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Estancia Getaway - San Martin
Northern Patagonia
Argentina
This working estancia is a 15,000-acre ranch supporting 900-head of cattle and is located in the beautiful Andean foothills just 45 miles from San Martin de los Andes.
The landscape here is made up of shrub covered hills, craggy rock outcrops, and wide-open water-meadows with the snow peaked Lanin Volcano (13,000 ft.) and the stunning Andes mountains as a backdrop.
You can choose to ride out and explore from the Estancia everyday or to coordinate your stay with one of the 3-day wilderness pack trips into Lanin National Park the estancia co-ordianates.
The horseback riding on the estancia property provides glorious views of the vast Argentinean grasslands. You will ride over barren rolling hills and along the narrow and rocky gorges of Andean streams to the tops of the hillside where the mighty Andes rise up, whilst eagles and condors fly beside you. You can gallop across the water-meadows sending the Ibis and Plover screeching and visit the burial caves of the Mapuche Indians. You can ford the river and ride up through the neighboring Indian reservation, stopping to share a drink of mate along the way. Guests can always help the gauchos rounding up and working the cattle. Often there are short cattle drives moving some of the herd to new pastures. You can also help rounding up the horses. The riding is forward going at all paced (when not moving cattle) - if you like a good long canter or gallop ... this is the place for you! Amongst the wildlife to be seen are red deer, wild boar, rhea, guanaco, armadillos, black-necked swans, ibis, plovers, burrowing parrots, eagles, vultures, and the Andean condor. The area is renowned for its trout fishing.
Pack Trip Option: On the slower moving pack trip option (due to terrain/landscape and packing luggage) you will ride deep into Lanin National Park in the heart of the Andes. You ride through dense forests of southern beech and bamboo thickets. From the tops of the ridges there are breathtaking views, in the valleys there are tumbling streams and undiscovered lakes. You ride through forests of the only indigenous Monkey Puzzle trees in the world and across lunar landscapes of black ash, a legacy of the recent volcanic activity in the area.
There is no choice but to camp in this park (usually 2 nights). We make this as comfortable as possible with good quality two man tents. We provide all the equipment necessary, including good quality sleeping bags. The setting up of camp, cooking and care of the horses is all cared for by the gauchos.
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Working Ranch
Short Getaway
Riding with fishing options
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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San Martinde los Andes - Chaleco
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Airport:
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Chapelco (CPC) San Martin or Bariloche (BRC)
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Transfer:
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Chapelco - San Martin de los Andes/Bariloche
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2018 | 2019
Rates include*:
All accomodation, food, beverages (including wine, beer and spirits) and activities including riding, rafting, trekking, trips to Junín de los Andes, San Martin de los Andes and the National Park and the use of the sauna and jacuzzi.
Access to the fishing on the Estancia is included in this price, but fishing permit is not.
| A | 2018 | 8 days ranch, AP | 8d / 7n | $3080 |
| B | 2018 | 8 days ranch, AP | 8d / 7n | $3250 |
Minimum Deposit:
50 %
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates Note:
A minimum of 3 night is possible.
50% deposit is required.
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2018
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Daily rate
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$465
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2018
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Fishing guide (does not include permits or equipment), daily
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$410
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2018
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Transfer from Bariloche via the 7 lakes road (up to 4 pax), per vehicle, one way
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$140
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2018
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Transfer from/ to Bariloche via faster route, per vehicle, one way
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$230
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2018
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Transfer from Llao Llao or Pehuma Hue via the 7 lakes road (2+ pax), per vehicle, one way
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$300
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2018
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Transfer from/to Chapelco, per vehicle, one way
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$70
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2018
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Fishing permit, per day ~
- to be paid locally
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$35
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2018
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Single rooms available at no additional charge
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$0
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A transfer from Bariloche can be arranged (extra charge).
Tour Dates for 2018 | 2019
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| A |
2018
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01/01
- 03/31
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8d / 7n
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8 days ranch, AP
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2
/12
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Reserve
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| B |
2018
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09/01
- 12/31
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8d / 7n
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8 days ranch, AP
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2
/12
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Reserve
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Arrival can be any day of the week on availability.
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Rates do not include:
Travel or medical insurance and gratuities.
Fishing permit: around USD35 per day
Fishing guide: US$410 per day. A guide can take 1 or 2 fishermen. This can include floating and / or wading and includes fishing at the estanica or on other local rivers.
Our riding programs on the estancia very much depend on our guests, on how much riding experience you have, how long you wish to ride each day, and the time of year you visit. The condors are best in September, October, November, March, and April; lunches on the river with swimming are best in January and February.
At all times of year there are lots of opportunities for working with cattle on horseback. We like to ride as fast as we can.
Below is a sample program for a week spent riding with us. You can stay the length of time which suits with a minimum 3 night stay. As long as you arrive before 18.00 we will ensure that you get on a horse and out riding that evening before dinner.
Sample Itinerary
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 min..). 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 and eat it sandwich style. Meat, bread and mate - the gaucho diet. After a siesta in the shade you will get the chance to separate 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 a chance to herd horses. 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 day's ride through the neighboring Indian reservation. Riding up over the top, a chance to see guanaco, deer, wild boar, and 'peludos'- the baby armadillo. Lunch on the river, a great place to swim. Returning to the estancia riding down the river with lots of birdlife.
Day 7 : A day's ride over the ridge and into town for a look at the shops. We race along the top of the ridge with huge views on either side. Lunch is a picnic at the neighbour's, watched over by the Lanin Volcano. Later we cross the River Chimehuin and on into Junín de los Andes.
Day 8 : Up early for a farewell ride on the Estancia before transferring to the airport.
--This above is a sample itinerary only and is subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion.--
Meeting:
San Martinde los Andes - Chaleco
Airport:
Chapelco (CPC) San Martin or Bariloche (BRC)
Transfer:
Chapelco - San Martin de los Andes/Bariloche
Distance:
30 min from CPC
A transfer from Bariloche can be arranged (extra charge).
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Tack:
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Chilean-type saddle with a sheepskin on top
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Horses:
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Criollo crosses, bred on the Estancia. 15 to 16.5 hands. Broken to the neck-reining method. They are sure footed and well-mannered.
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Pace:
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Very flexible to rider's needs from 2 hours per day walking up to 6 hours per day of fast riding
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Level:
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(2
to
4
out of 5) novice
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Age:
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Min
8
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Huechahue is home to about 80 horses and with 15,000 acres, as much as is possible they live as 'wild' horses. Our prize-winning Criollo stallion, a beautiful 'lobuno' colour can be seen taking care of his mares and foals. Our riding horses are Criollo crosses, part Anglo-Normando, of about 15 1/2 hh. They are bred and trained on the Estancia and are sure-footed and well behaved. As much as possible we like to have them out enjoying the freedom of the water meadows which makes for an exciting ride rounding them up! We ask arriving guests to provide us with an insight into their riding experience and history so we can try and get a feel for the type of horse would be a good match. We have an eclectic selection of horses allowing us to cater to all riding abilities and confidence levels. They are neck-reined and the riding is similar to Western style. The saddles used are "montura de monte" which are similar to old English army saddles with a sheepskin on top. Following traditional gaucho methods, you will find only the stirrups have buckles on our saddles. The saddles are cinched using leatherhide, a custom not forgotten from the days when gauchos, like the American cowboy, would ride into the wilderness unable to replace a broken buckle. Our gauchos continue to practice this and you will see them fully equipped with their lassos, gaucho knives and boleros.
Suited for the 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 nearby local rivers there are substantial extra charges. Explore the Region!
You can ride through barren rolling hills and along the narrow rocky gorges of the Andean streams; to the tops of the hills where the mighty Andes rise up behind you and the vastness of Patagonia stretches out before you; Watch condors and eagles as they float high above you. Gallop across water meadows or visit the Indian burial caves where ancient drawings can still be seen on the walls. You might also ride through the neighboring Indian reservation, help the gauchos work the cattle or have a game of polo-crosse.
Working cattle on horseback is challenging and fun and brings out the gaucho spirit lurking in all of us!
Huechahue is not a dude ranch - it is the real thing! When working cattle we start early in the mornings and days can be long, every animal must be found, every canyon and hilltop scouted, behind bushes or down creeks - but there is tremendous satisfaction when the job is done. The time of year determines what needs to be done but it can include round-ups, vaccinating, separating, branding, moving cattle and horses to new pastures. Herding horses at speed is magic! There are opportunities for lassoing enthusiasts and everyone is welcome to get involved with gaucho life.
SAN MARTIN DE LOS ANDES - WEATHER & CLIMATE
The
sharp geographic differences between Patagonian steppe and the Andes
cordillera are the cause of the sharp climatic differences from East to
West which determine the existence of woods toward the West and the
steppe toward the East. While the climate in the mountains is mild-cold,
moderated by the influence of the Pacific Ocean, the climate in the
Patagonian steppe is cold, reaching temperatures of -15ºC in winter. In
summer, temperatures range between 9ºC and 25ºC. (average values) and in
winter, between 1ºC and 8ºC, with temperatures lower than 0ºC.
Summer:
Days are warm and sunny and nights are cool. During the day temperature
may vary from 9ºC to 27ºC, which means you can fully enjoy outdoor
activities, including beach activities on the shores of the lakes.
Scarce winds mainly from the SW and few rainy days. Due to its latitude,
daylight extends up to 10 p.m.
Fall: Days are mild-cool
and nights are cold. During the day, temperatures may vary between 4ºC
and 13ºC. This is the rainiest season and in general, with gentle rains
during the night.
Winter: Cold days with snowfalls in the
surrounding mountains, which do not affect traffic in the town. During
the day, temperatures range between 1ºC and 10ºC.
Spring:
Days are still cool and nights cold. Days become longer and longer and
temperatures rise gradually during the day, reaching marks between 7ºC
and 20ºC by the end of the season.
RAINY SEASON
In
San Martin de los Andes, the rainy season is from March to December and
the dry season is summer. It rains around 1500 mm per year. The
gradient goes from the West, with 4000 mm per year toward the East, with
600mm in the steppe. This is because rains fall mainly on the
cordillera. Precipitation may be rain in fall and spring and snow in
winter, depending on the altitude.
WINTER SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Due to the landscape variety in San Martin de los Andes, the winter season allows tourists to make the most of Mt Chapelco. You can practice winter sports such as skiing, sledding and snowboarding. You can also go for a ride on a jet ski or a snowcat. This offers varied alternatives for the whole family to have a great time.
FALL, SPRING AND SUMMER SEASONS
San Martin de los Andes offers the possibility to enjoy numerous activities and trips around its mountains, plateaus, woods (araucarias, coihues, colihue canes, radales and lengas), steppes, rivers and lakes; green-tinted in spring and summer and reddiss, ocher and yellow in fall. From San Martin de los Andes you can visit Quila Quina, Arrayán vantage point, Mt. Chapelco, Hua Hum, Lakes Lolog and Epulafquen, Lake Huechulafquen and Lanín volcano, Villa La Angostura, Córdoba pass and Lake Traful.
In the summer months the weather is generally hot and dry during the day with a maximum temperature between 22 and 35 deg. C. As we are at 700m, it always cools down at night, generally to between 5 and 10 deg. C... It rarely rains - however it is necessary to be prepared with adequate raingear. It is strongly recommended that you should bring your own riding helmet although we can lend if necessary.
The best way to dress is in layers - a T-shirt, shirt, pullover (or fleece which is light and dries quickly), and a jacket to give protection against wind and rain.
Trousers should be comfortable for riding - jodhpurs, jeans, etc.
Footwear that is SAFE for riding, we can provide half-chaps.
Swimwear.
Protection against the sun, which is very strong. Sun block, lip balm and if you do not intend wearing a hard hat, a hat with a wide brim (also good if it happens to rain).
Dress is always casual. There is a laundry service at Huechahue.
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This list is only a guideline for you
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Hidden Trails Travel Documents and Trip Voucher (contains important local tour contact info.)
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
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Riding boots (short) + Minichaps
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
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Riding gloves
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Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection
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Lightweight Rain coat
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear and socks
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Pajamas
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
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Swimsuit
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for an emergency)
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Sewing kit
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Torch/ Flashlight
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Adapter for electric appliances
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Camera and extra film or batteries
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Belt pack
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Address book and pen (for postcards!)
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun protection lotion and lip balm
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Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations: There are
three guest lodges just a stroll across the lawn from the main
farmhouse. We have eight twin/double rooms, all with bathroom en-suite
and there are communal sitting room areas in each cabin.
Meals: Meals are usually served in the
dinning room of the main house and guests gather for drinks in front of
the fire in the living room. Alternatively we make use of the 'quincho',
our function room, with an open fire pit perfect for 'asados' and
dancing if the occasion arises!
Lunch
and dinner are large meals in Argentina and the estancia is virtually
self-sufficient. Ham and bacon from our pigs are cured in the
smoke-house, eggs come from the chicken run; milk and home made yogurt
from the dairy cow and of course our own beef, venison and wild boar.
With our large orchards, fruit is in abundance and all the preserves,
bottle fruit, even the apple juice are homemade! There is a large
vegetable garden and bread is freshly baked on a daily basis!
Argentine
wines are finally achieving international recognition and we like to
serve wines from the province. The beers and spirits are good too - we
always have a siesta!
We can cater for different dietary requirements - but please give us prior notice.
Other Activities: Bird-watching, walking, tennis, fly-fishing and river activities (rafting and swimming).
On the 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.
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Tack:
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Chilean-type saddle with a sheepskin on top
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Horses:
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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:
|
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Very flexible to rider's needs from 2 hours per day walking up to 6 hours per day of fast riding
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Level:
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(2
to
4
out of 5) novice
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Age:
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Min
8
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Huechahue is home to about 80 horses and with 15,000 acres, as much as is possible they live as 'wild' horses. Our prize-winning Criollo stallion, a beautiful 'lobuno' colour can be seen taking care of his mares and foals. Our riding horses are Criollo crosses, part Anglo-Normando, of about 15 1/2 hh. They are bred and trained on the Estancia and are sure-footed and well behaved. As much as possible we like to have them out enjoying the freedom of the water meadows which makes for an exciting ride rounding them up! We ask arriving guests to provide us with an insight into their riding experience and history so we can try and get a feel for the type of horse would be a good match. We have an eclectic selection of horses allowing us to cater to all riding abilities and confidence levels. They are neck-reined and the riding is similar to Western style. The saddles used are "montura de monte" which are similar to old English army saddles with a sheepskin on top. Following traditional gaucho methods, you will find only the stirrups have buckles on our saddles. The saddles are cinched using leatherhide, a custom not forgotten from the days when gauchos, like the American cowboy, would ride into the wilderness unable to replace a broken buckle. Our gauchos continue to practice this and you will see them fully equipped with their lassos, gaucho knives and boleros.
Suited for the 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 nearby local rivers there are substantial extra charges. Explore the Region!
You can ride through barren rolling hills and along the narrow rocky gorges of the Andean streams; to the tops of the hills where the mighty Andes rise up behind you and the vastness of Patagonia stretches out before you; Watch condors and eagles as they float high above you. Gallop across water meadows or visit the Indian burial caves where ancient drawings can still be seen on the walls. You might also ride through the neighboring Indian reservation, help the gauchos work the cattle or have a game of polo-crosse.
Working cattle on horseback is challenging and fun and brings out the gaucho spirit lurking in all of us!
Huechahue is not a dude ranch - it is the real thing! When working cattle we start early in the mornings and days can be long, every animal must be found, every canyon and hilltop scouted, behind bushes or down creeks - but there is tremendous satisfaction when the job is done. The time of year determines what needs to be done but it can include round-ups, vaccinating, separating, branding, moving cattle and horses to new pastures. Herding horses at speed is magic! There are opportunities for lassoing enthusiasts and everyone is welcome to get involved with gaucho life.
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Estancia Getaway - San Martin
Tour Code:
IT-ARRT04
8 days /
7 nights
~$3,080.00
Dates :
Sept to April
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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