THE PIONEERS ESTANCIA TRAIL - ARGENTINA
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Junin and San Martin de los Andes were difficult to get to even by Patagonian standards – to the west the high Andes and to the east a large desert. The first European arrived in 1883, peace was made with the Indians in 1903 and the first settlers arrived in the early 1900’s. They were well-educated, well traveled and worldly in their outlook – pioneers and adventurers who came from Europe looking for space to create new homes and enterprises for their families. On this riding holdiay you will visit 3 estancias where today some of their children, grand children and great grand children live protected by the trees they planted. All working estancias, the herds of sheep have been replaced with herds of Hereford cattle and now they are all beginning to take guests on their family estates; which are a tribute to the success of their pioneering ancestors. Despite these gentle words – remember that in many ways this is still the Last Frontier – the riding is fast, the distances long, the rivers are large, the views are vast and days can be as adventurous as they were in the early 1900’s – but at the end of the day a hot bath will be waiting and the accommodation will be really comfortable.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - THE PIONEERS ESTANCIA TRAIL
Day 1
We will meet you at Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes and drive you to Estancia Huechahue (approx. 30 mins) the home of the Woods. After lunch there will be an afternoon ride. A chance to familiarize yourself with the horses and tack and the way we ride. Night at Huechahue.
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.
Day 3
After breakfast we set out for Estancia Cerro de los Pinos, the house is 20 km away, but the riding is fast. We cross the ridge on the Mendana Estancia in front of Lanin Volcano before dropping down and crossing the Chimehuin River. The settlement is close to the river – enclosed by pines – the French Larminats planted more trees than even the Woods! Night at Cerro de los Pinos.
Day 4
Giving our horses a well earned rest we will try the horses at Cerro de los Pinos. Our hosts will take us to see the 50,000 acre estancia where besides huge numbers of red deer, there are large herds of Guanaco and many South American Rhea. Lunch will be an “asado” out on the estancia. Night at Cerro de los Pinos.
Day 5
Time to leave Cerro de los Pinos and ride on to Estancia Collon Co, the home of the Fachts who came from Germany in 1900. Another 20 km ride across to the Quilquihue river and racing up the valleys to the settlement on the Collon Co stream to get there in time for dinner.
Day 6
A day exploring Estancia Collon Co – a vast area of water meadows and rolling hills running right up to the Andes mountains. Their gauchos will be keen to show us their Hereford cattle. Night at Estancia Collon Co.
Day 7
It’s too far to return to Huechahue in a day, so we will head for the town of Junin de los Andes and the Rio Dorado lodge. A long morning arriving in time for a late lunch thus giving the chance for exploring the town (which does not take long!) before dinner at “Fat Buamscha’s” . The Buamschas came to Junin at the same time as those pioneers came to their estancias, since then it has been a meeting place for fishermen, hunters and locals. It is known throughout the Argentine for it’s trout, “poached” venison and beef. Where did it come from? Cerro de los Pinos. Collon Co or Huechahue?
Day 8
Our last day’s riding as we make our way back to Huechahue, this time we cross the River Chimehuin just outside Junin de los Andes and climb back up Mendana ridge, before racing along the ridge, huge views on either side. Possibly the longest day of all but the horses will be keen to get home. Night at Huechahue.
Day 9
A farewell ride on Huechahue before transferring to the airport.
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change, as with many horse riding holidays.
NOTES - THE PIONEERS ESTANCIA TRAIL
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
The price includes all riding, accommodation and meals and transfers to and from the airport at San Martin de los Andes.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights to and from San Martin de Los Andes, transfers from Bariloche, insurance (essential), items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, massages and saunas at Cerro de los Pinos and gratuities.
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