Rates Note:

Day 1 Transfer from Bariloche Airport passing across San Carlos de Bariloche city. We take you further to the beautiful valley of El Manso where we welcome you in our comfortable lodge and you have time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and fresh water streams of the river. In the afternoon we get acquainted with our horses and have an easy, enjoyable ride around the area passing through old forests and small creeks. At night a traditional homemade dinner awaits us in our cabin accompanied by delicious Argentinean wine. (In the saddle: 1.5 hours)

Day 2 In the morning we cross the river by horse and head into a lush, green valley that will take us up mount Montura for some of the best views of the Manso Valley. Up on the mountain we can enjoy a picnic, before we head back on the steep trail to the valley.  In the afternoon we have time to relax on the riverside before a good Argentinean BBQ dinner. Swimming, fishing or walking are just some of the favorite pass-times. (In the saddle: 3 hours)

Day 3 Today we ride through the forest and cross over to the next valley with its immense blue lake Steffen. During the ride we will pass through typical farming communities and by one of the oldest native families of the region, giving the group a chance to see the local village life.  Lake Steffen is nestled in the woods and holds a bewildering silence. The water is quiet and welcoming and grants us a beautiful opportunity for a tasty lunch on its white sand. After a short rest, allowing time to enjoy the beautiful scenery, we head back to the Manso valley and our comfortable beds. (In the saddle: 5 hours)

Day 4 Our last breakfast in the cabin and we head down the valley to the west to pass by the National Gendarmerie. Here we need to fill out our immigration papers to be able to enter into Chile. On the other side of the border a Chilean Cowboy is waiting for us with Chilean horses (Argentinean horses are not allowed into Chile). We ride to the West till “Lion Crossing” and have lunch there. After preparing the equipment and listening to an instructive talk we will go to the Chilean carabineers site to complete the customs procedures. Then, it’s on to River Torrentoso where we reach the campsite late afternoon and spend the night in the open air.
» Optional: you can combine the first day with rafting up to the Chilean border.
» Possible: transfer from cabin to Argentinean border by car, due to Customs office hours.

Day 5 Today we pack our horses and reach the Southern part of Vidal Lake. The few farmers that live in this remote area are truly hidden from any luxury and contact with the bustling city life. We follow the lake up north climbing above the shore offering glimpsing views of the spectacular lake. On one of the pebble beaches we pause for a picnic lunch. After lunch, continue on paths up north where we spend the night on a friendly farmer's land.

Day 6  We have a tasty farm breakfast and get the horses ready to ride along a stunning trail up to a small mountain lake. This area is uninhibited by people and only used for cattle to graze in the summertime. The trail contains much history of the original pioneers of the area.  Your guide will be happy to share the stories with you.  In the afternoon we head back to the farm where a nice home cooked meal awaits us.

Day 7 After some good “mates” (a typical Argentinean tea) we pack everything and head south along the east side of the Lake Vidal until we reach the river Manso. We will fish and likely catch an exquisite salmon or trout for our goodbye dinner. With the fish roasting on the campfire, we warm our hands and enjoy a nice night under the stars.

Day 8 Packing our stuff we prepare the horses to bring us back to Lion’s Crossing where we say goodbye to these worthy four footers and their Chilean bosses. A warm welcome awaits us across the border and you are taken back by car to San Carlos de Bariloche to spend the night at a comfortable hotel.

Day 9 After breakfast in your hotel transfer back to the airport or bus station from where you can continue your journey through Argentina.

Best time of year: November - March

The location this far south on Earth belies the temperate microclimates in and along the thousands of valleys lying tucked between the gigantic Cordillera Range. San Carlos de Bariloche has warm days in the summer and lots of snow in the winter. Temperatures range from -2° C in winter to 30° C in summer and it decreases as you go south. In this respect Argentinian summers are opposite those of the States and Europe (November-March). Not a bad idea if you dislike the cold of winter.
The most characteristic feature of the Patagonian climate is the wind. The winds in this region originat in the Pacific Ocean, and pick up their humidity in the Andean mountains, causing abundant rains, and then sweep with great intensity the enormous barren plateaus. In the mountain area the winds are less, though autumn can be quite rough. Be prepared!

In the months December and January an annoying but not harmful horsefly called “tabno” exists that is especially attracted to the colours blue, black and brown. Please take this into consideration when choosing your clothes.

Wearing a helmet is not obligatory. However if you feel you would like to use one, we have some available for use. 

Sleeping bag, inflatable mattress (more luxurious than the rubber one provided), torch light, and half chaps can be rented per day. Let us know in advance. 

Some nights in comfortable, rustic cabins, others in lightweight dome tents that protect you from any weather conditions. As Patagonia is known for its changing weather we make sure that all equipment is waterproof and safe. 

Cooking will be done partly on open fire and partly on MSR stoves. We maintain a high safety standard on our trips and will inform you how best to deal with cooking in the open air.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart. The minimum passport validity is equivalent to the time granted by the immigration authorities.

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for either business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days (extensions for a further 90 days are possible for some nationals; contact the consulate for details). \
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Visa Note
Argentine minors traveling to or from Argentina, if unaccompanied by their parents or traveling with a single parent, must carry their parents’ or legal guardian’s authorisation to travel, which must be certified by an Argentine Consul if issued abroad. Fines will be levied if passengers do not comply with immigration requirements and passengers will be deported.