Nouvel article

A cheval dans le sud du Brésil "la sierra gaucha" le rio grande et terre des gauchos.

Rio Grande do Sul, the Southernmost state of Brazil, also known as the Serra Gaucha - land of the proud Gauchos - is bordered by Argentina to the west and Uruguay in the south. Blue-eyed blonds reflect deep European roots with a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, German and Italian. The state’s coastline boasts secluded beaches within rocky promontories and many freshwater lagoons. Approximately 40 miles inland rises the Serra Gaucha, a mountainous plateau over 3,000 feet high where green valleys, rolling hills, pine forests - remnants of the Atlantic rain-forest - spectacular waterfalls and awesome canyons abound. Off the mass tourist route, it is an ideal region to discover on horseback ! Logistics

March 2 - Friday Arrival Porto Alegre (POA) airport before midday allowing for a comfortable transfer to São José dos Ausentes – a 4h drive to the most remote and least inhabited part (4 people/sq mile) of the “Serra Gaúcha” with its extensive rolling hills, remnants of the Atlantic rainforest and spectacular gorges of the “Aparados da Serra” mountain range. Settle in at Flor de Açucena our farmhouse for the next two days (accommodation in double rooms with en-suite baths),. Meet the horses and familiarize with the tack we will be using. Drinks around the ground fire and the “chimarrão” before dinner. o/n Fazenda Flor de Açucena

March 3 - Saturday - First day on horseback Scenic ride over rolling hills and through woods of Araucaria (araucaria angustifolia) the highlands’ rainforest all the way to the springs of Rio das Antas (one of the main rivers of this State). Catch the first sight of the Aparados da Serra mountain range. Return to Flor de Açucena for dinner and the night. 2 o/n Fazenda Flor de Açucena

March 4 – Sunday Early departure for our ride to the second posada Potreirinhos Farm following a trail that runs along the edge of the Aparados and through pine woods with a stop for lunch by a waterfall ; before arriving at our destination for the night we will cross the so called “desnível dos rios” an interesting geological accident where two rivers run side by side 25m above each other separated by a 10m stretch of rocky terrain ; welcome drinks and dinner at Potreirinhos Farm. o/n Fazenda Potreirinhos

March 5 - Monday Today following the "Xaxim Trail" our ride will take us inside the rain forest (giant old samambais trees) with lunch next to the huge Cachoeirão dos Rodrigues waterfall, and maybe a swim ! o/n Fazenda Potreirinhos

March 6 - Tuesday After packing up, ride the Rio do Marco Valley –crossing it 3 times – following an old cattle path established by Misiones Indians and Spanish Jesuits in 18th Century ; lunch brought by our staff will be in the woods or inside a barn depending on the weather. Lodging and dinner at Monte Negro Farm, close to the edge of the Aparados da Serra mountain. o/n Fazenda Monte Negro

March 7 - Wednesday Today we ride to the edge of the Monte Negro canyon, 1,300m above sea level with a view of the sea shore in the distance ; we will visit at least three different points of the edge of the canyon – the Monte Negro, the Coxilha and the Boa Vista gorges ; a picnic lunch and ride back to Monte Negro Farm for dinner and overnight. o/n Fazenda Monte Negro

March 8 - Thursday Our last day on horseback riding close to the canyons and gorges of the Aparados da Serra almost to the border with Santa Catarina (next state to the North). Late barbecue lunch and by mid afternoon, after saying goodbye to our horses, motorized transfer to São Francisco de Paula and check-in at Pousada do Engenho (“The Best” pousada in South America - Condé Nast Traveler). Available massages, swimming pool, fitness center. Enjoy a special dinner and musical rendezvous with the owner of the pousada who plays the guitar and sings MPB (Brazilian Popular Music). o/n Pousada do Engenho

March, 9 - Friday After breakfast, transfer to Porto Alegre airport (2 hours) for your flight to Sao Paulo and home bound international flight, OR Continue to Juiz de Fora (state of Minas Gerais) for those who can spend a few more days of riding or hiking in the privately owned Reserve of Ibitipoca (see attached Reserva do Ibitipoca extension flyer) 3

COST (based on 8/10 riders, if less price will be adjusted accordingly) Serra Gaucha (Rio Grande do Sul) March 2 - 9 $4,650 p/p sharing all inclusive (accommodation in twin/double room in privately owned farmhouses, all meals, beverages (within reason), horseback activities, road transfers).

Does not include :

• International and scheduled domestic airfares (specific flights Sao Paulo/Porto Alegre/Sao Paulo to be coordinated with Christine),
• travel insurance (mandatory),
• all local and international airport departure taxes, laundry, telephone calls, tips and items of a personal nature.
• Accommodation Fazenda Flor de Acucena www.flordeacucena.com.br Fazenda Potreirinhos www.fazendapotreirinhos.com.br Fazenda Rio Negro www.fazendamontenegro.com.br Pousada de Eugenio
• www.pousadadoengenho.com.br Horses Pure Criollo horses, direct descendants of animals brought by the Spanish and Portuguese to America during the 14th century. They are well trained and selected for their temperament and comfort. Tack : Saddles are the Brazilian Australian saddle and the "Teal" gaucho saddle covered by a "sheepskin" for added comfort during the long rides. Experience It is important to have a reasonable amount of previous riding experience over varied terrain and to control a horse in any given circumstance. Hours of riding From 3 to 6 hours in the saddle a day. Pace Depending on the terrain, the pace varies from slow (brisk walk) to moderate (trot, canter). Weight limit 190 lbs / 85 Kg

CHRISTINE CHAUVIN (Limited) - Adventures on Horseback – Personalized Travel 430 East 56 Street – New York, NY 10022 Tel. (1)212-421 0671 – Mobile (1) 646 644 0671 Email : cchauvin@rcn.com - Website : www.adventuresonhorseback.com