General Description

Uruguay is a small South American country with fertile rolling grasslands that are ideal for cattle farming, large estancias where gauchos and their horses continue to play a major role in day to day life, a wonderful coastline of unspoilt, sandy beaches and overall, an unexpectedly diverse landscape that makes superb riding country. These rides take you across a variety of large estancias to some of Uruguay's protected National Parks, over sand dunes, along deserted beaches, through palm groves and past inland lakes teeming with wildfowl. Visits to historic Portuguese forts, nights in authentic working estancias and comfortable beachside hotels, a chance to see dolphins, black necked swans, parrots and capybaras (the giant guinea-pig like creatures of the South American wetlands), the company of friendly locals and skilled gauchos who tell you of their lives and traditions, all combine to make a wonderful South American experience.

Rides are run on set dates between October and April and offer an 8 night / 9 day itinerary. Set date rides will be confirmed when there are a minimum of 4 and for maximum of 10. Other rides for groups of 4 to 10 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

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

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 & Travel

Travel
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 £650 and £750 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).

Itinerary in Brief - Atlantic Coast Ride

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