You will ride through the pristine Patagonian wilderness to your camp accessible only by horseback. Your base is an estancia nestled in the Andes Mountains. The land offers clear bubbling streams filled with trout, gigantic monkey trees, and breathtaking mountain peaks. Your evenings will be spent under the spectacular stars of the southern hemisphere.

Itinerary:

Day 1:
Transfer from San Martin de Los Andes Airport to the estancia camping lodge for a traditional Argentine barbecue.

Day 2:
You will begin your ride to the remote territories in the Andes range. The arid Patangonian land gives way to a forest of monkey puzzle trees. Indigenous to this region, these trees can age to 1000 years. After a picnic lunch and a ride through this forest, your horse will carry you to your campsite, Puesto Ingancioa.

Day 3:
This day is filled with brisk canters and gallops as you pass nires trees to a lunch on the banks of the Relén River. Here you can try your hand at trout fishing.

Day 4:
This morning will bring plenty of opportunity for canters and gallops across the shrub dotted valley. In the afternoon, your horse will carry you to the higher ground of the Mapuche Indian reservation where condors fly overhead. You campsite is Mallin de las Legas on the border the Lengas forest. The forest is so primitive that giant dead trees lie untouched for centuries giving the region a surreal feeling.

Day 5:
After breakfast, the ride will continue the ascent to the Picudo Moutnian, the highest riding point of the trail. A breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys await you. Then you will descend through the half light in the dense lengas forest to your Lake Polcahue campsite under the monkey puzzle trees.

Day 6:
Heading west, you will ride through the Mapuche reservation to the Pacific Ocean. After a rest near the Chilean border, at sunset, you will return to the estancia.

Day 7:
After breakfast, you will transfer to the San Martin de los Andes Airport.

Details:
Dates: 2010: Monday, January 4, 2010 – Sunday, January 7; Saturday, February 20 – Friday, February 26; Saturday, November 20 – Friday, November 26; Monday December 13 – Sunday, December 19, 2011: Monday January 3, 2011- Sunday, January 9; Sunday, February 6 – Saturday, February 12. Extend your stay by linking these rides with the Pampas Estancia ride
Riding days: 5
Meeting point: San Martin de los Andes Airport
Riding Ability: Walk, trot and canter
Horses: Criollo horses and polo ponies
Group size: minimum 4
Saddles: South American Recado
Non-riding activities: none
Hotel/s: campsites and ranch guesthouses
Price: $1,800 per person, double occupancy (minimum of 4 people required)

Includes: 4 nights camping, 2 nights cabin accommodation, all meals and beverages, guide, horses, camping equipment, transfer from Salta City and Buenos Aires domestic Airport
Not Included: Air fare, Buenos Aires international transfers