Riding Expeditions since 1988
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Rio Puelo
In Southern Chile close to the Pumalin Park there is a green verdant valley where the crystal clear Puelo river makes its way to the Pacific Ocean from the high peaks of the Andes. Along the way it enters and leaves the beautiful Tagua - Tagua, Azul, las Rocas, Puelo and other smaller lakes, on one of which we get to stay on a private island for two nights. This is a ride of great scenic beauty that will appeal to all riders from novices to experienced horsemen.
The highlights are the sixth and seventh nights, spent on our private island. Isla Las Bandurrias (ibis island) has a wood path following the shore, small private beaches and two charming cabins. Guests stay in a cozy and well-equipped 2-story cabin heated by firewood; the same system heats the water used for showers. The bathroom offers a splendid view of a Coigues forest while the living and dining areas and great sundeck overlook the small beach next to the quay. There are stunning views of las Rocas lake and the surrounding peaks.
It is a very cozy and warm place where we'll share meals and pre-dinner drinks with our island host. The house is surrounded by a garden full of a variety of flowers where birds come home to nest in the evening.
On this ride you are invited into the homes of local pioneers for a unique opportunity to experience their way of life. Their extremely charming but often rustic homes offer basic accommodation mostly in twin, triple or dorm rooms with shared hot showers.
There are lots of river crossings some days, which are great fun and allow riders to experience the local way of travelling. This adventure ride is an excellent way of managing lots of different terrain on the steady criollo horse. You may canter on open ground, trot in the forest, or simply enjoy the ride at your own relaxing pace.
We are offering two different itineraries - the standard ride from Chile to Argentina, and an optional ride from Argentina to Chile that will allow those of you taking advantage of the cheaper argentine airfares to also participate!
Rio Puelo ride itinerary from Chile to Argentina
Day 1Santo Domingo
The trip will start at your hotel in Puerto Montt, where you meet your tour leader and driver, load the minibus and drive South for three hours, crossing the Valdivian forest along the Reloncavi estuary, arriving at Tagua - Tagua Lake. There is time for a picnic lunch before crossing the lake by ferry, then continue the drive for another half an hour. Followed by a short walk to the Puelo River. We cross to the other side of the river with a motor boat and arrive at our first private lodgings. We leave our luggage at the house and ride around the area.
Timeline: 4 hours by car and approximately 3 hours on horseback.
Day 2
Santo Domingo to Rio Puelo
After a good breakfast and loading of the pack horses, we start our ride along the Puelo River. Untouched forest and stunning mountain passes beckon in all directions. Lunch box stop on our way. In the afternoon a new host will tell us about the beginning of their settlement in the area. Accommodation and dinner.
Timeline: 5 hours of horseback riding
Day 3
Rio Puelo
Today is a longer ride. Difficult terrain has to be crossed; you will continue discovering how amazing the horse's footing is and start to feel a close relation with them. There are almost no farms nor people living here. In the afternoon we will arrive at a landing place on the Puelo River where a motor boat will come and take across to a cosy cottage where we lodge that for the night.
Timeline: 7 hours of horseback riding.
Day 4
Lago Verde to Ventisqueros
A short boat trip starts our full day's riding on fresh horses. Enjoy the fantastic landscape and cross the river just as the locals do; on a wooden public boat while the horses swim alongside. We then ride into the Ventisqueros (glacier) valley where we will stop for lunch and to enjoy the view. In the afternoon, the ride will takes us to a little house where the owners are lodging us for 2 nights.
Timeline: 6 hours of horseback riding.
Day 5
Glacier valley
After breakfast and packing we embark on a gentle ride, crossing the river once more to join another valley and approach its glacier. This little valley turns wild and remote, with incredible flora and is completely devoid of inhabitants. We also get close to alerce forest on this occasion. Box lunch and then 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.
Timeline: 4 hours of horseback riding.
Day 6
Las Bandurrias island
Breakfast and then set off on a full-days ride towards "la Pasarela del Rio Puelo", an important local suspension bridge that is crucial for communications between the local inhabitants and the outside world. This part of the river is particularly spectacular due to its huge waterfalls and rapids. We stop for a picnic lunch near the bridge. Afternoon ride crossing the wild ancient forest before arriving at our next adventure. On reaching las Rocas lake we meet a motorboat for a 10 minute trip to las Bandurrias Island (ibis island). Accommodation and a great dinner at this enchanting and cosy cottage. You will stay two nights here.
Timeline: 6 hours of horseback riding.
Day 7
Lago Azul
Breakfast and departure. This morning we will ride to the blue lake "Lago Azul" with crystal clear water and abundant fish life. The majestic peaks and stunning landscapes will not escape your attention! Picnic on the shore of the lake. After lunch our ride follows mountain passes into the forest taking us around to the South of the blue lake. We ride through the Valdivian temperate rainforest with its big alerce trees and other local "giants" such as the coihue and arrayanes tree, that are all unique to the zone. After leaving the horses in a safe place we return back to ibis island to enjoy the rest of the afternoon there.
Timeline: 6 hours of horseback riding.
Day 8
Lago Puelo to Bariloche
In the morning after breakfast we sail back to where the local huasos and their horses wait for us. Today we will ride for just half the day. After breakfast, you say goodbye to your hostess and depart to the other shore. With passports at hand we now reach the argentine frontier, close to the banks of the Puelo River, from where there are great views of the Inferior lake. Go through customs and immigration by horse between the two frontier posts, then leave the horses and take our last boat trip into Argentina crossing Puelo lake. A minibus will be waiting to take us to El Bolson town. Our lunch is at a local restaurant there, and there is time available to buy some souvenirs or explore the town. Transfer to San Carlos de Bariloche city, some 120km to the North. End of itinerary.
Timeline: 4hrs horseback riding, motorboat; 30 minutes. A private bus transfer to the town of El Bolson; 20 minutes, and two more hours to San Carlos de Bariloche.
Optional itinerary from Argentina to Chile
(USD170 extra, and not available on the dates that itinerary 1 is scheduled to run)Day 1
Bariloche to Bandurrias Island
You start your journey at your hotel of Bariloche, where you meet your personal guide. A transfer will take us on a 3-hour drive, 120Km south to El Bolson, along a route surrounded by lakes and mountains. Lunch. Transfer to the Lago Puelo pier. A jet boat will take us across two lakes, after having complied with the custom procedures, we then cross the rapids that join the two countries of Argentina and Chile. After the custom control on the Chilean side we have a 10 minute walk to the Las Rocas lake where another motorboat will take us to Bandurrias Island. Great views of the Andes and the surrounding mountains today. A warm welcome and a nice rest will be waiting for you in your exclusive lodge on the Island.
Timeline: 3hrs minibus transfer. 30 minutes from El Bolson to the Lago Puelo pier. Motor Boat: 2hrs.
Day 2
Bandurrias Island to Lago Azul
Breakfast. This morning we enjoy a 2 hour ride to 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 shores of the lake. After lunch we ride over steep passes through the forest along the mountains passing through typical Valdivian-type rainforest. You will encounter ancient alerce trees and other local giants like the coihue and peculiar arrayanes tree. End the ride at a corral. Sail back to the island.
Timeline: 5 hours of horseback riding
Day 3
Las Rocas to Lago Verde
After breakfast, the motor boat will take us to the other side of the lake where the horses will be waiting. Picturesque sight of the source of the Puelo river. We cross the river by means of a traditional manpowered raft! Our horses will get on as well! Reach the "Second Corral" the first settlement close to the border. Then follow the trail down the Puelo river to a fantastic hanging bridge, "la Pasarela del Rio Puelo", which is an important hanging bridge crucial for the communication between the inhabitants and the outside world. Night and dinner at a cosy house in front of the river. German and Chilean hosts invite us to share their house.
Timeline: 5 hours of horseback riding.
Day 4
Lago Verde to Ventisqueros
Nice breakfast, saddle up and cross the suspension bridge, then follow the Western edge of the Ventisqueros valley. Enjoy the remote and verdant 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.
Timeline: 6 hours of horseback riding.
Day 5
Ventisqueros (the glaciers)
After breakfast and packing we embark on a gentle ride, crossing the river once more to join another valley and approach its glacier. This little valley turns wild and more remote, with incredible flora and is devoid of inhabitants. We ride 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.
Timeline: 4 hours of horseback riding.
Day 6
Ventisqueros to Rio Puelo
Breakfast at the farm house. Back in the saddles! This morning the trail takes us across beautiful ancient forest, virgin pampa and you have the opportunity to cross the Ventisqueros river several times. Enjoy a pleasant box lunch on the banks of the river. During the afternoon ride we probably will meet farmers working their land, looking after their cattle and making a living through family agriculture. Is amazing to see how fertile these mountain valleys can be!! At the end of the day we cross the river just as the locals do; on a little motor boat with the horses swimming alongside by the lead. Last night accommodation at the cozy farm cottage.
Timeline: 6 hours of horseback riding.
Day 7
Rio Puelo to Santo Domingo
After a good breakfast the new baquianos (chilean wranglers) will be waiting for us. A short walk to get new horses for this part of your trip. Today is a long day in the saddle. Some difficult terrain has to be crossed, but it is the only way to get to know this isolated and pristine corner of Patagonia. You continue to discover how amazing the criollo horse's footing is and start to feel an even closer relation with them. There are almost no farms or people along the day's route. In the afternoon we arrive at a landing on the Puelo river where a motor boat takes us up river to a cosy cottage where we lodge that night.
Timeline: 7 hours of horseback riding.
Day 8
Santo Domingo to Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt
Early breakfast. Then a 2 hour ride to the Traidor river. Untouched ancient forest and narrow mountain passes create a wild trail that allows you to experience how the first pioneers traversed the country. Again we cross the Puelo river by boat, while your horse gets to swim. Another 2 hours to the road where your transfer is waiting for you. Lunch on the way. Arrive at Tagua - Tagua lake, where a ferry will take you to the other side then on to Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt. The road follows the Reloncavi estuary. You can enjoy the beautiful sight of the river entering the sea. On our way to Puerto Varas/Puerto Montt, you can contemplate the sensational colours of the virgin national park Vicente Perez Rosales, as you skirt lake Llanquihue and see the spectacular volcanoes, Osorno and Calbuco. End of itinerary.
Timeline: 5hs horseback riding, 4 hrs by car approximately.
About this ride
* The itinerary may be adjusted according to operational circumstances, such as inclement weather.* Riders over 90Kg/198lb are required to have an extra horse to allow alternation morning and afternoon due to the limited size of Chilean Criollo horses. Riders over 90Kg/198lb extra horse price U$150.
*We cannot be held responsible for extra costs in the event the trip is prolonged by poor weather.
* Includes all In/out road transfers, transportation by minibus & motor jet boats, ferry crossing, full board meals (including wine at dinner), saddle horses, pack horses, 7 nights accommodation including 2 nights at a fabulous retreat on Bandurrias island, local guides, and tour leader (French & English), VHF radio communication equipment.
* The time spent riding daily is between four hours during the morning and three or four more in the afternoon, depending of the particular day.
* Distances: 200km from Puerto Montt to Tagua-Tagua Lake. 150 km horse back riding. 230 Km between Puerto Montt to "Los Hitos", the natural frontier rapids at Lake Puelo Inferior. 130 Km from Bariloche to Lake Puelo and 20Km from Lake Puelo pier to the frontier.
Safety
We use qualified staff provided with safety equipment including a portable radio. 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.* Daily flights depart either from Santiago international airport to Puerto Montt (Chile) or from Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery local airport to San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina).
Food and drink
The cuisine on the trip will be a mix of flavours and ingredients consisting of Chilean style bbq, fish and vegetables. A traditional wood stove gives special flavour to the dishes. Depending on the season, it is possible to taste the delicious local trout. The traditional barbecue, asado al palo, is served during several meals. It consists of delicious lamb cooked over plenty of embers and firewood. As the main local dish, the people cook it in different ways, usually accompanied with salad, potatoes and red wine. The vegetables and fruits are superb and the variety of the region's berries is impressive. Vegetarian dishes are also an 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 Bandurrias island lodge also has a personal collection of wines.
Trip summary
| Category | Country | Duration | Season | Level | Riders |
| Riding holiday | Chile | 8 Days | Nov - March | Level A | 2 - 10 |
Group price guide per person from 8-2 riders
| 8 riders | 7 riders | 6 riders | 5 riders | 4 riders | 3 riders | 2 riders |
| $3400 | $3400 | $3400 | $3400 | $3480 | $3910 | $4500 |
Fast riding pace
Accommodation standard
Sunny weather
Cultural interest
For more trip dates go to the list of proposed riding dates, please feel free to request a closed group booking of this ride.