Price
2026
7 nights – $4,330 per person, sharing
Dates & Prices
BRAZIL
The Coconut Trail
Overview
Brazil is all about tropical heat and amazing nature. But when we’re talking about beautiful beaches, the northeast part of Brazil comes into it’s own and this is where where Paul, your riding guide, is taking you to. You will canter the endless beaches still untouched by tourists in the Northeastern State of Alagoas.
From day one, you will understand why the ride is called The Coconut Trail Ride. Alagoas is in the greatest producer of coconuts in the country and from your own saddle, you will drink fresh coconut water and discover some of the most beautiful tropical places in the world. Big dunes, large canters, stunning beaches, typical fishing villages, Caipirinha cocktails and a lot of fun in the sun!
The itinerary leads you to the coloured sea cliffs, the crossing of rivers, climb huge sand dunes, pass mangrove swamps, ride through the Atlantic rain forest and along miles of pristine deserted beaches, lined with coconut trees. On average you will be riding about 4 hours a day – morning rides – and arrive each day around noon at the next beachfront pousada (Brazilian style comfortable accommodation) or beach house where you will be welcomed with the national drink; the Caipirinha.
The afternoons are filled with fun in the sun. A swim in the warm body temperature waters of the Atlantic Ocean, an ice-cold beer at a barraca, (Brazilian beach bar), a stroll in a fishing village or simply relaxing and reading a book at the swimming pool of your pousada.
A bit about Paul Codeny, your ride leader
Paul Coudenys, originally born in Belgium, at the age of 21, travelled backpacking around the globe. Three years later and with a luggage full of travel and riding experiences he returned to Belgium. During his long journey, he worked as a blacksmith shoeing horses at the polo club in Singapore and cowboy at a cattle station in Australia, then became a gaucho in South America and as a rider in too many other places and countries to mention.
In 1996 he founded “Hippo-Trek” and became one of the pioneers of worldwide riding holidays in Europe. Paul rode horses in 53 different countries and is in our opinion one of the most experienced trail riders in the world. Loving the great horse culture and hospitality in Latin America Paul decided to move to Brazil in 2010. He lives in the southern state of Santa Catarina, home of the South American gaucho (cowboy).
After years of experience in organising and guiding equestrian holidays and riding expeditions around the world, he now concentrates on trail rides and equestrian tourism in Latin America. He speaks 6 languages, loves life, is a very social person and knows like no other how to take you on a ride on the wild side!
Zara’s Planet is excited to work with Paul and having ridden with him ourselves, we can’t think of a better guide in South America to entrust our clients.
Location
Alagoas, North Eastern Brazil
Airport
Maceió (MCZ), Brazil
Duration
7 nights
When to go
October - February
Riding level
Intermediate to Advanced
Weight
100 kg / 15.7 stone / 220 lbs
Group size
7-14
Accommodation
Hotels and authentic guesthouses
Included
All riding, drinks, full board from breakfast on day 2 till lunch on day 9. Transfer on day 9 back to Maceio and the airport.
Extras
Single supplement – We cannot guarantee but please do ask, depending on group numbers we may be able to at an additional cost of $600.
$33 sales booking tax per person.
Excluded
Flights, transfer on day 1 from the airport of Maceió to the hotel in Maceio, dinner on day 7, personal expenses, tips and booking sales tax of $33 per person.
Price guarantee
All our riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book with us and will refund the difference should you find the same riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
Exchange rate
Rates are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations, please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Transfers
On arrival at Maceió (MCZ) Airport, you take a taxi to the hotel 20km, or a bus which takes you within 2km of the hotel.
Departure dates
2026
8 - 15 October
5 - 12 December
Riding & Itinerary
Horses – The Mangalarga Marchador is a horse breed native to Brazil. It’s an Iberian breed descended from Portuguese Lusitano stallions and Barb mares, they are valued for their beauty, intelligence, disposition and smooth gaits. Mangalarga Marchadors have four gaits: walk, canter and two natural, ambling gaits—the diagonal batida and the lateral picada. They are noted for their endurance and versatility. They stand on average 15 hands high.
Itinerary 9 days / 8 nights / 7 days riding
Day 1
Late afternoon meet and greet at the hotel in Maceió to brief the riding group about the coming days. Dinner and overnight at a comfortable hotel in Maceió.
Day 2
Expected distance – 7 km – Time in the saddle – 2 hours
Beaches
Cliffs
Boat ride
Swimming in the river and sea
Lunch at Jequiá (Dunes of Marapé)
After a delicious breakfast, we leave early to meet the horses at the paradisiacal beach of Jequiá. We will choose horses and take off for the ride. We start out on one of the deserted beaches, dotted with cliffs of multicoloured sands and coconut trees. Our destination today is breathtaking. The Marapé Dunes lye between the river and the sea. In the middle of preserved mangroves, we will leave the horses and head off on a boat trip along the mangroves, we take a refreshing dip in the river and the sea. The sunset here is stunning.
Overnight at Pousada – Dunes de Marapé.
Day 3
Estimated distance – 12 km – Time in the saddle – 3 hours
Beaches
Cliffs
Reefs
Coconut trees
Swimming in the sea
Lunch at Pontal do Coruripe
We will wake up and have an incredible view out to the natural beauty of this place. Our horses are saddled and ready to take us out on another day full of beautiful scenery and pristine nature. We will ride along deserted beaches, lined with coconut trees and appreciate the lush vegetation of the Atlantic forest. Barrier reefs are visible from the saddle. Our destination is the Pontal do Coruripe beach with its omnipresent lighthouse. The warm sea water is just perfect for a swim. Late lunch and overnight stay at Pousada – Pontal do Coruripe.
Day 4
Estimated distance – 25 km- Time in the saddle – 5 hours
Beaches
Coruripe River Mouth
River crossing
Shipwreck
We will head South on the beach towards Feliz Deserto. Feliz Deserto means Happy Desert to spend 2 Happy Nights at Feliz Deserto. Shortly after taking the trail to the sea, we will find the mouth of the river Coruripe that gives name to the location. Ready for some adventure? We will cross the river with the horses. Soon after the river crossing we will stop to refresh ourselves in the sea and meet our back up team waiting for us with coconut water and tropical fruits. We continue along deserted beaches – here and there we will ride past local fishermen at work. Just before we reach our overnight spot, we reach the Swiss Cargo schipwreck “The Stockholm” on the beach. Our exclusive Beach House awaits us in Feliz Deserto. Overnight a the Beach House.
Day 5
Distance on horseback – 28 km Time in the saddle – 6 hours
Alagoas wetlands
Marituba lagoon
Galloping on the beach
Right after breakfast, we mount the horses and ride inland, away from the beach, towards the Marituba wetlands, a protected area with a unique ecosystem. We will have time to wade or swim in the clear waters. We will have lunch and have a little siesta before heading back to our lodgings. This time we go along the beach and end the today’s ride with a gallop. Overnight stay at the Beach house.
Day 6
Estimated distance – 8 km – Time in the saddle – 2 hours
Beaches
Coconut trees
Fishing village
Today we will have time to enjoy the best of the region, deserted beaches, coconut trees, small fishing village. Also, we will have time to bathe in the sea and enjoy the local cuisine with excellent fresh seafood arriving all the time in small boats that dot the coast. Our pousada right there on the beach is in the perfect setting. Overnight a the beachfront Pousada.
Day 7
Estimated distance – 15 km – Time in the saddle – 5 hours
Beaches
Coconut trees
Dunes
Small villages
Traditional coconut farm
The Fishing Village of Pontal do Peba with its bars and restaurants specialising in seafood is the starting point of today’s ride. From the saddle we explore an area of dunes and environmental preservation. Between coconut groves and dunes some tropical birds, reptiles and mammals can be spotted. We will end the ride today at a traditional coconut farm of the region. Overnight at the Pousada.
Day 8
Estimated distance – 20 km – Time in the saddle – 4 hours
Beach
Dunes
Quilombo community
Mouth of the São Francisco River
Boat tour on the São Francisco river
Lunch on the banks of the river
After a good breakfast we mount our horses to start our last riding day.
We ride through a coconut forest until we find an array of the huge dunes, we cross the dunes and before reaching the mouth of the São Francisco River, we will ride along to the quilombola community of Pixaim. A quilombo is a community descended from escaped slaves. In Foz, we will enjoy a river swim to refresh ourselves. We will drink from a fresh coconut and eat some snacks. We will leave the horses behind, and hop on a boat to sail the mighty river until arriving at the banks of the river where we will have lunch. Typical sea food of the region will be served in the shade. We will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the colonial town of Penedo. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 9
Visit of Penedo’s historical centre
Farewell lunch in Penedo
No hurry to get out of bed today. After a nice breakfast, we will walk around town and see the beautiful baroque-style churches, old houses, theater, and convent and all other Penedo’s architectural jewels. We will have lunch at a traditional restaurant overlooking the river. After lunch we depart to Maceió. End of the itinerary.
Note: We will do everything possible to follow the indicated itinerary, although spot changes can occur due to unforeseen circumstances. Rides are subject to change depending on weather, location and difficulty of terrain. In the unlikely event that this happens on your trip, we ask for your flexibility and understanding.
Horses
Mangalarga Marchadors
Riding level
Intermediate to Advanced
Type of riding
Western style neck reining. Only morning rides with afternoons free, some fast going on the vast beaches.
Tack
The saddles are Brazilian/Australian style, comfortable to longs hours of riding.
Weight limit
100 kg / 15.7 stone / 220 lbs
Group size
7-14
Accommodation & Meals
All the pousadas have been carefully chosen for their individuality and charm. They are all independently owned and have incredibly friendly owners that are excited to see you and show you round. One pousada might be a bit more simple than the other, they are are all authentic, cosy and very clean. The pousadas do not all have a standard type of room. Most rooms are double rooms, some also have 4 bedded rooms with a shared bathroom.
Brazil has a rich cuisine. The country is a mixture of European, Indian, African and Asian cultures and is reflected in the way the Brazilians cook. Especially the Italian and African cultures which have great influence on Brazilian cuisine.
The main dishes are mostly rice and beans (Feijão) and sauces, with lots of meat or fish and salads. From region to region one has its own traditional dishes. Along the coast you will find more fish and shrimp dishes, in the south the tasty meat grill’s (Churrasco) will surprise you.
Accommodation
Hotels and authentic guesthouses
Single Supplement
We cannot guarantee a single room but please ask
Meals
Inform us about food allergies and intolerances
Drinks
All drinks included
The Destination
Alagoas is a small state in northeastern Brazil with a tropical coastline of palm-lined, white-sand beaches, clear lagoons and coral reefs. Maceió, its capital, is home to the popular Pajuçara and Ponta Verde beaches, with hotels, bars and restaurants. Coral reefs fringe the coastline north of Maceió, earning it the nickname Costa dos Corais (Coral Coast). Alagoas is one of the largest producers of sugarcane, coconuts, and natural gas in the country.
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