ESTANCIA HUECHAHUE IN PATAGONIA - ARGENTINA
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Estancia Huechahue is a 15 000 acre self sufficient working ranch situated 1000 miles South West of Buenos Aires. Here you may choose to ride out from Estancia Huechahue every day where the mighty Andes rise up behind you and the vastness of Patagonia stretches out before you. Keep your eyes open for the wildlife of the area, especially the majestic condors. You might also ride through the neighbouring Indian reservation. Most rides are led by your host, Jane Williams who is British and married into an Argentine family.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - ESTANCIA HUECHAHUE IN PATAGONIA
The itinerary for this horse riding holiday is not set in stone. This is a sample of what you could do on a 10 days stay and may be changed on request or due to local circumstances. Each day is very much tailored to your wishes. Beginners and advanced riders can be split into different groups to ride at their own pace and in any direction.
Day 1
We will meet you at Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes and drive you to Estancia Huechahue (approx. 30 mins). After lunch there will be an afternoon ride. A chance to familiarize yourself with the horses and tack and the way we ride.
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.
Day 3
A day spent working cattle with the gauchos. Lunch with the gauchos is strips of beef ribs threaded onto a stick and cooked over the open fire. A siesta in the shade and a chance to separate the cows on horseback or try your hand with a lasso.
Day 4
A full days ride on Estancia Huechahue to visit the Indian burial caves. The caves were formed when the glaciers carved the valley opening an entrance to the lava flow tunnels formed during previous eras of volcanic activity. The Tehuelche Indians laid out their dead, surrounded by their weapons and always somewhere where they could see their enemies coming. They decorated the walls with designs. The remains have disappeared, but the petroglyphs and the view are still there.
Day 5
A morning's ride to see our stallion with the mares and new foals, and a chance to herd horses. After a late lunch there will be an evening ride to the cliffs where the condors and eagles nest. While we have a cocktail and the sun goes down, the condors return, they soar above and below us before settling for the night.
Day 6
A days ride through the neighbouring Indian reservation. Our saddle rugs and saddle bags are woven by some of the Indian women and the skins from the cows we butcher are worked into rawhide and then bridles and halters by the men. We will pass by to see what progress is being made and to share a "mate" on our way through.
Day 7
A full days ride to a different part of the Estancia. There are 15,000 acres in all so there is still plenty left to explore. Lunch will be on the river. On the way home a chance to see guanaco, deer, wild boar and “peludos” - the baby armadillo.
Day 8
A last farewell ride on the Estancia before returning to the airport.
Itinerary with a Pack Trip: Day 4,5&6
A 3 day pack trip in the Andes Mountains to the foot of the Lanin Volcano. The exact itinerary fo this horse riding holiday will depend on the time of year and weather/snow conditions. You may depart from the estancia itself or you may go into the mountains by vehicle. You will ride through the spectacular scenery of the southern Andes with its snow capped volcanoes, crystal clear lakes and pristine forests. Nights en route are spent camping in picturesque camp sites by a lake shore or at a stream's edge, with the tea brewed over the fire or a traditional "mate" when you arrive, a chance for a refreshing swim before a good dinner and evening spent relaxing around the camp fire. A ride into the wilderness. Sometimes the terrain itself dictates a slow pace, but whenever possible you will go as fast as you can! At the end, transport will be waiting to take you back to Huechahue for baths, dinner and good beds.
NOTES - ESTANCIA HUECHAHUE IN PATAGONIA
Dates for the pack trips on the 2008/2009 season are:
10, 11, 12 November
20, 21, 22 November
27, 28, 29 November
5, 6, 7 December
12, 13, 14 December
20, 21, 22 December
27, 28, 29 December
8, 9, 10 January 2009
15, 16, 17 January
20, 21, 22 January
27, 28, 29 January
1, 2, 3 February
8, 9, 10 February
13, 14, 15 February
23, 24, 25 February
2, 3, 4 March
Should you wish to join in on one of these pack trips, please book your stay to arrive at least one night prior to the departure date. This allows you to choose and become comfortable with the horse you will ride on the pack trip.
GETTING TO Chapelco Airport (San Martin de Los Andes)
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 15st /210 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation, meals, drinks (including wine, beer and spirits), all activities including riding as described, English speaking guide, transfers to and from San Martin de Los Andes. All the fishing on the Estancia is included, however, if guests want the services of a professional guide or wish to fish some of the other local rivers there are substantial extra charges.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights to and from San Martin de Los Andes, transfers from Bariloche, items of a personal nature and gratuities.
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