Andes Crossing Ride

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 10 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 Currarehue, 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.

A 10 day tour, although we have shorter tours.

Day 1

You will be met at Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes and driven to Estancia huechahue - approx 40 minutes away.

On arrival there will be a late lunch followed by an afternoon ride.  A chance to familiarise 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.

Day 3 to Day 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.

Day 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 Barras, 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.

Day 10

A farewell ride on Huechahue before transferring to the airport.

2012 dates: 16th - 25th January, 1st - 10th February, 21st Feb - 1st March

2012 prices: 10 days, 9 nights, full board £3085pp

Not Included: Flights and Travel Insurance, gratuities (7 - 10% recommended)

Single Supplement: 20% if unwilling to share

Accommodation: tents & sleeping bags provided on ride. Accommodation at Estancia in guest lodges with en-suite bathrooms.

Meeting Point: San Martin de los Andes, Chapelco Airport

Indicative flight price: from London approx £1000pp

Transfer: Included from San Martin de los Andes, Chapelco Airport

Hours In Saddle: 5/9 per day

Max Weight: 85kg (supplement if heavier)

Group Size: 2-12

Suitable for non-riders: No

Call us on +44 (0)1225 424413 or email contact@redlandsequestrian.com to check the ride availability and dates, once we have confirmed availability you can download and fill in a booking form:

• UK Rides Booking Form
• Worldwide Rides Booking Form

Each rider in the party must also complete a riding ability questionnaire before we can complete the final confirmation of your holiday booking.