6.000 hectares and 900 cattle counts this comfortable estancia in the Andes foothills, near San Martín de los Andes. The area is characterized by shrub-covered, plateau-like hills, rugged rocks, wide open wetlands, the volcano Lanin (1.170m) and the majestic Andes on the horizon. On the well-tended estate of the Estancia you can enjoy hospitality in an exclusive setting. Eight rooms are available to the guests. The furnishing of the Estancia is modern with consideration of the traditional Estancia style. During the estancia week you can go on varied rides in the beautiful Patagonian surroundings or you can help the gauchos with the cattle work. You will not only get to know the impressive landscape of Patagonia, but also get an insight into life on a traditional estancia. The catering also leaves nothing to be desired. You will enjoy home-smoked ham, home-made jams, eggs from happy hens, vegetables from the garden and meat and milk from our own animals. Of course, the matching noble of wine should not be missing!

Itinerary

Day 1: Meeting at Chapelco Airport in San Martin de los Andes or Bariloche Airport (not included). You will drive to the Estancia Huechahue (approx. 30 or 120 min.) and after lunch you will have a first ride. This way you will get to know the horses, bridle and riding style.

Day 2: Full day ride on the Estancia Huechahue with an "Asado" lunch (grilled). Follow the Huechahue River through basalt canyons. Ride briskly across the wetlands before returning to the top of Chenque where the Andes rise behind you and Patagonia spreads out in front of you.

Day 3: Spend the day with the gauchos driving cattle in the Corrals. Lunch today means putting the meat of beef ribs on a stick and roasting it over an open fire. You cut out the piece you like best and eat it "sandwich style". Meat, mate and bread are the gaucho´s diet. After a siesta in the shade you can try lassoing or cutting off individual cattle from the herd.

Day 4: Full day ride to visit Indian burial caves. The graves created the glaciers in the valleys by digging tunnels into the solidified lava flows. The Tehuelche Indians laid their dead, surrounded by their weapons, where they could see the enemies coming. They decorated the walls. The dead no longer exist, but the murals and the view do.

Day 5: Morning ride to the herd of horses with the stallions and foals. Some young horses are driven into corrals. Even if they are not broken in before the age of 3 or 4 years, they should get used to being rounded up and to dealing with people. But they are essentially wild and difficult to catch. After a late lunch ride in the evening to the cliffs where condors and eagles nest. At sunset the condors return.

Day 6: Day ride through an Indian reservation. Here, saddle blankets and saddle bags are woven and sewn together from leather. During a short stop you will get an insight into the production.

Day 7: Ride over a chain of hills to a small village. On the ridge gallop possibilities with great views are waiting for you. Lunch as a picnic on the way with a view of the volcano Lanin.

Day 8: Transfer to the airport.

Accomodation
The Estancia has ten double or twin rooms with WLAN, each room also has its own bathroom connected. Meals are served either in the spacious dining room or in the Quincho, a room with an open fireplace, perfect for barbecues. In general, the meals here are mostly prepared with local and regional products.

Saddle & Tack: Argentine saddles with sheepfur.

Experience: for advanced beginners with basic knowledge in all gaits and some off-road experience.

Horses: Criollo crosses, bred on the Estancia, very sure-footed

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