Insect repellent/sun screen
Nice to have extras
Cycling shorts/padded underwear/seat saver if not used to long days in the saddle
7 days / 6 nights / 5 riding days. Can be booked between March and December with no set departures
Can also be booked per night - minimum 3 nights on request.
Can be booked between March and December
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 - 7 Day | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 1,835 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 - 7 Day | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 2,139 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 - 7 Day | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 2,519 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 - 7 Day | 7d/6n | 5 | per person sharing | 24,215 |
A Death in Brazil by Peter Robb
The Violent Land by Jorge Amado
For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible onhorseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com.
An excellent source of equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com
Around 156,000 British nationals visit Brazil each year.
