9 Day Coconut Trail Ride Horse Riding Holiday in Alagoas

During the nine-day trip, of which seven are on horseback, the itinerary will take you to the colored sea cliffs, to the crossing of rivers, climbing huge sand dunes, passing mangrove swamps, riding through the Atlantic rain forest, and along miles of pristine deserted beaches, lined with coconut trees.

On average, you will be riding for about four hours a day; morning rides, arrive each time around noon at the next beachfront Pousada or beach house where you will be welcomed with the national drink; a Caipirinha. Your personal luggage will be taken by a back-up vehicle from pousada to pousada (Brazilian style comfortable accommodation).

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. After a dinner of exceptional cuisine (seafood is the region’s specialty) follows a good night's rest to be ready for the next adventurous morning in the saddle.

Fresh tropical fruits will be served for breakfast while the horses are saddled and ready to kick off for another stunning day of riding along a part of the 8,000-kilometer coastline of Brazil. 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 of the Portuguese and Dutch colonization. The perfect setting for the last night in Alagoas. Welcome to the liveliest, most colorful, and most coconut state of the country!

Entre Orejas 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 the terrain. In the unlikely event that this happens on your trip, you are asked for your flexibility and understanding. This is a sporty and adventurous vacation!

Sample daily schedule

The schedule below is an example of the program. The itinerary can be different during your travel week.

• Day 1: Arrival in Maceió (The capital city of Alagoas)

There is no required arrival hour, you can arrive in Maceio when it suits you best. Late afternoon meet and greet at the hotel in Maceió to brief the riding group about the coming days. Dinner and overnight at a comfortable hotel in Maceió.

• Day 2: Maceió - Beach of Jequiá (Expected distance: 7 kilometers | Time in the saddle: 2 hours)

Beaches, cliffs, boat ride, swimming in the river and sea, lunch at Jequiá (Dunes of Marapé)

After a delicious breakfast, leave early to meet the horses at the paradisiacal beach of Jequiá. You will choose horses, make adjustments to the stirrups, and take off for the ride. You'll immediately start on one of the deserted beaches, dotted with cliffs of multicolored sands and coconut trees.

Your destination today is breathtaking! The Marapé Dunes are lying between the river and the sea. In the middle of preserved mangroves, you will leave the horses to delight you with a boat trip along the mangroves, take a refreshing bath at the river and the sea. The sunset here is stunning. Overnight at a Pousada in Dunes de Marapé. Included are coffee, lunch, snack, and dinner.

• Day 3: Jequiá Beach - Pontal do Coruripe (Estimated distance: 12 kilometers | Time in the saddle: 3 hours)

Beaches, cliffs, reefs, coconut trees, swimming in the sea, lunch at Pontal do Coruripe

Wake up with great disposition and an incredible view of the natural beauty of this place. Your horses are saddled and ready to take you for another day full of beautiful scenery and pristine nature. You 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.

Your destination is the Pontal do Coruripe beach with its omnipresent lighthouse. The warm seawater is just perfect for a swim. Late lunch and overnight stay at a Pousada in Pontal do Coruripe. Included are coffee, lunch, snack, and dinner.

• Day 4: Pontal do Coruripe - Feliz Deserto (Estimated distance: 25 kilometers | Time in the saddle: 5 hours)

Beaches, Coruripe River Mouth, river crossing, shipwreck

You will depart on the beach towards the south in the direction of Feliz Deserto. Feliz Deserto means Happy Desert, so Entre Orejas decided to have two happy nights at Feliz Deserto. Shortly after taking the trail to the sea, you will find the mouth of the river Coruripe that gives name to the location. Ready for some adventure? You will cross the river with horses.

Soon after the river crossing, stop to refresh yourselves in the sea and meet the backup team waiting for you with coconut water and tropical fruits. Continue along deserted beaches, here and there, ride along a beach village and see artisanal fishermen. Just before you reach your overnight spot, find at the beach the Swiss Cargo shipwreck, "The Stockholm". Your exclusive beach house awaits in Feliz Deserto; overnight a beach House. Included are coffee, lunch, snack, and dinner).

• Day 5: Feliz Deserto - Marituba Lagoon - Feliz Deserto (Distance on horseback: 28 kilometers | Time in the saddle: 6 hours)

Alagoas wetlands, Marituba lagoon, galloping on the beach

Right after breakfast, which is special as usual, mount the horses and ride inland, away from the beach towards the Marituba wetlands, a protected area with a unique ecosystem. You will have time to wade or swim in the clear waters. Have lunch and have a little siesta before heading back to your lodgings.

This time, go along the beach and end the day's ride with a gallop. Overnight stay at the beach house. Included are breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner.

• Day 6: Feliz Deserto - Pontal do Peba Fishing Village (Estimated distance: 8 kilometers | Time in the saddle: 2 hours)

Beaches, coconut trees, Fisherman's village

Today, you will have time to enjoy the best of the region, deserted beaches, coconut trees, and a small fishing village. Also, you will have time to bathe in the sea and enjoy the local cuisine with excellent fresh seafood arriving all the time in small boats that dot the coast. Your foot in the sand hostel has a privileged location. Overnight at the beachfront Pousada. Included are coffee, lunch, snack, and dinner.

• Day 7: Pontal do Peba - Bonito - Potengi (Estimated distance: 15 kilometers | Time in the saddle: 5 hours)

Beaches, coconut trees, dunes, small villages, traditional coconut farm

The fisherman's village of Pontal do Peba with its bars and restaurants specializing in seafood is the starting point of today's ride. From the saddle, explore an area of dunes and environmental preservation. Between coconut groves and dunes, some tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals can be spotted. End the ride today at traditional coconut farms of the region. Overnight at a Pousada. Included are coffee, lunch, snack, and dinner.

• Day 8: Beach- Dunes - Mouth of the São Francisco River - Penedo (Estimated distance: 20 kilometers | Time in the saddle: 4 hours)

Beach, dunes, Quilombo community, Mouth of the São Francisco river, boat tour on the São Francisco river, lunch on the banks of the river

After a good breakfast, mount your horses to start your last riding day. Ride through a coconut forest until you find the huge dune complex, cross the dunes, and before reaching the mouth of the São Francisco River, ride along the Quilombola community of Pixaim (a Quilombo is a town of escaped slaves).

In Foz, enjoy a river swim to refresh yourselves. Drink from a fresh coconut and eat some snacks. You will leave the horses behind and hop on a boat to sail the mighty river until arriving at the banks of the river where you will have lunch. Typical seafood of the region will be served in the shade. Arrive at the end of the afternoon at the colonial town of Penedo. Overnight at the hotel. Included are coffee, lunch, and snack.

• Day 9: Penedo - Maceió

Visit of Penedo’s historical center, farewell lunch in Penedo

No hurry to get out of bed today. After a nice breakfast, walk around town and see the beautiful baroque-style churches, old houses, theater, and convent, and all other Penedo’s architectural jewels. Have lunch at a traditional restaurant overlooking the river. After lunch, depart to Maceió. Included are breakfast and lunch.

Riding level

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.

Horses

The crossbreed Mangalarga Marchador horses (authentic Brazilian breed) are great forward going horses at 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.

Brazil is all about tropical heat and amazing nature. But when you're talking about beaches, the northeast part of Brazil comes into the spotlight. And that’s exactly where Paul, your riding guide, is taking you to; to the Northeastern State of Alagoas, 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!

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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. Especially Italian and African cuisines have a great influence on Brazilian cuisine. Not only the population is mixed but also their habits and customs. Already 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.

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 or Brazilian barbecue.

• 7 horse riding days
• Use of horses and tack, including saddlebags
• 8 nights accommodation
• Daily full board meals (From breakfast on Day 2 till lunch on Day 9)
• Services of guides (All tours are personally escorted by Entre Orejas trip leader Paul, in exceptional cases by a substitute, Paul speaks fluent English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and basic German. Furthermore, you will be accompanied by a local Northeastern team. The guides-gauchos are equipped with cellphones and walkie-talkie radios.)
• A backup vehicle that will bring your personal luggage to the daily overnight place/pousada
• Transfer back to the airport on Day 9

• Travel and trip cancellation insurance (Insurance is mandatory: ask your local insurance company or travel agent about it. You will not be allowed to participate in the Entre Orejas riding holiday program without having both of these personal travel insurance.)
• Airfare
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (Cheap)
• Dinner on day 8
• Transfer from the airport to the hotel on Day 1
• Personal expenses
• Tips (optional)
• Booking sales tax (33 USD per person per payment)

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• A reservation requires a deposit of 100% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.