Aysén Horse Riding to the Avellano Valley

Day 1: Transfer to Cerro Castillo

You'll be met at Balmaceda Airport and taken to the small town of Cerro Castillo.

Here you'll have a trip briefing with your guides to organise your luggage and gear who'll advise you how to pack and make sure that nothing is left behind.

You'll have dinner and stay here for the night at a bed and breakfast.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: B&B in Cerro Castillo

Day 2: Transfer to Lake Alto; ride to campsite

After an early breakfast, you'll drive for about an hour into the mountains of Cerro Castillo to a farm near Lake Alto. Your guides will introduce you to your horse and prepare the pack horses for departure in the late morning.

You'll set out through a wooded landscape, along old ox and horse tracks, which gradually fade to a trail that heads over a small mountain pass in the upper valley. After about six hours of riding, you'll arrive at the gaucho's shelter where you'll set up the camp where you'll sleep for the next three nights. This is a rustic place with no facilities.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Camp

Day 3: Ride to Avellano Towers and back

Today you'll ride to the end of the valley where the stunning area of the Avellano Towers come into view. You'll leave your horse at the tree line and set off on a hike with your guide through this beautiful landscape. You'll be able to explore the valleys in the area which contain turquoise lakes and glaciers hanging from the granite towers.

You'll return to your horse and ride for three hours back to the camp where you can spend the evening sipping mate or wine with your guide and gaucho and feasting on a lamb asado.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Camp

Day 4: Day ride from camp

Your camp is located on private property, so there will be no other tourists here.  You can spend the day enjoying a ride in the surrounding valleys while your gaucho checks his cattle on the territory. Depending on the weather, your guide will plan a route which is sure to feature lots of fantastic, panoramic views.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Camp

Day 5: Ride to Lake Alto; Cerro Castillo; Balmaceda

Today you can wake up early and explore the area some more while the camp is packed up. After lunch you'll ride back to the farm near Lake Alto from where you'll take a transfer back to Cerro Castillo for a hot shower. You'll then take a transfer to Balmaceda, or Coyhaique.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch