Brazilian Outback Adventure Alagoas Brazil One of Brazil's most captivating places lies in the northeast of the country; the Sertão or the Brazilian Outback. Sung by poets, the Sertão covers eight Brazilian states and although battered by drought, it is one of Brazil’s culturally richest areas. From frozen-in-time colonial towns to otherworldly landscapes of red-rock canyons, rolling plains of caatinga to the mighty São Francisco River, it is the land of the brave northeastern Vaqueiros/cowboys. Dressed from head to toe in leather to protect themselves against the thorns of the acacia bushes they have a totally different look than any other cowboy you have ever seen.  In harsh environments, where life is tough, controversial historical characters always emerge. At the beginning of the last century, the Brazilian outback was ravaged by a bandolero on horseback called Lampião. He was the most famous bandit leader of the Cangaço. Cangaço was a form of banditry endemic to the Brazilian Northeast; it had origins in the late 19th century but was particularly prevalent in the 1920s and 1930s. Lampião led a band of up to 100 Cangaceiros, who consistently took over small towns and who fought several successful actions against paramilitary police. Lampião's exploits and reputation turned him into a folk hero, the Brazilian equivalent of Jesse James or Pancho Villa.  Progressive Ride (no camping) Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Maceió Airport:   Maceió/Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport Transfer: -- Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Custom dates possible year round depending on availability

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Note: We will do everything possible to follow the indicated itinerary, although spot changes can occur due to unforeseen circumstances. Rides are subject to change depending on weather, location and difficulty of terrain  In the unlikely event that this happens on your trip, we ask you flexibility and understanding. This is a sporty and adventurous vacation!

Day 1: Arrival in Maceió
Late afternoon Meet & Greet at the hotel in Maceió to brief the riding group about the coming days.
Meals included: none
Overnight at Hotel in Maceio

Day 2: Ride to Entremontes Remanso Farm
We will depart from the hotel right after breakfast, leaving the coastal city of Maceió, and heading to the region where our horseback riding tour will start. The road will take us from the Atlantic coast to the backcountry. Through the windows of the car, we will be able to witness the dramatic change in vegetation and topography. We will know we are getting closer as soon as we see the San Francisco River. Lunch will be at the place where we will meet the horses. We will start our journey under the afternoon sun, following ancient tracks until we reach the village of Entremontes and the bank of the San Francisco River, where we will be lodged in a cozy farmhouse.
Riding approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse in Remanso

Day 3: Entremontes Remanso Farm to Piranhas
The São Francisco river will greet us when we wake up. Throughout the trail ride, we will have the mighty river within sight. A hearty breakfast will precede our boat ride to Angicos, in the state of Sergipe, where Lampião and part of his gang were ambushed, captured, and killed in 1938. We will then return to the farmhouse, go for a refreshing swim in the river and have lunch. The ride to Piranhas will be full of magnificent views. Tropeiros used to drive herds along this path, sell animals and food, and peddle other goods. The pearl of the Outback (Piranhas) will soon come into view with its remarkably well-preserved old houses and historic government buildings. Just like in the old days, we will tie up our horses in front of the old station, where today stands the Cangaço Museum, and dive into the history of the place. After a drink, we will find our Pousada, where we will spend the night.
Riding approx. 3.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Pousada in Piranhas

Day 4: Piranhas to Olho d´Água do Casado
Along the ride, we will learn about the history and development of Piranhas and the region. The railroad was part of that story, and we are constantly reminded of it by the well-preserved station building and remains of old rails that cross the outback. We will follow the old railroad until we reach the river cliffs and see the huge dam of the Xingó hydroelectric power plant. We continue the ride following the canyons and slopes. We will be lodged in a farmhouse style hotel right by the dam.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse in Olho d´Água do Casado

Day 5: Olho d´Água do Casado to Talhado
Today we will learn more about the old way of life in this region: the Caatinga, rock paintings, toil in the fields, slopes, rock formations, and canyons. We will arrive at an oasis in the middle of the Caatinga, near the edge of the Talhado and the São Francisco river canyons. The view of the sunset from this spot is magical.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Pousada Verde in Talhado

Day 6: Ride to Povoado do Lamarão
Today, we will leave our Green Oasis towards Lamarão. We ride following old trails through properties in the middle of the caatinga, sometimes bordering the river and river cliffs until we reach our lunch spot near the village. The lunch will be served by members of the community that are known for having a self-sustaining tourism project around rock archaeological sites. After lunch, we will attend to the traditional PEGA DE BOI. Which is the origin of the Vaquejada*, practiced as a sport, but still widely used in daily dealing with the cattle in the area. Then, we return to sleep at Pousada Verde, our Oasis, in the outback.
*The vaquejada is a sport typical to the Northeast region of Brazil (also practiced in some other Latin American countries) in which two cowboys ("vaqueiros") on horseback pursue a bull, seeking to pin it between the two horses and direct it to a goal (often consisting of chalk marks).
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Pousada Verde in Talhado

Day 7: Talhado to Maceió
We start with a short ride going down the canyon to the platform where our chartered boat will be waiting for us. This is where we say goodbye to the horses. We will navigate through the canyons. There will be enough time to go for a swim and take pictures. The horses will be waiting for is on the shore, and we will ride them to our lunch spot. We will then head back to the coastal city of Maceió.
Riding approx. 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

                                                Maceió area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	90	90	90	89	86	84	83	83	85	87	89	89
Average Low Temperature (°F)	74	74	75	74	73	71	70	69	70	71	72	73
Average High Temperature (°C)	32	32	32	31	30	29	28	28	29	31	31	32
Average Low Temperature (°C)	23	24	24	24	23	22	21	21	21	22	22	23
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	8	7	10	14	18	17	19	16	10	9	4	4

Source: NOAA
 

Seasons
Alagoas has a typical tropical climate, with very warm to hot temperatures and high relative humidity all throughout the year. However, these conditions are relieved by a near absence of extreme temperatures and trade winds blowing from the ocean.
January is the warmest month, with mean maximum of 32 °C (89.6 °F) and minimum of 23 °C (74 °F) and more sun.
July experiences the coolest temperatures, with mean maximum of 28 °C (83 °F) and minimum of 21 °C (70 °F) and more rain and much higher humidity.

The natural vegetation surrounding Maceió is tropical rainforest. Rainforests are characterized by high rainfall, with definitions setting minimum normal annual rainfall between 2,000 mm (about 78 inches or 2 meters) and 1700 mm (about 67 inches).

What to bring:
• Valid international passport
• Travel insurance
• Pocket money (you can change money on arrival at the airport)
• A sweater and a jacket
• 4 to 5 T-shirts or shirts. long-sleeved shirt is best. (Make sure you take at least 3 shirts with long sleeves!)
• Riding helmet
• Riding pants or jeans.
• Boots/riding shoes, with mini-chaps or long chaps. (Your boots/ shoes will/can be wet every day)
• Cotton socks
• A second pair of shoes for the evening
• Swimsuit/bikini/shorts
• Slippers/sandals
• Comfortable summer clothing
• Hat
• One towel
• Toiletries
• Sun Cream
• Anti-mosquito spray / lotion

* Having your luggage in a travel bag / sports bag is handier instead of in a hard case.

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights will be spent in different accommodations.

Description
Nights in authentic & comfortable Pousadas, hotels, and beach houses. Hotels & Pousadas based on double-rooms. The Beach house (2 nights) based on double and triple-rooms.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Maceio
Night 2: Farmhouse in Remanso
Night 3: Pousada in Piranhas
Night 4: Farmhouse in Olho d´Água do Casado
Night 5 & 6: Pousada Verde in Talhado

Hotel in Maceió
This hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms featuring air conditioning, cable TV, a safe, a phone, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom with hairdryer. Additional amenities include and outdoor pool and a fitness center. Laundry facilities are available for an extra fee.


** Please note that hotels are subject to change. Double check on hotel accommodations 2 weeks before trip start!

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is not mandatory if you are willing to share.



Meals
All meals are included from breakfast on day 2 to lunch on day 7. If you choose the extension, meals from dinner on day 8 to lunch on day 11 are also included.

Brazil has a rich cuisine. The country is a mixture of European, Indian, African, and Asian cultures and is reflected in the way the Brazilians cook. Italian and African cuisines have great influence on Brazilian cuisine. Well before Europe spoke about fusion cuisine, Brazil was combining ingredients found from different continents to a new, typical Brazilian cuisine. They also often serve dishes from different countries on one table.
The Brazilian cuisine is very good, varied, and serves many naturally made dishes. The main dishes are mostly rice and beans (Feijão) and sauces, with lots of meat or fish and salads. From region to region one has its own traditional dishes. Along the coast you will find more fish and shrimp dishes. Very popular is the Churrasco (Brazilian BBQ).

Alcoholic drinks are not included in this trip but guests are welcome to bring their own if they wish.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Brazilian/Australian style saddles
Horses:		Mangalarga Marchador
Pace:		Riding 3-5 hours a day at all paces | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 12
Weight:		Max 220 lbs / 100 kg
Riders:		Min 7	Max 10

Horses
Mangalarga Marchador crossbreed. Beautiful and responsive horses, easy to ride. They have a comfortable pace and are used to the tropical climate, beach, and water. Average height: 1.60m

Riding
On average we spend 3-5 hours per day in the saddle. This ride is suitable for intermediate to experienced riders. You should be confident on a horse at all paces. The pace is varied and includes walk, trot and canter. 

Passports

Passports valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart.

Passport Note

All non-Brazillian nationals under 18 years of age, when not accompanied by both parents, must have a birth certificate (an original or authenticated photocopy). This must be in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish, otherwise an official translation must be presented as well. When travelling alone or with one parent, a declaration from the absent parent(s) must be presented authorising the journey and giving the name and address of the person in Brazil who will be responsible for the minor. In the case of divorced or deceased parents, papers attesting to full custody must be presented.

All travellers must be in possession of onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover their stay.



Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:

(a) 1. nationals of EU countries (except nationals of Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Malta who do require a visa) for touristic and business stays of up to 90 days;

(b) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country by the same or first connecting flight, provided holding onward documentation and not leaving the airport.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist: cost varies according to nationality. Generally, it is around £30. Other prices, based on reciprocity, are £28 (for nationals of Australia); £52 (for nationals of Canada); free, but £104 processing fee (for nationals of the USA). British citizens requiring visas with a validity over 180 days will be subject to a processing fee of £124. Business and Transit: cost varies according to nationality; contact the consulate for details.

Validity

Normally 90 days from date of issue, although this is at the discretion of Brazilian immigration officials. Tourist visas can be used for multiple entry within the period of validity. Tourist visas can be extended up to a further 90 days, provided the application is made at least two weeks before the expiration of the visa. Nationals should apply in Brazil to the federal police; this must be done before the visa expires or nationals risk deportation.

Note: Some Brazilian immigration officials have been restricting single male tourists aged 25-50 to stays of up to 30 days, particularly in the north east region, in an effort to combat sex tourism.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at the embassy); see Contact Addresses. Applications made through travel agents or by post are subject to a fee of £8.

Working Days Required

Depends on nationality. Up to three days for applications made in person and 10 days for applications made by a third party. Additional time is required to process applications made by post.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	1
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes

 

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: Brazil requires U.S. citizens to carry a valid U.S. passport and visa when traveling to Brazil for any purpose. You must obtain your Brazilian visa in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate nearest to your place of residence in the United States. There are no "airport visas" and immigration authorities will refuse entry into Brazil to anyone not possessing a valid visa. The U.S. government cannot assist you if you arrive in Brazil without proper documentation. 

Travelers under 18 years of age and their parents should carefully review the visa application requirements. The adjudicating official at the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate may require a birth certificate and notarized travel authorization to issue a visa to a minor.

Visit the web site of the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, D.C. for the most current visa information.

U.S. citizens and other foreign travelers must fill out a small immigration form on arrival that will be stamped and handed back by immigration officials at the airport. It is important to retain this form to hand back to immigration officials upon exit from the country. According to the Brazilian Embassy’s website, visitors who lose this form will have to get clearance from the Brazilian Federal Police to leave the country and may have to pay a fine.

Remember that while in Brazil, you are subject to local law. Showing contempt to a Brazilian government official at the port of entry, or elsewhere, is a serious offense.

Additionally, if you have recently visited certain countries, including most other Latin American countries, you may be required to present an inoculation card indicating you had a yellow fever inoculation or you may not be allowed to board the plane or enter the country. Check with the Brazilian Embassy for more information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Brazil.

For current entry and customs requirements for Brazil, travelers may contact the Brazilian Embassy, which is temporarily located at 1025 Thomas Jefferson St., NW, Suite 300 W (3rd floor), Washington, D.C. 20007-5250, Phone: (202) 238-2805. Travelers may also contact the Brazilian Consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco. Addresses, phone numbers, web and e-mail addresses, and jurisdictions of these consulates may be found at the Brazilian Embassy website.

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Dual Nationals: U.S. citizens who also have Brazilian nationality cannot be issued Brazilian visas and must obtain a Brazilian passport from the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate nearest to their place of residence to enter and depart Brazil. In addition to being subject to all Brazilian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Brazilian citizens. Information about dual nationality can be found on our website. 

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Minors: Brazilian minors age 17 years and under, including minors who have both Brazilian and U.S. citizenship, are subject to strict exit requirements. Brazilian minors departing Brazil, if not accompanied by both parents, must prove that both parents authorized the departure. If accompanied by only one parent, the minor must have a notarized letter from the other parent indicating permission to depart the country, a court order proving that the accompanying parent has sole custody, or a Brazilian court order authorizing the child’s departure. If accompanied by neither parent, the minor must have a notarized letter from both parents authorizing departure, or a Brazilian court order authorizing the same. There are no exceptions, even if the child remained in Brazil only a short time. The authorization must be notarized by a Brazilian notary to be considered valid by the Brazilian authorities. If prepared in the United States, the authorization must be in Portuguese or accompanied by an official translation into Portuguese, and must be notarized by either the Brazilian Embassy or a Brazilian Consulate, or notarized by a U.S. notary public and then authenticated at the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate. Prior to departing the United States, parents traveling to Brazil with children who are Brazilian nationals may wish to obtain an authorization for each parent to return with the children to the United States without the other parent, just in case. Note that children adopted from Brazil are still considered Brazilian citizens and must be documented as such should they return to Brazil.

Minors age 17 years and under who are not Brazilian nationals are not technically subject to the same strict travel requirements as Brazilian minors. However, there have been cases where the travel of non-Brazilian minors has been delayed or prevented when accompanied by only one parent or a third party. To avoid potential difficulties, parents of non-Brazilian minors may want to follow the procedures above if their children will be traveling to Brazil accompanied by only one parent or by a third party.

Parents contemplating separation or divorce should resolve custody matters before leaving the country. Pursuant to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, to which both Brazil and the United States are party, custody will ultimately be decided by a court in the country where the child is a habitual resident. Information about the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. The State Department hotline for Child Abduction Prevention during regular business hours is: (202) 663-3330 and after hours: (888) 407-4747. 

For further information about customs regulations, please read our customs information page.