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We traverse an unique
mountain range with tall cliffs and lonesome
valleys with the occasional golden eagle in the
sky. On stony paths you will explore the Ronda
plateau and then descend on the western slope of
the `Serrania De Ronda´ (Ronda mountain range)
towards the agricultural plains between Arcos de
la Frontera and Villamartín. We ride through the
nature preserve of Grazalema, known throughout
the world for its 200 different bird species,
and reach the El Gastor´s reservoir. Here we
will take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of
the Lake of Jimena. All along we are astonished
by the agility and performance of Andalusian
horses.
PG-ANTW
Rates include 7 nights
accommodations in hotels and country inns, all
meals, 6 riding days
8 days/ 7 nights $
1,545
Single: +$245
-- based on
€ 1,075 /
€160
2008 Dates:
03/15-03/22 03/29-04/05
05/17-05/24
06/28-07/05 09/20-09/27
10/11-10/18
Meeting:
Figuerola
Airport: Malaga
Transfer:
included
Level:
Low intermediate+
Tack:
Very
comfortable Spanish saddles give you a firm seat
- a simpler version of the western riding. We
only ride at a walk or canter (no trot).
Horses:
Andalusian cross
Pace :
Moderate with canters
Min/Max Riders:
4-12
Note: Single fee waived if willing to share
Non rider
$725 (€
495)
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Málaga and transfer to Rancho
La Paz. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Transfer to the coast (approx. 1
hour) and start of the trip from Casarabonela to
El Burgo. Today we are riding on various paths,
partly on cattle trails, meandering through the
pine woods between Sierra de Alcaparan and
Sierra de las Aguas. You will have an amazing
view across green valleys, never-ending mountain
ranges and scattered solitary villages, which
can be seen beyond Málaga to the Sierra Nevada.
After a picnic that our support vehicle has set
up, we continue towards the picturesque mountain
village of El Burgo. Dinner and lodging in
Casarabonela.
Day 3: From El Burgo to Ronda.
The direct way leads us through a lonesome
countryside. You will probably meet only a few
people, in most of the cases shepherds. Our
support vehicle can´t follow us up to the
mountains, hence we take a snack from the
saddlebags, being surrounded by holms, mimosas
and chestnut trees. We continue riding towards
Ronda, where we will arrive in the early
afternoon. After circling around the plateau of
Ronda, we arrive at the stables, enjoying a last
view at the town and its prominent bridge. Less
than 60 ft. from the famous bullfighting arena,
incidentally one of the oldest in Spain, we have
found a typical cozy hotel for you. Dinner and
lodgings in Ronda.
Day 4: From Ronda, one of the best known
towns in the heart of Andalusia, we move on to a
relatively unknown part of the Andalusian
countryside. Our surefooted Andalusians carry
you through a landscape in constant change
between cliffy mountains, olive groves and green
plains. In the nature preserve of Grazalema we
ride along ridges, still offering you
opportunities for gallops, towards the white
mountain village of Grazalema. As always there
is a comfortable lodge awaiting you. We have
dinner in a cozy restaurant.
Day 5: We circle around the village,
having a singular view upon the Tajo Canyon. We
ride in north-western direction on goat trails
along little beaks and mountain pastures and
have our picnic, awaiting us at the support
vehicle. Winding paths lead us to Zahara de las
Sierras, a small town at he edge of a huge,
lucent reservoir. On the way we enjoy
ever-lasting panoramic views until we reach the
historical-artist town of Zahara. We still have
plenty of time for a swim at a little lake next
to the stables. Before dinner we recommend an
evening walk through the town with its original
Arabic architecture. Dinner and lodging at a
hotel in Zahara.
Day 6: Starting from Zahara, we enter the
nature preserve of Benamahona. The path descends
in long serpentines through cork tree woods. Not
only the game is protected here, but also the
dense and old oak forests, that in summer offer
you a pleasant shade. The access by car is
forbidden, so you have to carry your lunch in
the saddlebags. We stay overnight at a hotel in
El Bosque.
Day 7: Having reached the plain of El
Bosque, we follow the old cattle trails, passing
by small cottages, which can be found throughout
the country. Now we have plenty of opportunities
for long canters. We travel along `Fincas´ with
their typical red cows. As horses are part of
the rural life, it is pretty common to let them
drink out of the wells. Villamartín is a town,
which is located in a fertile area, that
provides food for large parts of Andalusia. It
also offers water from its big reservoirs for
the water-thirsting area. Depending on the
season we look upon floral meadows and
cornfields in spring or lustrous lakes in
autumn. We return to Rancho La Paz to have
dinner and stay overnight.
Day 8: Departure.
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