Across the Andes
11 days - San Martin de los Andes to San Martin de los Andes
This superb expedition across the Andes is operated by Jane Williams of Estancia Huechahue, in conjunction with Loth and Pamela Kutler who own Turismo Maichin in Chile. Both companies are renowned for their superbly schooled and well looked after horses. The ride sets off from Estancia Huechahue in Argentina. From Huechahue you have four days hard riding, ascending the magnificent Andes Mountains to the border with Chile. You ford rivers, pass through Indian reservations and ride over ridges. At the border you will switch horse and guides and head down through the spectacular beech forests, with magnificent views of lakes and volcanoes before finishing the ride at Panqui Hot Springs and transferring back by vehicle to Huechahue.This ride is only suitable for experienced riders, who are fit enough to canter for extended periods and spend long, sometimes arduous hours in the saddle. The terrain is steep and treacherous in places and you will need to dismount and lead your horse. This is a ride for those looking for an adventure, a true expedition into the Andes Mountains.
On most nights a back-up vehicle supports the trip but on one night all the camping gear needs to be carried on packhorses. Each guest is provided with a small bag (which will be transported in the back-up vehicle) and a set of saddlebags for their personal possessions. As such you will need to travel with a minimum of clothing. Your main baggage may be left at Huechahue.
- Day 1 (D)
- On arrivalin San Martin de los Andes you will be met and transferred to Estancia Huechahue. If time permits there will be an afternoon ride. A chance to familiarize yourself with the horses and tack and the style of riding.
- Day 2 (B,L,D)
- A full day's ride on Estancia Huechahue 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 to Day 6 (B,L,D)
- Set out from 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 (B,L,D)
- At lunchtime, at the base of Lanin Volcano in a forest of Monkey puzzle trees you will reach the Argentine/Chilean border, where your Chilean guides 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, after a 4km drive you will start down the western slopes of the Andes on your Chilean mount.
- Day 8 and Day 9 (B,L,D)
- 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 of the ride you will reach Panqui Hotsprings where thermal pools await you.
- Day 10 (B,L,D)
- There will be time for a final bathe before transferring back to Huechahue 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 (B)
- A final ride on Huechahue before transferring to the airport.
- The itinerary shown is for an eleven day ride. We are also able to offer an eight day ride across the Andes.
- Cost per Person:
- Ride Only: £2,120
- Includes: Transfers from San Martin de los Andes and return, accommodation and meals as indicated, drinks and all riding.
- All Inclusive: From £3,230 depending on the season. Please note a night's hotel accommodation may be required in Buenos Aires. A supplement of £62 may be levied if there are no other passengers to share the transfers between the International and Domestic airports in Buenos Aires
- Includes: Flights, taxes, transfers, accommodation and meals as indicated, drinks and all riding.
- Single Supplement: None if prepared to share. £425 if unwilling to share. Please note a supplement of £62 may be levied if there are no other passengers to share the transfers between the International and Domestic airports in Buenos Aires.
- Departure Dates: 04, 14, 23 Jan, 21 Feb. Departures from UK are one day earlier. The eight day ride will operate on 09 Feb, 28 Nov, 13 Dec.
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The Accommodation: The accommodation includes three nights at the comfortable Estancia Huechahue. There are 8 twin and double rooms all ensuite. These are divided between 3 guest cabins close to the main house. Electricity is provided by water driven turbine. There is a hot tub and a tennis court near the house. Whilst on the expedition accommodation is provided in two man tents and good quality down sleeping bags and thermo-o-rest mattresses are provided. On the night that the vehicle does not meet with the group you will use your saddle and sheepskin as the gauchos do. At Panquie Hot Springs accommodation is simple but there are thermal baths and massages available.
- Food & Drink: On the trail ride the food is prepared over an open fire.
- Laundry: There is a free same day laundry service available at Huechahue. Once on the trail ride laundry is not possible.
- Children: Under 15 not permitted. 15 and upwardsaccepted but must be accompanied by an experienced adult rider.
- Non-Riders: Not suitable.