Andean Horseback Riding Tours

1. Horseback Riding Tours "Climbing the clouds"

Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Dates: departures are all year long.
Difficulty: low.

We will go deep into the great Andes for three days, enjoying delicious "asados", worm campfires and magnificent landscapes with friends.
We leave from Villavicencio, we ride climbing up paths, going trough rocky lands and crossing pampas. The horseback riding will take us trough big chains over 3,000 meters.
Every night by campfire light, we will enjoy "asados", legends and chats beneath the starry sky.
Asado = charcoal-grilled bovine meta.

Itinerary:

Day 1
We leave towards Villavicencio approx. at 9:00 AM, it is 72 km away from the city of Mendoza on 51 road. An hour and a half later we arrive at Santa Clara Ranch. The muleteers are waiting for us with the horses ready to leave. This is one of the most important experiences Mendoza offers.
We climb up paths, go trough rocky lands and cross pampas on horseback. We arrive at the camp at dusk, and enjoy the campfire and the asado, under the stars.

Day 2

In the morning we get the mounts ready and we continue riding going deep into the mountains, across big chains over 3,000mts to the next camp. Rustic lunch. Campfire. Dinner and rest.

Day 3

This is our last day on horseback. We continue riding until we reach our final destination in the evening. We are transported to the city of Mendoza by private bus.

Note:
a) his ride is for everyone either for experts or beginners. Horses are tame and they are used to walking trough mountainous paths. That is why it is not necessary any previous experience or knowledge to be able to ride.

b) The two-day ride requires a minimum of 4 people. In case there are less than 4 people, rides will be carried out anyway, but the price list will change.

c) The stay (in the mountain) has: rustic bath with hot water, potable waters (of the springs of "Villavicencio") and telephone for emergencies.

Included Services:

· Professional Guide.
· Native guides and Muleteers.
· All meals and drinks during the program.
· Tame horses with saddles.
· Transfer to "Villavicencio", by private vehicle.
· Lodging in Tents (it does Not include sleeping bag and personal equipment.)


2. HORSEBACK RIDING IN THE MOUNTAINS "Crossing from Villavicencio to Uspallata"

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights.
Optional: 6 or 7 days.
Departures: Every day (book one week in advance)
Difficulty: Intermediate

The imposing setting of the Andes, invites you to fully enjoy this horseback riding and love the close contact with nature. This is one of the most complete and defiant rides, it leads us to discover the mysteries of the mountain range riding through beautiful places, knowing magnificent sceneries of the great Andes, pure water springs and contemplating a wide variety of the indigenous flora and fauna.

Itinerary:

Day 1

Departure from Mendoza City to Villavicencio. Arrival at a ranch, saddled horses are there waiting for us ready to leave. Beginning of one of the most exiting experiences Mendoza offers. We climb un paths and big mountains on horseback. Arrival at the camp in the evening. Campfire, "asado". Lodging in igloo tents. Asado = charcoal-grilled bovineŽs meta.

Day 2

Enlistment of mounts and disarmament of the camp which will be transported by mules. The horseback riding penetrates into the heart of the hills, throughout big chains over 3,000meters a.s.l. as far as the next camp. Rustic lunch. Once the tents are pitched we collect some dry firewood for the bonfire while the guide prepares a comforting dinner.

Day 3

After having breakfast we continue this great adventure on horseback. We have lunch during the ride then we continue towards "Agua de los Mares" which is a favorable place to camp. Campfire and dinner: local charcoal-grilled "asado".

Day 4

This trip continues to the South west towards the ruins of the ancient "Minas Jesuitas" ("Ciudad Fantasmal de los Paramillos"). The famous petrified wood of "Darwin". After visiting those places this great adventure continues, in full contact with animals, mountains and fresh air.

Day 5

Last day on horseback. We arrive in UspallataŽs Valley. Lunch is ready. Return to Mendoza by personalized bus.

Included Services:

· 24-hour professional guide.
· Native guides and muleteers.
· All meals and drinks during the program.
· Tame horses with saddles.
· Horses to transport the gear.
· Transfer to the ranch (round trip).
· Lodging in tents. (Sleeping bag and personal gear are NOT included).

Note:

a) This ride is for everyone either for experts or beginners. Horses are tame and they are used to walking trough mountainous paths. That is why it is not necessary any previous experience or knowledge to be able to ride. For further information.

b) The two-day ride requires a minimum of 4 people. In case there are less than 4 people, rides will be carried out anyway, but the price list will change.