On the trace of the Mangalarga Marchador Rio/Sao Paulo Brazil On this riding trip we take you to the South-Eastern State of Minas Gerais traveling back to the colonial times and to the origin of Brazil’s national pride; the Mangalarga Marchador horse.  This journey is entirely devoted to this very special Brazilian horse. During our trail ride we will overnight at the colonial stud farm of the Junqueira family where the first Mangalarga horse was registered and we will visit and stay at other important breeding farms from the 17th and 18th  century. Beside learning all about this very special horse breed, we will spend our hours in the saddle along beautiful bridle paths and the Estrada Real, visiting colonial towns. You will also meet the great local people and taste the best food and cachaça of the country.  Progressive Ride (no camping) Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Guarulhos International Airport of São Paulo (GRU) Airport: Guarulhos International Airport of São Paulo (GRU) Transfer: -- Riders: Min 5 riders Max 12 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up transfers can be arranged from the Sao Paulo airport, before noon on Day 1. On the last day, please, book flights leaving after 5:00pm from Sao Paulo airport.

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 São Paulo
Pick up at the International airport of Guarulhos in São Paulo and transfer (3hrs drive) to Fazenda Roseta in the state of Minas Gerais. Arrival at the impressive farm built by Baron Maciel in 1738. Welcome drink, meet & greet with the guides and assistance team, check into the rooms and visit of the stables and horses.
Dinner & overnight at the farm.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Roseta

Day 2: Ride to Caixambú
After a typical Minas Gerais breakfast, we take the old Baron bridle path towards the city of Caxambú, known for its mineral waters. Caixambú is also home to some very high standard breeding stables of Mangalarga Marchador horses. We will visit one of these breeders, where we will have the opportunity to see the best specimens of the breed. We return through a beautiful countryside back to Fazenda da Roseta.
Riding approx. 25 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Roseta

Day 3: Fazenda da Roseta to Fazenda São Sebastião 
After a delicious breakfast we set off towards the cradle of the Mangalarga Marchador horse, Cruzília, one of the towns along the Estrada Real / Royal Road. We will ride over mountains and beautiful valleys. In the afternoon we will visit the National Museum of the Mangalarga Marchador horse. After this interesting visit we will taste some the county’s best cheese at the Cruzilia cheese factory. We will reach the beautiful colonial São Sebastião farm where we will be welcomed by Dona Maria Isabel. A dive in the swimming pool, a drink … and dinner await us at the Fazenda São Sebastião.
Riding approx. 23 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda São Sebastião 

Day 4: Ride to Fazenda Morro Grande
We start early today and ride throught fantastic countryside following parts of the Estrada Real and bridle paths to Fazenda Morro Grande, home of several top stallions registered in the elite studbook of the Mangalarga breed. The genetics of the horses of this farm are present at the main breeding farms of Mangalarga horses throughout Brazil. The grooms of the farm will show us the exceptional horses and we might even get a chance to ride them!
We will return by taking a trail with spectacular views over the mountains of Minas Gerais and its coffee plantations, reaching Fazenda São Sebastião in time to relax before dinner.
Riding approx. 18 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda São Sebastião 

Day 5: Fazenda São Sebastião to Fazenda São Pedro
After saying farewell to the owner of Fazenda São Sebastião, we leave for another splendid location; Fazenda Sáo Pedro. Through ancient trails and royal roads, we appreciate the stunning countryside of southern Minas Gerais on our beautiful gaited horses. After a great ride we arrive at Fazenda São Pedro. The colonial farm is now transformed in a splendid and comfortable pousada and has been In the same family for centuries. 
Riding approx. 15 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Sáo Pedro

Day 6: Fazenda São Pedro to Fazenda Angaí 
We leave Fazenda São Pedro behind us and ride through a splendid countryside all the way to one of the most important breeding farms of the Mangalarga horse. The 300 year old Fazenda Angaí, where we will spend the night, is the place where the first Mangalarga Marchador horse has been registered in the books of the association. 
Riding approx. 20 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Angaí 

Day 7: Fazenda Angaí to Fazenda Norremose 
From Fazenda Angaí we set of through the mountains following ancient bridle paths and dirt roads crossing farms where the history of the Mangalarga Marchador horse is still present. Our destination for the night is an important studfarm called Fazenda Haras Norremose.
Riding approx. 15 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Haras Norremose 

Day 8: Fazenda Norremose to Fazenda Favacho 
Riding our purebred Mangalarga Marchador horses we will travel stretches of the Estrada Real and continue experiencing the history and culture of Minas Gerais. We will ride towards the Traituba farm, which was built to receive the Emperor of Brazil. After visiting the imperial farm, we continue our ride until we arrive at the beautiful colonial farm Fazenda Favacho, built in 1761.
Aperitif and farewell dinner at the farm and a last night sleeping in a historic farm along the Royal Road.
Riding approx. 15 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Favacho  

Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, we leave with our private shuttle bus to the airport of Guarulhos in São Paulo.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                                Lorena area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	87	88	85	83	78	76	77	79	81	83	84	85
Average Low Temperature (°F)	69	69	68	66	60	55	55	57	61	64	67	68
Average High Temperature (°C)	30	31	30	28	26	25	25	26	27	29	29	30
Average Low Temperature (°C)	21	21	20	19	16	13	13	14	16	18	19	20
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	15	12	14	8	5	3	3	3	7	10	12	15

Source: NOAA
 

Seasons
The seasons are the reverse of the North America.

Summer (November/December to February)
This is the hottest time of the year and also the rainy season.

Autumn (March to April)
Weather is pleasant with less and less rain and warm temperatures.

Winter (May to August)
It is still hot during the day due to clear skies but can get chilly at night.

Spring (September to October/November)
The weather at this time is generally pleasant with warm sunny days and clear skies.

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
We overnight in authentic colonial Farms. Some farms have shared bathrooms. Several of the farms have a nice swimming pool.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Fazenda Roseta 
Night 3 & 4: Fazenda São Sebastião
Night 5: Fazenda Sáo Pedro
Night 6: Fazenda Angaí
Night 7: Fazenda Haras Norremose
Night 8: Fazenda Favacho



Fazenda Roseta 
This historic fazenda offers simple but comfortable rooms surrounded by horses and nature. Each room is equipped with a fan and a private bathroom (located outside the bedroom). There is free Wi-Fi available in common areas.

Fazenda São Sebastião
This beautiful colonial farmhouse dating from the 19th century was recently restored. Each of the 5 bedrooms feature antique furniture and ensuite facilities. Guests are welcome to relax in the common room, the garden or take a dip in the pool.

Fazenda Sáo Pedro
This fazenda was built in 1830 in the typical colonial style of the time. It started welcoming guest in 1995 after some renovations. The cozy bedrooms all include Wi-Fi access, a fan and a private bathroom. The fazenda is surrounded by nature and even has its own small private reserve with a waterfall. There is also a pool where guests can cool off after a long day in the saddle. 

Fazenda Favacho
The hacienda saw the development of the Magalarga Marchardor horse breed during the 19th century. Since, then, the farmhouse continued to keep its original charm, and now, guests can sleep in the beautifully preserved rooms, furnished and decorated with many antiques.


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



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

Brazil has a rich cuisine. The country is a mixture of European, Indian, African and Asian cultures and this is reflected in the way the Brazilians cook. Especially the Italian and African cuisines have great influence on Brazilian cuisine. Fusion cuisine is big in Brazil. Brazilians also like to serve dishes from different countries on one table.

The Brazilian cuisine is delicious, varied and uses many natural ingredients. The main dishes are mostly served with rice, beans (Feijão) and sauces, with lots of meat or fish and salads. Each region has its own traditional dishes. One of the most popular local dish is the Churrasco  = Brazilian BBQ. Minas Gerais, where the trail ride is taking place, is known for serving some of the best cuisine in the country and for making the best Cachaça = a Brazilian sugarcane brandy. In this part of Brazil you can drink water from the tap and eat without problems fresh vegetables, fruit and ice cream.

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 can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Brazilian/Australian style saddles
Horses:		Mangalarga Marchador
Pace:		About 6 hours in the saddle per day, going at all paces | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate
Weight:		Max 220 lbs / 100 kg
Riders:		Min 5 riders	Max 12 riders

Horses
On this trail, we use purebred Mangalarga Marchador, beautiful and responsive horses, easy to ride. They have four gaits: the walk, the canter, and two ambling gaits, the marcha batida and the marcha picada; it does not trot.
Francisco Gabriel Junqueira, Baron of Alfenas, began breeding his imported Lusitano to the mares on his farm (primarily Barbs, along with other breeds brought to Brazil). The result was a smooth-gaited, attractive horse which the baron called Sublime. Junqueira sold some of the Sublimes to a friend who had a farm in Paty do Alferes, Rio de Janeiro. The farm's name was Mangalarga, and the owner rode Sublimes to and from Rio de Janeiro. In Rio, people noticed the smooth-gaited, attractive Sublimes and began calling them Mangalargas. Later they added the word “Marchador” , what means walker, because of its smooth gait.



Riding
On average we ride 6 hours per day. 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.

 

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.