Gaucho do Brazil Trail Ride

Upon arrival in Florianópolis, you will be met by your trip leader and transferred approximately three hours inland to Fazenda da Chapada in the beautiful Coxilha Rica region. On arrival, enjoy a warm welcome from your hosts, including Fazenda owner Daniel and the local gauchos who will accompany you throughout the ride. There will be time to settle into your comfortable accommodation, meet your horses and soak up the atmosphere of this traditional working ranch.

After dinner, gather with your hosts and fellow riders for an evening of local music and folklore. Performed by regional gauchos, it is a wonderful introduction to the culture and traditions that define this part of southern Brazil.

After breakfast, your riding adventure begins. Setting out across the rolling landscapes of Coxilha Rica, you ride through open grasslands dotted with distinctive Araucaria trees, crossing rivers and enjoying your first exhilarating canters aboard the region’s hardy Criollo horses.

After a leisurely lunch at a traditional fazenda, continue riding through some of the region’s most scenic countryside. Along the way, follow sections of the historic Tropeiro Route, a centuries-old trading and cattle-driving trail that once linked southern Brazil with São Paulo and Argentina. By late afternoon, arrive at Fazenda Rodeio Bonito, where a warm welcome, hearty meal and comfortable accommodation await.

Today’s circular ride explores the rugged beauty of the surrounding countryside. Climb through rolling hills, cross clear streams and ride beneath vast open skies as you discover why this region has been at the heart of Brazil’s cattle-ranching heritage for generations.

A traditional lunch is served at a local farm before continuing through spectacular landscapes of grasslands, valleys and forested hills. Returning to Fazenda Rodeio Bonito in the afternoon, there is time to relax before another delicious home-cooked dinner.

Ride deeper into the high Pampas of Coxilha Rica, where endless horizons and wide-open spaces create ideal riding country. The combination of beautiful scenery, excellent horses and genuine gaucho hospitality makes this one of the highlights of the journey.

Following lunch in the field, continue to Fazenda Lua Cheia. This evening, enjoy a traditional feast prepared by your hosts, accompanied by local music, good company and stories from life on the ranch.

Depending on the season and ranch activities, this morning may offer the opportunity to witness or participate in authentic cattle work alongside the gauchos. From rounding up livestock to learning basic roping techniques, it provides a fascinating insight into the daily life of Brazil’s horsemen.

After lunch, continue riding through the countryside to the historic Fazenda São João. Built in traditional colonial style, the fazenda offers a glimpse into the region’s past. After settling in, enjoy another memorable evening of local hospitality, regional cuisine and relaxed conversation.

Another rewarding day in the saddle takes you through rolling hills, river valleys and open grazing lands. Along the route, it is common to encounter local gauchos working cattle much as they have done for generations, reinforcing the strong connection between horse, rider and landscape that defines this region.

Arrive at Fazenda Ferradura in the late afternoon, where your hosts welcome you for dinner and an overnight stay at this traditional working ranch.

Your final riding day takes you back towards Fazenda da Chapada through the beautiful landscapes of Coxilha Rica. Enjoy one last opportunity to experience the freedom of riding across the open Pampas and reflect on the journey you have shared with your horses, guides and fellow riders.

Back at the fazenda, celebrate the end of the trail ride with your hosts and local gauchos. Over a traditional meal, live music and perhaps a caipirinha or two, the evening captures the warmth and camaraderie that make this experience so special.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts, horses and the gauchos who have accompanied you throughout the journey. Transfer back to the airport for your onward flight, bringing an unforgettable Brazilian riding adventure to a close.