Treat yourself to a luxury riding experience in magnificent scenery at the ‘End of the World’. Allow the sure-footed and kindly local horses, which were bred on the estancia, show you wild Andean mountain country that so few people have seen and then return each evening to the exquisitely appointed lodge for meals and socializing before retiring to your luxury stone-build, riverside cabin. All riding abilities are catered for and riders split into groups as necessary. There is world class fly fishing available on site.
There is no set itinerary as every day is customized to guests' wishes. Each day can be spent riding out to different beauty spots, participating in cattle work or visiting neighbouring estancias; if the riders are willing, some may stay overnight at another luxury lodge before returning to base on a different route.
Whatever is arranged, you will ride through open landscapes rarely, if ever, visited by other people.
Included from Balmaceda airport or Coyhaique town in on Sunday and out on Saturday. Approx transfer time 2.5 hour by 4WD or mini-bus. Other transfers by arrangement, POA.
There is no set itinerary for this horse riding holiday and each day is tailored to the guests' requirements. The following is just an example of some of the options available to you:
On your arrival day, you are welcomed at the luxury lodge with a light meal and then you are introduced to the horses and gauchos; if the weather is fine you may go on a familiarisation ride to a river crossing for a swim or to a high point to take in the valley views. The next day, you may enjoy a half or full day of riding on the estancia following streams through valleys raising to stunning views of the river and surrounding mountians, stopping for a traditional picnic lunch on the way. The following days are spent riding out to different beauty spots and visiting neighbouring estancias; if the riders are willing, some may stay overnight at another luxury lodge before returning to base on a different route.
The group is split to accommodate different riding abilties, fitness and health, if appropriate. Absolutely superb, world-class fly fishing is also available. Additional days may be arranged. This is a very remote Andean mountain region - so it's wise to be aware of any potential health issues. This is a superb, luxury outfit with very friendly hosts who truly provide a full service. Your hosts speak fluent English (having some Australian connections), French and Spanish. The accommodation and location would be the ideal retreat for a honeymoon.
The Estancia
As a fully working 5,000 acre cattle ranch, horses have always played an essential part on the ranch, or estancia, on which the lodge is based. Most of the estancia is only accessible by horseback. Cattle work has not changed much since this area of Patagonia was colonized. Horses are still our neighbour’s main transport; we will meet more than one gaucho riding past in goatskin leggings, gaucho berets, woollen ponchos and jingling silver spurs. In 2011 the estancia stocked 400 head of cattle, 1000 alpacas as well as some sheep and 50 horses.
Horses
Type: Most are mountain bred Chileno, Criollos (local mountain ponies), Arab, Holstein and Thoroughbred. Horses: over 60 horses on the estancia, all home or locally bred and living out on upland pasture. Riding Horses: 20+ Height: 14 – 17hh and shod.
Nature: The horses are in fine condition and are well mannered, responsive and sure-footed; they are kindly and soft in the mouth and are used to a natural horsemanship approach.
Background: Seeking to combine local temperament with a little more height, world class Holsteins and Thoroughbreds were introduced to the herd. Later, an Arabian stallion was introduced for endurance. His offspring (from Criollo mares) are all grey, stronger than their sire and well suited for long haul rides.
This is a real horsey place and the quality of riding is fantastic. As children, the family used to ride these little Criollos to school every day: brave, obedient and sensible, they safely took them around jumping courses as they grew up, eventually qualifying one of your hosts for the Chilean National Show Jumping team. We are sure you will enjoy riding them as much as we did!
The guides will make sure you are teamed up with the best horse to suit your abilities and experience.
Tack
Your choice of English, Chilean, Argentinean and Polo
Weight and age limits
Children from the age of seven should be accompanied by a responsible adult. Weight limit is generally 100kg (15 stone 10lb) but good riders above this weight can usually be accommodated.
Riding
The riding time is quite flexible on ranch stays; typically, it is from 3 to 6 hours on a day trail ride. The riding is along valley and mountain trails and is very relaxed. The pace will depend on the terrain and your ability. Riding is usually in and around the extensive estancia with occasional overnight excursions, longer expeditions can be arranged. Scenic rides out and visits to local sights are all options.
Tackle the steep Andes Mountains and be rewarded with wild riding and breath taking scenery; eternal snow with condors soaring above, dramatic peaks spreading below and in the distance, the Argentinean pampas stretching as far as the eye can see. Return to the lodge for a well deserved, wood-fired hot tub soak, ‘pisco sour’ cocktails and sumptuous Chilean cuisine.
Alternatively, take leisurely scenic rides through local valleys. Enjoy a traditional picnic lunch and fine Chilean wine next to the river, visit neighbours, sip ‘mate’ (a strong local tea) and see alpaca and sheep’s wool garments being made by hand.
For those seeking to go further in to the wilderness, we can head deep in to the Andes and overnight in comfortable satellite camps. We will ride up the mountains, out of our home valley and in to ancient ‘nirre’ and ‘lenga’ forests covered in dwarf’s beard moss. We will pass imposing granite peaks, canter over grassy valleys and ford glacial rivers. Relax around a crackling fire with a glass of red wine and hearty meal at the end of the day.
Whatever ride your heart desires, your hosts will try to make it happen (subject to weather conditions – it is Patagonia after all!)
Accommodation
Guests stay in comfortable and substantial en suite rooms in stone-built cabins close to the main lodge (altitude 350m, 1150ft). Meals are taken at the main lodge and and both visitors and family relax there - although visitors also have their own sitting rooms for more privacy. The 5,000 acre estancia has it own independent hydro-electricity supply which means that water and electricity to heat it are abundantly available for hot showers, saunas and immersion in an outdoor hot tub. Any nights away from the estancia are spent at neighbouring lodges.
Food
Chilean and European, wholesome and delicious with ample opportunity to sample the fruit and vegetables for which Chile is renowned. Some of the food is grown locally and all meals are served with drinks and choice Chilean and Argentinean wines. On the last night, riders and fly fishers share a traditional Chilean ‘asado’ meal with the family and estancia staff.
Other activities There is plenty to do for those not interested in riding or on a day off. The fly fishing opportunities are world-class. The area produces much timber and a visit to a nearby mill is possible. Alpaca wool is a product of the farm and various locals produce fine woven products. A visit can be arranged to see how these are made, for instance to Senora Elisa Espana who lives nearby, and some products are available for purchase. Float trips down the river on a sunny day, accompanied by a crew who provide refreshments and a jeep ride back is a lot of fun! A visit to nearby local producers of cheese (Senora Eutimia Millaqueo) and jam are a diverting morning or afternoon excursion. Then there is walking in the hills and exploring the streams, watching the wildlife or just lazing in the hot tub.
Picture in your mind's eye the thundering of hooves and the wind enveloping you as you gallop across open Pampas. You have a blur of blacks, bays, duns and greys in your peripheral vision whilst the Andes Mountains loom up ahead. Gusts of wet earth, horse sweat and beech forests aromas fill your nostrils. We have not even started the day’s ride yet, this is just an ‘arreando’ (herding) the horses to the corral in the morning!
NOTES - LUXURY PATAGONIA LODGE RETREAT
Extensions When flying into Balmaceda there are a few sights that should not be missed in this part of the country and we highly recommend visiting these before or after a stay at the lodge.
San Rafael Glacier & Puyuhapi Lodge 5d/4n Day 1 - Arrive in Balmaceda and drive to Puyuhape Lodge (5hrs) along a gravel road that passes through extraordinary landscapes of dense forests between mountains and cliffs. In the afternoon we arrive at the Lodges Pier and then cross the Puyuhuapi Channel by motorboat in just 10 minutes.
Day 2 & 3 - Surrounded by lush vegetation, and accessible only by sea, this Lodge is where combines understated luxury and well planned simplicity. On offer are a variety of fascinating excursions in the cold rainforest and the Queulat National Park (we recommend the hanging glaciers), after which one can wind down in the outdoor hot spring pools at the edge of the sea or in the wonderful Spa.
Day 4 - journey by catamaran through the austral fjords to San Rafael lagoon (7 hrs), spend time close to the glacier in a rubber boat before returning to Puerto Chacabuco by catamaran.
Day 5 - transfer to Coyhaique/Balmaceda after breakfast. Please ask for the complete itineray with more details, the cost was £1,705pp based on 2 in 2011.
Coyhaqui and surroundings We recommend 3 nights/2 days here at least. The town itself is worth a visit and our recommended hotel is in an absolutely stunning setting. The typical food stores, restaurants and also tack shops are intersting. Then various day excursions can be arranged from here with a car and driver for a reasonable cost. We recommend the day drive to Laguna General Carrera as unmissable. Cerro Castillo is also a wonderful daytrip or can be a 4 day hike for walkers.
Overnights from £105/room, day trips about £65pp based on 2 pax in 2011.
Santiago city break
Santiago is a clean, safe and interesting city to visit for a few days with plenty of historical buildings, museums and wide open parks as well as shops and world class restaurants. It is easy to get around and good value for money. Should you wish to visit Santiago en route to or from the lodge we can arrange an excellent city break in good hotels with a city tour as well as further sight seeing in Chile.
Please note: that if you are booking your own flights that everyone arriving in Chile is obliged to clear customs at their first arrival point (usually Santiago airport). There are often long queues at immigration and you should allow at least 2 hours and preferably 3 hours for an incoming connection.
The weight limit for this ride is 16 st/220 lb/100 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation, meals, drinks (including wine, beer and spirits), all activities including riding as described, transfer from Balmaceda airport and English speaking guide (also Spanish and French).
For price details click here
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Gratuities and items of a personal nature. A single supplement may be payable if a single room is requested but this may not be charged if the estancia is not full.
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Ants Reserve - South Africa Be the exclusive guests of Anthony and Tessa Baber as they share with you, their private nature reserve and love for the wild on this fabulous horse riding holiday. Venture out on horseback, foot or jeep, close to game such as rhino, giraffe or eland.
What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
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