La Barra to Garzon Ride

Introduction
Uruguay Uruguay
Uruguay is a small friendly country full of experiences; a country to enjoy the simple things of life (which sometimes turn out to be the greatest)! You can relax and enjoy things like good fresh food cultivated by locals, a cooking class with a worldwide famous local chef who will received you at his home, fine good wines made by passionate owners, virgin beaches, music from the heart like Tango and Candombe.

In the native traditions that existed in our lands before the arrival of the Spaniards, the horse was a symbol of power, endurance and freedom. In those cultures, the horse signified loyalty, love and the unwavering faith of the warrior spirit that understands the power achieved through true cooperation. We invite you to get to know our horses, learn how to bond with them through communication and enjoy a wonderful trip! The horse is an integral part of nature, and its passage doesn’t disturb the environment around us, enabling us to enter natural reserves, forests and beaches without disturbing the animals living in these areas.

For those who wish to indulge in luxury, we offer an upgrade to this trip with exceptional accommodations.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so you will be staying in different locations during the trip.

Description
The accommodations provided in our programs include charming seaside hotels and ranches available in the areas we visit, all of which include private bathroom. They are clean, comfortable and provide a very good service. You will be able to get good night’s sleep in pleasant surroundings.
If you are sharing your room, please let us know in advance if you prefer twin or double beds.

It is possible to do your laundry during this trip for an extra fee.

Standard option:
Night 1 & 2: La Rosita B&B
Night 3: Chacra La Magdalena or Las Taperas
Night 4 and 5: Posada La Viuda de Jose Ignacio
Night 6 and 7: accommodation varies depending on the time of the year

La Rosita B&B
This B&B is located in the heart of La Barra and offers 4 cozy bedrooms. Each room features a Mediterranean décor, private bathroom and a view of the gardens. In the gardens, there are hammocks and fire pits where you can relax. There is also a common room with an open kitchen, where you can make yourself some tea, coffee or lemonade.

Chacra La Magdalena
This Chacra (Uruguayan farm) can accommodate up to 24 guests in bungalows or small houses, set in the beautiful and relaxing Uruguayan countryside. The accommodations are simply decorated with local crafts. The Chacra has air conditioning/heating, a fireplace, Wi-Fi access, a TV and a washing machine.

Posada La Viuda de Jose Ignacio
This posada is located close to the beach and offers a quiet setting with comfortable accommodations. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a TV and a private bathroom. The posada also has a garden and an outdoor swimming pool.


Luxury option:
Night 1 & 2: Fasano Locanda Hotel
Night 3 and 4: Bahia VIK
Nights 5, 6 and 7: Estancia VIK

Fasano Locanda Hotel
This beautiful hotel opened in 2016 and provides luxurious accommodations. The hotel is set in a relaxing natural surroundings, overlooking the Maldonado River. The building was designed by a renowned architect and features only 10 rooms. Each ensuite room features a modern décor with its own private balcony, air conditioning/heating and a mini-bar. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Bahia VIK
Bahia VIK offers stylish accommodations in either bungalows or rooms located in the main building. The structures are modern and let plenty of light enter the rooms. Each room are air conditioned and have their own bathroom with toiletries. The view over the ocean is relaxing and guest can also decide to go for a swim in the swimming pool. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Estancia VIK
This lovely estancia has been renovated to create a modern-chic ambiance. The property has a beautiful garden and an outdoor swimming pool. Each room is decorated with contemporary art pieces and features air conditioning, Wi-Fi access, a safe, a private bathroom and a private terrace overlooking the garden.

Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy possible.
If you attend as a single rider willing to share but we are unable to find another rider to share, the single supplement fee applies.



Meals
After a full day riding, it is comforting to know that you can return to fully prepared meals that reflect the local cuisine. All meals are prepared with completely natural and fresh products of the region. Red meat, fish and wine are specially recommended. All breakfasts are eaten at the accommodations where we spent the night. Lunches are picnic-style and out on horseback.

Standard option: All meals are included except for meals on day 1 and dinners for night 3, 4, and 5.
Luxury option: All meals are included except for dinners (dinner is only included on night 7). 

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with advanced notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Riding Experience
We can accommodate all levels (from someone who has been on a horse but who does not necessarily feel comfortable at all paces to advanced) of riding for this trip and adjust the itinerary as need-be. Groups can be separated based on riding levels. We ride between 3-6 hours per day, which can also be adjusted.

Horses
During our rides we work very hard to maintain the same set of horses throughout the whole tour. Our intention is that riders can actually build a bond with their horse and enjoy not only the landscape and ride but also the company of their horse. Depending on the size of the group, one or more spare horses will accompany us in case a change is needed. The horses are the local Uruguayan Criollo breed and criollo cross, ideally suited to the terrain.

Tack
We use local, ‘western’ type saddle with a sheepskin. Neck reining (western ‘one-hand riding). Help will be given in adjusting to this tack, which is very suitable for long days in the saddle. 

Emergencies
In case of accident, our guides will always carry a mobile phone, which they will use to contact local assistance. All of the towns along our route count on a medical emergency service.

Weight Restrictions
If your weight is more than 95 kilos (~210lbs) there is a surcharge so we can take an extra horse - so the weight is not too demanding for one horse.

Non-Riders
Non-riders are welcome on this trip. Non-riding activities include sight-seeing, hiking, fishing, surfing, biking, trekking, canoeing and bird watching.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes


Luxury option

Day 1: Eastern Vineyards
Arrival and transfer to “Aguaverde Vineyards”. Start your horseback riding adventure by riding along the vineyards and through internal trails towards Finca Narona to enjoy lunch overlooking the vineyards of this vintage special winery. Ride back to Aguaverde Wine lodge for a typical “Uruguayan Mate Tasting”. 
Accommodation at Fasano Locanda Hotel. L.

Day 2: Ride to the Atchugarry Foundation
After breakfast, we will drive to our horses and ride to the Atchugarry Foundation founded by Pablo Atchugarry, renowned Uruguayan artist. We will ride along private trails, bordering local estancias and studs until we get to the “Sculpture Park” and exhibition Centre. Enjoy a picnic lunch and then continue riding onto the area of Camino Medellin where our horses will spend the evening. Transfer back to Fasano.
Accommodation at Fasano Locanda Hotel. B, L.

Day 3: Riding Trek to Jose Ignacio
After breakfast, ride along “Camino Medellin” and onto the isolated beach of “La Boyita”. Experience the freedom of cantering along the coast to the small town of Jose Ignacio where we will stop for lunch. Tonight we suggest dinner at one of the amazing local restaurants of the area.
Accommodation at Bahia VIK. B, L. 

Day 4: Swimming with Horses
After an early breakfast, ride along the beach towards “La Lengueta”, where the Garzon Lagoon reaches the ocean! For the adventurous ones, we offer the possibility to swim with the horses at the lagoon before continuing cross country along private trails of local private estancias. We will enjoy lunch at the protected area of “El Caracol” and then ride back to our Horse Barn. 
Accommodation at Bahia VIK. B, L.

Day 5: Uruguayan Countryside
After an early breakfast, drive to our horse barn from where we will ride along private trails of local private estancias and into the deep Uruguayan countryside.  We will enjoy a typical “asado” lunch made by our own local “gauchos” and then continue onto Estancia Vik. 
Accommodation at Estancia VIK. B, L.

Day 6: The region of Pueblo Garzon
After breakfast, ride towards the small and sleepy town of Garzon. There are various versions as to when Garzon was founded…around 1890, the first settlers arrived to these lands and established next to the local stream where people would make a stop when travelling towards the province of Rocha. The train had 4 daily services (2 of them towards Rocha and another 2 towards Montevideo) and there was a bus service to San Carlos plus various carriages that would transport people around the area. Carnival was celebrated with a big party; the town had a theatre and a local orchestra. Unfortunately, times of economic crisis arrived and the mill was closed, the trains ceased to arrive and most of the inhabitants had to move either to San Carlos or Rocha. Only some 200 people dedicated to rural activities stayed in the now quiet and sleepy town. In 2004, the renowned Argentinean chef Francis Mallmann partnered with the Argentinean winemaker Manuel Mas, and founded the Garzon Restaurant and Hotel which brought a new “hippie chic” spirit to the area. Word began to spread about the town’s old-time charms: gauchos riding on horseback along tidy gravel streets, residents greeting one another by name, and children playing in a flower-filled central plaza. We will enjoy a picnic lunch on the way to the town and visit the lovely old train station on arrival. We will then drive back to Estancia VIK for a well-deserved relaxing rest.
Accommodation at Estancia VIK. B, L.

Day 7: Bodega Garzon
The day begins with a drive to Bodega Garzon. Discover why this area is known as the “Tuscany of Uruguay”. After a visit to the winery with tasting, we will ride along hilly trails surrounded by landscapes of Olive Plantations and vineyards. We will ride towards the town, discover local streams and enjoy a picnic lunch before we reach the old train station and arrive back to the town. The time has come to say goodbye to our horses. Transfer back to Estancia VIK.
Farewell dinner and accommodation at Estancia VIK. B, L, D.

Day 8: Return
After breakfast, transfer back to Punta Del Este or Montevideo airport. 



Standard option

Day 1: Arrival
Today is set apart to arrive and relax. Transfer from Montevideo or Punta del Este Airport and transfer to your accommodation in La Barra.
Accommodation at La Rosita B&B. No meals included.

Day 2: Eastern Vineyards
Arrival and transfer to “Aguaverde Vineyards”. Start your horseback riding adventure by choosing your horse! Ride along the vineyards and through internal trails towards that will take us to lovely landscapes of hills and countryside. We will enjoy lunch and then head to our local hotel. 
Dinner and accommodation at La Rosita B&B. L, D.  

Day 3: Ride to the Atchugarry Foundation
After breakfast, we will drive to our horses and ride to the Atchugarry Foundation founded by Pablo Atchugarry, renowned Uruguayan artist. We will ride along private trails, bordering local estancias and studs until we get to the “Sculpture Park” and exhibition Centre. Enjoy a picnic lunch and then continue riding along the rural side of Manantiales until we reach the “chakra” (rural accommodation similar to a farm), where we will spend the night. We will enjoy a dinner at the “chakra”.
Depending on availability we will stay at Chacra La Magdalena or Las Taperas. B, L, D. 

Day 4: Riding Trek to Jose Ignacio
After breakfast, ride along “Camino Medellin” and onto the isolated beach of “La Boyita”. Experience the freedom of cantering along the coast before arriving to the Jose Ignacio Lagoon where we will stop to enjoy lunch at trendy “La Huella”. Discover the charming town of Jose and continue along the beach towards our next stop.  We will cross a lovely pine forest before reaching our horse barn. Tonight you are free to enjoy one of the amazing restaurants of the area!
Accommodation at Posada La Viuda de Jose Ignacio. B, L.

Day 5: Swimming with Horses
After an early breakfast, ride in between estancias where we will see some of the last big ranches left in the area before we cross the circle bridge of Laguna Garzon. Continue along the coastline of the Garzon Lagoon. We will enjoy lunch at the protected area of “El Caracol”, in the middle of the forest. After lunch, we will continue along a virgin isolated beach towards “La Lengueta”, where the Garzon Lagoon reaches the ocean! For the adventurous ones, we offer the possibility to swim with the horses at the lagoon before continuing cross country along private trails of local private estancias back to our horse barn. Enjoy another free evening to discover the local cuisine!
Accommodation at Posada La Viuda de Jose Ignacio. B, L.

Day 6: Uruguayan countryside & old-time charms of Pueblo Garzon 
After an early breakfast, drive to our horse barn from where we will ride cross country into the deep Uruguayan countryside. We will cross wetland areas, native forest and private estancias discovering a great diversity of landscapes.  We will enjoy a typical “picnic lunch” and then continue onto a local estancia where our horses will spend the overnight. We will drive to our next accommodation in the region of the small and sleepy town of Garzon. There are various versions as to when Garzon was founded. Around 1890, the first settlers arrived to these lands and established next to the local stream where people would make a stop when travelling towards the province of Rocha. The train had 4 daily services (2 of them towards Rocha and another 2 towards Montevideo) and there was a bus service to San Carlos plus various carriages that would transport people around the area. Carnival was celebrated with a big party; the town had a theatre and a local orchestra. Unfortunately, times of economic crisis arrived and the mill was closed, the trains ceased to arrive and most of the inhabitants had to move either to San Carlos or Rocha. Only some 200 people dedicated to rural activities and stayed in the now quiet and sleepy town. In 2004, the renowned Argentinean chef Francis Mallmann partnered with the Argentinean winemaker Manuel Mas, and founded the Garzon Restaurant and Hotel which brought a new “hippie chic” spirit to the area. Word began to spread about the town’s old-time charms: gauchos riding on horseback along tidy gravel streets, residents greeting one another by name, and children playing in a flower-filled central plaza. Depending on the time of the year, we will stay in town or in one of the local available accommodations. Dinner will be provided at the hotel.
B, L, D.

Day 7: Bodega Garzon
The day begins with a drive to Bodega Garzon. Discover why this area is known as the “Tuscany of Uruguay”. After a visit to the winery with tasting, we will ride along hilly trails surrounded by landscapes of Olive Plantations and vineyards. We will ride towards the town, discover local streams and enjoy a picnic lunch before we reach the old train station and arrive back to the town, where we will say goodbye to our horses. Depending on the time of the year, we will stay in town or in one of the local available accommodations. Farewell dinner will be provided at the hotel.
B, L, D.

Day 8: Return
After breakfast, transfer to Punta del Este or Montevideo Airport.


Non-riders are more than welcome to attend! Non-riding activities: Sight-seeing; hiking; fishing; surfing; biking; trekking; canoeing; bird watching.

Rates and Dates for La Barra to Garzon Ride

Dates Note: Best time to travel is spring and autumn.

Other Info
Meeting: Aguaverde Vineyards
Airport: Punta del Este Airport
Transfer: Punta del Este or Montevideo Airport.

Climate:
                                        José Ignacio area