world horse welfare challenge ride 2020 andean adventure€¦ · after breakfast the baqueanos will...

World Horse Welfare Challenge Ride 2020

ANDEAN ADVENTUREANDEAN ADVENTURE24th October - 1 November

LOCATIONThe Chilean Lake District lies halfway between the capital Santiago and the southernmost town of Punta Arenas. This area is famous for its lakes, volcanoes and spectacular views. The nearest airport is at PuertoMontt and the nearby town of Puerto Varas is beautifully situated on the banks of Llanquihue Lake, in sight of the perfect conical volcano Osorno. The remote Puelo Valley is a couple of hours’ drive south of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas. The Puelo River runs through the heart of the valley, starting at Lago Puelo in Argentina and ending in the Pacific Ocean. These western slopes of the Andes are covered in forest and the lakes are a startling blue.

HORSES AND RIDINGThe riding is technical, and some days will be harder than others. You generally ride for around three hours in the morning and two to three hours in the afternoon. On some days there are a number of river crossings, as well as some steep climbs and descents, all of which can be even more demanding if the weather is unkind. The majority of the ride is at a walk due to the steepness of the terrain, but there are a few opportunities to trot and perhaps canter where the ground permits. You will be guided by an experienced tour leader who is friendly and passionate about the area. Local huasos or ‘baqueanos’ will also be on hand to help with the horses and saddles. The Chilean Criollo horses are of Iberian origin and have a thick, double coat which makes them well suited to both the cold and dry, hot weather.

Few people know that the Chilean Criollo is the oldest registered Criollo and the oldest registered breed in the whole of South America. Traditionally they are notlarge horses, but they are strong and ideally suited to the terrain. You ride in local Chilean saddles, which have a basic frame covered by padding and sheepskin. They are comfortable for long hours in the saddle, but they willfeel very different on day one.

World Horse Welfare Challenge Ride 2020 - Andean Adventure

ITINERARY24 October 20 – Arrival in Puerto VarasA private transfer will be waiting for you on your arrival at the El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt. After a half hour transfer you reach your hotel in the pretty town of Puerto Varas, a remnant of the German colonialism. It is situated at the edge of the Llanquihue Lake, one of the largest lakes in South America, a place that offers an impressive view over four volcanoes. We recommend that you arrive quite early to enjoy the city. At 18:00, you will have a meeting with your guide and a ride briefing.

25 October 20 – Puerto Varas to Las RosasYou are collected from your hotel in Puerto Varas at 9am. Please note that the itinerary may change depending on local weather conditions and the riding ability of your group, but always with your best interests in mind. Load the minibus and from Puerto Varas drive for around 4 hours towards the Andes. Along the way you can admire the Llanquihue Lake and the volcanoes of Calbuco and Osorno that are part of the Vincente Perez Rosales National Park. On arrival at the edge of the Reloncavi estuary, there will be a short stop to appreciate the local gastronomy of the village of Cochamó, well-known for its agricultural and fishing industries. Arriving at Tagua Tagua Lake, there is time to have lunch before crossing the lake by ferry. After another hour or so by vehicle, near Puerto Urrutia you meet the baqueanos and the horses. At the river’s edge you cross by boat and the horses swim alongside. Pack all the bags and off you go. Ride along the banks of the Puelo River and cross farmland. Late in the afternoon, arrive at your overnight stop which is close to the Puelo River. Dinner and overnight at a local farm.Hours in the saddle: c. 2 hours

26 October 20 – Las Rosas to VentisquerosAfter breakfast the baqueanos will prepare the packhorses. Set off today riding into the Ventisqueros Valley - a remote and green landscape. Cross wonderful forests and small farms before stopping for a picnic lunch next to the VentisquerosRiver. This afternoon you cross the Ventisqueros River and ride along the valley to a remote farm in front of the glacier where you stay for two nights. Dinner and overnight at a local farm. Hours in the saddle: c. 6 hours.


27 October 20 – Day ride to El ToroAfter breakfast set off on a circular ride, crossing the river once more to join the other valley and approach its glacier. This little valley turns wild and remote, withincredible flora. You ride close to the Alerces forest. Enjoy a saddle bag lunch near the Raquelita River before riding back to the farmhouse. Later there is a chance to go for a walk around the area, take a swim or simply relax. Dinner and overnight at a local farm.Hours in the saddle: c. 5-6 hours.

28 October 20 – Ventisqueros to Bandurrias IslandAfter breakfast set off on a full-day ride featuring forests, river crossings, mountains and waterfalls. Lunch will be a picnic near the Ventisqueros River. In the afternoon, make your way across the Puelo River using an important hanging bridge, crucial forcommunication between the local inhabitants and the outside world. This area is particularly spectacular due to its huge waterfalls and rapids. Continue riding across the wild ancient forest until reaching Las Rocas Lake. Leave the horses on the shore and take a 10 minute boat trip to Bandurrias Island where you spend three nights. Dinner and overnight on Bandurrias Island. Hours in the saddle: c. 7 hours.

29 October 20 – Day ride from Bandurrias IslandToday’s ride is to the Blue Lake “Lago Azul” with its crystal clear waters and abundant fish life, surrounded by majestic peaks and a stunning landscape. After about two hours in the saddle, enjoy a picnic lunch relaxing on the shores of the lake. After lunch, continue riding towards Las Rocas Lake. Pass through typical cold jungle or Valdivian-type rainforest with its very diverse vegetation. You should see ancient trees and majestic mountains. Leave the horses and transfer by boat back to the Island. Dinner and overnight on Bandurrias Island.Riding time c. 5 - 6 hours.



30 October 20 - Day ride from Bandurrias IslandToday’s full day ride follows the Mosquito Trail around Lake Las Rocas, surrounded by Andean mountain forests, which contrast deeply with the blue of the lake.Leave the horses and transfer by boat back to the Island. Dinner and overnight on Bandurrias Island. Riding time c. 4 hours.

31 October 20 - Bandurrias Island to BarilocheAfter breakfast, leave the island and head up to the frontier. This short trip will take you to Inferior Lake, the source of the Puelo River, a major river that flows into the Pacific. Arrive at Chilean immigration post “Retén Paso El Bolsón” where customs procedures are completed. It is a short descent to Inferior Lake, official harbour ofthe frontier and the final point of your adventure on horseback. Say goodbye to your horses and guides who have helped you along the way. It is a journey of around 45 minutes by motor-boat across two lakes and the rapids between Argentina and Chile. After going through Argentine border formalities, a minibus will be waiting to take you to El Bolsón (a journey of c. 30 minutes). Have a short lunch break here before the c. 2.5 hour transfer to San Carlos de Bariloche. The city of Bariloche, surrounded by lakes and mountains, is located in the very heart of the Patagonian Andes mountain range. Overnight in a downtown hotel. Riding time c. 2 hours.

1 November 20 – Departure from BarilocheAfter breakfast, you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.

ACCOMMODATIONFor the first and last nights you will stay in small hotels in Puerto Varas and Bariloche. On the trail, accommodation is in local guesthouses. For the hotel nights it is possible to request and pay extra for single accommodation (subject to availability). If you are willing to share, the single supplement is refunded to you when a sharer is found.You must be prepared to share for the rest of the trip. A unique element of this ride is being invited into the homes of local pioneers and having the opportunity to experience their way of life. The charming, but often rustic houses, offer basic accommodation mostly in twin, triple or dorm rooms (on mattresses) with shared bathrooms and shower facilities. You will also spend three nights on the private island of Las Bandurrias. The island has a beautiful woodland path circumnavigating the shore, small private beaches and two cottages.


ANDEAN ADVENTURE 4 CHILEWORLD HORSE WELFARE CHALLENGE RIDE24th October - 1st NovemberRegistration form Registration form

Title ……………..…

Full name (as per passport) ………………………………………………….……………………..…………………………….

Passport Number………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Place of issue ……………………………………………………………. Expiry Date …………………………………………..

Preferred name (if different) …………………………………………..…………………………………………………………

Address …………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………

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…………………………………………………………………………………………………….Postcode……..…………………………….

Daytime tel …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Email ……………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..By providing your email address you consent to World Horse Welfare contacting you in this way regarding this and future challenge rides.

Mobile tel ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

DOB ………………………………………. Height (cm) ………………………….. Weight (kg) ……….………………….

T-Shirt size (S / M / L / XL)

Please give full details about current level of riding ability / confidence / fitness

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Registration fee is non-refundable

I have paid by bank transfer into Lloyds Bank, Sort Code 30-96-17 Acc. No. 01080941 (please quote AARY)

I enclose a cheque for £150 made payable to World Horse Welfare

I would like to pay by Visa / Mastercard (please delete as applicable)

Card number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Expiry date: _ _ / _ _

Security Code (CCV): _ _ _ (last 3 digits on signature strip)

I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the 2020 World Horse Welfare Andean Adventure Challenge Ride

Signature …………………………………………………………………………………

Please return this form to: Fran Plume, World Horse Welfare,

Anne Colvin House, Snetterton, Norfolk, NR16 2LR

t: 01953 497210 f: 01953 498373 e: [email protected]

One applicant per form – please photocopy this form for other applicants if necessary. Thanks!

Registered charity no: 206658 and SC038384

Please note that this is a participatory trip and you are expected to look after your horse and help with the camp chores.

MEALSThe cuisine on the ride is a mixture of traditional Andean Creole-Chilean styles. The traditional ‘asado’ barbecue, usually lamb, will feature several times – it is usually accompanied by salad, potatoes and Chilean red wine! Depending on the season it is also possible to have rainbow trout or salmon trout too. Food is sourced from local farms and orchards. Vegetarians can be catered for with advanced notice but need to be comfortable seeing meat being cooked over the fire.Whilst on the ride wine is provided with dinner in the evenings, but there is a limited supply as everything is carried by pack horses. Beer is not available as it is too bulky for the pack horses to carry.


CHILDRENSorry, we cannot welcome children to join this ride; all participants must be over 18 by the time of departure.

WEATHERThe weather is changeable in the mountains and it can rain at any time. Warm clothing and good rain gear is essential. Temperatures on a clear day could reach the high 20’s or low30’s °C. You could burn easily and so we recommend a high factor sunscreen. Evening temperatures may fall to close to freezing. It can also be very windy at times.


HEALTH INFORMATIONThere are no special health requirements for this part of Chile but we recommend that your tetanus is up to date. If you require any special medication then you should ensure that you bring enough for the duration of the ride as there is no possibility of obtaining anything once you set off on the trail. You must inform us of any medical conditions and dietary requirements before travelling. Anyone with severe allergies, heart or respiratory conditions or any other physical limitation must consult their doctor. Health and safety procedures are in place but please note that due to the remoteness of the location we cannot guarantee that anyone who becomes sick or injured will be transferred to a hospital within a specified time.Horseflies (‘tabanos’) can be annoying (particularly in January). They appear to be attracted to dark coloured clothes, such as blue or black. There can also be a wasp species ‘chaquetas amarillas’ (yellow jackets). If you are allergic to wasp stings, remember to bring the necessary medicine with you, and also to warn your guide so that can help you in the event of an emergency.

MONEY AND TIPPINGThe currency in Chile is the Chilean peso (CLP). Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and to a lesser extent, American Express) are accepted in most large shops and hotels.US Dollars are often accepted but you will also need some local currency. If you do not buy Chilean pesos in advance of your trip, then you can change or withdraw money on arrival in the airport. If changing money, US dollars are easier to change into pesos than Sterling or Euros. Debit cards bearing the Cirrus logo can also be used to withdraw money from most ATMs but thisshould not be relied upon solely. You will need some money for your time in Puerto Varas and Bariloche before and after the ride. You could also take some cash for laundry (usually it is possible to have laundry done on Bandurrias Island for c. $7 per person), as well as any tips you might wish to leave. Other than this there will be little chance to spend money whilst on the ride, unless you want to buy handicrafts in some of the villages you pass through. Tipping can be done in US dollars or Chilean pesos. As a guideline, we suggest something in the region of $50 per rider for the local staff and $40 per rider for the bilingual guide. Of course, you must give what you feel you want to and what you can.

PHONES, CAMERAS AND ELECTRICITYThere is limited mobile phone coverage outside of the towns. In an emergency the guides have contact with base by radio or satellite phone.The only electricity in the Puelo Valley is from generators, so you should ensure batteries are fully charged before leaving the hotel in Puerto Varas and consider taking a battery pack with you. There is likely to be internet at the hotels before/after the ride, but nothing once you set out. The most common electrical socket is the European round two pin however in some places you will find a three round pin, which will still accept two pin plugs.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS1. World Horse Welfare is acting as agent for In The Saddle (ATOL5359 ABTA No. W1733).

You will be bound by In The Saddle’s booking conditions once you have been accepted to take part in the event. Personal information and data gathered by World Horse Welfare will be required for onward transition to In The Saddle in order to book the ride. All data will be securely and confidentially encrypted when sent and destroyed after the ride.

2. Photographs taken on the ride may be used in future publications and promotions by World Horse Welfare. All photographs remain the property of World Horse Welfare.

3. To reserve your place on the World Horse Welfare Andean Adventure Challenge, and as an indication of your serious fundraising intent, we require a non-refundable registration fee of £150 and a commitment to raising at least a further £5000 in sponsorship for World Horse Welfare (initial £2000 by 2nd March 2020, a further £2000 by 6th July 202, and the final total of £1000 by 25th September 2020). NB. All registration fees and sponsorship monies must be made payable to World Horse Welfare. We are not able to accept CAF vouchers or CAF Charity Card as payment for this trip.

4. If you are unable to meet these requirements you may forfeit your place on the challenge – you can of course make up any shortfall yourself.

5. Should you, for whatever reason, not be able to take up your place all sponsor forms and monies collected MUST be paid over to World Horse Welfare – or if so requested, returned to the sponsor and proof of return forwarded to World Horse Welfare.

6. You must be over the age of 18 by the date of departure.7. World Horse Welfare and In The Saddle reserve the right to alter or revise the itinerary

should the circumstances dictate.8. World Horse Welfare reserves the right to refuse participation without disclosing the

reason.9. Hard hats are recommended.10. You must be in possession of a valid passport to visit Chile and Argentina11. You must sign the In The Saddle acceptance of risk form online prior to travel.

NOT INCLUDED, SORRY! Travel insurance, alcholic drinks and gratuities.


www.worldhorsewelfare.org/Riding-eventsRegistered charity no: 206658 and SC038384

world horse welfare challenge ride 2020 andean adventure€¦ · after breakfast the baqueanos will...

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