Our guides are men who were brought up in these mountains, like the horses. Known as arrieros when working, they know the cordillera well from years of experience, and have the same foot sureness and ability to take a safe route as do the horses. Their primary education has been the mountain and its behaviour and secrets. They respect the cordillera de los Andes and they also love it. Inevitably riding on horseback in a mountain range has its dangers, but with much care and good guidance these can be avoided. The photos below are of the two chief guides, Octavio and Alejandro. We have also included some pictures of them kitted up as huasos to ride in a rodeo – a favourite sport in these parts.
Resting on a ride with El Morado peak in the background, cousins Rigo and Octavio
Above, the guides, or arrieros, working with tourists on a 7 day horse ride in the mountains near Bano Morales.
Sharing a beer with a client, Rigo & Octavio on top of the mountain
Below, riding in a local rodeo. Here, they call themselves ‘huasos’.
Octavio with son Cristobal in a rodeo
Rigo and his son Angelo leading the champion parade in the rodeo of El Toyo. If you are an experienced rider you can enjoy riding these same horses on our trips
