Paraty in 1 Days - Guided horse ride in Serra da Bocaina
In Collaboration with Raul Sampaio Horses4u. Updated on February 23, 2026.
Private horse riding experience in the Serra da Bocaina with a special picnic at a belvedere. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off (Paraty city centre), local guide, bottled water, picnic of selected local products, and helmet use. Total duration ~5 hours. Minimum 2 / maximum 4 participants.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Raul Sampaio Horses4u, inspired by the tour Exclusive Horse Experience with Pic-nic at Belvedere. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided horse ride in Serra da Bocaina
- Pic-nic at a mountain belvedere on Estrada RJ-165
- Private hotel pickup and drop-off within Paraty city centre
More than 13 itineraries in Paraty.
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning pickup in Paraty city centre, transfer to the riding area in Serra da Bocaina, guided horse ride and picnic at a belvedere on Estrada RJ-165, then return to Paraty.
Hotel pickup — Paraty city centre
Private driver collects guests from an address inside Paraty city centre. Confirm exact pickup point within the city centre before the day of the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm and provide the exact Paraty city-centre pickup address in advance; the driver will only collect within the city centre.
- Be ready in the hotel lobby 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup to keep the tour on time.
- Bring a small bag with any personal items you want at the picnic; large luggage should remain at the hotel.
Transfer to riding area (Estrada RJ-165)
Scenic drive from Paraty city centre to the riding base/equestrian area on Estrada RJ-165 near Serra da Bocaina.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect narrow, winding mountain roads; sit where comfortable and secure any loose items.
- There is no public transportation to the meeting point — rely on the provided pickup driver.
- If you get motion-sick, take travel-sickness medication before pickup; there are limited stopping points en route.
Guided horse ride in Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina
Guided ride through trails around the Serra da Bocaina area. Includes helmets and a local guide. Suitable for riders with basic mobility; not recommended for people with back problems or pregnant travelers. Minimum age 4.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes (no sandals); organizers require pants and shoes for safety.
- Advise all passenger weights and any medical conditions in advance — organizers require weights at booking.
- Keep cameras and phones secure on a strap; trails may have uneven footing and branches.
Special picnic at the Belvedere (Estrada RJ-165)
Enjoy a selection of fresh local products at a scenic belvedere on Estrada RJ-165, arranged as part of the experience. Bottled water is provided.
Tips from local experts:
- The picnic location is on higher ground — bring a light jacket as temperatures can be cooler than Paraty town.
- If you have dietary restrictions, notify the operator in advance so the picnic can be adjusted where possible.
- Restroom facilities are limited at the belvedere; plan accordingly before leaving the riding base.
Return transfer to Paraty city centre and drop-off
Private transfer back to the original pickup area in Paraty city centre; end of service.
Tips from local experts:
- The driver will return you to the original pickup address in Paraty city centre; confirm drop-off details at pickup.
- Allow a short buffer for traffic on the return; estimated arrival back in Paraty is included in the schedule.
- If you plan onward activities, allow a 15–30 minute buffer after drop-off for settling in or quick restroom use.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 2 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Experience, Meal |
Why this experience
Paraty's Serra da Bocaina unveils itself on horseback — winding mountain trails where the forest opens to views that justify the climb. You meet Raul Sampaio in the early morning from your Paraty hotel, transfer inland along the Estrada RJ-165, and enter the national park where the air cools and the trails narrow. For two hours you ride through Atlantic Forest, the kind of terrain that feels remote but is never wild — your horse knows the path, Raul watches for anything ahead, and the rhythm becomes meditative. At the belvedere, the valley spreads below in layers of green, and Raul unpacks the picnic: local cheese, fresh fruit, something cold to drink, the sound of birds settling into the afternoon heat. This is the experience that stays with couples — not the endurance of riding, but the quiet pause at altitude with someone you came to spend time with. Best for couples who want a half-day adventure that feels exclusive.
Before you go
- Best time: Dry season (May to September) — clearer mountain views and firmer trail conditions. Avoid winter rains (December to March).
- Budget: The guided experience includes horse, guide, hotel transfer, and picnic. Budget separately for any additional meals in Paraty or drinks not included in the picnic.
- Difficulty: Moderate. Prior riding experience is not required, but comfort sitting on a horse for extended periods is. The terrain is steep in sections.
- What to bring: Sturdy closed-toe shoes with grip, long pants (branches scrape), a light layer for the belvedere elevation, sunscreen, and a small bottle of water beyond what Raul provides.
- Getting there: Hotel pickup from Paraty city centre is included. Raul collects you early morning; confirm your exact address and hotel name in advance.
- Accessibility: The experience requires physical capacity to mount, sit, and dismount a horse. Uneven terrain and steep sections make this unsuitable for mobility devices.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need riding experience?
No. Raul's horses are calm and accustomed to mixed riders. You'll receive instruction on basic handling — mounting, steering, stopping — before you depart. The pace is steady and controlled.
How long is the horse ride itself?
The active riding is about 90 minutes one way, plus 45 minutes at the belvedere. Total time from pickup to return is approximately 5–6 hours.
Is the picnic included?
Yes. Raul carries a carefully curated picnic with local cheese, fruit, and drinks. It's set at the belvedere overlook. Any dietary restrictions should be mentioned when booking.
What's included in this experience?
This is a guided experience operated by Raul Sampaio through Horses4u. The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Paraty city centre, the private horse ride through Serra da Bocaina, a local guide throughout, and the belvedere picnic. You pay once — no hidden fees.
Complete your trip in Paraty
A horse ride is a singular half-day; extend the rest of your Paraty experience with these multi-day frames.
- Romantic 3-Day Escape in Paraty — Two more days to explore the historic centre, boat cruises, and candlelit dinners by the water.
- Paraty in 2 Days — Romantic Couples Escape — A compact frame for the same energy without the 3-day commitment.
- Paraty in 3 Days — Family-Friendly Slow-Paced Itinerary — If you're traveling with children and want a gentler multi-day structure.
Browse all Paraty itineraries at TheNextGuide.
*Last updated: April 2026*
