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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Spain
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Spain
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also:
Hiking in Spain
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Sierra Nevada Rides
Southern Spain
Spain
Without doubt, the Sierra Nevada-Tabernas Desert Route, with 6 days on horseback, is one of our most varied programs. It goes through two Nature Reserves of unique natural beauty which give the route its name: The Sierra Nevada, with its snowy peaks and mountainous landscape, and the Tabernas Desert, the most important desert-like zone in Europe.
The route starts high up in the Sierra and makes its way down to the fertile slopes and valleys where olives, almonds, and even wine are produced. Then, suddenly, the unique topographical conditions render the route into a true, western movie style desert, of canyons and dry riverbeds where numerous spaghetti-westerns films have been made. The expedition ends in Granada with the option to visit the Alhambra.
Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Bubión
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Airport:
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Granada / Malaga
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Transfer:
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Granada or Malaga
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2022
Rates include*:
Accomodation, All meals & 6 riding days
A | 2022 | 8 day trip, AP | 8d / 7n | €1625 | $1950 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates Note:
* Sierra Nevada - Tabernas Desert - needs a minimum of 6 riders to run trip.
Transfer and Other Charges:
2022
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Pick-up / drop-off from Granada airport, return, pp (min 2 pax)
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€
100
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$120
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2022
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Pick-up/ drop-off from Malaga Airport, return (1 pax)
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€
300
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$360
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2022
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Pick-up/ drop-off from Malaga Airport, return, pp (2+ pax)
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€
150
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$180
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2022
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Single supplement (requested)
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€
180
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$215
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Pick-up from Granada airport is included (6:30 pm at the latest) on the first day. On the last day, you will be dropped off at the airport, according to your flight schedule.
Transfers from/to Malaga are available at extra cost.
Rates do not include:
Transfers from/to Granada airport, Transfers from/to Malaga airport, Extra wine or other drinks than those taken besides the regular eating time, Gratuities & Personal travel and accident insurance (mandatory)
Note:
Due to COVID-19 Corona virus pandemic and certain travel restrictions we are applying some temporary policy changes to some of our tours.
For Sierra Nevada Rides (IT-SPAPJ01):
Regarding our Covid-19 policy for 2022, in case clients cannot travel due to the pandemic, we agree to postpone the dates of the ride.
Trip Cancellation Insurance is recommended. In order to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances interfering with your vacation, we strongly suggest that you purchase trip cancellation insurance.
Travel Insurance: We request you take travel Insurance. You will not be allowed to participate in the riding holiday program without having personal travel insurance. Your insurance details will be requested on arrival.
Rules: We reserve the right to refuse service to any individual who jeopardizes the health, safety and welfare of any of our guests, staff, family & community members, animals & livestock, or who refuses to follow the rules we have established for your safety and welfare during your visit with us.
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
Welcome and introduction of the guide.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Finca Los Llanos in Capileira
Day 2: Bubión to Trevélez
Drive to the riding center in Bubión (2 km away from Capileira). Introduction of the horses. We will start by climbing up along bridle paths through the Blood Ravine to the track that leads us to Trevélez with views of the villages of the Poqueira and La Taha Valleys. Picnic enroute. During the ride there are some opportunities for gallops with a magnificent panoramic view of the Sierra Contraviesa and Lújar opposite us. Descend to Trevélez by a bridle path where we will arrive in time for some beers with tapas. There will be the opportunity to visit some of the ham drying houses of Trevélez, famous for its hams and considered the highest village in Spain at an altitude of 1,700m.
Riding: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel La Fragua in Trevélez
Day 3: Trevélez to Cádiar
After crossing the bridge over the Trevélez river, we will start this route by a bridle path that climbs the left slope of the ravine, leaving behind the village from which it takes its name. Once again, we will enjoy the beauty of the sierras Contraviesa, Lújar and Gádor, this one already in the province of Almería. Descent along a gentler path to Juviles, where we will have lunch. Descend to Tímar along a narrow path through the gorge. Then we will take the bridle path to our beautiful Hotel close to Cádiar. We have descended over 1,000 m.
Riding: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Alquería de Morayma in Cádiar
Day 4: Cádiar to Picena
Riding first over the hills with stunning panoramic views of Sierra Nevada and the sierras of Contraviesa and Gádor, we will then ride to Ugíjar along the dry riverbed. Picnic on the way. In the afternoon, we will ride up to Picena where we leave the horses. Drive to Laroles (3km) to reach your accommodation.
Riding: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Refugio de Nevada in Laroles
Day 5: Picena to Benecid
After breakfast, drive to Picena to meet the horses and start our ride crossing the village of Picena and the Bayarcal river, where we enter the Almería province. Picnic at Guarros. Leaving for Benecid passing by Laujar de Andarax, important wine-growing area.
Riding: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel La Marmita de Ahlam in Benecid
Day 6: Benecid to Rágol
Across Sierra Gádor, riding on a track enjoying the open view of Sierra Nevada, on the other side of the Andarax river, towards the old “Venta de Alcora” where we will arrive after some short gallops on time for a good lunch. After a short rest, we ride for nearly 2 hours enjoying the first views over the Tabernas Desert. Descend to Rágol by a very nice bridle path. Drive to Canjayar (4Km) to reach your accommodation.
Riding: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Posada del Calvario in Canjayar
Day 7: Rágol to Alboloduy
Drive to Rágol to meet the horses for our last ride to the desert. Crossing the Andarax River to the mountain of Montenegro through the Rambla (dry river bed) of Guadix, with some opportunities for canters and where we start to discover the first desert landscape. Descend through a labyrinth of canyons similar to those seen in numerous spaghetti-western films. At the end of the Rambla de Los Yesos, we will arrive at Alboloduy, at the eastern-most edge of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park.
After saying goodbye to the horses, lunch in the village. Drive to Granada (2 hours). Farewell dinner in a typical restaurant and visit to the old part of Granada with views of the Alhambra right opposite us.
Riding: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Maciá Plaza in Granada
Day 8: Departure
Farewell after breakfast.
Option: For those who want, there is an opportunity to visit the Alhambra.
Meeting:
Bubión
Airport:
Granada / Malaga
Transfer:
Granada or Malaga
Pick-up from Granada airport is included (6:30 pm at the latest) on the first day. On the last day, you will be dropped off at the airport, according to your flight schedule.
Transfers from/to Malaga are available at extra cost.
Tack:
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English trekking, some Spanish and Western
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Horses:
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Andalusians and Arab cross, French Trotter
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Pace:
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Moderate. 4 to 6 hrs of riding per day at all paces. Partially slow with difficult riding on steep mountain trails. Some canters where the terrain allows
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
8
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Max
80
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Riding Experience
The minimum riding ability for this ride is intermediate. Riders need to be comfortable at all paces in open country and on various terrains (including mountain tracks). At times, the ride includes trot and canter on curvy mountain tracks.
Pace
We go mostly at a walk but also at the trot and canter (not possible every day - depends on the terrain). On average, we spend 4-7 hours in the saddle per day. The program includes 6 riding days.
Guide
The guide, Rafael, is a political science graduate who preferred the peace of a small village in the mountains to the hustle and bustle of his home city, Madrid. He moved to the Alpujarras more than 20 years ago, when he started his horse-riding adventure. He is an entertaining and charming man who is fluent in Spanish, French and English.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you have full holiday Insurance that covers horseback riding and emergency medical insurance. We are happy to provide this. Simple check the appropriate box in the booking form.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Note: EU nationals are onl. more
Granada area
Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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69
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70
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71
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72
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74
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77
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80
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81
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81
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79
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75
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71
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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59
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59
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59
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61
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63
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66
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69
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71
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70
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68
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64
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61
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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21
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21
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22
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22
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24
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25
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27
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27
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27
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26
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24
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22
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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15
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15
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15
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16
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17
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19
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21
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22
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21
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20
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18
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16
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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2
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2
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2
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1
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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2
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3
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3
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The summer months (June to September) are usually too hot to ride, which is why we do not have any trips scheduled at that time.
The best times to visit are in spring when the flowers burst into bloom and when the temperatures are around 23°C (73°F), or in autumn when the winter chills are still a way off, but the tourist hordes have receded. Winter days and nights can be chilly but they have their own charm.
This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
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Riding boots + Minichaps
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Riding helmet (not provided- we strongly recommend you bring your own)
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Riding gloves
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Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
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Rain coat/Wax jacket
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear and socks
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Pyjama
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Light summer jacket
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Warm jacket
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Comfortable shoes/sneakers (some walking downhill leading our horse is required on 2nd day)
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Swimsuit)
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Bandana
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for the emergency)
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Sewing kit
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Handkerchiefs
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Adapter for electric appliances
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Camera and enough extra films
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Belt pack
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Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm
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Your luggage is transported to each hotel, all you need to do is relax and enjoy the ride.
Boots with grips on the sole and ankle support (i.e. lightweight walking boots or jodphur boots with tread). Traditional long riding boots and smooth-soled jodphur boots are not recommended. A combination of light trousers, light boots and half chaps for calf protection can be ideal.
* Please limit your luggage to one bag per person. Full range of clothes including t-shirts, a good jumper and a jacket – it can get very chilly at night and first thing in the morning while very hot during the day.
Spring and Summer Months (March, April, October and November)
Full range of clothes including t-shirts, a good jumper and a jacket - it can get very chilly at night and first thing in the morning while very hot during the day.
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.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.
Description
The hotels we use on our rides are all country inn hotels - not luxurious, but traditional with a lot of personal charm. All with private bathroom facilities. Shampoo and bath gel will be found in all accommodations, and hair dryers in some of them. Swimming pool during the summer (roughly June to September) in are available in Capileira, Trevelez, Cadiar, Laroles and Benecid.
WIFI is available at all accommodation except for Laroles. Laundry is available at an additional cost at some accommodations.
Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Finca Los Llanos, Capileira
Night 2: La Fragua, Trevélez
Night 3: Alquería de Morayma, Cádiar
Night 4: Refugio de Nevada, Laroles
Night 5: La Marmita de Ahlam, Benecid
Night 6: Posada de Eustaquio, Canjayar
Night 7: Hotel Maciá Plaza, Granada
Finca Los Llanos, Capileira
In quiet and beautiful natural surroundings, the Finca Los Llanos offers amazing views and an outdoor swimming pool where guests can relax. All of the hotel's rooms are full equipped with heating, TV, fridge, hairdryer and a telephone.
La Fragua, Trevélez
The hotel and restaurant La Fragua are situated in the village of Trevelez, at the highest point of the Alpujarra. The rooms have been decorated with the mountain and alpine environment in mind, giving each of the rooms a rural charm. Built with respect to the local traditions, the hotel sits perfectly with its natural setting. You can also enjoy fabulous views over the mountains of Sierra Nevada.
Alquería de Morayma, Cádiar
This accommodation is an old farm that was recently rehabilitated in a hotel. It offers 22 tastefully decorated bedrooms with beautiful mountain views. There is a library where guest can read a book and learn more about the Alpujarra region.
Refugio de Nevada, Laroles
Refugio Nevada is a small family hotel that offers 12 rooms with private bathrooms and equipped with television and telephone.
La Marmita de Ahlam, Benecid
On a hill, surrounded by holm oaks and olive trees, this hotel presides over the valley of Fondón with magnificent views towards the Alpujarra Almeriense. All the rooms have wonderful views of the Sierra de Gádor and the Fondón valley. The property is surrounded by a large terrain where they grow olive and almond trees. In summer, you will be able to enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool while contemplating in the background the white peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
Posada de Eustaquio, Canjayar
The Posada de Eustaquio is an old house-inn that has been recently refurbished but still retains the charm of the traditional architecture of the area. The rooms are simply furnished but provide a comfortable bed with private facilities and climate control.
Hotel Maciá Plaza, Granada
The hotel is located on Plaza Nueva, in the city of Granada right at the foot of the Alhambra. The simple rooms feature stylish black and white décor and provide guests with all modern amenities.
Room Occupancy
When clients do not request a single room, but there isn't another rider to share a room with them, they will need to pay 75% of the single supplement fee.
Meals
All meals are included from the dinner on Day 1 to the breakfast on Day 8.
You will be served traditional southern-Spain dishes from locally sourced natural ingredients. Healthy, hearty meals are served throughout the ride.
In general, a full breakfast is offered in the hotels; lunch is in a restaurant in some village at midday (except for two picnics on the trail), sometimes a drink/tapa snack is taken when we arrive at the end of the trail for the day, and later a three course dinner in a restaurant.
Please note that in Spain, we have lunch at 2pm and dinner at 9 pm.
Beer and wine are included when served with the meals. Additional wine or other drinks or those taken besides the regular eating time are not included.
Meal Itinerary
Day 1: three- course dinner at hotel restaurant
Day 2: full breakfast at hotel, basic sandwich on the trail for lunch, a bit of drinks and tapas at a bar on arrival to Trevelez, three course dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 3: full breakfast at hotel, lunch at a terrace restaurant in Juviles village, a bit of drinks and tapas on arrival to Alquería de Morayma hotel usually on their outside terrace with views over the Sierra, three- course dinner at hotel restaurant
Day 4: full breakfast at hotel, hearty picnic under a big carob tree in an olive grove (with table, chairs, full meal,coffee, dessert...) , a bit of drinks and tapas at a bar on arrival to Picena where the horses will stay, three course dinner in a local restaurant in Laroles
Day 5: full breakfast at a restaurant , BBQ lunch in a restaurant in Guarros next to a river, three- course dinner at hotel restaurant in Benecid
Day 6: full breakfast at hotel, lunch at an old post stop usually paella, three- course dinner at hotel restaurant
Day 7: full breakfast at hotel, lunch in a local restaurant in Alboloduy, farewell dinner in a local restaurant in the old part of Granada
Day 8: full breakfast at hotel
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions given prior notice.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
Tack:
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English trekking, some Spanish and Western
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Horses:
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Andalusians and Arab cross, French Trotter
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Pace:
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Moderate. 4 to 6 hrs of riding per day at all paces. Partially slow with difficult riding on steep mountain trails. Some canters where the terrain allows
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
8
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Max
80
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Riding Experience
The minimum riding ability for this ride is intermediate. Riders need to be comfortable at all paces in open country and on various terrains (including mountain tracks). At times, the ride includes trot and canter on curvy mountain tracks.
Pace
We go mostly at a walk but also at the trot and canter (not possible every day - depends on the terrain). On average, we spend 4-7 hours in the saddle per day. The program includes 6 riding days.
Guide
The guide, Rafael, is a political science graduate who preferred the peace of a small village in the mountains to the hustle and bustle of his home city, Madrid. He moved to the Alpujarras more than 20 years ago, when he started his horse-riding adventure. He is an entertaining and charming man who is fluent in Spanish, French and English.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you have full holiday Insurance that covers horseback riding and emergency medical insurance. We are happy to provide this. Simple check the appropriate box in the booking form.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
Passport Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
1 |
Visa Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
No/2 |
Canadian |
No/2 |
USA |
No/2 |
Other EU |
No |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
No |
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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Sierra Nevada Rides
Tour Code:
IT-SPAPJ01
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,950.00
Dates :
April to Oct
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accommodation
Tack:
English trekking, some Spanish and Wes...
Horses:
Andalusians and Arab cross, French Tro...
Pace:
Moderate. 4 to 6 hrs of riding per day...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Airport:
Granada / Malaga
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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