Comfort
Most of the nights are spent camping out: 5 nights in a 2-person tent with mattress and sleeping bag provided. Other nights are spent in standard rooms in hotels or ecolodges.
Single tents can be provided at an extra cost.
Meals
You will start your day with a breakfast of teas/coffee and local produce.
A picnic lunch consisting of a freshly made assortment of foods. Days 6 and 8 you will be dining at a restaurant where you can try the local fish.
After a full day in the saddle, you will be greeted by a lit campfire and a delicious local delicacy.
Water is provided during hikes and meals. If you wish to treat yourself to a glass of alcohol, you must inform your guide at the beginning of the trip so they can purchase it before the ride begins (any alcohol or supplementary drinks will be charged at your expense).
Climate
The weather in Uruguay is variable, but you can usually expect warm spring like temperatures with some rainfall. Although you might get some cooler days, particularly in the morning and at night, the average temperature in winter is usually between 10° and 16° C (June to September) whilst the summer time you can expect a lovely hot day with temperatures ranging from 21° to 28° C.
Tips
Whilst tipping rests entirely at your discretion, it is customary to leave a tip of around 10% if you are happy with your experience.
Packing list
PACKING LIST
You are welcome to bring a normal-sized piece of luggage on this ride, but please a smaller bag to carry your belongings for the camping section of the trip. For the camping, we kindly ask you to bring just one bag per rider, and to keep your bag as compact and lightweight as possible, as there is limited space in the support vehicle.
Head
- A riding helmet is recommended and we ask that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. Helmet makers (GPA, HKM, LAS Helmets, Lamicell, Troxel, Equithème) now offer horse-riding helmets that are ventilated, strong, light and comfortable. You also have the option of buying protective shells to go under your hats (Ranch & Rider, Lexington Safety Products) or western hat helmets (Troxel).
- Sunhat (with a chinstrap).
- Sunglasses with high protection lenses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding.
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun, wind or rain.
Upper body - please bring layers so that you're prepared for cold and warm weather in the same day. There may also be rainy days, muddy and/or hot days, so it recommended you bring dry clothes to change into in the evening.
- Thermal underwear (optional).
- T-shirts in cotton and long-sleeved shirts (to protect against the sun) or tops made from rapid-dry material.
- 1 lightweight fleece or jumper.
- 1 lightweight waterproof jacket / raincoat (needs to be able to fit inside the saddle bags).
- For the evenings, additional extra-warm clothes and a warm jacket.
Legs
- Non-irritant cotton or synthetic underwear.
- 2 pairs of lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub.
- Non-riding trousers or jeans for the evenings.
Hands and feet
- 1 pair of comfortable riding or walking boots. We recommend short boots with half-chaps specifically for riding. We don't recommend taking your favourite leather boots in case they get damaged.
- 1 pair of lightweight and comfortable shoes or trainers for the evenings.
- Several pairs of warm socks.
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding.
Other important items
- A towel (it is possible to borrow a towel if you'd prefer, please let us know).
- Sandals/flip-flops for the shower.
- 1 water bottle (max 1 litre) - you will refill this each day.
- Headlamp / small torch - we recommend you bring spare batteries/bulbs.
- A power bank to charge phones and cameras (during camping nights there is no electricity).
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap etc).
- Pyjamas.
- Sleeping bag (optional and available to borrow if you'd prefer, please let us know).
Optional useful items
- Swimming costume.
- Protein or cereal bars for the longer stretches of riding.
- Toilet paper and a lighter to burn it after use.
- Swiss army knife or equivalent (in checked luggage!!)
- Small plastic bags for your rubbish.
- Ear plugs and eye mask.
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery.
- A pair of binoculars.
Medical kit
Important: Please make sure any allergies (to medication or otherwise) are clearly stated in your medical kit.
- Any medication you regularly take.
- Painkillers.
- Anti-diarrhoea medication.
- Re-hydration sachets.
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor.
- Insect repellent.
- Eye drops.
- Plasters.
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs.
- Antiseptic cream.
- Anti-histamines, insect-bite salve etc..
- 10cm wide bandage.
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses.
- Antiseptic wipes.
- Handwash gel.
- Vitamin C tablets.
- A soothing cream may be useful to treat areas irritated by long hours in the saddle.
The following equipment will be provided to you for camping:
- 1x tent.
- 1x inflatable mattress.
Recommendations:
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals.
- Carry any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant over 100 ml in your hold luggage.
- Carry any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc. in your hand luggage.
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. However, you will be given saddle bags to carry small items with you during the day.
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- If you wish to travel 'light' and wash your clothes throughout the ride, please bring with you laundry detergent that is biodegradable.
