Alpujarra Horse Trek

You will follow old Moorish mule paths and valleys where the horse, mule and oxen still pull the plough and harvest the land. Each day of the ride you will pass through different terrain; from beautiful mountain pastures to pine forests, almond and olive groves. Here is an opportunity not only to discover spectacular landscapes and inspiring scenery but also to experience a culture where tradition remains very much part of everyday life.

There are plenty of opportunities to canter or gallop, but occasionally, you will have to lead your horse downhill when the terrain is steep.

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 Las Alpujarras.

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

Day 2:

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

You will trek 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 pass 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, which have also been impregnated by the hippie movement! You will ride on ancient mule paths following barrancos and the Rio Chico to the main Rio del Guadalfeo for a splash with the horses!

Lunch on the hillside on the southern slopes of Las Alpujarras with stunning views of Mount Lujar, part of the Contraviesa mountain range. The afternoon will have you enjoying a valley ride through Orange and Almond groves to your night stop at Cortijo de la Cueva del Pescado above the Rules Lake and dam. An evening meal and the night spent at the luxurious Cortijo de la Cueva.

Day 3:

You will breakfast at the Cortijo de la Cueva del Pescado, after which you will tack up the horses and head out on a day trek to the town of Orgiva. 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. It is a pretty town with its twin-towered Church and cobbled main street. You will have plenty of time to look around the town for souvenirs and artisan products.

Following your visit to Orgiva you will ride back to the Cortijo de la Cueva del Pescado, past century-old olives groves and through younger olive plantations arriving late afternoon for a dip in the pool (when in season). You will receive an evening meal supplied by your host and hostess.

Day 4:

Again you will breakfast at Cortijo de la Cueva, following which you will head out on the Ruta del Pescado mule track towards Lanjaron, after which you will follow the Rio Lanjaron 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 will be enjoyed at high altitude amongst walnut orchards and alpine meadows.

A fast pace ride after lunch takes you to the Tello ridge road mountain track, and from here you will drop back down to the Ranch in the afternoon. Your evening meal and night will be spent in mountain cottages close to the Ranch (at the Alpujarra Guest House)

Day 5:

You will breakfast at the guesthouse, following which you will be transferred to the ranch to collect your horses from where you will trek high into the mountains with plenty of opportunities for canters on the pine forest logging tracks. Your trek will take you through scrubby oak forests to the high mountain pastures of the Sierra Nevada.

Continuing you will trek through the pine forests of Puente Palo (the bridge of the sticks) and then through El Prado de las Liebres (the meadow of the hares). A picnic lunch can be enjoyed in the pine forest before returning to the Ranch via the Mirador de Cañar to the west. You will be transferred to the Alpujarra Guest House where you will again stay and receive your evening meal.

Day 6:

Following your breakfast, at the guesthouse, you will need to collect and pack your belongings which will be transferred with you to the ranch where they will be stored for the day.

Today’s trek will be a longer trek with at least 6 hours in the saddle. You will first trek to the white-washed high village of Cañar to the East. With a population of fewer than 300 residents, this tiny town with its pretty church of Santa Ana has only one small supermarket and a few small bars.

Stopping at one of these bars for refreshments in the town before climbing high into the Sierra Nevada National Park where you will experience spectacular scenery and views southwards to the Mediterranean coast and (on a clear day) the Atlas mountains of Africa. Upon returning to the ranch you will collect your belongings and be transferred to the local town of Lanjaron where you will have a chance to explore the town and find a restaurant for your evening meal (cost not included) in the local town.

Lanjaron translates as “place of springs” in Arabic (Al-lancharon) It is a spa town famous for its natural abundance of springs. With its old Moorish castle, constructed on the site of a small medieval fortress originally built 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 that might be occurring during your visit.

There is also a chance to book in at the local spa for spa treatments and massages after your shorter trekking day tomorrow.

Day 7:

Breakfast at Farmhouse/Hotel, Lanjaron

You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the ranch where you will have a shorter morning ride today. You will initially head past goat farms and beehives, riding through the region known as El Pecho, towards the trail of the mud huts.

Following this, you will make a steep climb on the ancient mule paths on the west side of the Lanjaron river valley before dropping down and back to the ranch.

You will then be transferred back to your hotel in the town of Lanjaron for your evening meal (price not included) for a swim in the pool and a chance to look around the local town of Lanjaron. Perfect time to indulge in a spa and a massage!

Day 8:

After your breakfast in the hotel, we wish you a fond farewell and you will be collected and transferred to either Malaga or Granada airport (cost not included) where we trust you have a safe and uneventful flight and have the opportunity to reminisce on the past 8 days.

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.