Spain, Sierra Nevada - Alpujarra Trail Ride
The Sierra Nevada is the highest mountain range on the Spanish mainland. The Alpujarra Mountains are called the Sierra Nevada's southern end and face the Mediterranean Sea. It is said to be one of the most enchanting and beautiful regions in the world. It is known for its natural beauty, its snow-capped mountains and its small authentic whitewashed villages. Here you have the chance for an exciting trail ride with you English host, Sarah.
The flora and fauna is spectacular and there are fantastic views almost continuously. The ride goes along old donkey tracks and through beautiful valleys. The terrain varies daily, from rock beds, to pine forests and almond and olive groves. You pass villages with typical white houses on small narrow winding streets with begonias hanging from the windows and clotheslines between the houses.
You normally ride five to six hours a day at differing paces. There is a few canters each day and sometimes you need to dismount and lead your horse. Regardless of tempo the ride is breathtaking. You will stay in mountain huts and small hotels and be served good Spanish food. You will experience a completely different Spain away from the usual tourist haunts.
Accommodation and Food
You stay the first night and the last two nights in a Spanish farmhouse in a double room with ensuite toilet/shower. Rooms are simply furnished in a rustic style. The views from here are stunning. On a fine day you can see all the way to Africa. There is a pool (normally open end of May - end of September). On other nights you will stay in mountain cabins in a double room with ensuite shower / toilet. Sheets and towels are provided.
The breakfast is a local Spanish breakfast and includes freshly squeezed orange juice from the farm orange tree (seasonal). Lunch may be bread with toppings, fruit and cereal bar and a drink and you will take lunch with you in your saddlebags. The dinners are ample and made from fresh local ingredients. Wine is included during the meals. Other alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on site in the evenings. The vegetarian food is also good, but please inform us before departure if you want to book it.
Horses
The horses you ride will mainly be Andalusians and Andalusians crossed with Arabians. The Andalusien horse is one of the oldest horse breeds and have a natural balance and a soft temperament while the Arabian is known for its strength and endurance. This makes it a great companion on a trail ride. The horses have English saddles. You will brush and saddle your own horse during the ride. The horses have saddlebags for picnic lunches. Otherwise, it is good to have a bag to carry your camera, etc. They have a few helmets to lend.
Program Alpujarra Trail Ride & Mini Trail Ride
Preliminary-day-by-day program Alpujarra Trail Ride
Day 1:Transfer from Malaga airport to the small spa town of Lanjaron, "gate" to the Alpujarras, where your guide Sarah greets you. It is usually Sarah who leads the rides, but one of her staff may lead the ride if she is unavailable. You will have dinner and stay overnight at Casa del Viento Farm or hotel close by, in a double room with ensuite shower / toilet.
Day 2: You be driven up to the stables and meet the horses. You start riding north, up above the Lanjaron River Gorge through ancient oak forests towards the top of the El Peñon de los Pájeros, reaching over 2000 meters (6,500 ft) and then ride down through pine forests to the Puente Palo. You stop for lunch and continue east to an idyllic location high up on the slopes of the Poqueria Valley where you will spend the night in mountain huts. Across the other side of the Poqueria valley lie the whitewashed mountain villages of Capileira, Bubion and Pampaniera.
Day 3: You head north following the Poqueria valley with the picturesque town of Capileira to your east. This is one of the highest towns in Spain. Heading upwards toward the peak of Mulhacén, the highest mountain in Spain, forming the backdrop, this valley is truly stunning. Crossing mountain pasture land on a little known old moorish bridlepath up through the pine trees to Refugio Piuca. Following the wide forest logging track that takes you to our mountain cottages, and a good night’s rest.
Day 4: Today is a gradual descent, as you head South down through mountain and pasture land, on an old mule track that was used for trade with the Greeks (goes all the way to Greece!) stopping for refreshment in the local Spanish bar, Los LLanos, before heading through the Olive groves of Padre Eterno & Cerro Negro for a picnic. Following the immense riverbed of the Guadalfeo River which heads toward the sea, and then on to the Farmhouse and a well deserved dinner.
Day 5: Today a shorter ride, as you follow the path of the ruta olivos centenarios (route of the hundred of year old olive trees). Some of these amazing trees are over
600 years old. A trip to the river, where the horses stop for a splash and a drink, before you head across the valley, picnicking under olive trees before a fast climb back up to the Ranch & to your Spanish Farmhouse accommodation and a dip in the pool.
Day 6: Riding on to Orgiva for stroll around the local market, which offers a wide range of local produce and artisan products as well as clothes, shoes, and tourist souvenirs. Orgiva is the largest town of Las Alpujarras. After market you have a fast valley ride with a picnic on the hillside overlooking mount Lugar and the impressive mountains of the Sierra de la contraviesa, before heading up above the town for the night.
Day 7: A lovely long trail ride as you head up cobbled mule paths through an ancient chestnut forest to the waterfalls of the Rio de Lanjaron.
After lunch you follow the old moorish water channels up to El Tello before heading down through El Prado de las Liebres (the meadow of the hares) & returning to the Ranch. Dinner at the Casa del Viento Farmhouse or a hotel close by.
Day 8: Breakfast and departure.
(Subject to change depending on local circumstances. Occasionally they have snow in winter months, which can mean changes to the normal routes & itineraries, as they then take slightly lower paths. Named hotels / farms may be changed to equivalent accommodation in the area.)
Preliminary day-by-day program Alpujarra Mini Trail Ride
Day 1:Transfer from Malaga airport to the small spa town of Lanjaron, "gate" to the Alpujarras, where your guide Sarah greets you. It is usually Sarah who leads the rides, but one of her staff may lead the ride if she is unavailable. You will have dinner and stay overnight at Casa del Viento Farm or a hotel close by, in a double room with ensuite shower / toilet.
Day 2: You be driven up to the stables and meet the horses. You start riding north, up above the Lanjaron River Gorge through ancient oak forests towards the top of the El Peñon de los Pajeros, reaching over 2000 meters (6,500 ft) and then ride down through pine forests to the Puente Palo. You stop for lunch and continue east to an idyllic location high up on the slopes of the Poqueria Valley where you will spend the night in mountain huts. Across the other side of the Poqueria valley lie the whitewashed mountain villages of Capileira, Bubion and Pampaniera.
Day 3: Today is a gradual descent, as you head South down through mountain and pasture land, on an old mule track that was used for trade with the Greeks (goes all the way to Greece!) stopping for refreshment in the local Spanish bar, Los LLanos, before heading through the Olive groves of Padre Eterno & Cerro Negro for a picnic. Following the immense riverbed of the Guadalfeo River which heads toward the sea, and then on to the Farmhouse and a well deserved dinner.
Day 4: Riding on to Orgiva for stroll around the town. There is a market on a Thursday which offers a wide range of local produce and artisan products as well as clothes, shoes, and tourist souvenirs. Orgiva is the largest town of Las Alpujarras. In the afternoon a fast valley ride with a picnic on the hillside overlooking mount Lugar and the impressive mountains of the Sierra de la Contraviesa, before heading up above the town back to the farm. Overnight at hotel/farm close by.
Day 5: Breakfast and departure.
(Subject to change depending on local circumstances. Occasionally they have snow in winter months, which can mean changes to the normal routes & itineraries, as they then take slightly lower paths. Named hotels / farms may be changed to equivalent accommodation in the area.)
Climate
The climate in Andalusia is hot in summer, pleasant in spring and autumn and cool in winter. The temperature can vary from day to day up in the mountains so it is best to ride in layered clothing.
Travel Information
Ability description: Trail ride Level 2-3 >>
Included in the price: Alpujarra Trail Ride: 7 nights, 6 days riding, full board incl. wine with dinner. Alpujarra Mini Trail Ride: 4 nigths, 3 days riding full board incl. wine with dinner.
Not included. Flights, transfers, travel insurance, drinks and extras not mentioned.
No. of rider: The group size is a minimum of two riders and maximum of 10.
Travel: Book flight/rental car >> We help you book your flight if you wish.
Fly to Malaga,.
Transfer: Book in advance with HorseXplore and pay in cash on spot to the driver.
From airport to equestrian center, about 90 minutes by car.
Meeting time: Usually between 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Price: 90 EUR per way / car (max 4 people / car).
Bus: You can also take a bus from Malaga to Granada. For times see www.alsa.es. Transfer from Granada to the riding center takes about 45 minutes and costs about 45 EUR / car / one way. If you want you can continue with bus to Lanjaron.
Departure: Book a flight to go home after 11:00PM on the day of departure.
Single room: Can be booked with a supplement. For price click on ”Book on request” under Dates & prices. If you're willing to share rooms, you will not be charged a single supplement if you are allocated a single room.
Season: All year.
Arrival / departure:
Weekly program: Arrival on Saturdays afternoon in order to get dinner, departure the following Saturday after breakfast.
Weekend: Arrival on Thursdays afternoon in order to get dinner, departure Mondays after breakfast.
No riding on arrival and departure day.
You can choose another arrival and departure day, just mail us on info@horsexplore.se
Currency: EUR
Credit card: Not accepted by riding center.
Tipping: Clients often tip the guides at their own descretion. Normally between 20 euros and 50 euros.
Wifi: Free Wi-Fi at the accomodations except at the remote mountain cottages.