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 these two activities and discover a traditional way of life and untouched natural wonders off the beaten track. Get to know the cowboys - called arrieros in this region ("those who herd livestock") - and their authentic micro-culture that they have preserved due to isolation and marginalization. Combining horse-back riding and hiking will allow you to overcome difficult stretches on horseback and go beyond possible physical restraints.

Day 1: Talca - Casa Chueca
A transfer from Talca train or bus station will take us to the guest house Casa Chueca, located on the 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 over night stay at Casa Chueca. (D)

Day 2: Refugio Rabones
In another transfer we will arrive at Rari, a small village south-east of Talca and learn about crafts produced from horsehair unique to this region. Afterwards, we will meet our cowboy guides who will acquaint us with 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 used 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 the 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 and past clean rivers and jagged mountains to leave the Rabones Valley.

Through a thick Southern beech tree forest on the upper part of the road, we will arrive at the settlement Roblería on the Río Ancoa. Our accommodation for the night will be the Melado Refuge, a name that clearly is an understatement. In spite of its remote location in untouched forests, 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
We will reach our final destination today, the Melado Valley. On a spectacular path over a pass at 2,000 m / 6,562 ft we will enter the valley and reach the Lamalodge, a simple and 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 the 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 the Casa Chueca, where we will arrive at noon and 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)