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Riding Holidays in South America

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Horses are an intrinsic part of life in most parts of rural South America with criollo horses bred specifically to deal with rugged terrain and higher altitudes. Whether galloping across wide-open plains, up steep slopes in the Andes or rounding up cattle in local ranches, the local cowboys were virtually born in the saddle and are happy to share not just time riding in their familiar landscapes but an insight into the traditions and culture of ranch life and local communities. Camp out under the stars, ride from ranch to ranch, gallop along deserted beaches or ride to archaeological sites deep in the Andes on a South American riding holiday.

Down south, Patagonia beckons where the wild and rugged steppes lead out from the foothills of the Andes to the coast in both Argentina and Chile. Here there are some wonderful traditional working ranches to stay at, where cattle are herded and cared for by ranch-handlers on horseback known as gauchos or huasos, depending on which side of the border you are. Here the riding is fast and furious alongside the cowboys and you might camp out overnight among a star-studded sky, enjoying a traditional asado barbeque washed down with rich red wine. As you head further north, ranches or estancias become a little more elegant and the landscapes change as country rides can be combined with practice chukkas of polo. As you reach the Iguazu Falls on the border with Argentina and Brazil, combine a few days at this dramatic natural wonder with a stay in the Ibera wetlands, looking out for tropical birds, capybara and caiman. Explore the vast Pantanal wetlands of Brazil by horse-back or combine it with boat tours and 4x4 drives. Or you might even combine you stay in Argentina with a visit to neighbouring Uruguay where you can ride between local estancias, wineries and along deserted coasts where you might spot whales and go for a swim along the beautiful Emerald Coast.

On the Western side of the Andes, there are equally some amazing opportunities to explore spectacular landscapes on horse-back. Ecuador offers some great opportunities to discover more about the traditional rural way of life that dominates most of this small country. For experienced rides looking to up the adrenalin, then why not try heading out with the chagras, as the cowboys are known here, to round up the cattle from the high pasture to the ranch corrals. Peru meanwhile might not be as well known as its neighbours for its riding culture but the avid riders among you can still head out on a wonderful multi-day programme, staying in beautiful locally built lodges and arriving at the magical citadel of Machu Picchu, a wonderful alternative to hiking to the ruins (or possibly a chance for a mixed group of hikers and riders to keep everyone happy!)

If you love to explore on horse-back, often reaching rural communities and viewpoints hard to reach on foot or by road, then we will help you discover the hidden corners of this continent together with some fine new friends ( both with four legs and with two!), tasting hearty local food and discovering some wonderful and dramatic landscapes.

Contact us to discuss details of your ideal riding holiday.

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