Horseback Riding Vacations in Uruguay

Uruguay: A country of Rolling Hills

Uruguay represents a geographic transition between Brazil and Argentina.

While southern Brazil is characterised by mountains and hills, and northern Argentina, by large plains, Uruguay's territory combines both features, plains and ranges of low hills and ridges called “cuchillas” (knives).

The highest is Cerro Catedral, located in the Sierra de las Animas, which stands at 514 meters above sea level. Along the Atlantic, the coastal plain is sandy and marshy. On the banks of the River Plate and the Uruguay River, we also find lowlands.

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

Its landscapes are a mix of vast agricultural lands and green grasslands, combined with the blue of its lakes, ponds and small rivers.

Among the main ones, we can mention the Río Negro, which flows through the country from east to west; the Uruguay River, which borders the country to the west and borders Argentina, and the Río de la Plata, to the south of the country.

The country’s interior is overwhelmingly rural, dotted with large “estancias”. Toward the centre of the country, the Durazno region displays vines and orchards, citrus fruits and olive trees.

A big part of this country is hardly populated; sheep and cattle pasture in the vast open fields. Uruguay’s economy is mainly based on tourism and the exportation of meat and rural produce.

Its capital, Montevideo, harmoniously combines modernity and tradition, with its beautiful beaches of fine white sands.

Uruguay is not as touristy as some of its larger and better-known neighbours. This allows you a better experience to explore the authentic culture and the genuine friendship of its people.

You can enjoy its cuisine, especially its popular “asado” (barbeque) and pair it with a good Uruguayan wine. And you can also drink mate, an infusion that comes from the Guaraní people and that the locals offer as a welcome drink.

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

These South American "cowboys" wearing black felt hats, carry their knives everywhere for skinning, eating asados or defending themselves while they travel the landscapes of the Pampas with their horses.

Equestrian tourism in Uruguay

Uruguay is a perfect place for a horse riding holidays.

Horseback riding is an important part of the culture in Uruguay as cattle farms are a big deal and gauchos still rely on horses to handle cows.

The Criollo horses are ideal for the terrain; they carry you comfortably through the mountainous region inside the country and along the white sandy beaches at the coast. They are reliable and responsive horses, traditional saddles are comfortable.

The food is excellent: a lot of locally produced meat, as expected, and fresh fish from the surrounding sea.

The climate is mild throughout the year and always perfect for a ride.

In short, in Uruguay all the conditions are perfect for an enjoyable equestrian holiday, with exhilarating beach rides and trail riding among lakes and green plains.

Riding holiday operators in Uruguay

Haras Las Tordillas and Cabalgatas Valiceras ranches offer several interesting riding holiday options in this country.

Haras Las Tordillas

Las Tordillas Horse Ranch is located in the department of Maldonado, 130 km from Montevideo. Set in the beautiful Uruguayan scenery, the individual lodges are rustic, comfortable and set apart from each other.

The restaurant offers exquisite breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu that changes every day. Guests can relax at the pool and enjoy the splendid views or explore what nature has to offer or participate in their rides on perfectly trained Arab horses.

They also organize wine-tasting tours for you to visit the nearby vineyards and learn the secrets of Uruguayan winemaking. You can indulge yourself with a private guided wine and food pairing session.

Their riding programs

Horse riding holidays at Haras Las Tordillas are only for intermediate to experienced riders.

You must be an intermediate rider and feel safe and be in balance on a horse, have knowledge on the aids and basic abilities, be able to control your horse in all gaits, also during long trots or canters.

They have a variety of riding programs. From the basic 1-day ride up to a 5-day, centre-based program, with accommodation at Las Tordillas.

Their horses

They are Purebred Arabs. Their ages vary between 6 and 10 years old; they live outside in a herd all year round and occasionally stay in stables if the weather is very bad.

Are well trained to ride long-distance trails; they are energetic, receptive and are in excellent physical condition. Some of the horses are suitable for intermediate riders and some are for advanced riders only. Every effort is made to properly combine a rider with a suitable horse.

The saddles are made of leather. You are provided with small saddlebags to carry a bottle of water, personal items and lunch on some routes.

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

Cabalgatas Valiceras

Located in the Department of Rocha, Cabalgatas Valiceras is a family business of Adventure Travel that has been running 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 Valizas sand dunes, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Their riding programs

They do half-day or full-day horse ride, as well as all-inclusive(accommodation, meals, transfers, tickets to the National Parks, etc), 3-, 5- or 7-day horseback expeditions.

They also offer riding tours around the coastal lagoons in Rocha: the Castillos Lagoon and the Negra Lagoon, the protected area of Cerro Verde and the islands of La Coronilla, the National Park in Santa Teresa and San Miguel as well as the Palmares de Castillos.

Characteristics of their rides

• They are perfect if you want to go riding with your family or friends.
• There are riding programs for all levels.
• You do not need to be a professional rider, you will be taken care of and given all the necessary tools, and for every rider they choose a suitable horse at the beginning.
• Their guides speak several languages and know the area thoroughly. They will show you the beauty of this place and you can feel safe with them.
• And of course, they have the best horses that were carefully selected for every rider.

You will be able to enjoy beautiful landscapes, historical trails, quick sands, beaches and islands that used to be under control of the well-known pirate Etienne Moreau, coveted by Spaniards and Portuguese.

Highly recommended as an extra activity is the marine animals watching (whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions and seabirds, etc.) and you will find beautiful native flora, and above all: fresh and clean air.

Find all details about their programs on their website: cabalgatasvaliceras.com.uy.

Uruguay is known for its green countryside and its amazing beaches. Enjoy horseback riding under the blue sky of this incomparable setting, where rolling meadows look like oceans; where the gaucho, the Uruguayan "cowboy", looks after his cattle.

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

Argentina is a country with a long-standing tradition of horses. Exploring the country on horseback is something unique – a highly recommended experience. In our eBook "Discover Argentina, the Land of the Gaucho, on Horseback" you will find our options to enjoy Argentina on horseback.