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Horseback Riding Experience at a Patagonian
Estancia Prepare for a day full of adventures.
You will leave in the morning in our van. The drive takes about half an hour before
reaching Fortín Chacabuco Ranch. Estancia Fortin Chacabuco (Fortin Chacabuco
ranch) is located on the shore of Rio Limay (Limay River), 12 miles (19 kilometers)
from Bariloche. This historical place was the last military settlement in the
Desert Campaign of 1880 when Government forces were engaged in battle against
the local natives. It was built in 1883 when General Villegas ordered to build
the Chacabuco Fort. This estancia captures exactly the flavor of a historical
and authentic Patagonian estancia. It still operates similarly to the way large
ranches were run years ago by it's sheep herding, cattle and horse ranching. At
the Fortin Chacabuco Ranch you will explained how the dynamics of ranching sheep
works, along with all the other tasks done in the estancia. The Estancia Fortin
Chacabuco was the first ranch in Argentina to develop a genetically superior species
of sheep, both for wool and meat, being the first in Argentina that used frozen
sperm for artificial insemination. The location is the transitional zone
between the precordillera and the steppe. It has two well-defined geographical
areas. The steppe gives panoramic views of Bariloche, the Nahuel Huapi Lake, Cerro
Tronador and the Limay River, whereas the forest zone consists of varied terrain
with canyons, rock formations, streams and marshes, therefore offering different
and varied flora, fauna and soils. These combination of beautiful landscapes will
let you enjoy a one-of-a-kind horseback riding experience and what we consider
one of the best horseback riding trips of all Patagonia. What further
completes this country lodge is its reputation of fine home cooked food. By visiting
this special place you will be able to observe first hand the life and character
of the estancias in this region. At the estancia you will be greeted
by the local guides (baqueanos), who know these regions like the palm of their
hands. They will have horses ready for you to ride up into the arid and
desolate Patagonian "estepa" (praire). You will first ride along the
Fortin Mountain slopes where you are likely to spot some Red Deers, Guanacos,
Grey Foxes and perhaps the "King of the Air" - the Andean Giant Condor,
which are often seen soaring around the region peaks. Back in the ranch
an "asado criollo" (delicious meat barbecue) awaits. This style cooking
meat over an open fire (very close to hot coals but without flames) is typical
of Argentina. In the afternoon you will have free time to walk around the establishment,
into the sheep-shearing sheds, the horse stables and the "gauchos" quarters.
You will also enjoy "mate" (Argentines typical hot beverage) and delicious
"tortas fritas" (similar to donoughts). "Mate" is made from
dried crushed leaves of the "mate" bush, then hot water is added in
much the same way tea is made. It is served in a "mate" cup and sipped
through an ornate (sometimes silver) straw. Any time of the day in Argentina is
"mate" time.
You will return to Bariloche in the late afternoon.
Difficulty: low Duration: full day Guide:
group English/Spanish speaking guide Transfer: group vehicle Includes:
asado (barbeque) for lunch with beverages. | 
