Explore Tierra Del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego is a large island at the Southernmost tip of South America. It is the wild pristine jewel of Patagonia; wind swept and barren of aspect in the North the part of the island that lies South of the Rio Grande is characterised by a complete change in topography and vegetation with verdant green valleys and great brooding forests of the native lenga softwood, which is of great commercial value. The Rio Grande is famous for its huge sea run brown trout that attract anglers from all over the world.

The historic estancias belonging to the founding families who settled this remote country some 150 years ago form an integral part of this ride across the remote interior of the Argentine side of the island.

Combine exploration on horseback of the wide valleys, lakes and immense forests in the interior of the island with comfortable accommodation and good meals at Boqueron, a remote puesto/cabin belonging to the Menendez family. We have an english speaking guest manager, a local cook and gaucho to attend to all your needs - including a laundry service! The main house has been refurbished to accommodate up to 6 guests at any one time with two bathrooms, that at all times have hot water for showers - very welcome at the end of a days riding in the surrounding area. To maintain the idyll of the location and to ensure that you feel at one with the rhythm of nature here, there is no electricity available!

This ride is available for groups of 2-6 riders during the period from the end of December to the end of March; this being the short summer season at this latitude. All overnights are at the main house at Boqueron. The closest airport is located at Rio Grande, some 90km away and 2 hours drive along dirt tracks.

The ride can be extended by 4 days riding across the centre of the island from Boqueron to Tolhuin, changing horses and guides at Estancia Los Cerros then riding past Lago Yehuin to reach a small island (isla Guanaco) with modern cabin accommodation for the night, riding the next day to Estancia Ushuaia and the last day to the Matero at Tolhuin village, where you can spend the night at the hosteria Kaiken overlooking lake Fagnano.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1
Fly to Rio Grande from Buenos Aires. Transfer to veranada El Boqueron located 90km away along dirt roads and tracks. There may be a chance to visit the Estancia Maria Behety and its sheep shearing shed which is of historic significance to the argentine nation. The drive to El Boqueron takes about 2 hours.

Day 2
El Boqueron is located near to the Parque Nacional de Tierra del Fuego. It has immense wonderful untouched lenga forests and lots of remote terrain to explore. It is the ideal location for getting away from the crowd. After breakfast you try out your new horses and the local tack and then you head out into the surrounding area towards the remote valleys and woods of the Sierra Nevada towards the frontier with Chile. Picnic lunch. Depending on how you arranged your schedule, up to 9 hours riding is available circumnavigating the Sierra Nevada to return for the night to Boqueron. Note that the days are very long during summer - about 18 hours of daylight.

Day 3
Day ride South from Boqueron through the dense lenga forest at the back of the main house, negotiating the huge amount of dead fallen timber on the ground, up over the summit of the mountain to enjoy the wide view in all directions, taking note that out to the horizon in all directions one cannot make out a single human dwelling. What you can see are the winding green valleys through the heavy forest, home to the numerous wild horses living here. Picnic lunch in a forest glade. Ride back to Boqueron for the night.

Day 4
Ride out to explore the remote river valleys, lakes and virgin forests, home to guanaco and many wild horses, eventually returning to El Boqueron for dinner, a hot shower, and a comfortable bed.

Day 5
Transfer to Rio Grande for your return flight, or bus connection to Ushuaia (3 hours). Alternatively continue riding for 4 more days across the centre of Tierra del Fuego island to reach Tolhuin village. Or join the Ultimate Tierra del Fuego Expedition for a further 12 days riding!

Summary

Price guide per person for 4-10 riders

Quality horses
Fast riding pace
Accommodation

Dramatic scenery
Good weather
Cultural interest