Mules
Mules have been an essential means of transport in the Alpujarra for centuries. Across valleys and over mountain passes, the arrieros relied on these sure-footed animals to carry goods and people along the old drovers’ routes, keeping villages connected and trade alive.
My family has bred and trained mules for generations, preparing these horse-donkey hybrids for all kinds of country work.
Sturdy, calm, and perfectly adapted to the rugged terrain, mules are ideal companions for mountain trekking. No previous riding experience is required; we’ll match each participant—children, adults, and older riders alike—with the most suitable mule.
Horses
The horse is the cowboy’s true partner. My own horse, Jerezano, and I have faced countless challenges together—working with the cattle and riding the mountain trails.
We also keep a herd of free-roaming horses on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada. From this herd, I select the animals best suited for trekking and cattle work.
We can arrange outings on either horses or mules, tailored to each rider’s experience. Whether you’d like to visit nearby villages, ride to the ancient chestnut tree, or help herd cattle in the Sierra, we’ll adapt the trek to your interests.
Cows
A herd of more than 100 cows roams freely across 9,000 hectares of the Sierra Nevada National Park, climbing to altitudes of up to 3,000 meters. Working as a cowboy in this vast grazing area is my daily life, and my horses are essential partners in guiding and managing the cattle. In this sense, I am a genuine indigenous “cowboy”—one of the few still practicing this nearly vanished tradition.
Our cattle include Pajunas, an endangered native breed, and Barrendas, both black and red varieties.
The Cowboy Trek is designed for experienced riders who want to step into the boots of a cowboy in the wild and immerse themselves in a way of life that is now almost extinct.
Goats & Sheep
For as long as anyone can remember, flocks of goats and sheep have grazed the pastures of the Alpujarras, helping to prevent fires and enriching the land.
In summer, we move them to high mountain pastures at around 2,100 meters, where they stay in an aprisco. For months, they roam the upper slopes of the Sierra Nevada, guided by a shepherd and his dogs—his “hands and feet” on the mountain.
You can spend a day alongside the shepherd for a firsthand experience of this harmonious, rural way of life. We’ll share a traditional Alpujarreño picnic and snacks while enjoying breathtaking scenery.
Come and see my world!
Discover my animals in their natural habitat and experience the unique beauty of Andalusia.
