Ride in the Magical Lands of the Venezuelan Andes

By: Virginia Imberti Posted: 09/07/2021

In this article, we want you to discover these horseback rides in the Venezuelan Andes, the most geographically diverse part of Venezuela, where landscapes range from Caribbean beaches to 5000-meter peaks.

Venezuela is like nothing you have ever seen before on horseback. If you are looking for something different for your next Horse Riding Holiday destination, the place in South America you should visit is, undoubtedly, Venezuela.

Few other countries are as unexplored and diverse as Venezuela.

It is a small country, about twice the size of France, but regarding landscape diversity, it has everything to offer for a horse riding holiday.

Venezuela has perpetual snow in the Andes and 2,500 km of Caribbean coast, vast plains of the tropical Llanos, rainforests, the Amazon with authentic Indian communities, small colonial towns and bustling cities.

From the rainforest, you can head for the Andes and cross the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada on horseback.

In all the equestrian routes, you have the constant presence of amazing beaches, many streams, wild jungles, lakes and hidden mountain passes of the high Andes.

Equestrian tourism in Venezuela

What options do we have when choosing an Equestrian Tourism supplier in Venezuela?

Venezuela does not have many options with regard to Professional Equestrian Tourism. In the Andean region, we have selected two outfitters, Entre Orejas and Arassari Trek.

The country’s current volatile political situation is the only negative aspect to take into account when choosing a horseback adventure in Venezuela, hence the importance of being well informed.

Entre Orejas

The owner of Entre Orejas, which means “between ears” in Spanish, is Paul Coudeny, a host with a very interesting life story. Born in Flanders, Belgium, he was once, in his previous life, a farrier. At age 21, he travelled backpacking around the globe. Three years later and with a suitcase full of travel and riding experiences, he returned to Belgium and founded “Hippo-Trek”, and became one of the pioneers of worldwide riding holidays.

Paul rode horses in 53 different countries and he is perhaps one of the most experienced trail riders in the world.

A lover of the great horse culture and hospitality in Latin America, Paul decided to move to Brazil in 2010 and today he lives in the southern state of Santa Catarina, home of the South American gaucho (cowboy).

His company, Entre Orejas, provides a horseback expedition in Venezuela, among other destinations in South America.

In this article, we will summarize his Jungle to Andes Expedition.

What is the most relevant aspect of this route?

During this expedition, you will cross the Andes on horseback, but that is not all. These Venezuelan trails will take you riding from the lush and hot rainforest to the cold Sierra Nevada top.

The scenery and the climate change gradually, but the landscape, the difficulty and the pace are different for each trail.

What horses do they use?

Their horses are Venezuelan cross breed ponies, small but agile and light, which makes them ideal for this ascending route to the Andes that they must face in this program. They use Venezuelan ranch saddles, which were specially conceived for and by them.

The horses are small but proven as the best 4x4 by far in this difficult and muddy region.

Expedition overview

This is an 11 day / 10 night program with 7 days in the saddle. You will be far away from modern civilization. "Arrieros" (Venezuelan farmers) will lead you with their horses and mules through unspoiled nature.

The expeditionary group is entirely autonomous; mules will carry the luggage, field kitchen, first aid kit and all one needs to camp. Yes, you will camp 2 nights on this trail ride, while the other nights you will be welcomed with open arms in the cosy and very warm hearted houses of local farmers along the trail.

On average, you will spend seven hours a day in the saddle. Starting in the hot jungle, climbing the mountainous terrain to the high altitude of 4,340 m.

Do not expect great canters on this trail ride, the terrain is too extreme for it, but the beauty and the intensity of trekking, will compensate more than enough the speed.

This is ecotourism on horseback in its purest form; your visit offers economic benefits for local farmers and, in return, you will enjoy 11 days of exhilarating adventure. It’s a fair deal, isn’t it?

Keep in mind that

• Riding level: This program is suitable for all riders. On this trail ride, it is more important to have an adventurous spirit than being a top rider. The pace is mainly walking due to the difficult terrain.
• Group size: The minimum is 8 and the maximum is 10 riders. From his own experience, Paul knows that this number can be easily managed by the guides and guarantees that everyone can have an enjoyable time. Everything is planned to avoid unpleasant surprises on the route.
• Weight limits for riders: Riders’ weight limit is 95 Kg, for the well-being of the horses, which are very well cared for before, during and after the expedition.
• Minimum age: The minimum age for this route is 16 years, only allowed if accompanied by an adult.
• Guides: Their guides are professional and multilingual, and they have great knowledge of the terrain and horses. As “Tripleader”, the owner Paul Coudenys, who speaks more than six languages, accompanies the route.
• Accommodation: The comfort is basic during the camping. Simple but comfortable at the different guesthouses from farmers you will encounter along the route and in top quality hotels at your arrival and departure from Venezuela.
• Vaccinations: Not required in the area where you ride. For other regions in Venezuela, consult your physician

Most participants are people who register individually and may just like you not know the other riders in your group. Since everyone has the same points of interest (horseback riding, nature, travel, culture) there is always a good atmosphere and understanding among the participants. This adds up to the experience and they say around here, “it has no extra charge”.

Please, go to their web site where you can find more information about this program, as well as beautiful photographs of the places you can visit, other riders’ experiences and more specifics of the trip itself: https://www.entreorejas.org/venezuelan-horseback-expedition

/ Photos: www.entreorejas.org /

Arassari Trek

Located in the mountains of Mérida, at 2000 meters high, their ranch offers a lovely view of the Sierra Nevada, especially the Humboldt Glacier.

Join Sylvie and Jacky, your hosts, and discover the most beautiful parts of the Venezuelan Andes on horseback. For over ten years, they've been sharing this passion for horses with their guests.

They raise and train their horses on the farm. They also maintain the saddles and the hooves themselves, and they also shoe their horses so that riders and horses get the best comfort possible.

Communication with them is guaranteed. They speak French, Spanish, English and German.

Their horseback rides

For those who prefer day trips, they offer different itineraries, ranging from 3 to 8 hours, and they cater for different levels of rider.

And if you want to go on a multi-day horseback ride, they offer three programs:

• El Rodeo (3 days)
• Los Aranguren (5 days)
• Gavidia (6 days)

These three circuits require some previous horse riding experience and team spirit. It is important to arrive at the Ranch the previous night to get to know each other and the horses before departure.

During the trek, the necessary supplies are carried around by mules guided by local muleteers.

Keep in mind that

• To choose the right horse for you, they need to know your weight, height and riding experience level at the time of booking.
• Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for them.
• If your weight exceeds 90 kg, your participation will be subject to the organizers’ decision.
• In case of having any health condition (asthma, heart or other), you must inform them before the ride for your own safety.
• It is recommended to bring sport shoes, long pants, warm clothes, raincoats and sunscreen.
• For the overnight treks, take along your own sleeping bag.

Check the details of all their rides on their website https://www.arassari.com/e3-horse.html

/ Photos: www.arassari.com /

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling South America on horseback?

And if you want to discover other horse riding destinations in the Andes, in the Rainforest or by the sea, download our free eBook on Equestrian Tourism in South America and choose your next vacation.

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