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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Brazil
Intro to Brazil
Bahia Pantanal Rio/Sao Paulo Santa Catarina
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Argentina Uruguay
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Darwin's Rain Forest Trail
Rio/Sao Paulo
Brazil
Simply Enchanting...
In 1832 the Atlantic rain-forest overwhelmed Charles Darwin with its spectacular beauty and biological diversity. This exotic trail introduces you to the same exuberant and lush Brazilian forests of ancient trees and promises to enthrall you the same way it enchanted the young Darwin. Ride through the rural landscape of rolling hills with local pigs and goats visiting us along the way. The melody of singing birds will follow us as we ride and we may spot a toucan with its brightly colored beak or a lengthy lizard scurrying up the hillside for cover. We will make steep climbs, up and up to the top to enjoy some the most breathtaking mountain vistas you will ever find around the globe. Verdant rain-forest will change into deep, thick jungle that will eventually climb upwards into impressive jagged mountain tops. Then onward we horseback ride through fields of grazing cattle and splash through the cool mountain springs. Dismount and refresh with a dip and a swim in a cool and shady pool below a splashing waterfall, and then dry yourself off on a rock in the sunshine like one of the many lazy lizards who sun bathe themselves during the day. If this sounds inviting to you keep on reading – this may be the trip of a lifetime for you.
The state of Rio de Janeiro is home to some of the best-preserved parts of the Atlantic Rain-forest of Brazil thanks, in part, to the tough inaccessibility of some of the remote mountainous areas. Birdwatchers will discover an enormous variety of birds and the region is enormously rich in reptiles, amphibians and butterflies. The vegetation is thick and lush and simply fantastic. Many trees absolutely drip with epiphytes and there are an enviable variety of orchids and bromeliads. The dramatic mountains of this area can be seen all the way from the city of Rio de Janeiro!
During the week you ride on narrow
tracks through the rain forest, over pastures, crossing rivers and
following winding mountain trails on one of our well trained and lovingly cared for Mangalarga Marchador horses of the Desempenho Riding Centre. The horses are calm and comfortable, and most of the breed offers the namesake marcha gait, so much easier than trotting on your behind and back! Your accommodations vary from comfortable chalets at the riding center to simple guesthouses along the trail and then the beautiful lodge at Guapi Assu.
Come fall in love with the enchanting rain-forest of Brazil - it's people, wildlife, ancient flora and unique Mangalarga Marchador horses!
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Progressive Ride (no camping) Ride with Gaited Horses
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Meeting:
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Rio de Janeiro
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Airport:
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Rio de Janeiro
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Transfer:
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Rio de Janeiro
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations, meals, 5 riding days, English speaking guide throughout
| A | 2012 | 6 day trip, AP | 7d / 6n | BRL4630 | $2685 |
| Single supplement | BRL1185 | $690 |
| Small group supplement (3-4) pp | BRL1015 | $590 |
| Small group supplement (2 only) pp | BRL1600 | $930 |
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfer from Rio de Janeiro per group (up to 4) rt
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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BRL
560
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$325
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Tour Dates for 2012
Additional dates are available all year from Sunday afternoon to Friday (1 day shorter)
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Day 1 Rio de Janeiro to Desempenho
Arrival at Rio de Janeiro Airport and transfer to Desempenho Horse Center. The first day is dedicated to getting to know your horse for the trip and gain a general understanding of the area. After dinner (typical Brazilian cuisine) a documentary on the main points of ‘Darwin’s Brazil’ will be presented followed by a briefing on the Atlantic Rainforest – what you should look for on the ground, in the undergrowth and in the tree-tops. If you keep your eyes peeled you can see what Darwin saw.
Day 2 Desempenho to Pousada Boa Vista
Our expedition departs after breakfast. We head to the mountains with our guide who readily aides in identifying species and understanding the rainforest and its flora and fauna. You will be amazed at the variety of flora and fauna all around you as
you ride along narrow tracks through the forests - in the space of just a
metre you can see maybe a hundred different types of leaves. Everything
is shiny and glistening in the moisture. From time to time there are
gaps in the lush green vegetation and you have beautiful views across
the valley.We stop for a picnic lunch in the mountains by an old Jequitibá tree, probably as old as Brazil’s history, which grows by a waterfall where we can swim if desired. Afterwards, we ride along trails decorated with orchids, bromeliads and butterflies. We spend the night at Pousada (Lodge) Boa Vista.
Day 3 Pousada Boa Vista to Santa Maria
Breakfast and departure to the second leg of the journey: the ride to Santa Maria. Along the way we cross the ‘Itaperiti’ Valley with its spectacular mountain scenery and exuberant lowland forest crisscrossed by many brooks and full of exotic fruit trees. By late afternoon you hopefully have your first sighting of ‘Três
Picos’, the three spectacular rocky peaks of the Serra dos Orgaos and
later arrive at your overnight stop at Santa Maria. We enjoy a sauna and the bravest in the group follow this with a plunge in the river. A good dinner (Brazilian cuisine) and a chat about the day’s adventures prepares the mind for a good night's sleep.
Day 4 Santa Maria to Regua
Breakfast and departure to the Reserva Ecologica Guapi Assu (REGUA). On this part of the journey we ride through Fazenda João Paulo, then enter the ‘Três Picos’ State Park before traversing Fazenda São Miguel. This trail follows the base of the impressive granite wall of the Serra dos Órgãos, so steep that it held up Brazil’s expansion west for hundreds of years. In order to reach the Reserva Ecologica Guapi Assu we swim our horses across the River Guapiassu. After this exhilarating experience we stop to enjoy lunch at Guapi Assu Lodge.
The afternoon is reserved to explore the Reserva Guapi Açu, a premier birding and wildlife reserve located on its own private 6740 hectare reserve. The lodge we stay at overlooks great stretches of wetlands and offers a privileged view of the beautiful forested slopes, high altitude forest, and the “Serra dos Orgãos” mountain chain. This habitat, a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife species, is also a haven for birdwatchers, tree-huggers and animal lovers.
Day 5 REGUA to Santa Maria
Daybreak is announced by the chirping, singing and screeching of birds of many varities. Back in the saddle, we ride over a new trail, hill and dale where keen eyes have much to see creeping, crawling and flying everywhere. We enjoy lunch at the Santa Maria Inn. After eating the best Brazil has to offer we can choose between a hiking, a tree-rope course, zip-line or an invigorating sauna. After dinner we relax with a game of cards, a sip of wine, and - when the time is right - a comfortable bed and a sound night’s sleep in the heart of Darwin’s Brazil.
Day 6 Back to Desempenho
Today's ride to Desempenho follows the Trilha das Tocas, which winds through farmland and cattle ranches. We stop for a delicious picnic at Fazenda das Tocas. Once mounted again we cross the town of Cachoeiras de Macacú and follow the trail that leads to the Pedra do Colégio, where Jesuits once taught Indians the Golden Rule. We stop for a snack at ‘Mirante dos Três Picos’, where the mighty mountain chain can be seen in all its splendor. Then it’s clippetty-clop back to dinner and tall-tales at Desempenho Horse Center.
Day 7 Departure
After breakfast we say our farewell to the horses and then it's off to Rio de Janeiro Airport and a nice flight home. You’ve seen what Darwin saw and have a string of photographs to prove it.
Notes: the itinerary may change depending on the weather at the time and other local conditions.
The 6-day option ends in the morning of Day 6 of the above itinerary
Meeting:
Rio de Janeiro
Airport:
Rio de Janeiro
Transfer:
Rio de Janeiro
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Tack:
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Brazilian endurance and English
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Horses:
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Mangalarga Marchador (Brazilian gaited horses breed)
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Pace:
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Moderate, trots and canters
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
8 riders
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Brazil, owing to its geographical and climatic diversity, as well as its natural beauties without equal, has unique conditions for practicing equestrian tourism. It has routes for riding on horseback with dazzling scenery, innumerable rides along several trails which penetrate the heart of the country, many of which can only be discovered by people on horseback seeking a moment of enchantment and leisure.
The Mangalarga Marchador is between 14.2 and 16 hands and you can find specimens of most colors of horse within this breed, however the grays, bays, and chestnuts are most predominant. They are known to be intelligent, noble and gentle with an great stamina.
The Mangalarga is a "gaited" breed of horse... their natural gaits are the walk, the unique marches, and the canter. There are two different marcha types. The marcha picada is a bit smoother. It is a broken pace and therefore creates little vertical movement, similar to the corto or Largo of the Paso Fino and has also been compared to the Peruvian Paso Llano. The Marcha Batida is a diagonal 4 beat gait, like the Trocha in the Paso Fino.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart.Passport NoteAll non-Brazillian nationals under 18 years of age, when not accompanied by b. more
Situated in the tropical South Atlantic, Rio de Janeiro is warm all year round. Summers, between November and March, are very hot and humid. Winters are cooler and dry, but never cold, with some precipitation, lasting only from June to September.
At the hottest point in the year, the average maximum is 29 C / 84.2 F.
At the coolest point in the year, the average minimum is 18 C / 64.4 F.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodation during this itinerary varies from the comfortable chalets at the riding centre, to simple guesthouses along the trails to the beautiful bird watching lodge at Guapi Assu.
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Tack:
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Brazilian endurance and English
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|
Horses:
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|
Mangalarga Marchador (Brazilian gaited horses breed)
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|
Pace:
|
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Moderate, trots and canters
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
8 riders
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Brazil, owing to its geographical and climatic diversity, as well as its natural beauties without equal, has unique conditions for practicing equestrian tourism. It has routes for riding on horseback with dazzling scenery, innumerable rides along several trails which penetrate the heart of the country, many of which can only be discovered by people on horseback seeking a moment of enchantment and leisure.
The Mangalarga Marchador is between 14.2 and 16 hands and you can find specimens of most colors of horse within this breed, however the grays, bays, and chestnuts are most predominant. They are known to be intelligent, noble and gentle with an great stamina.
The Mangalarga is a "gaited" breed of horse... their natural gaits are the walk, the unique marches, and the canter. There are two different marcha types. The marcha picada is a bit smoother. It is a broken pace and therefore creates little vertical movement, similar to the corto or Largo of the Paso Fino and has also been compared to the Peruvian Paso Llano. The Marcha Batida is a diagonal 4 beat gait, like the Trocha in the Paso Fino.
Passports
Passports valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
All non-Brazillian nationals under 18 years of age, when not accompanied by both parents, must have a birth certificate (an original or authenticated photocopy). This must be in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish, otherwise an official translation must be presented as well. When travelling alone or with one parent, a declaration from the absent parent(s) must be presented authorising the journey and giving the name and address of the person in Brazil who will be responsible for the minor. In the case of divorced or deceased parents, papers attesting to full custody must be presented.
All travellers must be in possession of onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of EU countries (except nationals of Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Malta who do require a visa) for touristic and business stays of up to 90 days;
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country by the same or first connecting flight, provided holding onward documentation and not leaving the airport.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist: cost varies according to nationality. Generally, it is around £30. Other prices, based on reciprocity, are £28 (for nationals of Australia); £52 (for nationals of Canada); free, but £104 processing fee (for nationals of the USA). British citizens requiring visas with a validity over 180 days will be subject to a processing fee of £124. Business and Transit: cost varies according to nationality; contact the consulate for details.
Validity
Normally 90 days from date of issue, although this is at the discretion of Brazilian immigration officials. Tourist visas can be used for multiple entry within the period of validity. Tourist visas can be extended up to a further 90 days, provided the application is made at least two weeks before the expiration of the visa. Nationals should apply in Brazil to the federal police; this must be done before the visa expires or nationals risk deportation.
Note: Some Brazilian immigration officials have been restricting single male tourists aged 25-50 to stays of up to 30 days, particularly in the north east region, in an effort to combat sex tourism.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at the embassy); see Contact Addresses. Applications made through travel agents or by post are subject to a fee of £8.
Working Days Required
Depends on nationality. Up to three days for applications made in person and 10 days for applications made by a third party. Additional time is required to process applications made by post.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Darwin's Rain Forest Trail
Tour Code:
IT-BRRT12
7 days /
6 nights
~$2,685.00
Dates :
May to Nov
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :

Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Brazilian endurance and English
Horses:
Mangalarga Marchador (Brazilian gaited...
Pace:
Moderate, trots and canters
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Airport:
Rio de Janeiro
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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