South America ~ Uruguay

A small South American country that is unexpectedly diverse, Uruguay has fertile rolling grasslands that are ideal for cattle farming, large estancias where gauchos and horses continue to play a major role in day to day life, a wonderful coastline of unspoilt, sandy beaches and, overall, superb and varied riding country. Taking you across a variety of these large estancias, over sand dunes and deserted beaches, through palm groves and past inland lakes teeming with wildfowl these rides also include visits to historic Portuguese forts, nights in authentic working estancias and comfortable beachside hotels and a chance to see dolphins, black necked swans, parrots and capybaras (the giant guinea-pig like creatures of the South American wetlands). Added to this the company of friendly locals and skilled gauchos who tell you of their lives and traditions, make them a wonderful South American experience.

Rides are run on set dates between October and April. Set date rides will be confirmed when there are a minimum of 4 and for maximum of 12. Other rides for groups of 4 to 12 people can be run by arrangement from dates to suit on request, subject to availability, between October to April. Please call us to discuss dates, your plans and availability.

Summary

Horses and Riding

Riding: 5-7 hours a day.

Horses: Uruguayan Criollo breed.

Pace: moderate, with good chances to canter.

Riding ability: intermediate riders and above.

Weight limit: 95 kgs/15 stone.

Accommodation: private hacienda and 3* hotel.

Group size: max 12.

For Uruguay testimonials click here

The horses used are mostly the local Uruguayan Criollo breed. They are between 14.2hh and 16hh, are very well suited to the terrain and are also responsive, forward going and a thoroughly enjoyable ride. Tack is South American style with saddles similar to western, covered with a large sheepskin - very comfortable for long hours in the saddle. The horses are trained western style to neck rein and a relaxed riding style with a loose contact with the horses mouth is required. Saddle bags are available for personal belongings and pack horses or vehicles transport most equipment.

Hours: There is usually between 5 and 7 hours riding a day, following routes through open grassland, palmgroves, rolling hills, sand dunes and along unspoilt beaches. Breaks for rests, lunch and sightseeing.

Pace and experience required: To take part in these rides you need to be a reasonably experienced rider. You should be comfortable, secure and in control on a well schooled horse at the walk, trot and canter and used to riding in open country and over varied terrain. You should have a reasonably good level of general and riding fitness.

Accommodation is in a combination of hotels and Estancias (ranches), all are comfortable and most have either indoor or outdoor swimming pools. Bedrooms all have their own private bathrooms. Single rooms can be arranged on request. The older traditional properties have wonderful charm and offer a unique experience into country life on the working Estancias.

Rates 2012	Atlantic Coast Ride - USD 2700 Single supplement USD 400 Rates include - all riding, guiding and equipment, twin accommodation, meals from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on the last day, meeting in Montevideo on day 1 and return transfer to Montevideo on the last day. Rates exclude - international flights to Uruguay, personal medical insurance (compulsory), dinner in Montevideo on the first night, personal expenditure such as your bar bills at the estancias, laundry or telephone calls, airport taxes, any visa fees or any tips you might wish to leave. Prices are quoted in US dollars. Payments to us can of course be made in pounds sterling if you wish and we can give you a sterling rate at the time of booking.
Dates 2012	Atlantic Coast Ride 25th February to 3rd March 10th to 17th March 7th to 14th April 3rd to 10th November 17th to 24th November 1st to 8th December (NB Please note these dates may change or new ones may be added)
Season	October to April

The meeting point for these rides is Montevideo. Flights to Montevideo are usually either via Buenos Aires or via Sao Paolo, though one can also fly with one of the US airlines via North America. Rates vary with the season and airline but expect to pay between £750 and £850 per person for an economy return. Please call us if you would like further information on flights or for a quote. We would be happy to book flights for you (our ATOL number for flight bookings is 6213).

Atlantic Coast Ride

Day 1	Met on arrival in Montevideo and transferred to the Balmoral Hotel or similar. Dinner (own expense) and the night in a hotel in Montevideo.
Day 2	Breakfast and transfer about 4 - 5 hours to Rocha province with its pristine beaches. Arrive Parque Oceanico and after lunch met horse and guachos for a 3 hour ride. Dinner and the night at Parque Oceanico.
Day 3	A full day ride heading along deserted beaches of the Atlantic coast to Santa Teresa National Park. Picnic lunch and continue to Punta del Diablo. Diner and night at Posada Nativos.
Day 4	A short drive to Guardia del Monte, a working estancia on the shores of a lagoon. Today's ride takes you across pastures and through amazing ombue forest. After lunch continue through palm groves and then back to Guardia del Monte. A short transfer by car to Estancia El Sauce for dinner and the night.
Day 5	Breakfast and set off riding on the estancia with its varied crops and vegetagation, explore the marshlands, teeming with birdlife, and a chance to witness the gauchos at work with the cattle. Return to the estancia for drinks by the pool. Dinner and night at El Sauce.
Day 6	A short drive to meet new horses and head for the beach over grass covered sand dunes. There are plenty of chances to canter along the beach to Cabo Polonia, a small fishing village. Lunch at a restaurant on the beach and then ride on to Estancia El Charabon for dinner and the night.
Day 7	A full day ride on the estancia through eucalyptus forests and across grasslands. A picnic lunch in the country before returning to the estancia for dinner and the night.
Day 8	Breakfast and a morning ride, perhaps working alongside the gauchos. Lunch and transfer to Montevideo airport for your onward flight.
	Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions