Our Destinations
Why travelling with Randocheval ?
CHILE : LAKES OF PATAGONIA AND CHILOE...
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
The trip begins in Chiloé, the largest island of Chile located in the area of the big lakes. Chiloé presents sumptuous landscapes, a strange harmony between water and ground. The oceanic, fresh and wet climate, allowed the development of a rich wooded vegetation. Not only because of its insular geography but also because of the cultural characteristics which distinguish Chilotes from the inhabitants of the continent, the island is famous for its original traditions and its picturesque villages. The churches of Chiloé, registered as world heritage of humanity, constitute a single example in Latin America of religious architecture out of wood. They represent a tradition initiated on the XVIIth and XVIIIth century by preachers itinerant Jesuits and testify to the successful fusion of the culture and the indigenous and European techniques, the perfect integration of its architecture in the landscape and the environment. Then, return on the continent to discover the area of the Lakes and its imposing landscapes, surrounded by its beautiful snow-covered volcanoes. Lakes, volcanoes and thermal baths are the key words of this second part. |
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ITINERARY
Day 1
Welcome at Puerto Montt airport by our guide, then we head
for Chiloe island by minibus. We do the first stop near Ancud to
discover the penguins and different species of birds on a fishermen's
ship.We take the road again to Castro and then to Cucao where we
arrive at the end of the day. Dinner and night in a guesthouse.
Day 2
After breakfast, we get on the horses to join the beach. For lunch,
we stop at Doña Sonia's in order to share a local meal. In
the afternoon we leave again on horseback, riding on an almost unused
trail. The landscape alters between bushes with evergreen leaves and
some small prairies on which goats and sheeps are grazing free. Arrival
on the tricolor beach in the end of the aftenoon. Dinner at the camp
fire and night spent under a tent.
Day 3
Day 4
We head for the north, in the direction of Cole-Cole, situated
in the national park. More than twenty kilometers of white beaches
interrupted by rocks. Long canters in view... The inhabitants go
there, we can see whole families on the small, typical horses of
the island. After that we gain height thanks to a small trail, the
vegetation is getting thicker and the view on the coast is exceptionnal.
We settle the camp in the park.
Day 5
On our way to Cucao we take the opportunity to discover the
Huelde lake and maybe catch sight of the great Mingfisher, or the
shy Pudù which is the smallest cervid. Arrival in Cucao in
the end of the day. Dinner and night in guesthouse.
Day 6
After breakfast, we once again take the minibus in direction
of the continent. On the way, we visit some villages such as Chonchi,
Castro : traditionnal architecture made of wood, on stilts and discovery
of the churches. We arrive in Puerto Varas where we will spend the
night. Night in a hotel.
Day 7
Departure by minibus for Todos los Santos lake and Vicente Perez
Rosales national park. It is the most visited park of Chile. As
we mainly take not well known itineraries we do not come over too
many other tourists. A small boat is waiting for us in order to
make us cross the lake with emerald water, up to its northern central
bank. Our horses are waiting for us on the small beach del Rincòn.
The forest is higher and even thicker than the one of Chiloe. We
cross several waterways to finally arrive in the refuge and rustic
thermal baths El Callao. The pleasure of immersing ourselves in
a wooden bath tub filled with water that come out of the earth at
a temperature of nearly 50°C, after a long horse back riding
day...
Day 8
We keep going on the trail to join, after a short break near
El Queltro Lake, the Rupanco lake, with the Casablanca volcano on
the background. Night in a bungalow, dinner with the hosts.
Day 9
An other day particularly impressive on the hillside of the
Casablanca volcano, with a wonderfull view on Rupanco lake and Orsono
and Puntiagudo volcanos. Night in a refuge.
Day 10
Back to Rupanco lake, taking different trails, with in particular
the memorable descent of a volcanic sand dune... The ways are quite
technical and permit us to mesure the extraordinary reliability
of these small Chilean horses. We will regain the bungalow for the
last night.
Day 11
Relaxing morning and tasting of smoked salmon for lunch, a local
speciality. After that we get in a small boat again. A small detour
will permit us to take the opportunity of a second bathing and the
benefits of the thermal water, on an utterly natural site. Then
we join back the minibus and Puerto Varas. Night in hotel.
Day 12
In the morning, visit of the great artisanal market of Puerto Montt.
Transfer at 15.00 to the airport.
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EXTEND YOUR TRIP
This trail can be easily combined with our itinerary in the north of
Chile in the Atacama desert, or as well
with a stay in estancias in Argentina.
You also can see your stay as an opportunity to visit the other regions
of Chile, on an unequestrian way : for example, a 4 days stay in the Santiago
area.
Santiago- Valparaiso : 3 nights
We advise you to stop for a while in Santiago the Capital City of
Chile, which is located in a valley between the Andes Mountain Range and
the Coast mountain Range. Santiago is a very attractive destination for
tourism: You can see the Rìo Mapocho which goes through the city
founded in 1541, and many ancient and well preserved monuments such as
the Santo Domingo church and also the precolombian art Museum composed
of more than 2000 pieces. We reserve you two nights in Santiago (one in
the beginning and one at the end of the stay), one night in Valparaiso
or Vina Del Mar. Only 1h30 of road to go to visit Pablo Neruda's house.
With your rented car, you wil be free...
This extension includes
- 2 nights in 3 or 4 stars hotel in Santiago city centre.
- 1 night in a 3 stars hotel in Valparaiso or Vina del Mar
- breakfasts
- 3 days car rental B category (based on 2 people sharing).
To add
- Personal expenses (meals, visits, fuel, etc...)
- Optional activities,
- Insurances.
Please enquire for prices or for any other suggestion !
HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL
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Horses The horses are Criollo crossbreedings and vary in size. They are strong, well healthy, willing and sure footed. We can provide horses for experienced riders and also for more novice or "rusty" riders.
The harness is Chilean, metal framed saddles covered with leather and sheepskin. The bridles are made of leather and rope.The saddles provide adequate comfort for the long days riding and the stirr-ups consist in a leather cup through which the foot cannot pass, which is very important for security. Halters are worn throughout the ride and the rope is tied around the horse's neck to tie up for lunch stops. |
Required riding level
As the pace of this riding trip is quite intensive (from 20 to 35 km per day on a mountainous soil), it would be required for the participants to feel comfortable at walk, trot and canter. If it's possible (most of all for the less experienced riders) you should take some lessons to practise and develop your endurance, particularly at trot. Moreover, some difficult trails will have to be crossed on foot.
Usefull information
On this ride, we will ask you to take care of your horse, in particular
to saddle and unsaddle.
Helmet isn't mendatory but we strongly recommand to wear one. It can be loan on site as well as mini chaps.
Maximum weight : 90kg // 198 lbs
Youngsters are welcome from 15 y.o if accompanied by an experienced
parent or relative.
YOUR GUIDES
This horse trekking will be supervised by a French or Swiss confirmed guides
who have been living in Chile for seveval years.
They collaborate with the Banqueanos who will permit you
to discover their customs, traditions and also their knowledge about local
horses.
As well, a person in charge of preparing the meals accompanies the ride.
She will make you discover, taking into account the constraints due to
the bivouac, the best of the Chilean culinary traditions, and in particular
the famous asado (local barbecue).
Logistics are ensured with pack horses. On your own horse you have to bring your equipment for one to two days.
ACCOMMODATION
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Most of the time the accommodation is made camping (5 nights). 6
nights are also planned in bed & breakfast, cabin, inns, with rooms for 2 to 3 people. Except for 1 day, you'll always have the occasion to take a shower ! |
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During the horse trail, you will have mount and undo your tent by yourself.
Don't worry you will take the habit to do it rapidly. These tents are
planned to accommodate three persons but for more comfort, only two riders
will sleep in them. Moss mattress are provided. If you want you can bring
a small airbed. A participation in everyday tasks is also desirable. You have to bring a sleeping bag. Tent and matresses are provided. Sleeping bags can be rented. Ask on boking ( 10 € / person / stay) |
Our cooker will prepare you many copious dinners that you will be able
to taste with an excellent Chilean wine. You will have breakfast in the
form of a picnic. As lakes and torrent's water is drinkable, we don't
provide any water bottles. If you want you can bring some drop to clean
the water.
DATES AND RATES
| 2012 | ||
| February 13 to 24 | 1400 € |
confirmed - 3 riders booked |
| February 27 to March 9 | 1400 € |
available |
| March 19 to 30 | 1400 € |
confirmed - 2 riders booked |
| April 2 to 13 - 1 rider interested in this trail ! | 1400 € |
available |
- Small group supplement :
If the group is composed of 2 or 3 riders, an extra charge of 300 €
will be invoiced in order to make up for logistic and staff. As soon as
a fourth rider is booked, this charge will be paid back.
- Single room supplement :
+ 250 € (Only if
you expressly ask for it. If you travel alone and agree to share your
room with another rider of the same gender, this charge will not be invoiced,
even if finally there is noboby to share your room with).
RATE INCLUDING
- Group equipment (excludig sleeping bags),
- English and Spanish speaking guides
- assistance of "baqueanos" who take care of horses, saddlepacked horses to carry the luggage,
- The financial guarantee of the funds deposited by Randocheval
RATE NOT INCLUDING
- The tips (usually between 50€ and 60€ for the whole staff)
- personal expenses
- Optional insurances: more informations.
BOOKING - INFORMATION
Contact Claire, the specialist for this destination
PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
Chile
LENGTH
LANGUAGE
English, Spanish, French.
GROUP SIZE
From 2 to 7 riders.
ACCESS
Please contact us for air quotation from your city departure.
CLIMATE
The best period to go to this part of Chile is from November to March.
Diurnal temperatures move between 20° and 25°, and can loose about
ten degrees at night. Downpours of rain are not to be excluded, so leave
well equipped.
Formalities
Please check with your local ambassy.
Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.
We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus..
REFERENCE :
CH93-chili-montt-en
