Horseback
through the Andean Lakes for riders
Chile Lake District stretches from north to south for about 300kms;
the combination of lakes, rivers, waterfalls, thermal pools, volcanoes
and particular vegetation with a lot of wildlife makes this area one
of the most magnificent landscapes in the world.
One of this nearly untouched areas is the fascinating Cochamo valley,
the only U-shaped glacial valley in South America which in its beauty
is often compared to Yosemite in the Unites States.
From Puerto Varas just a step away from Puerto Montt - the capital
of the Lake District - we bring you directly into this pure, unspoilt
wilderness through a scenic landscape situated behind the two famous
volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco. They look like an oversize gate; the
Andes are towering majestically towards the sky.
In this surrealistic and scattered landscape is embedded the fjord
Reloncavi, which is relayed to the bay Reloncavi formed by the Chiloe
island and the west coast of Chile. In his fjord, where fogs, dolphins,
sea lions and a lot of other sea animals live, is the small fisher
town Cochamo located.
Ride wild on horseback adventure from the Pacific Ocean across
the Andes into a plateau of lakes, waterfalls, rivers and ancient
forests. Follow part of the legendary 300 year old "gaucho
trail" once used by local indigenous, Spaniards and missionaries
and the notorious outlaw duo Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Today it is used by "huasos" (Chilean cowboys) and "gauchos"
(Argentinian cowboys) and their families who drive their cattle
between pastures on the Patagonian frontier.
A 6 day small group adventures on horseback will take you into a
forgotten world of pure nature far from the tourist tracks. Leading
through dense forested valleys and high mountain passes, the trip
passes through a scenic blend of isolated pioneer farms, rivers,
lakes, waterfalls and the ancient El Arco rainforest, whose giant
Alerce trees are dated at 4.000 years. Riding on through the natural
grandeur of the Andes.
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| Day 1
PUERTO MONTT - COCHAMO VALLEY |
| Transfer
in from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas via Ensenada through an amazing
scenery to a riverside lodge. There is time for hiking to a pioneer
farm on top of a hill overlooking the Reloncaví-Fjord close
to the Riverside Lodge. Dinner and overnight in a cosy lodge. (D) |
| Day 2
COCHAMO VALLEY - LA JUNTA VALLEY |
| After breakfast
and a little riding school, ride up the Cochamo valley. Picnic in
the Valdivian Rainforest. We follow for three hours the "Gauchotrail"
into the Andes. Sights include waterfalls, native forests, riversides
and valley meadows. Arrival in the mountain lodge in La Junta. Americans
call it "Chile's Yosemite". "Asado" - a typical
chilean barbecue will be prepared on the open fire. Overnight in a
mountain lodge. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3
LA JUNTA VALLEY - EL ARCO |
| Riding
to El Arco, a very old Alerce forest. El Arco features an arc of natural
rock that crosses a small waterfall with a single alerce tree on top.
In the forest around El Arco you will encounter examples of giant
Alerces, some as many as 4000 years old. Dinner under the sky and
accomodation in tents. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4
LA JUNTA VALLEY |
| After breakfast
we ride back to the La Junta valley. Discover colibris, condors and
other species which you find only in this area. With luck we will
meet "Huasos" (Chilean cowbows) with their cattle. Arrival
at the outback camp and enough time to take a hot shower. Dinner and
overnight at the mountain lodge. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5
LA JUNTA VALLEY - COCHAMO VALLEY |
| Last breakfast
at the rustic lodge. Descending through the Rainforest. Keep your
cameras handy and be on the outlook for puma tracks on the ground
and condors overhead. Midday picnic in the Valdivian Rainforest. We
are back with enough time to take a shower and having a cup of tea
with homemade bakery. Dinner and overnight at lodge. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6
COCHAMO VALLEY - PUERTO MONTT |
| Breakfast
and private transfer to Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas. (B) |
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| Capacity:
Min. 1 person and Max. 9 persons |
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INCLUDED :
- All transfers in/out Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas
- Horseback excursions with bilingual speaking guides as described
- All meals during expedition (one hot meal per day), on request
vegetarian, special diet
- 2 nights accommodation at the a riverside lodge, 2 nights at
a mountain lodge & 1 night tent
- Provided gear: personal horse, saddle, tents, sleeping
bag with hygienic inlet, cooking equipment, rain gear, safety
helmet, waterproof pack sack & camera bag, rain poncho, safety
helmet, first aid kit.
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NOT INCLUDED :
- Internal air tickets
- Beberages and alcoholic drinks during meals in the expedition
- Any kind of extras expenses (meals or drinks) not mentioned
in the program
- Medical expenses
- Tips.
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| Fitness:
Riding ability experience not required - Riding time average per
riding day 5-6 hrs. |
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| What
to bring: As the weight limit for your personal gear is 13 kg
you should consider carefully what to take with you on this trip.
Your access luggage can be stored at the lodge - Underwear, socks,
fleece (jacket or pullover), t-shirt, comfortable pants, shoes (trekking+sandals),
sunhat, sunglasses, suncream, swimming suit, sweatshirt, washing utensils,
torch, personal medicine, camera with batteries and films, books and
personal stuff. |
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| LOCATION:
Cochamo village is a 120 kilometers distance from Puerto Montt
airport and a 97 kilometers distance from Puerto Varas. The camp is
just 3 km down the road to Río Cochamó. |
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| CLIMATE:
The Southern Hemisphere summer starts in December and ends in
Mid-March. The average daily temperature is 25 °C and at night
10 °C. October, November and Mid-March to April are mild and weather
conditions are generally more stable than during the summer months.
Inclement weather is always possible. |
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| The
Riverside Lodge: the quality and originality of the buildings
matches the requirements of the client who likes comfort in harmony
with the preserved natural beauty of the environment. A homemade organic
cuisine from breakfast to dinner is prepared with lots of local products
and enjoy especially our fine vegetarian menus and excellent fish
dishes. |
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| Mountain
Lodge: comfortable cottage accommodation up in the Andes. This
site is spread over 80ha (180ac) in the middle of the "Valdivian"
rainforest. Original Chilean meals as well as a wood-fired hot shower
awaits you in this rustic location. |
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