An estancia is a colonial farm, an equivalent of Ecuador's haciendas and we start the ride at the most important of these - the first estancia founded in Uruguay in 1854.

Passing through the wine region of Uruguay just north of Montevideo (this tiny country produces some excellent wines) we arrive at the estancia, now a National Historical Monument. Guests can enjoy the elegant period house with its chapel, towers and terraces before riding through the pastures and woodlands for a traditional 'asado' (barbeque) at a charming neighboring estancia.

We then continue the ride in the beautiful coastal province of 'Rocha'. Passing through the curiously named province of '33', we arrive at a hotel built in the same style as the nearby 17th century fort, right on the border with Brazil.

We ride along the beaches, over the shifting sand dunes, through palm groves and shady woodlands and on along the shores of the wetlands between the estancias and beachside hotels.

The wetlands, some of the largest expanses of inland water to be found in South America, are fascinating and, combined with the riding along the beaches and across the 'prairies', create a unique experience.

The variety of birds - hummingbirds, flamingos, kingfishers, flycatchers, rheas (similar to ostriches) - that we see in these habitats is incredible. The pace will be quite fast (lots of canters) - the grassy pastures and firm beaches allow this on our wonderful criollo horses.

The forts that we visit remind us of the turbulent years between the discovery of this area by the first European in 1516 and independence in 1828. Uruguay was only settled in the 18th century but since then fine estancias and, more recently, an exclusive beach resort 'Punta del Este' have been built.

From the other side of the wide 'Rio de la Plata' estuary, the Buenos Aires elite come to sun themselves at 'Punta del Este'. We end the ride at this beach resort and guests can opt for an extension in one of the hotels here prior to flying to Buenos Aires to get to know "Evita's city" and the mesmerizing tango dance.