Cultural Adventures and Ecotourism, Argentina
Programmes
• Mendoza - The Ceiling of America Ride
• Estancia Stay in the Argentine Pampas with a Buenos Aires Tour
Programmes
• Mendoza - The Ceiling of America Ride
• Estancia Stay in the Argentine Pampas with a Buenos Aires Tour
Horses
Type of horses:
Criollo, polo and Peruvian Paso horses.
Nature of horses:
Strong and reliable, well trained and sure footed.
Height of horses:
14.2 - 16 hh
Weight limit:
90 kg
Tack type:
South American recado saddles.
Weather
Current Conditions:
Thunderstorm, 12 C
Forecast:
Fri - Showers. High: 17 Low: 8
Sat - Showers. High: 15 Low: 6
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Mendoza - The Ceiling of America Ride
Prices for 2010:
£1057 per person (based on a minimum of 6 riders) for a 6 day/5 night program based on shared accommodations in a twin or double room.
If between 4-5 riders there is a supplement of £160 per person.
If between 2-3 riders there is a supplement of £288 per person.
Note: There is a single supplement charge for hotel accommodation of £186
Programme includes:
-5 nights lodgings.
-Meals, snacks and beverages included.
-Airport transfers (except from Buenos Aires).
-English speaking guides.
-All ground transportation.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Salta - The Inca Trail
Prices for 2010:
£1147 per person (based on a minimum of 6 riders) for a 9 day/8 night program based on shared accommodations in a twin or double room.
If between 4-5 riders there is a supplement of £141 per person.
If between 2-3 riders there is a supplement of £288 per person.
Note: There is a single supplement charge for hotel accommodation of £160
Programme includes:
-8 nights lodgings.
-Meals, snacks and beverages included.
-Airport transfers (except from Buenos Aires).
-English speaking guides.
-All ground transportation.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Pioneers of Patagonia
The price is £891 per person for a minimum of 6 people.
If only 2-3 riders then there is a supplement of £250 per person.
If only 4-5 riders then there is a supplement of £167 per person.
This price includes 4 nights camping, 2 nights cabin accommodation, all meals and beverages during ride (hot meals at dinner and picnics at lunch). English speaking guide, gauchos, horses, pack mules, camping and cooking equipment. Iridium satellite phone for emergency calls. Salta City and Buenos Aires Domestic airport transfers.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Estancia Stay in the Argentine Pampas with a Buenos Aires Tour
The price for this one week programme is £1077 per person for a minimum of 6 riders. If there are only 4 - 5 riders, there is a supplement of £64 per person. Similarly, if there are only 2 - 3 riders then there is a supplement of £160 per person.
The single supplement for the estancia and the hotels in Buenos Aires is £250 The hotels involve sharing double or triple rooms and there are shared double rooms at the estancia. Non-riders get a 15% discount.
These prices include 4 nights accommodation in estancia, 2 nights hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires, all meals and beverages (wine, soft drinks and water) during the estancia stay and others indicated in Buenos Aires. English speaking guide during ride. Transfers from Buenos Aires International airport - Estancia, Estancia - Buenos Aires and Buenos Aires - International Airport are also included.
If you would like to stay at the estancia for a different number of nights and not following the programme, the cost (full board) is £167 per person sharing.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This is a brilliant horse riding trip in the mountains of Argentina in South America. Itineraries include trails to Patagonia in San Martín de los Andes, Mendoza close to the Aconcagua, Salta in the Calchaquí Valleys and Crossing the Andes between Argentina and Chile. All these are absolutely unforgettable experiences. This ride is a true example of environmentally friendly tourism and you can enjoy riding through unique and well preserved landscapes. Your hosts are very responsible when it comes to how they treat the local communities and landscapes and guests are encouraged to have the same respect for their surroundings and for the beautiful nature. They follow strict guidelines which include no littering, putting out campfires before leaving the site, not disturbing wildlife, leaving archaeological remains in their place and respecting the culture and dignity of the local dwellers. This includes asking before taking a photograph of them (the people here are kind and very willing).
Your hosts here are solely focused on horse riding tours and have over 8 years experience of running these great horseback trips. Their business was chosen as one of the world's "Exemplary Practices in Ecotourism 2003" by the World Tourism Organisation and their passion for the destination and the horses with which they work means that their enthusiasm shines through in their trails. The guides here are perfectly trained and fluent in English, with other languages also available. The trips are designed to show you the best of Argentina and visitors are welcomed as friends with whom the hosts will share unforgettable moments and experiences.
There are plenty of horses available for guests to ride and some are more demanding than others. The experienced rider can enjoy a challenging mount as they cover this awesome terrain and novices or nervous riders can trust in a horse which is easy to handle. All the horses used are born and raised in the area meaning that they are extremely sure footed and used to the mountainous and tough landscapes.
The programmes available are not suited to those looking for luxury but for the adventurous types - there is a lot of camping involved as well as staying in mountain refuges often without baths, showers or hot water. However, trails are available to suit all abilities of rider so if you're looking for a remarkable horse riding holiday where you can experience some true South American culture and stunning natural environments, these trails could be just what you're seeking.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
These trips feature a lot of camping but with some "upgrades". You will be riding in the backcountry of Argentina, usually above 6000 feet, sometimes staying in mountain refuges when not in tents. Check the individual programmes for more details.
Argentina is renowned for its beef. A favourite cut is the "bife de chorizo", served tender and juicy, but all cuts are of very high quality. Roasted over charcoal or wood, we also find "chorizo" (pork sausage), "molleja" (gizzard), "chinchulines" (tripe), riñones (kidneys) and "tripa gorda" (large intestine). Among the more regional foods are "empanadas" and "locro criollo". "Empanadas" are pastries filled with minced meat, chicken, corn,or vegetables; different Argentine provinces have their own special recipes for "empanadas". The "locro criollo" is a stew made with cow meat, potatoes and corn. Wines are excellent and come from Mendoza and Salta. They are exported all over. The highlighted varieties of Argentina are Malbec in red wines and Torrontés in whites. They are considered best in class.
Activities
Rafting, trekking, four trax, rappel, mountaineering, biking, etc. are the perfect addition to these horseback tours.
Further Details
Languages: English & Spanish
Health requirements: Fit and healthy
Age limit: None with reason
Tuition:
Included: Accommodation, meals, beverages (inc. wine with meals), and transfers from Salta City Airport.
Not included: Flights, transfers (from Buenos Aires), travel and medical insurance.
Travel Information
Fly into Salta City or Buenos Aires, depending on your chosen itinerary. For each itinerary there are different meeting places which can be explained to you.
Airport: Salta City Airport
Alternative Airport: Buenos Aires
Programmes
Mendoza - The Ceiling of America Ride
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You will ride the Aconcagua region. Here stand the most massive and immense mountains in America, including its tallest peak, the Aconcagua (23,200 ft). The mecca of mountaineering. Riding at heights over 11 000 ft, through small trails, past fairy tale valleys and colourful creeks. It is in these uninhabited places, which you can only reach on horseback, where huge herds of guanacos roam freely and the Andean condor nests. Only in unique places like this can you enjoy the privilege of watching them at ease. This is also a place where history was written. In 1817, the Los Andes Army crossed through this exact same spot. After this they moved on to liberate Chile from the Spanish Conquistadors. You will have a glimpse of the titanic efforts the Fathers of Independence had to overcome. As the sun sets, the spectacular stars of the southern hemisphere will cover the sky. Relax at the camp with its peaceful atmosphere. The campfire that lightens up the darkness as you share a cup of coffee, tea or mate. All this creates the ideal ambience to feel the timeless spirit of nature and make new friends. On the seventh day you finalise the trip by rafting the River Mendoza, the region’s best. Your hosts' long experience guarantees an unforgettable vacation. Hopefully, the trip of a lifetime. Itinerary: Day 1 – Arrive Buenos Aires/Uspallata: Flight to Mendoza out of Buenos Aires Domestic Airport. Arrive Mendoza city airport. Transfer to Uspallata town (1 1/2hrs drive), located right in the middle of the Andes Mountains and very close to Mount Aconcagua. Check in at Uspallata Hotel. This mountain lodge is like a throwback to the 30’s-40’s. A welcome dinner will await you. Day 2 – Horseback riding: After breakfast you will have the first chance to ride these massive mountains. During the rides you we will have the priceless support of an elite cavalry unit based in the area that focuses on border exploration on horseback. You will be driven on an off road truck which is the only possible way to get to Chacay, well into the Tiger Range. It is considered to be the backbone of the Andes. There, the horses will be waiting for you for the ride to La Gloria (The Glory). Moving upwards with the horses to 3000 meters – 9000ft. high you reach the viewpoints from where there is a great view of Uspallata Valley. Back to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Day 3 – Horseback riding: After breakfast you start a 9 hr day outdoors. The off road truck will carry you to the Tiger Range. On horseback you will ride upstream from the Ranchillos Creek to Cueva de la Bruja (Witch Cave). You will have lunch here. The massive rock wall in front of it houses condor nests. If lucky, you will have the chance to watch them close by. After lunch you ride along the Durazno stream downwards to Uspallata. Its sandy river bed makes it a perfect place for cantering. It is an unforgettable experience to run your horse into town. Are you willing to give it a try? Dinner and overnight at hotel. Day 4 – Horseback riding: Today you will ride the Bonilla Range through the Quebrada de Santa Helena and towards Agua de la Cueva (7 hrs ride including lunch outdoors). The same unspoilt trail used in 1817 by the army sent to free Chile from the Spaniards. On this virgin land, you will have a feeling of the titanic efforts of the task. When you reach Agua de la Cueva, you will have majestic views of the Aconcagua. Its 6,962 mts. – 21 000 ft. make it the highest peak in America. This was their camping ground two centuries ago. On the way, you will stop at the abandoned mine Rivadavia and explore its tunnels. The group will have a barbecue dinner there. Back to Uspallata on off road truck. Your horses will wait for you there for the next day. Overnight at hotel. Day 5 – Horseback riding: The truck will take you back to Agua de la Cueva. Your last riding day will go through Pampa de Canota (7 hrs ride including lunch outdoors). This area is known because of its herds of guanacos and the Andean condor. At sunset you reach Uspallata. Feel free to gallop back into town. Say farewell to your horse and get ready for dinner. Overnight at hotel. Day 6 – Mendoza wines and airport: This day will be very gourmet: wine making and tasting and a superb lunch. From Uspallata you leave early to Luján de Cuyo. This area is now known worldwide for producing several of Argentina’s best wines. Each night during your ride you have been enjoying a different wine from this territory. Your visit to Mendoza would not be complete without a visit to the famous Club Tapiz boutique winery. During this private visit, you will have the chance to taste their premium wines directly from the oak casks. Lunch at the winery. Transfer to Mendoza city airport. End of programme. NOTE: depending on your flight time back home, you might need to spend the night in Buenos Aires. Assistance can be arranged for you with the continuation of your trip (hotel reservations, transfers, etc.). Although they will always endeavour to avoid changes, your hosts reserve the right to change this itinerary due to unusual or unforeseeable circumstances, including acts of man or nature. |
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| Accommodation: | Comfortable hotel accommodation. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Novice (confident) - experienced. |
| Type of ride: | Mountain trails and valleys. |
| Total riding time: | 4 days riding (5 - 6hrs a day). |
| Departure dates: | 2010 dates: 2 October; 24 October; 28 November; other dates can be arranged upon request.. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Salta - The Inca Trail
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Argentina is a land of horses and many of the natives spend their whole life on horseback. In this unique country you will be able to explore the vast beauty of its varied and impressive landscapes and discover its real spirit. Ride across the Andes Mountains of Northwest Argentina the way it was done in Colonial times, whilst keeping some of the luxuries of the 21st Century! "We reach campsite after a day riding in the wilderness. We will never forget our new friends and horses. At the campfire, dinner is made whilst we listen to the local ancient tales. The evening star comes out as the night shows up. It is the first of the million stars that lighten the sky of the southern hemisphere. Long conversations recreate the incredible day gone by. This is how our nights are... this is how our riding vacations are." These are ancient Inca trails and the ideal setting for an unforgettable trip. This holiday will get you to places that you can only reach on horseback, places where you can see impressive landscapes and experience the diverse climates. Here there are tropical forests with crystal clear streams in the Lerma Valley, the Calchaquí desert with its multicoloured mountains and the Cafayate Creek and its water and wind eroded hills. Your hosts designed these trail rides to show this breathtaking contrast. Groups go up to 3000 mts. (9000 feet) where the forest changes to high altitude grassland. This is the homeland of the Andean condor. As the sun sets, the spectacular stars of the southern hemisphere will cover the sky. Relax at the camp with its peaceful atmosphere and enjoy the campfire as it lightens up the darkness of the night and you share a cup of coffee, tea or mate. All this creates the ideal ambience to feel the timeless spirit of nature and make new friends. All along the trail, you have a chance to absorb from the locals, heirs of the ancient Incas, some of the culture still alive high up in the mountains. Your hosts' long experience in riding tours guarantee an unforgettable vacation. The horses are the core of this riding program. It is suitable for riders who are fit and capable at walk, trot and canter. You will ride the horses at all gaits whilst you immerse yourselves in nature for a few days, enjoy camping activities and make new friends. A great option to enjoy riding while leaving behind the stressful city life... Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires on time to connect flight to Salta city. You will visit the MAAM (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology). Transfer to boutique hotel. Check in. Welcome dinner w/ your guide Day 2: Start of horseback ride. Yungas forest. Night in camp in Lerma Valley Day 3: Horseback riding (cont.). Crossing from Lerma Valley to Calchaquí Valley. Night at Amblayo Day 4: Horseback riding (cont.). Night at Amblayo in the Calchaquí Valley Day 5: Horseback riding (cont.). Night at Isonza Day 6: Final day of horseback riding in the Calchaquí valley. Night at Isonza Day 7: Transfer to Salta city. Night at boutique hotel. Farewell dinner Day 8: Flight to Buenos Aires. City tour. Tango show (optional). Night at hotel Day 9: Breakfast. End of program. Extra days: Optional adventure activities (Rafting and rappel, Trekking, Four Trax) or trips to Cafayate and its wineries or Quebrada de Humahuaca. Detailed itinerary: Day 1 – Arrive Buenos Aires/ Salta: Flight to Salta. Arrive any time before 4 PM. Pick up at local airport. You will visit the MAAM (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology). This was recently opened to show the items found at an Inca human sacrifice site on top of the Llullaillaco volcano (6730 mts - 18000 ft. high). It holds the best preserved mummies worldwide. Check in at boutique hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide. Day 2 – Horseback ride: After breakfast, leave for La Viña (2hrs. drive). Meet the horses. Last minute packing before riding into the mountainous forest of Valle de Lerma along the course of the Las Pircas stream. These trails have been used for centuries and are still the only means of communication among locals. You will cross the Dead Lion range. At sunset, arrive at El Churqui mountain camp where you will be awaited with an energizing homemade meal. Day 3 – Horseback ride: The dense forest gradually gives way to grasslands. Once you reach 3000 mts. – 9000 ft. and have the chance to see some condors, you descend into the desertic Calchaquí Valley. You head towards the town of Amblayo where you will spend the night. It has only 150 dwellers. Sense the feeling of arriving on horseback to this tiny town with no cars! It is renowned for its goat cheese. Traditional lamb barbecue at dinner. Day 4 – Horseback ride: During this morning just relax and enjoy this picturesque town. Visit its ancient chapel, have a chat with its neighbours. In the afternoon you ride towards the foothills of Sierra Pelada, the area where the “ancient ones” lived centuries ago. Night at Amblayo. Day 5 – Horseback ride: You leave Amblayo riding well into the Calchaquí Valleys towards your next stop. Before you get there you will ride at first through archaeological areas where you will find pieces of painted pottery scattered around. You have a look at an agreement not to remove any of these archaeological remains. The multicolored hills and giant cacti are remarkable and the icon of the region. Night at Isonza. Day 6 – Horseback ride: Isonza is a working ranch. During this morning you will join in with the everyday life of the ranch and its ancient way of life still intact. The way they milk the goats, make cheese, grow their crops is centuries old and inherited from Inca times. After lunch you ride and hike to visit archaeological pictographs. The ride takes you West at the beginning until you reach the very steep slopes of Chilo which divide the two valleys. The view is magnificent and makes the group feel the power of nature. Overnight at Isonza. Day 7 – Salta City: Transfer to Salta City through the Cuesta del Obispo and the Cardones National Park. On the way there are herds of wild donkeys set free by the Spanish Conquistadors. Check in at boutique hotel. Farewell dinner. Day 8 – Buenos Aires City: Transfer to airport. Flight to Buenos Aires. Transfer to hotel. You will take some time to visit the city and learn about its icons in a very special way: tango, Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada’s balcony, Eva Peron, etc. In the evening you might want to attend a tango show (optional) w/dinner and a tango lesson. Night at hotel. Day 9 – Departure: Breakfast. End of programme. Although they will always endeavour to avoid changes, your hosts reserve the right to change this itinerary due to unusual or unforeseeable circumstances, including acts of man or nature. |
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| Accommodation: | 3 nights accommodation in hotel and 5 nights camping in tents and mountain refuges (shower will be available on 3rd and 4th night of camping). |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Novice (confident) to experienced. |
| Type of ride: | Mountain trails and valleys. |
| Total riding time: | 5 full days riding (5-6 hrs a day) |
| Departure dates: | 2010: 14 August; 16 October; 27 November. Please contact office if you require any other dates. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Pioneers of Patagonia
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Set in the Neuquén Province of Argentine Patagonia, this ride shows you the pristine wilderness of the region and is a chance to experience the real uniqueness of Argentina. The base camp is set in a 45000 acres working estancia, embedded in the Andes Mountains. It was founded long ago and was first owned by English pioneers. The trails take you over uninhabited land that can only be reached on horseback and the group camp in unspoiled places. There are rivers and lakes here full of trout, valleys and mountains covered by indigenous sub-Antarctic forests and huge monkey puzzle trees which add to the amazing landscape. From the hill tops it's possible to see Chile on the other side of the border. Summarised Itinerary: Day 1: Pick up at San Martín de los Andes airport. Transfer to Estancia. Traditional Argentine barbecue dinner. Day 2: Start of horseback ride. Night in camp in the Summer Prairies. Day 3: Horseback riding (cont.). Lake Aluminé. Night in camp by the Relén river. Day 4: Horseback riding (cont.). Views of Lake Aluminé. Night in camp by the lengas forest. Day 5: Horseback riding (cont.). Night in camp by the Monkey Puzzle trees forest. Day 6: Final day of horseback riding. Back to the Estancia to spend the night. Farewell barbecue. Day 7: Transfer back to San Martín de los Andes airport. Detailed Itinerary: Day 1 – Arrive San Martín de los Andes: Pick-up at San Martín de los Andes airport. Meet your guide and transfer to the Estancia (cabin accommodations with bed and blankets, shared rooms, bathroom). Enjoy a welcome dinner. Day 2 – Horseback ride: After breakfast and last minute packing you meet the horses. Say farewell to the last sight of civilization in this working Estancia as you start the ride into remote territories. The group heads west, to the Andes range. At first the typical dry Patagonian steppe is all over but it gradually fades out. You are going towards one of the largest giant monkey puzzle tree woods in Patagonia - these trees only gros here and can live to 1000 years old. You stop for lunch under the first group of them. When you reach Puesto Ignacio, your campsite for the night, you leave all heavy items behind and go for a ride into the woods. This is the first chance to feel Patagonian vastness and the immense size of these very old trees. Day 3 – Horseback ride (cont.): After breakfast you leave the campsite. This day you will go north and then west. After moving into another valley, there will be plenty of chances for cantering and galloping, for those who like (only if it is an expert riders group). You will start to see ñires trees, a typical tree of the region. You lunch under the shade of huge Monkey puzzle trees on the way to the Relén river where you camp for the night. You can bathe in its waters and try trout fishing. Day 4 – Horseback ride (cont.): After breakfast you leave the campsite. The morning of this ride is similar to the previous day with the group enjoying the valleys and landscapes. You lunch on the way under the shade of huge Monkey puzzle trees. The afternoon ride will take you into higher ground where you might see the condors. A Mapuche Indian reservation territory. The night campsite, Mallín de las Lengas, is at the border of a fairy tale lengas forest, worthy of a Tolkien novel. It is so pristine that the dead giant trees have piled up over the centuries. They are all around still lying on the ground. A moving scene. We will ride this forest. At night, an energising meal. Day 5 – Horseback ride (cont.): After breakfast you will be heading towards the Picudo Mountain. It is the highest riding point of the trail and an awesome view. You climb and descend through the lengas forest, in the half light of this dense wood. The monkey puzzle trees will be your hosts for the night as you will camp close to the Polcahue lake. Day 6 – Horseback ride (cont.): During the morning you will ride straight west. This valley has been used over the centuries by the Mapuche Indians to reach the Pacific Ocean crossing the Andes range. You will stop close to the Chilean border. You go past the Pulmarí lake. After a long day, you arrive at sunset at the Estancia ready to enjoy a few basic privileges of civilisation: electricity and hot water. Farewell dinner. Day 7 – Transfer back to San Martín de los Andes: After breakfast you go back to San Martín de los Andes airport. End of programme. Although they will always endeavour to avoid changes, your hosts reserve the right to change this itinerary due to unusual or unforeseeable circumstances, including acts of man or nature. |
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| Accommodation: | 4 nights are spent camping in beautiful areas and 2 nights are spent in cabins on the estancia. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Novice (confident) to experienced. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 5 full days riding |
| Departure dates: | 2010 dates: 20 November; 13 December. 2011 dates: 3 January; 6 February. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Estancia Stay in the Argentine Pampas with a Buenos Aires Tour
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There is no better way to understand the real Argentine spirit than to experience its world renowned “Estancias”. Full of tradition and history and cradle of the best Polo in the world, they are part of the way Argentina was made. This Estancia is a true working ranch at the core of the Argentine Pampas. It is a 4 000 acres Estancia, located 150 miles away from Buenos Aires city. The Estancia is dedicated to livestock production and Argentine horse breeding barn. The horses you will ride are top of class and they have all participated in horse shows with great success. On top of this, you will share time outdoors with the gauchos (the local cowboys). They are all horse loving people and very proud of their way of life and cattle raising skills. They are the true spirit of the endless Pampas and Argentine culture and Argentine history has elevated them to the level of myth. They are celebrated in both song and prose where they became truly heroic figures who pronounce their virtues as knights would with strength, bravery and honour. Feel at ease to run horses all day long and help the gauchos in their everyday work. Join them in a cattle drive as you can hoot and holler like those cowboys in the movies as you focus on following their three virtues in a character building experience. This is one of these few situations where you can still feel the spirit of freedom. The crew here will be devoted to your stay. A 100% personalised service is part of the philosophy and culture of the place. Enjoy the excellent local cuisine, comfortable accommodations and tasteful decoration, etc. The guest house is old but recently renovated. Get ready to enjoy traditional Argentine barbecues and great horse riding or just relax. The programme would not be balanced without embedding yourself in Buenos Aires city, the cradle of tango, the Paris of South America. The culture of the city is everywhere as well as its Latin spirit. This program balances pure adventure with more relaxed activities. It is an experience without comparison. Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires early in the morning. Transfer to Estancia in the Pampas. Lunch. Horseback riding. Welcome dinner. Day 2-3-4: Horseback and ranch activities at Estancia including El Gato river ride, cattle drive, visit to neighboring Estancias with barbecue lunch outdoors, visit to local village on horseback and carriage driving or barrel racing Day 5: Horseback riding. After lunch, transfer to hotel in Buenos Aires. Free evening. Day 6: City tour. Free afternoon. Evening tango show and lesson with dinner. Night in hotel in Buenos Aires. Day 7: River Plate delta cruise. Free time until transfer to International Airport. Evening flight back home. Day 1 – Buenos Aires / Estancia: Arrive Buenos Aires during the morning. Pick up at International Airport at preset time. 3 hs. drive to Estancia in the Pampas. Lunch. Horseback riding in the afternoon. With the help of your guide you will be introduced to the Argentine horse breed and assigned your horse for the rest of the stay. You will ride the surroundings of the Estancia to get used to your horse and learn about the daily activities at the Estancia. A hearty Argentine welcome dinner follows. Argentina is now known worldwide for its wine production. Each night during your stay you will be enjoying a different wine from its terroirs. You hosts have prepared a special selection which includes some of the world renowned Argentine Malbecs. Day 2-3-4 – Horseback and ranch activities: During your stay you will be riding Argentine breed horses on the famous Pampas grasslands, wonderful long canters on the plains and the chance to explore the quaint and charming villages throughout the area. The gauchos (cowboys) will be eager to teach you the “secrets” of cattle work and horse breeding. You will enjoy both the horseback and ranch activities at the Estancia over the next few days, including: - Ride the El Gato river banks. This portion of wilderness will let you see how the Pampas were originally - Conventional cattle work, cattle driving and barrel racing - Drive 19th century carriages - On a longer day you will ride past neighboring Estancias only to make a stop under the shade of the trees to lunch on a traditional Argentine barbecue - You will explore areas and villages that are typical of historic Argentina, such as the very small town of Almada. The locals gather at the bar and are always glad to have visitors and make new friends. It is like going back in time. Tie up your horse in front of the bar the same way it was done in the Old West. Enjoy a drink and have a chat with the locals. Day 5 – Estancia / Buenos Aires: You will ride during the morning and then say good bye to the horses. After lunch you leave the Estancia and head to Buenos Aires city. Hotel check in. Free time to wander around the city, go shopping, visit museums. Day 6 – Buenos Aires: Breakfast. The group meets to take some time to visit the city and learn about its icons in a very special way: Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada’s balcony, Eva Peron, etc. Set aside the evening for tango. You will attend a tango show with dinner and a tango lesson at Complejo Tango. Night at hotel. Day 7 Buenos Aires/ Paraná river delta: 9 AM pick up hotel after breakfast to visit the River Plate/ Paraná delta and the surrounding picturesque towns. You will travel on bus, train and boat. At Tigre city you will get on board a boat. Snack available (not included). From the side of the boat you will appreciate the exotic subtropical forest of the Paraná river delta, a 14,000 square kilometers area comprising of thousands of islands and islets. The River Plate is the ending portion of the Paraná river which is 2500 miles long and its name means “as big as the sea” in the local Indian language. This is the second largest river in South America (behind the Amazon river) and its volume of water flowing into the Atlantic Ocean is roughly equal to the volume of the Mississippi river. Transfer back to the hotel in Buenos Aires. Arrive 2:30 PM. Free time until transfer to Ezeiza International Airport. Flight back home in the evening. End of program. |
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| Accommodation: | Four nights are spent at a 4000 acres working Estancia with two nights in hotels in Buenos Aires. Estancia rooms are double rooms to be shared and hotel rooms are double or triple rooms for sharing. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | Novice (confident) - Experienced. Must be able to walk, trot and canter in open spaces. |
| Type of ride: | Based |
| Total riding time: | As detailed by programme. |
| Departure dates: | 2010 dates: 11 July; 7 August; 25 September; 30 October; 6 December. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |