Andalucian horses on trail ride in Sierra Nevada
Europe > Spain

High Peaks of Sierra Nevada

A horse riding holiday that takes you high into the spectacular mountains in southern Spain following some of the highest bridle paths at an altitude of 1,600 to 3,478 meters. Accessible only by horse or on foot, ride through some of the most spectacular, varied and demanding terrain in the Sierra Nevada mountains. After riding on this challenging route you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding peaks.
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Trail Riding
5 days / 3 days riding -
From £0
  • Horse and rider trail riding in Southern Spain
    A ride well spent! Breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada
  • Mountainous trail ride through Southern Spain
    Ride into the spectacular mountains of Southern Spain
  • Horseback trail ride across Southern Spain
    Discover the stunning scenery of Poqueira Valley
  • Trail ride through Spain on horseback
    Ride beautiful Andalusian horses through amazing countryside
  • Horses and riders trail riding across Spain
    Enjoy your ride through the valleys of Sierra Nevada
  • Horseback trail across the peaks of Sierra Nevada
    Let your horse guide you across beautiful mountainous paths
  • High Peaks of Sierra Nevada trail ride
    Cross tough terrain and be rewarded by a spectacular view
  • Trail ride across the High Peaks of Sierra Nevada
    Ride through charming villages in the heart of Sierra Nevada
  • Horse and rider on trail in Sierra Nevada
    Be amazed by the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks

Itinerary

Highlights

- Ride through valleys filled with mediterranean almond and walnut groves up to the cold deserted mountain tops
- Stunning views of the Sierra Nevada and the surrounding Sierra ranges
- Follow ancient Moorish drovers' paths, riding at some of the highest altitudes in Spain
- Stay in small charming family run hotels and guest houses
- Ride beautiful Andalusian horses through amazing countryside
- Picnic at the foot of Mulhacén, which at 3,478 m in altitude is the highest peak of the peninsula.
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  • Day 1 1: EUROPE - GRANADA - CAPILEIRA

    Fly to Granada (flight not included, but available on request) You will be met on arrival at the airport and introduced to your guide. Please note the pick-up is scheduled for 18:30 and you should try to arrive before that time, however we can also organise private transfers. It is also possible to fly to Malaga - please contact us.

    You will be transferred to Capileira (1436m), a typical white Andalusian village in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park. Dinner and accommodation this evening at the Finca Los Llanos. You can relax by the pool, if you wish.

  • Day 2 2: BUBION - TREVELEZ - 5 hrs riding

    Hotel La Fragua
    You will be transferred to the equestrian centre where you will meet the horses and start your ride into this mountainous region.

    A very exciting day awaits. You start riding up along bridle paths to the Barranco de la Sangre (Blood Ravine) riding through stunning scenery and enjoying the beautiful panorama of the Poqueira Valley in the Natural Park of the Sierra Nevada, declared Reserve of the Biosphere by UNESCO. The views over sierras Lújar, Contraviesa and Gádor are truly stunning, so don't forget to look up and take in the wonderful views that surround you every step of the way. Continue climbing to the track that leads your group to Trevélez with views of the villages of La Taha Valley before stopping for a relaxing picnic.

    There should be the opportunity to have a good gallop along a track as you come out of the wooded area. You will start to climb up again, giving you beautiful views from horseback of the Valle del Rio Trevélez, del Guadalfeo to the Mediterranean. On clear days, you can also see the African coast.

    Follow logging roads back down to the village of Trevelez. Trevelez is known for its hams and also for its altitude - it is the highest village in Spain (1,750 m altitude to the Barrio Alto). Dinner and overnight at the La Fragua.

    There will be opportunities to visit some ham smoking houses.

  • Day 3 3: TREVELEZ - SIETE LAGUNAS - TREVELEZ - 5 hrs 30 riding

    Hotel La Fragua
    After a hearty breakfast, you meet the horses again for the second day of your trip.

    Today, you will ride towards the snowy peaks of the National Park in the Sierra Nevadas, crossing the ravines where the melted ice water flows, until you reach the idyllic Siete Lagunas (3,200m). Stop for your picnic at the foot of Mulhacén, which at 3,478 m in altitude is the highest peak of the peninsula. After a short rest, you will start to descend back to Trevélez, where you will spend the night. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel La Fragua.

  • Day 4 4: TREVELEZ - BUBION - 5 hrs riding

    Hotel Finca Los Llanos
    Follow a path to the Ravine Bina, after which you climb the steep path to Sulayr . The rise allows you to discover a different view of the village and the valley of Trevélez . The climb takes you to La Loma del Jabalí to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Valley of the Rio Trevélez and Rio Guadalfeo Valley and the peaks of the Sierra Contraviesa . After a ride through the pine forests you get to Las Alcubillas for a picnic at 2,240m above sea level , the highest point of today's ride . Stunning views of the Sierra de Lujar , the peaks of the Sierra Contraviesa and the Mediterranean! Your ride ends by descending on logging roads along the valley of the Rio Poqueira and on to Bubion .
    Farewell dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the Finca Los Llanos.

  • Day 5 6: BUBION - GRANADA - EUROPE

    After breakfast, transfer to Granada for your flight back home.

Dates & prices

Price details

No departure for this destination. Please contact our travel advisers for more information.
- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

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

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 2 riders and a maximum of 7 international riders, plus guides.

- There is a supplement to request a single room of approx. €120/£105/$125. If you are willing to share, but end up in a single room, you have to pay a single supplement of approx. €90/£80/$90 on location.

- Children are welcome 8 years of age, accompanied by their parents, as long as they are competent riders

- Transfer information:
> Granada: Transfers are organised at set times from Granada (at 6:30 pm) and are €60/£55 per person each way (based on two riders minimum and payable locally). Transfer for a single rider: €135/£115 each way.
If you arrive in Granada after 6:30 pm, a taxi will be pre-booked and will be payable locally
> Malaga: It is possible to organise a transfer from Malaga at an extra cost, but please note there is an excellent bus service between Malaga and Granada: http://www.alsa.es/compra-y-horarios. There is also a good high speed train between Madrid and Malaga. Transfers from/to Malaga at set times (at 4.30 pm): €90/£80 per person, per journey, based on two riders sharing (payable locally). Transfer for a single rider: €200/£175 each way.
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

Logistic

1 assistant from 8/10 riders
1 support vehicle

Accommodation

Double or twin room in hotel standard 2/3*

Meals

Full board from first diner to last breakfast

Extra equipment

First aid kit

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverage and personal extra
Meals before or after the ride on the first and last day, depending on your flights' schedule.

Transports

International flights

Extra

Tips to local team

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurances are not included. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend to take out an insurance policy as soon as your travel is booked in case of cancellation.

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement

Transport

Airport transfers (see above)
We are currently updating our dates and prices they will be online soon. If you want details of this holiday, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Equestrian info

Horses

A good selection of horses to suit different riding levels and great care is taken in the selection of horses according to the riding abilities and preferences of each individual. The horses are Andalucian and Andalucian cross Arabs. They are balanced, accustomed to the terrain, forward going and sure footed. Horses are ridden in comfortable English saddles.



Guide & local team

Rafael, a local from Madrid, is a graduate in political sciences. At the age of 22, he decides to settle in a small village at the heart of the Sierra Nevada National Park, where he starts his equestrian venture. A way of life that allows him to combine his passions: horses, the great outdoors, good music and good food!

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

These rides are suitable for competent riders. You should be able to control a horse outside at all paces and over varied terrain. You should be able to mount and dismount without assistance.

Pace

There are plenty of opportunities to trot and canter, but the terrain in the heart of the mountains dictates when we can do this.

Tacking ability and participation

You will tack and untack your horse and assist with feeding and watering if you would like.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You will need to be reasonably fit as you will be required to lead your horse on some of the steep descents, and will need to be comfortable walking on rough ground.Be prepared for changing weather due to the altitude.

Previous trail riding experience over several days is an advantage, but is not required. If you do not ride regularly you should ride as much as possible before the ride.

Equestrian equipment

Comfortable trail riding saddles.
Saddlebags.

Helmets are compulsory. 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

Stay in comfortable small hotels and boutique hotels, where you can enjoy amazing scenery. Take a dip in the swimming pool with panoramic views at Finca Los Llanos where you stay at the beginning and the end of the trail. All rooms are twin bedded and have an ensuite facilities.

Meals

Meals consist of local food and drinks.

Climate

Sierra Nevada has a mediterranean climate, due to the location's high elevation. Temperatures in the summer can reach 25°C with low precipitations.

Tips

It is customary to leave a tip, usually around 10% of the bill - although this is often already. You may wish to leave a tip with the guide who can split it amongst all members of the team - this is not obligatory and is entirely at your discretion.

Packing list

Head
- A riding helmet is compulsory and we recommend 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.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - 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
- Warm hat for cold evenings/days

Upper body
- Thermals in case of cold weather
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun or extra warmth
- Down jacket or gilet for cold evenings
- T-shirts
- Swimsuit and towel - for swimming/bathing may come in useful!
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent (plus a spare in case one gets wet)
- Waterproof jacket - rain can be difficult to predict and it's better to be prepared. In the mountains the weather can change quickly

Legs
- 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
- Waterproof over trousers
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- Thermal trousers for cold days or for sleeping in
- A swimming costume may be useful for impromptu dips in the lake and washing in the river
- Non-irritant cotton or synthetic underwear

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Sandals/flipflops
- Several pairs of warm socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Nightwear
- Pyjamas or tracksuits for sleeping in

Other useful items
- Water bottle (1.5 litres or 2 equivalent)
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Toiletries
- Ear plugs (may be useful)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery

Medical kit
Make sure any allergies (to medication or otherwise) and clearly stated in your medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Painkillers
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhea medication
- Vitamin C tablets
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Eye drops
- Hydrating/ soothing cream
- Plasters
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..
- 10cm wide bandage
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

General information
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- In your hand luggage carry any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

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.