Horseback Riding Holidays in Uruguay

Ampascachi only offers horseback riding routes in Argentina.

Argentina is a country with an equestrian tradition.

Exploring it on horseback is an unforgettable experience.

Download the Ebook: Discover Argentina on Horseback

The plains and hills of Uruguay, together with a mild climate all year round, offer riders an ideal setting to enjoy a comfortable horseback riding holiday.

Uruguay: The Land of Rolling Hills

Uruguay is a country that serves as a geographical transition between Brazil and Argentina.

While southern Brazil is marked by mountains and hills and northern Argentina by vast plains, Uruguay’s territory alternates between both landscapes, plains and small hills called “cuchillas”.

The highest point is Cerro Catedral, in the Sierra de las Ánimas, which rises 514 meters above sea level. Along the Atlantic, there are mainly sandy plains. Lowlands also dominate the banks of the Río de la Plata and the Uruguay River.

Cabo Polonio

We can therefore say that Uruguay is basically a flat country.

Its landscapes are mainly made up of vast crop fields and green meadows, mixed with the blue of some lakes, lagoons, and small rivers.

The most important rivers are the Río Negro, which crosses the country from east to west, the Uruguay River, which borders the country to the west and separates it from Argentina, and the Río de la Plata to the south.

The interior is predominantly rural, dotted with large “estancias.” The Durazno region, in the center of the country, is an area of vineyards, citrus groves, and olive trees.

Most of the country is sparsely populated and dedicated to sheep and cattle grazing. A large part of Uruguay’s economy is based on tourism and the export of its meat and agricultural products.

Its capital, Montevideo, harmoniously combines modernity and tradition, with its beautiful white sandy beaches.

Punta del Diablo Beach (Montevideo)

Uruguay is not as touristy as some of its larger and better-known neighbors. This allows for a more authentic experience of the country’s culture and the genuine friendliness of its people.

You can enjoy its gastronomy, especially its famous barbecues accompanied by a good local wine. And also the mate infusion, inherited from the Guarani Indians, which locals will offer you as a welcome.

Barbecue

Mate

Finally, it is impossible to talk about Uruguay without mentioning one of the most charismatic and characteristic figures of this country: the gaucho.

These South American “cowboys,” dressed in black felt hats and always armed with their knives, which they use to work leather, eat, or defend themselves, travel with their horses across the Pampas.

Equestrian Tourism in Uruguay

Uruguay is a perfect place for a horseback riding holiday.

Horseback riding is an integral part of Uruguayan culture because cattle raising is big business, and gauchos still rely heavily on horses to manage the herds.

Criollo horses are ideal for the terrain and will comfortably take you through the hilly interior and along the white sandy beaches of the coast. They are reliable and responsive horses, and the traditional saddles are very comfortable.

The food is excellent: lots of tender local meat, as you’d expect, and plenty of freshly caught fish from the sea.

The climate is mild all year round, making it ideal for riding.

In short, in Uruguay you have all the ingredients for a pleasant equestrian holiday, crossing vast beaches, trails between lagoons, and green plains.

Equestrian Tourism Providers in Uruguay

The companies Haras Las Tordillas and Cabalgatas Valiceras offer various interesting equestrian routes in this country.

Haras Las Tordillas

The Las Tordillas horse ranch is located in the department of Maldonado, 130 km from Montevideo. With natural architecture that embraces the beautiful Uruguayan landscape, the private cabins combine rustic elegance, comfort, and privacy.

Their restaurant offers exquisite lunches and dinners, with a menu that changes daily. Relax by the pool and enjoy the splendid views or explore what nature has to offer by joining rides on perfectly trained purebred Arabian horses.

They organize wine tours so you can visit vineyards and learn the secrets of Uruguayan wine making. You can enjoy a guided wine and food pairing session.

Their equestrian programs

Equestrian holidays here are only for intermediate to experienced riders.

To participate, you must be steady and balanced in the saddle, have taken riding lessons to master the aids and basic riding skills, and be confident. You must be able to control your horse at all gaits, including trot and canter.

They offer a wide variety of riding programs, from a basic 1-day ride to a 5-day star program with accommodation at Las Tordillas.

Their horses

They are purebred Arabians. Their ages range from 6 to 10 years, and they live outdoors in herds all year round, except in bad weather, when they are in the stables.

They are trained for long-distance routes. They are energetic, responsive, and in excellent physical condition. Some are suitable for intermediate riders and others only for advanced riders. Every effort is made to match each rider with the right horse.

Their saddles are American western leather. On some routes, you will be provided with small saddlebags to carry a water bottle, personal items, and lunch.

Discover more about their equestrian programs by visiting their website: haraslastordillas.com.

Cabalgatas Valiceras

Located in the Department of Rocha, Cabalgatas Valiceras is a family-run Active Tourism company that has been operating since 2004.

With them, you can enjoy an outdoor experience on the deserted beaches of Rocha. You will ride through the Protected Area of Cabo Polonio and Médanos de Valizas, declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Riding on the beach

Their equestrian programs

They offer half-day or full-day horseback rides, as well as equestrian routes of 3, 5, or 7 days, all-inclusive (accommodation, meals, transfers, entrance to National Parks, etc.)

They organize horseback routes through the coastal lagoons of Rocha: Laguna de Castillos, Laguna Negra; Protected Area of Cerro Verde and Islas de La Coronilla, National Parks of Santa Teresa and San Miguel, and the Palmares de Castillos.

Features of their horseback routes

Ideal for families or groups of friends.
There are options for all levels.
You don’t need to be a professional rider; they will give you all the necessary tools and select the right horse for your profile.
Their guides speak several languages and know the area thoroughly. They will show you the beauty of the place and you will feel safe with them.
And, of course, they have the best horses, carefully selected for each type of rider.

You will enjoy beautiful landscapes, historic paths, shifting sands, beaches, and islands that were once the domain of the famous pirate Etienne Moreau, coveted by Spaniards and Portuguese.

Another activity you can do with them is marine wildlife watching (southern right whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions and fur seals, and seabirds). You will also discover native flora and, above all, plenty of fresh air.

If you want to know more about them, visit their website: cabalgatasvaliceras.com.uy.