Canyons and Waterfalls
Rio Grande do Sul Brazil: (IT-BRRT10)
URL: http://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/brazil_aparados_canyons.aspx
Introduction
Rio Grande do Sul
Brazil
The spectacular mountain scenery, huge canyons and bottomless waterfalls of this region will take your breath away.
This area is renowned for its gigantic canyons, sheltering a type of geological step dug into the mountain by the tectonic movement and by the work of rivers throughout the eras. Different from most canyons in the world, like the Grand Canyon of Arizona or the Fish River Canyon of Namibia, Brazil's canyon country is in a lush green area of rich grassland and huge araucaria forests.
Our ride is a journey from the state of Rio Grande do Sul to the state of Santa Catarina following a huge escarpment which separates them. You ride on the high plateau through quite stunning scenery of open pasture which is grazed by cattle. From time to time, the landscape is suddenly interrupted by canyons up to 900m deep on the escarpment edge from where you can see for miles almost all the way to the coast. The land is crisscrossed with rivers which sometimes create sparkling rapids and then disappear off the cliffs in magical waterfalls.
You ride on fine Brazilian Criollo horses which are forward going and fit. This is the land of the gaucho. Your local guides are colourful characters who will greet you in the morning with their "chimarrão", a gourd of hot mate tea.
It isn't only the landscape which is different in the south of Brazil, but also the climate. Here there are four distinct seasons including a winter between July and August when the daytime temperatures can drop to zero.
You are sure to have the chance to enjoy a traditional gaucho barbecue and some excellent food. The trail finishes at the Rio Rastro Resort, located at the top of the Serra do Rio do Rastro, at an altitude of 1500m. Here, as well as riding along an amazing peninsula in the escarpment with cliffs on three sides, you have first class food and accommodation.
Canyons & Waterfalls – a surprising Brazil with a cold weather accent and the legitimate gauchos’ traditions; an expedition for peaceful adventurers and an opportunity to live a unique experience.
Accomodation
Our lodging are in a fazenda (ranch style) accommodation and resort All these lodgings have been visited and pre-approved.
Meals
The program includes three meals a day. Please note that some days lunch is a picnic, or pre-packed, lunch. We always include typical Brazilian food in the menu. We can accommodate vegetarian and other dietary needs.
Riding
Itinerary
Day 1 Imagine you arriving in a remote place in lands south of Brazil, and finding a ranch close to some of the most beautiful canyons of the world. For the next five days you will travel the mountain range between Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina.
The first night's accommodation is at a comfortable guest ranch situated in a fazenda (ranch) where besides the main house was built a lodge with the charm of rural country house.
Day 2 After breakfast , we drive to the Cabana where we will meet our criolo horses and start the day at dawn, proceeding on horseback to the Serra do Rio do Rastro in Sta Catarina, traveling through an area of unique beauty, with typical sceneries that match those of the Fields from the Mountain top, displaying the greatness of the Atlantic Forest found in the low lands of the passes; fields that spread throughout the plateau, where you also see ferns, lilies and bromeliads that sprout in the rich hillsides. During the itinerary, the diverse fauna shows its wealth and we will pass by a beautiful waterfall, adding a certain charm to the cavalcade. Overnight at a comfortable mountain lodge.
Day 3 A special moment in the third day is the crossing of the Pico do Monte Negro (Black Mountain Peak), at 1.403 meters high it is the highest point of the Rio Grande do Sul. At this height, with majestic landscapes spreading through its skyline, one cannot avoid being overwhelmed by a unique feeling of freedom. At the end of the day we arrive another charming fazenda / ranch where we will have our dinner and sty overnight
Day 4 We continue our journey trailing the scarps of the Aparados da Serra where the monumentality of nature provides us with an experience that goes beyond the cavalcade itself by adding all these moments of wonderment. Today you will croos the river in the border of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, and enter in the lands belonging to the state of Sta Catarina, until arrive at another charming lodge, located at the top of the Serra do Rio do Rastro, at an altitude of 1500m The lodge offer the best in comfort and gastronomy.
Day 5 After breakfast you will continue the ride trailing the “high altitude fields” until reach a beautiful waterfall where a special lunch is waiting and you will be able to refresh yourself under the falls.
Day 6 In the morning, a beautiful ride to explore the amazing countryside riding along a peninsula in the escarpment with cliffs on three sides In the afternoon you can do some trout fishing or spend some time in the spa or heated swimming pool.. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Farewell
0Departure after breakfast to the airport in Florianopolis..
Rates and Dates for Canyons and Waterfalls
Rates include:
Accommodations in lodges and resort, all meals, 5 riding days, English speaking guide.
Packages and Options
| Single supplement 25% | $0 |
| Small group supplement (3-4 riders) pp | $515 |
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from Porto Alegre and drop of in Florianopolis - included
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Tour Dates
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| A |
2009
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01/01
- 12/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip, AP
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5
/8
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Reserve
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Dates Note:
Dates will be set.
Other Info
Meeting: Meeting point: Pto Alegre
Drop Off: Florianopolis
Airport: Pto Alegre
Transfer: Transfer from Pto Alegre
drop off at Florianopolis
Climate: The climate in the area is moderate and always a little humid.
The annual average temperature is around 21ºC; with the maximum temperature ranging between 24ºC and 27ºC. Lows are between 9ºC and 15ºC.
The fog (typical of this region) is known by the name of “Nothing”. It appears all of a sudden and, very quickly, makes everything disappear - sometimes making it impossible to see even a step away. The fog turns deep valleys invisible, and then (sometimes very quickly) back to visible again. The worst month for fog is October and parts of September and November - but you will find the fog disappears as quickly as it comes in.
The best months for horse trekking are March to June. July and August are still good trekking months, but it can be quite cool during this time.
What To Bring:
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This list is only a guideline for you |
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Travel documents and Voucher |
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Flight tickets |
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Passport |
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Visa (check with your consulate) |
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RIDING GEAR |
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
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Riding boots, waterproof with heels + full long chaps |
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
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Riding gloves (2 pairs) |
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Hat (with chin strip and wide brim) for sun protection |
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Lightweight Rain coat or long riding slicker |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
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Comfortable long sleeved Shirts/ T-shirts |
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Jeans |
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Shorts |
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Pyjama |
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Bag for dirty clothes |
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Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
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Swimsuit |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
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Personal Toiletries |
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Insect protection |
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Personal medications |
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Sore cream (for the emergency) |
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Sewing kit |
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Handkerchiefs |
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Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
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Belt pack |
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Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
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Sun glasses with strap |
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
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