A SAMPLE WEEK - RIDING AT THE ESTANCIA

Day 1 : You will be met by your host at the Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes and driven to the Estancia (approx. 40 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 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 : You will spend the day with the gauchos rounding up cattle into the corrals. Lunch with the gauchos is strips of beef ribs threaded onto a stick and cooked over the open fire. You cut off the chunk you fancy and eat it sandwich style. Meat, bread and mate - the gaucho diet. After a siesta in the shade you will get the chance to seperate the cows on horseback or try your hand with a lasso.
Day 4 : A full days ride on the estancia 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 to herd some of the young horses into the corrals. Although we do not tame them until they are 3 or 4 years old, we try to bring them in on a regular basis to get them used to being herded and to being handled. But basically they are wild and bringing them in is a challenge. 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 neighboring 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 farewell ride on the Estancia before transferring to the airport.

Pack trip option:
A 3 day pack trip into the Andes mountains. The exact itinerary 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 are spent camping in carefully chosen, picturesque  campsites by a lake shore or at a stream's edge. These are rides into the wilderness. Everything is carried on pack horses and the camping is simple. The terrain itself generally dictates a slow pace. At the end return transport will be waiting to bring you back to the estancia for baths, dinner and good beds!

2009 Pack trip dates:
November: 11,12,13  -  20,21,22 
December:   5,6,7   -  18,19,20   -  27, 28, 29

2010 Pack trip dates:
January:     20, 21, 22
March:       4, 5, 6 

The lodgings are very comfortable, with twin-bedded (some double-bedded) and private bath.

Meals: The Estancia is virtually self-sufficient, we have our own beef, chickens, dairy cow, pigs (and chorizos, salamis, hams etc.) as well as a large kitchen garden and numerous fruit orchards. Vegetarians can be catered for with prior notice

Other activities: Bird-watching, walking, tennis, fly-fishing and river activities (rafting and swimming).

On camping expeditions, guests sleep in two person tents. Good quality, down sleeping bags are provided. Camp staff arrange all preparation of tents and meals, and also look after the horses.

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

Suited for rider with riding experience only ...  Non riders have excellent opportunities for fishing in rivers and lakes. 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.

Tack:		Chilean-type saddle with a sheepskin on top
Horses:		Criollo crosses, bred on the Estancia. 15 to 16.5 hands. Broken to the neck-reining method. They are sure footed and well-mannered.
Pace:		Moderate, trots, canters and gallops. 6 hours a day
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate+
Age:		Min 8
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 12 riders

Suited for rider with riding experience only ...  Non riders have excellent opportunities for fishing in rivers and lakes. 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.

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.