Cattle driving in the Andes

Alpine pasture farming is not only a European tradition. Chilenean farmers do it too, as for ages they have been driving their livestock into the highlands over the summer months. Here, however, they don’t make cheese. The highland valleys here are used as an ideal living space for the animals where they can grow healthy and strong with a minimum of expenditure. At the same time the campesinos work the valley pastures to prepare the winter supplies.

Every November we follow the same tradition by driving a part of our cattle herd into one of the many valleys in our around Magin Alto. The area lies at about 1400-1600 m above sea level, surrounded by 3-4 thousand meter high snow-peaked mountains. This is where the animals roam freely during the next 4 months. They come from many farms and are watched over by local shepherd families. In March they are brought back to their owners.

The trail leads us from the Rari Valley over a foot-hill range into the neighbouring Rabones Valley, where we meet with our cattle. Then we move down the valley, passing countless hamlets on either side, until we reach Robleria, a small pueblo village on the banks of the Ancoa River. We follow the river to the foot of the Melado, which we cross at an altitude of about 1000 m, before beginning a steep descent.

In the Melado Valley the animals are registered at a customs office. We are now travelling near the Argentinean border, and the registration of the animals is supposed to prevent the smuggle of cattle, horses, sheep and goats that flourishes in these parts.

After that, we drive the animals up the valley, take a break along the river and talk to the local shepherds about the current alpine conditions. Once we have reached the Valle Grande and Magin Alto, our animals are left with the shepherds.

The itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in the Rari Valley during the course of the day; move into our accommodations; individual allocation of horses & gear. “Arriving – getting acquainted – finding one’s bearings” is the motto of the day.

Day 2
We venture out on our first ride. We become familiar with our animals, get a first impression of the surroundings and the locals, receive information about the way of life in rural

Chile

and assist each other in preparing for next day’s departure.

Day 10 and 11
Horseback excursions in the mountains: hunting, fishing, swimming – time for relaxation.

Day 12 and 13
Return to the Rari Valley, with about 10-12 hours of riding per day.

Returning on the 11th day is possible if you would like a day of recuperation in the Rari Valley prior to departure.

Costs :per person : 1750 €

– max. group size: 6 people
– riding experience necessary
– persons weighing more than 100 kg cannot participate
– suitable for women as well as for men
– min. participant age: 12


Cattle driving in the Andes A rural tradition Alpine pasture farming is not only a European tradition. Chilenean farmers do it too, as for ages they have been driving their livestock into the highlands over the summer months. Here, however, they don’t make cheese. The highland valleys here are used as an ideal living space for the animals where they can grow healthy and strong with a minimum of expenditure. At the same time the campesinos work the valley pastures to prepare the winter supplies. Every November we follow the same tradition by driving a part of our cattle herd into one of the many valleys in our around Magin Alto. The area lies at about 1400-1600 m above sea level, surrounded by 3-4 thousand meter high snow-peaked mountains. This is where the animals roam freely during the next 4 months. They come from many farms and are watched over by local shepherd families. In March they are brought back to their owners. The route The trail leads us from the Rari Valley over a foot-hill range into the neighbouring Rabones Valley, where we meet with our cattle. Then we move down the valley, passing countless hamlets on either side, until we reach Robleria, a small pueblo village on the banks of the Ancoa River. We follow the river to the foot of the Melado, which we cross at an altitude of about 1000 m, before beginning a steep descent. In the Melado Valley the animals are registered at a customs office. We are now travelling near the Argentinean border, and the registration of the animals is supposed to prevent the smuggle of cattle, horses, sheep and goats that flourishes in these parts. After that, we drive the animals up the valley, take a break along the river and talk to the local shepherds about the current alpine conditions. Once we have reached the Valle Grande and Magin Alto, our animals are left with the shepherds. The itinerary Day 1 Arrival in the Rari Valley during the course of the day; move into our accommodations; individual allocation of horses & gear. “Arriving – getting acquainted – finding one’s bearings” is the motto of the day. Day 2 We venture out on our first ride. We become familiar with our animals, get a first impression of the surroundings and the locals, receive information about the way of life in rural Chile and assist each other in preparing for next day’s departure. Day 3 – day 9 The livestock drive into the Andes. Day 10 and 11 Horseback excursions in the mountains: hunting, fishing, swimming – time for relaxation. Day 12 and 13 Return to the Rari Valley, with about 10-12 hours of riding per day. Day 14 Departure Returning on the 11th day is possible if you would like a day of recuperation in the Rari Valley prior to departure. Costs :per person : 1750 € Further information: – max. group size: 6 people – riding experience necessary – persons weighing more than 100 kg cannot participate – suitable for women as well as for men – min. participant age: 12 – Next cattle drive: Marz/April 2012

		Our cattle drive Our job basically consists of helping the driving crew. And since we are only assisting, we have the benefit of a slower pace whenever we feel the need for it. Around noon temperatures can rise above 30˚ C, so we usually take a 3-4 hour siesta, sparing us and the animals from unnecessary exertion in the heat. The main part of the work is done in the cooler morning and evening hours, which means that we usually rise around 5 a.m. Depending on the terrain and the size & condition of the herd, we then ride until evening, usually spending around 9-12 hours in the saddle. After the animals are fed and taken care of, we set up camp and cook supper with the huasos over an open campfire, and after sharing a few stories and laughs we crawl into our sleeping bags, exhausted yet content after a full day’s work.