Plantation Ride Rio/Sao Paulo Brazil São Paulo may be the economic, industrial and financial powerhouse of Brazil, and indeed of South America, but it also offers some of the finest rural experiences of the region. Thanks to its cultural diversity and its vast and multifaceted territory, the interior of São Paulo State includes some interesting riding experiences. Riding in the coffee highlands takes you through the coffee-growing region of the northeast of the State of Sao Paulo, visiting some of the great historic plantation homes, and passing through the surprisingly well-preserved natural wealth of the region. The diversified terrain takes you from plains to mountains; up and down escarpments and on plateaus that offer an ever-changing scenery punctuated by springs and waterfalls. This variety also accounts for the wealth of arts and crafts that are produced in the region: in leather, ceramics, embroidery, jams and other preserves, honey, coffee, cheese and of course the local firewater, cachaça. Since the mid-nineteenth century some of the finest coffee in all of Brazil has come from this region. The altitude (800-1,300 metres), the dry winters, rainy summers and fertile soil make for perfect coffee growing conditions. Visit some of the great historic plantation homes, pass through rolling meadows, along woodland paths and splash through clear streams. But there are still areas of Sao Paulo state that have not given way to coffee growing. In these pockets of land the Atlantic Rainforest still remains and here you can often find the Jequitiba tree, a giant of the forest, this species can grow to over 40 meters tall and 3 meters in diameter. The oldest known specimen is estimated at around 3,000 years old. Our ride begins at Fazenda Nova which is close to the city of Mococa. The homestead is one of the oldest plantation homes in the region and the ranch used to be twenty times the size it is today before it was shared amongst family members over the years. Horses have been bred and trained here for seven generations. Progressive Ride (no camping) Short Getaway Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride Meeting: Sao Paulo Airport:   Sao Paulo Transfer: Sao Paulo Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

Minimum 3-night stay for centre-based option.

Transfer and Other Charges:

Sample Itinerary: Progressive Option - subject to changes
 
Day 1: Arrival
Transfer to Fazenda Nova and ride within the farm to get to know the horses. Fazenda Nova (New Farm - so called because the Old one burned down in 1830) is a 200-hectare property with 50 hectares of primal forest, 60 hectares of reforestation, and the remainder of pastures and sugar cane. The horses are currently on their seventh generation at this farm, choosing the best foals with desirable traits and temperament for future breedings. Riders will become familiar with their horse and riding equipment. Typical Paulista dinner (including a tasting of Mogiana coffees-among the best gourmet coffees in Brazil).
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Nova
 
Day 2: Ride through the Atlantic Rain Forest
The owners of the Fazenda train their own horses and will guide you on this journey.
After breakfast, we will have the first contact with the Atlantic Rain Forest in the 120-acre forest preserve of the Fazenda. During this day, we ride through sugar cane fields, pastures with beef and dairy cattle, and coffee plantations in the higher areas. We will stop for lunch at Fazenda Belo Monte, which has a well preserved-house from the beginning of the 20th century. Horses sleep in a ranch specializing in Team Penning events.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Nova

Day 3: Ride to Fazenda Fortaleza
We ride through irrigated coffee plantations and arrive at Fazenda Bocaina for lunch. We continue riding for 12 km through hilly terrain with a reforestation project containing native species. We reach Fazenda Fortaleza, which produces organic coffee exported throughout the world. The owners will be proud to show the organic vegetable garden and after a trail in the woods that take us to a thousand year old jequitiba tree. This area is a great opportunity for bird watching. We enjoy a delicious organic dinner and we spend the night at their cozy house.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Fortaleza

Day 4: Fazenda Fortaleza to Fazenda Santo Antonio
Today will be a short ride, but there is a lot to see on the way. We cross Fortaleza and then the small village of Igaraí. Lunch can be at Fazenda São Bento, a posh Victorian house, or at Fazenda Morro Azul, which produces a very special cachaça, the famous Brazilian drink. Fazenda Santo Antonio, where we will sleep, has a beautiful house and swimming pool. The owners plant coffee in a natural way that will be explained by the owner. We will drink coffee grown in the shade of the rainforest.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Santo Antonio

Day 5: Fazenda Santo Antonio to Fazenda Santa Rita
We ride across the largest coffee plantation in Brazil (more than 1 million coffee trees) and stop for a picnic in Minas Gerais State. Lunch is at a bakery while horses graze on the square in front. We proceed to Fazenda Santa Rita, with a nice house and pool, and its own church dedicated to the same saint.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Santa Rita

Day 6: Fazenda Santa Rita to Fazenda Nova
We cross the little village of Canoas and then fazenda Limeira, where the cows are milked in an old train station. Through hills and around lakes we arrive in the city of Mococa, which the experienced horses are used to cross. We arrive in Fazenda Nova for a late lunch.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Nova

Day 7: Departure
Breakfast at Fazenda Nova and transfer to São Pauloto catch onward flights.
Meals included: Breakfast

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Stationary Ride
A centre based option is also possible for novice or rusty riders. Ride for approximately 4 hours a day in and around Fazenda Nova. You may choose to have lessons if you wish. Arrive/depart on any day and stay as long as you like. Open all year.

If you don't have the time for the trail or would rather stay in one place every night, then you can book a centre based stay at Fazenda Nova. Suitable for all abilities and single riders as well as groups, this is the perfect ride for those wanting to discover the Coffee growing regions of Brazil on horseback. Follow trails through the rainforest, up and down hills and through coffee plantations and sugar cane plantations, returning each night to your comfortable accommodation. There may even be an opportunity to try your hand at working cattle on one day. Sample the delicious coffee of the region and meet local people and learn about how coffee is produced. There are c. 30 coffee farms in this area and so the itinerary is varied and flexible to include as much or as little riding as you wish.
You can arrive/depart on any day and stay for as long as you like, so this itinerary fits neatly before/after any of our other Brazilian rides to extend your riding holiday in Brazil.

                                            Poços de Caldas area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	73	74	73	71	66	65	66	70	71	73	72	72
Average Low Temperature (°F)	59	59	58	53	46	43	42	47	53	55	56	59
Average High Temperature (°C)	23	23	23	22	19	19	19	21	22	23	22	22
Average Low Temperature (°C)	15	15	15	11	8	6	6	8	12	13	14	15
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	17	13	13	7	5	3	2	3	6	8	12	16

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The seasons are the reverse of the North America.

Summer (November/December to February)
This is the hottest time of the year and also the rainy season.

Autumn (March to April)
Weather is pleasant with less and less rain and warm temperatures.

Winter (May to August)
It is still hot during the day due to clear skies but can get chilly at night.

Spring (September to October/November)
The weather at this time is generally pleasant with warm sunny days and clear skies.

It is recommended to put your luggage in travel bag instead of a hard suitcase. 10 bags are easier to get in the backup vehicle than 10 suitcases.

Travel documents and Voucher
Flight tickets
Passport
Visa (check with your consulate)
Travel Insurance
Pocket money (you can change money on arrival at the airport)

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) - as they are not too hot, and they dry out quickly if they get wet.
Riding boots (short) or hard-soled shoes + Minichaps or Longchaps
Riding helmet - please bring your own. NOTE – It's not mandatory in Brazil.
Riding gloves
Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
Lightweight Rain coat
Tall boot socks to prevent chaffing
4 to 5 Long-sleeved shirts for protection sun
Water canteen
This list is only a general guideline for you from Ride in Brazil
Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
Jeans
Shorts
Underwear and socks
Pyjama
Bag for dirty clothes
Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
Swimsuit / Bathing suit

Personal Toiletries
Insect Repellent
Personal medications (please consult with your G.P. for health advise)
Sewing kit
Handkerchiefs
Adapter for electric appliances
Small Camera/Phone with Camera and batteries
Belt pack
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (spf-30 or higher) and Lip Balm with sunscreen
One towel
Torch / Flashlight

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Accommodations
This is a progressive ride where nights are spent in 5 different locations.

Description
The overnights are at several historic fazendas (farms/ranches) and coffee plantations. There is access to laundry facilities during this trip for a small fee. Wi-Fi is only available at Fazenda Nova Sede.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1 & 2: Fazenda Nova Sede
Night 3: Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza
Night 4: Fazenda Santo Antonio
Night 5: Fazenda Santa Rita
Night 6: Fazenda Nova Sede

Fazenda Nova Sede
The headquarters of this Fazenda was built around 1840. It was named like that because the old headquarters caught fire, and they had to build a new one a few kilometers away.
Guests stay in the apartments inside the headquarters or in the walled garden full of jabuticabeiras that perfume the air when they are blooming. Many birds make the sounds of dusk and dawn unforgettable.
There are a mixture of double and twin rooms, each with their own en-suite shower room. The guest rooms are simple (they were formerly where the slaves slept) but with their antique furniture and tiled floors, have a great deal of charm. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza
The farm has been in the Barretto Family since 1850. It used to be a traditional farm using conventional farming methods until Silvia Barretto decided to transform it into an organic farm. Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza can accommodate up to 30 guests, in 6 independent cottages (some private other dormitory-style). The rooms have preserved their original charm and provide simple but comfortable accommodation.

Fazenda Santo Antonio
This organic farm has been managed by the Pereira family since 1822. This fazenda gives much importance to the respect of the environment and the preservation of its historical buildings, while making sure to provide a comfortable experience for guests. The Hotel Fazenda is located high on the hill surrounded by beautiful gardens, a part of the Atlantic Forest. The Hotel has 5 rooms and 2 chalets, all decorated with good taste, helping you feel at home. Some of the rooms have shared bathroom facilities, but we usually use the rooms that have ensuite bathroom.

Fazenda Santa Rita
This beautiful fazenda dates back to 1897. It offers mixture of double and twin rooms, each with their own en-suite shower room.

Room Occupancy
Single rooms might be available on request at no extra fee.


Meals
All meals are included with this trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7.
Breakfasts and dinners are eaten at the accommodations and lunches are eaten on the trail.

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. Each region has its own traditional dishes. Very popular is the Churrasco (Brazilian BBQ).

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English and Australian
Horses:		Anglo-Arab and Mangalarga Marchador
Pace:		Walk with some trots and canters. 4 - 6 hours riding per day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 to 3.5 out of 5)    Intermediate
Weight:		Max 220 lbs / 100 kg
Riders:		Min 1	Max 8

Horses
The horses are bred and trained at Fazenda Nova. They are mainly Arab and Mangalarga crosses. All are very comfortable, well mannered and easy to handle, standing between 14.2hh and 15.3hh, they are happy in either English or Western saddles. Your horse will be tacked up for you, but you may assist with tacking up and un-tacking your horse if you wish.

Guide
Your guide on this trip is Laura. Laura trained for her British Horse Society Assistant Instructors examination in England and is also an FEI judge and steward. She teaches dressage and jumping at Fazenda Nova and also gives clinics at other riding centers all over the country. She has encyclopedic knowledge of the entire farm and knows the surrounding area, neighboring fazendas and local families very well.

Pace
The pace on the Coffee Trail is normally at a walk, with some trots and canters. Private groups of mixed ability may be accepted on the trail.

Passports

Passports valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart.

Passport Note

All non-Brazillian nationals under 18 years of age, when not accompanied by both parents, must have a birth certificate (an original or authenticated photocopy). This must be in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish, otherwise an official translation must be presented as well. When travelling alone or with one parent, a declaration from the absent parent(s) must be presented authorising the journey and giving the name and address of the person in Brazil who will be responsible for the minor. In the case of divorced or deceased parents, papers attesting to full custody must be presented.

All travellers must be in possession of onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover their stay.



Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:

(a) 1. nationals of EU countries (except nationals of Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Malta who do require a visa) for touristic and business stays of up to 90 days;

(b) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country by the same or first connecting flight, provided holding onward documentation and not leaving the airport.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist: cost varies according to nationality. Generally, it is around £30. Other prices, based on reciprocity, are £28 (for nationals of Australia); £52 (for nationals of Canada); free, but £104 processing fee (for nationals of the USA). British citizens requiring visas with a validity over 180 days will be subject to a processing fee of £124. Business and Transit: cost varies according to nationality; contact the consulate for details.

Validity

Normally 90 days from date of issue, although this is at the discretion of Brazilian immigration officials. Tourist visas can be used for multiple entry within the period of validity. Tourist visas can be extended up to a further 90 days, provided the application is made at least two weeks before the expiration of the visa. Nationals should apply in Brazil to the federal police; this must be done before the visa expires or nationals risk deportation.

Note: Some Brazilian immigration officials have been restricting single male tourists aged 25-50 to stays of up to 30 days, particularly in the north east region, in an effort to combat sex tourism.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at the embassy); see Contact Addresses. Applications made through travel agents or by post are subject to a fee of £8.

Working Days Required

Depends on nationality. Up to three days for applications made in person and 10 days for applications made by a third party. Additional time is required to process applications made by post.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	1
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes

 

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: Brazil requires U.S. citizens to carry a valid U.S. passport and visa when traveling to Brazil for any purpose. You must obtain your Brazilian visa in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate nearest to your place of residence in the United States. There are no "airport visas" and immigration authorities will refuse entry into Brazil to anyone not possessing a valid visa. The U.S. government cannot assist you if you arrive in Brazil without proper documentation. 

Travelers under 18 years of age and their parents should carefully review the visa application requirements. The adjudicating official at the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate may require a birth certificate and notarized travel authorization to issue a visa to a minor.

Visit the web site of the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, D.C. for the most current visa information.

U.S. citizens and other foreign travelers must fill out a small immigration form on arrival that will be stamped and handed back by immigration officials at the airport. It is important to retain this form to hand back to immigration officials upon exit from the country. According to the Brazilian Embassy’s website, visitors who lose this form will have to get clearance from the Brazilian Federal Police to leave the country and may have to pay a fine.

Remember that while in Brazil, you are subject to local law. Showing contempt to a Brazilian government official at the port of entry, or elsewhere, is a serious offense.

Additionally, if you have recently visited certain countries, including most other Latin American countries, you may be required to present an inoculation card indicating you had a yellow fever inoculation or you may not be allowed to board the plane or enter the country. Check with the Brazilian Embassy for more information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Brazil.

For current entry and customs requirements for Brazil, travelers may contact the Brazilian Embassy, which is temporarily located at 1025 Thomas Jefferson St., NW, Suite 300 W (3rd floor), Washington, D.C. 20007-5250, Phone: (202) 238-2805. Travelers may also contact the Brazilian Consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco. Addresses, phone numbers, web and e-mail addresses, and jurisdictions of these consulates may be found at the Brazilian Embassy website.

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Dual Nationals: U.S. citizens who also have Brazilian nationality cannot be issued Brazilian visas and must obtain a Brazilian passport from the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate nearest to their place of residence to enter and depart Brazil. In addition to being subject to all Brazilian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Brazilian citizens. Information about dual nationality can be found on our website. 

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Minors: Brazilian minors age 17 years and under, including minors who have both Brazilian and U.S. citizenship, are subject to strict exit requirements. Brazilian minors departing Brazil, if not accompanied by both parents, must prove that both parents authorized the departure. If accompanied by only one parent, the minor must have a notarized letter from the other parent indicating permission to depart the country, a court order proving that the accompanying parent has sole custody, or a Brazilian court order authorizing the child’s departure. If accompanied by neither parent, the minor must have a notarized letter from both parents authorizing departure, or a Brazilian court order authorizing the same. There are no exceptions, even if the child remained in Brazil only a short time. The authorization must be notarized by a Brazilian notary to be considered valid by the Brazilian authorities. If prepared in the United States, the authorization must be in Portuguese or accompanied by an official translation into Portuguese, and must be notarized by either the Brazilian Embassy or a Brazilian Consulate, or notarized by a U.S. notary public and then authenticated at the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate. Prior to departing the United States, parents traveling to Brazil with children who are Brazilian nationals may wish to obtain an authorization for each parent to return with the children to the United States without the other parent, just in case. Note that children adopted from Brazil are still considered Brazilian citizens and must be documented as such should they return to Brazil.

Minors age 17 years and under who are not Brazilian nationals are not technically subject to the same strict travel requirements as Brazilian minors. However, there have been cases where the travel of non-Brazilian minors has been delayed or prevented when accompanied by only one parent or a third party. To avoid potential difficulties, parents of non-Brazilian minors may want to follow the procedures above if their children will be traveling to Brazil accompanied by only one parent or by a third party.

Parents contemplating separation or divorce should resolve custody matters before leaving the country. Pursuant to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, to which both Brazil and the United States are party, custody will ultimately be decided by a court in the country where the child is a habitual resident. Information about the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. The State Department hotline for Child Abduction Prevention during regular business hours is: (202) 663-3330 and after hours: (888) 407-4747. 

For further information about customs regulations, please read our customs information page.