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Pacific Coast & Andes Ride

7 days - Temuco to Temuco

This ride combines fabulous beach riding along the Pacific coast with the high Andean mountains, forests and lagoons. You will follow in the footsteps of the Spanish conquistadors, who arrived in Chile in 1512, along the only route the Mapuche Indians permitted the Spanish to travel. It is a route rich in historical significance, where important battles were waged. Today this territory continues to be Chile's stronghold of Mapuche culture and customs.

Your guide is Rodolfo Coombs, who owns Huepil-Malal where the ride finishes. Rodolfo is an internationally recognised rider, who for many years trained and selected the horses for the Spanish Olympic equestrian team.

The horses used are direct descendents of the horses of the Spanish conquistadors - muscular, strong, fast and agile, with unique breed traits that are well defined. They combine a balance between their aptitudes as a saddle and stock horse. Chile

The tour starts with a night in Temuco before travelling by car to the costal village of Loberia to join the horses. From here you ride along miles of deserted beaches, ideal for galloping, to Porma. The horses are then transported in land to Huepil-Malal in the high Andes, where the next two days are spent exploring the mountains.

Day 1 (D)
On arrival in Temuco you will be met and transferred to your hotel. During the afternoon visit the city market, an opportunity to buy some local Mapuche handicrafts. Dinner will be taken in a typical Patagonian restaurant.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Transfer by car to the coastal village of Loberia. After meeting your horse start the ride along the magnificent beaches. These beach stretch for mile and miles, ideal for galloping, or wading through the surf of the turbulent Pacific Ocean. Late afternoon arrive at the village of Puerto Saavedra. Night camping.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
After breakfast continue with another day riding along magnificent beaches. Today the journey will take you between the sea and the salt water Budi Lake. The lake itself is the only salt water lake in South America, with hundreds of unique species of flora and fauna. Night camping.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
After breakfast continue along the coastal route from Peleco to the locale of Porma. From here the horses are boxed to the estancia whilst you make the journey to Huepil-Malal, for overnight accommodation, by car.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
A full day ride to Mirror Lake (Laguna el Espejo). From the estancia ascend until reaching a height of 1500m. At the Cani Ridge you enter the ancient forest where you will see many native trees including Coigues, Tepas, Manios, Robles and Araucarias (Monkey Puzzle trees). After riding for about two hours you will reach Mirror Lake, a perfect place to take a relaxing swim, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Over lunch and good wine you will have the chance to enjoy the magnificent views of the whole area with its volcanoes and lakes. Afternoon ride, barbeque and overnight camping in Papal.
Day 6 (B,L,D)
A half day ride to the hotspring. During the afternoon sample the springs or perhaps treat yourself to a massage. Overnight in a cabin at Huife Hotspring Hotel.
Day 7 (B,L,D)
Transfer back to Temuco.
Chile
Chile
  • Cost per Person:
  • Ride Only:

    16 Nov £970

    15 Dec, 03 Mar £1,230

  • Includes: Return transfers from Temuco Airport, accommodation and meals as indicated and all riding.
  • All Inclusive: On request. Due to airline scheduling you may need to stay for a night in Santiago both before and after the ride.
  • Single Supplement: None if prepared to share. A supplement of £140 will be charged if unwilling to share.
  • Departure Dates: 16 Nov, 15 Dec & 03 Mar 09. Departures from the UK one or two days earlier.
  • The Accommodation: The first night's accommodation is in the Holiday Inn Express (or similar) at Termuco. During the coastal ride two nights are spent under canvas in simple 'igloo-style' twin tents. The campsites are located in beauty places, generally near a river side or a lake. A thermo-rest, sleeping bag and a personal waterproof bag for personal belongings are provided. All camping equipment is carried by the support vehicle which is equipped with VHF radio, refrigerator, drinking water and light. The last three nights are spent in the guest chalet at Huepil-Malal, camping in Papal and at Huife Hotspring Hotel. Chile
  • Food & Drink: Traditional Chilean cuisine, packed lunches and campfire dinners whilst camping.
  • Laundry: Not available.
  • Children: Children of 12 or more are welcome. However they must be accompanied by an experienced adult rider.
  • Non-Riders: Not suitable.