Uruguay - Rocha Coast Ranch Stay

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Day 1
Arrive in the Province of Rocha: From Montevideo take the morning coach (4.5 hours) or private hire car to a small fishing village on the Atlantic Coast surrounded by prairies, palm grove forest and huge sand dunes. After a welcome lunch, meet and greet the horses and go for an introductory ride through the forest and onto the beach, riding comfortable Uruguayan saddles with sheepskin covers. Dinner and accommodation at the Ecolodge. (2 hr riding)

Day 2 
Cabo Polonia and the Valizas Sand Dunes National Park: Depending on the tides, the horses are ridden or towed by boat across the mouth of a small estuary to the start of the mornings ride through the amazing shifting sand dunes. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in a small fishing village, popular with artists and creatives, where fresh fish, seaweed bunuelos and other local dishes are on the menu. The return ride to the Ecolodge and dinner is through pine forests to the river coast. (4-5 hr riding)

Day 3 
Hidden Lagoon  - The mornings ride is through pine forest trails to the Hidden Lagoon. Relax, swim, and then canter on the beach back to the Ecolodge. In the afternoon there is the option of a kayaking trip on the Valizas River with a birdwatching guide (additional cost). There are dozens of species, such as Herons, Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills and White-browed Blackbird, and being on the water allows very close proximity to the birds. (3 hours horse riding and optional 2-3 hours kayaking)

Day 4
UNESCO Natural Biosphere Reserve Wetlands and Ombu Forest: Today's ride is to the wetlands, crossing pasture and ancient working Estancias on the edge of the Valizas River, eventually reaching the huge Castillos Lagoon, the source of the river. After a picnic lunch and siesta on the saddle sheepskin in the Umbu forest, take a different route back across the East wetlands and see more bird species and other wildlife such as the Reas, Ibis, Southern Screamer, Capybaras, Armadillos and Black-necked swans. (4-5 hr riding)

Day 5
Psammophilious forest and ride to the great Beuna Vista sand dune: Today starts with a trek into the psammophilious forest*, comprised of natural flora and fauna that has adapted to this tough, sandy environment. Enjoy lunch at Los Chaja Ecolodge. The afternoon ride crosses the Valizas River into the National Park to ascend Beuna Vista, the highest sand dune in the region with a 306 degree view. Return home via the dunes, in time for dinner and overnight at the Ecolodge. (3 hrs riding + *optional 2hr trek)

Day 6
Swimming with the horses in the highlands of Castillos: This is the last riding day and we start by heading to the beach. If the weather allows there is a chance to swim with the horses in the river. Enjoy a farewell canter to stretch the horses legs before heading to the Ecolodge for lunch. The afternoon exchanges 4 legs for 2 wheels (*optional and additional cost). The rolling highlands and Palm forests of Castillos is the perfect scenery for a off-the-beaten-track mountain bike tour discovering hidden places and fascinating views. Overnight and a farewell dinner at the Ecolodge.

Day 7
Farewell and transfer back to Montevideo: After breakfast, riders will be connected to their respective transfer options back to Montevideo or Punte del Este.

Non-rider and other activities
There are plenty of non-riding options bookable on site such as wildlife and bird watching, self guided walking trails, kayaking, boat trips and mountain biking (extra charge applies).

Preferred Monday arrivals

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.

There are 20 horses to choose from. They are beautifully cared for and well trained Criollo horses, ranging in height from between 1.50m to 1.65m. The saddles are traditional Uruguayan saddles, real gaucho's style, and the style of riding is relaxed and similar to western with loose reins and neck reining. 

Ride in sparsely populated varied natural landscapes, from the East Wetlands UNESCO Natural Biosphere Reserve to the Cabo Polonio National Park, taking in deserted beaches, green prairies, shipwrecks and lagoons. This is truly exceptional and varied riding, maybe visiting an ancient estancia in the morning and crossing rivers and estuaries in the afternoon.

Riders must be able to walk, trot and canter and ready to ride over varied terrain and landscape. Being generally fit and having an adventurous nature will also help on this ride, however novices can also be catered for by splitting the group according to ability. Help to mount or dismount can be provided by the guide.

On difficult paths every rider should be able to walk beside their horse but for no longer than 10 minutes. Riders participation with grooming and tacking up is not obligatory, but very welcome.

The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

There are two cabins available (one for 2 pax and the other for 2-4 pax), built using refined bio-construction techniques from natural materials (mud, straw and wood). The cabins have a private bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen, the mattresses are of very high density to ensure a good rest. Beds can be configured as king size double or twin beds. The ecolodge is built on the edge of the wetland with elevated decks facing the wetland. Contemplate incredible sunsets while relaxing in a hammock, surrounded by the songs of thousands of frogs, while admiring the tranquility of horses eating in the marsh. Please note there is no internet access at the Ecolodge, giving you the perfect opportunity to reset in the beautiful surroundings.

The menu on this ride is varied. Expect a range of fresh fish, beef and homemade pasta. Meals usually feature a starter, main course and dessert with mineral water included (no alcoholic drinks are included).

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 Carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original document in a safe place. You can contact the emergency services by calling 911. Passport and 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/uruguay In the USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Uruguay.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/uruguay

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

The climate of Uruguay is similar to that of the Pampas region of Argentina and because of the level nature of the country there is little variation of weather and climate within Uruguay. The table for Montevideo (below) is representative of the coastal districts and there are only slight differences between these and the areas farther inland. You can expect somewhat warm spring and autumn temperatures, although we might also get some cool days (especially early in the morning or at night) and perhaps some rainy days too. The average temperature at this time of year is 65 F, average lows are 54 F, and average highs are 74 F.

Most of Uruguay has a moderate annual rainfall of about 1,000 mm/40 in; this is well distributed throughout the year but the autumn months tend to be slightly wetter. Rain falls on a comparatively small number of days; about one day in five in all seasons. Thus the rainfall when it occurs is often moderate to heavy.

The summers are warm but not as hot as in some other countries in similar latitudes, such as the southern Atlantic coastlands of the USA or parts of southeast Australia. Winters are mild and frost and snow are very rare. Southerly winds can bring occasional spells of colder weather, which may be associated with squally winds or gales in the estuary of the river Plate. However, such outbreaks of colder polar air from Antarctica are much modified after they have crossed some thousands of miles of warmer water in the South Atlantic.

Inland the summer temperatures are a little higher than those found on the coast. Sunshine hours are high in Uruguay, ranging from five to six hours a day in winter to as much as nine to ten in summer. The climate of Uruguay is rarely uncomfortable or unpleasant and can be described as healthy for most of the year.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

Dengue fever is present in Uruguay. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

The sun can be extremely strong and UV levels are high

You can contact the emergency services by calling 911

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Uruguay and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

In general health care in Uruguay is very good. In the event of illness or accident during your stay, you should be prepared to pay for assistance. Upon return home you can submit a claim for reimbursement according to the specifications of your insurance policy.

In Uruguay the supply voltage is 220V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 220V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

There is no internet access at the ecolodge. Please note that location of this ride is remote therefore phone signal can be variable. Electricity is available to charge devices. 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 Helmet - Mandatory on this ride. We strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (One can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- Gloves
- 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)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Warmer clothes, especially from middle March to middle November
- Lightweight rain / wind jacket that fits into the (provided) saddlebags
- Long sleeved shirts (protection from sun and branches)
- Warm slippers for winter evenings
- Towel
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Small torch

Provided by hosts
Riding helmet
Saddlebags

This is a 7 days /6 nights / 6 riding days with preferred Monday arrivals.

2025: Year round dates available
High season: Dec - Feb
Low Season: Mar - Nov

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Uruguay is a little smaller than the United Kingdom and about the same size as the state of Washington. It lies on the east coast of South America between 30° and 35°S. It is bordered on the north by Brazil and on the west by the river Uruguay, which forms the border with Argentina. Most of the country is low-lying and rather flat, with the highest hills rising to about 450 m/1,500 ft.

Uruguay's original inhabitants were the Charrúa Indians, a hunter-gatherer people. They killed the explorer Juan Diaz de Solís and most of his party when the Spaniards encountered them in 1516. But by the 17th century, the Charrúas had prospered, abandoned hostilities, and begun trading with the Spanish. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the territory changed hands between the Spanish and Portuguese several times. By 1832 virtually all Charrúas had been killed or forced to leave, leaving Uruguay with no indigenous people (the only such country in Latin America). Uruguayans are virtually all of European descent, mostly of Spanish and Italian stock. Uruguay gained independance in 1828.

The second smallest country in South America, Uruguay borders two giants, Brazil and Argentina. Just under half the population lives in Greater Montevideo, one of South America's most interesting capitals, charming colonial towns, the hilly interior (true gaucho country) and a cluster of internationally renowned beach resorts.

Uruguay is three hours behind GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram.

The international dialling code is +598.