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Lagoa do Peixe National Park

Overview

Lagoa do Peixe national park (literally translated as Fish Lake) is 34,400 hectares of salt marsh, coastal dunes, arboreal habitat, lagoons and marine habitat in the southern region of Brazil. The area is an important feeding ground for many birds and the number of different habitats within the par…

Highlights

  • Ride through unique marine coastal lagoons
  • Spot amazing wildlife like turtle, sea-lions & whales!
  • Splashy canters through the lagoons and waves
  • All levels of rider can be accommodated
  • Year round destination with dates available to suit

Essential Facts

  • 2 itineraries available
  • Max 8 riders per group
  • Average of 4 - 6 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 120kgs / 265lbs / 18 stone 13 lbs

Description

Lagoa do Peixe national park (literally translated as Fish Lake) is 34,400 hectares of salt marsh, coastal dunes, arboreal habitat, lagoons and marine habitat in the southern region of Brazil. The area is an important feeding ground for many birds and the number of different habitats within the park have resulted in some unique environmental qualities and features. The park is considered a "Wetland of Significant Importance", is part of Brazil's Mata Atlantica Biosphere Reserve and is considered an important shallow water source for birds by Birdlife International. Two of the species found within the park - the leatherback turtle and Brazilian guitarfish are critically endangered according to the IUCN and twelve other species are on the national list of endangered species.

Lagoa dos Peixe national park is mostly composed of 'restinga' - a term referring to the recent sedimentary depositions of marine origin. Restinga formation is the result of at least four cycles of rising and falling sea level caused by an alternation of glacial and interglacial periods. The park contains marine environments, lakes, lagoons, mobile and stationary dunes, arboreal, shrubby and herbaceous restingas, swamps and flooded forests. There is also a stretch of sandy beach along the sea edge and vast dunes which are constantly altered by wind.

The physical-chemical and structural features of the lagoon, such as its shallowness, salinity, temperature and closeness to the sea, make it an important migratory habitat for several species of bird. The presence of rich invertebrate fauna and fish in the lagoon make it a preferred feeding ground for many birds migrating between the USA and Patagonia. In particular the park is an important reproductive and moulting area for black-necked swans and Coscoroba swans (the peak month is March).

The area is also a great place from which to observe flamingoes, spoonbills, fur seals, sea-lions and even whales.

The greater Lagoa dos Patos restinga is actually a series of coastal lakes and lagoons shaped like a string of rosaries. In the northern portion there are two freshwater lakes (Lagoa Veiana and Pai Joao). Lagoa dos Patos (Duck Lake) is the largest lagoon in Brazil and is seperated from the Atlantic Ocean by a sandbar of 5 miles wide. You will be able to see why the locals say that this place is the only place on earth where the sun both rises and sets in the sea.

This inhospitable area is best explored on horseback and the beautiful Lusitano is the perfect companion. Your hosts have c. 60 Lusitano's at their stud farm and run trail rides as an aside to their usual jobs.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Traditional Brazilian gaucho saddles with sheepskins over the top for comfort. Simple bridles, often without nosebands but with long-shanked bits.

Horses

The stud owners are breeders of Portuguese Lusitano horses that they train and sell for leisure and competition riders in Brazil. They have a team of strong and well-adjusted horses that are capable of navigating this terrain with ease. As an active breeding farm, you may even have the chance to meet the year's new foals depending on when you visit.

Riding

There are 2 itineraries:

  • National Park 5 day itinerary is a based ride
  • National Park 7 day itinerary is a based ride

Ages

8 years or older

Health

General good health

Weight

120kgs / 265lbs / 18 stone 13 lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

The food in Brazil is always fresh and tasty. There are plenty of fresh salads and fresh fruit on offer at all meals and vegetarians can be catered for with advance notice.

There is good meat on offer as cattle farming is big business here, and it is likely that you will experience at least one gaucho barbecue.

The closeness to the ocean also means that fish could well be on the menu.

Most meals are taken at the main house of the stud farm, but you may have lunch out on the trail, with the back-up car meeting riders with the food.

Accommodation

You stay at the Stud Farm where more than 60 Lusitano horses are bred and raised.

Accommodation is in en-suite rooms in a lodge next to the main house. Meals are taken in the main house.

Itineraries

National Park 5 day itinerary Standard accommodation.

National Park 7 day itinerary Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

The emphasis is on riding and all abilities can be catered for, so even novices can explore the national park. The best way to cover the various terrains of the park, is on horseback and so everyone is encouraged to ride.

There are opportunities to swim in the lagoons or ocean for those who wish.

If staying for a longer period of time (c. 6 nights) then it is possible to view the Lusitano stallions doing a demonstration of dressage on the beach, but on shorter itineraries (c. 3 nights) the focus is on riding as much as possible.

Travel

You will need to arrive and depart from Porto Alegre Airport for this ride. There are no direct flights from Europe to Porto Alegre and so you will transfer through another hub city - most likely Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. You may find that you can also connect through other southern and central American countries, such as Panama.

Porto Alegre airport transfers can be organised for you at an additional cost - please see itineraries for prices.

If you request transfers then you will be met at the airport and driven to your accommodation for the stay. There is generally no riding scheduled on the arrival or departure days to allow some flexibility in flight timings but bear in mind that your road transfer time is c. 3-4 hours, so late arrivals and early departures should be avoided.

Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will be transferred from Porto Alegre airport, 225kms south to the coastal region of Rio Grande do Sul state. Your accommodation is a few kilometres past Tavares, close to the National Park of Lagoa dos Peixes. If you arrive in time then there is a welcome lunch and a chance to meet the horses but today is flexible depending on your flight timings.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

After breakfast you set off on your first trail ride into the national park, stopping for lunch on the edge of Patos Lagoon. After lunch, ride through the deserted beaches of the lagoon and after about 13km, stop on the edge of the 10m high dunes which offer a fantastic view of the immensity of the area. Continue riding back towards the farm, with hopefully a spectacular sunset whilst you are still on the beach.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

After breakfast head out riding towards the ocean, crossing the national park. In the afternoon, ride along the deserted beaches. Leave the horses in a field and return to the farm by vehicle.

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

After breakfast, head back to the horses and then ride across the northern side of the park, between Lagoa dos Peixes and the dunes. Stop for lunch in an open field before continuing back to the farm where you have a celebratory final dinner.

Day 5

Riding: No riding.

Transfer to the airport after breakfast.

Please note that the itinerary may vary depending on local conditions but always with your best interests at heart.

Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

All abilities are welcomed, with rides tailored to suit individual needs.

Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 8
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024

Pricing

2024
Per person, sharing
£1150 $1485 €1385
Included 4 nights accommodation in shared rooms, all meals from lunch on arrival day to breakfast on departure day, 3 days of riding.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, Porto Alegre airport transfers, drinks, tips and personal expenses.

Extras

2024 - Airport Transfer £370 $480 €445
Paid to Far and Ride
Transfers from Porto Alegre Transfers are return for 3 pax per car
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will be transferred from Porto Alegre airport, 225kms south to the coastal region of Rio Grande do Sul state. Your accommodation is a few kilometres past Tavares, close to the National Park of Lagoa do Peixe. If you arrive in time then there is a welcome lunch and a chance to meet the horses but today is flexible depending on your flight timings.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

After breakfast you set off on your first trail ride into the national park, stopping for lunch on the edge of Patos Lagoon. After lunch, ride through the deserted beaches of the lagoon and after about 13km, stop on the edge of the 10m high dunes which offer a fantastic view of the immensity of the area. Continue riding back towards the farm, with hopefully a spectacular sunset whilst you are still on the beach. There may also be the opportunity to swim in the lagoon, either before or after lunch.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

After breakfast head out riding towards the ocean, crossing the national park. After a few hours of riding you reach the ocean and have a snack lunch at the beach. In the afternoon, ride along the deserted beaches and after crossing the south sand bar you arrive at Lima field which is within the dunes. Leave the horses in this field and return to the farm by vehicle.

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

After breakfast, head back to the horses in Lima field. Start riding across the Fish Pond Bar to the northern side where there is usually a greater concentration of birdlife. Continue riding along the beach, skirting Lagoa dos Peixes (Fish Lagoon) and stopping for a snack lunch along the way. Return the horses to Lima field before transferring back to the farm.

Day 5

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Return to the horses again this morning. Set off riding across 3km of dunes until arriving at the ocean. Stop for lunch and those who wish to can take a swim in the sea. Remount and ride back to the farm through preserved native bush.

Day 6

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

Today you may help the gauchos completing their work with the cattle if you wish. A special 'Asado' (barbecue) lunch is arranged under a large Fig Tree. Late afternoon you are transferred to the beach of Lagoa dos Patos where you can watch the stud's dressage stallions doing a demonstration. This is a great opportunity for photos, and some riders may wish to mount one of the stallions for their own photo on the beach! You can also bathe in the lagoon as the sun sets before returning to the farm for dinner.

Day 7

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight.

Please note that the itinerary may vary depending on local conditions or the wishes of the group, but always with your best interests at heart.

Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 8
Departure windows

Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024  (Flexible arrivals/departures with min 3 night stay, except Christmas/New Year when the minimum stay is 5 nights)

Pricing

2024
Per person, sharing
£1410 $1825 €1700
No single supplement.
Included 6 nights accommodation in shared rooms, all meals from lunch on arrival day until breakfast on departure day, 5 days of riding.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, Porto Alegre airport transfers, drinks, tips and personal expenses.

Extras

2024 - Airport Transfer £370 $480 €445
Paid to Far and Ride
Transfers from Porto Alegre are return for the vehicle (up to 3 passengers).
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.