Ride off into the sunset together (and herd some Buffalo While you’re at it!)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.
The Honeymoon on Horseback: Zapata Ranch Colorado US Photo Gallery
Tis is a cowgirl’s dream – but there’s no wash bucket here; in fact, in the honeymoon cabin you’ll fnd 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 frst time, Kate Matheson, the British rancher and manager, can curate your perfect trip. Less-experienced ridersor complete beginners can choose to hike along mountain trails to a nearby waterfall, or explore the otherworldly phenomenon of Great Sand Dunes National Park. (Tough you may soon be galloping through those dunes like the most experienced horseman.)
Tose keen to fex their equestrian muscles can get involved as much as they like – saddling the horses as the sun rises, and, afer a hearty American breakfast, riding out to herd hundreds of cattle across the spectacular ranchland. Afer 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. Te 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 campfre. If you’re really lucky, the ranch’s mascot, a baby bison called Gordon, might even join you. Three nights cost from £760 per person, including all meals, lodging and ranch activities;The backpacking honeymoon:
The Andesa Week of Walking Where Champagne and Ceviche are oblıgatoryTis 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 fats (complete with focks of famingos). And afer a hard day’s walking, the lodge is like a luxury ski chalet (snow optional) with outdoor heated pools, fne Chilean wine and gourmet food. Te trek itself begins with a drive up into the highest passes of the Andes, with stopsto 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. Afer crossing into Argentina, the arid landscape changes into one of pastures and lush valleys. Te night spent under canvas is comfortable, with a fve-star bathroom and cosy hut for dining. Te next two nights are spent in a traditional fnca 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. Te journey ends in the country’s buzzing Buenos Aires, which ofers some of the best nightlife anywhere in the world. Cazenove+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.
