KUKUTANA

FAST FACTS

Min 3 night stay

Cost: €900 to €1,200 per night per person depending on the total number of guests

Operator: Kukutana

Where: Seville, Spain

When: Mid-September to mid-June (closed over July and August due to heat)

Riding level: Intermediate to advanced riders and non-riders are welcome

Weight limit: Maximum of 90kg / 198lbs

Time in the saddle: Tailor made riding

HORSES

The horses are a mix of sporty French Selles, Andalusian and warmblood crosse.

Horses are ridden in a mix of traditional Spanish saddles with sheepskin covers and English saddles.

In this part of the world, horse riding is a way of life. Saddle up and ride into the ancient woodland once favoured by Spanish royalty and criss-crossed with endless sandy trails that are ideal for a canter.

For a more sedate outing, how about a horse-drawn carriage? Elegant and beautifully made, the carriages are ideally suited for younger visitors, or those who prefer to enjoy the horses from a distance; a trip back to a time gone by.

ACCOMMODATION

The beautiful white Spanish farm house sits under pine and palm trees on the plains between Seville and the coast. Recently refurbished by the owners who are a family of talented architects and interior designers the country home is elegant and in a traditional Spanish style with a strong equestrian theme throughout.

The house has six twin and double ensuite bedrooms, a large living room with a fireplace, outdoor dining space, a pool and a formal dining area.

There is additional accommodation on the property in a simpler, comfortable, neighbouring casita perfect for additional guests or staff.

ACCOMMODATION

The farmhouse, known as ‘cortijo’ in Spanish, was built in 1919. The patriach of the family always loved this place, and when the opportunity arose, he bought the house from his great friend in the 1980s. The family spent their childhoods here, the house and garden hold so many precious memories for them all.

A few years ago, the family started dreaming about opening our doors, and sharing this special place with guests. They want guests to fall in love with this unique corner of Spain, Doñana National Park. The Kukutana Experience shows visitors the best of this rich and biodiverse area, with active excursions, but also an opportunity to slow down, to take a seat and listen to the birdsong.

GASTRONOMY

Recipes passed down generations. Lourdes plans the menu, combining local delicacies with family favourites. A collaboration from dream to dish thanks to Lourdes and Isabel, our beloved cook.

Meals are served in the dining room or on the outdoor terrace. Tell us your preferences, and we will adapt the menu accordingly.

SAMPLE MENU

TAILOR MADE ITINERARY

Every stay at Kukutana is bespoke and the itinerary is adapted the wants and needs of the guests. The Cortijo is a popular destination for families and groups of friends - both riding and non-riding.

A home away from home, the farmhouse, stables and gardens are yours to explore. Whether you'd like to get out in to the Doñana National Park, ride in to the sunset or simply relax by the pool with a glass of Rioja, your itinerary will be fully personalised.

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL

Your driver will pick you up from Seville airport in the afternoon for a 45 minute drive to Kukutana.

On arrival you will be shown upstairs to your room where you can change into your riding clothes.

Today’s ride is a relaxed welcome ride through forest around the Cortijo. Non-riding guests will join with in the mule-drawn cart.

Around 7pm aperitivo is served outside on the patio by the pool.

After the sun sets you’ll be welcomed into the dining room for a delicious three course meal. The evening ends in front of the log fire where you can help yourself to the bar trolly.

90 minute forest ride

DAY 2 - RIDE THE COAST

Breakfast is served at 8:30am in the dining room. At 9am we drive to the sparkling Cadiz Coast. Today you will ride 23km along Europe’s longest virgin beaches.

Your ride finishes at the ruins of a pirate watch tower where a welcome beer and snack awaits you. If you brought your swimsuit you have the option to take your horse swimming in the gentle waves!

By 1pm you will be back at Kukutana for lunch underneath the fruit trees.

After a siesta a mule drawn carriage will appear outside the farmhouse along La Juncosilla. The carriage is stocked with G&T’s, ice and beer to beat the heat.

At 7pm you will meet downstairs to watch the sunset. A short walk across the grass lawn and you will arrive at the bull ring. A great place from which to watch the sky turn a spectacular orange.

Dinner will be served at 8pm.

2 - 3 Hours of Riding + 2 Hour Carriage Drive

DAY 3 - PILGRIMAGE TO EL ROCIO

After breakfast we set of towards the wild west town of El Rocio. Spain tiny village of 1,700 people that welcomes over 3 million each year during an annual pilgrimage.

Non-riders in the group will cruise through the forests in the carriage. Riders and non-riders can chat and pass each other drinks as you pass through the stunning Donana National Park.

Before long you will arrive at a Palace, once the Royal family’s hunting lodge, for a refreshment under the trees.

You ride into town on the sand roads and past white homes - each with a hitching post out the front and a stable in the back. Arriving in the square you have the chance to take a photo outside the spectacular cathedral.

Your pilgrimage ends with a short ride through town to a restaurant bordering the marshes where wild horses graze. You’ll be handed a glass of sherry wine while still on horseback.

After lunch you will have time to explore El Rocio and enjoy some shopping for elegant country and equestrian clothing and tack in one of the many boutiques.

You’ll be back at Kukutana in time for aperitivo and the sunset. Dinner is served at 8pm once more with an after dinner surprise in the sitting room.

3 Hours Riding

DAY 4 - DEPARTURE

After breakfast you will drive back to El Rocio to be reunited with your horses. It’s time for one last ride with long canters on the sand roads back to Kukutana.

After a light morning snack of tea and cake your driver will transfer you back to Seville Airport.

3 Hours Riding

EL ROCIO - WILD WEST TOWN MADE FOR HORSES

The intriguing village of El Rocío is located in the marshlands of the Guadalquivir River delta on the edge of UNESCO World Heritage site Doñana National Park. 

One of the renowned Andalusian white villages, or pueblos blancos, that scatter the region, El Rocío is steeped in culture and tradition, and feels very much like a scene out of a Wild West movie.

The primary mode of transport is horseback, with horse-drawn carriages a frequent sight in the town and the woodland trails surrounding it.

Streets are wide and sandy and lined with veranda-clad houses. Wooden railings and hitching posts outside restaurants enable riders to tie up their steeds in order to enjoy a bite of lunch, while outdoor bars are often raised, so thirsty locals can enjoy a drink without even dismounting. 

Kukutana offer our guests a range of activities and privately guided excursions from Kukutana. Take a half or full day trip to the fascinating village of El Rocío and marvel at the captivating history and uniqueness of a place that time forgot. You will be offered a tailor-made itinerary and accompanied by one of our private guides, all of whom have excellent knowledge of the local area, history, culture and customs of Southern Spain.