Activities: These include bird watching, swimming, rafting, walking and fishing. The estancia lies on the Alumine River, with healthy populations of wild brown and rainbow trout up to about 5lbs in weight. The fishing season extends from November until April. Rods between 8 ft. and 9 ft. 6ins for 5 to 8 lines with sinking, wet or floating tip are recommended, as are chest waders. Flies suitable for fishing in Montana work well, such as woolly worm, woolly bugger, hare's ear, and a selection of nymphs. If you wish to catch supper on the pack trips it is best to take a smuggler type rod, as it is difficult to transport long rods through dense forests without damaging them. There are some rods available for guests to borrow. The fishing is free for guests at Huechahue, but qualified and experienced guides can be organised for an extra charge. There is also stalking for both red deer and wild boar in March and April, by prior arrangement through Wild and Exotic.

Children: We will accept children on the estancia, but they must be competent riders.  There are no discounts for children.

Clothing list: Best way to dress is in layers; a T-shirt, shirt, pullover (or fleece which is light and dries quickly), and a jacket to give protection against wind and rain. Trousers should be comfortable for riding such as jodhpurs, jeans with chaps etc. Please bring a bathing costume or swimming trunks and footwear that is safe for riding. There are some half-chaps and wide brimmed sunhats available to borrow, and  warm, waterproof ponchos are also provided to all guests. Dress is always casual. There is a free same day laundry service at Huechahue.

Drinks: All alcohol is included in the price, and we take plentiful supplies of wine and local spirits on the camping expeditions.

How to Get There: There are three flights to Buenos Aires per week from the UK with British Airways, and from there regular flights to Chapelco airport at San Martine de Los Andes. Alternatively guests can fly to Bariloche, however collection from that airport does incur an extra charge, and the drive is at least two and a half hours long.

Insurance: Whilst we carry public liability insurance and take all possible care we strongly advise you to have full medical and holiday insurance. Wild & Exotic can arrange this if instructed.

Wildlife: The Estancia supports a healthy population of red deer, wild boar, rhea, guanaco, and armadillos. There is also a huge variety of bird life, including back-necked swans, buff-chested ibis, plovers, eagles, vultures, burrowing parrots and magnificent Andean condors, which roost on the sheer cliff face thirty minutes ride form the estancia, and are often seen floating high up amongst the thermals.

Weather: As we are in the southern hemisphere our summers fall during northern hemisphere winters. In the summer months the weather is generally hot and dry during the day, with a maximum temperature between 22 and 35 deg. C. As we are at 700m, and on treks considerably higher, it always cools down at night, generally to between 5 and 10 deg. Celsius. It rarely rains, however it is necessary to be prepared with adequate rain gear just in case.

Photo Gallery from Huechahue - Click on any of the images below to enlarge

Huechahue guesthouse	Moving cattle at Huechahue	River crossing	River Alumine
Snow capped Andes	Lanin National Park	Mountain stream in Lanin	Lunar landscape

A week at Huechahue - Sample itinerary

Day 1: You will be met on arrival at Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes and driven to Estancia Huechahue (approx. 30 mins). After lunch there will be an afternoon ride. A chance to familiarize yourself with the horses and tack and the way we ride.

Day 2: A full days ride on Estancia Huechahue with an "asado" lunch. Follow the Huechahue stream through its basalt canyons, riding as fast as you want across the water-meadows sending the plovers and ibis screeching, before returning over the top of Chenque Hill, where the Andes rise up behind you and the vastness of Patagonia stretches out before you.

Day 3: A day spent working cattle with the gauchos.  Lunch with the gauchos is strips of beef ribs threaded onto a stick and cooked over the open fire. A siesta in the shade and a chance to separate the cows on horseback or try your hand with a lasso.

Day 4: A full days ride on Estancia Huechahue to visit the Indian burial caves. The caves were formed when the glaciers carved the valley opening an entrance to the lava flow tunnels formed during previous eras of volcanic activity. The Tehuelche Indians laid out their dead, surrounded by their weapons and always somewhere where they could see their enemies coming. They decorated the walls with designs. The remains have disappeared, but the petroglyphs and the view are still there.

Day 5:  A morning's ride to see our stallion with the mares and new foals, and a chance to herd horses. After a late lunch there will be an evening ride to the cliffs where the condors and eagles nest.  While we have a cocktail and the sun goes down, the condors return, they soar above and below us before settling for the night.

Day 6: A days ride through the neighbouring Indian reservation. Our saddle rugs and saddle bags are woven by some of the Indian women and the skins from the cows we butcher are worked into rawhide and then bridles and halters by the men. We will pass by to see what progress is being made and to share a "mate" on our way through.

Day 7: A full days ride to a different part of the Estancia. There are 15,000 acres in all so there is still plenty left to explore. Lunch will be on the river. On the way home a chance to see guanaco, deer, wild boar and “peludos” - the baby armadillo.

Day 8: A farewell ride on Huechahue before transferring to the airport

Pack Trips

From November to March we have programs which include a 3 day pack trip. Arrival and departure days are flexible but a sample program would be as follows. (Please note that if there is still a lot of snow in November the pack trips might be 2 day / 1 night camping.)

Day 1:  On arrival into Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes you will be met and transferred to Estancia Huechahue (approx. 30 mins.). After lunch there will be an afternoon ride. A chance to familiarize yourself with the horses and tack and the way we ride.

Day 2 - 5:  Day rides based on Huechahue. Whilst riding across barren rolling hills, through narrow rocky gorges, galloping across water meadows you will visit Indian burial caves, see petroglyphs, work cattle and herd horses with the gauchos, lunch on “asados” by the river, surprise guanacos, deer, armadillos. You will climb to the tops of the mesas where the mighty Andes rise up behind you and the vastness of Patagonia stretches out before you, whilst eagles and condors float high above.

Day 6 to Day 8: A 3 day pack trip in the Andes mountains. The exact itinerary will depend on the time of year and weather / snow conditions. You may depart from the estancia itself or you may go into the mountains by vehicle. You will ride through the spectacular scenery of the southern Andes with its snow capped volcanoes, crystal clear lakes and pristine forests. Nights are spent camping in carefully chosen, picturesque  campsites by a lake shore or at a stream's edge. These are rides into the wilderness. Everything is carried on pack horses and the camping is simple. The terrain itself generally dictates a slow pace. At the end return transport will be waiting to bring you back to Estancia Huechahue for baths, dinner and good beds!

Day 9: A farewell ride on Huechahue before transferring to the airport.

Dates for pack trips in 2008:

10, 11, 12 November; 20, 21, 22 November; 27, 28, 29 November;

5, 6, 7 December; 12, 13, 14 December; 20, 21, 22 December; 27, 28, 29 December.

And in 2009 are:

8, 9, 10 January; 15, 16, 17 January; 20, 21, 22 January; 27, 28, 29 January.

1, 2, 3 February; 8, 9, 10 February; 13, 14, 15 February; 23, 24, 25 February.

2, 3, 4 March

Please note that although the dates of arrival and departure at Huechahue are flexible the dates of the pack trips are fixed.

Rates for 2008:

Until 31st December 2008 the price is £190 per person per night. From January 1^st, 2009 the rate will be £200 per person per night.

There is a single supplement charge of 25% for people who require separate accommodation.

The price is inclusive of all food, drink (including wine, beer and spirits) and accommodation and activities, together with transfers to and from Chapelco airport at San Martin de los Andes and all the fishing on the estancia is included. We can organise your collection from the international airport at Buenos Aires, and your transfer to Jorge Newberry domestic airport for the flight down to San Martin de los Andes. We can also arrange accommodation in Buenos Aires, including a tour of this fascinating and historic city, and a visit to one of the tango shows for which Buenos Aires is famous. As ATOL licence holders 6445 Wild and Exotic can offer competitive fares for the international and domestic flights for this itinerary.

Wild and Exotic itinerary for the ‘Across the Andes to Chile’ ride

This trip is only suitable for experienced riders who are fit enough to canter for extended periods and spend long hours in the saddle. There are 5-8 hours riding a day.

Day 1: You will be met at Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes and driven to Estancia Huechahue (approx. 30 mins.). After a late lunch there will be an afternoon ride. A chance to familiarize yourself with the horses, the tack and the way we ride.

Day 2: A full day’s ride on Estancia Huechahue with an "asado" lunch. Follow the Huechahue stream through its basalt canyons, riding as fast as you want across the water-meadows sending the plovers and ibis screeching, before returning over the top of Chenque Hill, where the Andes rise up behind you and the vastness of Patagonia stretches out before you.

Day 3 to Day 6: Set out from Huechahue for Chile. The next 8 days will be spent crossing from the wide open spaces of Argentine Patagonia over the Andes to the thickly forested steep slopes of Chilean Patagonia.  From Huechahue you will ride for 4 days up into the Andes through the Andean Steppes, you will ford rivers, pass through Indian reservations, ride over ridges from where you think you can see the Atlantic and through magnificent rocky gorges, you will gallop across water meadows and race along sandy tracks. Nights will be spent camping beside rivers under the spectacular stars of the Southern hemisphere.

Day 7: At lunchtime, at the base of Lanin Volcano in a forest of Monkey puzzle trees you will reach the Argentine / Chilean border, where our Chilean partners will be waiting for you. After immigration and customs formalities you will wave goodbye to Argentina and the horse that has carried you to here and you will start down the western slopes of the Andes on your Chilean mount.

Day 8: Continue riding down through the magnificent Southern beech forests, with spectacular views of lakes and volcanoes. The western slopes of the Andes are much steeper, the terrain very different. Reaching the final campsite at picturesque Puente Barras, where Loth and Pamela’s families have been farming for generations.

Day 9: There will be time for a final bathe before transferring back to Huechahue by road (about 3 hours).  After a late lunch there will be a ride on the estancia. By now you will have heard of many places and you will be able to choose what you would like to see most.

Day 10: A farewell ride on Huechahue before transferring to the airport.

Notes:

2008:

Dates for this program are:

27^th November to 6^th December

6^th to 15^th December

12^th to 21^st December

The cost is £2,150 per person based on two people sharing accommodation (£2050 if you wish to finish at Puente Basas on the morning of Day 9).

The price of this ride is £2,150 based on shared accommodation, and includes all food and beverages, together with transport and activities as per the itinerary, and the transfers to and from Chapelco airport at San Martin de los Andes. Wild and Exotic can also arrange collection from the international airport at Buenos Aires, and transfers to the domestic airport for the flight to San Martin de los Andes. We can also arrange accommodation in Buenos Aires, including a tour of this fascinating and historic city, and a visit to one of the tango shows for which Buenos Aires is famous. As ATOL licence holders 6445 Wild and Exotic can offer competitive fares for the international and domestic flights for this itinerary.

There is also a special New Year ride from 27^th December 2008 to 5^th January 2009. The cost of this is £2320 per person based on shared accommodation.

2009:

The price for this itinerary in 2009 is £2285 (£2230 if you wish to finish at Puente Basas on the morning of Day 9).

Dates will be :

8^th to 17^th January, 2009

20^th to 29^th January, 2009

1^st to 10^th February, 2009

13^th to 22^nd February, 2009

22^nd February to 4^th March, 2009

The cost includes all accommodation, food and beverages and transport between Huechahue and San Martin de los Andes (Chapelco airport).

The cost does not include international flights, travel or medical insurance (guests should ensure that they have adequate insurance), or gratuities (about 7 to 10% is suggested as a fair rate), visas (if applicable) or items of a personal nature.

There is a single supplement charge of 20% of the itinerary cost for those not willing to share accommodation.

Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic’s terms and conditions, a copy of which is enclosed with your booking form.

Wild and Exotic Estancia to Estancia ride from Huechahue, Patagonia

Great riding, hospitality and the chance to understand the history of the region

and the people who settled it.

Fixed dates : 11 to 19 October, 2008; 25 Oct. to 02 November, 2008; 10 to 18 November, 2008;  20 to 28 November, 2008. With notice, this program can be organized at any time October through to February.

Junin and San Martin de los Andes were difficult to get to even by Patagonian standards – to the west were the high Andes and to the east a large desert.  The first European arrived in 1883, peace was made with the Indians in 1903 and the first settlers arrived in the early 1900’s.  They were well-educated, well traveled and worldly in their outlook – pioneers and adventurers who came from Europe looking for space to create new homes and enterprises for their families. We visit 3 estancias where today some of their children, grand children and great grand children live protected by the trees their ancestor planted. All are living, working estancias, the herds of sheep have been replaced with herds of Hereford cattle and now they are all beginning to take guests on their family estates; which are a tribute to the success of those pioneers who came to create homes for their families. Despite these gentle words – remember that in many ways this is still the Last Frontier – the riding is fast, the distances long, the rivers are large, the views are vast and days can be as adventurous as they were in the early 1900’s – but at the end of the day a hot bath will be waiting and the accommodation will be really comfortable.

Day 1: We will meet you at Chapelco airport, San Martin de los Andes and drive you to Estancia Huechahue (approx. 30 mins) the home of the Woods. After lunch there will be an afternoon ride. A chance to familiarize yourself with the horses and tack and the way we ride. Night at Huechahue.

Day 2: A full days ride on Estancia Huechahue with an "asado" lunch.  Follow the Huechahue stream through its basalt canyons, riding as fast as you want across the water-meadows sending the plovers and ibis screeching, before returning over the top of Chenque Hill, where the Andes rise up behind you and the vastness of Patagonia stretches out before you. Night at Huechahue.

Day 3: After breakfast we set out for Estancia Cerro de los Pinos, the house is 20 km away, but the riding is fast. We cross the ridge on the Mendana Estancia in front of Lanin Volcano before dropping down and crossing the Chimehuin River. The settlement is close to the river – enclosed by pines – the French Laminats planted more trees than even the Woods! Night at Cerro de los Pinos.

Day 4: Giving our horses a well earned rest we will try the horses at Cerro de los Pinos. Our hosts will take us to see the 50,000 acre estancia where besides huge numbers of red deer,  there are large herds of Guanaco and many South American Rhea. Lunch will be an “asado” out on the estancia. Night at Cerro de los Pinos.

Day 5: Time to leave Cerro de los Pinos and ride on to Estancia Collon Co, the home of the Fachts who came from Germany in 1900. Another 20 km ride across to the Quilquihue river and racing up the valleys to the settlement on the Collon Co stream to get there in time for dinner.

Day 6: A day exploring Estancia Collon Co – a vast area of water meadows and rolling hills running right up to the Andes mountains. Their gauchos will be keen to show us their Hereford cattle. Night at Estancia Collon Co.

Day 7: It’s too far to return to Huechahue in a day, so we will head for the town of Junin de los Andes and the Rio Dorado lodge. A long morning arriving in time for a late lunch thus giving the chance for exploring the town (which does not take long!) before dinner at “Fat Buamscha’s” . The Buamschas came to Junin at the same time as those pioneers came to their estancias, since then it has been a meeting place for fishermen, hunters and locals. It is known throughout the Argentine for it’s trout, “poached” venison and beef. Where did it come from? Cerro de los Pinos. Collon Co or Huechahue?

Day 8: Our last day’s riding as we make our way back to Huechahue, this time we cross the River Chimehuin just outside Junin de los Andes and climb back up Mendana ridge, before racing along the ridge, huge views on either side. Possibly the longest day of all but the horses will be keen to get home. Night at Huechahue.

Day 9: A farewell ride on Huechahue before transferring to the airport.

Notes:

The price of this 9 day / 8 night program in 2008 is £1840 per person.

The price includes all accommodation and meals and transfers to and from the airport at San Martin de los Andes.

It does not include flights, insurance (essential), telephone calls, gratuities or massages and saunas at Cerro de los Pinos.

There is a 25% single supplement. For anyone prepared to share there is no single supplement.

Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic’s terms and conditions, a copy of which is enclosed with your booking form.