Transfer Option:

Day 1: We will meet you at the Chapelco airport- San Martin de Los Andes or Bariloche airport, and drive you to the estancia (approx. 1/2hour, 2 hours respectively). After lunch there will be an afternoon ride giving you a chance to familiarize yourself with the horses, tack, and the local riding style.

Day 2: A full days ride on the estancia 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: A day spent working cattle with the gauchos. Lunch with the gauchos is strips of beef ribs threaded onto a stick and cooked over the open fire. A siesta in the shade and a chance to separate the cows on horseback or try your hand with a lasso.

Day 4: A full days ride takes us to our destination - the Indian burial caves. The caves were formed when the glaciers carved the valley, creating an opening into the lava flow tunnels which were formed during previous eras of volcanic activity. The Tehuelche Indians laid out their dead, surrounded by their weapons in a place where they could see their enemies coming. They decorated the walls with elaborate designs. The remains have disappeared, but the petroglyphs 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 - a remarkable site.

Estancia Getaway only:

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.

-- subject to changes --

2011 Pack trip

26, 27, 28 December, 2011.

Summer: 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, and on treks considerably higher, it always cools down at night, generally to between 5 and 10 deg. C., on treks it can be colder. It rarely rains but it is necessary to be prepared with adequate raingear.

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. 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.

It rarely rains - however it is necessary to be prepared with adequate raingear.
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.
Footwear that is SAFE for riding.
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 (extra cost).

Pack Trips:  The pack trips are very strenuous for the horses and packing space is limited. All the camping gear including sleeping bags, tents and food are carried on the pack horses. Each guest is provided with a set of saddle bags for their personal possessions - change of clothes, toiletries, camera etc. Jackets and pullovers can be tied to the back of the saddle.

It is suggested that you take a change of clothes in case you get wet.
 -A light pair of shoes, e.g. sneakers - for when you want to take your boots off.
 -  A set of thermal underwear - a light way of carrying extra warmth, hopefully unnecessary.
 - Wash bag and small towel
 - A small flashlight

Good quality sleeping bags, waterproof over-trousers and ponchos (which are both warm and waterproof) are provided.
A back-up vehicle generally meets up with the trek every couple of days. You can leave everything you want in the back up vehicle that way you only need to take with you on your horse what you need for a couple of days.

Fishing Gear:  Four, five weight rods with floating line. Chest waders. A selection of flies suitable for fishing in Montana works well - woolly worm, woolly bugger, pancora, matuka, adams, hare's ear, prince nymphs etc. On pack trips it is best to take a smuggler type rod - it is very difficult to transport long rods through dense forests without damaging them. There are some rods available for borrowing.

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 and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Chilean-type saddle with a sheepskin on top
Horses:		Criollos
Pace:		6 hours | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 8
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 12 riders

Criollo crosses, bred on the Estancia. 15 to 16.5 hands. Broken to neck-rein. They are sure footed and well-mannered.

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.