Riding Through the Andes

Puerto Varas to Las Rosas

You will leave Puerto Varas at 9AM in a minibus towards the Andes. Along the way you will be able to admire the Llanquihue Lake, as well as the Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes that are part of the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. Once you arrive at the edge of the Reloncaví estuary, the first fjord in the south of Chile, there will be a short break to appreciate the local gastronomy in the Cochamó village, well-known for its agricultural crops and fishing industry. On the way, you will pass through the Río Puelo valley near its river mouth in the sea before arriving to Tagua Tagua Lake. Here you will have lunch at a local restaurant and then cross the lake by ferry. Once on the other side, you will be completely disconnected from the telephone network and from the Internet. After a 40-minute drive, the transfer will drop you off at Puerto Urrutia. Here, you will meet the baqueanos team and the Creole horses. As you will cross by motor boat, the horses will swim alongside, guided by a boatman. While the baqueanos pack the pack horses on the other side, you will get to know your horse. Once ready, the expedition starts passing by beaches of the Puelo River that go through farmed fields. Late in the afternoon, you will arrive at the home of one of the baqueanos, a place just in front of the Puelo River, where you’ll spend the night.

Time: 4 hrs. of transfer ; 2 hrs. on horseback

Las Rosas / Ventisqueros

Today, continue your ride in the Río Ventisqueros valley, crossing the river many times. Ancient woods, open spaces and rivers, a long and great day in the middle of the mountains awaits you. you will be crossing amazing forests and self-sufficient little farms in remote areas. Just as the locals do, you will ride across the large Ventisqueros River and its fast-flowing water. Enjoy a nice lunch on one of the Ventisqueros beaches and then keep going on the path to the end of the valley in front of a glacier. Here, you will be hosted for two nights in one of the most remote areas in the region.

Time: 6 hrs. of horseback riding

Ventisqueros / El Toro / Ventisqueros

Today, you will visit a neighboring valley, where you will enjoy the view of a hanging ice glacier. The route is technical. The narrow valley and the dense vegetation will lead to an “alerce” (larch) forest, a native and protected tree that is one of the world’s most ancient. It is a remote area with few  inhabitants, in the middle of a pristine nature. Have lunch near the El Toro River, before descending mid-afternoon to reach your host’s home. This will allow time to enjoy the remaining afternoon to hike, swim or rest.

Time: 4 hrs. of horseback riding

Ventisquero / Las Bandurrias Island

This morning you will set off on a full-day ride with forests, river crossings, mountains and waterfalls towards the Puelo River. There will be a relaxing time for lunch near the Ventisquero River. After leaving the valley in the afternoon,  cross the Puelo River by an important local hanging bridge. This place is particularly spectacular due to its huge waterfalls and rapids. Then take trails alongside the mountains until you reach the lake Las Rocas. At the end of the longest day of this expedition, a well-deserved rest will await you at the private island Las Bandurrias. A remote place surrounded by the cordillera where you will be able to contemplate the landscape and enjoy the lake. A haven of peace in the heart of the cordillera.

Time: 7 hrs. of horseback riding

Las Bandurrias Island / Azul Lake / Las Bandurrias Island

Today you will leave the island to meet the horses and the baqueanos down by the lake. A quick stop at the farm La Colina gives a first glimpse of the Chilean countryside in the heart of the cordillera. The journey continues to the Azul (blue) Lake through the cordillera where you will enjoy various views. You will stop to have lunch on a beach.and after the picnic, will follow the trail towards Las Rocas Lake. You will pass through an ancient Valdivian type forest, with its very diverse vegetation, which is found in very few regions. Wet and steep grounds, very ancient trees as well as majestic mountains will be part of the scenery. There will be a short boat trip to Las Bandurrias Island with accommodation  back on the island in the guest house.

Time: 5 / 6 hrs. of horseback riding

For the last day, you will leave the Bandurrias Island by boat to Puerto La Huala. There will be a short walk to the road where youvwill meet the transfer that will take you back to Puerto Varas. Here our services end, we recommend spending an extra night and flying out of Puerto Montt the next day, and are happy to arrange that for you on request.