Horseback Riding in Spain
ALPUJARRA RIDE |
Riding through wildflowers
Exploring the backcountry
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The Alpujarra and Coastal Range rides in the Sierra Nevada mountains follow ancient bridle paths from village to village on well mannered, fit horses at a moderate pace. Pass through carefully terraced valleys and farms, where the horse, mule and oxen are still used to pull the plow and thresh the harvest. One sees bridges and roads from Roman times and some of the aqueducts built by the Moors still flow to the small mountain villages.
The landscape is wonderfully varied as you ride through chestnut, almond and olive groves, pine forests, high mountain pastures and finally the high Sierra with its snowy peaks. Meeting only the occasional shepherd or farmer, riders enjoy a wonderful sense of peace and freedom.
There is opportunity to learn about the history of the area as you are exposed to a culture where tradition remains very much a part of every day life.
The region is very interesting for its primitive and ancient culture, yet very clean and comfortable. Great way to see a part of Europe not accessible unless willing to hike or bike for miles.
- Lynn Hopkins
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Meet at the Malaga International Airport airport, and transfer by mini-van to the village of Bubión where clients will be met by the ride organizer and guide. Bubión is one of three, small whitewashed villages built on the steep slopes of the Poqueira Valley. Dinner and overnight in the comfortable and hospitable pension, Las Terrazas.
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| Day 2: | Following a typical Spanish breakfast, transfer to the stables. Heading east, ride along beautiful mountain trails toward Trevelez, the highest village in Spain, famous for its cured hams and river trout. In the morning ride on an old bridlepath down to the village of Pitres and on to the village of Portugos. After lunch follow a combination of paths and dirt tracks, climbing 800 meters through ancient Moorish terraces and chestnut groves to a broad forestry track leading to Trevelez. There will be opportunities for canters and gallops. Overnight in the areas best hotel, renovated in the old style with beautiful oak beam ceilings.
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| Day 3: | Ride to the village of Berchules on a bridlepath over totally different terrain, through mountain farms and pine forests. Follow a very steep and rocky path up through woods and summer pastures to an altitude of 2,500 meters. On a clear day it is possible to see across the sea to the mountains of Morocco. Picnic lunch on the way. The last 15 minutes of the descent to Berchules the path becomes very rough and it is necessary to lead the horses. Dinner and overnight in Berchules.
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| Day 4: | Berchules takes its name from the Spanish word, Berchel, which means mountain garden. This is easy to understand, as riders traverse the ancient Moorish bridlepaths through the areas valleys and gorges. After a picnic lunch by a stream, leave the bridlepath for one of the Sierras' broad forestry tracks and return to Berchules by a different route. The afternoon ride will afford several opportunities for long, canters and gallops. Overnight once again in Berchules.
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| Day 5: | Descend to the Guadalfeo River, then west to the village of Trevelez. During the morning ride the landscape changes abruptly, leaving the alpine forests to ride through small terraces of olive, almond and fig trees. After lunch in a tiny white-washed village, the bridlepath begins the gradual ascent to Trevelez for dinner and overnight.
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| Day 6: | A short ride today following a broad forestry track which affords some wonderful opportunities for canters and gallops. In the afternoon, continue through pine woods to emerge high above the villages of the Poqueira. From here on a clear day it is possible to see across the Mediterranean Sea to the mountains of Morocco. Return to Bubión for overnight. Dinner in Bubion is at riders own expense tonight.
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| Day 7: | On this final day, riders will explore the more inaccessible parts of the Poqueira Valley. With the Mulhacen (highest mountain in Spain) forming the backdrop, this valley is claimed to be the most beautiful in the Alpujarra. Return to Bubión for a farewell dinner and overnight |
| Day 8: | After breakfast transfer to Malaga for departure.
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| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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A snack break for the horses
Getting above it all
Taking a break in the highlands
Cantering at the top
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Malaga |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 6 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-4 Maximum-11 |
| Riding Per Day | 5-6 hours |
| Pace | slow / moderate |
| Tack | English trekking saddles |
| Horses | Andalusians and Arab cross |
| Weight Limit | 190 lbs |
| 2012 Dates | April 21-28, April 29-May 6*, May 12-19, May 26-June 2, Aug 25-Sept 1, Sept 2-9*
Dates with '*' are Sunday-Sunday, all other dates are Saturday-Saturday
Check with Equitours for Short Week dates and prices. |
| 2012 Price | Was $1,955, now reduced to $1,800 |
| Single Supplement | 140 Euros, Payable in Spain |
| Transfers | Included at specified times |
| Additional Information | Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid. |
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