An Exclusive Ride in the Provinces of Salta-Juluy and Chile's Atacama Desert

October 19-31, 2007

8 Riders Only

Experience the fascinating cultures and the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes in Northwestern Argentina and the Atacama Desert in Chile.

From sub-tropical fertile valleys to snow-capped volcanoes with amazing desert formations, lakes and salt flats in between, this trip encompasses it all! Three sets of horses are used on the exploration of this captivating part of South America. Motorized transfers will link the various destinations on this trip.

Many years ago (1997) when I first journeyed to the province of Salta in northwestern Argentina I was struck by the incredible beauty of the Andes, so varied in colors and unusually wrinkled formations. With its rich ethnic Indian culture and Spanish colonialism of the 16th century, I found this to be an extraordinary and most fascinating part of Argentina.

Then last year (2006) I traveled to the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile. Here again I was confronted by some of the most dramatic landscapes ever. And to the East, right on the other side of some of the highest Andean peaks, stretched the provinces of Salta and Jujuy! Why not link the two areas?

The trip starts in Buenos Aires - Argentina, and finishes in Santiago - Chile.

Meeting point is Buenos Aires where we spend our first night. Early the next morning we fly to Salta and, after a brief visit, drive to Estancia-bodega Colomé, the highest winery in the world (2,300m / 7,000ft) for three nights. Then, for the next two nights, we move to the illustrious Estancia El Bordo de la Lanzas, with a historical background that dates back to the 1600s. A different set of horses will be used at each estancia. A motorized transfer, through beautiful scenery, will link the two estancias as the distances are too important to ride.

From estancia El Bordo, we will then drive to the charming town of Tilcara (renowned for its musical culture) in the Quebrada de Humahuaca to spend one more night in Argentina before driving over the Andes to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.

In San Pedro de Atacama, another four nights will be spent in the highly personalized and luxurious Awasi Lodge where another set of horses awaits us. The main objective is to explore this stunning venue on horseback, but other personalized options with your own private guide are available to those who prefer a day off!

On the afternoon of our fifth day in S. Pedro we will fly from Calama (1-hr drive from S. Pedro) for one last night together in Santiago.

LOGISTICS

Day 1
Friday, October 19

Arrival in Buenos Aires and transfer to Hotel Sofitel in superior room. Afternoon free time to visit the city and/ or visit local saddle shop. Jose at disposal to assist the group. O/N Sofitel

Day 2
Saturday, October 20

Early transfer to domestic airport for first flight to Salta. Arrival in Salta (approx.8.30hs), brief visit & coffee. Transfer to Estancia Colome (4h) arriving in time for a late lunch. Meet the horses - short PM ride. Welcome wine tasting & Dinner. O/N Estancia Colome

Day 3
Sunday, October 21

Day ride at Colome with picnic lunch. Approx. 6 hours riding. O/N Colome

Day 4
Monday, October 22

Day ride at Colome with picnic lunch. Approx. 6 hours riding. O/N Colome

Day 5
Tuesday, October 23

AM transfer to Estancia El Bordo de las Lanzas (approx. 4 ½ hrs). Arrival for late lunch Meet the horses and afternoon ride. O/N Estancia El Bordo de Las Lanzas

Day 6
Wednesday, October 24

Day ride at El Bordo. Festive evening. O/N El Bordo

Day 7
Thursday, October 25

After breakfast transfer to Quebrada de Humahuaca (2h). Lunch at Pumamarca. Continue to Tilcara. Dinner in a local tavern. O/N Posada de Luz

Day 8
Friday, October 26

Quebrada /San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) over Jama Pass, via salt flats and Susques. (approx. 6h) Arrival time at the border approx. 3.00 PM Transfer to Awasi in San Pedro de Atacama (1h). O/N Awasi

Day 9
Saturday, October 27

Day ride Atacama, picnic lunch. O/N Awasi

Day 10
Sunday, October 28

Day ride Atacama, picnic lunch. O/N Awasi

Day 11
Monday, October 29

1/2-day ride, 1/2-day at leisure. O/N Awasi

Day 12
Tuesday, October 30

Morning at Leisure / optional excursions. After lunch transfer to Calama for PM flight to Santiago. O/N Santiago

Day 13
Wednesday, October 31

Santiago - At leisure / Fly out

End of services.

Many flight connections are available to those who wish to return to Buenos Aires to connect to their return flight home. Some may wish to prolong their stay in Chile…!

Important - Please discuss all travel arrangements with Christine.

COST (based on 8 riders):
$ 5,400.00 per person, sharing accommodation (twin or double)
Single supplement $1,130.00

Airline transfers:
Buenos Aires/Salta (Argentina) $298 p/p (Aer1450 6.35 / 8.50)
Calama / Santiago (Chile) $344 p/p (Lan 355 17.00 / 19.00)

Current rate if Adventures on Horseback purchases these flights, but it may be more cost effective to include these flights with your international ticket. If this is the case please check with Christine for specific flights to book!

Cost includes: All ground transfers (Mercedes Benz sprinter mini bus w/AC in Salta-Jujuy Province), accommodation on full board - except In Buenos Aires and Santiago where it is on B&B basis - in exclusive topmost hotels, estancias, lodges, drinks with meals, all horseback activities & other (Atacama), English speaking guides.

Not included: International air fares, laundry, extra drinks at hotel bars, telephone calls, gratuities and items of a personal nature.

For further information about this ride please call
Christine at (1) 212-421 0671, or email christine@adventuresonhorseback

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