Patagonian Steppes, Argentina
Overview
Horses
Type of horses:
Criollo crosses, part anglo-normando
Nature of horses:
Generally sure footed and well behaved
Number of horses:
80
Height of horses:
15.0 hh approx
Weight limit:
15 stone/210lbs or 95kgs
Tack type:
Trail saddles covered with sheepskin
Pricing
Estancia based riding
From 1st January 2008 it will be £146. There is a single supplement of 25%, however anyone willing to share a room obviously does not have to pay.
The rate includes all accommodation, food, beverages (including wine, beer and spirits), transport and activities from meeting guests at Chapelco Airport, San Martin de los Andes to returning them to the airport after their stay. We can arrange transfers to and from Bariloche, please ask for the current rates.
Pack Trips
The rate until December 2007 is £133 per person per night. From 1st January 2008 it will be £146. There is a 25% supplement, however, anyone willing to share a room obviously does not have to pay this.
The rate includes all accommodation, food, beverages (including wine, beer and spirits), transport and activities from meeting guests at Chapelco Airport, San Martin de los Andes to returning them to the airport after their stay. We can arrange transfers to and from Bariloche, please ask for the current rates.
Across the Andes to Chile
Please enquire at the office for 2008 price
It is possible to finish the trip at the Panqui Hot Springs on the morning of Day 10 and not return to Argentina..
There is a single supplement of 20% which is not applicable if you are prepared to share with another single guest.
The price includes all accommodation, food and beverages and transport between the estancia and San Martin de los Andes.The rate does not include travel or medical insurance (essential) or gratuities (about 7-10% is suggested as a fair rate).
Estancia to Estancia
The price of the 9 day/8 night programme is £1360.
The price includes all accommodation and meals and transfers to and from the airport at San Martin de los Andes.
It does not include insurance (essential), telephone calls, gratuities or massages and saunas at Cerro de los Pinos
There is a 25% single supplement which does not apply if you are willing to share a room.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Experience the thrill of riding through one of the most spectacular landscapes on earth - the Patagonian Steppe - whilst relaxing in the sumptuous luxury of a 15,000 acre working estancia.
A variety of riding programmes are available to suit the needs and abilities of all riders although they are more geared towards the experienced rider. Novices with a good level of fitness can participate in some rides.
Riders can choose from a stay at the estancia where they will have an opportunity to experience a real working ranch and participate in 'gaucho games' or a pack trip into the Andes where you can gallop across water meadows, through narrow rocky gorges and see guanacos, deer or armadillos in their natural environment.
After a tiring day's riding, where you can share the life of a gaucho and hopefully embrace his skills which are so important to Argentinian life, comfortable accommodation and delicious cuisine await you back at the ranch, or, if you choose a trail ride, nights spent under the star in snuggly sleeping bags next to a campfire.
On offer here is a unique combination of colonial-style estancia life with long distance riding in one of Argentina's most beautiful landscapes.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
There are three guests lodges just a stroll across the lawn from the main farm house. All eight double/twin rooms have ensuite bathroom and there are communal sitting areas in each cabin. Meals are usually served in the dining room of the main house and guests gather for drinks in front of the open fire in the dining room. There is also a function room with an open fire pit which is perfect for 'asados' and dancing if the occasion arises.
Those participating in a trail ride will not be roughing it. Nights enroute are spent camping in carefully chosen, picturesque campsites by a lake's shore or stream's edge, with tea brewed over the fire or a traditional 'mate' when you arrive, a chance for a refreshing swim before dinner and an evening spent relaxing around the campfire. You will stay in two man tents in good quality clean down sleeping bags. The camp staff arrange all the setting up of camp, the cooking and care of the horses.
When not tucking into 'asados' (BBQs) out on the estancia or picnics by the river, you will be served delicious meals in the main dining room. Lunch and dinner are large meals in Argentina and the estancia is virtually self sufficient.
Ham and bacon from the pigs are cured in the smoke-house, eggs come from the chicken run, milk and home made yoghurt from the dairy cow and beef, venison and wild boar are all served. Fruit juices are in abundance courtesy of the orchard and all our preserves are homemade. There is a large vegetable garden and all bread is baked fresh daily.
Argentine wines have, in recent years, begun to achieve the international recognition they truly deserve and wherever possible, provincial wines are served. Beers and spirits are also served, usually accompanied by a long, lazy siesta!
A range of different dietary needs can be catered for but please notify prior to arrival.
Activities
The estancia is a 15,000 acre working ranch so you will never be short of something to do. You can experience some traditional Argentine life by visiting a neighbouring Indian reservation or help the gauchos work the cattle; you can even learn to use a lasso.
The more adventurous amongst you might like to take part in a game of polocrosse. Wildlife lovers will marvel at condors and eagles floating above them. You can also visit Indian burial caves where ancient drawings can still be seen.
The estancia lies on the river Alumine, perfect for swimming. fishing or even barbeques along its banks. Take a stroll to the river in the evening or spend the day rafting. Juan de los Andes is famous for fishing and the river contains good populations of wild brown and rainbow trout. One to three pound trout are common with some three to five pounders. Fishing is mostly wet but there is some fly fishing. It is on a catch and release basis and the season runs from mid-November to mid-April.
Golf lovers will be impressed that a spectacular and challenging Jack Nicklaus 18 hole course has recently opened in Chapelco, only 45 minutes away.
You can also take a trip to San Martin or Lanin National Park. The estancia is also ideally suited to enjoy the 'Seven Lakes Route', a natural wonder of the world.
This is all available to the non-rider and with such a huge area to explore and range of activities to enjoy, you will never be waiting for your partner to return from a ride.
This estancia is a working ranch and many of the guests are fascinated by its self sufficiency from the water driven turbine to the home grown produce. However, in amongst the hustle and bustle of daily ranch life it remains an oasis of green surrounded by orchards planted by the family.
Further Details
Languages: English and Spanish
Health requirements: Riders must be experienced and prepared for 5-8 hours of riding per day
Age limit: No specific age limit but see health requirements
Tuition: Yes
Included: Accommodation, meals, drinks including wine, beers and spirits, all activities including riding as described. English speaking guide, transfers to and from San Martin de los Andes. Fishing on the estancia.
Not included: Flights to and from San Martin de los Andes, insurance (essential), items of a personal nature and gratuities. Fishing in local rivers.
Travel Information
Aerolineas Argentinas (www.aerolineasargentinas.com.ar/home.asp) flies daily from Buenos Aires to Chapelco at San Martin de los Andes. The transfer from Chapelco to the estancia is approximately 40 minutes and is included in the price.
Both Aerolineas Argentinas and Lan Argentina (www.plane.lan.com) run several flights a day to Bariloche approximately 2 hours away. Transfers can be organised from here at an additional cost.
For those who want to experience some of the vast open spaces of Argentina, a bus journey runs from Buenos Aires to the ranch. It takes 18 hours but the buses are extremely comfortable.
Airport: Chapelco
Alternative Airport: Bariloche
Programmes
Estancia based riding
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During September, October and April there are daily rides based on the estancia. The condors are particularly spectacular during these months and there are more interesting, varied and fun horse and cattle work to be done than in summer. Whilst the programme depends very much on the guests, below is a sample of a weeks riding: Day 1: You will be met at Chapelco airprt, San Martin de los Andes and driven to the estancia (approximately 30 minutes). After lunch there will be an afternoon ride with a chance to familiarise yourself with the horses and tack. Day 2: A full days ride on the estancia with an "asado" lunch. Follow the stream through its basalt canyons, riding as fast as you want across the water-meadows sending the plovers and ibis screeching, before returning over the top of Chenque Hill, where the Andes rise up behind you and the vastness of Patagonia stretches out before you. Day 3: A day spent working cattle with the gauchos. Lunch with the gauchos is strips of beef ribs threaded onto a stick and cooked over the open fire. A siesta in the shade and a chance to separate the cows on horseback or try your hand with a lasso. Day 4: A full days ride on the estancia to visit the Indian burial caves. The caves were formed when the glaciers carved the valley opening an entrance to the lava flow tunnels formed during previous eras of volcanic activity. The Tehuelche Indians laid out their dead, surrounded by their weapons and always somewhere where they could see their enemies coming. They decorated the walls with designs. The remains have disappeared, but the petroglyphs and the view are still there. Day 5: A morning's ride to see the stallion with the mares and new foals, and a chance to herd horses. After a late lunch there will be an evening ride to the cliffs where the condors and eagles nest. While you have a cocktail and the sun goes down, the condors return, they soar above and below us before settling for the night. Day 6: A days ride through the neighbouring Indian reservation. Your saddle rugs and saddle bags are woven by some of the Indian women and the skins from the cows they butcher are worked into rawhide and then bridles and halters by the men. You will pass by to see what progress is being made and to share a "mate" on our way through. Day 7: A full days ride to a different part of the estancia. There are 15,000 acres in all so there is still plenty left to explore. Lunch will be on the river. On the way home a chance to see guanaco, deer, wild boar and “peludos” - the baby armadillo. Day 8: A farewell ride on the estancia before transferring to the airport. |
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| Accommodation: |
There are three guests lodges just a stroll across the lawn from the main farm house. All eight double/twin rooms have ensuite bathroom and there are communal sitting areas in each cabin. Meals are usually served in the dining room of the main house and guests gather for drinks in front of the open fire in the dining room. There is also a function room with an open fire pit which is perfect for 'asados' and dancing if the occasion arises. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Riders must be experienced and prepared for 5-8 hours of riding per day, although novices with good physical fitness may be able to cope. |
| Type of ride: | Varied ranch based activities tailored to suit |
| Total riding time: | 5-8 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | Selected dates from 1st September 2007 to 1st May 2008. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Pack Trips
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From November to March we have programmes which include a 3 day pack trip. Arrival and departure days are flexible but a sample itinerary would be as follows. Day 1: We will meet you at Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes and drive you to the estancia (approx. 30 mins.). After lunch there will be an afternoon ride. A chance to familiarise yourself with the horses and tack and the way we ride. Day 2 - 5: Day rides based on the estancia. Whilst riding across barren rolling hills, through narrow rocky gorges, galloping across water meadows you will visit Indian burial caves, see petroglyphs, work cattle and herd horses with the gauchos, lunch on “asados” by the river, surprise guanacos, deer, armadillos. You will climb to the tops of the mesas where the mighty Andes rise up behind you and the vastness of Patagonia stretches out before you, whilst eagles and condors float high above. Day 6 to Day 8: A 3 day pack trip in the Andes mountains. The exact itinerary will depend on the time of year and weather / snow conditions. You may depart from the estancia itself or you may go into the mountains by vehicle. You will ride through the spectacular scenery of the southern Andes with its snow capped volcanoes, crystal clear lakes and pristine forests. Nights on route are spent camping in carefully chosen, picturesque campsites by a lake shore or at a stream's edge, with tea brewed over the fire or a traditional "mate" when you arrive, a chance for a refreshing swim before a good dinner and evening spent relaxing around the campfire. A ride into the wilderness. Sometimes the terrain itself dictates a slow pace, but whenever possible you will go as fast as you can! At the end return transport will be waiting to bring you back to estancia for baths, dinner and good beds! Day 9: A farewell ride on the estancia before transferring to the airport. |
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| Accommodation: | Those participating in a trail ride will not be roughing it. Nights enroute are spent camping in carefully chosen, picturesque campsites by a lake's shore or stream's edge, with tea brewed over the fire or a traditional 'mate' when you arrive, a chance for a refreshing swim before dinner and an evening spent relaxing around the campfire. You will stay in two man tents in good quality clean down sleeping bags. The camp staff arrange all the setting up of camp, the cooking and care of the horses. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Riders must be experienced and prepared for 5-8 hours of riding per day |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 5-8 hours per day. |
| Departure dates: | 1st to 9th November 2007 (pack trip 6-8), 8th to 14th Nov (pack trip 11-13), 22nd Nov to 1st December (pack trip 27-29 Nov), 1st- 8th Dec (pack trip 4-6 Dec), 10th - 19th Dec (pack trip 13-15 and 16-18), 1st-7th Jan (pack trip 4-6), 6-13th Jan (9-11), 10th-17th Jan (pack trip 14-16), 14th-24th Jan (pack trip 21-23), 25th Jan-2nd Feb (pack trip 30-1st), 5th-12th Feb (pack trip 9-11), 17th-24th Feb (pack trip 21-23), 24th Feb-2nd March (pack trip 27-29), 12th-18th March (pack trip 15-17) |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Across the Andes to Chile
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A wild and rugged breathtaking trip across one of the world's largest mountain chains dividing two very different countries. This trip is only suitable for experienced riders who are fit enough to canter for extended periods and spend long hours in the saddle. There are 5 to 8 hours riding a day. Day 1 : You will be met at Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes and driven to the estancia (approx. 30 mins.). After a late lunch there will be an afternoon ride. A chance to familiarise yourself with the horses, the tack and the way we ride. Day 2 : A full day’s ride on the estancia with an "asado" lunch. Follow the stream through its basalt canyons, riding as fast as you want across the water-meadows sending the plovers and ibis screeching, before returning over the top of Chenque Hill, where the Andes rise up behind you and the vastness of Patagonia stretches out before you. Day 3 to Day 6 : Set out from the estancia for Chile. The next 8 days will be spent crossing from the wide open spaces of Argentine Patagonia over the Andes to the thickly forested steep slopes of Chilean Patagonia. From the estancia you will ride for 4 days up into the Andes through the Andean Steppes, you will ford rivers, pass through Indian reservations, ride over ridges from where you think you can see the Atlantic and through magnificent rocky gorges, you will gallop across water meadows and race along sandy tracks. Nights will be spent camping by streams and rivers under the spectacular stars of the Southern hemisphere. Day 7 : At lunchtime, at the base of Lanin Volcano in a forest of Monkey puzzle trees you will reach the Argentine / Chilean border, where our Chilean partners will be waiting for you. After immigration and customs formalities you will wave goodbye to Argentina and the horse that has carried you to here and you will start down the western slopes of the Andes on your Chilean mount. Days 8 and 9 : The next 2 days will be spent riding down through magnificent Southern beech forests, with spectacular views of lakes and volcanoes. The western slopes of the Andes are much steeper, the terrain very different. Your hosts will be the gentle Chilean Huasos rather than the flamboyant Argentine gauchos, the tack is different, the horses as well. On the last evening you will reach Panqui hotsprings. Day 10 : There will be time for a final bathe before transferring back to the ranch by road (about 3 hours). After a late lunch there will be a ride on the estancia. By now you will have heard of many places and you will be able to choose what you would like to see most. Day 11 : A farewell ride on the estancia before transferring to the airport. |
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| Accommodation: | Those participating in a trail ride will not be roughing it. Nights enroute are spent camping in carefully chosen, picturesque campsites by a lake's shore or stream's edge, with tea brewed over the fire or a traditional 'mate' when you arrive, a chance for a refreshing swim before dinner and an evening spent relaxing around the campfire. You will stay in two man tents in good quality clean down sleeping bags. The camp staff arrange all the setting up of camp, the cooking and care of the horses. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | This trip is only suitable for experienced riders who are fit enough to canter for extended periods and spend long hours in the saddle. There are 5 to 8 hours riding a day. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 5-8 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | 24th January to 3rd February, 21st February to 2nd March |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Estancia to Estancia
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A chance to see the difficulties European settlers must have experienced in their attempts to cross the vast, yet stunning, Patagonian landscape. We visit three estancias where today some of their children, grand children and great grand children live protected by the trees their ancestor planted. All are living, working estancias, the herds of sheep have been replaced with herds of Hereford cattle and now they are all beginning to take guests on their family estates; which are a tribute to the success of those pioneers who came to create homes for their families. Despite these gentle words – remember that in many ways this is still the Last Frontier – the riding is fast, the distances long, the rivers are large, the views are vast and days can be as adventurous as they were in the early 1900’s – but at the end of the day a hot bath will be waiting and the accommodation will be really comfortable. Day 1 : You will be met at Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes and driven the estancia (approx. 30 mins) the home of the Woods. After lunch there will be an afternoon ride. A chance to familiarise yourself with the horses and tack and the way we ride. Night at the ranch. Day 2 : A full days ride on the estancia with an "asado" lunch. Follow the stream through its basalt canyons, riding as fast as you want across the water-meadows sending the plovers and ibis screeching, before returning over the top of Chenque Hill, where the Andes rise up behind you and the vastness of Patagonia stretches out before you. Night at the ranch. Day 3 : After breakfast you set out for Estancia Cerro de los Pinos, the house is 20 km away, but the riding is fast. You cross the ridge on the Mendana Estancia in front of Lanin Volcano before dropping down and crossing the Chimehuin River. The settlement is close to the river – enclosed by pines – the French Laminats planted more trees than even the Woods! Night at Cerro de los Pinos. Day 4 : Giving your horses a well earned rest . You will try the horses at Cerro de los Pinos. Our hosts will take us to see the 50,000 acre estancia where besides huge numbers of red deer, there are large herds of Guanaco and many South American Rhea. Lunch will be an “asado” out on the estancia. Night at Cerro de los Pinos. Day 5 : Time to leave Cerro de los Pinos and ride on to Estancia Collon Co, the home of the Fachts who came from Germany in 1900. Another 20 km ride across to the Quilquihue river and racing up the valleys to the settlement on the Collon Co stream to get there in time for dinner. Day 6 : A day exploring Estancia Collon Co – a vast area of water meadows and rolling hills running right up to the Andes mountains. Their gauchos will be keen to show us their Hereford cattle. Night at Estancia Collon Co. Day 7 : It’s too far to return to the ranch in a day, so you will head for the town of Junin de los Andes and the Rio Dorado lodge. A long morning arriving in time for a late lunch thus giving the chance for exploring the town (which does not take long!) before dinner at “Fat Buamscha’s”. The Buamschas came to Junin at the same time as those pioneers came to their estancias, since then it has been a meeting place for fishermen, hunters and locals. It is known throughout the Argentine for it’s trout, “poached” venison and beef. Day 8 : Your last day’s riding as you make our way back to the estancia, this time you cross the River Chimehuin just outside Junin de los Andes and climb back up Mendana ridge, before racing along the ridge, huge views on either side. Possibly the longest day of all but the horses will be keen to get home. Night at the ranch. Day 9 : A farewell ride on the estancia before transferring to the airport. |
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| Accommodation: |
The first two nights are spent at the estancia before moving on to Cerro de los Pinos for two nights. Nights 5 and 6 are spent at the Estancia Collon Co before heading back to the estancia via the town of Junin de los Andes. Nights 1-2 There are three guests lodges just a stroll across the lawn from the main farm house. All eight double/twin rooms have ensuite bathroom and there are communal sitting areas in each cabin. Meals are usually served in the dining room of the main house and guests gather for drinks in front of the open fire in the dining room. There is also a function room with an open fire pit which is perfect for 'asados' and dancing if the occasion arises. Nights 3-4 The Lodge has nine beautiful and spacious bedrooms with private bathroom, living room, dining room and all the necessary common spaces surrounded by a magnificent garden. Nights 5-6 At the Estancia Collon Co, the home of the Fachts who came from Germany in 1900. Night 7 The double and triple rooms have a generous entry, approximately 400 square feet of space in the bedroom areas and large bathrooms, complete with shower tubs, and heated towel racks. The bedrooms´ large windows provide views of the lovely grounds and access to the wonderful clear air of Patagonia. Night 9 Return to original ranch. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | This trip is only suitable for experienced riders who are fit enough to canter for extended periods and spend long hours in the saddle. There are 5 to 8 hours riding a day. |
| Type of ride: | Trail riding |
| Total riding time: | 5-8 hours per day. |
| Departure dates: | Fixed dates from October 14th 2007 through to February 2008. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |