Darwin's Rainforest Trail Rio/Sao Paulo Brazil Simply Enchanting... In 1832 the Atlantic rain-forest overwhelmed Charles Darwin with its spectacular beauty and biological diversity. This exotic trail introduces you to the same exuberant and lush Brazilian forests of ancient trees and promises to enthrall you the same way it enchanted the young Darwin. Ride through the rural landscape of rolling hills with local pigs and goats visiting us along the way.  The melody of singing birds will follow us as we ride and we may spot a toucan with its brightly colored beak or a lengthy lizard scurrying up the hillside for cover. We will make steep climbs, up and up to the top to enjoy some the most breathtaking mountain vistas you will ever find around the globe. Verdant rain-forest will change into deep, thick jungle that will eventually climb upwards into impressive jagged mountain tops. Then onward we horseback ride through fields of grazing cattle and splash through the cool mountain springs.  Dismount and  refresh with a dip and a swim in a cool and shady pool below a splashing waterfall, and then  dry yourself off on a rock in the sunshine like one of the many lazy lizards who sun bathe themselves during the day. If this sounds inviting to you keep on reading – this may be the trip of a lifetime for you. The state of Rio de Janeiro is home to some of the best-preserved parts of the Atlantic Rain-forest of Brazil thanks, in part, to the tough inaccessibility of some of the remote mountainous areas. The vegetation is thick and lush and simply fantastic. Many trees absolutely drip with epiphytes and there are an enviable variety of orchids and bromeliads. The dramatic mountains of this area can be seen all the way from the city of Rio de Janeiro! Despite so much beauty on the way, for many the best of the ride is still the end, the last day of riding on some of the most beautiful beaches of the Brazil. During the week you ride on narrow tracks through the rain forest, over pastures, crossing rivers and following winding mountain trails on one of our well trained and lovingly cared for Peruvian Paso horses. The horses are calm and comfortable, and the breed offers the namesake paso llano gait, so much easier than trotting on your behind and back! Your accommodations vary from rustic and simple refuge on the first night to comfortable farm guesthouses along the trail. Come fall in love with the enchanting rain-forest of Brazil - it's people, wildlife, ancient flora and unique Peruvian Paso horses! Progressive Ride (no camping) Ride with Gaited Horses Meeting: Rio de Janeiro Airport: Rio de Janeiro Transfer: Rio de Janeiro Riders: Min 2 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Pick-up/ drop-off is available from Rio de Janeiro–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) at anytime of the day. Check-out after breakfast on the last day.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival & Jequitibá Reserve Ride
Morning transfer from Rio de Janeiro to the farm in Cachoeiras de Macacu. Reception and coffee - Start the ride to Jequitibá Reserve, exploring trails that pass through forest, mountains, with unforgettable landscapes. Arriving at the Reserve, you'll take a tour to its beautiful waterfalls. Dinner and the first night in the Refuge (built with mud and wood /pau a pique) with option to stay in a comfortable tent in the Mountain Viewpoint (spectacular view) next to the Refuge.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Refuge

Day 2 (Monday): Ride to Fazenda Pirineus
Breakfast and departure to Fazenda Pirineus in Silva Jardim. One of the most beautiful days of the ride, through trails inside a primary forest with millenary trees. We'll en up crossing the main mountain range that separates the mountainous region from the coast. The trails go up a thousand meters of altitude following the thick forest until arriving at the Fazenda Pirineus, where the horses will stay that night. Riders can take a waterfall bath near the Fazenda main house before continuing on the support car to the Pousada Tapinuã (20 minutes) where we will overnight on this second day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Pousada Tapinuã

Day 3 (Tuesday): Fazenda Pirineus to Pousada Tapinuã
After breakfast we return by car to Fazenda Pirineus where our horses will be waiting to start the ride towards the hinterland of Bananeiras. The paths traces dirt roads with a stop at the Vitoria Farm for a river bath and swimming with the horses, followed by a snack. Then the ride continues cutting through farms and climbing another 500-meter high mountain range with beautiful landscapes. Arrival at Pousada Tapinuã for late lunch. The rest of the day free to relax in the natural pool, sauna and tasting of homemade cachaça produced on site (tasting not included).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Pousada Tapinuã

Day 4 (Wednesday): Pousada Tapinuã to Aldeia Velha
Breakfast at 8 am and departure at 9:30 am in the direction of Aldeia Velha. The ride passes through a dirt road and mountain ranges through two picturesque villages: Bananeiras, which belongs to the municipality of Silva Jardim and Aldeia Velha, part of Casimiro de Abreu, our destination on the fourth day. Aldeia Velha is a picturesque village, relatively hidden and still little known even by cariocas. It is part of the São João / Mico Leão Dourado Environmental protection area. Dinner is a delicious pizza. Overnight in the farm hotel Acacias with horses grazing in front of the rooms.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farm Hotel Acacias

Day 5 (Thursday): Aldeia Velha to Barra de São João
After an early breakfast, departure to Barra de São João. The mountains are behind and the paths are flat, revealing a wide and beautiful rural landscapes of crossing streams, pastures and fields, and farms with herds of cattle and buffalo. Stop for lunch at the Fazenda in Casimiro de Abreu. In the afternoon, the ride skirts an old volcano (São João hill) arriving in time for a relaxing sauna or massage (not included) at Fazenda São João Pousada.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda São João Pousada

Day 6 (Friday): Pero Beach to Fazendinha Pousada Búzios
Breakfast at 8am and departure at 9am with the support car passing by the old village of Barra de São João where you still find the true path of Charles Darwin. We pass through the alleys and colonial houses of São João until reaching the beach. The first sight of the sea at the end of a street of this historical village is very beautiful. After half an hour the car arrives on the beaches of Pero in Cabo Frio, where our horses will be ready. We follow on horseback to visit one of the most beautiful beaches in Rio de Janeiro, the beach of Conchas. We continue towards Búzios passing by dunes and a beautiful beach where we make a stop for sea bathing with the horses. We continue along trails until we reach the beach of Caravelas in Búzios where we stop for lunch at the edge of the beach and make a toast to the arrival in Búzios. After lunch, we continue along a dirt road cutting the Pau Brasil reserve until arrive at our final destination, Fazendinha Pousada Búzios. At night after dinner, we will go out to visit Buzio’s famous stone street and Brigitte Bardot waterfront.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazendinha Pousada Búzios

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
After breakfast, transfer back to Rio de Janeiro
Meals included: Breakfast

                                        Armação dos Búzios area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	84	86	84	81	77	76	75	77	77	79	80	83
Average Low Temperature (°F)	69	69	69	66	61	59	58	59	61	64	65	68
Average High Temperature (°C)	29	30	29	27	25	24	24	25	25	26	27	28
Average Low Temperature (°C)	20	21	20	19	16	15	14	15	16	18	18	20
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	10	6	8	7	6	4	5	5	8	9	11	11

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Situated in the tropical South Atlantic, the Rio de Janeiro province of Brazil is warm all year round.

Summers, between November and March, are very hot and humid. Autumn (March to May) sees temperatures rapidly decline into the upper 20s (Celsius). Winters are cooler and dry, but never cold, with some precipitation, lasting only from June to September. Spring (September to November) is usually warm and dry, with a low humidity level, making these months pleasant and enjoyable for a visit.

It is recommended to put your luggage in travel bag instead of a hard suitcase. 10 bags are easier to get in the backup vehicle than 10 suitcases.

Travel documents and Voucher
Flight tickets
Passport
Visa (check with your consulate)
Travel Insurance
Pocket money (you can change money on arrival at the airport)

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) - as they are not too hot, and they dry out quickly if they get wet.
Riding boots (short) or hard-soled shoes + Minichaps or Longchaps
Riding helmet - please bring your own. NOTE – It's not mandatory in Brazil.
Riding gloves
Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
Lightweight Rain coat
Tall boot socks to prevent chaffing
4 to 5 Long-sleeved shirts for protection sun
Water canteen
This list is only a general guideline for you from Ride in Brazil
Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
Jeans
Shorts
Underwear and socks
Pyjama
Bag for dirty clothes
Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
Swimsuit / Bathing suit

Personal Toiletries
Insect Repellent
Personal medications (please consult with your G.P. for health advise)
Sewing kit
Handkerchiefs
Adapter for electric appliances
Small Camera/Phone with Camera and batteries
Belt pack
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (spf-30 or higher) and Lip Balm with sunscreen
One towel
Torch / Flashlight

Average ratings from 1 tour feedback (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date maria albena carlizza 9/27/2011

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride where nights are spent in 5 different locations.

Description
Your accommodations vary from rustic and simple refuge on the first night to comfortable farm guesthouses along the trail.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Day 1: Refuge
Day 2: Pousada Tapinuã
Day 3: Pousada Tapinuã
Day 4: Farm hotel Acacias
Day 5: Fazenda São João Pousada
Day 6: Massae Guest House


Refuge
The refuge is built with mud and wood (wattle and daub). It offers 2 rooms with bunkbeds and a shared bathroom. There is also the option to stay in a comfortable tent in the Mountain Viewpoint (spectacular view) next to the Refuge. There is no Wi-Fi.


Pousada Tapinuã
The pousada has 8 chalets with double bed and a house with 3 bedrooms. All rooms have a ceiling fan, a private bathroom and a balcony with hammock. The water heater for the showers uses firewood from fallen trees or twigs resulting from pruning. Wi-Fi is available in public areas and there is a sauna that guests can use to relax.


Farm hotel Acacias
This farm hotel offers simple and comfortable accommodation in small cabins. Each cabin has access to free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a TV, a private bathroom and a small patio with a hammock.

Fazenda São João Pousada
This fazenda is housed in a beautifully preserved 18th century colonial style house. It offers accommodations in simply decorated rooms, all equipped with air conditioning, a TV and private bathrooms. The fazenda also has a fitness room, beautiful gardens and an outdoor swimming pool. There is free Wi-Fi access.

Massae Guest House
This guesthouse offers 4 comfortable ensuite rooms and provides free Wi-Fi access.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you.



Meals
All meals are included with this trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7.
Breakfasts and dinners are eaten at the accommodations and lunches are eaten on the trail.

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. Each region has its own traditional dishes. Very popular is the Churrasco (Brazilian BBQ).

Alcoholic beverages 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:		Australian
Horses:		Peruvian Paso
Pace:		Moderate, trots and canters | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3.5 to 3.5 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Weight:		Max 198 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 8 riders

Horses
The Peruvian Pasos, a gaited-breed known for their smoothness of ride, are used for this ride. It is distinguished by a natural, four-beat, lateral gait called the paso llano.

Pace
Walk, paso llano, and canter. Around 6 hours per day and 25km per day covered (except first day where you will spend 3 hours in the saddle riding in the forest mostly at a walk).

Guides
English and German-speaking guides.

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.