The vistas are all inspiring; snow-topped mountains,
pristine lakes, rivers to cross, overnight horse camping,
and adrenaline shifting gallops through the grasses.
Well-conditioned, they are allowed to graze
outside the immaculate barn.
Santiago’s irrigation system uses the river
and streams on property. His ingenious use of
a small trench dug along the pastures ensures
there is green pasture for the horses. Water is
diverted by blocking off the flow with mud and
stone moving water flow to another trench.
Simple and effective.
Part of Volcano Lanin National Park with
379,000 hectares of native Patagonia forest,
surrounds the 60,000 acre estancia. Chile is
many hours ride away. A huge mountain lake
laps nearby at one end of the property where
they keep their day boat tethered. A ride on
the lake, a hike in the park, a swim and even
playing or fishing in the river full of rainbow
trout can be part of guests’ exploration of this
magnificent place.
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Meals are prepared by local cooks and
breakfasts can include pastries, fruit,
meats and eggs. Dinner can surprise as an
entree could be an expertly prepared stuffed
manicotti or a roasted lamb feast. Your dietary
preferences are considered. A traditional
Argentine steak barbeque for lunch at the
gaucho’s barn down in the valley becomes the
reward in the middle of a ride. One highlight
was a picnic of traditional meat pies, cheese