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Crossing the Andes from Chile into Argentina
Lake District
Chile
The Crossing of the Andes - the greatest adventure on horseback in the Northern Patagonian Andes
Riding amongst the snow capped volcanoes of the Chilean Andes, discover hidden mountain lakes, and meander your way through the Huerquehue National Park. For days you will feel like the only people on earth! Then, crossing at a pass in Icalma, the mountains open into the vast valleys of the Argentinean pampas. The views on the descent from the peaks of the Andes are stunning. Look out through the rugged terrain at the sparkling lakes below, and ahead to the open pampas you will soon be riding through.
From smoking volcanoes and snow capped mountains, to deep blue mountain lakes, this ride is a once in a lifetime experience.
Get the best of two worlds and two great horse cultures. The steep mountains, and endless virgin forests on the Chilean side will give you a new appreciation for the low and sturdy Criollo Chilean horses. You will understand why the Criollo horses have become the prized horse of choice for the Chilean people. You also have the opportunity to observe the unique style of the Argentinean gaucho life, and the open space of the Argentinean pampas where they live and work. Descend along the Argentinean cliffs where we admire the majestic condor and other wildlife unique to the area. There is no better way to experience all of this than on a horseback trip.
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Camping Ride with vehicle support
Camping Ride with pack horses
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Meeting:
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Pucon
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Airport:
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Temuco
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Transfer:
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Pucon or Temuco
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates include:
Accommodations, meals, wine is included with dinner. 8 riding days, English speaking guide, all camping equipment including tent, sleeping bag and mat.
Camping Option A: 7 nights camping, 2 nights in cabins, 5 days with shared shower facilities,
Cabin Option B: The cabin to cabin trip spends 6 nights in cabin accommodations and 3 nights camping; shared bathroom facilities.
| A | 2012 | 10 day camping ride, AP | 10d / 9n | €1850 | $2480 |
| Single supplement (requested) per night - pay locally | €10 | $15 |
| Small group supplement - less than 2 riders | €350 | $470 |
| B | 2012 | 10 day Cabin & Tent ride, AP | 10d / 9n | €2050 | $2750 |
| Single supplement (requested) per night - pay locally | €10 | $15 |
| Small group supplement - less than 2 riders | €325 | $440 |
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Group Transfer from Temuco airport included at set times
This is a "Group Rate"
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€
0
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$0
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2012
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Private transfer from Temuco return per group (1-3)
This is a "Group Rate"
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€
70
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$95
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Transfers at set times.
This trip can be arranged at other dates between Dec 1 and March 30 - with a minimum of 2 riders.
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Rates do not include:
Travel and medical insurances, tips for local guides.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Afternoon arrival in Pucón or Temuco. Transfer to the farm, where we show you around, so that you get to know the farm, horses, the tack and equipment. Later in the evening we partake in a welcome barbecue, where we discuss the details of the following days.
Day 2: In the morning we ride to the Mapuche Indian Community, Quelhue, and along the rapids of Trancura River to evaluate our riding experience, get familiar with saddle and tack and to determine which horses to take on our great adventure. In the evening we drive to our base camp at laguna Geppinger, from were we start our ride the following day.
Day 3 to 6: We ride through virgin rain forests, rough ranges, passing by crystal clear mountain lakes, along sparkling creeks. On the 3rd day we reach the natural hot springs of Rio Blanco were we build our camp for the night. The camps we build beside rivers and lakes. These trails lead mostly through the National Park Huerquehue, the National Forest reserve Villarrica and the Mapuche Indian Communities of Reigolil and Icalma.
Day 6: Today we meet with civilization again, riding through the small Mapuche settlement of Icalma, were we arrange custom formalities with the Chilean border control, before heading into the mountains to cross the border to Argentina. Here we say goodbye to our Chilean horses and the guides that lead us to this magnificent place, cross the border 10 meters on foot, and welcome Hernan and his wonderful Argentinean horses. Hernan and his horses will guide us for the next 3 days through the unique part of the world, in the Argentinean Andes.
Day 7 to 9: Today we ride the valleys and cliffs, watch condors pass us by, catch trout out of clear rivers, cross several streams and enjoy amazing views over the endless wide open spaces of this uninhabited part at the end of the world. On the evening of the 8th day we reach the outpost were Hernan lives with his horses, marking the end of our journey. With a typical Argentinean barbecue we let the day end, and reminisce about all the adventures and impressions of this once in a lifetime experience.
Day 10: Transfer from Hernan's place back to Pucón, Chile were we pick up the luggage we left behind and say farewell and the horses that carried us in Chile. If you prefer, you may finish the trip in Argentina, and keep on traveling or riding some more days in the Argentinean pampas.
Note:
The cabin to cabin ride follows the same trail, but in the evenings we get further down into the valleys, therefore have more contact with civilization.
-- subject to change --
Meeting:
Pucon
Airport:
Temuco
Transfer:
Pucon or Temuco
Distance:
75 miles
Transfers at set times.
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Tack:
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Chillean working saddles: Avio Chileno and Corralero Chileno
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Horses:
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Criollo Chileno
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Pace:
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On mountain trails mostly walking. The terrain is the challenge rather than speed. We ride 6 to 8 hours a day, in difficult passages we may lead our horses walking on foot. Canters are available on some days - especially in Argentina.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
15
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Max
65
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
8 riders
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THE RIDE
You should have at least a medium level physical condition and some experience on horseback, but you do not have to be a highly experienced rider.
We ride up to 7 hours a day. In difficult passages we may lead our horses walking on foot.
Some canters and short gallops are possible in flatter parts, especially in Argentina portion, in the mountainous areas the pace is mostly at a walk or trot.
The luggage is carried by a 4x4 pick up truck or pack horses.
THE HORSES
On the home farm we live with 20 horses, all of them Criollo Chileno and cross breeds. Some of them registered, most of them "ordinary" working horses. Our horses are running free on several paddocks, one 12 acre on the riverside, a big 70 acre in the mountain and some smaller 2 acre paddocks beside the house. They range free as a herd all year round, in winter they have an open stable where they can seek shelter and go in and out as they like. In summer they feed mostly on fresh grass and additional grain if they work. In winter due to the slow growth of the grass in this rough mountains we feed additionally hay.
The Criollo Chileno is eldest registered breed in Southern America. They are descended from the Iberian horses the Spaniards brought when they conquered Southern America.
These horses are perfectly adapted to our landscape. Short with a low center of balance they are ideal for climbing the mountains of the Chilean Andes
The word "Criollo" basically means a mixture between Spanish and native - this may be food, customs, horses and even people. Criollo Chileno must not be confused with other Criollo Breeds as e.g. the Criollo Argentino, sounds alike, but they are very different.
They are extremely sure stepping and not nervous at all, no reaction to thunder, dogs or whirring cameras. They have a tendency to search for closeness to their riders. You can notice this many times even on short 3-4 hours, but definitely on every several day ride, when horse and rider have enough time to get to know each other.
The Criollo is a sturdy horse, with a big head on a muscle packed neck. Criollo Chilenos are rather small, about 1,38 to 1,48 m. They are of all colours. They have the fame of sturdy working horses, but they can have a great elegance as well.
THE SADDLES
We use the typical Chilean "Avio" working saddle, designed for a long day on horseback. Very comfortable for both rider and horse. The base is a wooden frame, held together by pieces of metal in the front and back part.The seat, a broad band of rawhide is tied in between. It's covered by a wool-filled pad, followed by 2 - 6 Layers of sheep skin and a leather cover.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
PassportsPassport valid for at least six months required by nationals referred to in the chart.Passport NotePassports issued to children must contain a photo and state the nationality.VisasNot require. more
Due to Chile's lengthy land mass you will find many different climatic zones, from subtropical, dry zones down to polar zones.
Climate is formed too by the ocean in the west and Andean mountain ranges in the east. Generally you can say that Northern Chile is warm and dry, Central Chile has mild weather all year round and the southern part gets cold and wet in winter.
Please note that as Chile is in the southern hemisphere, seasons are opposite to the seasons on the northern hemisphere.
- Sleeping bag, suitable for temperatures around 0 degrees Celsius. (Can be rented, please let us know in advance)
- Sun blocker
- Torch, water bottle (we can provide if you let us know), a lighter.
- Hat or cap
- Sun glasses
- Swimming suite, towel
- Rain gear: we suggest you bring waterproof trousers and jacket, we provide additional rain ponchos which are great on horseback, but may not suite you for the time you’re not riding.
- Riding trousers: jeans or trekking trousers are perfect for the kind of riding we do.
- Shoes: Light trekking boots, best if they are high enough to protect your ankles.
- Fleece clothes to keep you warm during the cool nights in the Andes. Best option to take cloths that you can put one on top of the other if it’s getting cold.
- For rides outside main season (which is January, February, March) and in the high Andes we strongly recommend to bring warm underwear.
- We provide half chaps – if you prefer your own gear, you are welcome to bring it.
- We do not provide riding helmets, so if you are used too, please bring your own, as they are not common in Chile it will be hard to find one in any shop around.
Limit for personal items for packing on the horses: One bag, 50x30x30 cm. Additional luggage can be be transported by car to the meeting points.
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.
..view other reports for different trips
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Accommodations are in comfortable tent camps and in cabins.
Camping Trips: We spend 7 nights in tent camps, 2 nights in cabins. Shower facilities are available on 5 days. On all other days you can freshen up in lakes, rivers etc or heat up some water over the campfire.
Cabin to Cabin Trips: We spend 3 nights camping and the rest in cabins.
Cabins: You sleep in double rooms with either one double or two twin beds.
Tent Camps: The dome tents are first choice brand “The
North Face” and “Salewa Denali” tents - firm, light-weight and spacey with two entrances - its perfect for two sleepers. Thermarest mattresses and best quality
sleeping bags make the tent camps comfortable. Double tents for couples,
single tents for single riders at no extra cost. The tent camps are besides the Rio Blanco natural Hot Springs, Icalma Lake and under the stars in the Argentinean pampas.
MEALS:
We serve a mixture of traditional dishes, BBQs are an important part of the diet, especially in Argentina; you will experience and taste the difference between Chilean and Argentinean dishes and of course the Chilean and Argentinean wines. On the trail we have abundant breakfast and dinner and a picnic at lunchtime. We can cater for special diet requirements and vegetarian as well with prior notification.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Chillean working saddles: Avio Chileno and Corralero Chileno
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|
Horses:
|
|
Criollo Chileno
|
|
Pace:
|
|
On mountain trails mostly walking. The terrain is the challenge rather than speed. We ride 6 to 8 hours a day, in difficult passages we may lead our horses walking on foot. Canters are available on some days - especially in Argentina.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
|
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Age:
|
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Min
15
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Max
65
|
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Weight:
|
|
Max
200 lbs
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|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
8 riders
|
|
THE RIDE
You should have at least a medium level physical condition and some experience on horseback, but you do not have to be a highly experienced rider.
We ride up to 7 hours a day. In difficult passages we may lead our horses walking on foot.
Some canters and short gallops are possible in flatter parts, especially in Argentina portion, in the mountainous areas the pace is mostly at a walk or trot.
The luggage is carried by a 4x4 pick up truck or pack horses.
THE HORSES
On the home farm we live with 20 horses, all of them Criollo Chileno and cross breeds. Some of them registered, most of them "ordinary" working horses. Our horses are running free on several paddocks, one 12 acre on the riverside, a big 70 acre in the mountain and some smaller 2 acre paddocks beside the house. They range free as a herd all year round, in winter they have an open stable where they can seek shelter and go in and out as they like. In summer they feed mostly on fresh grass and additional grain if they work. In winter due to the slow growth of the grass in this rough mountains we feed additionally hay.
The Criollo Chileno is eldest registered breed in Southern America. They are descended from the Iberian horses the Spaniards brought when they conquered Southern America.
These horses are perfectly adapted to our landscape. Short with a low center of balance they are ideal for climbing the mountains of the Chilean Andes
The word "Criollo" basically means a mixture between Spanish and native - this may be food, customs, horses and even people. Criollo Chileno must not be confused with other Criollo Breeds as e.g. the Criollo Argentino, sounds alike, but they are very different.
They are extremely sure stepping and not nervous at all, no reaction to thunder, dogs or whirring cameras. They have a tendency to search for closeness to their riders. You can notice this many times even on short 3-4 hours, but definitely on every several day ride, when horse and rider have enough time to get to know each other.
The Criollo is a sturdy horse, with a big head on a muscle packed neck. Criollo Chilenos are rather small, about 1,38 to 1,48 m. They are of all colours. They have the fame of sturdy working horses, but they can have a great elegance as well.
THE SADDLES
We use the typical Chilean "Avio" working saddle, designed for a long day on horseback. Very comfortable for both rider and horse. The base is a wooden frame, held together by pieces of metal in the front and back part.The seat, a broad band of rawhide is tied in between. It's covered by a wool-filled pad, followed by 2 - 6 Layers of sheep skin and a leather cover.
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Passports issued to children must contain a photo and state the nationality.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of Greece for up to 60 days and nationals of Romania for up to 30 days.
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey on the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding required travel documents for onward destination and not leaving the airport transit lounge.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
2. Nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA entering Chile for touristic purposes will be charged a processing fee payable on arrival and in cash only. For nationals of Australia, the fee is US$56; for nationals of Canada, the fee is US$132; and for nationals of the USA, the fee is US$100 .
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No/1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
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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Crossing the Andes from Chile into Argentina
Tour Code:
IT-CHRT04
10 days /
9 nights
~$2,480.00
Dates :
Dec to March
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Chillean working saddles: Avio Chileno...
Horses:
Criollo Chileno
Pace:
On mountain trails mostly walking. The...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Airport:
Temuco
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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