Comfort
2 nights in a hotel in San Carlos de Bariloche, double or twin room.
2 nights in a guesthouse, basic accommodation. Rooms are shared, dormitory-style. No sanitary facilities.
2 nights at the El Sapucai mountain refuge, shared rooms and bathroom.
1 night camping (2-man tent). Sleeping bag and mattress rental is possible (check the “Dates & Prices” tab).
Note: Sanitary facilities throughout the ride may vary between the river, mountain huts, and wild camping. Please bring biodegradable products.
Meals
On this trip, you can expect a special blend of flavours and ingredients from the Patagonian Creole gastronomy. The main dishes vary between traditional “asados”, rainbow trout, with salads and potatoes. There are also a variety of fruits and vegetables available.
Lunches are picnic lunch boxes prepared in the morning and carried in your saddlebag: sandwiches, fruit, chocolate or cereal bars.
Please note that the meat is a very important element in the local cuisine.
Vegan and gluten-free diets cannot be accommodated due to the remote nature of the ride and difficulties to source suitable produce. Food allergies can be catered for to some extent, please contact us before booking.
Climate
The climate in Patagonia is quite unpredictable, so you have to be prepared. Very early in the mornings or at nightfall it can get very cold at 0ºC, and can reach 30ºC in the middle of the day. It is also likely to rain at some point, although the rainy season usually starts in late autumn. To deal with these temperature changes, it is a good idea to wear layers in your clothing, which you can remove as the sun begins to warm up.
From mid-December to the end of January, horse flies are very common in this area. They are very attracted to dark coloured clothes such as blue or black and less attracted to light coloured clothes such as white or yellow. Please keep this in mind when choosing your clothes for the trip.
Nights can be cold and in the mountains temperatures can drop sharply and frosts are not uncommon. Rain is unlikely in June and July, but possible in September.
Tips
Our suggestion is around $10/day which will be distributed to the team at the end of your stay.
Packing list
IMPORTANT NOTE: During the month of January, horseflies are present. These are harmless but troublesome and are especially attracted to dark colours. It may be wise to choose your clothes accordingly and dress in light colours.
After the horsefly season, a species of wasp appears. If you are allergic to the stings, it is imperative that you bring appropriate treatment.
LUGGAGE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS:
On arrival in Bariloche on Day 2, you will be given a bag with up to 10kg of luggage to carry your belongings in. You will be able to leave the excess luggage at the hotel, which you will find on day 8.
2 full riding outfits are sufficient for the whole trip.
Head
- A riding helmet: this is highly recommended.
Manufacturers (GPA, HKM, LAS Helmets, Lamicell, Troxel, Equithème...) now offer ventilated, solid and light riding helmets that are pleasant in all latitudes. There are also protective shells to put under your hat (Ranch & Rider, Lexington Safety Products) or western helmet hats (Troxel).
- Cap or hat for the sun (essential)
- A bandana, scarf or shawl to protect your neck or face from dust and sun
- A pair of high protection sunglasses
- A warm hat or balaclava
Bust
- Thermal underwear (short or long sleeve shirts).
- Cotton T-shirts + long-sleeved shirts (for protection against the sun) or T-shirts made of fast-drying materials.
- 1 light fleece or equivalent
- 2 warm fleeces or equivalent
- 1 warm Goretex jacket (waterproof, breathable and windproof)
Legs
- 2 riding breeches or long leather chaps
- 1 pair of spare trousers (hiking or jeans or equivalent)
- 1 pair of Goretex trousers (waterproof and breathable)
- 1 pair of tights or equivalent for the nights
- 1 swimming costume, which may be useful (swimming in lakes, washing in rivers)
- Non-irritating cotton or synthetic underwear
Feet and Hands
- 1 pair of light walking shoes with chaps or boots with specific mini chaps for horse riding
- 1 pair of waterproof shoes or boots (much appreciated in case of rain and also in the morning at the camp, dew is often abundant)
- 1 pair of trainers or equivalent light shoes for the evening
- Several pairs of thick socks
- 1 pair of gloves to protect you from the sun, cold and rubbing
Nightwear
- Pyjamas
- Sleeping bag - this can also be rented locally if necessary.
Various
- 1 water bottle of 1.5 litres
- Headlamp
- Toiletries with biodegradable hygiene products
- Earplugs may be useful
- Camera (with spare battery)
Pharmacy
As a precaution, please indicate any allergies to medication in your pharmacy.
- Any medication you take regularly
- Aspirin or ibuprofen
- Anti-diarrhoea medication
- Sunscreen with strong protection for lips and skin
- Eye drops
- Moisturising cream
- A roll of plaster
- Micropur or Hydroclonazone tablets to purify water
- Strong mosquito spray
Our Recommendations
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- You should also bring a copy of your passport/insurance in case you lose your documents. You can also save a copy into your mobile phone.
