This is a challenging circular trail through the east of the Alpujarras and Sierra Nevada National Park, riding over very diverse and varied terrain at high altitude.
The first two days of this spectacular ride pass through the southern slopes of the Alpujarras following the ancient Moorish paths and forestry tracks between the picturesque white villages.
The third day we climb to the Peñon del Puerto and maintaining an altitude of over 2,700 metres follow the ridge east to the Puerto del Lobo and the Altos de San Juan. Seemingly endless vista of mountains and plains give an amazing sense of space and wilderness.
The fourth day descending to an altitude of between 2,000 and 2,300 metres the trail passes through pine forests and high summer farm lands. Day five the path crosses the high peaks at nearly 2,700 metres to the Sierra of Trevelez. Day six head home on forestry tracks.
A good level of fitness is required as much of this ride is at high altitude (2 days at over 2,700 metres), on three days there are sections where it is necessary to lead your horse downhill on rough uneven ground for up to an hour. It is necessary to be walking as well as riding fit.
The Itinerary
Collection from Malaga airport at designated time and transfer to the picturesque village of Bubion, approximately a two hour drive.
While in Bubion you will stay in the comfortable guest house ‘Casa la Sevillana’.
Dinner with your guide.
Approximately 6 hours riding.
After breakfast you will be driven the 5 kilometres to the stables and introduced to your horse for the week.
Today we head east to the village of Trevelez. The ride starts with a leisurely morning allowing you to become acquainted with your horse. Following a combination of tracks and bridle paths through pine and oak woods we cross over into the valley of La Taha passing the villages of Pitres and Portugos.
After a picnic lunch in the shade of the pines we join the main forestry track leading to the village of Trevelez. During the afternoon there are opportunities for some good trots and canters.
Overnight in the village of Trevelez, renowned for its air cured ham (serrano ham) and at an altitude of 1,476m the highest village in Spain. The final descent into the village is approximately a 15 minute walk on the old bridle path.
Overnight and dinner at Hotel La Fragua. Swimming pool.
Approximately 6 hours riding.
Continuing east we cross the river of Trevelez and follow the centuries old bridle path winding it way along the Moorish irrigation channel. Leaving the oak woods below the path climbs steeply through pine woods to approximately 2,200 metres to join a forestry track leading over into the valley of Berchules.
After a picnic lunch in the shade of the woods we continue along the track passing high mountain farms and pastures. The track follows the contour of the valley deep into the mountains, maintaining an altitude of approximately 2,000 metres there are wonderful views of the high Sierras ahead and the valley below. During the afternoon some nice canters.
The horses spend the night up in the mountains and the riders are driven down to the village of Berchules. Approximately 35 minutes.
Overnight in the very comfortable Hotel Berchules. Swimming pool.
Approximately 8 hours riding.
A spectacular route taking us up to approximately 2,800 metres, following the ridge forming the very backbone of the east mountains of Sierra Nevada.
After breakfast drive back up the mountain to the horses.
The first 4 kilometres of the ride continue on the main forestry track until joining the path leading cross country high into the mountains. Picnic on route. On reaching the summit we leave the path to follow the vast open ridge east to the peak of San Juan. It is difficult to convey in words the grandeur, space and wilderness of these mountains.
From San Juan a steep and stony descent on foot of approximately 40 minutes.
After which we mount up and ride the final hour down to the edge of the pine woods where the horses spend the night and we are driven to the village of Valor approximately an hour.
Overnight in Valor.
Approximately 8 hours riding.
Today we return to the village of Berchules using a totally different and lower route.
The landscape will be very different to that of the previous day. A combination of bridle paths, cattle trails and dirt forestry tracks will take us through pine woods, open pasture land and lower through mountain farms. Horses will stay overnight in Berchules village.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel Berchules.
Please note that there will be sections where it is necessary to lead the horses on steep descents. The final descent to the village is approximately 30 minutes on foot.
Approximately 6 hours riding.
Today we head back to the village of Trevelez on a higher trail than day 4. After traversing the village we follow one of the old bridle paths high into the hills, traversing small farms, pasture lands and irrigation channels to the higher pine forests.
Picnic lunch on the edge of the pines at approximately 2,500 meters. Wonderful views, across the Mediterranean on a clear day to the mountains of Morocco.
After lunch the path follows the open ridge to gradually descend through pines and oaks to the village of Trevelez. On the descent there are numerous short sections where it is necessary to lead the horses.
Overnight and dinner at Hotel Fragua.
Approximately 3 to 4 hours riding.
Today is a short ride. Following the forestry track through pine and oak woods we return directly to the stables high above the villages of the Poqueira.
This route not only offers wonderful views out over the Contraviesa Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, but some good opportunities for canters.
Late lunch in the village of Capileira or Bubion. Afternoon free for some last minute shopping and a well-deserved siesta.
Overnight in the village of Bubion and farewell dinner.
Breakfast and transfer to Malaga airport.
Select Ride Date To Book!
*Ride dates without Year shown are for the current year.
Prices (2027):
No Current Rides Planned
Single Supplement: 250 Euros (Payable on arrival in Spain)
Prices (2026):
2,100 Euros
Single Supplement: 250 Euros (Payable on arrival in Spain)
INCLUDES:
6 days riding.
7 nights accommodation with breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Guide, backup vehicle for luggage.
Transfer to and from Malaga at pre-arranged time.
Transfer on the day of arrival will be no later than 17.00 hours.
On the day of departure the transfer will return you to Malaga airport for 10.00 hours.
NOT INCLUDED:
Flights.
Personal and medical insurance.
Riding Experience:
Intermediate to experienced riders. Comfortable outdoors at all gaits and comfortable handling a horse on the ground.
Weight Limit:
90kg experienced riders.
75kg intermediate.