Brides UK

Set among groves

of cottonwood trees,

this ranch has bags

of rustic charm

Cosy up in your

own log cabin

Travel

is is a trip of a lifetime – a chance to

travel through some of the most remote

places on earth. With the Explora lodge as

your base, the experience starts with four

days of acclimatising treks among the

surreal lunar landscapes around San Pedro

de Atacama in northern Chile.

Destinations include soothing bubbling

geysers that release jets of hissing steam,

valleys of red rocks between smouldering

volcanoes, and immense salt ats (complete

with ocks of amingos). And aer a hard

day’s walking, the lodge is like a luxury ski

chalet (snow optional) with outdoor heated

pools, ne Chilean wine and gourmet food.

e trek itself begins with a drive up into

the highest passes of the Andes, with stops

The backpacking

honeymoon: The Andes

A WEEK OF WALKING WHERE

CHAMPAGNE AND CEVICHE

ARE OBLIGATORY

The honeymoon on

horseback: Zapata

Ranch, Colorado, US

RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET

TOGETHER AND HERD SOME

BUFFALO WHILE YOU’RE AT IT!

or complete beginners can choose to hike

along mountain trails to a nearby waterfall,

or explore the otherworldly phenomenon of

Great Sand Dunes National Park. (ough

you may soon be galloping through those

dunes like the most experienced horseman.)

ose keen to ex their equestrian

muscles can get involved as much as they

like – saddling the horses as the sun rises,

and, aer a hearty American breakfast,

riding out to herd hundreds of cattle across

the spectacular ranchland.

Aer an exhilarating day, relax with

a glass of wine and a delicious meal of

slow-cooked bison; vegetarians are also

excellently catered for, plus those with

complex dietary needs. e gluten-free

pancakes are a must! And, as night falls,

watch shooting stars from the comfort of

the outdoor hot tub, or join a cowboy and

his guitar, to sing songs with your fellow

guests around the campre. If you’re really

lucky, the ranch’s mascot, a baby bison

called Gordon, might even join you.

OThree nights cost from £760 per person,

including all meals, lodging and ranch

activities; zranch.org

Zapata Ranch looks out on to the plains

of Colorado’s high desert, and behind it

the snow-capped mountains watch over

you through the window of your warm

log cabin. is is a cowgirl’s dream – but

there’s no wash bucket here; in fact, in

the honeymoon cabin you’ll nd a bottle

of chilled champagne awaiting your

arrival and even a roll-top bath.

Your stay is tailor-made for you;

whether you’re an experienced rider or

it’s your rst time, Kate Matheson, the

British rancher and manager, can curate

your perfect trip. Less-experienced riders

to walk over the most spectacular parts.

Luckily, your luggage stays behind and is

waiting for you at the end, along with a glass

of champagne and a sumptuous picnic.

Aer crossing into Argentina, the arid

landscape changes into one of pastures and

lush valleys. e night spent under canvas

is comfortable, with a ve-star bathroom

and cosy hut for dining. e next two nights

are spent in a traditional nca farmhouse

with stylish interiors and barbecued meals

of melt-in-the mouth steaks. From here

there are day treks through forests of cacti

and colonial Hispanic hill towns, before a

descent to the charming provincial capital

of Salta. e journey ends in the country’s

buzzing Buenos Aires, which oers some of

the best nightlife anywhere in the world.

OCazenove+Loyd (cazloyd.com) offers four

nights at Explora de Atacama, one night at

La Quesera campsite, two nights at La

Finca Rancagua, full board, and a night at

La Faena in Buenos Aires, from £2,567 per

person. Includes flights^

PHOTOGRAPHS: FOLIO-ID, ISTOCKPHOTO.COM, GETTY IMAGES, CHRIS CALDICOTT

Make like a cowgirl

by galloping over

the desert plains

The remedy for a hard day’s

walking? An outdoor swim

at the Explora, of course

Enjoy eclectic

elegance at

La Faena