Haras Las Tordillas

A horse lovers paradise

Pueblo Eden

This luxury hotel and horse ranch nestles in the hills of Eden, a secret spot for horse-riding in Uruguay

It’s perfect for horse lovers, wine lovers, and lovers of peace and tranquility.

Haras Las Tordillas was opened in 2018 by riding enthusiast Cris Glenz. Whether you choose the Haras as your base for horse-riding in Uruguay or detoxing from the modern world, you’ll be one of a handful of guests at this luxury lodge.

The Haras lodge has just four rooms. Each cabin faces the unspoiled rolling hills typical of this part of Uruguay and is beautifully decorated in a South American country style. The morning sunrise from your private deck is something else. Relax in the sumptuous clubhouse next to the open fireplace or sip a cold white wine by the swimming pool. Wherever you look, the views are exceptional.

The perfect luxury horse-riding in Uruguay holiday

You can stay at Las Haras as a hotel guest or choose their full horse-riding program. The horseback program involves daily rides of 4-5 hours. Your horse will be a thoroughbred Arabian. You’ll ride trails across the enchanting hills and valleys of Eden (yes, that’s really its name), through native forests and gallop open country. Riding destinations include award-winning vineyards, a luxury olive plantation, and rest spots feature rivers and waterfalls (watch the video above to see what you’ll experience).

All the horses at the Haras are spirited and responsive Arabian thoroughbreds. They are well-schooled and trained for long distance trail riding. You’ll be matched with a horse is perfect for you. Owner Cris and her right-hand gaucho, the trusty Alberto (love that ‘tache!), lead your rides.

The Haras which is the Spanish word for a ‘stud’ is very well equipped and designed to make logistics simple. Everything–your room, the stables, the corral, the clubhouse, the swimming pool– are all at a minutes walk.

The owner of the Haras is Cris Glenz, an Argentine businesswoman who has spent most of her working life in Brazil. Now she spends half her time in Uruguay, following her passion – leading rides at the Haras. A total character, she first learned to ride at the age of 68 and bought her first Arabian a year later. At the time I visited, she was about to celebrate her 76th birthday. Perhaps it’s the energy of all those spirited horses that keeps her so youthful.

What you should know

Ideally located Just 45 minutes from Punta el Este and 1.5 hours from the international airport.

The hotel is a serene retreat Children must be 14 or over.

Meals are cooked by Chris herself They are excellent value and take place in the clubhouse around the long communal dining table overlooking the hills or for something more intimate in the lounge bar. There are notable restaurants in Eden about ten miles away (see page 32 of The Guru’Guay Guide to Uruguay for suggestions to die for).