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Smugglers Trails
Catalonia
Spain
This progressive ride through the majestic Pyrenees Mountains, allows you to discover the local gastronomy as well as the beautiful Romanesque villages of Catalonia.
Follow remote trails through the mountains that were once used by local contrabandists to cross the border to France.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Setcases
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Airport:
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Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO)
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Transfer:
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Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) or Barcelona–El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN)
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates include*:
Accommodations, All meals & 5 riding days
Helmets can be provided
| A | 2024 | 7 day trip (High) | 7d / 6n | €1785 | $1965 |
| B | 2024 | 7 day trip (Low) | 7d / 6n | €1600 | $1760 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2024
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Transfer from Barcelona Airport, return, pp
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€
180
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$200
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2024
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Single supplement (if requested)
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€
225
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$250
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Transfer from Barcelona airport at 6pm on Day 1. We strongly recommend planning a flight arrival NO later than 4:00pm.
Drop of at Barcelona airport around noon on the last day. Please DO NOT book a return flight before 2:00pm.
Custom dates departures can be arranged at any time for groups of 2+ pax
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Rates do not include:
Transfers from/to Barcelona airport & Gratuities
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
You will arrive to your accommodations in the Pyrenees, in a typical and small Catalan village in the middle of the mountains, with stone houses. You will learn about the special characteristics of our Andalusian trail horses. After, you will be given an introduction to the week’s program with an opportunity for one-to-one conversations designed to find every rider their perfect horse. Then, you can enjoy a fantastic dinner!
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Setcases
Day 2 (Monday): From the Pyrenees to Alta Garrotxa Natural Park
We will make our way towards the Pyrenees, in the direction of Salarsa valley. This valley offers panoramic views and is populated with many centenarian oaks. We will then descend to Sant Valenti de Salarsa church (Romanesque architecture), and continue downhill in a valley to Pont de Bolassell, a Romanesque cottage. In this picturesque and quiet place, we will have our picnic.
We will continue on horseback on uphill and narrow paths through a dense forest until we reach Coll de Salomó, where is located the highest peak of the day (850 m). Then, we continue for 6 or 7 kilometers to Sant Andreu de Bestacrá, and discover a hundred-years-old holm oak stuck between rocks. After a brief stop, we continue downhill to Oix.
Riding: 6-8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Forn de Beget
Day 3 (Tuesday): Espinavell Valley, Rocabruna & French border
We will leave Beget after breakfast direction Rocabruna mountain village, a small town with 70 inhabitants and with the very charming Romanesque church of Sant Feliu. We cross the ruins of the old castle to start climbing up to 1600m and arrive at the French border before going back to Riutort Valley to finish the day at Espinavell. In Espinavell is held one of Spain's most important cattle fairs.
Riding: 6-8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hostal El Quinta
Day 4 (Wednesday): Costabona Mountain
We get up very early to prepare for our long ride. Today's route features a spectacular high mountain landscape, with peaks of 2600m and 2800m. We leave the horses in Vallter 2000, from where we transfer to Setcases.
Riding: 6-8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Setcases
Day 5 (Thursday): Pic de L’infern and Carança
After breakfast, we are transferred back to Vallter 2000. We continue our itinerary through the “Inferm peak”, where we have breathtaking views over the Pyrenees. Later, we cross the Carança lakes and Ter River, on our way down to Setcases.
Riding: 6-8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Setcases
Day 6 (Friday): Puig de Sastre, Vall de Ripoll and L’Abella
After breakfast, we will be crossing meadows and forests to enjoy a last ride through the Ripoll Valley, on our way to l’Abella (passing by Puig de Sistre). Tonight, we enjoy a farewell dinner.
Riding: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Setcases
Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye. We hope see you again on one of our trails!
Meals included: Breakfast
Meeting:
Setcases
Airport:
Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO)
Train station:
Ripoll train station
Transfer:
Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) or Barcelona–El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN)
Distance:
105km
Transfer from Barcelona airport at 6pm on Day 1. We strongly recommend planning a flight arrival NO later than 4:00pm.
Drop of at Barcelona airport around noon on the last day. Please DO NOT book a return flight before 2:00pm.
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Tack:
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English tack with saddlebags
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Horses:
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Spanish, Hispano-Arabians, Arabians, Anglo-Arabian, Quarter
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Pace:
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Trails with long gallops, canters, trots. 6-8 hours per day
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
16
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Weight:
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Max
210 lbs / 95 kg
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Tack
The tack is English and trekking style and most horses are ridden in snaffles. Saddle bags are provided to carry items required during the day and for picnic lunches.
Horses
The horses used are well schooled Spanish, Hispano-Arabians, Arabians, Anglo-Arabian, and Quarter horses. They have all been carefully chosen and most are between 14.2hh (150cm) and 16hh (165cm) and are of a medium build. They are sure-footed, fit, forward going, responsive to ride and well adapted to the requirements of the sometimes rough terrain.
The horses are all trained using natural horsemanship techniques, which helps to create an enthusiastic, good natured horse that is keen to collaborate with its rider, and really enjoys its work.
A great deal of time has been spent selecting and training the horses for these trekking routes. Not too boisterous to be difficult for lower level riders, yet with enough spark to make an enjoyable ride to experienced riders. The horses live outside all the year round in a herd to helps to create a psychologically balanced animal well adapted to the necessities of trail riding and group riding. The herd of horses naturally adapts well to the rhythm of a trail ride, traveling up to 30km a day from place to place as a wild herd would do when looking for food and water.
Pace
There are many opportunities for long gallops, canters and trots. On average, we spend 4-8 hours in the saddle per day. We will be riding for 5 days.
Guides
The main guide will be Xavi, an experienced and talented rider, always accompanied by an English speaking back up guide.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Note: EU nationals are onl. more
Girona area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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57
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59
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63
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67
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73
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81
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87
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87
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80
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72
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63
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58
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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35
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36
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40
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44
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51
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59
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63
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64
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58
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51
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42
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37
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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14
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15
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17
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19
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23
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27
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30
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30
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27
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22
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17
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14
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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2
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2
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5
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7
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11
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15
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17
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18
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15
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11
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6
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3
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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4
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4
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5
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6
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7
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5
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3
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4
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5
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5
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4
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3
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The overall climate of Catalonia is similar to Southern California. It enjoys a balmy, year-round climate; not too steamy in summer and with a few cold days in winter. July and August are the warmest months and December, January and February are the coldest months.
Attire on the ride daytime and evening, is strictly informal throughout, though if you are planning to visit other cities on your own later you may wish to bring dressier evening clothing.
Helmets are available to borrow but we highly recommend bringing your own if possible; there is no guarantee otherwise for your fit and comfort!
We recommend wearing jodhpurs, as these protect your legs from soreness of jean seams, and you will find a light-weight, cotton pair the most comfortable during the summer months.
Your riding boots should have a sole with a safe tread and be comfortable for walking, as you are certain to lead your horse on some occasions. Paddock boots and half-chaps are the most flexible combination for comfort and leg protection than tall riding boots.
A long-sleeved shirt is recommended for protection against the sun and against scratches when riding through undergrowth.
A light cotton scarf can help to avoid breathing in too much dust in dry areas.
Bring sunglasses, also to protect your eyes from dust.
We strongly recommend bringing a water-bottle which can be refilled en-route; these can be carried in the saddle-bags provided.
Good sun protection - gloves, sunscreen, and hat with a chin strap, sunglasses with straps!
A swimsuit, towel, shorts, and a windbreaker.
A belt pack in which to carry your camera and other small valuables during the ride.
Bring your own toiletries.
Camera, memory cards, and chargers.
Don’t forget your Passport!
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
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Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so you will be staying in different locations each night.
Description
The accommodations while out on the mountain trail are in charming local inns and small hotels, specially selected for their character and comfort as well as for their cuisine.
Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Setcases
Night 2: Forn de Beget
Night 3: Hostal El Quintà
Nights 4, 5 & 6: Hotel in Setcases
Hotel La Cabanya
A quaint hotel in the village of Setcases where you can enjoy nature in the middle of a quiet and familial atmosphere. Depending on your room, you will have views on the mountains, the Valley of Camprodon, the Valle del Ter, or Setcases village. All rooms contain private bathrooms and a TV.
Forn de Beget
This accommodation is located in a remote mountain village with typical stone houses. It offers simply decorated rooms equipped with a TV and private facilities.
Hostal El Quintà
This rural guesthouse provides guest with a comfortable bed and private bathrooms. The view over the surrounding mountains is stunning!
Room Occupancy
Single supplement is not charged for those willing to share.
Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7.
The meals on this trip represent the great delights of the Catalan cuisine! Lunches will vary, sometimes you start early and return in time for lunch or you will picnic along the way. Catalonia produces an extraordinary variety of foodstuffs: wild mushrooms and game from the Pyrenees, the trinity of olives, grapes and wheat from the hilly heartland, all manner of fruits, vegetables and nuts from the irrigated lowlands, rice and fish from the river deltas and a great variety of fish and shellfish from Catalonia's 500 km of coastline.
Enjoy a delicious pairing of wine with your meal.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions if given prior notice.
This trip
includes some wine with dinner
and
can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English tack with saddlebags
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Horses:
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Spanish, Hispano-Arabians, Arabians, Anglo-Arabian, Quarter
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Pace:
|
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Trails with long gallops, canters, trots. 6-8 hours per day
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
16
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Weight:
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Max
210 lbs / 95 kg
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
|
|
Tack
The tack is English and trekking style and most horses are ridden in snaffles. Saddle bags are provided to carry items required during the day and for picnic lunches.
Horses
The horses used are well schooled Spanish, Hispano-Arabians, Arabians, Anglo-Arabian, and Quarter horses. They have all been carefully chosen and most are between 14.2hh (150cm) and 16hh (165cm) and are of a medium build. They are sure-footed, fit, forward going, responsive to ride and well adapted to the requirements of the sometimes rough terrain.
The horses are all trained using natural horsemanship techniques, which helps to create an enthusiastic, good natured horse that is keen to collaborate with its rider, and really enjoys its work.
A great deal of time has been spent selecting and training the horses for these trekking routes. Not too boisterous to be difficult for lower level riders, yet with enough spark to make an enjoyable ride to experienced riders. The horses live outside all the year round in a herd to helps to create a psychologically balanced animal well adapted to the necessities of trail riding and group riding. The herd of horses naturally adapts well to the rhythm of a trail ride, traveling up to 30km a day from place to place as a wild herd would do when looking for food and water.
Pace
There are many opportunities for long gallops, canters and trots. On average, we spend 4-8 hours in the saddle per day. We will be riding for 5 days.
Guides
The main guide will be Xavi, an experienced and talented rider, always accompanied by an English speaking back up guide.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Smugglers Trails
Tour Code:
PR-CJSP04
7 days /
6 nights
Dates :
All year round
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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