In 1832 the Atlantic Rainforest overwhelmed Charles Darwin with its spectacular beauty and biological diversity. On this trail you ride through these exuberant forests of ancient trees and see a littl...
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In 1832 the Atlantic Rainforest overwhelmed Charles Darwin with its spectacular beauty and biological diversity. On this trail you ride through these exuberant forests of ancient trees and see a little of what enchanted the young Darwin.
Rio de Janeiro State has some of the best-preserved parts of the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil thanks, in part, to the inaccessibility of some of the mountainous areas. Birdwatchers will discover an enormous variety of birds; the Atlantic Rainforest is also rich in reptiles, amphibians and butterflies. The vegetation
is thick and lush and fantastic. Many trees
are absolutely dripping with epiphytes and
there are an enormous variety of orchids
and bromeliads.
During the week you ride on narrow tracks through the rain forest, over pastures, crossing rivers and following winding mountain trails. The dramatic mountains of this area can be seen all the way from the city of Rio de Janeiro.
You ride during the week on one of the well trained Mangalarga Marchador horses of the Desempenho Riding Centre. The horses are calm and comfortable, most of them offering the marcha gait, so much easier than trotting.
Accommodation varies from comfortable chalets at the riding centre, to simple guesthouses to the beautiful lodge at
Guapi Assu.
Day 1: Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Desempenho Riding Centre.
Introduction to your horse and a brief ride. Overnight at Desempenho.
Day 2: Ride into the mountains; experience the rainforest and its flora and fauna. Overnight at Samambaia Inn.
Day 3: Continue riding across the Itaperiti Valley with its spectacular mountain scenery and exuberant lowland forest crisscrossed by many brooks and full of exotic fruit trees. Overnight Santa Maria Inn.
Day 4: Ride into the Três Picos State Park and follow the base of the impressive granite wall of the Serra dos Órgãos, so steep that it held up Brazil's expansion to the west for hundreds of years. Arrive at Guapi Assu Lodge for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore this premier birding and wildlife reserve.
Day 5: Return to Santa Maria by a different route.
Day 6: The final day's ride is through farmland and cattle ranches before arriving back at Desempenho.
Day 7: Transfer to the airport or continue your holiday in Brazil.
You will most likely wish to have at least two nights in Rio de Janeiro before or after this ride and we would be pleased to make these arrangements and to book tours and guides for you.