Estancia to Estancia

If you are looking for a fast moving adventure then our Estancia to Estancia ride is the holiday for you.  All are living, working estancias where herds of sheep have been replaced by herds of Hereford cattle.  The riding is fast, the distances long, the rivers large and the views are vast.  Days here can be as adventurous as they were in the early 1900's when the first European settlers arrived, but at the end of the day a hot bath will be waiting and the accommodation will be very comfortable.  

Day 1:

You will be met at Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes and driven to the host estancia where you will have lunch and an afternoon ride to familiarise yourselve with your horse.

Day 2:

A full days ride at the estancia with as "asado" lunch.  Follow the stream through its basalt canyons, riding as fast as you want across the wather-meadows before returning to the top of Chenque Hill, where the Andes rise up behind you and the vastness of Patagonia stretches out before you.  Second night at the estancia.

Day 3:

After breakfast, you set out for Estancia Cerro de los Pinos, 30 km away.  The riding is fast and you cross the ridge on the Mendana Estancia in front of Lanin Volcano before dropping down and crossing the Chimehuin river.  The settlement is close to the river, enclosed by pines.

Day 4:

Leave Cerro de los Pinos and ride on to Estancia Collon Co, another 30 km ride.  Cross the Quilquihue river and arrive in time for a substanial lunch at the estancia.  After lunch you ride up the vallys through herds of red deer, guanaco and rhea to the settlement on the Collon Co stream, arriving in time for dinner.

Day 5:

It is too far to return to the host estancia in one day, so you will head for th town of Junin de los Andes and the original hosteria El Chimehuin.  A long morning arriving in time for a late lunch on the lawn and you will have a chance to explore the town before dinner at "Buamscha's", probably Patagonia's most renowned restaurant.  The Buamschas came to Junin at the same time as the early 20th century pioneers and since then it has been a meeting place for fishermen, hunters and the locals.  It is known throughout the Argentine for its trout, venison and beef.

Day 6:

Make your way back to the host estancia, corssin the river Chimehuin just outside Junin d los Andes and climb back up Mendana ridge, before racing along the ridge with huge views on either side.  This is possibly the longest day of all but the horses will be keen to get home.

Day 7:

A farewell ride on Huechahue before transferrng to the airport.  

2012 prices: £2,185 pp, 6 nights, 7 days riding, running from Sunday to Saturday

2012 dates: October 2011 - February 2012

Accommodation: twin/double rooms with ensuite facilities within a lodge with a shared sitting room at the host estancia and 3 nights at estancia's en route

Single supplement: 25% unless willing to share with an appropriate guest

Includes: full board, vegetarians catered for

Not included: flights and personal travel insurance, tips/gratuities ($20 per night is an average) or massages and saunas at Cerro de los Pinos

Meeting Point:  Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes or for this trip you can be met at Bariloche (timed to meet flights arrivng up until 14.30 on Day 1 and departure flights leaving 16.00 onwards on Day 7) 

Transfers: included in the price from the airport

Suitable for non-riders: No

Max: 9 or a minimum of 4.  Trips for 2 can be organised for a 25% supplement or for 3 for a 15% supplement. 

Weight limit: there is no weight limit

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.