RIDING IN RIO DE JANEIRO STATE
 
ON DARWIN’S TRAIL

6 NIGHTS/5 DAYS RIDING

In 1832 the Atlantic Rainforest overwhelmed naturalist Charles Darwin with its spectacular beauty and biological diversity. On this trail you’ll ride through these exuberant forests of ancient trees, exotic animals and powerful waterfalls that so enchanted 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 areas in the mountains to the north of the state. 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 trails through the rain forest, over pastures, crossing rivers and following winding mountain trails. The dramatic mountain chain 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 training 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 bird watching lodge at Guapi Assu.
 
Day one: Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Desempenho Riding Centre.
Introduction to your horse and a brief ride. Overnight at Desempenho.

Day two: Ride into the mountains experience the rain forest and its flora and fauna. Overnight at Samambaia Inn.

Day three: 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 four: 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 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 five: Return to Santa Maria by a different route.

Day six: The final day's ride is through farmland and cattle ranches before arriving back at Desmpenho.

Day seven: Transfer to the airport or to 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.