Mesmerizing Horse Trail Ride Holiday in Andalusia, Spain

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.

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 and the Rio Chico to the main river for a plash. 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.

Breakfast at the Cortijo. Tacking up the horses and heading out on a day trek to Orgiva town. Órgiva is located in the southwestern part of the region of the Alpujarra Granadina, and is the capital town of the Alpujarras with nearly 6,000 residents. A pretty town with it´s two towered Church and cobbled main street. Plenty of time to look round the town for souvenirs and artisan products.

You will be riding past century old olives and through young olive plantations today. Returning to the Cortijo de la Cueva del Pescado late afternoon for a dip in the pool (when in season).

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).

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. Evening meal at the guesthouse.

Breakfast at the guesthouse. Today a trip to the white washed high village of Cañar to the East.  With a population of less than 300 residents, this tiny town with it´s pretty church of Santa Ana has only has one small supermarket and a few small bars.

Stopping at the bar for refreshments in the town before climbing high above into the Sierra Nevada National Park. This is a longer trek of at least 6 hours in the saddle. Transfer to the local town of Lanjaron. Evening meal (not included) in the local town. Chance to explore the town in the evening.

Lanjaron translates as "place of springs" in Arabic (Al-lancharon) and is a spa town famous for it's natural abundance of springs. With it´s old Moorish castle, a small medieval fortress constructed around the 12th-13th century it was dedicated mainly to surveillance, shelter and defence of the population. However, the current remains date back to the 14th century. The town is very lively with fiestas during the summer months and we can keep you informed of all the local fiestas.

Breakfast in the hotel. 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, and at the discretion of the guide.