Pioneers of Patagonia - Horseback tours over the Andes Mountains.

Pioneers of Patagonia - Horseback tours over the Andes Mountains

Dinner is over. Guitars start playing as the campfire lightens up the darkness of the night. Long conversations recreate the incredible day gone by. Some in the group play cards while others listen to the ancient tales of local herdsmen; others yet improvise some folklore dancing around the fire. This is how our nights are..........This is how our riding vacations are.

We ride the most pristine wilderness of the incredible Patagonian in Argentina. The base camp is set in a 45 000 acres working “estancia” embedded in the Andes range. It was founded long ago and first owned by English pioneers. Get ready for five days of exploration of uninhabited land where we will see, at most, a few Mapuche Indians grazing their herds in the summer prairies. We ride across unique places you can only reach on horseback and camp by crystal clear rivers or lakes full of trout.

We go past valleys and mountains covered by indigenous sub- Antarctic forests. Here, the gigantic monkey puzzle trees set the stage. Up from the hill tops, we will get sight of Chile on the other side of the border.
As the sun sets, the spectacular stars of the southern hemisphere will cover the sky. Relax at the camp with its peaceful atmosphere, the campfire that lightens up the darkness as you share a cup of coffee, tea or mate. All this creates the ideal ambiance to feel the spirit of the old time explorers and make new friends. On the seventh day we finalize the trip rafting the River Aluminé, the region’s best. Our long experience guarantee an unforgettable vacation. Hopefully, the trip of a lifetime.
Following next is a description of our itineraries for which there is no minimum group size. We can also arrange tailor-made rides during season depending on how long you wish to ride and your travel preferences. There is no minimum group size. Please ask for rates.

Warning:

Whilst we always endeavor to avoid changes before and during the program and cancellations, we must reserve the right to do so due to unusual or unforeseeable circumstances.

7-day itinerary:

Day 1:
Pick-up at San Martín de los Andes. Meet your guide and transfer to the estancia. Preparation of base camp and saddlebags.

Day 2 to 5:
Breakfast. Preparation for a riding day. Last minute packing before riding past valleys and mountains covered by indigenous sub- Antarctic forests, lakes and rivers. The camping sites will be Puesto Ignacio, Relén stream, Mallín de las lengas and Lake Polcahue. We will get very close to the Chilean border. At night we will camp by rivers or lakes.

Day 6:
Final day of riding. At sunset, after crossing a few rivers through the incredible Patagonian forests, we reach the base camp at the estancia to spend the night. Say farewell to our horses. At dinner we will enjoy a farewell typical Argentine barbecue.

Day 7:
Rafting the River Aluminé, the region’s best. 8 - 12 miles on the rapids surrounded by awesome scenery. The level of difficulty of this river is OK for everyone, thus combining adventure with safety. Transfer back to San Martín de los Andes.

Rate: Ask for quotation
Days: 7 days/6 nights, 5 full riding days
Horses: Criollos and mountain horses
Pace: Slow. 5-6 hrs /day
Level: Suitable for novice to experienced riders
Weather: Summer Hi 25°C (77ºF) - Lo 0°C (32ºF) Dates: Upon request during season (1 Oct. – 1 May). No minimum group size.
Meeting place: San Martín de los Andes. Airport: San Martín de los Andes (flight via Buenos Aires - Argentina)
Included: Transfers to/from San Martín de los Andes, accommodations (6 nights camping, 2 with bath w/ hot shower), meals and beverages. Not included: flights, travel insurance, gratuities.

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