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‘Surely , if at the end of a holiday
you feel you could do it all over again without a second though
or break, it's because it was just perfect. Riding through the Puelo
Valley in the South of Chile and into Argentina was just that, perfection.
Everyday brought new adventures and spectacular scenery in this
magic and remote area. Our horses, ‘baqueanos’ ( cowboys)
and organizers were there to guide us up and down mountains and
across rivers, lakes and valleys, I don't think I can exceed the
wonders of this ride, but I'm going to try and match with another
adventure with Ride Andes.’ GEM,
Mar ’06.
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“
to say the ride was spectacular is an understatement. It took
me days to come down, seriously…” Judith,
March ’09. ACROSS THE ANDES.
“If this trip was priced by
the number of times we heard "amazing" and "incredible"
from the group, I never could have afforded to go.
This is one of those, 100 trips
to take before you leave this world.
One word for the trip ....... ‘AMAZING’
“. Mark, March ’09. ACROSS THE ANDES.
ACROSS THE ANDES
RIDE, CHILE TO ARGENTINA
Through a stunningly beautiful, remote area of northern Patagonia
along old smugglers routes criss-crossing rivers, skirting
around brilliant blue lakes, riding through ancient forests.
Elaine arranged a private ride for her family & friends:
“We had a wonderful, fantastic
trip! Our group loved every bit of it …The scenery is
incredible, horses so well behaved and surefooted, farmstays
warm friendly and great food!” EW, Nov ’08.
Across the Andes.
Seven & eight day set date departures and also private
tours of any length available November to March leaving from
Puerto Varas (close to Puerto Montt airport), arriving in
Bariloche. See below for more details & guests comments,
request the full itinerary & please see guests’
comments on the FAQ page.
An Argentine lady that Sally teamed up with a few years ago
now runs these tours, they are no longer led by Sally.
DATES & DETAILS
See the news page for details of next
tours with spaces, contact us for full itineraries. |
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ANDES CROSSING RIDE
Through a stunningly beautiful, remote area of northern Patagonia
along old smugglers routes criss-crossing rivers, skirting
around brilliant blue lakes, riding through ancient forests.
Stopping off to fish or swim in crystal clear waters… |
Since leading her first ride in Ecuador in 1996 the owner of
Ride Andes has teamed up with several like minded ‘horsey
folks’ in South America to offer guests the chance to
ride through stunning scenery in the company of local horsemen.
Having led the first groups across the Andes, for the last few
years Sally has now left these trips in the capable hands of
the local operator.
We are pleased to offer you for 2009 the opportunity to ride
across the Andes via the pioneer trail in the rural Puelo Valley
– a route once used by smugglers. An exclusive journey
into hidden valleys through this rural gaucho culture, from
the Chilean lake district to an Argentine national park. Enjoy
the adventure long after the road has ended and the relaxation
of life in pristine Patagonian wilderness.
This is a stunning ride .The pace has to be steady -there are
very few places for cantering along these windy tracks and the
terrain can be steep. The accommodation is shared bathrooms
and quite ‘communal’, with few options for a single
room.
‘This is just to say how
much we all enjoyed our wonderful time in Chile, [we were]
looked after so well. …fantastic meals… Mary and
I definitely want to come again. Thank you again for organising
everything so well.’ SR, Mar ’08.
‘You gave us all a wonderful ride in Chile that everyone
wants to go back next year! The horse you gave me was a joy
to ride and he saved himself and his rider from going over
the edge due to my faulty steering. The guide was such a good
choice …and his lessons on horse training were a revelation.
… Tito and Deeno [the grooms] were equally wonderful.
…-it was all a very special experience.’
BC, Mar ’08.
ITINERARY, FROM CHILE TO ARGENTINA
– 8 day tour, we have shorter tours & other tour
options, please contact us
1st Day:
The trip will start at your hotel (in Puerto Varas, close
to Puerto Montt airport – we can arrange airport transfers
and hotels in Puerto Varas) where you will meet your tour
leader and driver, load the minibus and drive for three hours,
crossing the Valdivian forest along the Reloncavi estuary.
Arriving at Lake Tagua - Tagua there is time for a picnic
lunch before crossing the lake, a ferry crossing will take
us to the other side where will drive for another half an
hour. At this point, we will meet the horses and ‘huasos’
(local horsemen) and ride to the Puelo River. Cross to the
other side of the river in a small motor boat (the horses
will swim alongside) to reach our first lodgings. Once installed,
guests can enjoy a delicious tea. (B, PL, D.)
Timing: 4 hrs by car and
approximately 2 hrs horseback.
2ndDay:
After breakfast and organizing the pack horses, we will start
our day riding out along the Puelo River. Through unspoilt,
primary ancient Forests on winding trails, a ‘wild’
trail to experience how the first pioneers were travelling
in the area. Picnic lunch on our way and in the afternoon,
arriving at a pioneer’s house where we spend the night,
another very friendly local host will tell us about the beginning
of their life in this remote area. B, PL, D & overnight.
Timing: 5hrs horseback riding
3rdDay:
Today a longer day riding, sometimes along difficult terrain
but the horses are sure footed and ideally suited to the area.
This was the only way into this isolated and unique corner
of Patagonia – on horseback or hiking. We see hardly
any farms and very few people as we traverse this dramatic
landscape. In the afternoon we will arrive at the shores of
the Puelo River, the water is a beautiful blue colour. A motor
boat will come and take us up river to a cosy cottage where
we will lodge that day. The views from the balcony out over
the river are spectacular. B, PL, D & overnight.
Timing: 7hrs horseback riding.
4th Day:
Today we will take just a short boat trip in order to start
our full day horse riding expedition. Some fresh horses will
be with us in this part of our trip. Enjoy this fantastic
landscape and cross the river just as the locals do: on a
public boat while the horses swim alongside. Ride into the
Ventisqueros valley where we will stop on the way for lunch.
In the afternoon, we arrive at a little wooden house where
we spend two nights with a wonderful host family. The farmhouse
is one of the very few houses in this isolated valley with
the Ventisqueros glacier high above us. B, PL, D & overnight.
Timing: 6 to 7hrs horseback
riding.
5th Day:
After breakfast we embark on a gentle ride, crossing the river
once more to join another valley then approach the glacier.
This little Valley becomes wilder and more remote, with incredible
flora and no houses at all. We will arrive close to the ‘Alerces’
forest and enjoy riding alongside the river. Kingfishers are
often sighted darting along above the water. Picnic lunch
and ride back to our farmhouse accommodation. Later there
is a chance to go for a walk around the area or simply relax
with a glass of wine. Another unforgettable day. B, PL, D
& overnight. Timing:
4 hrs horseback riding.
6th Day:
Breakfast and then set off on a full-days ride towards "la
Pasarela del Rio Puelo" -an important suspension bridge
crucial for the communication between the local inhabitants
and the outside world that we are going to cross. This area
is particularly spectacular due to its high waterfalls and
rapids on the fast running river. After a picnic lunch near
the bridge – and a chance to swim we ride on crossing
more ancient forest with huge trees before reaching the shores
of Lago Las Rocas where we leave the horses and meet the motorboat
for a 10 minute boat trip to a private island for a two night
stay. A unique experience on this enchanting island. B, PL,
D & overnight.
Timing: 6 to 7hrs horseback
riding.
7th Day:
Breakfast and depart by boat to rejoin the horses. This morning
we’ll enjoy 2 hrs ride visiting the Blue Lake "Lago
Azul" with its crystal clear waters and great fishing
opportunities. The majestic peaks and stunning landscapes
will not escape your attention! Picnic and relax on the shore
of the lake. After lunch our ride follows deep and narrow
paths into the forest along the mountains will take us to
join the south part of this lake. We ride through the fascinating
typical “cold jungle”, Valdivian-type rainforest
with its ancient Alerces trees (Fitzroy Cupresoide) as well
as other local "giants" such as the "Coihue"
and "Arrayanes" (the cold tree). After leaving the
horses we will return by boat to our own island to enjoy the
rest of the afternoon there strolling, relaxing on the decks
or swimming. B, BL, D & overnight.
Timing: 6hrs horseback riding.
8th Day
In the morning after breakfast we will take the boat back
to where the “Huasos” and the horses will be waiting.
Today we will ride until lunchtime. With passports at hand
we will reach the Chilean Mountain Police Station, "Retén
de Carabineros" on horseback. This leads to the border
crossing, close to the edge of the Puelo River, from where
there are great views of the Inferior Lake. We go through
Chilean customs and immigration by horse and, once the paperwork
is completed, ride between the two borders – ‘no
man’s land’! We will arrive at the Argentinean
post and we will leave horses and take our last boat trip
into the Argentine territory. We cross Lago Puelo by boat
into the National park after going though the Argentine border
formalities and arriving at the pier, a vehicle will be waiting
to take us to El Bolsón. Lunch at a great local restaurant
and time to buy some souvenirs or explore the town. We then
travel to San Carlos de Bariloche and say goodbye. (we can
arrange flights, hotels and estancia stays with further riding
for guests).
Timing: 4hrs horseback riding. Motorboat, 30 minutes. A private
vehicle transfer to the town of El Bolsón, 20 minutes,
and two more hours to the town of San Carlos de Bariloche.
B, L.
DATES: please request dates for
November & December 2009 & also 2010
PRIVATE TRIPS also available.
Please contact us for the current
prices and details regarding the horses, food and much more. |
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‘This is just to say how much we all enjoyed our wonderful
time in Chile, [we were] looked after so well. …fantastic
meals… Mary and I definitely want to come again. Thank you
again for organising everything so well.’ SR,
Mar ’08.
‘You gave us all a wonderful ride in Chile that everyone
wants to go back next year! The horse you gave me was a joy to ride
and he saved himself and his rider from going over the edge due
to my faulty steering. The guide was such a good choice …and
his lessons on horse training were a revelation. … Tito and
Deeno [the grooms] were equally wonderful. …-it was all a
very special experience.’ BC, Mar ’08.
‘Surely , if at the end of a holiday you feel you could do
it all over again without a second thought or break, it's because
it was just perfect. Riding through the Puelo Valley in the South
of Chile and into Argentina was just that, perfection.
Everyday brought new adventures and spectacular scenery in this
magic and remote area. Our horses, ‘baqueanos’ ( cowboys)
and organizers were there to guide us up and down mountains and
across rivers, lakes and valleys, I don't think I can exceed the
wonders of this ride, but I'm going to try and match with another
adventure with Ride Andes.’ GEM, Mar
’06.
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