Masters of Wilderness Horse Journeys since 1988
Contact emailEquestrian Safaris Ltd.,Tanzania tel: +255-754595517
European contact address: Alberes 18, Bajo, Barcelona 08017, SPAIN
Tel: +34-934-069-849
or +34-677-607-427
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newsfeedAcross Patagonia
This is a fast paced two week long riding tour of central Patagonia combined with the Province of Buenos Aires. We start our ride deep in dry pampa wilderness where we can view the abundant wildlife from horseback while riding around an enormous salt pan, part of a massive private estancia. The tour then moves to another private estancia located right on the Atlantic coast of Argentina with exciting dune and beach riding on polo ponies. The horses here are very responsive and in superb condition - great for zooming up and down large dunes along the beach!
Catching the trans-patagonian train overnight we traverse the vast Patagonian steppe for 800km, stopping at tiny rural stations before reaching the foothills (pre-cordillera) of the Andes mountains. Here we mount up straight out of one of these stations for three days of riding in spectacular country, riding down the river river towards the snow covered peaks in the distance. A visit to Bariloche town for some sight-seeing and souvenir shopping ends our visit to the South, and we fly back to Buenos Aires.
Finally the trip ends in a leisurely fashion on a big luxurious estancia in Buenos Aires Province located in a world biosphere reserve renowned for bird-life and axis deer. It is a place of natural forests, rivers, lakes, and lots of cattle and offers more riding variety together with an excellent chance to thoroughly relax.
Private Estancias
We start the ride deep in the desolate Patagonian bush on a huge estancia that borders one side of a 70km long salt pan, an area where wildlife roams relatively undisturbed. There are maras (Patagonian hares), rheas (Patagonian ostrich) and large herds of guanaco (a type of Llama) roaming the open glades. The horses here are prime large type Argentine Criollos (The Quarteron - a Percheron/Criollo cross) that normally are used for cattle wrangling, and as such they provide an unforgettable riding experience being superbly responsive and agile. The main part of the ride here circles the salt pan, and we camp two nights along the way at gaucho puestos (cowboy supervision posts). We also will have a go at wrangling cattle during our stay.The tour now moves to another estancia located right on the beach. We ride on endless sandy beaches and over the giant sand dunes that front it. There are also wild boar and the little belted armadillo to be seen on occasion. The sea is great for swimming and for fishing should anyone be so inclined. Here all is space, sea, wind and sand. The horses here are mostly Argentine polo ponies the owners use to play against the local teams.
Trans - Patagonian Train
Rickety, colourful and the only train that runs right across Patagonia now takes us to our next destination; the foothills of the Andes. The train stops along the route at various out of the way towns that seldom see travellers from far away come through. We travel on the overnight sleeper; excellent restaurant catering is included.Ride to Corralito
Around 10am we should, according to schedule be at a local train stop where we meet our guide for the next few days, and his horses. Our route takes us along a small river as it meanders down from the Andes mountains. At night we will make a fire and camp out under the open sky.Bariloche
After the 3rd day out along the river valley the ride is over and we enjoy a last asado, then board a minibus that takes us into Bariloche. The main resort town in Patagonia makes its living from tourism; sailing, hiking, fishing, rafting, skiing - you name it. This is a town full of shops and souvenirs for the visitor, and now is a good time to have a look around. Evening in town where we stay overnight at a lakeside hotel.Historic Estancia
Next day fly to Buenos Aires, then drive out of the city along the River Plate to a luxurious estancia whose grounds are today a nature reserve. This sets it apart from other establishments in the area that cultivate the soil. Quirky original builders extravagantly built stables, stores and tea houses in Tudor style until they ran out of money. The lady of the house also had an artificial lake built in front of her main house. For the next two days we will ride out on the grounds of this historic 4,000ha estancia.All good things eventually come to an end, and so will this adventure to the land of the wide open spaces, the tango, the asado, and the South American cowboy; the gaucho, who has accompanied us on this trip throughout in one guise or another.
Across Patagonia Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Buenos Aires on the morning flight. Meet with your trip leader. Transfer to town and a day room at a local hotel. Lunch. Sightseeing in Buenos Aires. Evening transfer to the bus terminal for the overnight luxury coach drive South. Dinner on-board (includes wine).
Day 2
At daybreak we meet up with our hosts 900km to the South and drive with them to a remotely located estancia along dirt tracks. Breakfast at the estancia. Then we try out our horses with a quick introduction to cattle wrangling that gets you accustomed to how they ride in these parts! Overnight camp in the estancia grounds.
Day 3
Ride out to the first very basic puesto on the estancia. Camp.
Day 4
Ride along the salt pan and camp at the second puesto of the estancia. There is a large windmill water tank suitable for cooling off at the end of the ride.
Day 5
Ride across the salt pan all the way back to the main house. Overnight in the grounds of the main house.
Day 6
Transfer drive to the local town for lunch. Continue to our next destination, another estancia located near the beach. Try out our new horses. Polo stick and ball practice. Camp in the grounds.
Day 7
A full day's ride along the beach and in the dunes. Camp in the grounds.
Day 8
Ride over enormous dunes and along the beach to a rustic cabin. Camp very near to the beach. This location can be windy.
Day 9
Return ride along the beach to the estancia. Lunch. Late afternoon drive to the train station. Overnight on the trans-Patagonian train. Twin sleeper cabins.
Day 10
Disembark mid-morning at a small station in the middle of the steppe. Meet our new guide and horses. Saddle up and ride out from the station to the river river. Camp.
Day 11
Riding along the river, in the foothills of the Andes. Overnight in camp.
Day 12
Ride to Corralito. Asado lunch. Drive to Bariloche town. Stay in the lakefront Hotel Tirol. Evening out at a local restaurant.
Day 13
Morning sight seeing and shopping in Bariloche town. Transfer to the airport and board an afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Arrive late afternoon. Drive 165km out of town along the River Plate to an old historic estancia. Overnight at the luxurious main house.
Day 14
Day ride into the nature reserve on the estancia property. Picnic lunch. Overnight in the main house.
Day 15
Morning ride on the estancia. Picnic lunch. Late afternoon transfer to Buenos Aires International airport. Fly out.
Feedback
Dear Jan:
I loved the trip! Everyday was unforgettable. Thank you. Argentina is absolutely beautiful! The people are so free. All of this has inspired me to really learn Spanish. I enjoyed all of my horses and in particular, Olivia, the polo pony.
Yours Truly,
Joy Mead
19th February, 2005.
New for 2009! Coast to Coast.
The Coast to Coast extension combines the Across Patagonia Expedition as far as San Carlos de Bariloche with the new Volcanoes Ride across the border in Chile - this is an exciting new option that I hope many of you will find interesting [...]
About this trip
* We reserve the right to change the itinerary according to circumstances* 15 days in total
* 13 days riding or with riding part of the day
* Meeting point: Buenos Aires city
* Tack: English and Argentine
* English and Spanish speaking guides
* Pace: Moderate to fast with trots and canters
* Level: B
* Weight Limit: 95kg.
* Full board, trained horses and guiding
* Includes wine in considerable quantities
* Includes all accommodation in hotels, estancias and camps
* All transfers including internal flight connections from Bariloche are part of this package
Please note
* Meals are based on a meat diet.* WEATHER: Fairly warm in general. Can be windy out riding near the Andes. We recommend taking a warm sweater and a good windproof short jacket in addition to regular clothing.
* Airport taxis from the airport to town charge around AR$85.
Exclusions
* Expenses incurred in Buenos Aires for taxis, day rooms and meals are not included* International airfare is NOT included with this ride
* Airport departure tax from EZE is not included - $18pp
* INSURANCE is not included, but is strongly recommended in respect of riding injuries and medical cover. Participation is at your own risk.
Travel documentation
* No visa entry fees into Argentina are in force for European or USA residents.Bookings
* A trip deposit will be required to hold a place for you.Recommended Reading
Idle Days in Patagonia, by W. H. Hudson, describes the ride area from a naturalists perspective. Amusing anecdotes.Summary
| Category | Country | Duration | Season | Level | Riders |
| Riding expedition | Argentina | 15 Days | Jan - Apr | Level B | 6-12 |
Price guide per person for 4-10 riders
| 4 riders | 5 riders | 6 riders | 7 riders | 8 riders | 9 riders | 10 riders |
| $5625 | $4500 | $3750 | $3750 | $3750 | $3750 | $3750 |
Fast riding pace
Accommodation
Good weather
Cultural interest
| Ride | Dates | Status |
| Across Patagonia | 17 Feb - 03 Mar 2011 | Confirmed |
For more trip dates go to the list of proposed riding dates