2 independent reviews for Horse riding & trekking in Argentina
Reviews for Horse riding & trekking in Argentina
Sophie Cresswell review 17 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We took a 4 day trip with Guillermo to a pass on the San Martin route in the Andes, which took us to 4500m. It was superb - some of the most spectacular rock formations and landscape views that I have ever experienced, and fascinating wildlife from Condors to Guanacos. We travelled by pony and mule provided by a local farmer (Jose) and his men, who were a privilege to be with - real stockmen. Also with us was Hugo who cooked fantastic food under pretty difficult conditions. Guillermo is a great guide - full of information and delighted to share it. We are under the impression that available guides and mule drivers in the area are not equal. This is not an area in which to mess about too much - the weather and environment can combine to give challenges, and I would not want to make such a trip with idiots. We could not recommend our companions more - Guillermo and Hugo are vastly experienced and competent and thoughtful (a former gunner officer and ski guide respectively) and Jose plus his men are simply excellent. If things were to have got difficult (unlikely though it would be with these people) then we could not have been in better hands. We would travel with them any time.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be ready for a wide variation in weather. Conditions for us in 5 days varied from over 30 degrees to below freezing in driving sleet. The altitude was high enough to give us very mild and transitory symptoms (headaches) but well worth it. Having some Spanish would be an advantage but not essential.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It is a good opportunity for visitors to see the effects of climate change. There has been no snow fall of significance for 3 years, and the glaciers are disappearing as a result. I hope that our visit was worthwhile for Jose and his men - we certainly were thrilled to have spent time with them and witnessed the way that they handled quite large numbers of saddle and pack animals.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Memorable, good value, unforgettable. Feel privileged to have been here and in such good company. Good advice from Marcel before we started. Organisation was first class. Because we were only there for a few days, we went and returned by the same route. This was fine, but the trip would have been even more interesting if we had gone for longer and completed a circuit.Justus Roele review 27 Jan 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting a Pre-Inca site along the route with a kind of sundial. Remoteness of haciendas and people deep in the Andes. Seeing an indigenous woman doing her laundry in the river. Being part of the gaucho life and their traditions.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you have cleaning pills or a waterpump with microfilter with you and your medicaments, you are trekking in a really very remote area of the Salta province.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely, you support with this trekking several gaucho families and the horseriding is part of the local transport since ages.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, superb, wonderful experience to never forget! And as a result booked a second private expedition with Marcel a decade later, just recently returned, from the high Andes of Mercedario and the Aconcagua near Barreal, following the historical routes of General San Martin. Amazing views, beautiful experiences and challenges. Bieng picked up at Mendoza airport and from here via a very scenic route of Villavicencio to Barreal, great service.Holiday Reviews
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