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. Imagine the Grand Canyon covered in lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls and thriving biodiversity. 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) 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 5 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 2018 - Subject to changes.

Day 1: Transfer from Porto Alegre to the ranch (4-5 hours) in the highest point of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (1.400 meters). 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 Gaucho who will guide you throughout the ride.
After a delicious dinner, join the group at the bar of the Fazenda to listen the Gaucho guide perform his accordion and sing. It’s a happy first evening! Night at Pousada Potreirinho or Fazenda Monte Negro.

Day 2: After breakfast we ride out and experience a special moment, as we pass through the peak of Monte Negro. At 1,403 m, it is the highest point of Rio Grande do Sul. Viewing this horizon of majestic landscapes, one cannot help but experience a unique feeling of freedom. The flora is rich and lush with huge ferns, lilies and bromeliads. You may also see evidence of the unusual wildlife - the blue crow, Purple-chested parrot, skunks, cutias and deer. We return to the Ranch for lunch. After a short siesta we continue riding by Canyons, cliffs and fields in the afternoon.
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 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
~5 hours on horseback.

Day 3: After a good breakfast we mount our Criollos and start riding on the high altitude trails towards Lopes family Ranch, a typical fazenda surrounded by a beautiful forest. During a few hours we will go up and down many hills, opportunity of fantastic panoramic views of the landscape on top of the hills. We will trot, canter and feel the sense of freedom on that great outdoors. We may stop to eat something under a tree and after around 5 hours on horseback we arrive to a typical ranch with the warm Gaucho atmosphere. Lopes family will be waiting the group with a delicious brunch and taste of their famous cheese. They produce a very famous and special 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. We say goodbye to Eliseu and our horses and move by car (1 ½  hour) to Fazenda São Gonçalo, a traditional cattle fazenda where a delicious Gaucho barbecue will be waiting for us on the fire. Overnight at Pousada Fazenda São Gonçalo.
 ~5 hours on horseback.

Day 4: Alencar our new Gaucho guide is a cattle rancher and has a lot of experience. During the next days we will have the chance to see how a real Gaucho works on his daily job. With new horses, continue your journey along the escarpments of the Aparados da Serra where the marvels of nature almost overwhelm the actual riding. We stop at the famous Seven Mulheres Waterfall, so called for having been the site of filming for a famous TV series, with its awe-inspiring cascade. After a photo stop and perhaps a dip in the pool of the cascade, we return to the Fazenda for lunch.
After a short siesta rest we start our afternoon ride on trails with majestic landscapes passing through some forests of rare beauty and important biodiversity. Some slopes will invite us to canter with our Criollo horses. Overnight at Pousada Fazenda São Gonçalo.
 ~5-6 hours on horseback.

Day 5: We leave after breakfast to the Ranch where our horses will be waiting for us (30 minutes drive). From there we start our ride traversing canyons, fields and forests. During this day we will see many waterfalls and have a picnic lunch on the banks of a river while our horses rest in the shade of a forest nearby. After eat, we continue our ride covering an area of outstanding beauty, in typical scenarios of Campos de Cima da Serra, 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.
In the afternoon we may see the mysterious fogs (called viracão by the locals), drift in. On our afternoon ride we will pass by many Araucaria trees and cross a few pristine rivers. At the end of the day we arrive at Alencar’s Fazenda Santana and his newly built Huts and bungalows. Another delicious dinner and overnight.
 ~5 hours on horseback.

Day 6: After a good breakfast we leave with our horses to see more canyons, cliffs or as the locals call “the peirais of the Aparados” and beautiful waterfalls. 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. We will be in Alencar’s, our Gaucho guide neighborhood 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 good canters.
At the end of the day we arrive at Alencar’s ranch, say goodbye to our horses and guide and drive (45 minutes) to the Pousada Fazenda Baio Ruano. Our special farewell special dinner will be in a typical restaurant in the small village of Cambara do Sul.
 ~6 hours on horseback.

Day 7: Departure after breakfast for the Porto Alegre airport (~3 hours).

The above sample itinerary is subject to changes at the discretion of the tour operator.

-----------------------------------------------------

Canyons & Waterfalls ride on Brazilian Gaucho´s country  – 2019*

Day 1: Reception at Porto Alegre airport and transfer (4 to 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 Gaucho 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 Potreirinho

Day 2: After a good breakfast we mount our Criollos and start riding on the high altitude trails towards Lopes family Ranch, a typical fazenda surrounded by a beautiful forest. Our first sight will be Cachoeirão, the biggest Waterfall of this area. It is impressive and we will have chance to take good photos. Next we will continue our ride going up and down many hills, opportunity of fantastic panoramic views of the landscape on top of the hills. We will trot, canter, and feel the sense of freedom on that great outdoors. We may stop to eat something under a tree and after around 5 hours on horseback we arrive to a typical ranch with the warm Gaucho atmosphere. Lopes family will be waiting the group with a delicious brunch and taste of their famous cheese. They produce a very famous and special 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. After rest a while we ride one more hour to the traditional Fazenda Monte Negro where a delicious dinner will be waiting for us. Overnight at Fazenda Monte Negro.
 ~5 hours on horseback

Day 3: After breakfast start riding to the peak of Monte Negro, with its 1,403 meters is the highest point of our ride, with a horizon of majestic landscapes. There is no way not to be taken by a unique feeling of freedom. We return to the Ranch for lunch. After a short siesta we continue riding by Canyons, cliffs and fields in the afternoon.
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 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 lichens and of vegetation of herbs and small bushes that alter with the nude rock. Night at Pousada Fazenda Monte Negro.
 ~5 hours on horseback

Day 4: We continue our journey along the escarpments of the Aparados da Serra, where the marvels of nature almost overwhelm the actual riding. We stop at a beautiful Waterfall, with awe-inspiring cascade. After a photo stop and perhaps a dip in the pool of the cascade, we stop on the field for lunch. After a short siesta rest we start our afternoon ride on trails with majestic landscapes passing through some forests of rare beauty and important biodiversity. Some slopes will invite us to canter with our Criollo horses. Overnight at Pousada Fazenda Monte Negro.
~5-6 hours on horseback

Day 5: After breakfast we leave by car to Alan’s Ranch (1 ½ hours). He is the son of Alencar, our new Gaucho guide. He is a cattle rancher and has a lot of experience. During the next days we will have the chance to see how a real Gaucho works on his daily job. With new horses, we start our ride traversing canyons, fields, and forests. During this day we will see some very beautiful waterfalls and have a picnic lunch on the banks of a river while our horses rest in the shade of a forest nearby. After our picnic lunch, we continue our ride covering an area of outstanding beauty, in typical scenarios of Campos de Cima da Serra, 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.
In the afternoon we may see the mysterious fogs (called viracão by the locals), drift in. On our afternoon ride we will pass by many Araucaria trees and cross a few pristine rivers. At the end of the day we arrive at Alencar’s Fazenda Santana and his newly built Huts and bungalows. Another delicious dinner and overnight.
 ~5-6 hours on horseback

Day 6: After a good breakfast we leave with our horses to see more canyons, cliffs or as the locals call “the peirais of the Aparados” and beautiful waterfalls. 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. We will be in Alencar’s, our Gaucho guide neighborhood 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 good canters.
At the end of the day we arrive at a river bank where our minibus will be waiting, say goodbye to our horses and guide and drive (45 minutes) to the Pousada Fazenda Baio Ruano. Our special farewell special dinner will be in a typical restaurant in the small village of Cambara do Sul.
~5 hours on horseback

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

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 21ºC; with the maximum temperature usually ranging between 24ºC and 27ºC. Lows are usually between 9ºC and 15ºC.

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

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

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

Meals
The program includes three meals a day. Please note that some days lunch is a picnic, or pre-packed, lunch. We always include typical Brazilian food in the menu. We can accommodate vegetarian and other dietary needs.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Gaucho saddle
Horses:		Criollos
Pace:		Moderate, trots and canters. 5-6 hours per day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 to 3.5 out of 5)     Intermediate
Weight:		Max 220 lbs / 100 kg
Riders:		Min 5 riders	Max 10 riders

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.