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Sierra Nevada Trails

Overview

These rides are based in the Sierra Nevada national park, which is home to some of the most impressive terrain in Andalucia. With landscapes ranging from high mountains to deep river valleys and gorges and out to the stark wilderness of desert and farmland beyond, you will experience a land almost …

Highlights

  • Ride with experienced local guides
  • Comfortable hotel accommodation of 3* & 4* level
  • Ride in breathtaking mountains in the Sierra Nevada
  • Delicious Andalucian cuisine served for each meal
  • Ideal riding weather from March - October

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 8 riders per group
  • Average of 5 - 6 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 90 kg / 198 lbs / 14 stone 2 lbs

Description

These rides are based in the Sierra Nevada national park, which is home to some of the most impressive terrain in Andalucia. With landscapes ranging from high mountains to deep river valleys and gorges and out to the stark wilderness of desert and farmland beyond, you will experience a land almost designed for discovery and adventure. These impenetrable mountainous barriers have for centuries played major roles in the historic battles and conquests of these lands; abetting and impeding military advances in equal measure

Offering amazing riding opportunities, guests can enjoy an exciting, diverse and unforgettable experience here. Your guide Manolo is a skilled horseman whilst remaining a kind, caring and attentive host. His love of his horses and nature is evident in the holidays that he leads. He has spent three decades riding in these mountains and has discovered the hidden beauty which few people experience.

The Sierra mountain ranges of Andalucia are of volcanic origin and offer some wonderful climates for riding in, with dry, arid summers turning into cold snowy winters. The extremes of weather and temperature have really helped to shape this region, including its cuisine. For example, the Jáen region surrounding the Sierra Cazorla is well known as one of the best olive growing areas in Southern Spain, producing fruit for the vast majority of Spanish olive oil.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Trekking and English style saddles, saddles bags provided.

Horses

The horses are Spanish, Hispano-Arab and pure Arabian. They live out in herds all year round and have been chosen for their great characters and strength, as well as being sure-footed, brave, respectful and sensitive mounts. The horses are trained using natural horsemanship techniques and most live their full lives with the team.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Hidden Faces of Sierra Nevada is a trail ride

Ages

14+ years for the trails.

Health

Riders should be comfortable at walk, trot and canter and able to ride for long hours each day. The terrain is mountainous so a good head for heights is essential.

Weight

90 kg / 198 lbs / 14 stone 2 lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

All food along this trail will be influenced by the fabulous region you are riding in. Some lunches will be cooked in the traditional Andalucian style with dishes centred around pork, fish and vegetables whilst others will be simple picnics carried in saddle bags. You will be able to sample the flavours and delicacies of Andalucia, with warming, hearty meals designed to tantalise your interests and satisfy your hunger. The wines of this Spanish region are also fantastic and those who wish will be able to sample and enjoy the local offerings.

Vegetarian and some speciality diets can be catered for with prior warning.

Accommodation

You stay in two different hotels - the first in Jerez del Marquesado (3 star) and the second in Guadix (four star). Both hotels have double/twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms and on-site restaurants for evening meals and breakfasts.

Itineraries

Hidden Faces of Sierra Nevada Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

The natural parks of Andalucia are the perfect location for any adventure holiday, with trails suited to mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and all manner of thrill seeking activities. A great way to discover the beautiful and dramatic outdoors!

For those wishing to take things a little slower, these reserves are also wonderful places to spot a great number of diverse and interesting wildlife, including 36 species of mammal, 125 separate bird species, as well as many amphibians, reptiles and fish. Really, there is something here for everyone.

Andalucia is also a great food region of Spain, with influences from Mediterranean as well as middle eastern dishes. The ancient regional capital of Granada is also worth taking some time to visit, with its ancient hilltop fortifications and stunning views to the snow topped mountains beyond.

Travel

A set time group transfer is available (paid locally) for 3 or more passengers. This picks up from Granada bus station at 4.30pm (16:30) and from Granada airport at 4pm (16:00) on the day of arrival. It is approx. 2.5 hours drive to the hotel.
On departure day it will drop you off at the airport at 11.00am.

Outside of this time, or for those arriving to Malaga, private transfers can be arranged (paid locally).

Testimonials

Madeleine A., Oct. 11, 2016

We had an enjoyable week with charming hosts and an interesting group of international co-riders. (Favourite memory?) Visiting the valley known as "the End of the World". The scenery is amazing.


James H., May 19, 2016

To be able to personally develop within a week from a trot, to hold my own while galloping alongside seasoned Spanish riders was a feat only made achievable thanks to the joyful & resolute nature of trainer/owner Manolo Ruiz and his delightful family.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will arrive at your hotel in Jerez del Marquesado where you will meet your guide and other riders at 8pm for a welcome briefing.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
.

Day 2 - Lugros - Shepherds' Path - La Pantaneta - Lugros

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

After a good breakfast, you will make your way by car to the stables in Lugros to meet the horses (15 minutes drive). On this first day you will become familiar with your horse, After preparing your horse, you will ride along an easy trail with wonderful views of the highlands (1200 metres above sea level). You will ride the 'shepherds path' that runs through thick pine forests. The dense pine forests, the silence and tranquility allows you to immerse yourself in the almost magical nature of the surroundings.

You will arrive at La Pantaneta, a small lake surrounded by mountains that were formed due to the melting waters of the Sierra Nevada. Here you will enjoy a home-cooked picnic. If you are brave you can bathe in the cool water. In the afternoon you will ride back to Lugros and then transfer to your hotel for another dinner and overnight.

Day 3 - Lugros-Camarate-Jerez del Marquesado

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

The easy paths on the mountains have made it possible for locals to lead their cows and bulls to the green high mountain meadows know as El Camarate and this is where you will ride today.. It is a very special place with large meadows and Atlantic trees. You ride to an altitude of 2000 metres and around noon you will enjoy a picnic lunch that you have packed in your saddle bags. Then you descend to the small town of Jerez del Marquesado where you will spend a third night.

Day 4 - Jerez del Marquesado-Plane Path

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

You ride across the white streets of Jerez del Marquesado to head to Picón, one of the highest mountains in the Sierra Nevada (3090 m) but you only ride at an altitude of 2000m. Here you can find small streams and waterfalls where the water descends from the mountains which are covered in perpetual snow. You will follow the same path as a group of young people from Jerez who in 1960 travelled to rescue American soldiers who had crashed their plane on the peaks of Picón. Stop for a picnic next to the "La Tizná' stream. After lunch, ride back to Jerez del Marquesado for another dinner and overnight.

Day 5 - Jerez del Marquesado - Zalabi Valley - Lugros

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Today you will descend from the altiplano (1200m) towards the the Zalabí Valley riding through a green landscape, surrounded by cultivated fields. In another time in history these fields were used to grow mulberry trees to feed the worms needed for the manufacture of silk. The silk was specifically used to dress the Muslim Sultans who inhabited Andalusia. You will enjoy your picnic at La Tehea, a natural water source that emerges directly from the ground and has been in use since Arabic times.

From there you ride back to the stables in Lugros and are transferred to Guadix (15 minutes) where you will enjoy the delicious local cuisine and wines at the Hotel Palacio de Oñate - your base for the final two nights of the trail.

Day 6 - Lugros - End of the World - Lugros

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

After breakfast you are transferred back to your horses. Today you will ride to one of the most spectacular places in Sierra Nevada - the End of the World. This red clay valley, reminiscent of the Grand Canyon, was formed during the Quaternary period by meltwater from the Sierra Nevada range and contains within its walls the largest inhabited cage complex in the world. More than 4000 people still live in these caves!

Stop for a picnic lunch in Marchal surrounded by this spectacular landscape. In the afternoon you ride back to the stables in Lugros where you say goodbye to your horses. You're transferred to Guadix where you can visit the caves before a farewell dinner in a typical cave restaurant.

Overnight at Palacio de Onate hotel.

Day 7 - Transfer

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.

Accommodation

You stay in twin/double rooms at two hotels - usually El Picon in Jerez del Marquesado and Palacio de Onate in Guadix.

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Intermediate and above. All riders must be physically fit and happy at walk, trot and canter.

Minimum group size 4
Maximum group size 8
Departure windows

March 23, 2025 - March 29, 2025

April 27, 2025 - May 3, 2025

May 25, 2025 - May 31, 2025

June 8, 2025 - June 14, 2025

July 6, 2025 - July 12, 2025

Sept. 21, 2025 - Sept. 27, 2025

Oct. 19, 2025 - Oct. 25, 2025

Pricing

2025
Non-Rider, Sharing
£790 $995 €950
Non-rider price includes accommodation, breakfast and evening meal, but not the picnic lunch or other activities.
2025
Rider, Sharing
£1495 $1880 €1795
Included 6 nights accommodation in shared rooms, all meals from dinner on arrival day until breakfast on departure day, served with water and one drink (beer or wine), 5 days riding as per itinerary, luggage transport between overnight stops.
Not included Flights, airport transfers, personal travel insurance, additional drinks, tips and personal expenses.

Extras

2025 - Private Granada Airport Transfer €100
Paid locally
Private Granada airport/bus station transfer, each way for the car (3 pax)
2025 - Private Malaga Airport Transfer €240
Paid locally
Private Malaga airport transfer, each way for the car (3 pax)
2025 - Single Supplement £29 $37 €35 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Cost is per night and payable by anyone requiring a single room unless a room share is found.
2025 - Single Supplement - Easter, July & August £42 $52 €50 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Single supplement payable by anyone in a single room in Easter, July and August.
2025 - Small Group Supplement (2 riders) £205 $260 €250
Paid to Far and Ride
Supplement payable to confirm any date for a minimum of 2 riders. *Will be removed, adjusted or refunded once more riders book.
2025 - Small Group Supplement (3 riders) £167 $205 €200
Paid to Far and Ride
Supplement payable to confirm any date for a minimum of 3 riders. *Will be removed or refunded once more riders book.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.