An Adventure on Horseback from Argentina to Chile!

This is a wild and rugged ride across one of the world's largest mountain chains dividing two countries which may speak the same language but couldn't be more different.

On this trip we join up with Loth and Pamela Kutler whose families were amongst the first European settlers in Currarehue. They run pack trips in Chile and always welcome us to their country with a smile and a beautiful lunch.

On this spectacular 11 day crossing we set out from Estancia Huechahue in Argentina, together with your sure footed steeds and (often) bulging saddlebags, we cross the vast mountain chain of the Andes and finish in Panqui Hot Springs, near Pucon in Chile. Lanin volcano provides a perfect plot point on the horizon, rising larger each day as you travel towards Chile through Argentina's dramatically changing scenery, eventually crossing the border which lies at its base. We ride from the wide open plains of Argentine Patagonia into the mountains, forests and volcanoes of the Chilean Lake District, through ancient larch, beech and monkey-puzzle forests whilst learning about the area from your guide.

It is a challenging ride and therefore it is essential that all riders are physically fit. The first day is at least 7 hours in the saddle with a considerable amount of cantering. You must be capable of this to come on this ride.

If your time is limited it is possible to just do the Argentine side of this itinerary.
Day 1: You will be met at Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes and driven to Estancia Huechahue (approx. 40 mins.). After a late lunch there will be an afternoon ride: a chance to familiarize yourself with the horses, the tack and the way we ride.
Day 2: A full day's ride on Estancia Huechahue 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.
Days 3 to 6: Set out from Huechahue for Chile. The next 8 days will be spent crossing from the wide open spaces of Argentine Patagonia over the Andes to the thickly forested steep slopes of Chilean Patagonia. From Huechahue you will ride for 4 days up into the Andes through the Andean Steppes, you will ford rivers, pass through Indian reservations, ride over ridges from where you think you can see the Atlantic and through magnificent rocky gorges, you will gallop across water meadows and race along sandy tracks. Nights will be spent camping by streams and rivers under the spectacular stars of the Southern hemisphere.
Day 7: At lunchtime, at the base of Lanin Volcano in a forest of Monkey puzzle trees you will reach the Argentine/Chilean border, where our Chilean partners will be waiting for you. After immigration and customs formalities you will wave goodbye to Argentina and the horse that has carried you to here and you will start down the western slopes of the Andes on your Chilean mount.
Days 8: Continue riding down through the magnificent Southern beech forests, with spectacular views of lakes and volcanoes. The western slopes of the Andes are much steeper, the terrain very different. Reaching the final campsite at picturesque Puente Basas, where Loth and Pamela’s families have been farming for generations.
Day 9: Transfer back to Huechahue by road (about 3 hours). After a late lunch there will be a ride on the estancia. By now you will have heard of many places and you will be able to choose what you would like to see most.There will be time for a final bathe before transferring back to Huechahue by road (about 4 hours). After a late lunch there will be a ride on the estancia. By now you will have heard of many places and you will be able to choose what you would like to see most.
Day 10:A farewell ride on Huechahue before transferring to the airport.

It is possible to finish the trip at Puente Basas on the morning of Day 9 and not return to Argentina.

DatesTrips are planned on the following dates:
28th November to 7th December, 2010.
12th to 21st December, 2010.
16th to 25th January, 2011.
1st to 10th February, 2011.
20th February to 1st march, 2011