Brazil, a Rider's Paradise
The highlands of Santa Catarina
Got to be tough to take care of some 12.000 head of cattle: The cowboys of the Pantanal
If the talk is about riding in South America, immediately Argentina is coming up as the classical cattle and horse country in that part of the world. What even most of the riders do not know is that on Brazilian pampas, savannahs, in the cerrado bush lands and mountainous regions, an enormous herd of some 160 million of cattle are grazing happily. To tend this flock, another rather large number of gauchos, vaqueiros or peões, as the domestic cowboys are called, is being employed. All of them work on horseback! Argentina, in contrast, has nothing more then a sheer 40 million of head to feed. Having this put I would like to introduce you a bit more to Brazil – a Rider's Paradise and inviting you to have a look at our riding activities here in Brazil.
Brazil, tropical, exuberant, exotic and fascinating, offers natural and cultural highlights that should be visited by all means. On the other hand, it is the face to face contact at the hidden places, off the beaten tracks, that provides the unique sensation of an experience that one makes only a very few times in life. This is particularly the case if you talk about a country that seems to possess unlimited natural beauty and resources. Whether it is the Amazonian lowlands, the Atlantic Rainforests, the subtropical High Sierras of the south, or the Pantanal wetlands, these are only some of the highlights the adventurous traveler doesn't stop dreaming of. On top, spontaneous encounters with multiracial cultures in the backcountry, joining-in their traditional feasts, experience their exotic food and drinks and last but not least, the making of good friends, are other indispensable components of an unforgettable voyage.
Happy horses roaming the São Joaquim National Park
forest out of a fairy tale
Pantanal ride
Small but tough: Pantaneiro horses
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For our riding tours and ranch stays we have chosen two of the most beautiful, enchanting and interesting spots in Brazil:
- The subtropical highlands of Santa Catarina state in Southern Brazil
- The world biggest wetland and wildlife concentration of the Americas, the United Kingdom sized plains of the Pantanal
The cook, riding ahead the herd during cattle trailing
The days work is done
Our trails are specially designed for riders that seek harmony between the horse and the environment including the local people, with their traditions and their different way of living. For this reason we would like to stress the fact that emphasis has been given to authenticity in every way, rather than to luxurious and top of the notch outfits. Our clients are always welcomed as friends when they meet up with locals anywhere on the trail. A unique opportunity to take home overwhelming impressions of the real life of the Brazilian backcountry.
Another asset of our trails is that our guides and trail leaders are either the ranch owners themselves or their trusted foremen. Experienced proofed further that our client-friends appreciate the translator guide that rides along with the group. He takes care of the organizational side of the whole tour and makes sure that the riders gets all the relevant information in their mother language (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian). Relevant information include everything from horse to history , from economy to ecology, from politics to religion. In short: We provide first hand information on Brazil, the region and its people as a whole.
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Overnight is arranged at simple but cozy ranches (here called fazendas) on the trails mostly in double or single bedrooms. There is always cold and hot water shower either in the room or in a common area. According to the desired program overnight in the wilderness is included or can be arranged for. The food is strictly regional, superb and comes in gigantic portions with great variety. We cater also for vegetarians. Small groups of 2-6 riders guarantee more privacy and comfort.
Pantaneiro cowboys at work
Dining room at Fazenda Santa Barbara
Pantaneiro
Farm Stays
Riding Brazil offers farms stays for riders and non-riders, at two Fazendas and Ranches where guests may either want to stay some more days with their host after a trail ride, or just want to spend some time on the Brazilian countryside, enjoying the rural lifestyle away from the hassle in the big cities. Our farm stays involve the same fazendas that we use for our trails.
Visitors can always give a hand with the day to day work of the peões (cowboys), riding out with them, trail or treat cattle and sharing new experiences in an natural and environment of great beauty. In direct touch with owners and hands alike, guest will share personal experiences that are impossible to achieve elsewhere. Cultural differences are not a handicap but a highlight. For detailed information please refer to the button "farm stays" appearing after entering one of the destinations.
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Explore the most stunning Brazilian landscapes and watch fascinating wildlife on horseback
Riding Brazil