Mountain Horse Trek

Ride through pine forests and alpine meadows to wooded valleys and gorges as well as almond, olive and orange groves

This is an opportunity to experience the beautiful and diverse land of the Alpujarras, ranging from pine forests and alpine meadows to wooded valleys and gorges as well as almond, olive and orange groves. A chance not only to discover spectacular landscapes and inspiring scenery, but also to experience the culture of the area.

Example itinerary

Day 1:

You will transfer from Malaga or Granada airport (cost not included) to the tiny spa town of Lanjaron, ‘the gateway’ to Alpujarras.

Your accommodation for the night will be at the Alpujarra Guesthouse high in the mountains and close to the Ranch. These small mountain cottages have a swimming pool for use during the summer months. Dinner prepared by your host and cook, Emily, at the simple and beautiful local guesthouse.

Day 2:

Breakfast at the guesthouse and then you will be driven to the stables (with your luggage) to meet the horses and your guide.

Trekking out today to the impressive Rio del Guadalfeo. This river is born in the Sierra Nevada mountains from rain and snow melt above the town of Bercules and heads out to the mediterranean sea at Salobreña. The 71 km river can be torrential and fast flowing, but in the summer months the flow is slow and the horses enjoy a dip in the river.

Trekking out from the ranch you will be passing down through the tiny hippie village of Beneficio. This ‘village’ is a sustainable, ecological and self-managed village that was created back in 1992 on small private land between the towns of Órgiva and Cáñar, villages impregnated by the hippie movement.

You will ride on ancient mule paths following barrancos & the Rio Chico to the main river for a splash. Lunch on the hillside on the Southern slopes of Las Alpujarras with stunning views of Mount Lujar, part of the Contraviesa mountain range. A valley ride in the afternoon through Orange and Almond groves to Cortijo de la Cueva del Pescado above the Rules lake and dam. Evening meal and the night spent at Cortijo de la Cueva del Pescado.

Day 3:

Breakfast at Cortijo de la Cueva del Pescado.

Head out on the Ruta del Pescado mule track towards Lanjaron. Following the river gorge climbing high into the mountains on a 600 year old cobbled mule track through the chestnut forests to the waterfalls of El Tello. Lunch at high altitudes in walnut orchards and alpine meadows. A fast pace ride after lunch to take you the Tello ridgeroad mountain track. Dropping back down to the Ranch in the afternoon.

Evening meal and night spent in mountain cottages close to the Ranch (at the Alpujarra Guest House)

Day 4:

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

High mountain trek with plenty of canters on the logging tracks. Through scrubby oak forests to high mountain pastures of the Sierra Nevada. Trekking through the pine forests of Puente Palo (the bridge of the sticks) and through El Prado de las Liebres (the meadow of the hares). A picnic lunch to be enjoyed in the pine forest before returning to the Ranch via the Mirador de Cañar to the west.

Departure after the ride

You will be wished a fond farewell as you are transferred to either Malaga or Granada airport (cost not included).

Please note the itinerary may vary and be altered according to the abilities of the group, the weather or at the discretion of the guide.