Cabalgatas Fernando Escudero - Salta

The Andes Mountains and its ancient culture in the backcountry of Northwest Argentina set the stage. Ride its impressive landscapes and diversity of climates. Valleys with forests and crystal clear water streams followed by deserts with multicoloured mountains. We designed our cross-country rides to show this breathtaking contrast.

The ride starts at La Viña in the Lerma Valley. As we start the ride we pass along 60 feet tall trees and dense bush. We go up to 9000 feet where the forest changes to high altitude grassland. This is the homeland of the Andean condor. In just two days of ride we reach the desert of the Calchaquí Valleys.

Here the monumental cacti (cardons) set the stage. Get ready for the multicoloured hills, the red soil and, as the sun sets, the spectacular stars of the southern hemisphere that cover the sky.

All along the trail, have a chance to absorb from the herdsmen, heirs of the ancient Incas, some of the local culture still alive high up in the mountains. It is an experience without comparison. Perhaps, the trip of a lifetime.

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

Pick up at Salta City airport. Transfer to Estancia or hotel. Check in at hotel. Welcome dinner.

Leave early in the morning to La Viña (2hrs). Meet the horses. Last minute packing before riding into the mountainous forest of Valle de Lerma along the course of Las Pircas river. At sunset, arrive at El Churqui mountain refuge to spend the night where we will be awaited with an energizing homemade meal.

As we ascend, the dense forest gradually gives way to grasslands. Once we reach aprox. 9000 feet and have the chance to see some condors, we find the passage that leads to the desertic Calchaquí Valley. We head towards the town of Amblayo where we will spend the second night. It has only 150 dwellers. It is renowned for its goat cheese. Traditional lamb barbecue at dinner.

We visit the town and its ancient chapel and ride all day through the Calchaquí Valley to our next stop at Isonza ranch.

Isonza is a working ranch. In the morning you are welcome to join in with the everyday life of the ranch. After lunch we ride and hike to visit the archeological remains of ancient settlements and pictographs. Overnight at Isonza.

A long day ride across the Calchaquí Valley but heading back to the mountain range that divides both valleys. A day full of contrasts. When we reach the very steep slopes of Chilo at 9000 feet the view is awesome. We are forced to get off the horses and let them go down on their own. The forest landscape is back. We ride along the narrow gorges of the Chilo River. Its walls are as tall as 120 feet. We arrive in La Viña, say farewell to our horses. Transfer to Estancia or hotel to spend the night after a well deserved dinner.

Check Out. Transfer to Salta City airport. End of our services.

Days: 7 days/6 nights, 5 riding days.
Horses:
mountain mestizo.
Riding time: 5-6 hours / day.
Level: no riding experience required. Suitable for novice to experienced riders.
Weather: summer: 10-30ºC; winter: 5-25ºC.
Included:transfers to/from Salta city, accommodation (2 nights in Estancia/hotel, 4 nights in mountain refuges), all meals and beverages. English speaking guides.
Departure Dates 2008:
Contact us for information.
Observations: horse rides may be cancelled and payments reimbursed if a minimum size group is not formed.
Others:Inquire about dates and tours of varying duration.

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