Brazilian Beaches

Introduction
Rio Grande do Norte Brazil
Ride with Mangalarga Marchador horses from an award winning breeder on some of Brasil's most beautiful beaches.

Rio Grande do Norte is host to some of the Brazil's most spectacular coastlines characterised by tropical beaches (many of them fronted by reefs with natural pools and backed by tall dunes or cliffs). The locals, known as potiguares, are very friendly and welcoming.

The Mangalarga Marchador originates from cross-breeding of Portuguese Lusitano Alter Real and Berber horses. This breed displays four gaits: walk, canter, and two ambling gaits, the marcha batida and the marcha picada; both very comfortable! They are fit and forward going, well-mannered and very pleasant to ride.

Plenty of beach canter opportunities await you on this weeklong riding holiday.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride where all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
You are accommodated in a beautiful hotel with great views over the ocean. The rooms are spacious and come equipped with a TV, Wi-Fi access, air conditioning and private facilities. There is a small garden and a lovely outdoor pool where guests can relax in the evening.



Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, a single supplement fee applied.
Single room accommodations are subject to availability.



Meals
The program includes half board meals. Breakfasts are always included and the other included meal will sometimes be lunch or dinner, depending on the day.

Brazilian food is delicious and amazingly diverse. Brazil's staple food items consist of feijao, or black beans, farinha de mandioca (ground manioc, a root vegetable like a potato), similar to flour, and arroz, or white rice. These three ingredients are typically cooked or served with protein such as fish, red meat, or chicken.
Fruits are very popular throughout Brazil and included on the wide options of food offered for breakfast.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding
You should be a competent rider, comfortable at all paces and confident enough to try a different style of riding.
There is a variety of terrain to cross; from wide sandy beaches, mangrove forests, rainforest to cliff paths so you should be used to riding in open spaces, going up and down hills.

Horses
The horses are well mannered, forward going, sure footed and very obedient.

Pace
You ride at a walk, canter and ‘travelling pace’ which, being similar to a Western jog, is very comfortable. The pace of the ride varies from walk on the narrow forest trails and in the deeper sand to a faster pace (either travelling pace or canter) where the terrain allows.

Staff
You will be accompanied by an English speaking guide and a local guide. Both guides have good knowledge of the local area.
Your English speaking guide will be Paulo. Paulo grew up in a family (Junqueira) well know in Brazil for breeding Mangalara horses, so he was surrounded by horses since childhood. In 2006, he decided to travel all around Brazil on horseback. he then decided to travel all around the world to get to know the best horseback riding destinations and learn about different riding techniques and cultures. He loves guiding this trip because he finds that every time, the experience is different.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - Subject to changes

Note: Please note that changes to the itinerary may be necessary because of local conditions, weather and riding experience of the group - always with your best interests in mind.

Day 1: Arrival
We transfer you from Natal airport to your beach hotel in Tibau do Sul. Settle into your room and take time to meet your guide. Then, transfer to the stables where you will meet the owner of this famous stud farm. He will give you information about his award-winning horse breeding program.
Later, you will be introduced to your Mangalarga horse and you will have a riding orientation followed by a short ride.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Tibau do Sul

Day 2: Lagoon Ride
After breakfast, ferry crossing with the horses at Lagoa de Guaraíras. Today, our ride starts at Malembá beach (in case of high tide, option to ride through the sand dunes). The coastline is beautiful, certainly one of the most stunning tropical places you've ever seen. During the trail we will have the opportunity to glimpse at one of the most beautiful views of the Potiguar coast. Our lunch break usually takes place on the edge of the Lagoon, with the option of authentic potiguar shrimp in a typical beach restaurant.
After lunch we head towards Lagoa do Carcará, passing through the Mata Redonda ecological reserve where we will make a stop. On the way we will also visit the store at Fazenda Brasileira Augusta, producer of the famous Papary and Vila Imperial de Papary, cachaças (Brazilian typical drink made of sugar cane) that were born in the slave quarters of colonial Brazil. End of the ride at Lagoa do Carcará  The horses return by truck to the stables and we return by car to the hotel (about 40 minutes).
Riding approx. 24 km
Meals included Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner
Overnight in Tibau do Sul

Day 3: Praia de Baia Formosa to Praia da Pipa                                       
This morning, you leave the hotel by car to Baia Formosa (approximately 50 minutes). There, we start our ride to Barra do Cunhau where we will take a ferry with horses (on both shores, beach huts with snacks and drinks), on our way to Sibauna. We will cross river Catu on horseback, before arriving at the chapadão de Pipa.
On today's ride, we will cross rivers, coconut tree plantations, dunes and coves. At the end of the ride, we will enjoy the beautiful view from the top of the cliffs.
Riding approx. 25 km
Meals included Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner
Overnight in Tibau do Sul

Day 4: Tibau do Sul Ride
Today, we head to the stables by car (10 minutes) and start riding through sugar cane fields and an Atlantic rainforest. Eventually, we join trails leading to Tibau do Sul. Our ride goes through stunning landscapes along the beaches of Tibau do Sul, Cacimbinhas and Madeiro. After lunch at the beach, it is time to ride back to the stables. 
Riding approx. 22 km
Meals included Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner
Overnight in Tibau do Sul

Day 5: Sibaúna Ride
We start riding towards Praia do Giz, where we ride along the seafront, going past fishing boats. In Pipa, we enter the city and follow the streets until we reach the chapadão, where we stop to drink coconut water, with a beautiful view of Praia do Amor. We then head towards Praia das Minas and through there enjoy a brisk gallop until we reach Sibaúna. There, we stop for a snack and head to the canal, that we cross with the horses.
The horses return to the stables by truck and we spend some time in the water before returning to the hotel by car.
Riding approx. 36 km
Meals included Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner
Overnight in Tibau do Sul

Day 6: Stables Ride                                                         
For our last day, free morning to enjoy the hotel pool and beaches.
In the afternoon, we leave for the stables where we will get to know a little about the history of the Stables and its award-winning stud. Then we set off for the last ride, going through the pastures where the mares and foals are.
Riding approx. 22 km
Meals included Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner
Overnight in Tibau do Sul

Day 7: Departure
After breakfast transfer to the airport.
Meals included Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Brazilian Beaches

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Tibau do Sul
Airport: Natal
Transfer: Natal Airport

Climate:
                                                Tibau do Sul area