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Without doubt, the SIERRA NEVADA-TABERNAS DESERT route, with 6 days on horseback, is the most varied ride. This program goes through two Nature Reserves of unique natural beauty which give the route its name: The Sierra Nevada, with its snowy peaks and mountainous landscape, and the Tabernas Desert, the most important desert-like zone in Europe. The route starts high up in the Sierra and makes its way down to the fertile slopes and valleys where olives, figs, almonds, and even wine are produced. Then, suddenly, the unique topographical conditions render the route into a true, western movie style desert, of canyons and dry riverbeds where numerous spaghetti-westerns films have been made. The expedition ends in Granada with the option to visit the Alhambra.

DAY 1. CAPILEIRA. Welcoming and introduction of the guide. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel Finca Los Llanos***.

DAY 2. BUBIÓN – TREVÉLEZ. Drive to the riding centre in Bubión (2 Km away from Capileira). Introduction of the horses. Always along bridle paths, we descend to the village of Pórtugos, where we will take the track that later on will lead us to Trevélez. We will ride through an oak forest on paths that cut this track. Descend to Trevélez by a bridle path. This village, famous for its hams, is considered the highest one in Spain (1,700m). There will be the opportunity to visit some of the ham drying houses. A four and a half hour ride. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel La Fragua **.

DAY 3. TREVÉLEZ – CÁDIAR. After crossing the bridge over the Trevélez river, we will start this route by a bridle path that climbs the left slope of the ravine, leaving behind the village from which it takes its name. Once again we will enjoy the beauty of the sierras Contraviesa, Lújar and Gádor, this one already in the province of Almería. Descent along a more gentle path to Juviles, where we will have lunch. Descend to Tímar along a narrow path through the gorge. Then we will take the bridle path to the beautiful Hotel Alquería de Morayma (**), close to Cádiar. We have descended over 1,000 m in 5 hours. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 4. CÁDIAR – PICENA – LAUJAR DE ANDARAX. Riding first over the hills with stunning panoramic views of Sierra Nevada and the sierras of Contraviesa and Gádor, then we will ride along the dry riverbed to Ugíjar. Picnic lunch in the open air. In the afternoon we will ride up to Picena, where we leave the horses. Drive to Laujar de Andarax (20Km). A six hour ride. Dinner and accommodation at the Hotel Villa Turística de Laujar***.

DAY 5. LAUJAR DE ANDARAX – PICENA – LAUJAR DE ANDARAX. Drive to Picena. After crossing the village of Picena, descent to the Bayarcal river, where we enter the Almería province. After a big climb to the hills of Inizar, where we will have the opportunity to do a gallop, we descend by a bridle path to Guarros for a picnic lunch. Leaving for Laujar de Andarax, important wine-growing area and the last residence of the last Moorish king, Boabdil. Approx. a five-hour ride. Dinner and accommodation at the Hotel Villa Turística de Laujar***.

DAY 6. LAUJAR DE ANDARAX – BENECID – RAGOL – CANJAYAR. Today we start riding to the neighbouring village of Benecid where we cross the Andarax river to ride across Sierra Gádor on a track, enjoying the open view of Sierra Nevada with a magnificent panoramic on the other side of the river. After crossing Cortijo Cacín we ride to the Barriada de Alcora where we will arrive on time for a good lunch. During the morning ride there are some opportunities for gallops. After a short rest, ride for 1 hour through a pinewood to Rágol enjoying the first views over the Tabernas Desert. Descend to the village by a very nice bridle path  where we leave the horses at the gates of the desert. Approx. a five  hour ride. Drive  to Canjayar (4 Km). Dinner and accommodation at the Posada de Eustaquio* in the town’s central square.

DAY 7. RÁGOL – ALBOLODUY – GRANADA. Drive to the Ragol to meet the horses for our last day ride. We will ride enjoying the first views of the Tabernas Desert. Crossing the Andarax river and riding to the mountain of Montenegro through the Rambla (dry river bed) of Guadix, with some opportunities for canters and where we start to discover the first desert landscape. Descend to the colourful dry riverbed of Alboloduy through a labyrinth of canyons similar to those seen in numerous spaghetti-western films. At the end of the Rambla de Los Yesos, we will arrive at Alboloduy, at the edge of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park. Approx. a four-hour ride. After saying goodbye to the horses, lunch in the village. After lunch drive to Granada (2 hours drive). Farewell dinner in a typical restaurant and accommodation in Hotel Maciá Real de la Alhambra****.

DAY 8. GRANADA. Farewell after breakfast.

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