Ride & Trek Millenary Alerces

Day by day itinerary: 6 d/ 5 n
 

Price: US$623 p/p Trip Dates September to May with best weather chances in December, January, February

INCLUDES: private transfer in/out (from P.Varas), 5 nights lodging (2 at Riverside lodge and 2 at Mountain Lodge & 1 in tent), meals (5 dinners, 5 lunch boxes, 1 afternoon snack, 5 breakfasts), experienced guides in English, German, Spanish or French, waterproof pack sack, safety helmet, sleeping bag (with hygienic inner liner), waterproof camera bag 

NOT INCLUDED: beverages & tips

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: Medium- Medium High.  Although this trip is for non-experienced riders as well, it will obviously be a bit more challenging for those new to the saddle.  You have to be able to handle 5-6 hours/day in the saddle as well as a night in a tent. 
 

Transfer in From Puerto Montt/ Puerto Varas via Ensenada through the amazing Lakeside & forest scenery of the Lake District to CampoAventura's Riverside Lodge.  There is time for a hike to a pioneer far on a hilltop overlooking the Reloncavi Fjord nearby.  Dinner by candlelight and overnight in the double cabins.
 

DAY 2        Up The Cochamó Valley

     Breakfast at 09:00 of fresh breads and jams made on the premises.  Then you'll get to know your horse and have a little riding school.  We'll depart and begin our ride up the valley along the Cochamó River following an old ox-trail for the  5 hour ride into the Andes.  Sights include waterfalls, native forest, riverside & valley meadows.  Arrival at Mountain Lodge in La Junta below massive granite mountain walls often called "Chilean Yosemite".  Enjoy a typical Chilean barbecue, called an "asado" prepared on an open fire.  Dinner and overnight at the Mountain Lodge. 
 

 Riding to El Arco, a very old Alerce forest (Alerce is the second longest living tree species on the planet).  El Arco features 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 3600 years old!  Dinner under the sky and accommodation in tents.
 

Day 4-     Riding Culture

   After breakfast and breaking camp we'll ride back to La Junta Valley.  Along the way we'll discover tiny hummingbirds, condors up above and other species of plants and birds which are only found in this area.  With luck we'll meet some of the local "Huasos" (Chilean cowboys) with their cattle.  Dinner and overnight at the Mountain Lodge.
 

Day 5-     Down Valley

  Last breakfast at the rustic Mountain Lodge.  Descending through the rainforest you'll need to keep your cameras ready and be on the lookout for puma tracks on the ground and condors above.  Midday picnic in the Valdivian rainforest.  We will arrive at the Riverside Lodge for teatime with homemade baked goods.  Dinner at the Riverside Lodge with lodging in the cabins.

Day 6-   Back to Civilization

   After breakfast you'll pack your things and bid goodbye to the Riverside Lodge.  Private transport back to Puerto Varas/ Puerto Montt