6 Day Intermediate to Advanced Horse Riding Holiday in Northern Patagonian Andes

Day 1: Currumahuida Mountain

Midday: Check-in to accommodation and welcoming lunch.

Afternoon horse ride to the Currumahuida Mountain. Trail ride through native cypress forests with beautiful panoramic views throughout. We ride up to the highest point possible on horseback and then leave the horses to rest while we continue on foot for another 10 minutes to a stunning viewpoint. From here we can see the western inlet of Puelo Lake, the start of river Puelo and Lake Inferior in Chile, from which the river Puelo continues to flow towards the Pacific Ocean. Light afternoon snack on the viewpoint before heading back down.

Total riding time: 4 hours approx.

Dinner and night´s accommodation in El Portal del Lago

Day 2: Motoco Viewpoint and mouth of river Azul

After breakfast we prepare the horses for a trail ride to the Motoco mountain viewpoint, returning by the mouth of the river Azul and the shore of Lake Puelo. We cross the river on horseback and follow a forest trail to a natural rock formation with views of the whole valley, the lake and the Tres Picos Mountain in the distance.

We continue through the forest and take a trail leading to the border with Chile. This is an ancient mountain crossing used by the native inhabitants and the first settlers of this valley to cross to and from Chile. The natural beauty of this place has remained unchanged over the centuries, evidenced by the majestic centuries-old Coihue forests. We stop at a clearing indicating the site of old settlement used by one of the first families who arrived in this valley from Chile. We have lunch under the shade of the old fruit trees and poplars.

Finally, we return through the forest and cross again near the mouth of the river Azul. A short ride along the shore of the lake before returning home.

Total riding time: 4 hours approx.

Dinner and night´s accommodation in El Portal del Lago

Día 3: Ascent to the high valleys

After breakfast we prepare for a 3 day horse-ride exploring the native forests of Lenga trees in the high mountains. We leave from our establishment and cross the river ´Azul´ on horseback. We are accompanied by local gauchos who for generations have been using these remote regions as pasture for their animals. We begin the ascent following a mountain trail and stop for lunch half-way up overlooking the Río Azul valley. Finally, we reach the place where the native vegetation changes to a forest of lenga, notro and ñire trees typical of this altitude. We set up camp in the forest with views of the surrounding summits.

Total riding time: 5-6 hours

Night´s accommodation in mountain camp.

Día 4: Day exploring the high valleys and summits

Breakfast at camp. Day of horse-ride exploring the summits and high valleys. This remote mountain area is of breathtaking beauty and has remained completely unchanged. The trails we use are those made by the local gauchos when herding their animals and they will guide us throughout the day. We stop to share a light lunch half-way through the day.

Total riding time: 5-6 hours

Night´s accommodation in mountain camp.

Día 5: Descent back to River Azul valley

After breakfast we pack up and begin the descent. We follow mountains trails back down the valley and cross the river once more before reaching home. On arrival we will have time for a well-earned rest before dinner.

Total riding time: 5-6 hours approx.

Dinner and night´s accommodation in El Portal del Lago

Day 6:

Breakfast and checkout.

This riding holiday takes place in and around Lago Puelo National Park. Puelo Horse Riding is situated at the entrance to Lago Puelo National Park, Northern Patagonian Andes, Argentina.

Distance

• Bariloche, 120 kilometers
• The city of Esquel, 170 kilometers
• Town of El Bolson, 20 kilometers

+−

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Typical Argentinian home-made food cooked in our earth-oven or grill. Vegetarians are catered for. Please inform Puelo Horse Riding of any special dietary requirements.

Optional afternoon activities on day 2 (all with guide)

• Boat trip
• Cycling
• Kayaking
• Trekking
• Fly-fishing

• 5 days of trail horse riding in and around Lago Puelo National Park (4 - 6 hours per day)
• 3 nights accommodation at El Portal del Lago holiday apartments
• 2 nights camping
• Tents and camping gear (not including sleeping bags)
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner including beverages
• Transfers from El Bolson or Lago Puelo

• Sleeping bags (necessary for night 3 and 4)

Recommended Airports

• A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.