South America ~ Chile - Andes

For those who love high mountains, these rides explores the dramatic and harshly beautiful 'cordillera central' that is the backbone of South America. There are breathtaking views of smoking volcanoes, of purple-tinged rock faces cut by tumbling glaciers and of fields of giant icicles as you ride through a remote area that is home to the magnificent giant condor, guanaco and also the shy and elusive puma. Equipment for the rides is carried by pack mule and nights are spent camping along the way, bathing in mountain streams and warm mineral pools. The rides are for the hardy and adventurous - limited packing space coupled with the remoteness of the area, means you must do without some of life's usual luxuries but your reward is a panorama of magnificent mountain scenery and a real feeling of challenge and achievement as you ride through the high peaks.

7 night Tupungato Rides, following an old smugglers route along the Tupungato valley to the Argentine border at 16,000 ft. are run on request for groups in January and February. Shorter rides and other departures can be arranged on request for 2 or more - please contact us to discuss. These may be lead by a local Chilean (non-English speaking) guide.

Summary

Horses and Riding

Riding: 4-7 hours a day.

Horses: pure bred Chilean, Chilean cross bred.

Pace: slow due to the altitude and terrain with some steep passes.

Riding ability: confident novice to experienced riders; the riding terrain can be tough and challenging with steep passes and rivers to cross, but as the pace is quite slow, fit and confident novice riders can take part; there are fun, forward going horses for experienced riders.

Weight limit: 90 kgs (14st 2 lbs).

Accommodation: 2* camping.

Group size: maximum 8.

For Chile Andes testimonials click here

The horses are Chilean Horse crosses (they look like thick set Arabs) bred locally for working cattle. They are quite small, between 14hh and 15.2hh, but agile, strong and extremely sure footed, coping easily with the terrain. Chilean saddles are used with a comfortable sheepskin on top. The horses are trained western style and are used to neck reining. Groups are a maximum of 8 guests.

Hours: There is generally 4 to 7 hours riding a day, moving from camp to camp, broken up with rests and for lunch.

Pace and experience required: The riding can be hard as the terrain varies. It includes river crossings and you may climb steep rocky passes at heights of up to 16,000 ft (these trips are not suitable for anyone with a bad head for heights). The minimum requirement to take part is that you have some previous riding experience and a reasonable level of fitness, but as the pace is restricted by the going, those with less riding experience can take part IF they are fit, confident and adventurous. Experienced riders will have fun, responsive horses.

Accommodation on these rides is in simple camps set up by the gauchos and guide, often by a mountain stream. Small two man dome tents and karrimats are provided for sleeping. Washing is in the open air (no facilities although water for a splash / shave may be heated on the fire). Your guide and the gauchos prepare meals and cook for you and pack mules carry luggage, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats and other equipment.

Rates 2010	Tupungato Ride (7 nights) - TBC £1200 per person Prices for shorter rides on request. Rates include - return transfers at set times between Santiago and the start of the ride, all riding, food and drink on the ride, two man tents (twin accommodation although some single tents may be provided for single travellers on request, numbers permitting), equipment and the services of an experienced English / Spanish speaking guide. Rates exclude - flights to Santiago, accommodation in Santiago, personal medical insurance (compulsory), any visa fees and extras such as tips.
Dates 2010	Tupungato Rides can be arranged on request for groups of 6 or more during January and February. Shorter tailormade rides can be arranged on request for a minimum of 2 riders between October and April
Season	7 night rides are run in January and February; shorter rides are possible between October and April.

The meeting point is Santiago, the capital of Chile. There are several flights from London to Santiago, generally departing in the evening and arriving Santiago mid morning the next day (e.g. the Chilean airline Lan Chile flies via Madrid). For flights from London budget around £650 economy return (varies with the airline and season).

Day 1	Example itinerary - Tupungato Ride (7 nights) You will be met in Santiago and driven about 3 hours to meet the horses and gauchos. Lunch whilst your luggage, camping equipment, food for the week and plenty of Chilean wine is loaded onto the pack mules, then mount up and set off riding. In the late afternoon stop close to the river where there is grazing for the horses and camp for the night.
Days 2-7	Six days riding through the mountains, following an old smugglers route to the Argentine border, exploring remote valleys amongst the high peaks and climbing steep passes. On day 5 you arrive at the Argentine border having climbed to 16,000 ft and there is time to relax over a picnic lunch and to admire the sweeping view as condors soar over the ridges below. Six nights camping in temporary camps set up en-route.
Day 8	The final morning's ride is about 3 hours and takes you back to the roadhead. After saying farewell to the horses meet the vehicles that will drive you back to Santiago, arriving in the late afternoon [an extra night's accommodation in Santiago is required before onward flights].
	Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and if you have any questions.