The Coconut Trail Ride

Introduction
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!

Accomodation

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 (2 nights) 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 4-7: Pousada Chez Julie
Night 8: 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 includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

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. 

Itinerary


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): Sugar Cane Plantations
Today we will have time to enjoy the best of the region: deserted beaches, sugar cane plantations, coconut trees and a small fishing village. We will also have time to bathe in the sea and enjoy the local cuisine with excellent fresh seafood.
Riding distance: 20 km (approx. 3.5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner
Overnight at Posada near Pontal do Peba

Day 7 (Thursday): 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 8 (Friday): 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 9 (Sunday): 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

Rates and Dates for The Coconut Trail Ride

Dates Note: Custom dates possible year round depending on availability

Other Info
Meeting: Maceió
Airport: Maceió/Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport
Transfer: --

Climate:
                                                Maceió area