Cross the Andes on horseback: From the high peaks of Chile to the pampas of Argentina on a Criollo horse.
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The Crossing of the Andes: the greatest adventure on horseback in the Northern Patagonian Andes.
Riding amongst the snow capped volcanoes of the Chilean Andes, discover hidden mountain lakes, and meander your way through the Huerquehue National Park. For days you will feel like the only people on Earth! Then, crossing at a pass in Icalma, the mountains open into the vast valleys of the Argentinean pampas. The views on the descent from the peaks of the Andes are stunning. Look out through the rugged terrain at the sparkling lakes below, and ahead to the open pampas you will soon be riding through.
From smoking volcanoes and snow capped mountains, to deep blue mountain lakes, this ride is a once in a lifetime experience.
Get the best of two worlds and two great horse cultures. The steep mountains, and endless virgin forests on the Chilean side will give you a new appreciation for the low and sturdy Criollo Chilean horses. You will understand why the Criollo horses have become the prized horse of choice for the Chilean people. You also have the opportunity to observe the unique style of the Argentinean gaucho life, and the open space of the Argentinean pampas where they live and work. Descend along the Argentinean cliffs where we admire the majestic condor and other wildlife unique to the area. There is no better way to experience all of this than on a horseback trip.
HORSEBACK TRIP FROM CHILE TO ARGENTINA
INDICATIVE ITINERARY*
9 day camping ride - subject to changes :
Day 1: Arrival. Pick up in Pucon in the morning, welcome to the farm. We take an initial ride through the Mapuche Indian Community Quelhue and along the rapids of Trancura River to evaluate your riding experience, get familiar with the saddle and tack, and determine which horses to take on our great adventure. In the evening we move to our base camp at Laguna Geppinger from where we start our ride the following morning.
Days 2 - 5: On Days 2-5 we ride through virgin rainforests and dense stands of Coighue trees and bamboo, and pass by crystal mountain lakes and gurgling creeks. In the evening we make camp besides rivers and lakes; the trails lead through the National Park Huerquehue, the National Forest Reserve Villarrica and the Mapuche Indian Communities of Reigolil and Icalma.
Day 5: On the 5th day we return to civilization again and ride through the small Mapuche settlement of Icalma where we stay overnight at a beautiful spot on the lake-shore
Days 6 - 8: On the 6th day after arranging custom formalities with the Chilean border control we are heading into the mountains to cross the actual border to Argentina. High in the mountains we say goodbye to our Chilean horses and the guides that led us to this magnificent place. Then we cross the border 10 meters on foot, and greet Hernan and his wonderful Argentinean horses which will bring us through the unique world of the Argentinean Andes for the next three days. On the following days we ride the valleys and cliffs of Argentina, watch condors pass us by, meet shepherds with their herds of cattle or goats and enjoy amazing views over the endless wide open spaces of this uninhabited part of the world. On the evening of the 8th day we reach the outpost were Hernan lives with his horses and which marks the end of our journey. We celebrate the end of the trek with a typical Argentinean barbecue while recounting our adventures from the past week and sharing our impressions of this experience of a lifetime.
Day 9:
Transfer from Hernan's ranch back to Pucón, Chile were we pick up luggage and say farewell to Antilco and the horses that carried us in Chile. If desired, travelers may finish their trip in Argentina and travel on directly from Hernan's or spend more days riding in the Argentine pampas.
11 day cabin & camping ride - subject to changes :
Day 1: Arrival day, pick-up in Temuco airport or hotel in Pucon. Welcome to the ranch and dinner at the ranch house. Overnight at Farmhouse in Pucón
Day 2: Ride around Pucón. We'll ride through the Mapuche Indian Community Quelhue and along the rapids of Trancura River to evaluate your riding experience, get familiar with the saddle and tack, and determine which horses to take on our great adventure. In the evening we go to our base camp at Laguna Geppinger from where we start our ride the following morning. Overnight camping at Laguna Geppinger
Day 3: Laguna Geppinger to Rio Blanco. We cross the first of three mountain ranges on our trail towards Argentina. At night we camp beside the natural hot springs in Rio Blanco Valley. Overnight camping near Rio Blanco.
Day 4: Rio Blanco to Flor de Valle. We ride through virgin rainforests and dense stands of Coighue trees and bamboo crossing the 2nd range. The night we spent at a mountain farm at the Mapuche Indian community “Flor de Valle”. Overnight camping at Flor de Valle.
Day 5: Flor de Valle to Nevados de Sollipulli. We ride along the slopes of Sollipulli volcano, overnight in the mountain lodge “Nevados de Sollipulli”. Overnight at Nevados de Sollipulli.
Day 6: Volcano Ride. We ride up the volcano, reaching its 2.5 miles wide crater which is filled with a 660 feet deep glacier. We return to “Nevados de Sollipulli” for a second night. Overnight at Nevados de Sollipulli.
Day 7: Nevados de Sollipulli to Lake Icalma. We cross the last range before Argentina and spend the night in a cabin at the shore of Lake Icalma. Overnight in cabin near Lake Icalma.
Day 8: Lake Icalma to Argentina. We ride to the border, after arranging custom formalities with the Chilean border control we cross the border 20 meters on foot, and greet Hernan and his wonderful Argentinean horses which will bring us through the unique world of the Argentinean Andes for the next three days. We ride up to the top of Batea Mahuida Volcano with 6560 feet the highest point on our ride. Overnight camping.
Days 9 and 10: Argentinian Rides. We ride the valleys and cliffs of Argentina, watch condors pass us by and enjoy amazing views over the endless wide open spaces of this uninhabited part of the world. On the evening of the 10th day we reach the outpost were Hernan lives with his horses and which marks the end of our journey. We celebrate the end of the trek with a typical Argentinean BBQ. Overnight camping (night 9) & at Hernan's Ranch (night 10)
Day 11: Departure. After breakfast we transfer back to Chile. We can bring you to Temuco city (1.00 pm) or Temuco airport (1.30 pm) or Pucon (3.30 pm). If you prefer, you may finish the trip in Argentina, and keep on traveling or riding some more days in the Argentinean pampas, or transfer to your next destination in Argentina (not included). Meals included: Breakfast
MEETING:
Free group transfers from Temuco airport.
DEPARTURE:
Free transfer to Temuco airport around noon or 1pm: so don't book a flight before 3pm.
TRANSFER FROM/TO TEMUCO AIRPORT OUT OF SCHEDULES:
210 $ per transfer and per vehicle.
FLIGHTS:
Flights to Chile are not included in our prices because it is generally more interesting to book your flights yourself, a flight package included is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best rates or offer you a trip with transport included on request.
RIDING LEVEL: 
Be comfortable at all three gaits (walk, trot, canter) and in good physical condition.
RYTHM:
On mountain trails, mainly at a walk with a bit of trotting. In difficult passages, walk on foot. Canters are possible on some days, especially on the plains in Argentina.
GUIDES:
Besides the long years team (Mathias, Alejandra, Katie, Luis and Aldo), we get additional guide and helpers throughout the summer months.
NUMBER OF RIDERS:
2 to 8 riders.
MINIMUM AGE:
15 years old accompanied by one or more parents.
HORSES:
Criollos and Crusaders. Chileno Criollos are perfectly suited for mountain hiking. They are extremely safe and not nervous. They tend to seek closeness with their riders.
The horses graze freely in large paddocks and pastures by the river and in the mountains. They evolve freely in herds all year round and have an open stable where they can take refuge during the winter. During the summer months, rich pastures and abundant grass form the basis of their diet, they are supplemented with corn and oats when working. In winter, due to the slow growth of grass in these mountains, fodder is brought.
TACK:
Argentinian saddles made by a local saddler, with sheepskin and equipped with saddlebags.
ACCOMMODATION:
Nights are spent camping or in cabins.
On 9-day trips: 6 nights in tented camps, 2 nights in cabins.
On 11 day trips: 5 nights in tented camps, 5 nights in cabins.
9-day program - subject to change based on availability:
Night 1: Camping at Laguna Geppinger (showers and toilets)
Night 2: Camping at Termas Rio Blanco (showers and toilets)
Night 3: Camping in Flor de Valle
Night 4: Camping in the Araucaria forest (toilets)
Night 5: Cabin in Icalma (shower and toilets)
Nights 6 & 7: Camping in Argentina
Night 8: Hernan's Ranch (showers and toilets)
11-day program - subject to change based on availability:
Night 1: Farm in Pucon (shower and toilets)
Night 2: Camping at Laguna Geppinger (showers and toilets)
Night 3: Camping at Termas Rio Blanco (showers and toilets)
Night 4: Camping in Flor de Valle
Nights 5 and 6: Nevados de Sollipulli lodge at the Sollipulli volcano (shower and toilets)
Night 7: Cabin in Icalma (shower and toilets)
Nights 8 & 9: Camping in Argentina
Night 10: Hernan's Ranch (showers and toilets)
Farmhouse in Pucon:
The Guesthouse cabin, is situated beside a small creek and surrounded by fruit and chestnut trees. There are 2 cozy bedrooms (each accommodating two guests), a dining area, cooking facilities and a full bathroom (shared between the 2 rooms). The kitchen area has a gas stove and a refrigerator, and the cabin is heated with a wood-burning stove. A second cabin is located 20 meters away from Liucura River, providing the same facilities.
Guesthouse in Termas de Rio Blanco:
Tonight, you sleep in the newly built guesthouse of this beautiful hot spring area. The guesthouse is located just a few minutes’ walk from the natural hot springs. Rooms are basic but comfortable.
Lodge Nevados de Sollipulli at Sollipulli Volcano:
This rustic mountain lodge offers cozy accommodations in small huts, just at the foot of the Sollipulli Volcano. The huts come with comfortable beds, heating and a private bathroom. Guests can also relax in the hot tub and sauna.
Lakeside cabin in Icalma:
For your last night in Chile, you stay in double rooms in a single standing cabin on the lakeshore about 20 minutes from Icalma village. The cabin is equipped with a wood stove, a spacy dining room and a BBQ area. Bathrooms and washrooms are shared. The view over the lake is great from the cabin.
Hernan’s Ranch:
This rustic ranch is set in a remote location, close to the border and surrounded by mountains and unique Araucaria forests. There are 2 cabins with double and triple rooms. Each cabin has a wood burning stove and a small common area. There are bathrooms and washrooms in each cabin but the facilities are shared. The cabins are made of basalt stones and timber, giving them a lot of charm.
Camping:
While camping, we provide you with "Robens” and “Salewa” dome tents (double or single tents available), which are solid, lightweight and with plenty of room for 2 persons. No need to bring your own mattress or sleeping bag. You will be given a Thermarest mattresses and a "Doite" (Chilean brand) sleeping bag with comfort zone from -7 to 0 degrees Celsius (19 - 32 degrees Fahrenheit).
Washroom facilities depend on the campsite from outhouses to hole in the ground.
Most of the camping nights, guests will have the opportunity to swim in lakes or river and some camps offer shower facilities.
Room Occupancy
Single supplement is not mandatory if we cannot find another rider to share.
WIFI access is only available in Pucon.
MEALS:
All meals are included in the trip. Hearty breakfasts and dinners in the camps or lodges, and a picnic at lunchtime. Mix of traditional dishes. Barbecues are an important part of the diet, especially in Argentina. You will discover and taste the difference between Chilean and Argentinian dishes and of course Chilean and Argentinian wines ! Wine is included with dinners.
2025 PRICE / PER PERSON **:
9 days: 4150 € in shared cabins and tents
Single cabins and tents supplement *: 650 €
11 days: 5450 € in shared cabins and tents
Single cabins and tents supplement *: 650 €
Application fee: 15 €
* Supplement is applied if there is no rider to share.
** The price is calculated on the basis of $, so it may vary up or down at the time of your reservation.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
9 day version: 7 days on horseback, rental of the equipped horse, supervision, accommodation, camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag and groundsheet), meals, wine at dinners, transfers from/to the Temuco airport on the days and times fixed, the financial guarantee of your payments by our travel operator guarantee.
11 day version: 9 days on horseback, rental of the equipped horse, supervision, accommodation, camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag and groundsheet), meals, wine at dinners, transfers from/to the Temuco airport on the days and times fixed, the financial guarantee of your payments by our travel operator guarantee.
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, flights, personal expenses, drinks excluding wine at the table, gratuities, everything not indicated in "the price includes".
INSURANCE (if you don’t already have one):
We offer to European citizens (only) Chapka insurances:
Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only.
See prices & information
FLIGHTS:
Flights to Chile are not included because it is more interesting to book your ticket, an inclusive transport package is sometimes more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best rates (free service) or to offer you a transport trip included on request.
NO MORE DATES IN 2024. NEXT RIDES IN 2025 !
Le voyage à cheval à travers le Chili était incroyable. La façon dont nous avons traversé le pays était une façon fantastique de voir ce pays. Les guides étaient super.
Ce voyage était absolument une randonnée à cheval incroyable. De longues heures à cheval, des paysages spectaculaires, la nourriture était saine et délicieuse, les chevaux étaient forts et les guides étaient super amusants ! J'ai tout aimé de ce voyage ! Merci d'avoir organisé une telle aventure de premier ordre.