Great riding from the Estancia with fantastic views. A must for horse riders without the stuffiness you sometimes get in the horsey world. Relaxed with no standing on ceremony. Staying in the lodges mean a comfortable night after a days riding. You get well fed and watered.
Pack ride is great too although you mostly sleep in tents. A couple of nights maybe enough for most people. Food and drink is still plentiful.
Experience hard to match.

This horseback riding adventure is based at Estancia Huechahue (“way-cha-way”) in northern Patagonia, Argentina. The estancia is a 15,000 acre ranch owned by Jane Williams and co-managed by Yvonne Corbett. Lodging at the estancia consists of cottage with private sleeping quarters and shared living rooms, all meals taking place at the main ranch house.

The pace and length of all rides is determined by the preferences of the guests, with no more than six guests participating in each ride and always accompanied by Argentinean guides known as gauchos. Everyone rides Criollos, a hardy breed native to Argentina that is known for its sure-footedness and intelligence. Guests are matched to two different horses and alternate between riding one or the other.

Patagonia’s naturally beautiful landscape provides many opportunities for diverse riding, ranging from grassy hills, wide open plains and rocky, mountainous areas. Rides generally take place over three or four hours in the morning and again in the late afternoon when the temperature falls. The horses neck-rein in the Western fashion and traditional gaucho tack is used on the rides, consisting of a wooden tree covered in sheepskin. These saddles are very comfortable for long rides, though they take some getting used to if riders are used to the traditional English style of horseback riding.

When not riding, guests at Estancia Huechahue may explore ancient caverns, hike dormant volcanoes, dine at the ranch house or the bordering town of San Martin de Los Andes, or fish in a nearby national park.

For more information on this riding adventure and how to experience it for yourself, please visit: [----------------------]

Estancia Huechahue is an exhilerating holiday for all riders, experienced or novices. It is a working estancia and therefore one is generally expected to help with the day to day running. Although there are plenty of other activities to do apart from horsy ones - walking, fishing or swimming. However, the odd cattle round-up is not unremarkable. What is remarkable is how, notwithstanding one's experience or not with horses, how delightful they are. All the horses are sure-footed and tolerant of their (sometimes deficient) riders. The accomodation is clean and comfortable, although not luxurious; the food farmhouse style and plentiful, with more than enough alcohol to aid digestion. Run by the rather unique Jane Williams and the very charming Yvonne, this was a great experience in Patagonia. A real mixture of guests was a highlight. Definitely a must for all lovers of the outside and especially those who want to ride.