Cabalgatas Fernando Escudero

We ride the most pristine wilderness of the incredible Patagonia in Argentina. The base camp is set in a 45 000 acres working “estancia” embedded in the Andes range. It was founded long ago and first owned by English pioneers.
Get ready for five days of exploration of uninhabited land where we will see, at most, a few Mapuche Indians grazing their herds in the summer prairies. We ride across unique places you can only reach on horseback and camp by crystal clear rivers or lakes full of trout.

We go past valleys and mountains covered by indigenous sub- Antarctic forests. Here, the gigantic monkey puzzle trees set the stage. Up from the hill tops, we will get sight of Chile on the other side of the border.

As the sun sets, the spectacular stars of the southern hemisphere will cover the sky. Relax at the camp with its peaceful atmosphere, the campfire that lightens up the darkness as you share a cup of coffee, tea or mate. All this creates the ideal ambiance to feel the spirit of the old time explorers and make new friends. On the seventh day we finalize the trip rafting the River Aluminé, the region’s best.

Our long experience guarantees an unforgettable vacation. Hopefully, the trip of a lifetime.

Pick-up at San Martín de los Andes. Meet your guide and transfer to the estancia. Preparation of base camp and saddlebags.

Breakfast. Preparation for a riding day. Last minute packing before riding past valleys and mountains covered by indigenous sub- Antarctic forests, lakes and rivers. The camping sites will be Puesto Ignacio, Relén stream, Mallín de las lengas and Lake Polcahue. We will get very close to the Chilean border. At night we will camp by rivers or lakes.

The steppe gives way to large pine forests. As we move forward we will be able to see the imponent Lago Alumine. Lunch by araucarias’ shade and then we go to Rio Alumine where we can go for a swim.

Ride to Arroyo Belen. Water wells of up to 2 meters makes it an ideal place to bathe. We ascend towards El Picudo, the highest mountain of the zone. The change of the landscape is incredible. Leave behind the arid steppe to find the magic forests of lengas. Overnight at Mallin de las Lengas.

Going up through the forests of lengas, we reach the Mirador, the highest point of our trip. The Lago Aluminé, the extension of the forests and the imponent view complete an amazing day. Spend the night by lake Polcahue.

Final day of riding. At sunset, after crossing a few rivers through the incredible Patagonian forests, we reach the base camp at the estancia to spend the night. Say farewell to our horses. At dinner we will enjoy a farewell typical Argentine barbecue.

Rafting the River Aluminé, the region’s best. 8 - 12 miles on the rapids surrounded by awesome scenery. The level of difficulty of this river is adecuate for everyone, thus combining adventure with safety. Transfer back to San Martín de los Andes.

Days: 7 days/ 6 nigths.
Horses:
criollos and mountain horses.
Riding per day: 5-6 hrs /day.
Riding ability:suitable for novice to experienced riders.
Weather: summer: 0 - 25°C.
Included: transfers to/from San Martín de los Andes, accommodation (6 nights camping, 2 with bath w/ hot shower), meals and beverages. Departure dates 2008:
Contact us for information on dates. Nov. - April season.
Others: inquire about dates and tours of varying duration.

Cabalgatas por Argentina Fernando Escudero: Horseback vacations, cattle drives, estancias, polo, ecotourism and adventure tourism.