In November 2017 I accompanied the inaugural Ultimate Uruguay ride, which combines the Painted Birds Trail with Jose Ignacio and the inland estancia Balcon del Abra. This was my first visit to South America and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

For this trail you should be a strong intermediate rider, capable of adapting to a new style of riding. The riding style was very different to the English style I am used to, and to Western riding, with which I am also comfortable. However, it was fairly easy to adapt to with the help of our patient gauchos. The areas we rode through were all very different, but if you are short of time the Painted Birds Trail is a wonderful ride in its own right.

The itinerary for the Ultimate Uruguay has changed a little since the first trail, but the areas visited are the same. You can read about my experiences in my blog by clicking here.