Canyons and Waterfalls in Brazil Rio Grande do Sul Brazil The spectacular mountain scenery, huge canyons and bottomless waterfalls of this region will take your breath away. Imagine the Grand Canyon covered in lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls and thriving biodiversity. Nestled along the southern coast of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, among Brazil's most impressive canyons, the 28,000 nature conservation area where this adventure occurs. This area is renowned for its gigantic canyons, sheltering a type of geological step dug into the mountain by the tectonic movement and by the work of rivers throughout the eras. Different from most canyons in the world, like the Grand Canyon of Arizona or the Fish River Canyon of Namibia, Brazil's canyon country is in a lush green area of rich grassland and huge Araucaria forests. Over the next few days you will ride along these steep mountains and canyons and the Atlantic coastline. Staying on traditional ranches, you will have the pleasure of sampling typical southern Brazil gaucho culture, including some of the region’s famous culinary delights. In the afternoon you may see the mysterious fogs drift in. During the ride you will encounter several ecosystems of rare beauty and important biodiversity. The Mata Atlantica runs along the lower portion of the canyons, while fields spread across the plateaus, interspersed in the damp areas by peat bogs, that are rich in moss, lichen and bamboo. Vegetation such as ferns, lilies and bromeliads, sprouts from the slopes. And a curious species the ‘Bigsting Nettle’, with its enormous leaves measuring up to 1.5 meters, attaches itself to the rocks along the slopes. The whole area was formed from 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 (coxilhas) 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. The regional fauna is also varied and includes some rare species such as the lobo-guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus), the suçuarana or puma (Felis concolor), the graxaim-bush and the rural deer- (Ozotocerus bezoarticus). Foxes, skunks, armadillos, wildcats, woodpeckers, hawks and bugio monkeys also make up part of the local fauna. Canyons and Waterfalls – a surprising Brazil with a cold weather accent and the legitimate gauchos’ traditions; an expedition for peaceful adventurers and an opportunity to live a unique experience. Progressive Ride (no camping) Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Salgado Filho International Airport (POA) in Porto Alegre Airport: Salgado Filho International Airport (POA) in Porto Alegre Transfer: Salgado Filho International Airport (POA) in Porto Alegre Riders: Min 3 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is available from Salgado Filho International Airport (POA) in Porto Alegre. Arrival should be no later than 3 PM on Day 1. It is best not to book a flight departing before 2 PM from Porto Alegre on the last day of your trip.

 Sample Itinerary: 7-day tour- subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Reception at Porto Alegre airport and transfer (approx. 5 hours) to the Ranch near Sao Jose dos Ausentes.
Imagine arriving in southern Brazil, and finding a farm prepared to receive riders with the hospitality and good gastronomy of the gauchos. It is in a place like this that we will spend this night. Dinner and night at Fazenda Potreirinhos, a traditional farm in the municipality of São José dos Ausentes.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Pousada Fazenda Potreirinhos

Day 2: Cachoeirão
After breakfast we will go on horseback to visit Cachoeirão, which is wide with a series of falls, very impressive. Then we go to the “rivers gap”, an interesting and curious situation in which we are in the middle of 2 rivers that follow at different levels. Then we continue with the landscape of undulating fields, which stretch as far as the eye can see. 
~5 hours on horseback
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Pousada Fazenda Potreirinhos

Day 3: Araucarias Forest
We leave after breakfast for our longest day of riding. We will travel through a region of rare beauty, in typical scenarios of Campos de Cima da Serra, which highlight the grandeur of the Araucarias Forest, until we arrive at the Lopes family farm that produces the most famous mountain cheese in southern Brazil. Produced by the family for 3 generations and nationally recognized. Then we continue the ride until Tio Tonho farm, where are we going to spend the next nights. 
~6 hours on horseback
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Tio Tonho Farm

Day 4: Pico do Monte Negro
After breakfast we start to ride for a special moment, the passage through the Pico do Monte Negro, which at 1,403 ms is the highest point in Rio Grande do Sul. At this height, with a horizon of majestic landscapes, you can't help but be taken by a unique feeling of freedom. Lunch weather permitting, a barbecue in the countryside with a spectacular view.
~4-5 hours on horseback
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Tio Tonho Farm

Day 5: Canyons Ride
We leave after breakfast, traveling through the canyons, fields and forests of the region, suddenly interrupted by impressive rocky walls that are up to 1000 meters deep and form a corridor of rocks from the northeast of the state to Santa Catarina. Our lunch will be at a typical farm in the region. Day with about 4 hours on horseback. 
 ~4 hours on horseback
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Santa Catarina Farm

Day 6: Canyons Ride
Full day ride on rolling hills (coxilhas), reaching some of the impressive canyons of the area.
~5 hours on horseback
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Santa Catarina Farm

Day 7: Departure
Departure after breakfast with the destination of Porto Alegre airport (3 hours transfer)
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: 9-day tour - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Transfer from Florianopolis. Imagine arriving in southern Brazil, and finding a farm prepared to receive riders with the hospitality and good gastronomy of the gauchos. It is in a place like this that we will spend this night. Dinner and night at Fazenda Potreirinhos, a traditional farm in the municipality of São José dos Ausentes.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Canoas Lodge in Urubici

Day 2: Ride to Espraiado Canyon
After breakfast, transfer (30 minutes) by car to the corral where horses will already be waiting for the start of the ride towards the edges of the Espraiado canyon. Morning ride with spectacular views. Picnic lunch in the countryside and we continue riding along the edges and altitude fields - between 1600 and 1700 ms of altitude.
After about 5 hours on horseback, we arrive at the mountain refuge which, despite being rustic, offers basic comforts.
~5 hours on horseback
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mountain Cabin

Day 3: Ride to Campo dos Padres
Wake up very early to be able to see the sunrise on top of a mountain (1700 ms) that is just 15 minutes on horseback from the Refugio. From the top of this mountain, the view of the sunrise is so incredible that it seems impossible to be there at that magical moment. It is quite likely that you will see clouds far below you covering valleys and between some canyons. You will be able to see on the horizon the coast of Santa Catarina, to the south the Serra do Rio do Rastro and to the west the Morro da Boa Vista, the highest point in the state with 1827 ms. Afterwards, you return to the Refugio for breakfast before heading to the famous Campo dos Padres, the last untouched frontier of southern Brazil. An immense mosaic surrounded by mountains, cliffs and canyons where beautiful waterfalls and rivers spring from the Canoas and Itajaí-Açu. It is in this inhospitable and difficult to access location that the highest elevations in the south of the country are located.
The name of the region, Campo dos Padres (priests region) is an allusion to the passage of Jesuit priests who in the 18th century took refuge in the place fleeing the Spanish missions on the occasion of the persecution incited by the Marquis of Pombal. The region holds many legends of treasures that would have been hidden by the Jesuits. After a long and beautiful day of ride, return to the Mountain Refuge where a dinner around the fire awaits. Day with about 6 hours on horseback
~6 hours on horseback
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mountain Cabin

Day 4: Ride along Canoas River
Ride to the Fruta Fina farm where the horses live. The ride is along the beautiful road that borders the Canoas River and an immense area of environmental preservation. Upon arrival lunch. After lunch, transfer (3 hours) to Fazenda Potreirinhos in Rio Grande do Sul.
Imagine arriving in southern Brazil, and finding a farm prepared to receive riders with the hospitality and good gastronomy of the gauchos. It is in a place like this that we will spend this night. Dinner and night at Fazenda Potreirinhos, a traditional farm in the municipality of São José dos Ausentes.
~3 hours on horseback
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Potreirinhos in Rio Grande do Sul

Day 5: Ride to Cachoeirão
After breakfast we will go on horseback to visit Cachoeirão, which is wide with a series of falls, very impressive. Then we go to the “rivers gap”, an interesting and curious situation in which we are in the middle of 2 rivers that follow at different levels. Then we continue with the landscape of undulating fields, which stretch as far as the eye can see. Dinner and night at Fazenda Potreirinhos.
~5 hours on horseback
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Potreirinhos in Rio Grande do Sul

Day 6: Ride to Araucarias Forest
We leave after breakfast for our longest day of riding. We will travel through a region of rare beauty, in typical scenarios of Campos de Cima da Serra, which highlight the grandeur of the Araucarias Forest, until we arrive at the Lopes family farm that produces the most famous mountain cheese in southern Brazil. Produced by the family for 3 generations and nationally recognized. Then we continue the ride until Tio Tonho farm, where are we going to spend the next nights.
~6 hours on horseback
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Tio Tonho Farm

Day 7: Ride through Pico do Monte Negro
After breakfast we start to ride for a special moment, the passage through the Pico do Monte Negro, which at 1,403 ms is the highest point in Rio Grande do Sul. At this height, with a horizon of majestic landscapes, you can't help but be taken by a unique feeling of freedom. Lunch weather permitting, a barbecue in the countryside with a spectacular view.
~4-5 hours on horseback
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Tio Tonho Farm

Day 8: Canyons Ride
We leave after breakfast, traveling through the canyons, fields and forests of the region, suddenly interrupted by impressive rocky walls that are up to 1000 meters deep and form a corridor of rocks from the northeast of the state to Santa Catarina. Our lunch will be at a typical farm in the region.
~4 hours on horseback
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Santa Catarina Farm

Day 9: Departure
After breakfast transfer to Porto Alegre
Meals included: Breakfast

Note - The itinerary can be changed due to weather conditions and availability on the ranches.

                                            Porto Alegre area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	88	88	85	80	73	69	69	72	74	78	82	86
Average Low Temperature (°F)	69	70	67	62	56	51	51	53	55	60	63	67
Average High Temperature (°C)	31	31	29	27	23	21	20	22	23	26	28	30
Average Low Temperature (°C)	21	21	19	16	13	11	10	12	13	16	17	19
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	7	6	6	6	6	7	8	8	7	6	6	6

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The climate in the area is moderate and always a little humid. The annual average temperature is around 16ºC; with the maximum temperature usually ranging between 24ºC and 27ºC. Lows are usually between 9ºC and 15ºC.
The warmest month is January and the coldest months are June and July.

The fog (typical of this region) is known by the name of “Nothing”.  It appears all of a sudden and, very quickly, makes everything disappear - sometimes making it impossible to see even a step away. The fog turns deep valleys invisible, and then (sometimes very quickly) back to visible again. The worst month for fog is October and parts of September and November - but you will find the fog disappears as quickly as it comes in.

The best months for horse trekking are March to June. July and August are still good trekking months, but it can be quite cool during this time.

It is recommended to put your luggage in travel bag instead of a hard suitcase. 10 bags are easier to get in the backup vehicle than 10 suitcases.

Travel documents and Voucher
Flight tickets
Passport
Visa (check with your consulate)
Travel Insurance
Pocket money (you can change money on arrival at the airport)

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) - as they are not too hot, and they dry out quickly if they get wet.
Riding boots (short) or hard-soled shoes + Minichaps or Longchaps
Riding helmet - please bring your own. NOTE – It's not mandatory in Brazil.
Riding gloves
Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
Lightweight Rain coat
Tall boot socks to prevent chaffing
4 to 5 Long-sleeved shirts for protection sun
Water canteen
This list is only a general guideline for you from Ride in Brazil
Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
Jeans
Shorts
Underwear and socks
Pyjama
Bag for dirty clothes
Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
Swimsuit / Bathing suit

Personal Toiletries
Insect Repellent
Personal medications (please consult with your G.P. for health advise)
Sewing kit
Handkerchiefs
Adapter for electric appliances
Small Camera/Phone with Camera and batteries
Belt pack
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (spf-30 or higher) and Lip Balm with sunscreen
One towel
Torch / Flashlight

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Accommodations
This is a progressive ride where nights are spent in 4 different locations. Our lodging are in fazendas (ranch style) accommodations. All these lodgings have been visited and pre-approved.

Description
Our lodging are in fazenda (ranch style) accommodations. All these lodgings have been visited and pre-approved.

Accommodation Itinerary for 7-day tour - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Pousada Fazenda Potreirinhos
Night 3 & 4: Tio Tonho Farm
Night 5 & 6: Santa Catarina Farm

Accommodation Itinerary for 9-day tour - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Canoas Lodge
Night 2 & 3: Mountain Cabin
Night 4 & 5: Pousada Fazenda Potreirinhos
Night 6 & 7: Tio Tonho Farm
Night 8: Santa Catarina Farm

Canoas Lodge
You are accommodated in small cabins equipped with a bed, a private bathroom, a TV and free Wi-Fi. The cabins are simple but comfortable.

Mountain Cabin
This is a very rustic accommodation surrounded by beautiful nature. Facilities might have to be shared.

Pousada Fazenda Potreirinhos
The fazenda is set in a beautiful environment, by the Rio do Silveira. It offers cozy accommodations with comfortable beds, internet access and private bathrooms. Laundry services are available for a small charge.

Tio Tonho Farm
There are 6 bedrooms, most with their own bathroom. The rooms are simple but comfortable.


Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you.



Meals
All meals are included with this trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
Breakfasts and dinners are eaten at the accommodations and lunches are eaten on the trail.

Brazil has a rich cuisine. The country is a mixture of European, Indian, African, and Asian cultures and is reflected in the way the Brazilians cook. Italian and African cuisines have great influence on Brazilian cuisine. Well before Europe spoke about fusion cuisine, Brazil was combining ingredients found from different continents to a new, typical Brazilian cuisine. They also often serve dishes from different countries on one table.
The Brazilian cuisine is very good, varied, and serves many naturally made dishes. The main dishes are mostly rice and beans (Feijão) and sauces, with lots of meat or fish and salads. Each region has its own traditional dishes. Very popular is the Churrasco (Brazilian BBQ).

Soft drinks and beers are included in this trip but guests are welcome to bring their own if they wish.

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

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Gaucho saddle
Horses:		Criollos
Pace:		Moderate, trots and canters. 5-6 hours per day going up to an altitude of 1,200 m above sea level. Approximately 60% walk, 30% trot, 10% canter. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 to 3.5 out of 5)     Intermediate to Strong Intermediate
Weight:		Max 220 lbs / 100 kg
Riders:		Min 3 riders	Max 10 riders

Guide
Your English speaking guide will be Paulo. Paulo grew up in a family (Junqueira) well know in Brazil for breeding Mangalara horses, so he was surrounded by horses since childhood. In 2006, he decided to travel all around Brazil on horseback. he then decided to travel all around the world to get to know the best horseback riding destinations and learn about different riding techniques and cultures. He loves guiding this trip because he finds that every time, the experience is different.

Riding Terrain
You are riding through a region of rolling fields, forest trails, river crossings and canyon edges. Although the landscape does invite to a few canters, the pace of this tour is (roughly) about 60% walk, 30% trot and no more than 10% canter - never full gallop.
The guide leads the pace and never allows anyone to overtake him.

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

 

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: Brazil requires U.S. citizens to carry a valid U.S. passport and visa when traveling to Brazil for any purpose. You must obtain your Brazilian visa in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate nearest to your place of residence in the United States. There are no "airport visas" and immigration authorities will refuse entry into Brazil to anyone not possessing a valid visa. The U.S. government cannot assist you if you arrive in Brazil without proper documentation. 

Travelers under 18 years of age and their parents should carefully review the visa application requirements. The adjudicating official at the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate may require a birth certificate and notarized travel authorization to issue a visa to a minor.

Visit the web site of the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, D.C. for the most current visa information.

U.S. citizens and other foreign travelers must fill out a small immigration form on arrival that will be stamped and handed back by immigration officials at the airport. It is important to retain this form to hand back to immigration officials upon exit from the country. According to the Brazilian Embassy’s website, visitors who lose this form will have to get clearance from the Brazilian Federal Police to leave the country and may have to pay a fine.

Remember that while in Brazil, you are subject to local law. Showing contempt to a Brazilian government official at the port of entry, or elsewhere, is a serious offense.

Additionally, if you have recently visited certain countries, including most other Latin American countries, you may be required to present an inoculation card indicating you had a yellow fever inoculation or you may not be allowed to board the plane or enter the country. Check with the Brazilian Embassy for more information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Brazil.

For current entry and customs requirements for Brazil, travelers may contact the Brazilian Embassy, which is temporarily located at 1025 Thomas Jefferson St., NW, Suite 300 W (3rd floor), Washington, D.C. 20007-5250, Phone: (202) 238-2805. Travelers may also contact the Brazilian Consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco. Addresses, phone numbers, web and e-mail addresses, and jurisdictions of these consulates may be found at the Brazilian Embassy website.

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Dual Nationals: U.S. citizens who also have Brazilian nationality cannot be issued Brazilian visas and must obtain a Brazilian passport from the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate nearest to their place of residence to enter and depart Brazil. In addition to being subject to all Brazilian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Brazilian citizens. Information about dual nationality can be found on our website. 

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Minors: Brazilian minors age 17 years and under, including minors who have both Brazilian and U.S. citizenship, are subject to strict exit requirements. Brazilian minors departing Brazil, if not accompanied by both parents, must prove that both parents authorized the departure. If accompanied by only one parent, the minor must have a notarized letter from the other parent indicating permission to depart the country, a court order proving that the accompanying parent has sole custody, or a Brazilian court order authorizing the child’s departure. If accompanied by neither parent, the minor must have a notarized letter from both parents authorizing departure, or a Brazilian court order authorizing the same. There are no exceptions, even if the child remained in Brazil only a short time. The authorization must be notarized by a Brazilian notary to be considered valid by the Brazilian authorities. If prepared in the United States, the authorization must be in Portuguese or accompanied by an official translation into Portuguese, and must be notarized by either the Brazilian Embassy or a Brazilian Consulate, or notarized by a U.S. notary public and then authenticated at the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate. Prior to departing the United States, parents traveling to Brazil with children who are Brazilian nationals may wish to obtain an authorization for each parent to return with the children to the United States without the other parent, just in case. Note that children adopted from Brazil are still considered Brazilian citizens and must be documented as such should they return to Brazil.

Minors age 17 years and under who are not Brazilian nationals are not technically subject to the same strict travel requirements as Brazilian minors. However, there have been cases where the travel of non-Brazilian minors has been delayed or prevented when accompanied by only one parent or a third party. To avoid potential difficulties, parents of non-Brazilian minors may want to follow the procedures above if their children will be traveling to Brazil accompanied by only one parent or by a third party.

Parents contemplating separation or divorce should resolve custody matters before leaving the country. Pursuant to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, to which both Brazil and the United States are party, custody will ultimately be decided by a court in the country where the child is a habitual resident. Information about the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. The State Department hotline for Child Abduction Prevention during regular business hours is: (202) 663-3330 and after hours: (888) 407-4747. 

For further information about customs regulations, please read our customs information page.

 

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.