Family holidays on horseback in the Andes mountains
Crossing river on horseback with children
Holidays on horseback with all the family are possible, even in the Andes mountains. The place where we camp is a lovely hidden valley high in the Andes. It is sheltered and full of little streams and pools which irrigate the valley so there is pasture for the horses and water for the many little birds – especially humming birds – and flowers that live there. There is a small river passing through – El Clarillo – and this meets a red river – the Morado – at one edge of the valley. It is a perfect place for chidren to play – with rocks to climb and shallow water to play in. There is a little lake for swimming.
We take long rides out from here but there are also short rides of great beauty, visiting waterfalls, what remains of the snow (depending on the month), crossing rivers, sometimes we get the chance to herd some cattle to help our guides as we ride.
our guide giving a young visitor a lesson in how to use a lasso
Riding in the Andes for children is often not recommended and many of the rides are too long and tiring. In this little paradise we can tailor the rides to the length that your family will enjoy. We have guides who are family men and who take immense care of the children, using a leading rein if necessary, or even, in the case of my 3 year old granddaughter, sitting her in front of them in the saddle. (This was a special case and not really an option for unknown children.) A large strong 5 year old or upwards, perhaps better at 6 years old, can get untold pleasure from this. For children and teenagers it is a cowboy dream and the parents can have the holiday of a lifetime without leaving the children behind.
These rides, with camping, can only be organised in the summer months of January and February. We can take day rides in the time from October through to April, but these are better for children of 8 years and over. More information at www.horseridingchile.com and
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