Riders cantering across a field of flowers in bloom

Puszta Plains Trail

Discover the flat plains of Puszta on this riding holiday in Hungary. The flower-filled meadows of the Puszta plains are perfect for fast riding and nature lovers, with a multitude of birds accompanying your journeys. Horses here are part of the local culture and you can marvel at the skill of the local horsemen.
Book now Print the details for this ride
Trail Riding
8 days / 6 days riding
From £1,365

From the horse’s mouth

  • Puszta Plains Trail
    June 2023 Edel aged 43
    The horse were nice and well cared for. Some of them came from difficult pasts so it's nice to see them enjoying their new life.
  • Puszta Plains Trail
    October 2021 Richard aged 56
    Maja's Farm is well and truly out in the countryside. There are thousands of acres of woodland and Puszta plains trails to ride and the ground is almost entirely of a sandy substrate - it is rare that one crosses a road. The horses are all well-kept, sure-footed and capable and Maja has a good variety of sizes, to... Read all
  • Puszta Plains Trail
    August 2021 Gitte aged 57
    We are experienced riders and therefore we wanted a riding holiday with good horses and long canters. We would never go on an ordinary tourist tour with beginners in a long line. Maja and her horses fullfilled our dreams and in addition we saw the beautiful nature and some of the local life in the countryside. Maja... Read all
  • Puszta Plains Trail
    April 2018 CAROLIN aged 40
    A few days back from the Hungarian Puszta trail and I really recommend it (it was my 5th trail). Maya's horses are adorable! Beautiful, happy, well-balanced and fast horses that listen and react really well to your voice (and a lot better to Maya’s ☺) and are in the perfect condition for a week in the Puszta plains’... Read all
  • Riders ready for a trail ride in Hungary
    Getting ready for your trail ride!
  • Horse and rider on a riding holiday in Hungary
    The horses are a mixture of Hungarian warmbloods, sport horses, Furioso and Kisberi.
  • Group of riders cantering across the Puszta Plains
    Enjoy fast canters across the Puszta Plains
  • Long canters on a trail riding holiday in Hungary
    Unforgettable long canters!
  • Riders on a riding holiday in Hungary, Europe
    You stay at your guide Maja's farm, but also in beautiful charming hotels
  • Riders cantering across a field of flowers in bloom
    Spring is a popular time on the Puszta Plains Trail
  • Trail riding across the Puszta Plains in Hungary
    The flat terrain is ideal for a trail ride
  • Group of riders on the Puszta Plains Trail
    Trail riding in Hungary
  • An active trail riding holiday in Hungary
    This is an active trail ride: you need to be fit and in good physical condition.
  • Magyar riders, Puszta Plains trail
    Admire the local Magyar riders at work

Itinerary

Highlights

- Unforgettable long canters across the Puszta Plains.
- Comfortable accommodation (including sauna and jacuzzi)
- Warm Hungarian hospitality
- Visit Kiskunsági national park, a UNESCO world heritage site.
- Pass traditional farms and admire the local Magyar riders at work
- Hungarian food and wine
  • Day 1 1: FLY TO BUDAPEST - PUSZTA - No riding

    Maya's Farm
    Flights to Budapest are not included. You should arrive between 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm if possible.

    You will be transferred from the airport to the farm (about 1h) drive. Transfers to/from the airport are included, but you may require a private transfer if you arrive late. At the farm you will be met by your guide who will show you around and talk to you about your ability and horse preferences.

    Dinner and night at the farm.
  • Day 2 2: RIDING ON THE FARM - 2-2.5 hours riding

    Maya's Farm
    After breakfast you will be introduced to your horse before setting of for an introductory ride of couple of hour to another farm and return. This is your first chance to glimpse your beautiful surroundings. You will have lunch and then the afternoon is free to relax or explore the farm.

    Dinner and overnight at the farm.
  • Day 3 3 : FARM - PUSZTA PLAINS - 4 hours riding

    After breakfast, riding for two hours across the plains until reaching a charming traditional farmhouse where you stop for lunch. The farm animals will roam freely around you!
    In the afternoon continue riding until reaching your accommodation for the night.
  • Day 4 4: PUSZTA PLAINS - 5 hours riding

    Sarlopuszta hotel
    Today is your longest day of riding as you spend almost 5 hours in the saddle. Cross the pristine landscape of the national park - vast meadows, sandy hills and forests where you may spot wild boar, birds of prey, rabbits and deer, Your lunch is taken by the famous sand dunes.

    Dinner and overnight at a hotel in the plains, where you stay for two nights.
  • Day 5 5: PUSZTA PLAINS - 2.5 hours riding

    Sarlopuszta hotel
    In the morning you ride for two hours to discover the beautiful countryside surrounding the hotel - including sand dunes!

    In the afternoon you can make use of some of the hotels luxurious facilities - outdoor pool, sauna, hot tub etc.
  • Day 6 6: PUSZTA PLAINS - 4-5 hours riding

    Maya's Farm
    Today you ride back to the farm and the pace increases as you cross terrain which is ideal for longer canters! Stop for lunch en-route at the Red Castle (or picnic lunch if the weather allows) before continuing on to Maja's farm where you'll spend the night.
  • Day 7 7: RIDING ON THE FARM - 3 hours riding

    Maya's Farm
    Set out riding across the untouched nature of the Puszta. Lunch will be taken during the day before returning to the farm in the afternoon for dinner.

    If you prefer then you can be transferred to Budapest in the afternoon to spend a night there - dinner will be to your own account and we will book you a night at a hotel in town.
  • Day 8 8: BUDAPEST - DEPARTURE - No riding

    After breakfast you are transferred back to Budapest for your flight home (departure from the farm between 7:30 am and 11:00 am).

    If your flight is late in the day then you can be dropped in the city and explore for the afternoon. A taxi to the airport will cost c. 20 euro

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights to your destination are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates. 

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a double or twin room.  

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 3 international riders and a maximum of 6 riders, plus guides.

- Please note: the ride will also confirm for 2 riders on payment of a supplement of c. €250/£220/$295 per person. Once the group has reached 3 people, we will remove this supplement from your invoice and refund you if you have already paid it.

- Transfers to and from Budapest airport are not included and have an extra cost of €60 per person, return rate (paid locally). The times for arrival/pick-up should be between 2:00-6:00 pm and for departure 7.30-11 am. If your flights don't match this schedule, a private transfer can be arranged for around €100/£90/$110 per car, each way. Transfers to/from the city centre are possible on request.

- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room, you will be charged a single room supplement of approx. €140/£120/$155. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date. 

- Non-riders are welcome and benefit from a €450/£400 discount.

- Accompanied children 12 years and older are welcome

- You can choose to spend the last night of the trip in Budapest for a supplement (around €30/£25 per person). Please contact us.

- Private dates can be arranged for groups of 4-6 riders.

- Rider weight limit: 85 kg/187 lbs/13.3 st. Riders over 85 kg can sometimes be accommodated on request. They must be excellent riders with a light seat. (please contact us before booking)
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 support vehicle
1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle

Accommodation

Double room in local guesthouses

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8
Mineral water and hot drinks at breakfast

Extras

Use of the sauna at Maja's farm (two sessions of 1.5 hours)

Price doesn't include

Meals

Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and personal extras

Transport

Airport transfers
International flights can be booked upon request

Extras

Tips to the local team
Small group supplement. See above for price details

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    06/04/2024 13/04/2024 £1,365 €1,570 $1,693
    Full
    20/04/2024 27/04/2024 £1,365 €1,570 $1,693
    Guaranteed departure
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    18/05/2024 25/05/2024 £1,365 €1,570 $1,693
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    15/06/2024 22/06/2024 £1,365 €1,570 $1,693
    Guaranteed departure
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    13/07/2024 20/07/2024 £1,365 €1,570 $1,693
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    14/09/2024 21/09/2024 £1,365 €1,570 $1,693
    Full
    21/09/2024 28/09/2024 £1,365 €1,570 $1,693
    Guaranteed departure
    Book now
    12/10/2024 19/10/2024 £1,365 €1,570 $1,693
    Open
    Book now
    19/10/2024 26/10/2024 £1,365 €1,570 $1,693
    Open
    Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

The horses are a mixture of Hungarian warmbloods, sport horses, Furioso (from English Thoroughbreds) and Kisberi. They are very forward going, balanced and well trained. They are all in great condition and have very healthy, hard hooves, allowing them to be ridden barefoot.

Guide & local team

Your guide, Maja, is from Budapest and speaks good English. She left the formality of riding schools in the city for the wide open landscapes of the plains for unbridled gallops!

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You must be a competent rider, capable of cantering and galloping in balance across open terrain in a group whilst maintaining full control of your horse.

- Rider weight limit: 85 kg/187 lbs/13.3 st. Riders over 85 kg can sometimes be accommodated on request. They must be excellent riders with a light seat. (please contact us before booking)

Pace

There are lots of opportunities for longer trots/canters and gallops across the open plains where the going is a mixture of sandy tracks and grassy meadows. There can be some long periods of canter.

Tacking ability and participation

Guests can help groom and tack, although this is not expected. You can also assist with feeding and watering if you wish.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You will cover 160 - 180km over the week and some of the days are long, so you need to be fit and in good physical condition.
Previous experience of a trail ride lasting several days is an advantage but not essential.

Equestrian equipment

English tack only.
Saddlebags and seat savers are not provided.

We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit

Travel info

Comfort

4 nights at the farm of your guide, which is comfortable but basic. They have recently added a sauna and jacuzzi which can be used on request (two sessions of 1.5 hours are included). There is WiFi in the main areas but not in the rooms.

3 nights in hotels or local guesthouses.

Meals

You eat traditional local Hungarian fare. Lunches and dinners are taken at small restaurants along the way or at your hotels.

Water is included throughout. Extra drinks and beverages are not included but can be purchased locally.

Climate

The southern plains have a continental climate with strong differences between the harsh winters and hot, dry summers. It can be humid in May/June with thunderstorms. Maximum temperatures are around 26c in summer and 1c in winter, although it can reach 30c in July/August.

Tips

It is customary to tip 10% in restaurants and to taxi drivers.

Packing list

Head
- Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. There are many lightweight options available nowadays.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana

Upper body
- Thermals (long or short sleeved)
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and add an extra layer
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm fleece or jumper (and a spare in case one gets wet)
- Warm and waterproof jacket - it can rain at any time of year and the evenings can be particularly cold

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Thermals
- Casual trousers for the evenings, such as jeans or tracksuit bottoms
- Waterproof over trousers

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps.
- Trainers or equivalent light shoes for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, cold or rain whilst riding. Waterproof gloves can be particularly useful

Nightwear
- Pyjamas

Other useful items
- A soothing cream to alleviate any areas irritated by long days spent in the saddle
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Water bottle
- Swiss army knife (or equivalent)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)

Medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

Miscellaneous
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- 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!

In your hold luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic Ziplock bag. We recommend biodegradable washing products where possible.

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Did you know?

On this riding holiday, you will be riding in the beautiful region of Hortobágy. The Pustza plains are home to many small farms and villages, and are a major producer of wheat, corn, and other crops. In recent years, the region has also become a popular destination for eco-tourism, with many visitors aiming to enjoy the beautiful countryside and abundant wildlife.

Despite the growth of tourism, the Puszta plains remain an important agricultural area, and continue to be a vital part of Hungary's rural economy.

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • Edel aged 43 Westport 1 trip
    June 2023
    The horse were nice and well cared for. Some of them came from difficult pasts so it's nice to see them enjoying their new life.
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • CAYCEE ANN aged 39 PRAGUE 1 trip
    September 2022
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Richard aged 56 HINDHEAD 1 trip
    October 2021
    Maja's Farm is well and truly out in the countryside. There are thousands of acres of woodland and Puszta plains trails to ride and the ground is almost entirely of a sandy substrate - it is rare that one crosses a road. The horses are all well-kept, sure-footed and capable and Maja has a good variety of sizes, to... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Gitte aged 57 Nibe 1 trip
    August 2021
    We are experienced riders and therefore we wanted a riding holiday with good horses and long canters. We would never go on an ordinary tourist tour with beginners in a long line. Maja and her horses fullfilled our dreams and in addition we saw the beautiful nature and some of the local life in the countryside. Maja... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide

    Equus Journeys' reply

    Dear Gitte, thank you for your review and comments - we will take them into account for the future :) All the best, Iris

  • CAROLIN aged 40 Paris 3 trips
    April 2018
    A few days back from the Hungarian Puszta trail and I really recommend it (it was my 5th trail). Maya's horses are adorable! Beautiful, happy, well-balanced and fast horses that listen and react really well to your voice (and a lot better to Maya’s ☺) and are in the perfect condition for a week in the Puszta plains’... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide