Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you. Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you.

Estancias of Northern Patagonia

9 days - San Martin de los Andes - San Martin de los Andes

This fantastic ride takes place in the northern region of Patagonia. With Jane Williams organising the trip, you are sure to experience great riding, hospitality and the chance to understand the history of the region and the people who settled it.

Junin and San Martin de los Andes were difficult to get to even by Patagonian standards - to the west lay the high Andes and to the east a large desert. The first European arrived in 1883, peace was made with the Indians in 1903 and the first settlers arrived in the early 1900's. They were well educated, well travelled and worldly in their outlook - pioneers and adventurers who came from Europe looking for space to create new homes and enterprises for their families.

On this ride three different estancias, owned and run by the grand children and great grand children of those early settlers are visited. All are living, working estancias although cattle have replaced the herds of sheep.

This area is still considered by many to be the 'Last Frontier'. The riding is fast, the distances long, the rivers are large, the views are vast and the 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 comfortable.

Day 1
You will be met at Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes and driven to Estancia Huechahue (approximately 30 minutes) 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 the horses are ridden. Night at Huechahue. (L,D)
Day 2
A full days 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. Night at Huechahue. (B,L,D)
Day 3
After breakfast set out for Estancia Cerro de los Pinos, the house is 20 km away, but the riding is fast. 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. (B,L,D)
Day 4
Giving your horses a well earned rest you will try the horses at Cerro de los Pinos. Your hosts will take you 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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
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 you their Hereford cattle. Night at Estancia Collon Co. (B,L,D)
Day 7
It's too far to return to Huechahue 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 the 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. (B,L,D)
Day 8
The last full day ride. Make your way back to Huechahue,crossing the River Chimehuin just outside Junin de los Andes before climbing back up Mendana ridge and racing along the ridge, with huge views on either side. Possibly the longest day of all but the horses will be keen to get home. Night at Huechahue. (B,L,D)
Day 9
A farewell ride on Huechahue before transferring to the airport. (B)
Book Now
Argentina
  • Departure dates: 05 Jan, 11 Oct, 02, 20 Nov 2009. Departures from the UK need to be at least one day earlier.
  • Prices (2009 Land only): £2275 per person.
  • Includes: Return transfers from San Martin de los Andes, accommodation and meals as indicated, all drinks and all riding. Transfers can also be arranged to and from Bariloche airport - please enquire for details.
  • Price with flights from London: From £3,220 depending on the season and availability. Please note accommodation may be required in Buenos Aires.
  • Single supplement: None if willing to share, otherwise £570.
  • Non-riders: Not suitable.
  • Children: Not suitable.
  • Riding ability required: Intermediate upwards
  • Type of ride: Trail ride
  • Trip Code: EAEN

    Argentina Huechahue