1st Day: The trip will start at your hotel where you will meet your tour leader and driver, load the minibus and drive for three hours, crossing the Valdivian forest along the Reloncavi estuary. Arriving to the Tagua - Tagua Lake. Time for pic-nic  before crossing the lake, a ferry will take us to the other side where will drive for another half an hour. Meet the baqueanos and the horses. Pack all our stuff and off we go!  We will ride till we get to the shore of the river. Here the horse must cross swimming, and us on a motorboat. Arrival to our lodging place.  (B, LB, T, D.)

Timing: 4 hs by car and approximately and 2 hrs horseback.

2nd Day: After a good breakfast and organizing packhorses, we will start our day riding in direction along the Puelo River. Untouchable ancient forests and straight passes will be our scenery, a wild trail to experience how the first pioneers travelled in the area. Lunch box. Afternoon arrive to our accommodation with a nice view of the valley. (B, LB, T, D.) Timing: 5hs horseback riding  3rd Day: Today will be long day riding. Some difficult terrain. The only way of knowing this isolated and unique corner of Patagonia is by horse. You will continue discovering how amazing they are and feel a close relation with them. In the afternoon we will arrive to a Puerto Urrutia and say good bye to the baqueanos and horses since tomorrow we will get new horses and staff. Transfer by motor boat up the river to a cosy cottage where we will spend one night. Amazing views of the river and mountains. Dinner and accommodation.

Timing: 7hs horseback riding.

4th Day: Today we will take just a short boat trip in order to start our full day horse riding expedition. New horses will be with us from today on wards. Enjoy this fantastic landscape and cross the river just as the locals do: on a wooden public boat while the horses swim alongside. 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,T, D)

Timing: 6 to 7hs horseback riding.

5th Day: After breakfast and packing we embark on a gentle full-days 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. Another unforgettable day. (B,BL,T, D)

Timing: 4 hrs horseback riding.

6th Day: Breakfast and then set off on a full-day ride towards "la Pasarela del Rio Puelo", an important local hanging bridge. Crucial for the communication between the local inhabitants and the outside world. This area is particularly spectacular due to its huge waterfalls and rapids. Stop for a picnic lunch near the bridge. Ride crossing the wild ancient forest.. We reach Lago Las Rocas. 10 minutes boat trip to Bandurrias Island.  Accommodation, tea and a great dinner at this enchanting and remote cottage. Two nights here (B, BL, T,D)

Timing: 6 to 7hrs horseback riding.

7th Day:  Breakfast and depart. 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 our ride follows deep and straight passes along  the forest reaching the south part of this lake. Passing through the typical cold jungle, Valdivian-type rainforest with its ancient Alerces trees (Fitzroy Cupresoide) as well as other local "giants" such as the "Coihue" and "Arrayanes"(the cold tree) After leaving the horses in a safe place we will return back to the Island to enjoy the rest of the afternoon there. (B,BL, T, D )

Timing: 6hs horseback riding.

8th Day: After breakfast, say goodbye to our hostess and depart. We will sail back where the “Huasos” and the horses spent the night.  Today we will ride for just half the day. Having passports at hand we will reach the Mountain Police Station, "Retén de Carabineros". This leads to the border crossing, close to the edge of the Puelo River. Great view of the Inferior Lake. Clear Chilean customs and immigration by horse. Continue to the shore of Lake Puelo in Argentina. Say good bye to the baqueanos and horses, last boat trip into the Argentine territory.  Sail Lago Puelo in the National park . On arrival we will go  through the Argentine border formalities.  Private transfer to El Bolsón. Lunch at a great local restaurant and time to by some souvenirs or explore the area. Transfer to San Carlos de Bariloche.

Timing: 4hrs horseback riding.

Timing: Motorboat, 30 minutes. A private bus transfer to the town of El Bolsón, 20 minutes, and two more hours to the town of San Carlos de Bariloche.
 

How many days: The expedition lasts 8 days and 7 nights. 8 days riding.

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

What’s included: All In/out private transfers, transportation by minibus & motor jet boats, ferry crossing, full board meals (including wine in dinner), saddle horses, pack horses, 7 nights accommodation including 2 nights at a fabulous retreat on Bandurrias island, local guides, “Huasos” and tour leader (French & English), VHF radio communication equipment.

Food and Accommodation:

Nights 1 to 5, we are invited into the homes of local pioneers for a unique opportunity to experience their way of life. The extremely charming but often rustic homes offer basic accommodation mostly in twin, triple or dorm rooms with shared facilities and hot showers. Some times great camps with mattresses. Food will be organically grown and sourced from local gardens, while the meat will be cooked on a delicious Chilean Asado (bbq)

Night 6 and 7 Accommodation at our private island. Island Las Bandurrias has charming cabañas. Guests stay in a cosy and well-equipped 2-storey cottage heated by firewood; the same system heats water for showers. The bathroom offers a splendid view of a coigues forest while the living and dinning areas and great sundeck overlook the small beach next to the quay. Here you find stunning views of Lago Las Rocas and the surrounding peaks. The cabaña offers accommodation for up to 6 people, the main house has two rooms with original French country decor. It is a very cosy and warm place where we'll share meals and pre-dinner drinks with Francoise Dutheil, our island host. The house is surrounded by a garden covered by a variety of flowers where birds come to nest, one of Francoise’s prides.

Lodging capacity: Min 2 / Max 10 People. 

Hours riding: The time spent riding daily is in between four hours during the morning and three or four more in the afternoon, depending of the day.

Distance:

* 200km/124 miles from P. Montt to Tagua Tagua Lake.

* 150/ km/ 93 miles horse back riding.

*130 Km/80 miles between Bariloche to Lake Puelo and 20Km /12 miles between  "Los Hitos” and Lake Puelo pier.


Season: The expedition runs any time between November to late March. .  Chance to get horse flies during January.

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.

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" – these will always be there 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 provided with 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. Life jackets are provided for river and Lake Crossings and 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. These can be put inside the saddle-bags 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 trousers, waterproof pants, fleece, jacket, hat, some warm pairs of socks, 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. Try to bring less than 15kg. Per person.

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.

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 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 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.

The drinking water is crystal clear, safe to drink and tastes delicious. The island also has a personal collection of a good variety of wines.

Rates per person in American dollars

PUELO RIDE 2010 - 2011

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

8 days, 7 nights including 8 days riding. All included.

Puerto Montt / River Puelo Valley / Traidor River / Ventisqueros Valley / Las Rocas Border / Bariloche  

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 paid at least 21 working days before trip starts.

OPENTRAVEL cannot be held responsible for any extra cost 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.

Date: 23/10/2006  

   For us it was a unique experience and going back to a pure way of life. We have experienced the incredible partnership and braverness of the horses together with thier riders, something we will never forget. Even if you arrive with five persons at a little mountain house people are very hospitable and offer you a place to sleep! the tour leader and team were excellent ! We have now definitly fallen in love with Chile and it's people  

Erich de Wolf & Monica Extercatte