Estancia Huechahue, Patagonian Steppes, Argentina
Horses
Type of horses:
Criollo crosses, part anglo-normando
Nature of horses:
Generally sure footed and well behaved
Height of horses:
15.0 hh approx
Weight limit:
15 stone/210lbs or 95kgs
Tack type:
Trail saddles covered with sheepskin
Weather
Current Conditions:
Partly Cloudy, 1 C
Forecast:
Fri - Sunny. High: 13 Low: 4
Sat - Partly Cloudy. High: 13 Low: 5
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Estancia based riding
from october to december 2010 price: £244 per person, per night. from january 1st 2011 price: £253 per person per night.
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.
There is a single supplement of 25%, however anyone willing to share a room obviously does not have to pay.
Access to all the fishing on the Estancia is included in this rate. the cost of a professional fishing guide is £195 per person per day or £130 per person per day sharing a guide between two fishermen. This can include floating and wading.
19 to 26 September, 2010: £1705 including transfer from Bariloche (meeting flights arriving at 14.00) on 19/09/10 and to Bariloche (for flights departing 14.00) on 26/09/10.
23 to 29 October 2010: £1462 including transfer from Bariloche (meeting flights arriving at 18.00) on 23/10/10 and to Bariloche (for flights departing 14.00) on 29/10/10.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Pack Trips
Between November and March: Prices as per the Estancia based ride.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Across the Andes to Chile
price: £2933 per person
To finish the trip at Puente Basas on the morning of Day 9: £2865
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).
These payments are non-refundable.
Single supplement of 20% however this only applies if you are not prepared to share with another appropriate guest.
Transfers between Huechahue and san Martin de los Andes are included. On arrival and departure days we will be providing Bariloche transfers. These will timed to be at Bariloche airport for 14:00 flight departures or 14:00 arrivals. we can arrange transfers at other times- please ask for rates.
We can organize transfers from Puente Basas to Temuco in Chile for £84 per transfer and to Puncon for £19 per transfer.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Estancia to Estancia
2010: The price of the 9 day/8 night programme is £2703 per person.
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), flights, 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.
10 Day Programme
Please contact the office for current prices
Pacific to Atlantic Adventure
The cost is £5928 per person from meeting at Puerto Montt on 12/03/11 to finishing at Trelew airport in time for the first flight on the morning of 02/04/11. for those not wanting to leave so early on 02/04/11 there is no problem staying on the Estancia -the transfer to Trewlew airport is about £52
Anyone wishing to stay on ectra nights at San Guillermo to explore peninsular Valdes can do so. the cost is about £120 per person full board and £104 per person half board. best to pay direct to San Guillermo.
There is no single supplement rooms as they are not generally available.
gratuities not included
The price includes everything - except for any pampering you manage to find on the way – but there is really very little opportunity for spending money anywhere on the trip – more than the odd bag of sweets, bar of chocolate etc.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Experience the thrill of riding through one of the most spectacular landscapes on earth - the Patagonian Steppes - 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 stars 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 guest 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 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. We have two special week long programs in the spring: Aparte Campero week 19th to 26th september, 2010 A week of fast scenic riding combined with opportunities to work with the cattle alongside gauchos, culminating in the "Aparte Campero", a traditional cattle cutting competition. Guests will have a chance to test their gaucho horsemanship separating cattle against the clock. With teams competing from al over the Province of Neuquen dressed in their finest and the chance to enjoy a huge traditional "Asado" (barbeque). The Aparte Campero makes a fantastic climax to the week amid the spectacular colour, sense of tradition and camaraderie unique to Argentina. Family week 23rd to 29th october, 2010 A week of concentrated riding for al the family- working cattle, visiting Indian caves, rounding up horses, helping with the new born foals, watching the condors- as much exciting riding as you could wish for. Whilst the programs depend very much on our guests, below is a sample of a weeks riding with us: Day 1: You will be met at Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes and driven to the Estancia Huechahue (approximately 30 minutes). After lunch there will be an afternoon ride with a chance to familiarise yourself with the horses and tack and the way we ride. Day 2: A full days ride on the Estancia with an "asado" lunch. Follow the Huechahue 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 our 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 you before settling for the night. Day 6: A days ride through the neighbouring Indian reservation. Our saddle rugs and saddle bags are woven by some of the Indian women and the skins from the cows we 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 Huechahue before transferring to the airport. |
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| Accommodation: |
There are three guest 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: | October 2010 - April 2011, including Christmas and new year. Special weeks: 19 to 26 September 2010; 23 to 29 October 2010 (half term) |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Pack Trips
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From November to March we have programs which includes a three 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 Huechahue (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 Huechahe. 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 are spent camping in carefully chosen, picturesque campsites by a lake shore or at a stream's edge. These are rides into the wilderness. Everything is carried on pack horses and the camping is simple. Sometimes the terrain itself dictates a slow pace. At the end return transport will be waiting to bring you back to Estancia Huechahue for baths, dinner and good beds! Day 9: A farewell ride on the Huechahue before transferring to the airport. (please note that although the dates of arrival and departure at Huechahue are flexible the dates of the pack trips are fixed) |
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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: | 20,21,22 november 2010, 16,17,18 january 2011 |
| 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 Huechahue 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 Huechahue 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 Huechahue 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. Day 8: You will continue riding down through the magnificent Southern beech forests, with spectacular views of lakes and volcanoes. The Western slopes of the Andes are much steeper, the terrain is very different. Reaching the final campsite at the picturesque Puente Barras, where the Loth and Pamela's families have been farming for generations. Day 9: You will transfer back to Huechahue by road (around three 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 the most. Day 10: A farewell ride on Huechahue 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: | 2010 dates: 28 November - 7 December; 12 - 21 December. 2011 dates: 16 - 25 January; 1 - 10 February; 20 February - 1 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. You will 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: | With notice this programme can be organised at any time from October through to February |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
10 Day Programme
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From November through to March we will have a number of set ten day programmes, which will include a free transfer from and to Bariloche Airport. During these ten days, guests will have the chance to do all the rides on the Estancia and a three day Pack Trip on Lanin National Park. The Condors are particularly spectacular during these months and there is interesting, varied and fun horse and cattle work to be done. The Pack Trip gives guests the opportunity to be out in Patagonian wilderness whilst sleeping at the foot of the unique Lanin Volcano. Day 1: You will be met at Bariloche airport and driven to the Estancia (approx. 2 hours). After lunch there will be an afternoon ride. A chance to familiarise yourself with the horses and tack and the way they ride. Day 2: A full days ride on 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 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 their 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 we have a cocktail and the sun goes down, the condors return, they soar above and below us before settling for the night. Day 6 to Day 8: A three day pack trip in the Andes Mountains. The exact itinerary will depend on the time of year and weather / snow conditions. (Please note that if there is still a lot of snow in November the pack trips might be two day / one night camping.) You will 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 are spent camping in carefully chosen, picturesque campsites by a lake shore or at a stream's edge. These are rides into the wilderness. Everything is carried on pack horses and the camping is simple. The terrain itself generally dictates a slow pace. At the end return transport will be waiting to bring you back to Estancia Huechahue for baths, dinner and good beds! Day 9: A days ride through the neighbouring Indian reservation. The saddle rugs and saddle bags are woven by some of the Indian women and the skins from the cows we breed are worked into rawhide and then bridles and halters by the men. We will pass by to see what progress is being made and to share a "mate" on our way through. Day 10: A farewell ride before transferring to the airport. |
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| 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 |
| Departure dates: | Contact the office for 2010 dates |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Pacific to Atlantic Adventure
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You will meet at Puerto Montt airport at 14.00 on 12th March 2011 for the transfer to the Andes Lodge on Seno de Reloncavi, a Pacific fjord (about 2.5 hours). Early the next morning we drive to the beach where our first horses will be waiting. Starting with our feet in the Pacific we will ride these horses to Lago Tagua Tagua. We will take the ferry across Lago Tagua Tagua, at the eastern end the horses which will take us the rest of the way across Chile will be waiting. we will ride up the Rio Puelo, cross the border and on 15/03/11 take a boat across Lago Puelo to where our Argentine horses will be waiting for us. We will then cross Argentina more or less in a straight line through El Maiten, Gastre, Gan Gan, Telsen finishing at Estancia San Guillermo at Puerto Madryn with a gallop along the beach of the Atlantic Coast amongst the sea lions and penquins on 01/04/11. We will provide a transfer to Trelew airport in time for the 08.00 flight to Buenos Aires. The aim is to have 2 horses each. The spare horses will be sent ahead to wait for you, you will be changing mounts every 3 or 4 days. The idea being to keep the horses as fresh as possible. You will be covering an average of 40 to 50 kms a day. Most days are about 8 hours riding. The Chilean side is rain forest similar to the Chilean side of our Cross the Andes trips; the Argentine side is desert. But it is remarkable how much the scenery changes through the desert! It is a great adventure but participants need to be able to ride and to be riding fit – really riding fit! They also need to enjoy just riding. The first few days in Chile the terrain is difficult and you go mostly at a walk but once you cross the Andes the going becomes easier and you go as fast as we sensibly can given the distance the horses have to cover. Also - anyone joining this trip must understand that an adventure is really only an adventure when recounted afterwards - at the time it is usually a major problem! |
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| Accommodation: |
There is no supplement for single rooms as they are not generally available. You stay in the most comfortable accommodation available. However on 12 of the nights there is no choice but to camp. There will be two vehicles backing you up, organising the campsites and cooking, having chemical toilets and hot showers ready when you arrive. You will stay at simple lodges in Llanado Grande, Urutier, Gastre, Gan Gan and Telsen (definitely not luxury but showers a step up from the one you will have on the back of the horse trailer!). Andes Lodge where you start and Estancia San Guillermo where you finish and the hotel in El Maiten are very comfortable. |
| Minimum group size: | 8 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Only very fit experienced riders should consider this trip. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Very long hours in the saddle. |
| Departure dates: | 12th march to 2nd april, 2011 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |