General Description

Family owned estancias - large farms and estates - some of which were established as far back as the 17th Century, have long been the backbone of Argentine country life. Today, as well as farming, many estancias open their doors to guests and a stay at one of these is a wonderful opportunity to experience Argentina’s traditional way of living, as well as its lovely countryside, fantastic horses and warm hospitality. Estancia Huechahue, which is in the Northern Patagonian Lake District about 1000 miles south of Buenos Aires, has earned a much deserved reputation as one of the best estancias for anyone wishing to ride. It is friendly, informal and wonderfully flexible and is also situated in one of the most scenically beautiful parts of the country. A typical itinerary at Huechahue will include a few days staying at the comfortable estancia, riding out each day through the vast Patagonian landscape of flat topped hills and huge open plains, visiting Indian burial caves that lie hidden amongst ancient rock formations or following rivers and streams that twist through rocky canyons. You might stop to watch condors soaring on the thermals, armadillo scuttling between the rocks and guanaco and red deer grazing on the plains, or visit the local Indian reservation where most of the tack is made. After a few days at the estancia, another option is to join a trip into the neighbouring Lanin National Park, exploring its fantastic landscape of snow capped volcanoes, crystal clear lakes and ancient monkey puzzle forest, or perhaps riding on past Lanin to the Chilean Border. During this part of your stay you camp out at night with all your gear carried by pack horse and meals eaten gaucho-style around a blazing log fire. There is also plenty of cattle work at the estancia, helping gauchos round up cattle or, in March and November, joining them on a working cattle drive, moving stock to seasonal grazing and at certain times 8 night Estancia to Estancia Rides, taking you from Huechahue to other estancias in the area, are organised. After all that, for a rest from riding, there are wonderful opportunities to fish, swim, raft down the river and simply relax!

Some set departures are arranged each year and other dates / lengths of stay can be arranged to suit on request. Please contact us to discuss dates.

Summary

2008 Dates:		The estancia is open for guests between late September and early April each year and dates are arranged to suit; camping trips in the Lanin National Park, Magdelena Valley and to the Chilean Border and Estancia to Estancia Rides are run for a minimum of 4 guests between November and March with some dates pre-set and others arranged on request - please contact us for details.
		Set departures planned for 2008 season which will include a camping trip: 6th to 13th January 11th to 18th January 14th to 24th January 25th January to 2nd February 5th to 12th February 17th to 24th February 24th February to 2nd March 12th to 18th March 5th to 13th November 17th to 23rd November 23rd to 30th November 1st to 8th December 8th to 15th December 15th to 23rd December 23rd to 30th December Estancia to Estancia Ride: 11th to 19th October 25th October to 2nd November 10th to 18th November 20th to 28th November
Season:		October to early April (camping possible November to March only)

Horses and Riding

The horses are mostly Criollo (the local Argentine breed) and Anglo-Normand crosses. They are between 15hh and 16hh, and, having been bred and trained locally for working cattle, are strong and sensible yet also extremely responsive, athletic and forward going, so a real pleasure to ride. They are ridden western style and are used to neck reining. Saddles are Argentinean style, similar to a western or Maclellan style army saddle, with a comfortable sheepskin on top. The Estancia takes a maximum of 12 guests. Camping trips are usually for a maximum of 10 guests.

Hours: There is usually between 4 and 6 hours riding a day with breaks for rests and lunch, although hours are flexible. You have the option during a stay of spending a few days on a progressive ride through the Lanin National Park, camping at night. The National Park is a World Heritage Wilderness Area and surrounds the spectacular Lanin volcano.

Pace and experience required: Estancia Huechahue is a great choice for riders of various ability levels. As a minimum you must have some previous riding experience and be fairly fit. There are fun, forward going horses for experienced riders but also sensible, steady schoolmasters for the less experienced. Riding hours and the pace can be varied to suit with lots of opportunities for fast going although, on the whole, rides through the National Park are at a slower pace due to the terrain.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in eight twin-bedded guest rooms in three purpose built lodges set in the grounds of the main house, each with their own en-suite tiled bathroom. Meals are eaten in the dining room of the main house which is modern and comfortable. When riding in the remote areas of the National Park there is no option but to camp. The gauchos set up simple camps with two man dome tents, sleeping bags and mats supplied - although many people choose to sleep out under the star filled sky. Meals when camping are prepared for you and eaten around the camp fire seated on the floor or on sheepskins; washing is in the open air (no facilities).

Rates & Travel

Travel
The meeting point for the rides is Chapelco airport at San Martin de los Andes, the closest airport to the Estancia. You need to fly to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, then take an internal flight to Chapelco airport . You can also fly internally to Bariloche and transfers can be arranged from there at an extra charge. For flights from London budget around £700 to £850 economy return (varies with season and availability).

Itinerary in Brief

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