Horseback Riding Vacations in Venezuela

Venezuela: “Land of Grace”

When Columbus made landfall in the Americas, he was impressed by the powerful current of the Orinoco, and the deep and green jungles. He dubbed this place "Land of Grace".

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is a country in northern South America. It is bordered on the north by the Caribbean Sea, on the west by Colombia, on the south by Brazil, and on the east by Guyana.

The vast majority of the population lives in the northern highlands or coastal regions, and a minority inhabits the vast area that lies south of the Orinoco River.

Its capital, Caracas, is the financial and commercial centre of Venezuela; the city of La Guaira, located 30 km from Caracas, is the country’s main seaport.

Maracaibo, the country’s second largest city, is located on the shore of the lake of the same name and is the largest centre of the oil industry.

Geography of Venezuela

The Venezuelan landscape includes towering mountains, tropical jungles, broad river plains, and arid coastal plains.

As a result of various studies, Venezuela can be divided into 9 distinct natural regions: South of the Orinoco and Delta regions, the Llanos region, the Central Highlands, the Eastern Cordillera, the Andes, the Maracaibo Basin, the Guiana region and the Islands.

These natural regions can be grouped into 4 major geographical regions:

• Venezuelan Highlands: These mountains border the Caribbean Sea. This range is the north easternmost extension of the Andes Mountain chain. At 4,978 m (16,332 ft.) Pico Bolívar is the highest point in the mountains of Merida with a top that is permanently covered in snow.
• Maracaibo Basin: It extends to the northwest of Venezuela, with hills and low plateaus comprising the Serranía de Perijá and Lake Maracaibo, which is connected with the Gulf of Venezuela.
• The Llanos: Located in the north-central region, the Llanos is an extensive system of grasslands and seasonally-flooded plains. This area is sparsely populated. The coastline stretches from the Colombian border in the far west to the Orinoco River delta in the east.
• The Guiana Highlands: In the southeast and south, these Highlands can reach heights of more than 2,700 m. This region comprises the mountain ranges of Parima and Pacaraima, on the border with Brazil.

Venezuelan coastline is approximately 3,726 km ong, stretching along the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. About 1.700 km are sandy beaches and there are 311 islands.

Among the approximately 70 Caribbean islands belonging to Venezuela, Margarita is the largest and most important.

The Roques Archipelago National Park is another must-visit destination. With more than 50 small islands, cays and sand banks that ring a central shallow lagoon, the National Park was created to protect its marine ecosystem of coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds.

In general, climate is primarily a matter of elevation. Is tropical in the Llanos and coastal areas, and temperate in the mountainous areas.

Fauna and flora

Due to its varied climate, Venezuela’s plant and animal life exhibit considerable variety, with many endemic species.

Is one of the countries with the greatest variety of bird species, such as macaws, toucans, troupials (national bird), flamingos, herons and parrots. There are many reptiles, like the Orinoco alligator, and five other species of turtles and snakes.

Venezuela’s vegetation consists of at least 30,000 species of plants and we can differentiate 4 biotypes: grasslands, forests, original vegetation and shrubs.

Up to 1,632 types of orchids have been documented, such as the Cattleya Mossiae, the national flower of Venezuela.

Equestrian tourism in Venezuela

Venezuela is characterized by its great variety of landscapes and natural monuments.

Thanks to its splendid and vast plains, snow-capped mountains, jungle and endless white-sand beaches, riders can choose from many destinations to spend their horseback riding vacations in Venezuela.

Crossing the Andes from the rainforest to the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada on horseback is undoubtedly a fantastic way to discover the secrets of this mountain range.

Venezuela ranges from rainforest to desolate landscapes and stunning ridges.

As you travel on horse trails, you will experience the same as the Spanish conquerors 500 years ago, yet all the mountain passes, landscapes, flora and fauna have remained the same.

The importance of choosing the right operator

Although Venezuela is a great riding holiday destination, it is not the safest of countries and you need to take a series of precautions.

Ampascachi suggests two outfitters the Andean region, Entre Orejas and Arassari Trek for your horse routes.

Entre Orejas

Founded by Paul Coudenys, this Equestrian Tourism company organizes riding holidays and Equestrian Expeditions in different Latin American countries.

With a luggage full of travel and riding experiences, Paul Coudenys settled in Brazil in 2010 and founded “Entre Orejas”.

After years of experience in organizing and guiding equestrian holidays and expeditions in Brazil, he decided to expand his business and offer new rides in other countries such as Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela.

Their horseback tours in Venezuela

They currently offer 1 equestrian holidays in Venezuela, the Expedition Jungle to the Andes.

An 11 day horse riding adventure, crossing the Andes on horseback from the tropical jungle to the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada

Route characteristics:

• Duration: 11 days (10 night y 7 days in the saddle).
• Guides: Arrieros professional and they have great knowledge of the terrain.
• Riding level: This program is suitable for all riders.
• Group size: groups comprise a minimum of 8 riders and maximum of 10 riders.
• Minimum age: he minimum age for this route is 16 years, only allowed if accompanied by an adult.

On this expedition, you will ride their Venezuelan crossbreed ponies. They are small, sure-footed and suitable for these types of terrain.

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

This is the greatest form of ecotourism. The local farmer families have the possibility to earn money with your visit and you live 11 days of intense adventure.

More information about them on their website: www.entreorejas.org.

Arassari Trek

They are located in the mountains of Merida, where you can enjoy fantastic views of the Sierra Nevada and the Humboldt Glacier. They offer all kinds of outdoor activities, from nature treks to rafting and, of course, horseback riding.

Sylvie and Jacky will be your hosts on your Arassari Trek horse riding holiday. They are horse breeders and are responsible for the care of their saddles and horseshoes.

Their horseback tours

They organize day rides, with itineraries of several hours, depending on the route and rider’s skill level. These tours leave from the ranch and include a picnic lunch. The shortest ride, for beginners or those who have little time, lasts about three hours.

They have three multi-day horseback treks:

• El rodeo: On this 3-day ride, you will cross the rainforest of Raíz de Agua (3,000m) and the El Rodeo cave (3,600m).
• Los Aranguren: On this 5-day trek, you will visit El Rodeo and the valley of Los Aranguren, and come back through the mountain pass of Antoñito (4,100m).
• Gavidia: This 6-day tour, which also takes us twice above 4000 m, gives you the opportunity to enjoy a full round trip where you can enjoy different mountain landscapes.

Check the details of all their rides on their website: www.arassari.com.

Horseback riding on the Andean peaks of Venezuela will be one of your best equestrian tourism experiences. The idyllic Caribbean beaches and islands, with their crystal clear waters, offer a refreshing break along the way.

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.