South of the Río Maule, the sparsely settled Melado Valley is a paradise for hikers and riders. On this tour you will be able to combine both activities and discover a traditional way of life and natural wonders that lie off the beaten track. Get to know the cowboys - called arrieros in this region - and their authentic sub-culture that has perservered throughout the ages due to isolation and marginalization. Combining horse-back riding and hiking will allow you to overcome difficult stretches on horseback and go much further than you could on foot.

Day 1: Talca - Casa Chueca

A transfer from Talca train or bus station will take us to the guesthouse 'Casa Chueca', located on Río Lircay, a few kilometers east of Talca. Here we will prepare our trek, go shopping, and have an introductory meeting after relaxing at the pool. Dinner and overnight stay at Casa Chueca. (D)

Day 2: Refugio Rabones

Taking another transfer we will arrive at Rari, a small village situated south-east of Talca, where we will learn about crafts produced from horsehair, an art that is unique to this region. Afterwards, we will meet our cowboy guides who will introduce us to the horses and will give us advice on how to handle the animals appropriately. Horses are an integral part of life in Chile and are well accustomed to humans; you will not need previous experience to participate and the arrieros will give us horses according to our riding experience. Then we will start our trek with a 3-hour ride to Rabones Valley and our accommodation, the simple but comfortable Refugio Rabones, where an excellent meal awaits us. (B,BL,D)

Day 3: Melado Refuge

Today's stage will be quite strenuous. We will ride through untouched forests, past clean rivers and jagged mountains to leave the Rabones Valley. Through a thick Southern Beech forest on the upper part of the road, we will arrive at the settlement Roblería located on Río Ancoa. Our accommodation for the night will be the Melado Refuge, a name that is something of an understatement. Despite of its remote location in this pristine forest, the refuge offers very comfortable facilities and we will be able to relax at the pool. Dinner and overnight. (B,BL,D)

Day 4: Melado Valley

Today we will reach our final destination, Melado Valley. A spectacular path over a pass at 2,000 m / 6,562 ft leads to the valley and we will arrive at Lamalodge, a simple yet comfortable wooden cabin that is the ideal starting point for tours into this virtually unknown area on foot or horseback. In the evening we will enjoy dinner together. (B,BL,D)

Day 5: Hiking or Riding

We will split the group according to personal interests today. There are two possible activities to choose from: you can either go on an easy hike in the surroundings of the lodge or ride out to the valley of Río Maule through the beautiful Southern beech tree forest and over a pass. Overnight at the Lama Lodge. (B,BL,D)

Day 6: Casa Chueca

We will be picked up and transferred to Casa Chueca, where we will arrive at noon. We can swim in the pool or relax in the hammocks.(B)

Day 7: Casa Chueca - Talca

After breakfast you will be taken to Talca's train or bustation. (B)

Rates for 2008/2009 - per person

Included:

6 overnights with breakfast (2 nights at hotel, 4 nights at Refuge-type accommodations with shared bedroom and bathroom), dinner on day 1 to 5 and lunch boxes on day 2 to 6, transfers and excursions with driver and bilingual guide, accompanied by packing horses and muleteer.

Not Included:

International or national airfares, airport taxes, travel insurance of any kind, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, expenses of a personal nature, tips or gratuities

Notes:

• Single occupancy is only possible at Casa Chueca on night 1 and 6!
• Equipment Recommendations: Comfortable and warm clothes, Walking shoes (water-proofed), Raincoat, Windbreaker, Sun-Blocker, Sun glasses, Hat
• January is horsefly season - not the best time to take this trip!

Rates may vary due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

Accommodations used for this Itinerary

Casa Chueca** Casa Chueca ("Crooked House"), a typical colonial style building constructed from adobe bricks, is located just outside of Talca. Surrounded by tropical gardens of banana and palm trees, the hostel features comfortable rooms with private bath in various categories. in a homely atmosphere. Hotel facilities include: swimming pool with view of Lircay River, restaurant, bar, gym, internet access, laundry service, information centre with maps, books, presentations, organized excursions. Casa Chueca provides many nice details, such as hammocks, international book exchange or a telescope to watch the stars.

Refugio Rabones, Refugio Melado and Lama Lodge offer basic but comfortable accommodations with shared facilities in remote areas. Luxury should not be expected.