A fascinating adventure from the virgin steppes in Argentina to the Valdivian forests in Chile. A unique eleven days ride where Creole and Chilean horses will take you along estancias and fundos  crossing endless pampas,  green forests,  and clear rivers .Come and ride  with the gauchos and its different cultures but  with only one spirit.

DAY 01: Bariloche

Arrive into Bariloche International Airport, group transfer to hotel in down town. Bariloche is situated on the shore of lake Nahuel Huapi, big touristic ski   town surrounded by mountains. Depending on your arrival flight you will have the chance to explore the area and get great views from the Cerro Otto or any last minute shopping before the ride. Meet your guide for the holiday and full briefing for the next days ride. We will all go for a traditional barbeque dinner at a local restaurant. Back to hotel (D)

DAY 02: Bariloche / Rio Pichileufu
Early breakfast. A minibus will take us 30 kms  to the starting point of the ride at Estancia Ñirihuau a  180 has timber forest with 70 has more used for riding and training horses - Check   gear and horses. We will start our ride and pass the Cerro las Buitreras and arroyo la mina from here we will reach great panoramic view from the Valley Alto Chubut. . Lunch stop and afternoon ride to rio Pichileufu. Camp at the riverside. (B, BL, D)

Day 03: Río Pichileufú/ Nacimiento Alto Chubut
Great camp breakfast and pack. Ride will across from  the Pichileufú Valley to Carreras mountain high pass at 1800 a.sl. A good spot for watching condors and eagles and plenty of wildlife. We will start our descent  towards the  source of the rio  Alto Chubut  with a dry vegetation. Camp here at 1500 a.s.l.   Some nomads’ shepherds are still spending some time there. Another delicious meal. (B, BL, D)

Día 04 : Chubut  Valley /  Mt  Las Serruchas pass.
Today we will start riding downhill through the Chubut Valley. There is a possibility to stap at Miranda’s family who live very cloe to an abandoned lead mine. Short stop to visit the place and meet the local family an their young gauchos. This place shows the remains of the past  when adventures came to find gold here .Afternoon horse trek on a tricky terrain up to la Serrucha pass  stunning views of the Tronador Mountain, its glaciers and  the endless steppe. Camp. (D, LB, C)

Día 05: Mt Las Serruchas /Fitalancao
After breakfast and putting down the camp, the horses will take us down onto the Patagonian steppe   where the vegetation changes finding boxed-leafed barberry, fire bushes and fire tongue.  The trail will guide us to an old and traditional working estancia.  This last century estancia has been refurbished but keeping it’s own style. Visit toe shearing shed and the working depots. For dinner we will enjoy a delicious asado with local veggies and Argentinian wine. Nigth at estancia. (D, LB, D)

Día 06: Fitalancao/ Ñorquinco / Maiten / El Bolsón
Today is the last day with the Argentinean Creole horses. This morning we will pack all our stuff and we will ride towards an abandoned steam train station in Filancao. It used to communicate the other villages in the early 40’s. We will follow this railway that leads us to a small aboriginal village called Norquinco. After passing by the route continues passing other estancias on the way in order to reach the road where we will farewell the horse and the baqueanos .Transfer on private minibus to El Maitén village, possibly visit to  the Train if. Museum open. Lunch. Afternoon transfer to El Bolsón town. This is an attractive growing town surrounded by mountains where many artisan show their products at a flea market. Night at hosteria.
(B. LB, D)

Day 07: El Bolsón / Bandurrias Island
Late breakfast, private transfer to the Lago Puelo quay, load the boat and continue our adventurous trip.
The turbo-jet boat will take us across the two lakes, thereby passing the immigration control. After having complied with the custom procedures, we'll cross the rapids that join the two countries of Argentina and Chile. Lunch.
A local guide will be waiting for us and will take care of our luggage. After the custom control in the Chilean side we will have a 10’walk to the Las Rocas Lake where a motorboat will take us to Bandurrias Island. Great views of the surrounding mountains in the Andes today. A warm welcome and a nice rest will be waiting for you in your exclusive cabaña on the Island (B, BL, D)

Timing: 30’ bus from El Bolsón to the Lago Puelo quay; Motor Boat: 2,30hs.

Day 08: Bandurrias Island / Lago Azul
Breakfast. This morning we’ll enjoy 2 hrs ride visiting the Blue Lake "Lago Azul" with its crystal clear waters and abundant fish life. The majestic peaks and stunning landscapes will not escape your attention! Picnic and relax on the shore of the lake. After lunch we will ride on steep passes across the forest along the mountains passing through typical cold jungle or Valdivian-type rainforest.  You will enjoy its ancient Alerces trees (Fitzroy Cupresoide) as well as other local "giants" such as the "Coihue" and "Arrayanes"(the cold tree). End the ride at the Palenque. Sail back to the Island . (B, BL, D)

Timing: 5 to 6hs horseback riding.

Day 09: Las Rocas / Lago Verde
After breakfast, a motor boat will take us back to the other side of the lake where the horses will be  waiting. Picturesque sight of the River Puelo source.   Cross the river using a traditional raft method on manpower based! Horses will get on as well!   Reach "Segundo Corral" the last settlement close to the border. Then follow the trail down the Puelo River to a fantastic hanging bridge, "la Pasarela del Rio Puelo", an important hanging bridge crucial for the communication between the inhabitants and the outside world. Night and dinner at cosy house in front Rio Puelo. German and Chilean hosts will invite us to share their house. (B, BL, D)

Timing: 5 to 6hs horseback riding.

Day 10: Lago Verde / Ventisqueros
Nice breakfast , saddle up and cross again the Hanging Bridge and follow the west side of the Ventisqueros Valley- Enjoy the remote and green  landscape. Ride into the Ventisqueros valley where we will stop for lunch and relax. In the afternoon, the ride will get us to a little house where the owners are lodging us for 2 nights. (B, BL, D)

Timing: 6 to 7hs horseback riding.

Day 11: Ventisqueros
After breakfast and packing we embark on a gentle ride, crossing the river once more to join the other valley and approach its glacier. This little Valley turns wild and remote, with incredible flora and devoid of habitants. We will arrive close to the Alerces forest on this occasion. Box lunch and ride back to our guest farmhouse. Later there is a chance to go for a walk around the area or simply relax with a glass of wine. An unforgettable day again. (B, BL, D)

Timing: 4 hrs horseback riding.

Day 12: Ventisqueros / Rio Puelo
Home made breakfast at the farm house.  Back on the saddles! This morning the trail takes us across beautiful ancient forest, clean pampas and the unique opportunity to cross several times the Ventisqueros River. Enjoy a pleasant box lunch at the Ventisqueros shore. Afternoon, ride where we will probably meet farmers working on their land looking after the cattle and making a living through family agriculture. Is amazing to see how fertile these mountains can be!! At the end of the day we will cross the river just as the locals do: on a public little motor boat with the horses  swimming by the lead . Last night accommodation at cozy farm cottage (B, BL, D)

Hours riding: 6 / 7hs

Day 13: Llanada Grande / Puerto Varas
Home made breakfast. Last ride, horses will take us through the forest and along the Puelo River to the hamlet of Llanada Grande. Minibus will be waiting for us. One hour drive to the ferry that will cross us to the other side of the Tagua – Tagua Lake. Pic - nic lunch. And drive to Puerto Varas. The road goes at the side of the Reloncaví Estuary. You will enjoy the beautiful sight of the river's mouth flowing into the sea .On our way to Puerto Varas, we will be able to contemplate the colours of the sensational virgin nature of the National Park of Vicente Perez Rosales, skirting Lake Llanquihue and the volcanoes of Osorno and Calbuco, all around the beautiful Puerto Varas town (B, BL, D)
Hours riding: 3hs

Timing: 4hs Transfer LLanada Grande- Puerto Varas

Day 14: Puerto Varas / Airport
Breakfast and transfer to the local airport.

How many days: 14 days and 13 nights. 11 days riding.

Route from/to: From Bariloche ,Argentina ending in Puerto Varas in Chile on the shore of the Pacific Ocean across the Andes.

What’s included: All full board meals (including wine in dinner during the ride), dinner at restaurants on 1st, 6th and 13th night. Local guides, Baqueanos,“Huasos” and tour leader (French & English), VHF radio communication equipment. Saddle horses, packhorses, All In/out private group  transfers, transportation by minibus & motor jet boats, ferry crossing.

Not included on the price:
Accommodation before and after the holiday. Travel and medical insurance.
There is an airport tax of payable upon departure from Santiago de Chile
Tipping: this is very important in Chile and Argentina, you should allow 200 u$ for this. More information is given in the pre departure information. 
Please note that most travellers find Chile and Argentina more expensive than they expect and we recommend that you bring more spending money rather than less!

Delicatessen:
The cuisine on the trip will be a mix of a special blend of flavours and ingredients consisting of an ethnic variety of gastronomic Andean Creole-Chilean style. A traditional wood stove gives its special flavour to the dishes.
Depending on the season, it is possible to taste the delicious rainbow trout, fontinalis, or salmon trout.
The Creole barbecue “Asado al palo” or “Asado al Asador” is served during several meals. It consists of delicious lamb cooked with plenty of embers and firewood. As the main local dish, people cook it in different ways, usually accompanied with salad, potatoes and, of course, Chilean red wine. . The island also has a personal collection of a good variety of wines.
The vegetables and fruits are superb and the variety of the region's berries is impressive. Vegetarian dishes are also a great delicious option but we do need to know if you prefer vegetarian options at the time of making a booking.
Water is crystal clear, safe to drink and tastes delicious.



Food and Accommodation:
13 night accommodation including, 4 night camping, 4 night at local house farms (chez l’habitant), consisting of  basic but clean  rooms  mostly in twin and triple  or dorm rooms with shared facilities and hot showers. 1 night accommodation in a early twentieth century fully refurbished traditional estancia.2 nights at fabulous retreat on our private Island Las Bandurrias .People will love this place! The living and dinning areas and great sundeck overlook the small beach next to the quay. Here you will  get  stunning views of Lago Las Rocas and the surrounding peaks.
The cabaña offers accommodation for up to 6 people and the main house features two further guest rooms with original French country decor. It is a very cosy and warm place where we'll share pre-dinner drinks and meals with Francoise Dutheil, our island host.
3 night hotel accommodation in Bariloche, El Bolsón and Puerto Varas. Single supplement is available only on these three nights at a cost of U$30 per night.
Food is organically grown and sourced from farm orchards, while the meat will be cooked on a delicious Argentine and/ or Chilean Asado (bbq) 
Great argentine meat on the first night, in Bariloche and 6th at El Bolsón, great dinner!! Delicious sea food at restaurant in Pto Varas at the end of the trip.

Hours riding: Between four hours in the morning and three or four more in the afternoon, depending of the day.

Riding difficulty: The trip is an exciting one but not demanding, though some days there will be terrain with more demanding difficulties. Also some days will be longer than others when we have to cover a particular distance. Lots of river crossings some days, which are great fun and allow riders to experience the local way of travelling. Some steep up hills and undulating terrain could turn just a bit more demanding if the weather is not good.
This adventure ride is an excellent way of managing lots of different terrain and being able to ride one of the toughest horse breeds in the world. Clients may canter on open ground, trot in the forest, or simply enjoy the ride at their own relaxing pace.

Distance:
From Bariloche to Lago Puelo. 150 kms
From Las Bandurrias to Ventisqueros
From Ventisqueros to LLanada Grande
From LLanada Grande to Puerto Varas

Season: The expedition runs any time between November to late March. Remember that horse flies will be around between end of December and end of January.

Guides:
Opentravel believes that tour leaders are the key to a successful and memorable trip; we use only experienced guides with a great knowledge of the area. They are all friendly, great fun and highly passionate about the Puelo Valley area. She or he would be able to be a step ahead and give all the help and assistance in any unpredictable situation, ensuring the trip runs smoothly.
Local Huasos or "Baqueanos" will be there at all times  to help with saddles, horses and to look after you; they are a great support for the whole group and they even have an amazing ability to predict the weather! They also enjoy making wooden handcraft.

Visa: A valid passport document with visa for both Argentina and Chile is required. Check the current advice for nationals of your country. For more information about visas, please go to: www.fco.gov.uk or www.travcour.com

Safety:  We use qualified staff and safety equipment including a portable radio with available connections to radiotelephone networks; in case of emergencies we have access to direct telephone lines through 2-way radio links. Although communications are much better than they were before  we still rely on radio type  and good weather conditions for sending messages.   Life jackets are provided for river and lake crossings while sailing. We use international adventure tourism insurance but clients are obliged to have their own travel insurance that covers them for the activities on the tour.

Health and Vaccinations: No special vaccinations are required for this area of South America. Clients with special medication should bring enough for the trip. It is advisable to get your own first aid kit. No chemists after day 1.

Packing and Clothing: We suggest bringing a day-pack, where you will put a few personal belongings plus a lunch box and water bottle a jacket, sunglasses. These can be put inside the saddlebags to access throughout the day. Please bear in mind that we do not accept any type of rigid cases; a good quality duffel bag with strong zips will do. We provide strong quality bags just to protect your own and to make things easier. Comfortable riding trousers, waterproof pants, fleece, jacket, hat, some warm pairs of socks, travel towel, sun block, insect repellent, personal medicines, personal knife, flash lamp and good riding or trekking shoes. Using plastic bags as a waterproof for your clothes is the cheapest way of keeping things dry in case of rain! Camera depending on your photographic stamina.
Most of our clients realise after doing the ride how much extra luggage they brought. It is important not to bring unnecessary stuff. The pack horses will especially appreciate your consideration. Our ethic is to protect our horses and not to cause them unnecessary strain. Two complete changes of clothing are plenty.  Bring less than 15kg.Per person.
In case of more weight please contact us.

Flight Connections:  Daily flights depart either from Santiago international airport to Puerto Montt (Chile) or from Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery local airport into San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina).

Important Notes:
During January, horse flies proliferate in the whole southern part of Chile and Argentina! They do not harm but are a nuisance and are attracted to dark clothing. Take this into account when selecting your clothing.
You can review with us any points that will affect your travel plans – for example where the trip starts or whether it includes a Pre-Trip Option or Post-Trip Extension.

Chilean Horse: Did you know that the Chilean Horse is the only American stock horse that has maintained a closed registry that has not been purposely crossed with any other breed before or after its formal registration started in 1893?
Like many other Creole breeds across Latin America, the Chilean Creole is extremely strong. It has a low metabolism, a high threshold for discomfort, a great immunity to disease and a remarkable rate of recuperation. Their hooves are strong and their thick double haircoat makes them well suited for both cold and dry/hot weather. It is doubtful any other breed surpasses their productive energy level. Although abundant manes, tails and forelocks are characteristic of all Iberian breeds in the Americas, none can compare with the volume and thickness that typifies a good Chilean Creole specimen. All breeds of Iberian origin also have some incidence of semi-convex facial profiles, but the Chilean Creole breeders proudly state their preference for this characteristic.

It is truly ironic that a breed like the Chilean Creole is virtually unknown to anyone outside of the meridian South America. The fact is that this breed is the oldest registered Creole breed, the oldest registered horse breed of South America, the oldest registered stock horse breed in all the Americas and the third oldest horse breed of any kind in all the Western Hemisphere. This "antiquity" comes from the fact that the Chilean Horse registry was officially inaugurated in 1893 when formalizing breed status was still a new concept in the Americas.

The maximum stability in the huaso seat comes from pushing the heels down against the extended stirrups, while pressing the lower back against the cantle. It must be remembered that the allocation of weight in huaso equitation is balancing pressures in front and behind the centre of gravity, rather than concentrating all the weight distribution in a column over it. The modern Chilean saddles now offer more support for the body so that the rider can make these opposing pressures that secure his position in the unpredictable clashes with the pinned steer.

The Argentinean Criollo
Generally small in size, the characteristics of the horse from the pampas demonstrate its ability to adapt itself to the environment, a capacity which has ensured the survival of the Creole breed.
Coming from the Barb and Andalusian horses imported by the Spanish conquerors, he went back to the wild before being used and raised by the Indians from the pampas. He served all the partisans in quest of their freedom: the Gauchos, the Indians and the armies of the European settlers.  Want to know more? Visit: chileanhorse.com

 GRANDE TRAVERSÉE SEASON 2010 to 2011

 Rates per person

 14 Days, 13 Nights including 11 days riding. All included.
Bariloche / Río alto Chubut Valley / El Bolsón / Country Border / Río Puelo Valley / Ventisqueros Valley / Puerto Varas

We will respect the web prices, but if it happens any important devaluation in the market we will adapt and change the prices. Immediately we will let you know.

Prices reflect all services including the hire of one horse. Riders over 90Kg/198lb are required to have an extra horse to allow alternation morning and afternoon due to the limited size of Chilean Creole horses. Riders over 90Kg/198lb extra horse price U$ 210

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Bank Deposit in American dollars:
Please provide your bank with the following instructions:

Banco Corpbanca
Oficina Puerto  Montt,
Name of: Marie Francoise Dutheil Berard
Bank Adress: Calle Urmeneta 541 Puerto Montt
Dollar account  Nº  36-028551-0
SWIFT: CONBCLRM

 A copy of the deposit slip must be e-mailed or faxed to: Cathy Berard info@opentravel.cl  telfax: (56-65) 260524  as soon as possible.

Please contact us if you have any questions or doubts to confirm the payment process.

Reservation: Prepayment upon confirmation 20%
Terms and conditions: We stipulate that the 80% balance must be sent at least 21 working days before trip starts.

OPENTRAVEL cannot be held responsible for any extra cost or  in the event of cancellation or extension due to weather circumstances or safety considerations.

Cancellation Conditions:

 60 days: prepayment will be refunded.
 59- 21 days: 80 % of total will be refunded.
 20 - 14 days: 50 % of total will be refunded.
 13 - 0 days 0% of total will be refunded

We greatly appreciate our beautiful country and we make efforts to protect and to preserve our environment.
Thank you for your collaboration.

Fecha: Febrero 2007

Nuestra tour lider fue Cathy y nuestros baqueanos Esteban, Tito, Cesar y Dino. Estupendos compañeros y guias.  Toda la cabalgata fué excelente, Cathy y sus baqueanos forman un equipo incomparable.

Los paisajes surrealistas nos hicieron vivir un sueño difícil de repetir, una experiencia inolvidable.

La Isla en el Lago las Rocas es maravillosa, en el servicio como en sus paisajes y el hospedaje. Su dueña Fran es una cálida y muy especial.

Cálida experiencia personal, amistad producto de un mismo sublime gusto por la naturaleza. Muchas gracias por esos momentos tan lindos. En especial sentirse apartado del mundo en un sitio tan bello. Te felicito por ese recorrido.

Grupo de Ecuador.