Argentina - Inca Trails Expedition

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from AL of on 15/04/2024

Transfers
A small group supplement is applied if the total number of bookings (including yours) is under 6 riders. Please see 'detailed prices' for supplement prices. These are fully refundable before departure once more people confirm.

Tango show with dinner and tango lesson: approximately $120 per person.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

Fit and responsive horses all in good condition, from 15hh to 15.3hh. Horses are ridden in the traditional style, which is similar to Western riding with neck reining and long stirrups. Instruction is given on first day for those not familiar with this style, it is very easy to learn and quite addictive. Terrain varies from mountainous to desert and the speed of the ride reflects the terrain and is mostly at a walk on the slopes of the Andes. There are plenty of opportunities for those who like to canter or even have a good gallop on the more open bits of terrain.

This ride is suitable for riders who are able to walk, trot and canter on a good horse. There is usually about 5 or 6 hours in the saddle each day, so a good level of riding fitness is recommended.

Due to the length of riding days this ride is not recommended for children under the age of 10 and there is a weight limit of 95kg/15 stone. There is no need to walk next to your horse and assistance can be given when mounting and dismounting.

The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

8 day itinerary: 5 nights in mountain cabins (shared 'dorm-style' rooms with up to 6 bunkbeds in each room, showers available on some nights but hot water cannot be guaranteed), 2 nights boutique hotel in Salta. Please be aware that there is no heating in the cabins.

11 day itinerary: 8 nights camping or in mountain cabins (shared 'dorm-style' rooms with up to 6 beds in each room. Some locations do not have beds and guests sleep on the floor with sleeping bags. Showers available on some nights but hot water cannot by guaranteed), 2 nights boutique hotel in Salta. Please be aware that on some nights there are no bathroom facilities, and there is no heating in the cabins.

Breakfasts consist of a choice of hot drink, toast and preserves. When available eggs and fresh fruit will also be offered.

Lunches: these are usually in the form of a picnic with bread, salads and cheese.

Dinners: traditional homely dishes with a complimentary glass of wine.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. When visiting Argentina your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/argentina In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Argentina.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/argentina

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Throughout Argentina, January is the warmest month and June and July are the coldest. North of the Río Negro, the winter months (May–August) are the driest periods of the year. Due to location, climate is regarded as tropical, average temperatures ranging, in the capital, from 21.5°C/71°F in summer, to 10°C/50°F in winter. Rainfall is more frequent near the mountainous regions, due to the advection of humid air causing more precipitation in summer, and dry winters. This tropical region features high temperatures and abundant rainfall in the second half of the year and a dry season in the first half of the year.
Summer High 86°F - Low 50°F
Winter High 70°F - Low 32°F

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to some parts of the country.

Health authorities have classified Argentina as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.

Dengue fever can occur throughout the year. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Argentina and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. Remember it is easy to burn at high altitudes even in weather which is not sunny.

In Argentina the supply voltage is 220V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 220V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

In Salta and Buenos Aires you are likely to be able to stock up on camera or phone necessities. If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries, casual clothes, and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:

ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards (some locations can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Riding gloves
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Sleeping bag

Ride specific:
For the cold weather it is better to carry along a few thin warm clothes (t-shirts, undershirts, etc) than only one thick garment. Polar sweaters do well both in summer and winter

Provided by the host:
Saddlebags

There are set departure dates you can join. Tailor-made departures can also be arranged all year round. Depending on which programme is chosen, there is a choice of either 8 days / 7 nights / 6 riding days (excluding Buenos Aires activities) or 11 days / 10 nights / 9 riding days

2025: 8 Day Programme: 18 Mar; 25 Apr; 31 May; 3 Aug; 25 Sep; 9 Nov
2025: 11 Day Programme: 27 Mar; 10 Jun; 12 Aug; 14 Oct; 18 Nov

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Rough Guide to Argentina - 2nd Edition - Danny Aeberhard

On A Hoof And A Prayer: Around Argentina At A Gallop  - Polly Evans

Footprint Argentina Handbook - Christabelle Dilks

‘Gauchos and the Vanishing Frontier’ –Richard W Slatta,

‘The Drunken Forest’ and ‘The Whispering Land’ – Gerald Durrell,

‘Saddled With Darwin’- Toby Green

‘In Patagonia’ – Bruce Chatwin.

For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com 

Also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

There are plenty of other activities available in this beautiful area. We can arrange for white water rafting, rappel, trekking in the Andes or Four Trax (2 hrs). A Salta city tour is also recommended if you have the time.

Condors are regularly seen on the trail as well as the typical wild and tame llama and alpacas.

Argentina is the second largest country in Latin America after Brazil (almost all the countries of Western Europe and Scandinavia could fit inside Argentina's land mass). The country is diverse and includes rain forest in the north, vast areas of fertile farming land in the centre, the Andean mountain range to the west and the desolate plains of Patagonia in the south, leading down to glaciers at the southern tip. Argentina has the world's southernmost city (Ushaia). Despite Argentina's recent economic woes, its pleasures - stunning natural wonders, an elegant capital and a passionate culture - are still as tempting as ever. Argentina has a distinctly European feel, Argentinians are much more European in temperament than their South American neighbours but their Latin spirit is still evident such as in their love of football and in the tempestuous dance of the Tango. Argentina is three hours behind GMT. Remember in the summer the UK is one hour ahead of GMT and daylight savings is not in use in Argentina. They use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code is +54.