www.equineadventures.co.uk A country the size of England and Wales with a warm, friendly population of about 3.5-million, unexpectedly diverse landscapes, vast open skies and stunning beaches - Uruguay is a lesser-known destination ideal for riding!
It is possible to ride well-schooled horses along the Atlantic coast, over sand dunes, through native butia palm groves then alongside working gauchos, staying in traditional estancias and dining on superb home-cooked meals during Equine Adventures' 9-day Ride Uruguay holiday, next departing Montevideo 1st and 15th November 2008.
An initial night is spent in Montevideo before the ride begins in the province of Rocha on the Brazilian border. From the stone Fortress of San Miguel, a reminder of the turbulent years from its discovery by Europeans in 1516 to independence in 1828, there are spectacular views across one of South America's largest fresh water reserves.
Lunch is followed by an exhilarating ride across the rolling hills of San Miguel National Park, offering panoramic views over the Brazilian border.
Next day, comes the border crossing riding for several kilometres in Brazil and across wide flat expanses of pastureland, passing locals and horse carts along the way.
After a picnic lunch the ride continues along deserted beaches to La Coronilla, base for the night.
After breakfast, its time to visit the Santa Teresa National Park and the immense granite Santa Teresa Fort, from where Whales and Dolphins may be seen.
There is a transfer by road to meet new horses at Laguna Negra - where there's a tempting opportunity for a bareback ride and swim! The area is fantastic for wetland birds including Black-necked Swan, Spoonbill and Ibis.
After a lakeside lunch, ride towards the Don Bosco hills the ride continues through tropical palm groves and forests of Strangler Fig before reaching Estancia El Sauce.
Here it is possible to experience an authentic working estancia and gain a unique insight into the gaucho way of life.
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