Ride the Gaucho Trail in Brazil

Today the adventure truly begins.

After breakfast, you'll saddle up and leave Fazenda da Chapada, riding through the gently rolling hills of Coxilha Rica. Wide grasslands dotted with towering Araucaria pines, crystal-clear rivers, and endless open country make for an unforgettable first day in the saddle.

After lunch and a well-earned siesta at a traditional fazenda, continue riding toward Fazenda Rodeio Bonito. Along the way you'll follow sections of the 250-year-old Tropeiro Route, a remarkable stone corridor built by enslaved laborers and once used by drovers moving cattle and mules thousands of kilometers across Brazil. Arriving at Rodeio Bonito, you'll be warmly welcomed by your hosts before another memorable evening around the table.

Today's ride explores some of the most rugged country of the journey.

Climb into the hills overlooking Coxilha Rica, where sweeping views stretch across one of Brazil's oldest cattle regions. Throughout the day you'll ride winding mountain trails, cross rivers, discover hidden waterfalls, and enjoy long trots and canters across open country whenever the terrain allows.

Lunch is served at a small family farm before returning to Fazenda Rodeio Bonito for another cozy evening filled with wonderful food and warm hospitality.

Leaving Rodeio Bonito behind, today's trail crosses the beautiful high pampas of Coxilha Rica. The scenery becomes increasingly expansive as you ride through rolling grasslands that seem to stretch forever.

After a picnic lunch in the field, continue toward Fazenda Lua Cheia, where your hosts welcome you with what many guests claim is the best roasted lamb they've ever tasted. As the sun sets, enjoy another evening of local music, laughter, and the easy camaraderie that naturally develops after days spent together on horseback.

Depending on the season, today offers one of the most authentic experiences of the entire journey.

Before setting out, you may have the opportunity to join the gauchos as they gather cattle or sheep on horseback, helping move livestock into the corrals for sorting, vaccinations, or routine care. Curious about roping? The gauchos are always happy to demonstrate—and even teach—the techniques they've perfected over a lifetime. Those who prefer can simply watch the action unfold from the sidelines.

After lunch, continue riding to the beautiful colonial Fazenda São João, where a hot shower, a home-cooked meal, and perhaps a glass of pinga await after another rewarding day on the trail.

By now both you and your horse have settled into the rhythm of trail life.

Today's route climbs and descends through beautiful countryside, with countless opportunities to canter across open slopes and meet local gauchos going about their daily work. It becomes clear that little has changed here over the last century—horses remain central to everyday life, and the traditions of the Brazilian gaúcho continue much as they always have.

Arrive at Fazenda Ferradura, where your hosts welcome you with another wonderful evening of traditional food and hospitality.

Your final day in the saddle returns you to Fazenda da Chapada, where the week began.

After one last morning riding through the rolling landscapes of Coxilha Rica, you're welcomed back with caipirinhas, hugs, and a celebratory farewell lunch. As evening falls, guitars and accordions appear once more, songs fill the old barn, and the bottle of pinga makes its way around the room. It's a fitting celebration of the friendships, horses, and unforgettable experiences shared throughout the week—and a reminder that this journey is about much more than simply riding from one place to another.

After breakfast it's time to say goodbye to your horses, the gauchos, and the families who have welcomed you into their homes. Transfer back to Florianópolis International Airport, or extend your Brazilian adventure with a few days on the nearby Atlantic coast. Many guests find this the perfect way to unwind after an unforgettable week in the saddle.