Rocha Unforgettable Adventure

The horse ride starts with leading our horses across the mouth of a small estuary, ridden or towed by boat, depending on the tides. A full day ride that takes us through a fascinating sand dunes system, now a national park, to Cabo Polonio, a fishermen’s village now paradise for bohemian artists and creatives. Only accessible to us through these shifting sand dunes making the village a fascinating outpost. Lunch is at a typical local restaurant, with fresh fish, seaweed buñuelos and other delicious local food on the menu. Horseback ride back to Valizas via pine forests and the Valizas river coast.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Overnight: at Ecolodge.

Riding: 4-5 hours.

Early in the morning you can see horses being lead free to the corral through the wetland just in front of your bungalow. In the morning we start riding through the pine forest in a very enjoyable trail until we reach the Hidden Lagoon. After a refreshing swim here and a short rest, we continue to the beach for a long canter back home. Lunch at Ecolodge.
Free afternoon (Optional Extra: Kayak trip in the Valizas river*, where we will be able to see dozens of different species of birds, such us the beautiful Roseate Spoonbill or the White-browed Blackbird, guided by a birdwatching guide. Herons and Ibis inhabit this area and kayaking allows us to get very close to appreciate them)

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Overnight: at Ecolodge.

Riding: 3 hours.

*optional Extra 2-3 hours kayaking activity

After the usual homemade breakfast we start early in the morning for a ride inland, to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve wetlands. Crossing pasturelands,
wetlands and ancient working Estancias, bordering the beautiful Valizas river, we reach the second largest coastal lagoon and the source of the river, Castillos Lagoon.
After a picnic lunch under the great Ombu forest, which is home to ancient and unique flora, we can have a siesta on our saddle sheepskins. In the afternoon we ride back to Valizas, crossing a different way back. East Wetlands are home to hundreds of different birds, amphibians, fishes and wild animals such as Rheas, several species of ibis such as Rosette Spoonbill egret, Southern screamer, Capybaras, Armadillos and the most beautiful: Black-necked swan.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Overnight: at Ecolodge.

Riding: 4-5 hours.

Free morning. (Optional Extra: Early in the morning we go trekking into the psammophilous forest*. This forest is composed of native flora and fauna species that have adapted over the years to this tough, sandy environment)

Lunch at Ecolodge.
In afternoon we ride across Valizas river into the National Park to ascend Buena Vista, the highest sand dune in the region with incredible 360* view. Returning home via the dunes, in time for dinner.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Overnight: at Ecolodge.

Riding: 3 hours.

*optional Extra 2 hours morning trekking activity

After breakfast we start riding for the last time towards the beach. If the weather conditions allow it (during summer), you will have the option of swimming with the horses across the river. Returning home with some nice canters through the pasturelands will give you the best farewell to our horses. Lunch at Ecolodge.
Free afternoon (Optional Extra: MTB Trail: The beautiful rolling highlands and palm tree forests of Castillos, perfect scenery for a mountain bike tour. Completely off the beaten trail, we discover fascinating views and hidden places that will amaze you. The challenge of a short climb and the adrenaline of the descent are the perfect mix to make this an excellent tour for the more adventurous ones)

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Overnight: at Ecolodge.

Riding: 2-3 hours.

*optional Extra 3 hours bike tour

After breakfast, you will be connected to your transfer, public coach or private transfer back to Montevideo or Punta del Este.

Meals included: breakfast.

No riding.