Moorish Alpujarra Ride

Introduction
Southern Spain Spain

Immerse yourself in the exciting and varied trail riding of the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada.  Journey from village to village through spectacular mountain scenery, gentle river valleys, deep forests and open grassland.  The professional guides are friendly and make for a relaxing and warm holiday, complete with great hotels, delicious food and wine, and of course the beautiful and well-cared for horses.  On the southern side of the Sierra Nevada, facing the Mediterranean, is an idyllic collection of dramatic peaks and hanging valleys. In May, September and October, we head into the Sierra De Contraviesa to take advantage of the warm breezes from the Mediterranean and lush environment of this beautiful coastal range. Rising from the Mediterranean Sea, the Contraviesa is a panorama of undulating hills and pretty whitewashed villages. The rural lifestyle continues as it has done for hundreds of years with the cultivation of almonds, figs and grapes for the local wine. Mules and draught animals are still used to plough the fields and for transport, as many of the farms and vineyards are inaccessible by car. The scenery and vegetation changes with the altitude, allowing us to ride through an ever changing landscape – from the crisp, cool air and blue skies of alpine forests to the warm balmy breezes of blossom-scented citrus groves.  The ride offers some challenging riding at all paces and is embarked upon in the spirit of fun and adventure that has made Andalusia famous the world over.  The daily itinerary may change and evolve to take advantage of local events, fiestas and celebrations that coincide with your chosen vacation time.
Your luggage is transported to each hotel- all you need to do is relax and enjoy the ride!

Accomodation
Comfortable hotels with en suite facilities - the best in each area and run by their owners. Fantastic views. Accommodation is in locally owned country hotels on a twin-share basis. We always try and use those places that reflect the charm or history to the best effect.

Single Supplements:  About half our riders travel on their own.  Unless your resquest a single room, we will usually try to arrange for you to share with a fellow traveller of the same sex.  Single travellers must pay the single supplement which we will refund if we succeed in finding a room partner (and depending in hotel availabiltity)

This trip includes some wine with dinner.

Riding
We supply saddle bags and seat savers. Spurs are not allowed. Helmets are not mandatory, but recommended - please check if it is mandatory to have insurance coverage. Medical insurance coverage is mandatory for this trip.

Riding pace:  walk, trot and canter (not every day possible depending on the terrain), trot and canter on curvy mountain tracks, clients need to be comfortable at all paces in different terrains. 4-7 hours riding per day, average 5

Saftey While Riding:
The minimum riding ability for these rides is "intermediate."  By "intermediate" we mean comfortable at all paces in open country.  Riding hats are not provided and we strongly recommend that you bring your own.  It is a condition of booking that you have full holiday Insurance that covers horse-back riding and emergency medical insuranace.  We are happy to provide this.  Simple check the appropriate box in the booking form.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
Transfer from Malaga. Briefing of what lies ahead while enjoying dinner and local wines in Trevelez. Hotel Pepe Alvarez, Trevelez
Day 2: The Trevelez Valley
Breakfast at 9am. We take the high road towards Trevelez through oak and pine forests. Broad tracks invite for exciting long canters followed by ancient Moorish trails. At the Rio Trevelez we stop for one of our legendary picnic lunches before continuing along bridle paths to the beautifully restored small country Hotel El Castañar Nazari. (Approximate riding time 5,5 hours)  El Castañar Nazari
Day 3: The white villages – Juviles, Timar & Lobras
Breakfast at 9am. Ride over the Loma de Juviles through mountain tracks and alpine grassland at all paces. We will descend via Juviles, Timar and Lobras to the lovingly restored Alqueria Morayma. The hotel has a large pool (open mid May to October) and it’s own bodega. The food is particularly good and typically Alpujarreño. (Approximate riding time 5,5 hours)   Alqueria de Morayma, Cadiar
Day 4: Discovering the Contraviesa
No need to pack this morning! Alter a leisurely breakfast we will explore the Contraviesa range at all paces before returning to the lovely Alqueria de Morayma for lunch. The afternoon offers time for the pool and a “Bodega”-visit. A serene day with a very "other worldly" feeling about it. (Approx. riding time 4 hours). Alqueria de Morayma, Cadiar
Day 5: The Longest Day
Breakfast at 9am. Ride back to the farm by one of three different routes, we walk, trot and canter from the Contraviesa back to the high Alpujarra in just one day! (Approx riding time: 7 hours). Pepe Alvarez, Trevelez
Day 6: "La Taha" and Poqueira Valley
Breakfast at 9am. We will explore some more villages and Moorish trails on our way to Mecina where we will enjoy a tasty lunch in the Piano Bar “Mora Luna”. A never ending flood of beautiful  views will accompany us on our way to Capileira before we descend to the beautiful and quaint country hotel Al Catifa, famous for its “nouvelle cuisine”. (Approximate riding time 5,5 hours)  
Al Catifa, Capileira
Day 7: The Ride Home 
Breakfast at 9am. Ride back to the stables via the high trails of the Poqueira Valley and a stop at 2200m for our picnic buffet and a glass or two of “tinto de verano” – a delicious and refreshing summer wine typical for this area. We end the week with a nice canter before descending to our stables and another glass or two! (Approximate riding time 5,5 hours)  
Hotel Pepe Alvarez, Trevelez, Farewell dinner at “La Fragua” Restaurant in Trevelez
Day 8: Adios Amigos!
Transfer to Malaga airport (arrival 11am). Taxis and buses are available at the airport to all local towns and resorts.
  Subject to changes

Rates and Dates for Moorish Alpujarra Ride

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Trevelez
Airport: Malaga
Transfer: Malaga Airport at 4:30 PM Drop off time 11:30 AM

Climate: With an average of 320 days of sunshine a year, good weather is almost gauranteed.  However, there can be variations in temperature with altitude and between day and night. 

The temperatures in February to early May range from 10 degrees C and 25 degrees C with a possibility of the odd rainy day.

From mid-May to July and September it ranges between 18 and 30 degress C.  However, riding at ab altitude always brings wonderful fresh breeze and makes these temperatures very comfortable.

In October and November temperatures drop back to between 10 - 25 degrees C and there is a chance of rain.  Early mornings and evenings can be cool even in the summer.

Your luggage is transported to each hotel, all you need to do is relax and enjoy the ride.

Boots with grips on the sole and ankle support (i.e. lightweight walking boots or jodphur boots with tread). Traditional long riding boots and smooth-soled jodphur boots are not recommended.

* A combination of light trousers, light boots and half chaps for calf protection can be ideal.
* Please limit your luggage to one bag per person.

Full range of clothes including t-shirts, a good jumper and a jacket – it  can get very chilly at night and first thing in the morning while very hot during the day. 

Spring and Summer Months (March, April, October and November)
Full range of clothes including t-shirts, a good jumper and a jacket - it can get very chilly at night and first thing in the morning while very hot during the day.