From our working ranch in Futaleufu we depart on a six-day horseback riding expedition. This is a trip back in time that few people will ever have a chance to experience. A life changing cultural journey. We will visit small remote ranch outposts, and settlements without roads in Patagonia Chile. Horses will carry your food, gear, and bags. We combine camping with staying at small ranches.
The accommodations are rustic country but clean, sanitary and cozy. Eating your hearty meals around the wood stove you will gain insight to a way of life that is similar to the frontier days of the American west. This trip is an extended version of our Espolon Valley Circumnavigation with two extra days to explore the Azul and Futaleufu valleys. The final two days will be spent at our luxurious eco camp located at the Rio Azul and Rio Futaleufu confluence or at our CondorNest Ranch.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and introductions
Arrive in Santiago to start your vacation and connect to Puerto Montt. In Puerto Montt you board your 40-minute flight to Chaitén, a flight back in time. We will meet you at the airport where we start our drive across the Andes: volcanoes, fjord-like lakes, hanging glaciers and the turquoise rapids of the Futaleufu river. We arrive in Futaleufu and are taken directly to our working ranch. You will be met with wine and cheese around the wood stove.
Day 2: Orientation to the horses
We sleep in late and after breakfast we walk to the barn for an introduction to your horse. We make sure all your tack fits well and ride off for a half day ride to Piedra de Aguila and the rock outcropping overlook. We return to the ranch for a dinner in the family native log dining room.
Day 3: Lago Espolon
We are packed up with your personal gear on our pack horse. Ride up the transparent and pristine Espolon, up to the Devils Throat a spectacular cascade, outlet of Lago Espolon plunging into the calmer river below. After lunch we cross the river leading to the Cascade on a swinging bridge and start on a trail to a beautiful isolated cabin overlooking Lago Espolon.
Day 4: Lago Espolon
After breakfast we load the horses and hit the trail. We experience spectacular overlooks of Lago Espolon and the surrounding peaks. Nearing the end of the lake we reach the little settlement of Esplon. You only get here by horse or boat. Here we check into our rustic bed and breakfast and walk around visiting a way of life that is from another era.
Day 5: Lago Espolon
We depart early morning for our ride along the far side of the lake with unique spectacular view of Cerro Teta.From here you will see the trail on the other side of the lake that we traversed on the first day. We will spend the night in a cabana at the end of the Lake.
Day 6: Lago Loncanao & Rio Azul Valley
We ride toward the back side of Lago Lonconoa and into the spectacular glacier ringed Rio Azul Valley. Here we ride down the Rio Azul towards its confluence with the Rio Futaleufu and the climax of beauty in the valley the setting of our eco camp, Campo Tres Monjas. Here enjoy a sauna, hot showers, sit down dining and our international chef.
Day 7: Futaleufu Valley
We ride down stream under the guard of the huge Tres Monjas peak along the turbulent blue Futaleufu. Todays destination is to see the powerful chaotic Terminator rapid. This is one of the biggest class 5 rapids on the river with a beautiful lunch spot overlooking the river. We ride back to the eco camp for our second night at this special camp.
Day 8: Farewell breakfast & departure
Wake up for an early breakfast and drive back to Chaitén. As you catch a final view of the Río Futaleufu; surrounded by hanging glaciers, take a moment to reflect upon all of the amazing sights and experiences of last week. After all these years we are still stunned that views like these exist. Fly to Puerto Montt, Santiago and onward towards home.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included: Round trip airfare between Puerto Montt and Chaiten all transport to and from Futaleufu from Chaiten. All meals, lodging, guides, horses, tack, & equestrian gear while riding with us.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Chile
Horse Riding
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