Estancia Huechahue, San Martin de los Andes

Location

San Martín de los Andes (San Martin de los Andes, Argentina)

Description

Huechahue is in the Andean foothills about 45 miles from San Martín de los Andes and 125 miles from San Carlos de Bariloche, and is particularly well know for the quality of their riding holidays. The area is overshadowed by the Lanín Volcano, rising to 13,000 feet. The 15,000 acres support 900 head of Hereford cattle and 400 acres are irrigated for alfalfa production. The farm is virtually self-sufficient, with orchards of plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots and apples. There is a tennis court (although most people do not find time to use it), a pool and excellent fishing on the river Alumine, which borders the property. Another interesting feature of the Estancia is the caves, some used by the local Maipuche Indians as burial sites, and some with primitive art on the walls. The landscape is made up of scrub-covered hills and rock outcrops with a mountain backdrop. The mountains are thickly forested and range from 5-7,000 feet. The family also own Estancia El Nido, a 1,200 acre property in the mountains on the edge of Lake Lolog, and also bordering the river Quilquihue, a fast-flowing trout stream. It makes an ideal starting-point for treks and rides into the high Andes of the Lanín National Park. Your hosts are Jane Williams and her family. Jane is British and grew up in England. In 1978 she married into an Anglo-Argentine family and has been running both Estancias since then.

Activities

The main activity is riding (all levels), but they also offer fishing and river activities, stalking for red deer and walking. For riding Jane can cater for everyone from the expert to the beginner, and programmes are tailored to the individual's requirements. Your stay can be based entirely at Huechahue, or a longer trek in the Lanín National Park, in which case camping will be involved (minimum 4 people). This is an opportunity to explore some of the least populated and unspoilt natural scenery in the world, through dense forests, tumbling streams and silent glades. Comfortable sleeping bags and two-man tents are provided (although many people prefer to sleep under the stars!). All setting-up and cooking is taken care of for you. Horses are local Criollo crosses, part Anglo-Normando, of about 15 hands, broken to the neck-reining method. Saddles are also local style, with plenty of sheepskins on top.

Accommodation

The accommodation is very comfortable, with 8 twin-bedded rooms with private bathrooms. Food is plentiful and home-cooked, and the tap water can be drunk. Laundry is available.

Our comments

A wonderful family atmosphere, often booked up months ahead by repeat visitors.

When to go

Open September to April, although the peak time to visit is during the Argentine summer, November to April. Days are usually sunny and mild to hot, and nights are generally cool. Being in the rain shadow of the Andes it rarely rains at this time of year.

Client comments

“Huechahue was once again great fun. There are always surprises there and Jane always takes them completely in her stride!” - JO, Jan 2009

“Jane's rides are always among the best, the horses are great and the food is always good, even when you are camping, but this time on the Estancia to Estancia ride there was the pure luxury of hot showers and proper beds every night! ” - MT, October 2008

“We loved Huechahue and really had a blast riding, something we never would have done otherwise. We will continue to ride and I bet we will return to Huechahue.” - AP January 2007