Gaucho (Huaso) Trail
in the Andes of northern Patagonia

Narrow, often steep trails take you through the world's oldest Alerce jungle of Patagonia, over mountain passes, across meandering rivers, into dark canyons. On one day the horses have to be transported by barge across the Tagu-Tagu Lake.
Ride Wild from the Pacific Ocean across the Andes onto a plateau of lakes, waterfalls, rivers and ancient forests. Follow the legendary 300 year old pioneer trail once used by Indians, Spaniards, Missionaries and the notorious outlaw duo, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, that referred to the "Cochamó Road". Today it is used by gauchos and their families who drive their cattle between pastures on the Patagonian frontier.
This 10 day small group adventure on horseback will take you into a forgotten world of pure nature far from the tourist track. Leading through dense forested valleys and high mountain passes, the GAUCHO TRAIL passes through a scenic blend of isolated pioneer farms, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and the ancient Alerce rainforest, EL ARCO, dated at 4.000 years. Riding on through the natural grandeur of the Andes we will then trace the mountain waters of the Rio Manso, Lago Tagua-Tagua and Rio Puelo.

Itinerary 
Day 1  Traveling in the afternoon from Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas or Petrohué‚ via Ensenada through an amazing scenery to the riverside lodge. Together with the other participants of the group test packing of personal belongings. Time for a nature walk. Dinner in a natural surrounding and review of the expedition. Overnight in tents.
Day 2  Breakfast. Ride along the Río Cochamó with picnic in the Valdivian rainforest. After a five-hour ride along the Gaucho Trail into the Andes you arrive in our mountain lodge in La Junta. Option in the afternoon: Hike the six kilometer nature trail into the Andean rainforest. After barbecue overnight near the mountain lodge.
Day 3  The journey starts through the mountains. After 5 hours riding and crossing various rivers we reach the forest of "El Arco". As the name indicates, El Arco features an arc of natural rock that crosses a small waterfall with a single Alerce tree on the top. In the forest around El Arco you will encounter examples of giant Alerces, some as many as 4000 years old. It is possible to swim under the waterfall.
Day 4  After breakfast we ride deeper into the ancient forest “El Arco”. The expedition continues for another 7 hours over an Andean pass and amazing valleys. Camp at the mountain lake "Lago Vidal Gomaz".
Day 5  Rest day for riders and horses. Visiting of the families living around this pristine lake. Dinner with the family at their farm.
Day 6  Today we follow the western shore of the ”Lago Vidal Gomaz” climbing upwards partly high above the shore. Occasionally the trail offers you spectacular views of the lake. After crossing a wooden hanging bridge we reach the sector of Río Torrentoso in the afternoon. Dinner around the campfire and night camp on the bank of the river.
Day 7  Following the old “Gauchotrail” route we will see a little Andean cemetery and cross a landing strip in the middle of nowhere. The trail continues along the beautiful río Manso Valley and we will ride up and downhill until we reach the río Steffen. This night we pitch our tents close to a farmhouse. Dinner around the campfire.
Day 8  In the morning we ride downhill to the río Steffen where we will cross a big wooden hanging bridge with our horses. Today the trail is full of steep hills. By turns we ride through dense rainforest and open valleys with spectacular views of the mountain range of the Andes. After the final descent to the río Manso we ride two hours more before pitching the tents on the bank where the Rio Manso and the río Puelo flow together. Typical chilean dinner at a farmhouse.
Day 9  This morning we ride two hours to the Lake “Tagua Tagua” where the horses will be loaded on a wooden ferry to cross the lake. It is surrounded by lush wooded hills and known for its turquoise water. On the other side we continue the ride to the Chilean fisher town río Puelo. With every kilometre we come closer to civilization. For the last time we cross the río Puelo with our horses by ferry and on the other side there is already the transfer car waiting. Farewell party and a big dinner in the camp.
Day 10  Packing after breakfast. Transfer out to Puerto Varas/Puerto Montt