Wild Land of Criollos

5.0 (6)
8 days 7 nights
Uruguay
Photo Mauro R.
5.0
Mauro R.
Tour Provider
View Mauro’s tours
Difficulty
Challenging
Comfort
Basic
Upscale
Weight limit

The trail ride takes place in untouched National Parks and wildlife areas that are protected by UNESCO and Ramsar. The ride covers various landscapes such as hills, forests, grasslands, wetlands, sand dunes, beaches and fishing villages. The trail is remote and riders will not encounter many people. Gauchos manage cattle on ancient estancias, and riders get to experience this traditional lifestyle while riding Criollo and Mestizo horses with Uruguayan saddles. The ride includes five nights of camping with horses and comfortable lodges for the other nights. The longer itinerary includes a visit to Punta del Diablo village, Santa Teresa National Park with an ancient fortress and the Cerro Verde Protected Area where sea turtles and dolphins can be spotted.

Extended Itinerary (10D/9N): +USD 870 (p/pax, double based).

from
$2,890
per tourist for 8 days
Departing from
Departamento de Rocha
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Photo Mauro R.
Mauro R. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English, Spanish, Italian
I'm a horse and nature passionate person. I'm veterinarian and nature tourist guide. My entire life I interested myself in improving our communication with horses and understanding our complex interactions with the environment. Environment conservation and education and animal welfare are my day to day life.

Tour highlights

Birdwatching
Spot more than 400 species of birds
Ride in Stunning Natural Landscapes
Grazing pampas on the estancias, swamplands, coastal forests, sand dunes and beaches
Spot Sea Lions and Dolphins
And other animals

Route details

Day 1
The Adventure Begins in Barra de Valizas

On Tres Cruces bus terminal (Montevideo) you take the bus to Rocha region. A 4 hours bus will drive you to our starting point. On the road you will be able to see the large herds of cattle on the pasturelands, hundreds of horses and gauchos working with them.
At Ecolodge, in Barra de Valizas, you meet our team and horses while we enjoy our first lunch together. We set up our saddlebags and start riding through the woods to a Hidden Lagoon where we can have a refreshing swim! Once on our horses again, we return to Ecolodge along the Atlantic coast where we can do a long canter with the surf.
Dinner at Ecolodge.

Riding: 3 hours.

Overnight: Ecolodge.

Uruguay Riding
Day 2
Cabo Polonio and the Stunning Valizas’ Sandunes
Day 3
The Great Ombú Forest and the Challenging Wetlands
Day 4
From the East Wetlands Into the Highlands
Day 5
From the Tiger Cave to a Colony of Salesian Monks on Black Lagoon
Day 6
Visit to the Cerro de la Virgen and Higuerones Forest!
Day 7
Ancient Palm Tree Forest, Real Working Estancias and the Black Lagoon’s Wetlands
Day 8
Endless Pristine Beach to Punta del Diablo and Shipwreck Histories
Day 9
(10 Day Trail) Santa Teresa Fortress
Day 10
(10 Day Trail) Finishing with Long Gallops on the Beach!
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour provider's comments

To participate in this trail, riders should have the ability to walk, trot and canter for 4-6 hours each day while navigating different types of terrain. Being physically fit and having a sense of adventure is also beneficial. The guide can assist with mounting and dismounting, and riders may need to walk alongside their horse on challenging paths for a maximum of 15 minutes. Riders are encouraged to help with grooming and tacking up.

The saddles used in this trail are conventional and have a simple structure with a layer of sheepskin for added comfort. The horses are trained to respond to neck-reining.

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Upscale
Camp Site
3 nights
Tent / Camp Site
5 nights
Hotel
1 night

Single Supplement: USD 300 (p/pax) for Basic Itinerary trips. For Extended Itinerary trips +USD 85 (p/pax).

Room accommodation at Don Bosco (Double or Triple) for Day 5 and 6 is available for USD 60 (p/pax) for both nights.

2 nights
Ecolodge

Ecolodge, in Rocha province, is situated within the Bañados del Este Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO) and forms part of the Network of Wildlife Refuges for the preservation of biodiversity. The Ecolodge consists of two cabins, one for 2 people and the other for 2-4 people, constructed using refined bio-construction techniques and natural materials such as clay, straw and wood. The cabins feature a private bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen, with high-density mattresses to ensure a comfortable sleep. The beds can be arranged as a king-size double or twin beds. The Ecolodge is built on the edge of the wetland and has elevated decks that overlook the wetland. Guests can relax on hammocks while admiring the stunning sunsets and listening to the songs of thousands of frogs. Horses grazing in the marsh add to the peaceful ambiance. Please note that there is no internet access at the Ecolodge, providing a perfect opportunity to disconnect (or reconnect) and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

5 nights
Tents
Another option
5 nights
Tents + Room Accommodation (Extra Charge)
1 night
Posada Nativos or Similar (For 10 Days Trail)
1 night
Hotel Parque Oceánico or Similar (For 10 Days Trail)

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Departamento de Rocha
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Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips
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Tour conditions

Included

  • trilingual guide (Spanish, English and Italian);
  • accommodation;
  • 1 horse per rider + 1 spare horse every 5 riders;
  • entrance fee to Cabo Polonio National Park and Santa Teresa Park;
  • support vehicle for transporting luggage;
  • all meals (BLD, from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on the last day);
  • mineral water and snacks.

Extras

  • transfer between MVD and Valizas;
  • alcoholic and soft beverages;
  • single supplement;
  • flights;
  • tips.

Group size

up to 10 tourists

Duration

8 days
7 nights

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

Please pack these things:

  • riding hat (we can lend you one, but best to bring your own for comfort);
  • sun screen, sunglasses, hat;
  • long sleeve shirt;
  • swimwear;
  • personal using articles;
  • medical insurance (mandatory).
What kind of food will be served?
Transfer rates
Tell me about your horses
Any other additional expenses?
Can we participate in a group less than 4 people?
Cancellation of booking

Reviews

5.0
Based on 6 reviews
  • C
    Claudia
    7 Dec, 2023
    about provider
    Una experiencia increíble, paisajes hermosos, una atención excepcional por parte de los organizadores, muy amables y confiables.
    7 Dec, 2023
  • M
    Mariana
    9 Nov, 2023
    about provider
    En resumen, fui a cumplir un sueño y lograron superar mis expectativas ¡Muchas gracias, definitivamente regresaré por más!
    9 Nov, 2023
  • L
    leticiaeme
    8 Apr, 2023
    about provider
    Exploramos en caballo el campo, las montañas, los bosques de palmeras, lagunas y humedales. La experiencia superó nuestras expectativas. Disfruté cada momento. Agradezco por todo. Su organización fue excelente, cuidando todos los detalles. ¡Hasta la próxima vez!
    8 Apr, 2023

Dates and Prices

  • Any dates on request during the season
    20 Oct, 2024 – 12 May, 2025
    Request to book
  • from
    $2,890
    15 – 22 Dec 8 days 7 nights
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  • from
    $2,890
    23 – 30 Mar, 2025 8 days 7 nights
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  • from
    $2,890
    20 – 27 Apr, 2025 8 days 7 nights
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  • from
    $2,890
    11 – 18 May, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book

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