Discover The Best of Brazil

Brazil is South America’s giant, covering a large landmass and encompassing many diverse regions. Brazil is as seductive a country, as it is dramatic, with dazzling beaches, tropical islands, deep canyons, waterfalls, picturesque towns - and amazing horse-riding experiences and holidays. The landscapes are as diverse as the people who inhabit it! There is an incredibly rich, diverse and important riding tradition throughout Brazil, especially in farming and agricultural areas. Whether you’re looking to experience the way of life of the gaúchos, traverse national parks or ride along tropical beaches, Brazil has a variety of different options to satisfy the keenest of riders. Ride in Brazil offers the most amazing trail rides to help you discover the beauty of Brazil and make the most of the amazing country.

Explore the Wonders of Brazil on Horseback

Brazil has enormous open spaces to explore on horseback. Take the Reserva do Ibitipoca for example, a hundred miles inland, north of Rio. It is an abandoned 7000-acre farm, which has been converted into a nature reserve, with riding trails that take you past mountain valleys, waterfalls, streams and lush greenery. Brazil has some of the best beach riding in the world. In Bahia and Paraty, white sandy beaches and coves are backed by lush rainforest, making them the perfect setting for exhilarating rides. In addition to this, in the UNESCO listed town of Paraty and the tiny fishing village of Trancoso, high quality accommodation and restaurants are a welcoming prospect after a day in the saddle.

The native breed of horse in Brazil is the Mangalarga Marchador. It has an arched neck and thick mane and tail. The breed is renowned for its smooth gait, making it extremely comfortable to ride. Some of the main qualities of the Mangalarga Marchadores include being able ranch horses who can withstand working long days in hot and humid conditions, making them a reliable partner on long rides.

Mangalarga Marchador - Native Breed of Brazil

Immerse Yourself in Traditional Gaucho Culture in the Pantanal Wetlands

One of the best areas to experience riding and traditional gaúcho culture is the Pantanal wetlands. In these seasonally flooded wetlands, most of the land belongs to cattle farmers who have built guest lodges on their land to take advantage of wildlife tourism. Due to the nature of the Pantanal wetlands, fazendas stretch for miles and cattle graze far and wide, meaning horses are a key part of day-to-day life here and many of the lodges offer riding to their guests. Horse riding not only offers a unique way of taking in the wetlands but also offers an insight into the traditional way of life of the gaúchos who have a remarkable affinity with the land and their horses.
Ride in Brazil are pioneers in equestrian travel. They started to organise riding holidays in Brazil 15 years ago. Combining travel and equine knowledge, as the first Brazilian Riding Holiday Operator specialized in equestrian experiences.
As travel consultants they have all the expertise required and destination know-how to speak at first-hand with many years of riding and international travel experience dedicated to the avid horse lover and equestrian traveller to get the most out of riding in Brazil.

Feed Your Wanderlust with a Fantastic Riding Holiday

Amazon ride – Marajo Island Itinerary

1st day - Arrive in Belem and transfer to your hotel - visit Mangal das Garças
2nd day – Enjoy an early breakfast (6 AM) 6.30 departure to the Port of Belem to take the boat to Marajo Island. We sail for two hours crossing the Amazon River to reach the world’s largest freshwater island at the mouth of the Amazon. On arrival at the island, we take a car to the port of Salvaterra village where a fast boat will be waiting to take the group to Ilha da Roça Farm. In the afternoon our first ride goes to Flecheiras farm, through the forest of Ingás, palm trees, with beautiful view of the fields. At Flecheiras farm we will do a short buffalo ride. Return to Ilha da Roça Farm for diner and overnight.
3rd day - Early breakfast, leaving the farm carrying everything in the saddlebag. Our destination is Anjos farm and it’s big pirarucús fish lake. We will have lunch there. After lunch ride with Anjo’s gauchos on their water buffalo daily job. In the afternoon return to Ilha da Roça farm for dinner and overnight.
4th day - Early breakfast and start the ride to Fazenda Bangu, on the way we pass Tapera farm and São Luiz farm. At the dock of Fazenda Bangu we will take a fast boat to go to Sanjo Farm. On the way we may take the Furo Miguelão, channel under the mangrove forest and igapó forest, built with human strength in the first half of the 20th century, to shorten navigation among farms in the region. Inside the hole, with a bit of luck, we will have to spot howler monkeys, sloths, giant otters, and some species of birds. Our goal is to observe species of the Marajoara fauna such as maguaris, white and blue herons, red guarás, loons, mallards and many others. With a little luck we will be able to see guariba (howler monkeys) and capybaras, common in this region. Dinner and overnight at Sanjo Farm.
5th day - After breakfast, ride with Sanjo’s gauchos to bring the grazing water buffalo back through flooded fields to the ranch, separating the females to take to the maternity, those pregnant. Also collect the females who already have already given birth. Lunch at Sanjo. In the afternoon ride to Bom Jardim farm, crossing bush areas, reaching the river's edge, and farm port. On the way we stop in the farms house for a coffee. Return to Sanjo for dinner and overnight.
6th day - After breakfast, ride to San Sebastian farm where we arrive for lunch. After lunch, ride throught open fields and return to the corral where the cowboys will make a demonstration on how they work their horses. Later, return to Sanjo for dinner and overnight.
7th day - After breakfast, departure by boat from Sanjo to the village of Soure where we will visit Marajoara Ceramics Works of the Artisan Carlos Amaral, which reproduces pieces based on the Aruan culture, the last indigenous ethnic group to inhabit Marajó; we also will visit the Artisan's Works of Ronaldo Guedes, a contemporary artist, who reproduces ceramic pieces based on the various indigenous ethnic groups that inhabited Marajó, as well as pieces of wood collected from beaches and mangroves; latter we will visit the local Saddle maker, a artisan production of leather articles, a tradition transmitted by generations. Lunch at the village and after lunch take the boat to Belem. On arrival transfer to our hotel.
8th day – transfer to the airport

Pantanal Experience Itinerary

1st day - After the long journey, arrival at the Fazenda Barra located in the Rio Negro region, the most preserved region of the Pantanal, with abundance of wildlife and nature. In the afternoon a brief presentation of the Program before leaving for a boat tour on the Rio Negro/Black River. An idyllic setting that serves as an introduction to the Pantanal, the first opportunity to see Pantanal fauna (fishes piraputanga, golden, painted, pacu, piranha and stingray; also, capybara, caiman, giant otter, otter and many birds, more than 360 are cataloged in this region.).
2nd day 3rd day - Leave early to ride along the banks of Vazante Castelo, whose landscape changes as we left the Rio Negro region. We will ride about 5 hours untill reach the Fly Camp Refuge Primavera, which as the name implies, is a true refuge in the middle of Pantanal. This night, you will have a unique experience sleeping in a hammock* with lighting lanterns, in the middle of Pantanal. The Refuge has a comfortable infrastructure: hall with screens to protect against insects, bathrooms and a kitchen. * it is very nice to sleep on hammocks, for those who don’t like it, we can provide a mattress instead of hammock (need to be informed when book the ride) Around 5 hours ride.
4th day - You will wake up with the sounds of the birds in the trees around the Refuge. After an early breakfast, depart to BP Farm. We will ride along the beautiful landscape of Vazante Castelo, where we will enjoy the lush Pantanal flora and fauna with incredible and untouched scenery. We will ride through an open landscape, surrounded by native forest (cerrado), along the shores of Vazante. This is a great opportunity for bird and wildlife watching. Pause for a tereré* (a drink typical in the mid-West of Brazil, made with yerba-mate and cold water) at Retiro Sao Luis, where the support vehicle will be waiting. A few more hours of riding up to the place where we stopped for a picnic lunch in the field. After a rest, we continue riding along the Vazante Castelo, until reach BP Farm, where we will spend the next 2 days. Around 6 hours ride.
5th day - After breakfast, we leave on horseback until the pasture where herds of Pantaneiro horses are breed. We will have the opportunity to observe the behavior of the stallion in contact with our horses, when they approach his "family". Return to the Farm for lunch and after a good rest, in the afternoon we drive to the Bay for the experience of piranha fishing. Around 5 hours ride.
6th day - Early departure after breakfast, we will enjoy the sunrise while we ride. On this last day, we will attend an authentic culture of the Pantanal, following the Pantaneiro cowboys on their work with cattle. Around 5 hours ride.
7th day - Depending on your flight time, you still will be able to do some activity in the morning before return to Campo Grande.

Equestrian Travel Redefined

Bahia Beach Ride Itinerary:

Day 1 - Porto Seguro to Pousada do Outeiro - Following your arrival in Porto Seguro in Bahia, you will be transferred to Pousada do Outeiro (two-hour drive). Settle into your room and later, have a ride briefing and learn more about the region. Dinner and overnight at Pousada do Outeiro.
Day 2 - Pousada do Outeiro to Itaporanga - After breakfast, journey by car (approximately a 10-minute drive) to meet your horses at the polo field. You will be introduced to your horse and have a safety briefing. Before you set off on your ride, you have the chance to get acquainted with your horse. Walk, trot and canter around the beautiful polo field, which has stunning views of the ocean and beaches below you.
Once you are happy with your mount, set off on a ride along Jacuma beach in the direction of Barra do Rio Frades. From here, journey along forest paths and along sandy tracks until you reach Itaporanga village. Stop for lunch at Bigode’s, a restaurant that serves typical Brazilian dishes. Try rice and beans, as well as local chicken and meat dishes.
After lunch there is the opportunity to visit Elma’s Forest Wood Design workshop. Here, the owner carves a wonderful variety of benches, chairs, stools and tables out of reclaimed wood. Many of her larger pieces line the streets of this small, friendly village. Then continue your ride to the Pataxó Indian village of Imbiriba. the Pataxó Indian. If you wish, there will be the chance to shop for souvenirs made by the tribe. There is a huge variety of items to choose from; bead necklaces, wooden bracelets, rings made from buffalo bone, wooden bowls and carved wooden boxes, so make sure you take some Money with you if you think you will want to purchase handicraft items. On arrival back at Pousada do Outeiro, you may wish to relax in your hammock, take a swim in the hotel pool or wander down to the beach. Dinner and overnight at Pousada do Outeiro.
Day 3 - Pousada do Outeiro to Trancoso - After a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit, tapioca and eggs, set off from Caixa D’agua, near the pousada and wind your way through forest trails. Later, negotiate a small river and then it is on to a deserted beach for some wonderful canters along the surf. Lunch will be a picnic along the way. On arrival in Trancoso you will be shown to your guesthouse. If there is time, you may wish to explore the shops and bars that line main square (‘Quadrado’), before dinner. There is a good range of restaurants in Trancoso and so you are free to decide where you wish to eat tonight. Your guide will be happy to advise and assist you in ordering your meal if you wish. Dinner is to your own account tonight. A meal at the most expensive restaurant will cost in the region of £18-25 per person. Overnight in Trancoso.
Day 4 – Trancoso to Caraiva - After breakfast at your guesthouse, retrace your steps along the beach and cross the buffalo farm. The beach is so stunning that you will not mind riding across it twice! Perhaps your guide will pause to pluck a sea urchin from the water or dig out a crab that has been hiding in the sand! Your morning ride takes you to the Ranch where they horses stay. There you will be received with a refreshing coconut and will have a picninc lunch (fruits and sandwiches). Shortly after, meet your new horses and set out again to the beach. This afternoon you will ride along cliff paths and golden sandy beaches in the direction of Caraiva. After a few more hours in the saddle, arrive at Caraiva, where a water taxi will be waiting to paddle you across the Rio Caraiva to Caraiva village itself. The horses will overnight at a nearby hacienda. There are no motorised vehicles here, so your guide will take you on foot to your guesthouse. Accommodate into your room and if there is time, explore some of the nearby streets. You will find many colourful houses, which gives a sort of Caribbean feel to this little village. Dinner and overnight in Caraiva.
Day 5 – Day ride from Caraiva - Ride south in the direction of Corumbau Village. Later on, leave the beach and head towards the native reserve close to the village of Barra Velha. Head into the forest to follow a trail that leads you to another Indian small comunity. Here you have the chance to learn about the tribe and their day to day lives. After an interesting experience with them, walk to the river bridge where a boat will meet you. Your horses will return to Caraiva with the guides. Depending on the wishes of the group, you might stop at a swimming spot on the way back to Caraiva or float on the water in a rubber ring. On arrival at Caraiva, you may cross the river with your horses and return by boat. Please note that the route of the ride is dependent on the tides. Dinner and overnight in Caraiva.
Day 6 – Caraiva to Pousada do Outeiro - After breakfast, leave Caraiva behind and journey back towards Pousada do Outeiro. Perhaps you will stop in a clearing to drink refreshing coconut water, or maybe your guide will show you the bright yellow cashew flowers which grow in this area. Arrive back at Pousada do Outeiro in time for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing. Take advantage of the lovely pool in the hotel grounds, swing in your hammock as the welcome sea breeze glides around you or stretch your legs with a wander along the beach. Dinner and overnight at Pousada do Outeiro.
Day 7 - Pousada do Outeiro to Porto Seguro - After breakfast, say goodbye to your guides and then transfer to Porto Seguro for your flight home or continue your adventure in Brazil.

Gaucho Canyons and Waterfalls - Ride in Brazilian Gaucho Country Itinerary

1st day – reception at Porto Alegre airport and transfer (5 hours) to the Ranch in Sao Jose dos Ausentes. Imagine arriving in the southern lands of Brazil and be welcomed in a typical Fazenda (ranch) with the hospitality and good food of the Gauchos. After taste a local drink (made with cachaca and fruits) you will be introduced to the Edinaira who will guide you throughout the ride. After a delicious dinner, join the group at the bar of the Fazenda to listen your guide’s instructions for the next day. Night at Pousada Fazenda Monte Negro.
2nd day – After breakfast we mount our Criollos and start our journey along the escarpments of the Aparados da Serra, covering an area of outstanding beauty, in typical scenarios of Campos de Cima da Serra (Highlands), highlighting the greatness of the Atlantic rain forest in the lower part of Canyons, fields stretching across the plateau, and ferns lilies and bromeliads that sprout in rich slopes. The entire area was formed by intense volcanic activity that happened millions of years ago. Successive lava hemorrhages created the Planalto Sulbrasileiro, covered by clean fields, forests of araucarias and countless of crystalline rivers. There are many canyons distributed throughout the region, some of them are very impressive, prevailing where enormous rocky cliffs outline the undulating landscape of the sloping foothills giving the feeling of surprise and fascination when approaching their edge. The sharp vertical hillsides of basalt, present a coloration of resultants tones of the liquens and of vegetation of herbs and small bushes that alter with the nude rock. Late afternoon we may see the mysterious fogs (called viracão by the locals), drift in. Picnic lunch on the field. Around 5 hours on horseback. Night at Pousada Fazenda Monte Negro.
3rd day - After a good breakfast start riding to the peak of Monte Negro, with its 1,403 meters it is the highest point of our ride, with a horizon of majestic landscapes. We will have a unique sensation of freedom. We return to the Ranch for lunch. After a short siesta we continue riding to see more canyons, cliffs or as the locals call “the peirais of the Aparados”. At the end of the day, If there is time, we may go by car (10 kms) visit Lopes family Ranch, they produce the famous Serrano cheese. This Gaucho family work and live the same way as more than 100 years ago. Gauchos, cattle and horses all together, an integration difficult to imagine today. Night at Pousada Fazenda Monte Negro. Around 5 hours on horseback.
4th day – After breakfast we start our ride towards Fazenda Potreirinho. During this day we will go up and down many rolling hills, with opportunities for good canters. We will see some beautiful waterfalls and have a picnic lunch on the bank of a river, while our horses rest in the shade of a forest nearby. We will pass by Silveiras, a very small village where we may stop in a typical snack bar for sandwich and a berr. Just after Silveiras we will pass by Leonardo’s ranch, he is the breeder of our Crioulo horses (he has around 100 horses) and also is a breeder of Franqueiro cattle, the Brasilian Long Horn, we may see crossing his fields. Yes, for the next few hours we will ride his land before reaching Fazenda Potreirinho, a typical ranch with the warm Gaucho atmosphere. We will likely spend about 5-6 hours in the saddle today. Night at Fazenda Potreirinho.
5th day – after a good breakfast we start to ride towards Cachoeira do Dez, a beautiful waterfall we reach just after crossing a preserved Araucaria Forest and the river that will fall into the rapids of the waterfall. In this waterfall, we have our first chance for a refreshing dip. After relaxing by the fall, we continue our ride towards Cachoeirão, the biggest Waterfall of our ride. The hilly landscape ahead means there are fantastic panoramas to enjoy along the ride. After one hour of riding, we reach the fall, it is impressive, and we will have plenty of time for taking good photos. Next, we will continue our ride going up and down many hills, we will trot, canter and feel the sense of freedom on that great outdoors. After 5 hours riding, we return to Fazenda Potreirinho for a late lunch. At 4 PM we leave by car (2hours drive) to Fazenda Santana in Cambara do Sul. This region is very different from the one we were Riding these 3 days. This is a region where large areas of native araucaria forest are maintained. During the drive, we can enjoy beautiful landscapes. Arrive in our charming Huts and bungalows.
6th day – after a delicious breakfast we meet our new horses and start our ride traversing fields and forests. During this day we will see two very beautiful waterfalls and have a picnic lunch in one of them, with opportunity to swim. After our picnic lunch, we continue our ride covering an area of outstanding beauty, in typical scenarios of Campos de Cima da Serra. We will be in Alencar’s, our Gaucho guide neighbourhood and may have a chance to help the Gauchos rounding-up the cattle on horseback. We will be able to feel how our horses are happy to do some canters. In the afternoon returning to the farm we may see the mysterious fogs (called viracão by the locals), drift in. Around 5 hours on horseback. On arrival at Fazenda we say good bye to our guide Alencar and follow by car (22 kms) to the baio Ruano farm in the small city of Cambara do Sul. We settle in and go to the special farewell / end of the trip.
7th day - After a delicious breakfast typical gaúcho transfer – 3 hours to Porto Alegre

Gallery

Location

Car

Rua Nicolau Paganini, 181 - Curitiba - PR - Brazil.

Airport

Sao Paulo International Airport