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Northern Chilean Getaway
Northern Chile
Chile
Chile Chico is situated only 300 miles north of Santiago. Planes from the capitol land in La Serena (health and seaside resort at the Pacific) three times every day. Explore the wild Sierra, the huge Andes and experience a romantic and pure nature. We move through canyons, endless plains and over passes of the untouched Andes. We are close to Chilean mountain farmers and experience untouched nature. There is also time to relax at the Hacienda such as having a bath in the Jacuzzi or in the crystal clear water of the river. Enjoy a steam bath in the sauna, hiking on nature trail, or dreaming in the hammock. The blue Pacific with its hidden fishing villages and little villages in the wild Andes is part of this region as well as lonely valleys, endless mountain trails, and the peace and quiet of the Andes over which condors fly. A well-known holiday resort is Pisco de Elqui in the valley of the same name. The Rio Hurtado valley is situated nearby, only eight miles as the crow flies, to the west; and that is where the our trip starts.
An Andean adventure tour for you who wants to explore nature. Discover the wilderness of Chile during a few days of horse riding trip far away from civilization suiting riders and non-riders alike. We move through canyons, endless plains and over passes of the untouched Andes. We are close to Chilean mountain farmers and experience untouched nature. There is also time to relax at the Hacienda such as having a bath in the Jacuzzi or in the crystal clear water of the river. You might also like a steam bath in the sauna, hiking our nature trail, or dreaming in the hammock.
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Guest Ranch Short Getaway Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Ovalle or Vicuna
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Airport:
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La Serena
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Transfer:
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La Serena or Orvalle
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
6 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
12
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations (suite upgrade available) - two nights at the hacienda and one night camping (or 3 nights hacienda in adverse weather or off season), all your meals, 2 riding days (optional 3rd riding day), all facilities of the hacienda, full access to nature trail and river.
| A | 2012 | 4 day Trip, AP | 4d / 3n | €490 | $660 |
| Single Supplement (standard) | €50 | $70 |
| Suite Upgrade - pp (dbl) | €40 | $55 |
| Suite Upgrade - pp (single) | €110 | $150 |
| Extra day with riding pp (dbl) standard room | €200 | $270 |
| Extra day with riding - pp (single) in standard room | €260 | $350 |
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfer from Ovalle included
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€
0
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$0
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2012
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Transfer from Serena per car each way
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€
25
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$35
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Tour Dates for 2012
Additional departure dates are available from October to March
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Rates do not include:
Beverages

Day 1 Transfer from Ovalle or Vicuña (from La Serena with additional costs). The trip through the rough mountains takes you about two hours. At the Hacienda you can enjoy romantic places next to the river, you can pick and eat the fruits or you will relax in a hammock. In our kitchen we only use natural and fresh food. After dinner we sit on the terrace, watching the stars while drinking a glass of Chilean wine and finishing the first day.
Day 2 At about 9:30 am, we will prepare for exploration. Our guides acquaints you with the riding horses, the riding style and any safety precautions. We set off at 10:00 am after having packed all we need for our trip into the wilderness. We pass through wild plateaus and canyons, ride the endless Sierra and enjoy a picnic lunch and an original Siesta. In the afternoon, we pass over heights of 2,000 meters. Crystal-clear air allows magical views down the valleys of the Andes. We camp in the oasis of the Andes called Maiten. In front of a camp fire, we serve dinner. (Alternatively you are welcome to change this two-day ride for two one-day rides starting at the hacienda. Your overnight stay would be at the Hacienda in cozy beds then.)
Day 3 We continue our trip after breakfast. We ride the Maiten Sierra and discover the extreme contrasts of nature. The minerals let the Sierra shine in many different colors. You will be fascinated by the green Algarrobo trees, cacti as high as yourself and the calm loneliness. During our ride back to the hacienda, herdsmen with their goats might cross our way. We arrive at the civilization of the hacienda at 3:00 pm. Now it is time for having a bath and a rest. Dinner is served in the garden.
Day 4 There is a lot of time today to
continue your exploration of our little paradise. Swimming, sunbathing,
hiking or just relaxing.
Transfer to Ovalle or Vicuña is included.
The 5-day option can include and additional overnight camping day
Day 1 to 2 -- see above
Day 3: After passing a calm night next to the camp fire we will have breakfast and start our tour to Las Breas. We will continue to climb up the Sierra enjoying the beautiful views over heights of 2800 meters. Perhaps we are lucky to see the snow covered Andean Mountains at the horizon. We will have lunch close to a big tree in an old dry river. In Las Breas we overnight in the house of a Chilean family. It is up to you to choose if you want to sleep outside in a tent or inside in a bed. Dinner we have together with a Chilean family and change information about the different cultures.
Day 4: Today we pack our stuff the last time and leave the village Las Breas in order to go back to the Hacienda on a ride through valleys, passing small rivers and villages. We cross an old horse racing place where already lots of Chileans bet and lost their money on a Sunday afternoon. We will arrive at the Hacienda around 4 o´clock. Just in time to take a fresh shower end enjoy the rest of the afternoon in our garden, listening to the sound of the river and the birds.
Day 5: Transfer to La Serena/Ovalle or Vicuña. Certainly you may stay some more days at the Hacienda and join other activities.
... additional days at the hacienda can always be added.
Meeting:
Ovalle or Vicuna
Airport:
La Serena
Train station:
bus station in Ovalle
Transfer:
La Serena or Orvalle
Distance:
60 miles, 2 hrs
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Tack:
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Chilean
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Horses:
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Criollos
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Pace:
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As we ride about 6 to 11 hours a day and we also climbe the mountains, shich are sometimes higher than 3000 - 4000 meters, we only walk our horses on this intense terrain therefore we can accept beginners without fear of steep ascents, descents & heights
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Walk |
Trot |
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Level:
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(2
to
3
out of 5) Novice+
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Age:
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Min
18
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Weight:
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Max
200 lb
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
6 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
12
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We Provide:
Transfer, in and out from / to La Serena, Ovalle and Vicuña. overnight stays in comfort tents and at the Hacienda. All meals. All drinks and wine on the trip. Equipment for riding explorations: comfortable
Gaucho-saddle with sheep-fur padding, sleeping bag,, thermal mat, tent, personal pannier (cup etc.), ice-box, thermos bottle, by request safety helmet, sombrero head and riding gaiters, first aid kit, saddle bags and finally one of the well trained and calm Chilean mountain horses. Any facilities of the Hacienda such as nature trail and river access. Explorations accompanied by English, German and Spanish speaking guides.
The saddles provided are Chilean type, which are called Avios. Its origin is Spanish and they have been designed specially for long trips. Its wooden mount, reinforced with iron, is cushioned with “chiporro” and protected with leather. The other clothing beneath the saddle is called: batán, pellón and matra, and are normally laid on ground by gauchos to provide a soft and warm bed.
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
- Spring: September, October, November: average temperature by day 68°F (20°C)
- Summer: December, January, February, March: average temperature by day 77°F (25°C), may become even warmer until 86°F (30°C)
- Autumn: April, May: average temperature by day 68°F (20°C)
- Winter: June, July, August: average temperature by day 59/68°F (15/20°C), during winter it might be cloudy and it also might rain for a couple of hours.
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fleece clothes to keep you warm during the cool nights in the Andes
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light and comfortable trekking shoes for hiking and riding (do not worry, there are no poisonous snakes in Chile!)
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a good pair of sunglasses, headgear and sun cream
We Provide
Transfer, in and out Hacienda Los Andes from / to La Serena-Airport, Ovalle and Vicuña. 3 overnight stays in comfort tents (Hillerberg), 4 overnight stays at the Hacienda. All meals. Equipment for riding explorations: comfortable Gaucho-saddle with sheep-fur padding, sleeping bag,, thermal mat, tent, personal pannier (cup etc.), ice-box, thermos bottle, by request safety helmet, sombrero head and riding gaiters, first aid kit, saddle bags and finally one of the well trained and calm Chilean mountain horses. Any facilities of the Hacienda such as nature trail and river access (Sauna, Jacuzzi not included in price). Explorations accompanied by English, German and Spanish speaking guides.
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This list is only a guideline for you |
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Travel documents and Voucher |
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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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Light and comfortable trekking shoes for hiking and riding (do not worry; there are no poisonous snakes in Chile!) |
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
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Riding gloves |
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Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
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Rain coat |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
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Fleece clothes to keep you warm during the cool nights in the Andes |
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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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Pajama |
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Bag for dirty clothes |
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Swimsuit |
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Bandana |
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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 the emergency) |
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Sewing kit |
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Handkerchiefs |
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Adapter for electric appliances |
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Camera and enough extra films |
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Belt pack |
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Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
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A good pair of sunglasses |
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
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

The hacienda is a gateway to the wilderness of the Andes... Enjoy best local cuisine, selected Chilean wines, traditional architecture and culture.

For our meals we use exclusively local products of traditional cultivation that we obtain directly from the small holding farmers of the Río Hurtado valley. Feel free to visit these friendly and open people in search of delicious fruits, cheese and vegetables and contact to the local folks.

The Hacienda has six comfortable colonial style guest rooms: each with a private bathroom and a garden with a view of the Andes. 310 sunny days per year, an extremely versatile nature and the crystal clear air are an invitation to spend unforgettable days in the Andes. The starry nights and the unspoiled wilderness offer you vacations close to nature and pure relaxation and recreation.
HACIENDA STANDARD Room
Single or Double Beds, private Bathroom with Shower, wardrobe, table and chairs,
HACIENDA SUITE
Double Bed, writing desk with chair, bench, table and chairs, wardrobe, bathtub and shower


This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Chilean
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Horses:
|
|
Criollos
|
|
Pace:
|
|
As we ride about 6 to 11 hours a day and we also climbe the mountains, shich are sometimes higher than 3000 - 4000 meters, we only walk our horses on this intense terrain therefore we can accept beginners without fear of steep ascents, descents & heights
|
Walk |
Trot |
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|
Level:
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(2
to
3
out of 5) Novice+
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Age:
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Min
18
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Weight:
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Max
200 lb
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
6 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
12
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We Provide:
Transfer, in and out from / to La Serena, Ovalle and Vicuña. overnight stays in comfort tents and at the Hacienda. All meals. All drinks and wine on the trip. Equipment for riding explorations: comfortable
Gaucho-saddle with sheep-fur padding, sleeping bag,, thermal mat, tent, personal pannier (cup etc.), ice-box, thermos bottle, by request safety helmet, sombrero head and riding gaiters, first aid kit, saddle bags and finally one of the well trained and calm Chilean mountain horses. Any facilities of the Hacienda such as nature trail and river access. Explorations accompanied by English, German and Spanish speaking guides.
The saddles provided are Chilean type, which are called Avios. Its origin is Spanish and they have been designed specially for long trips. Its wooden mount, reinforced with iron, is cushioned with “chiporro” and protected with leather. The other clothing beneath the saddle is called: batán, pellón and matra, and are normally laid on ground by gauchos to provide a soft and warm bed.
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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