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Crossing the Andes from Chile into Argentina

Tack:	Chillean working saddles: Avio Chileno and Corralero Chileno
Horses:	Criollo Chileno
Pace:	On mountain trails mostly walking. The terrain is the challenge rather than speed. In difficult passages we may lead our horses walking on foot. Canters are available on some days - especially in Argentina. We ride 6 to 9 hours a day. \| Walk \| Trot \| Canter \|
Level:	(2.5 to 4 out of 5) Intermediate
Age:	Min 15
Weight:	Max 200 lbs / 90 kg
Riders:	Min 2 riders	Max 8 riders

Riding Experience
You should have at least an intermediate level physical condition and some experience on horseback, but you do not have to be a highly experienced rider.

Pace
We ride up to 8 hours a day. In difficult passages, we may lead our horses walking on foot.
Some canters and short gallops are possible in flatter parts, especially in Argentina portion, in the mountainous areas the pace is mostly at a walk or trot.

Horses
We share our farm with 20 horses, all of them Criollo Chilenos and crossbreds. While some of them are registered, most are "ordinary" working horses. The Criollo Chileno are perfectly adapted to our landscape. Short with a low center of balance they are ideal for climbing the mountains of the Chilean Andes. They are extremely sure stepping and not nervous at all, no reaction to thunder, dogs or whirring cameras. They have a tendency to search for closeness to their riders.
Our horses roam and graze freely throughout two large paddocks (a 12-acre pasture on the riverside and a vast, 70-acre field in the mountains) and several smaller 2-acre paddocks beside the house. They range free as a herd all year round and have an open stable available to them where they can seek shelter during the winter. During the summer months, rich pasture and plentiful grass form the staple of their diets, though we supplement with corn and oats when they work. In winter, due to the slow growth of grass in these rough mountains, we feed them additional hay.

Tack
We are using all local Chilean saddles and gear. Most of this equipment is made by our local saddle maker from Villarrica.
We use typical Chilean "Avio" working saddles, designed for a long days on horseback. Those saddles are very comfortable for both rider and horse. The base is a wooden frame held together by pieces of metal in the front and back. The seat is formed by a broad band of rawhide tied in between the frame. It is covered by a wool-filled pad, followed by 2 - 6 layers of sheep fleece and a leather cover. All parts are strapped together by the "cincha" which holds the saddle on the horse's back.
The original Chilean stirrups are made of wood and are beautifully carved. Unfortunately, it is hard to fit your foot securely inside unless you're wearing the traditional pointed boots of the Chilean Huaso. Our saddler makes extra wide leather-covered "capacho" stirrups, so that wider shoes, like hiking boots, can easily fit. They offer good protection while riding through bushes and prevent branches and vines from tangling about your foot. We can also provide classical open stirrups for those who desire them.
You can find bridles and reins made of many different materials across the Chilean countryside, including leather, PVC, and ropes. We use the traditional hand-plaited reins, inox bits, and simple rawhide headstalls. Some of our horses are trained to be ridden without a bit; just slip on a halter or a rope and jump on. You can try out this method in the pasture if you like!
While trekking, all gear is packed in saddlebags we make ourselves (sewed on our 1936 Singer) out of sturdy leather. Tents and sleeping bags are stored inside waterproof bags to protect against rain and horse sweat, and then placed within canvas sacks and attached behind the saddle across the horse's rump.

Staff
Besides the long years team (Mathias, Alejandra, Katie, Luis and Aldo), we get additional guide and helpers throughout the summer months.

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Crossing the Andes from Chile into Argentina

Tour Code: IT-CHRT04
11 days / 10 nights
Dates : All year round

Trip Rating :

Difficulty :

Riding Level Explained

A	Beginner	Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.
B	Novice	Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting trots, and short canters.
C	Intermediate	Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces (including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly.
D	Strong Intermediate	Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day.
E	Advanced	All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country.

Lodging:

Lodging Level Explained


=	Facilities in lodges, estancias, haciendas, resorts, etc.

	Basic lodging - some with shared bathroom facilities, usually no AC or room service.
	Regular standard room - usually with private bath.
	Accommodations with superior comforts.

=	Trips with nights in tent camps. Sometimes the first and last night are in hotels.

	Basic tent camping - everyone helps out with camp chores.
	Regular standard with some camp amenities and camp cook.
	Camping facilities with superior comforts like camp shower, bathroom facility..

=	Trips that combine nights in hotels and camping.

	Basic accommodation and basic camping facilities can be expected.
	Regular standard with some nicer amenities.
	Only assigned to hotel and camping facilities with superior comforts.