Gauchos, Huasos and Arrieros

The pueblo of Futaleufu has a unique equestrian culture that stemmed from the early pioneers of the Futaleufu Valley. Because of the harsh terrain the founding of the pueblo occurred only seventy years ago and it marked the beginning of recorded human history in the region. The Chileans who eventually made this area home migrated from the Lakes District via Argentina. . During the ensuing decades the only contact of these nationals had with civilization was by way of the Argentine border towns. Until the road was built in the early seventies the economy of Futaleufu was largely dependent on Argentina. The early economy was based on trade and the currency most in use, when it could be had, was the Argentine peso. A system of barter enable the inhabitants to purchase the essentials of life, such as: flour, sugar, and kerosene oil. Because of the strong ties with Argentina the inhabitants became deeply influenced by the equestrian culture of the estancia (large estate ranches) in their manner of dressing and speaking. The cuisine also tended to mirror that of Argentina, dishes prepared over an open fire like the asado (lamb) and nandu (a native turkey like bird) are still local favorites. The clothes of the Argentine gaucho are still the preferred form of dress for working in the open fields. In this region of Patagonia the horse is still the most efficient and versatile way to travel. In this remote and rugged landscape vehicles are a rarity and the horse is still the most reliable for of transportation.



Located along the border between Argentina and Chile, the pueblo of Futaleufu is at the epicenter of equestrian culture of these two countries. On the Argentine side is the dry Patagonia steppe associated with the Gaucho, with its wide open Pampas and the traditional Estancia culture. Traveling west we encounter the Andean passes and temperate rainforests populated by the Chilean Huasos, and Arrieros.

In Argentina the term gaucho has become synonymous for cowboys, but originally it meant vagabond: those who roamed the Pampas working cattle, with no home or belongings other than what they carried on horseback. Their dress consisted of a woolen poncho, neck fastened bandana, pleated trousers and long leather boots. They invented the asado (cooking over an open fire) because of the inability to preserve meat on the wide open plains. Originally the gauchos were at the bottom of Argentine society but because of their excellent horsemanship and military aptitude the gaucho became a respected man in society. Eventually the gaucho way of life was romanticized by such poets as, José Hernández.

In Chile the gaucho became the huaso; the skilled horseman who worked the vast herds on the cattle on the Chilean plains. They became experts at rounding up and corralling stray animals; this expertise is reflected in their rodeos which are held in media lunas (half circle arenas) resembling corrals. In the early nineteen sixties the rodeo was declared the national sport of Chile and media lunas and competitions have sprung up all over the country. Right out side the Pueblo of Futaleufu is media luna which hosts a rodeo competition in February each year. If you vist us at the right time you just might get to experience a genuine huaso rodeo.
The huaso dress is a little more stylish than their gaucho counterparts. For rodeos you will find them donning brightly colored ponchos and sashes with finely detailed stirrups and tack. Where the gauchos sometimes favored the beret the hauso prefers a broad rimmed hat, typical of the American west. Their daily dress is a toned down version of their rodeo attire: leather vest, hat, work boots and an earth tone poncho.



The Huasos like the Gauchos have a legendary place in the folklore of the region. The Huaso is always a regular part of Chilean fiestas, parades, holidays and celebrations. He is been immortalized like the Gaucho in songs and stories.

In the Futaleufu region, the ruggedness of the mountains calls for a different type of horseman. Here we also run into the Arrieros; often described as the mountain counterpart to the Huaso and Gaucho, but this description is not entirely accurate. In addition to cattle drivers the arrieros were also involved in commerce through the rugged Andes mountains. Their skill at negotiating alpine terrain led them to lead multiple purpose lives, instead of just serving as ranch hands they helped established the trade routes through the mountains.

On a horseback riding vacation with us your guides will be direct descendents of the Hauso and Arrieros who initially colonized the Futaleufu valley. When not serving as guides for Expediciones Chile these men go back to their farms an work the land just as their forefathers did. There is little difference between the Hausos of today and those of a hundred years ago. While some modern conveniences have percolated into the valley life here on many of the rural remains much as it was many decades ago. With Expediciones Chile you will get to experience the last of this cowboy culture.


Downloadable pdf: Chile Horseback Riding