10 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 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
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 to Day 6
Set out from Huechahue for Chile. During the ride you will cross 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. (B,L,D)Argentina
Day 7
At lunchtime, at the base of Lanin Volcano in a forest of Monkey puzzle trees you will reach the Argentine / Chilean border, where our Chilean partners 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 you will start down the western slopes of the Andes on your Chilean mount. (B,L,D)
Day 8
Continue riding down through the magnificent Southern beech forests, with spectacular views of lakes and volcanoes. The western slopes of the Andes are much steeper, the terrain very different. Reaching the final campsite at picturesque Puente Barras, where Loth and Pamela's families have been farming for generations. (B,L,D)
Day 9
Transfer 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. (B,L,D)
Day 10
A farewell ride at Huechahue before transferring to the airport. (B,L,D)