On Huechahue we have great horses, masses of space and lots to do on horseback! Argentina is famous for its tremendous equine culture and arguably the best way to explore Patagonia is on horseback.

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 neighbouring Indian reservation, help the gauchos work the cattle or have a game of polocrosse.

Our riding programs are tailored to the needs and abilities of those participating and while they are more suitable for the experienced horserider, novices who are fit and enjoy a challenge have been known to survive! There is plenty of scope for fast and challenging riding.

We have a minimum stay of 3 nights - the longer you stay the more you become involved in our way of life and the more you discover things you want to do.

A sample program for a weeks riding on Huechahue:

Day 1: We will meet you at Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes and drive you to Estancia Huechahue (approx. 40 mins). 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 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. Enjoy a leisurely lunch beneath the poplars, an idyllic spot for both horse and rider to recharge and slumber in the afternoon heat. Return over the top of Chenque Hill with the promise of a cold drink and a hot shower.
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 on Estancia Huechahue 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 and although their remains have disappeared the petroglyphs and the view are virtually unchanged.
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 days ride through the neighbouring 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 full days ride to a different part of the Estancia. There are 15,000 acres in all so there is still plenty left to explore. Lunch will be on the river. On the way home a chance to see guanaco, deer, wild boar and "peludos" - the baby armadillo.
Day 8: A farewell ride on Huechahue before transferring to the airport.