The Coconut Trail Ride Alagoas Brazil If you are seeking tropical heat and amazing nature, look no further than Brazil. But when we're talking about beaches, the Northeastern State of Alagoas shines, where you will canter the endless beaches still untouched by civilization. From day one, you will understand why the ride is called The Coconut Trail Ride. Alagoas is in fact the greatest producer of coconuts in the country. From the saddle you will drink fresh coconut water and discover some of the most beautiful tropical places you have ever been. This ride is blessed with a huge variety of landscapes. We will take you to the colored sea cliffs, crossing rivers, climbing huge sand dunes, passing mangrove swamps, riding through Atlantic rain forest, and along miles of pristine deserted beaches lined with coconut trees. Experience the perfect blend of riding and relaxation. On average you will be riding  about 4 hours a day – morning rides – arriving each time around noon at the next beachfront Pousada or beach house where you we be welcomed with the national drink; a Caipirinha. The crossbreed Mangalarga Marchador horses (authentic Brazilian breed) are great forward going horses with a very comfortable pace. They are used to the tropical climate, the beach, and the water, and are just the most fun horses you can imagine. The afternoons are filled with fun in the sun. A swim in the warm body temperature waters of the Atlantic Ocean, an ice-cold beer at a barraca, (Brazilian beach bar), a stroll in a fishermen village, or simply relaxing and reading a book at the swimming pool of your pousada. The trail ride ends in Penedo, a colonial village at the mouth of the São Francisco river (one of the biggest rivers of brazil). The baroque-style churches, convents, and houses remind us of the Portuguese and Dutch colonization. The perfect setting for a last night in Alagoas. Welcome to the liveliest, most colorful, most coconut state of the country! This ride is the perfect getaway from the dreary weather in the northern hemisphere and brighten your day! Progressive Ride (no camping) Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Maceió Airport: Maceió/Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport Transfer: -- Riders: Min 7 riders Max 14 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

Prices are linked to the Brazilian Real, in case of strong exchange rate fluctuations, the price can be adjusted up to 3 weeks before departure.

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up transfer not included. Please make you own way to the hotel in Maceio for the first night. Check-in after 2:00pm. On the last day, you will be dropped off at the Maceio airport. Please, book flights leaving Maceio airport after 8:00pm.

Sample Itinerary: Regular Program - 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 (Friday): 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 Maceió

Day 2 (Saturday): Maceió to Jequiá Beach
After a delicious breakfast, we leave early to meet the horses at the paradisiacal beach of Jequiá. We will choose horses, make adjustments to the stirrups and take of for the ride.
We immediately start on one of the deserted beaches, dotted with cliffs of multicolored sands and coconut trees. Our destination today is breathtaking! The Marapé Dunes are lying between the river and the sea. Lunch at Jequiá (Dunes of Marapé). In the middle of preserved mangroves we will leave the horses to delight ourselves with a boat trip along the mangroves. We have the option to take a refreshing bath  in the river and the sea. The Sunset here is stunning.
Riding distance: 7 km (approx. 2 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, coffee, lunch, snack and dinner
Overnight at Pousada Dunas de Marape

Day 3 (Sunday): Jequiá Beach to Pontal do Coruripe
We will wake up with great disposition and an incredible view to the natural beauty of this place. Our horses are saddled and ready to take us for another day full of beautiful scenery and pristine nature. We will ride along deserted beaches lined with coconut trees and appreciate the lush vegetation of the Atlantic forest. Barrier reefs are visible from the saddle. Our destination is the Pontal do Coruripe beach with its omnipresent lighthouse. The warm sea water is just perfect for a swim.
Riding distance: 12 km (approx. 3 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, coffee, lunch, snack and dinner
Overnight at Pousada Pontal do Coruripe

Day 4 (Monday): Pontal do Coruripe to Pontal do Peba
We will depart on the beach, heading south in direction of Feliz Deserto (Happy Desert). Shortly after taking the trail to the sea, we will find the mouth of the river Coruripe. We will cross the river with the horses. Soon after the river crossing, we will stop to refresh ourselves in the sea and meet our back up team waiting for us with coconut water and tropical fruits. We then continue riding along deserted beaches, crossing beach villages and fishermen along the way.
Just before we reach our overnight spot, we find the Swiss Cargo schipwreck "The Stockholm".
Riding distance: 25 km (approx. 5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner
Overnight at Posada near Pontal do Peba

Day 5 (Tuesday): Dunes Ride
After a good breakfast, we mount the horses and ride inland, away from the beach, towards the dune complex. This protected area has a unique ecosystem with fantastic views from the top of the dunes. We continue the ride trough coconut plantations and a tiny village untill we reach the beach again. We end todays ride with a gallop on the beach. 
Riding distance: 20 km (approx. 4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, coffee, lunch, snack and dinner
Overnight at Posada near Pontal do Peba

Day 6 (Wednesday): Pontal do Peba to Potengi
The Fisherman's Village of Pontal do Peba with its bars and restaurants specialized in seafood is the starting point of today's ride. From the saddle, we explore an area of dunes and environmental preservation. Between coconut groves and dunes some tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals can be spotted. Our goal for today is a traditional coconut farm of the region. Riders will be transferred back to the Pousada in Pontal do Peba for the overnight.
Riding distance: 15 km (approx. 5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, coffee, lunch, snack and dinner
Overnight at Posada near Pontal do Peba

Day 7 (Thursday): Ride to Mouth of São Francisco River
After a good breakfast and a short transfer to the coconut farm, we mount our horses to start our last riding day. We ride through a coconut forest until we find the huge dune complex. We cross the dunes and before reaching the mouth of the São Francisco River, we will ride along the quilombola community of Pixaim (a quilombo is a town of escaped slaves). In Foz, we will enjoy river swim to refresh ourselves. We will drink from a fresh coconut and eat some snacks. We will leave the horses behind and hop on a boat to sail the mighty river until we arrive at the banks of the river where we will have lunch. Typical seafood of the region will be served in the shade. We will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the colonial town of Penedo.
Riding distance: 20 km (approx. 4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, coffee, lunch and snack
Overnight at Hotel in Penedo

Day 8 (Friday): Departure
No hurry to get out of bed today. After a nice breakfast we will walk around town and see the beautiful baroque-style churches, old houses, theater, and convent and all other Penedo’s architectural jewels. We will have lunch at a traditional restaurant overlooking the river. After lunch we depart to Maceió. End of the itinerary.
Meals included: Breakfast and 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 based on double and triple-rooms.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel Porto Jatiuca
Night 2: Pousada Dunas de Marape
Night 3: Pousada Paradiseal
Night 4-6: Pousada Chez Julie
Night 7: Hotel Sao Francisco



Hotel Porto Jatiuca 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.

Pousada Dunas de Marape
This pousada is located on the shores of the Jequia River, a few meters away from the sand dunes. The simply decorated rooms come with air conditioning, a TV and a private bathroom. The pousada also has a beautiful covered terrace with amazing views of the surroundings. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.

Pousada Paradiseal in Pontal de Coruripe
Pousada Paradiseal is located on the coast and features 19 chalet accommodations. All chalets made out of bricks and feature a simple décor. They come equipped with a TV, air conditioning and a private bathroom.

Pousada Chez Julie in Pontal do Peba
This pousada is located near the fishing village of Pontal do Peba. It offers simple accommodations with a TV, air conditioning and private bathrooms. The property is located by the beach but guests can also decide to go for a swim in the outdoor swimming pool. Wi-Fi is free and laundry services are available for an extra charge.

Hotel Sao Francisco in Penedo
The hotel is conveniently located in Penedo’s historic district. This small hotel provides simple and comfortable rooms equipped with satellite TV, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. The hotel offers great views of the Sao Francisco River and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool. Laundry services are available for a small 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
Meals from breakfast on day 2 to lunch on day 9 are included in this trip.

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).

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 can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Brazilian/Australian style saddles
Horses:		Mangalarga Marchador crossed breeds
Pace:		You should be confident on a horse at all paces. The pace is varied to include walk, trot and canter. ~4 hours per day in the saddle. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate
Weight:		Max 220 lbs / 100 kg
Riders:		Min 7 riders	Max 14 riders

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 4 hours per day in the morning. Suitable for intermediate to experienced riders. You should be confident on a horse at all paces. The pace is varied to include 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.

 

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.