HORSE RIDING HOLIDAYS, HORSE TREKKING AND DUDE RANCH IN THE BEAUTIFUL SIERRAS OF ROCHA, URUGUAY

Our vacation ranch Caballos de Luz is located in the stunning Sierras of Rocha, Uruguay, only three hours from Montevideo, and less than an hour from the beaches of La Paloma. Here are we breeding trail horses and training them to be our travel companions.

We invite you to come for horseback riding vacations, get to know us and our horses, and to enjoy the life of a small organic horse farm, with rides and treks on beautiful trails.

Choose between horse tours of a few hours and horse treks from 2 to 3 days to discover a unique and magic part of Uruguay. We are not a typical dude ranch, as we do not have cattle, but you will love riding with us through this wonderful countryside.

Caballos de Luz is a woman owned and run business, if you can call following your life’s passion a business, that is.

Can’t find all information here online or want to get a custom offer? Contact us, we’d love to get in touch!

Watch the video to know more about us, our horses and how we live at Caballos de Luz.

Who wE are ….

 

Amanda

I’m Amanda, from Brazil. I spent my hole life with horses — from competing in Endurance Riding to teaching riding with bitless practices.

In Brazil, I work in several areas: starting young horses, supporting the rehabilitation of traumatized horses, offering lessons for adults and children, and providing equestrian consulting.

At Caballos de Luz, I will take care of the well-being of all the horses, prepare them for the rides, and accompany our guests on the horseback tours. If needed, I’m also happy to give riding lessons.

I speak Portuguese, Spanish, and English.

My main specialty is Playful Riding Lessons for children, where I use games and creative dynamics to teach riding while nurturing bonds between child and horse, always guided by safety and mutual respect.

Lucie horse tour guide

Lucie

Lucie has been thinking mainly about horses since the age of three. After many years doing dressage and showjumping in Austria, with rather moderate success, she travelled around the world several times, first by plane, train, bus and rickshaw, then more and more on horseback.

In South America she found countries where it is still easy and acceptable to travel solely on horses, and so she travelled some 2000 km on horse back. First she joined the Nomads United in Peru, then she chose to travel alone with a horse and a packhorse.

After two years as a horse tour guide in Costa Rica life called her to Uruguay, where she found the land of her dreams and, with the great help of Santiago, built her home and farm in the Sierras de Rocha.

Highly inspired by the work of horse men Monty Roberts, John Lyons and Pat Parelli, her time is divided between being a hostess to her horse riding guests and the starting of young horses with violence free natural horsemanship, which she finds extremely fascinating and rewarding.

She also enjoys singing and composing music. Listen

 

What other people say about us

HORSE TREKS FROM 2 TO 3 DAYS

Our passion is horse trekking, pack trips that last for two or three days and let us get out of daily life and truly appreciate the connection with our horses that deepens day by day.  After a few hours out in nature in Urugay, far away from daily schedules, internet and cellphones, our rhythm starts to be guided by the song of birds and the hoof beats of our horses. This is an experience that you will be carrying with you for the rest of your life. 

We offer tours from 2 days to 3 days, with nights camping by the fire. This is a horse riding experience that takes you far away from the beaten track and close to Uruguays real back country.

Please contact us to organize a tour that suits your time preferences and riding abilities.

To see an example check out this photo story that photographer Florian Schweer did about our last three day tour.

HOME ABOUT US HORSE TREKKING HORSE TOURS ACCOMMODATION & FOOD RATES HORSEMANSHIP ACTIVITIES IN ROCHA CONTACT

Horse Tours from 2 hours to all day long

Our guided horse tours lead us from our house through uncountable paths, often in native forest where we can observe autochthonous animals and abundant birdlife. The tours last from 2 hours to all day long, depending on the experience and expectations of our guests.

The Sierras offer a wide range of terrain, very varied and never boring.

We cross big pastures full of cows and sheep, climb up rocky paths towards the ridge of the mountain range, from where on a clear day we can see the ocean. We cross little rivers and creeks, have little gallops on grassy paths, visit old deserted stone houses, observe the farmers’ work with their sheep and cattle, and have picnics in our favorite enchanted hideaways.

20161023-IMG_2390.jpg
IMG_0810.jpg
IMG_0734.jpg
20161124-IMG_2872.jpg
IMG_0758.jpg
IMG_0938.jpg

Horses for beginners and experts

We have all kinds of horses, from very steady, sweet natured horses for beginners or riders who have been out of the saddle for a long time up to more spirited horses that will be a delightful ride for experienced riders.

Our horses vary from Purebred Arabians and local criollos to mixes of all kind of breeds. What we are looking for in our horses are unique characters and an excellent attitude towards the rides in the sierra. 

Our horses grow up and live in their respective herds, thus enjoying a natural, healthy life full of social contact.

We believe that horses that trust and respect us and are comfortable with their life, are the best and most fun companions, both as working horses as for trailrides and trekking. We chose our riding horses for their physique, their character and their willingness to work. They are safe in traffic and surefooted even in demanding terrains.

Horseback Riding Prices in Rocha, Uruguay

Horse Tours

 

Hour Horse Ride

A gentle introduction to horseback riding in Rocha. Explore trails with views of hills, rivers, and forests.
Price: US$ 70 per person

One day in Caballos de Luz

Our full-day program includes a horseback ride (about 2 hours in the saddle), three homemade vegetarian meals, and one night’s accommodation. We have two options

  • GLAMPING

  • COMFY INDIVIDUAL ROOM - with a double bed in our house, shared bathroom.

  • Two or more participants: US$ 110 per person

  • Solo guest: US$ 120

Full Moon Rides

Acording with the Moon’s calendar we can squaduel the perfect day to go for a ride.

Price: US$ 70

3 Days Experience

Step into the world of horses with a 3-day immersive program centered around respect and connection. This experience is designed for those who want to truly understand horse behavior. Throughout the activities, you will learn the art of horse handling, how to approach them naturally, and the techniques of leading them, all while building a relationship based on trust.

Included in this package:

  • Full 3-day equine immersion program and activities.

  • 2 nights of accommodation.

  • All meals provided throughout your stay.

Price: US$ 350 per person

Transfers

We are located some 30 km from the town of Rocha. A taxi will cost you about 40 US $ one way, if we are available, we can pick you up for 30 US $

Full-Day Horse Tour (with picnic)

Spend about 4 hours in the saddle riding through forests, meadows, and streams. A homemade vegetarian picnic lunch is included.
Limited availability — please book at least 1 week in advance.
Price: US$ 120 per person

Horse Trekking (2 Days)

About 4 hours in the saddle each day. Includes tents, bedding, campfires, and meals.
Price: 2 days/1 night

1 Person: US$ 300

2 Persons: US$ 250 each

We offer trekking for beginners and advanced riders, but either way you will have to arrive a day earlier to ensure that you are matched with a suitable horse and saddle. You will be staying “glamping style”, and we ask 100 US $ extra which includes a short test ride in the afternoon, dinner and breakfast.

New This Season

Children’s Horsemanship with Amanda

For children aged 5 to 15, Amanda offers 1.5-hour sessions in and around the round pen. Depending on the child’s age, activities may include:

  • Bringing horses from the pasture

  • Safety basics and useful knots

  • Grooming and saddling

  • A short riding lesson

  • Giving the horse a bath afterwards

Amanda makes every session fun, hands-on, and unforgettable.


Price: US$ 30 per child
Please let us know in advance so we can schedule these activities.

 

PAYMENT

  • CASH (USD, EUR, UYU) → our preference

  • BANK TRANSFER (BROU Uruguay or Santander Brasil)

  • PayPal (+10 US$ fee)

  • WISE TRANSFER (no fee)

Working with the horse without violence.

Working with the horse without violence.

HORSEMAN AND HORSEWOMANSHIP

We firmly believe that horses treated with love, patience and profound knowledge of equine behavior will make better and more reliable companions on the trail.

Our training methods have been inspired by the great masters of the USA such as Monty Roberts, John Lyons, Pat Parelli and Stacy Westfall. We also apply methods by the Uruguayans Gustavo Ortega and Ricardo Espalter.

Philosophy

Rather than looking for the horses’ submission, we aim for their cooperation. A relaxed, fearless horse is more fun to be around, and helps us teaching the beginners that come to Caballos de Luz. We aim to make the horse understand its responsibilities and keep up its positive disposition towards work, as part of what we offer are horse treks, with many hours on the road, where a self motivated, content horse is a grand asset.

Foal and young horse work

We started our foals with what is called imprinting: close encounters with foals in the first hours and days of their lives. Besides being utterly enjoyful... it starts a bond between horse and human that may last a life time.

2009 nov y dec, Domingo y Santi, Imprinting.jpg
20170518-_E5B1285.jpg

Course of horsemanship

We regularly give horsemanship weekend courses and welcome people to join us to learn and practice these techniques and skills with our horses.

Please contact us for more information and the next course dates.

 

resize_1412204590.jpg

Whalewatching

In Rocha you can, with a little bit of luck, spot dolphins all year round. Also, Rocha is one of the few places in the world where you can spot humpback whales right off the beach, without having to hire a boat. Whale watching season at Rocha’s beaches is from middle of July through September. The closest beaches from where you can observe whales are less than an hour drive from our home. In season, we are more than willing to help you organize an unforgettable day of whale or dolphin watching. 

5C5.jpg

Visit La Paloma

La Paloma and its beaches is located just an hour drive from Caballos de Luz. The quiet beach town offers hotels, hostels, and all kinds of little cafes and restaurants. And best of all: La Paloma offers a variety of beaches. Some of them calm and child friendly, some surfer friendly with impressive waves. All of them with wonderful sunset views!

If you’d like to go to the beach for a day rather than spend it riding horses, we are happy to take you.

Cabo_polonio6-640.jpg

Visit Cabo Polonio

Cabo Polonio is about 2 hours journey away and one of Uruguay’s gems. It houses a massive sea lion colony just a few meters off shore and has no public road to get there, so it still feels rather remote and exposed to wind and weather. That is... in off season.

In high season (January, February and March) we recommend it less, as its magic is no longer a secret and it attracts more than its fair share of visitors.

Accommodation and food is generally very rustic and overpriced, so you may consider a day trip.

Laguna de Rocha by canoe

The Laguna de Rocha is a protected area, where the ocean’s salt water mixes with sweet lagoon water, creating breeding ground for many fish and see critter, which again are an excellent food source for big amounts of migrating birds.

A must see for “birders”, it is yet completely undeveloped touristically -  there are no guided tours. If you are interested in visiting, please let us know when you book your stay with us and we will try to track down the ranger for a private bird watching tour.

Montevideo

Montevideo is a laid-back city in Uruguay, well worth spending a couple of nights. My favorite neighborhoods to stay in Montevideo are Punta Carretas and Pocitos. The best thing to do is to stroll along the Rambla of Montevideo, especially in the late afternoon, when everyone and their dog is out running, biking, skateboarding—and of course, drinking mate.

For insider tips, check out Karen Higgs (@guruguay). She is an expert on everything happening in Montevideo Uruguay, especially the Montevideo music scene. She also shares excellent advice on Montevideo accommodation, immigration, and much more. (www.guruguay.com)

Bird watching

Caballos de Luz is also an amazing place for birdwatching while waiting for your horseback ride or maybe just by the pleasure of birdwatching itself. All year round it’s possible to see lots of different species of birds eating in our garden, waiting for the horses to drop some food on the ground, stealing the cat food, or maybe only minding their own business around the property.

LIST OF BIRDS OBSERVED ON OUR PROPERTY:

  • Tinamú de alas rojas (Rhynchotus rufescens)

  • Tirano terrestre de rostro oscuro (Muscisaxicola maclovianus)

  • Churrinche (Pyrocephalus rubinus)

  • Pinzón de caña de cola larga (Donacospiza albifrons)

  • Buitres cabeza roja (Cathartes aura)​ y negra (Coragyps atratus)

  • Reinita coronidorada (Basileuterus culicivorus)

  • Pava de monte (Penelope obscura)

  • Tero (Vanellus chilensis)

  • Cardenal de cresta roja (Paroaria coronata)

  • Golondrina ceja blanca (Tachycineta leucorrhoa)

  • Fiofío (Olivaceous Elaenia)

  • Paloma de alas manchadas (Patagioenas maculosa)

  • Hormiguero Cabecinegro (Percnostola rufifrons)

  • Cola de espina corona rayada (Cranioleuca pyrrhophia)

  • Naranjero (Rauenia bonariensis)

  • Colibrí dorado (Hylocharis chrysura)

  • Papamoscas rayado (Myiodynastes maculatus)

  • Dormilón tijereta (Dormilón tijereta)

  • Perdíz (Nothura moteada)

  • Halcón de carretera (Rupornis magnirostris)

  • Cernicalo americano (Falco sparverius)

  • Cotorra (Myiopsitta monachus)

  • Tyrannulet de cresta blanca (Serpophaga subcristata)

  • Carpintero de barras verdes (Colaptes melanochloros)

  • Carpintero de Campo (Colaptes campestroides)

  • Carpintero Nuca Roja (Colaptes melanochloros)

  • Hornero rufo (Furnarius rufus)

  • Pájaro espinoso pecoso (Phacellodomus striaticollis)

  • Alcaudón cejirufo (Cyclarhis gujanensis)

  • Sinsonte cejiblanco (Mimus saturninus)

  • Pitiayumí (Setophaga pitiayumi)​​

  • Gorrión (Zonotrichia capensis)

  • Cardenal azul (Stephanophorus diadematus)

  • Tangara de Lomo Castaño (Stilpnia preciosa)

  • Zorzal colorado (Turdus rufiventris)

  • Gran buho cornado (Bubo virginianus)

  • Pinzon azafran (Sicalis flaveola)

  • Pecho Amarillo Grande (Pseudoleistes guirahuro

  • Viudita blanca (Xolmis irupero)

  • Benteveo (Pitangus sulphuratus)

  • Zorzal cuelliblanco (Turdus albicollis)

  • Pinzón cantor de garganta gris (Certhidea fusca)

  • Paloma orejuda (Zenaida auriculata)​

  • Pájaro carpintero blanco (Melanerpes candidus)

  • Tirano del ganado (Cattle tyrant)

  • Verdón​ (Embernagra platensis)

  • Ratonera (Troglodytes aedon)​

 
 

CONTACT US:

You can write a mail to infocaballosdeluz@gmail.com, or use the below form to inquire about horse rides , horse back riding holidays and rural accommodation here in Rocha.

Whatsapp
 

OUR LOCATION:

Sierras de Rocha
Rocha, Uruguay