HORSEBACK THROUGH THE AVELLANO VALLEY

After your domestic flight from Santiago to Balmaceda Airport, your guide will greet you at the hotel in Coyhaique to provide an informative session about the journey. You will then have time to organize your gear and equipment.

We will advise you on how to prepare your luggage for the trip and make sure you don’t forget anything!

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will embark on a two-hour drive to the Cerro Castillo mountains, heading towards a farm near Lago Alto. From here, the guides will introduce you to your horse and prepare the pack horses for a late morning departure.

This journey begins along ancient ox and horse paths, gradually transforming into a narrow trail through a small mountain pass in the high valley, where only a few families reside.

After a leisurely ride through the valley, with unforgettable views, we will arrive at Puesto Rabanal, where we will set up our first camp for the night. Dinner will be shared around a campfire, and we will rest after an enjoyable first day of travel.

Today, we will ride for a few hours until we reach the glacial lake and the base of the Torres Avellano. As the magnificent peaks appear, you will be amazed by the landscape and the colors of the valley.

We will tie the horses for lunch and take a short walk to the iconic viewpoint, where we will be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

After lunch and the walk back to the horses, we will mount again for the return to our base camp. There, we will enjoy an evening with the guide and gauchos as they prepare a delicious Patagonian lamb barbecue.

Today is a long but beautiful ride, descending from the mountain pass as we make our way through the iconic Avellano Valley.

We will travel through stunning canyons and pristine forests, crossing rivers and making our way toward Lake General Carrera, the largest lake in Chile.

Our destination is a private family farm where we will set up camp to rest. Together, we will prepare dinner before enjoying a well-deserved night of rest.

Today, we head towards the majestic General Carrera Lake, the largest in Chile. As we exit the forest, you will be amazed by the stunning view of towering cliffs and the cobalt blue waters stretching out to the horizon.

We will ride along the coastal cliffs, and in some areas, we may need to dismount to safely cross slippery slopes or narrow trails. Our guides will always be there to assist you, ensuring a steady and safe passage.

Later on, we will descend to an abandoned farm by the lake, where we will find the perfect spot to set up camp. Depending on the weather and terrain conditions, today’s journey will take between 5 to 6 hours.

Today, we will travel along the shores of the lake to the old mining town of Puerto Cristal, a national monument with a fascinating history. Founded in 1945, it housed 850 people, including entire families, until the closure of its mine in 1997. Today, this ghost town offers a journey into the past with a private tour of its facilities. We will end the day with dinner and spend the night in its cozy, renovated guesthouse.

After a restful night, follow a picturesque horseback trail to the charming coastal village of Puerto Sánchez. This former mining town has managed to stay alive thanks to its connection with the Carretera Austral and growing tourist interest. In the afternoon, we will sail across the lake to the stunning Marble Caves, an unmissable natural wonder in Chile. Then, we will head to Puerto Río Tranquilo to spend the night.

Today, a private transfer will take travelers to Balmaceda Airport for their afternoon flight or to Coyhaique if they are continuing their journey from this point.