Canyons and Waterfalls

Horses & Riding

Tack

The horses are ridden in traditional gaucho tack, which comprises simple saddles with sheepskins over the top for comfort, and rawhide bridles. Many of the horses will wear long-shanked bits and have very sensitive mouths – they are used to a very light hand and will likely respond to neck reining.

Horses

You ride local Criollo or Criollo cross horses. The Criollo is the traditional gaucho horse and each country (Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Paraguay) have their own slightly different variations of the breed. The Criollo horse is legendary and makes a formidable companion. They are sure-footed, responsive and well-mannered with a surprising ability to bear weight despite their small stature

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

• Canyons and Waterfalls Trail is a trail ride

Ages

8 years or older

Health

General good health and fitness as you are riding at heights over 1,000m. You should also not be afraid of heights or suffer from vertigo.

Weight

100kg / 220lbs / 15 stone 10lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

Traditional gaucho meals will be served which are hearty and filling for a day in the saddle. There are usually some good meaty stews with rice, and at least one gaucho barbecue, where large strips of meat or racks of ribs are cooked over an open fire.
The local drink of cachaca liquor will be served on most nights, and local beers are available with meals. Some of the fazendas also have bars where you buy additional drinks.

Accommodation

You stay in local fazendas (ranches) where you experience traditional gaucho life. Some are run as small hotels whereas others are family-run.

Usually you spend the first three nights at Fazenda Potreirinhos and the last three nights at Fazenda Tio Tonho.

Please note that depending on availability it may be necessary to change some of the accommodation to that of a similar standard.

Itineraries

Canyons and Waterfalls Trail Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

This ride is not suitable for non-riders. The gaucho culture is strong in this area and it will be presumed that everyone was born on a horse and wishes to spend all their time riding!

Travel

Set-time airport transfers are included from and to Porto Alegre or Caxias do Sul.

Although there is no riding scheduled on the arrival or departure days the road transfer time is c. 5-6 hours for Porto Alegre or 3-4 hours for Caxias do Sul, and so late arrivals and early departures should be avoided. Our partners ask that you aim to land no later than 2 pm on arrival day and plan a departure after 1 pm if at all possible. This means that you may need to arrive early and spend the night in the city.

Testimonials

Blain V., Sept. 11, 2023

The trip was amazing!! From the first correspondence to the end of the ride, it became so apparent that everyone involved is passionate about riding, and makes a huge effort to be both helpful and create a fun experience. I can’t say enough great things!

Kelly T., Aug. 10, 2023

Paulo was great - he was helpful and informative, I really enjoyed his love of the land and how he shared that with us. The horses were very impressive, they were strong and willing, well cared for. Wonderful. Staying at local farms run by families, very remote and comfortable, with great food and culture experience.