Hidden gems

Introduction
Maranhao & Piaui Brazil
White sands, crystal-clear ponds, river islands and fresh and salt water beaches in two breathtaking destinations. The two locations of this ride - Lençóis Maranhenses and Delta of Parnaíba, promote direct contact with the lush nature of the region.
Explore three of Brazil's hidden gem destinations (Lençóis Maranhenses, Seven Cities National Park and Delta of Parnaiba), rich in beaches, sand dunes and lush nature.

Lençois Maranhenses is one of the most beautiful, unique and breathtaking places in Brazil. Its unique and gorgeous sceneries feature hundreds or maybe thousands of undulating sand dunes full of rainwater. The area gets its names from this white, wavy landscape, as lençóis means ‘bedsheets’ in Portuguese.

The Parnaíba River Delta is the only open sea delta in the Americas. It is an ecological sanctuary of great natural beauty. Its ramifications draw an archipelago with over 75 islands, sand dunes, freshwater lagoons and a lush tropical forest.

Seven Cities National Park consists of arid savanna forest (babassu forests) and seasonal forest. Wind, rain and flora sculpted seven groups of rock formations called “cities”. These natural monuments, with shapes that resemble symbols, animals and human figures aroused wide interest in various scientific groups, attracting historians, geologists, archaeologists and even ufologists. The park also has pre-historic cave paintings and inscriptions of over 100 million years old.

An epic experience with an exclusive itinerary exploring the magical sands of the Lencois and the beauties of the Delta. An extraordinary cavalcade; Perfect combination of culture, gastronomy, exuberant nature and adrenaline!
Horseback riding that allows you to get to know stretches of two National Parks and the Parnaiba Delta on horseback. The horses are Mangalarga Marchador purebred and crossbred.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride where nights are spent at different location.

Description
You are accommodated in comfortable guesthouses and boutique hotels along the way.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: pousada in Atins
Night 3 & 4: boutique hotel Casa de Santo Antonio
Night 5: Pousada Vila Itaqui in Camoci
Night 6: Pousada in Piracuruca

Mountain Guesthouse near Pedro II
You are accommodated in small mountain lodges just outside of Pedro II. Each lodge features air conditioning, private facilities and great views.
There is no Wi-Fi access from this property.

Sete Cidades Country Hotel near Sete Cidades National Park
This small hotel has 18 simple but comfortable rooms with air conditioning. There is also a small outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi connection.



Casa Caboclo on Canary Island
This charming seaside guesthouse offers bedrooms equipped with air conditioning and Internet access.



Casa Santo Antonio Boutique Hotel in Parnaiba
This boutique hotel is housed in a beautiful mansion. Each of the 22 guestrooms has its own decor and comes with air conditioning, a TV, an ensuite bathroom and wireless internet. The hotel also has a small outdoor pool where guests can cool off in the evening.



Vila Aty Lodge in Atins
This beautiful Ecolodge offers air conditioned rooms with private bathroom, free Wi-Fi access and lovely views of the surroundings. Guests are welcome to relax in the garden or go for a swim in the outdoor pool.

Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, a single supplement fee applies.



Meals
The program includes most meals. Breakfasts are always included.

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.

During the first 2 days, meals feature typical Sertao specialities with meat and chicken, accompanied by rice beans and salad.
On the coast, the specialty is seafood, but riders will also have a choice of meat and chicken. Always accompanied by rice beans and salad.

Special diets and dietary restrictions:
We can cater to special diets and dietary restrictions. Please, let us know at the time of booking.

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, rainforest to sand dunes 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. Hotels subject to availability.

The itinerary is divided into two states, Piaui and Maranhao, arriving in Sao Luis and departing through Teresina.

Day 1: Arrival, Sunset Ride
2 PM reception at hotel in Atins – Lençóis Maranhenses. It is a breathtaking first day at the dunes, seeing those beautiful sights in front of us. A unique opportunity to take the most beautiful photographs and watch the sun go down across the stunning landscape. Ride in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in the Ponta do Mangue, with areas of vegetation following trails between dunes and lakes. At Canto do Atins stop to contemplate the Sunset – Dinner at a restaurant close to the dunes and return by car to the hotel.
Atins is small fishermen's village nested between the entrance of Lençois Maranhenses Park and the splendid delta of the Preguiças River. There life is still somewhat “primitive”. The streets are all of sand, and it is possible to see oxen, cows, donkeys walking freely through the alleys.
Atins is also a famous destination for kite surfers thanks to optimal wind levels and flat waters.
Meals included: dinner
Overnight in Atins

Day 2: Ride between lagoons and dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses.
We ride crossing small rivers of crystal clear water, a good time to cool off before arriving at the first group of dunes, a beautiful view of wonderfully colored lagoons, natural pools for swimming and photographing, while exploring the shapes of the dunes and lagoons.
The ride crosses Atins and the village of Santo Inácio, to start the ride through areas of vegetation of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park until arriving at the dunes of the Lagoa Tropical circuit, with a long route through dunes, seeing several lagoons of different colors and sizes. Ride continues through areas of restinga, cerrado and flooded areas. Lunch at Dona Ziluca's house, who prepares a delicious country chicken, with traditional recipes, with coconut milk and brown sauce. After lunch, time to rest in the hammocks at the house, and get back on horseback to ride through the dunes towards the beach of the former mouth of the Rio Preguiça, heading towards Atins. Return to pousada in Atins.
Meals included Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Atins

Day 3: Transfer to Parnaíba/PI
After breakfast transfer to Parnaíba/PI (~200 km) boutique hotel Casa de Santo Antonio. In the afternoon you will meet your new horses and go for a beautiful ride on the beach.
Meals included Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Parnaiba

Day 4: Boat tour in Ilha das Canarias and its beaches.
The island is environmentally protected area, part of the Marine Extractive Reserve of the Delta. After breakfast we will embark on a speed boat tour through the majestic labyrinth of islands of the Parnaíba Delta. The route will take us to see the microcosm of the Delta, where we can observe all of its natural systems: desert beaches, big dunes, narrow streams, estuary, river, fields, big and beautiful mangroves. Tour lasts approximately 4 hours with stops at the deserted beach of Poldros and set of dunes of Morro Branco. Delicious lunch at a beach restaurant located on a dune with panoramic views. At 5:30/6:00 pm watch the “revoada dos ibis”. Return to Parnaiba. Transfer to boutique hotel Casa de Santo Antonio
Meals included Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Parnaiba

Day 5: Ponta da Barra
7:30 am transfer to Ponta da Barra to start the ride between dunes and lagoons. End of the ride on the beach. Return transfer to Pousada Vila Itaqui.
Meals included Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Camoci

Day 6: Sete Cidades National Park
Transfer to the entrance to the Sete Cidades National Park. Ride among monuments that nature has carved out over thousands of years. Transfer to Oca Tacarijus – Pousada in Piracuruca – PI / Sete Cidades National Park
Meals included Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Piracuruca

Day 7:
Meals included Breakfast
After breakfast - transfer to Teresina airport.

Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this tour. They will follow slightly a different itinerary and join the riders for all transfers and overnight accommodations. 

Rates and Dates for Hidden gems

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Pedro II
Airport: Teresina Airport
Transfer: Teresina Airport

Climate:
                                                Parnaiba area