Northern Chilean Getaway

Introduction
Northern Chile Chile
Chile Chico is situated only 300 miles north of Santiago. Planes from the capital land in La Serena - beautiful seaside resort by the Pacific, three times every day. From here, explore the wild Sierra, the huge Andes and experience a romantic and pure nature moving through canyons, endless plains and over passes of the untouched Andes in close contact to Chilean mountain farmers. There is also time to relax at the Hacienda, having a bath in the crystal clear water of the river. Enjoy hiking on nature trails, or dreaming in the hammock.

The blue Pacific with its hidden fishing villages and little mountain settlements in the wild Andes is part of what we encounter in this region as well as lonely valleys and trails in the peace and quiet of the high mountains over which condors fly. A well-known holiday little town to visit is Pisco Elqui in the magical Elqui valley, known for the production of pisco (don't go without trying the famous Chilean pisco sour!). The Rio Hurtado valley is situated nearby, only eight miles to the west; and this is where our trip starts.

An Andean adventure tour for you who want to explore nature. Discover the wilderness of Chile during a few days of horse riding trip far away from civilization suiting riders and non-riders alike. 
 

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride with 2 overnight stays at the Hacienda and 1 night camping.





Night 1: Hacienda
Night 2: Camping at Maiten
Night 3: Hacienda



Hacienda
The Hacienda has 7 comfortable colonial style guest rooms. Each standard room (single, double or triple room available) comes with a private bathroom. It is possible to upgrade to a suite for an extra fee. The suites are bigger and have big windows with great views of the mountains
The hacienda also has a beautiful garden where guests can relax. Wi-Fi is available in public areas and is free of charge.  Laundry services are available for an extra fee.
 
Camping
While camping, we provide you with 1 or 3-person tents, an isothermal mattress and a sleeping bag. Outhouses are available at most camps but you might have to dig a hole in the ground in the most remote camps. Guests can go for a swim in nearby rivers to bathe while camping.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we cannot find another rider to share.



Meals
While staying at the hacienda, breakfasts and dinners and included (no drinks) and while camping all meals are included and wine is served for dinner.
For our meals we use exclusively local products of traditional cultivation that we obtain directly from the small holding farmers of the Río Hurtado valley.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater for special diet requirements with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Horses
Our horses are descendants of the Chilean Criollos. They are calm and sweet-natured. Growing up in rocky and difficult areas has made them sure-footed and reliable animals. 
Our horses are specifically trained for trail rides. We use neither spurs nor whips. We use the same paths as the men called "Huasos" in Chile and "Gauchos" in Argentina. That is how our horses gain strength and endurance.
We find the right horse for every customer. Our herd ranges from calm, easy-going horses to more lively ones.

Tack
The saddles provided are local Chilean type, which are called Avios. Its origin is Spanish and they have been designed specially for long distance trips. Its wooden mount, reinforced with iron, is cushioned with “chiporro” and protected with leather. The other cloth beneath the saddle is called batán, pellón and matra, and are normally laid on ground by gauchos to provide a soft and warm bed.

We Provide:
sleeping bag, thermal mat, tent, personal pannier (cup etc.), ice-box, thermos bottle, (by request) safety helmet, sombrero head and riding gaiters, first aid kit, saddle bags and finally one of the well trained and calm Chilean mountain horses.  Explorations accompanied by English, German and Spanish speaking guides.

Itinerary



Sample Itinerary - Subject to changes.

Day 1
Transfer from Ovalle, La Serena, or Vicuña. The trip through the mountains to get to our first nights accomodation takes about two hours. On reaching the lodge you can bathe in the river, pick and eat exotic fruit, or relax in a hammock. In our kitchen we only use natural and fresh food to prepare you a delicious dinner. After our meal we sit on the terrace, watching the stars while drinking a glass of Chilean wine and finishing the first day of our trip.

Day 2
At about 9:30 am, we will prepare for exploration. Our guides acquaint you with the horses, the riding style and any safety precautions. We set off at 11:00 am after having packed all we need for our trip into the wilderness. We pass through wild plateaus and canyons, ride the endless Sierra and enjoy a picnic lunch and a Siesta. In the afternoon, we pass over heights of 2,000 meters. Crystal-clear air allow for magical views of the valleys of the Andes. This evening we will set up camp under the open sky in the oasis of the Andes called Maiten. In front of a campfire, we serve dinner. (Alternatively you are welcome to change this two-day ride for two one-day rides starting at the hacienda. Your overnight stay would be at the Hacienda in cozy beds then.)

Day 3
We continue our trip after breakfast trekking through the high plateaus surrounding the Maiten Sierra and discover extreme contrasts of nature.  The sierra shines in various colors due to the minerals present in the rock.You will be fascinated by the green Algarrobo trees, cacti as high as yourself and the calm loneliness.  When riding back to the Hacienda, heardsmen with their goats might cross our way. In the evening we will serve dinner in the garden.

Day 4 
Today is your departure day, but there is still  time today to continue your exploration of our little paradise. Swimming, sunbathing, hiking or just relaxing.

The above sample itinerary is subject to changes at the discretion of the tour operator.

Rates and Dates for Northern Chilean Getaway

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Ovalle or Vicuna
Airport: La Serena
Transfer: La Serena or Orvalle

Climate:
                                            La Serena area