Horseback riding and barbecue in the foothills of the Andes
Available:From September to May
Duration: 2 or 3 days
A horseback ride in the slopes of the Andes is the perfect excuse to enjoy the Pacheco´s familiy hospsitality. At their farm in San Carlos, 140 km South from Mendoza City, they share their mountain hut and their own horses. The guests are welcome to share the magnificent landscape and the gaucho´s way to live it.
The traditional hut "Los Toldos" was a gathering point for the local tribes, before becoming a spot in the road of the arrieros -gauchos or horsemen- that use to take live cattle from Mendoza to Chile, across the Andes. Nowadays Los Toldos is a s"veranada", or summer place, where the Pacheco family take their animals during the season. The house and the big trees add to the sense of harmony that welcomes the visitors.
The property is part of Mendoza's Natural Reserve Laguna del Diamante. Guanacos sand condors are a ususal presence in the area, and the streams are a paradise for trout fishing.
Good food is one of the traditions at the Pacheco`s house. The impressive barbecue (gaucho style) matches the fine wine and local vegetables and fruits at the table.
Itinerary (2 days)
D1 Transfer from Mendoza to San Carlos (120 km). After 20 km of a dirt road we get to La Isla, the main house of the Pacheco´s farm. From there we ride the fine horses of the familiy to puesto Los Toldos, a hut among the first hills of the Andes, where we spend the night
D2 We ride towards Gateado stream, through virgin valleys full of wildlife. We share a barbecue by the stream, and after relaxing a couple of hours we ride back to La Isla and Mendoza City.
Itinerary (3 days)
D1 Transfer from Mendoza to San Carlos (120 km). After 20 km of a dirt road we get to La Isla, the main house of the Pacheco´s farm. From there we ride the fine horses of the familiy to puesto Los Toldos, a hut among the first hills of the Andes, where we spend the night.
D2
We head towards the mountains and the spectacular nature of the region. Guanacos (relative of the llama), condors, eagles and foxes are part of the wildlife of this Natural Reserve. The path waves through vallewys and mountain passes. We come back to Los Toldos for dinner and to spend the night.
D3 We ride towards Gateado stream, through virgin valleys. We share a barbecue by the stream, and after relaxing a couple of hours we ride back to La Isla and Mendoza City.
Included Services
Transfer from Mendoza or Valle de Uco to La Isla (San Carlos) in 4x4 vehicles (140 km), and back.
Horses, saddles and specialized guide. Two-hour ride in the mountains.
Lunch
Menu:
Entry: ham, cheeses, salami, home-baked bread, etc
Main course: Barbecue ("asado criollo"), with ribbons, sausages, etc. Salads.
Fine wines from Valle de Uco. Mineral water.
Fresh fruits.
