Horseback Riding in Argentina
RIDE ACROSS THE ANDES |
This wild and rugged 10-day trek begins at the edge of the wide open plains of Argentine Patagonia and proceeds into the rugged mountains, forests and volcanoes of the Chilean Lake District. Ride through ancient larch, beech and monkey puzzle forests while learning the real meaning of the word ‘bamboozled’ as you forge a path through the bamboo thickets with experienced guides. The huge rock formations, towering overhead give rise to the myths and tales about secret cities hidden here in the Andes. The breathtaking peak of Lanin Volcano at 13,000 feet is an inspiring backdrop to this adventure.
“My ride in Argentina and Chile has been one of my best life experiences… The horses provided on the trip were exceptional… The geography, flora, and fauna which one sees is only enhanced by the experience that horseback riding gives you. The services provided to us as riders made our ride even more unique. I would urge anyone to not put off taking this wonderful trip. The memories will last you a lifetime.”
James Payne, OR
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| Itinerary |
| 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 familiarize yourself with the horses, the tack and the way they are ridden. |
| Day 2: | A full day’s 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: | Set out for Chile. The next 7 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 estancias grasslands you will ride for 4 days up into the Andes through the Andean pampas. You will ford rivers, pass through Indian reservations, and 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 today, 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 here and, after a 4km drive you will start down the western slopes of the Andes on your Chilean mount. |
| Day 8: | Continue 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 and the horses as well.
Reaching the final campsite at picturesque Puente Barras, where Loth and Pamela's families have been farming for generations. |
| Day 9: | Transfer back to the estancia in Argentina 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 10: | A farewell ride before transferring to the airport for your late afternoon flight. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | San Martin de los Andes Airport. |
| Length of Ride | 10 days, 9 nights and 9 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Advanced Strong Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-4 Maximum-10 |
| Riding Per Day | 5-8 hours |
| Pace | Moderate to fast |
| Tack | South American |
| Horses | Criollo crosses, and Chillean Criollos |
| Weight Limit | 200lbs |
| 2010 Dates | Jan 11-20, Feb 1-10, February 15-24
*Nov 28 - Dec 7, *Dec 12-21 |
| 2010 Price | $4,315 per person
* $4,530 per person |
| Single Supplement | $860, *$905 |
| Transfers | included from and to San Martin or Bariloche |
| 2011 Dates | Jan 16-25, Feb 1-10 and Feb 20 - March 1, 2011 |
| 2011 Price | $4,530 per person
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| Single Supplement | $ 905 |
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