Horseback riding holidays in Argentina (AR 095)

Argentina has a wide variety of landscapes, climates and people. Our proposal is to ride on horseback through Argentina’s most beautiful areas. In each region you will find something different and at the same time you will be able to disclose the weaving pattern that makes all these places link. The people that will guide you are highly qualified experts. They have been grown up in the regions where they work and have had a long practice in leading groups, teaching them to fully appreciate the natural environments. There is no need to be an expert rider. A good health condition and love for nature is more than enough.

NORTHERN ARGENTINA: SALTA. All year round.
A 3 or 4 day horse-back ride through the so called Sacred Valleys or Calchaquí Valleys; the National Park Los Cardones, a most favourable place for its curious cacti (cardones) which blossom at the age of forty. The presence of a threatened autochthonous animal life – the vicuña and the huemul – enhances the importance of this protected area. Sleep at mountain stations where people live out, breeding their cattle.

CENTRAL-WEST ARGENTINA: MENDOZA. November to April.
You will be driven from the city of San Rafael to Los Molles at the foothill of the Andes, where the adventure starts. Valleys, huge rock formations, glaciers, rivers and spectacular peaks will be the scenery surrounding you for 6 days. You may reach an altitude of 4,000 meters. Meant for real adventurers, though you do not need to be an expert rider. Nights at camp-sites in the mountain nearby streams from melted snow.

6 DAYS PROGRAM:

DAY 1: From San Rafael to a simple summer house in the one-time ski resort of Los Molles. Camp at two hours ride into the mountain.

DAY 2: Start riding up into the amazing mountains between Mendoza and Central Chile. Camp at 2,700 metres on a ridge that offers a great panoramic view of what is to come.

DAY 3: Crest a ridge 3,000 metres high and start descending to the narrow valley of Infiernillo River. In summer you will see reddish mountains in front of you, as well as dazzling streaks of snow in November and December. Camp by the Infiernillo River.

DAY 4: Climb a spectacular mountain lake situated at 3,500 metres above sea level, surrounded by ice-capped peaks. Then camp at a tumbling river.

DAY 5: Start your return ride with a new scenery and a marvellous place to camp.

DAY 6: Return to Los Molles and back to San Rafael airport.

PATAGONIAN ARGENTINA: NEUQUEN
Horse-back riding through the Territory of the Mapuche Indians. November to April
A four day ride through valleys, mountains, craters, caves and cattle stations inhabited by the Mapuche Indians, from pure Araucaria forests to the magnificent rainforest of Lake Pilhue. Start at a little village on Lake Aluminé, a well-known fishing site and ride into the Mapuche's territory. This is Northern Patagonia, a region which extends to the Southernmost Tierra del Fuego. Nights at camp-sites.

PATAGONIAN ARGENTINA: RIO NEGRO
Horse-back riding the Andes from Bariloche. November to April
The horseback ride starts near Bariloche city. Travel from the barren Patagonian Plateau to the typical forest of the Patagonian Andes. There are plenty of river crossings before reaching the spectacular Lake Steffen. Here you shall take a days rest, maybe to trek or some other activity, such as rafting. Nights at camp-sites.