This horseback riding itinerary is a perfect combination of the wild deserted coastlands of Lagoa do Peixe National Park with its Lagoa dos Patos, the largest lagoon in Brazil, and the dramatic mountain scenery of canyons, waterfalls and small fazendas of Rio Grande do Sul.
Start with a 3-day trail of horseback riding through marsh, coastal dunes and lagoons, arboreal habitat, sandbanks, ocean and lagoon beaches. There is a great diversity of flora and fauna, most of which remains untouched. This area is considered a Ramsar Site (a wetland of international importance), is a part of The Mata Atlântica Biosphere Reserve and has been recognized by BirdLife International. Ride beautiful Lusitano horses, bred at a local stud farm which also serves as the accommodation for the first 3 nights, while the horses stay out on the trail.
Over the next 4 riding days explore the spectacular mountainous scenery of the Rio do Sul highlands with massive canyons and bottomless waterfalls to take your breath away. We transfer inland, meet our Criollo horses and head out along the escarpments of the Aparados da Serra, an area of outstanding beauty. The Atlantic rain forest is visible in the lower part of Canyons, fields stretch across the plateaux, and ferns lilies and bromeliads that sprout in lush green slopes. Accommodation is at different fazendas, the authentic working ranches in the area. You are sure to have the chance to enjoy a traditional gaucho barbecue and some excellent food.
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Day 1
Riders will be met at the airport and transferred to a Lusitano stud farm, located 225 kms south east of Porto Alegre near the Lagoa dos Peixes National Park. This area is an ecological paradise. Lagoa dos Patos (literal translation: Ducks Lake) is the biggest lagoon in Brazil. The National Park was created to protect a wintering zone for migratory birds along the lagoon. In the afternoon meet the horses and have a short introductory ride. Overnight at the stud farm.
Day 2
After breakfast, saddle up and head towards the Atlantic Ocean, crossing Lagoa dos Peixes National Park on the way. The afternoon ride will lead along deserted beaches. Leave the horses in a local field and return by car to the stud farm (around 20 min). Overnight at the stud farm.
Day 3
After breakfast, head to our horses and ride across the northern side of Lagoa dos Peixes National Park, between the lagoon and sand dunes. Stop for a picnic lunch in an open field en route. In the afternoon, continue riding towards the accommodation. Overnight at the stud farm.
Day 4
This morning there is an opportunity for some last canters on the deserted beaches of the lagoon. After lunch, drive inland (6 hours) to a ranch (fazenda) located in the highlands to be welcomed by the hospitality and delicious food by the gauchos. After a tasting session of a local drink (made with cachaca and fruits), riders will be introduced to Paulo, who owns the horses and will be the guide throughout the rest of the ride. After dinner there is an orientation sessions for the group around the bar at the fazend. Overnight at the fazenda.
Day 5
After breakfast, start the journey along the escarpments of the Aparados da Serra National Park, covering an area of outstanding beauty of Campos de Cima da Serra (Highlands), with the Atlantic rainforest in the lower part of Canyons, fields stretching across the plateaux, and ferns lilies and bromeliads that sprout in rich slopes.This entire area was formed by intense volcanic activity that happened millions of years ago. Successive lava flows created a plateau covered by clean fields, forests of araucarias, and countless crystal clear rivers. There are also many impressive canyons throughout, and the sharp vertical hillsides of basalt present a striated coloration with water, vegetation of herbs, small bushes and bare rock. In the late afternoon riders might ecounter the mysterious fogs (called viracão by the locals), drifting in the local rivers. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the field. Overnight at the fazenda. Riding time: 5 hours
Day 6
After a good breakfast we start riding towards the peak of Monte Negro, at 1,403 meters it is the highest point of our ride. From here a view of majestic landscapes stretches at our feet engendering a vast feeling of freedom.
Today's lunch is a barbecue with canyon views or on the bank of a local river, while our horses rest in the shade of a forest nearby. After a short siesta we continue riding to see more canyons, cliffs or as the locals call them, “the peirais of the Aparados”. Overnight at the fazenda. Riding time: 5 hours
Day 7
Begin the ride towards Fazenda Potreirinho after breakfast, traversing many rolling hills with opportunities for long canters. There are some beautiful waterfalls to see along on the way. Pass the Lopes family Ranch, where the famous Serrano cheese is produced. This Gaucho family work and live the same way as their ancestors did more than 100 years ago.
After a few hours we will reach Fazenda Potreirinho, a typical ranch with a warm Gaucho atmosphere. Overnight at the fazenda. Riding time: 5/6 hours
Day 8
After a good breakfast we start to ride towards Cachoeirão, the biggest waterfall of the area. It's very impressive and there will be an opportunity to take good pictures. After our stop at the waterfall, we will continue our ride going up and down many hills, with fantastic panoramic views. We will trot, canter and enjoy the sense of freedom that comes from riding in vast open country. Arrive at the fazenda for dinner and overnight. Riding time: 5 hours.
Day 9
After breakfast transfer to Porto Alegre (5 hours).
Please note that the program is subject to change due to weather conditions and availability at the fazendas at the time of booking.
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.
During the first 3 riding days of the trip you will ride beautiful purebred Lusitano horses, bred and trained at the stud farm you will be staying at. They are well schooled, sure footed and with excellent natures. There are approximately 50 horses at the farm.
Horses used on the second part of the ride are Criollo, purebred and crosses. There are approximately 25 horses to choose from. They are forward going, sure footed and very obedient and well mannered. They respond to neck reining and are used to be ridden with a loose rein wherever possible.
The riding style is the relaxed Gaúcho style, similar to western riding and trail riding. Saddles are typical Gaúcho saddles with sheep skin on top. They are very comfortable.
You will be accompanied by an English speaking guide and a local guide. Both guides have good knowledge of the local area.
This ride is suitable for riders who are able to walk, trot and canter on a good horse. There is usually about 5 hours in the saddle each full riding day, so a good level of riding fitness is recommended to make the most of this. Riders are not required to help with grooming and saddling but are welcome to if they wish to.
The maximum weight for this ride is 100kg/15.7lbs.
The weight limit for this ride is 220 lb/100 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
Three nights accommodation at a modern hotel 50m from the beach with free WiFi, an outdoor pool and a year-round indoor pool, double-twin en-suite rooms with air conditioner and TV and on site cafeteria / restaurant. Four nights are spent in an historic Fazenda building restored to its colonial glory. The fazenda is decorated with interesting antiques and offers comfortable rooms and amenities, with shared bathrooms.
Food at this trail is full board. Below some examples of what you can expect to be served:
Breakfast - bread, yoghurt, jams, cakes and other treats are all made at the farm.
Lunch and dinner - typical Brazilian dishes (both regional and national). Beef and some of the vegetables and fruits are produced seasonally at the farms. There is a lot of variety and vegetarian dishes are always included. Once you are in the land of gauchos, the meat will be plentiful and tasty. During the first few days on the coast, fish and shrimp can also be included in the meals. On this trail meals are plentiful and varied, always include salads and desserts.
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
Porto Alegre is in the southern hemisphere. The climate here is mild, and generally warm and temperate. There is significant rainfall throughout the year in Porto Alegre. The summer months are: December, January, February, March. The month with the highest relative humidity is June, the lowest December.
Rio Grande do Sul lies within the south temperate zone and is predominantly humid subtropical. The climate is subtropical highland in the highest areas. During the month of February, March, April, October, November and December you are most likely to experience good days with pleasant average temperatures.
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.
We recommend that you bring all required equipment, including batteries with you when you arrive. You should contact your network provider for mobile phone coverage. There will be a chance to charge your electronic devices at the farm. If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.
- Riding hat - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Riding boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Chaps
- Trousers
- Long sleeved and comfortable shirts
- T-shirts
- Cotton socks
- Walking shoes and sandals
- Sweater or pullover / warm clothes for mornings and evening
- Raincoat and a windbreaker
- Sun hat
- Swimming Costume
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent- we recommend at least 50% DEET
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Binoculars
- Camera on a shoulder strap with a pouch which can be secured to your belt and batteries/chargers
It will be hot during the day and possibly cool in the morning or evenings depending on the time of year you travel.
*Medical Travel Insurance is mandatory
9d / 8n programme with 7 riding days. There are set dates and further dates are available on request all year round for 2 or more riders.
2024: 4 May; 1, 30 June; 27 July; 21 September; 12 October; 19, 30 November
Other dates on request with a minimum 4 riders
2025: 18 Jan, 15 Feb, 22 Mar, 19 Apr; 27 May; 16 Jun; 12 Jul; 20 Sep, 18 Oct, 15 Nov, 13 Dec
No extra cost on single supplement (subject to availability).
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | double pp | 2,535 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | double pp | 3,019 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | double pp | 3,449 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | double pp | 35,205 |
Wildlife watching, photography.
Black howler monkeys, water birds, pink spoonbills, several species of herons, jabiru giant storks, macaws, toucans (there are more than 360 species of bird catalogued in this region), pecarry, giant and lesser ant eaters, marsh deer, capybaras, nine-banded armadillo, caiman, jaguar, maned wolf, bush dog, giant otter, coatimundi, Brazilian Tapir, many species of fish (e.g. piraputanga, dourado, painted, pacu, piranha and stingray)
Around 156,000 British nationals visit Brazil each year.
