Horse Riding in Patagonia

Why? 

Seeing Patagonia by horse is a great way to cover more ground and get off the beaten track. After all, a horse can take you through terrain which is impossible to reach by any other means.

Best time of year?

Horse riding is an activity most suited to the warm summer months between November to March. We are not aware of trips taking place outside season.

Do I need experience/training?

Although there are some trips where experience is not necessary (look for trips for ‘non riders’), due to the often demanding terrain and varied weather, most operators require customers to be strong intermediate to experienced riders who regularly horse ride at home. You’ll be spending between 2 – 7 hours per day in the saddle, so it’s important to have an idea of what this is like beforehand.

What is the terrain like?

Patagonian terrain is rich and varied. In the Lake District in the north, terrain tends to be lush and green and trips often contain lots of river crossings. Mid-Patagonia is mountainous with forests and lakes and in the South the terrain tends to be rougher and more remote.

Where?

The horse riding opportunities in Patagonia broadly fall into the following categories:

1. North:

The green Cochamó Valley in northern Chilean Patagonia is served by the major town of Puerto Montt, some 70 miles (2 hours) away. Also popular is the Bariloche Lake District in Argentinian Patagonia which is served by the town of Bariloche.

2. Middle:

Situated in Argentinian Patagonia and named after its numerous glaciers, Los Glaciares National Park is a great destination for horse riding. This national park is served in the north by El Chaltén (which has very basic facilities including one ATM machine, a few shops and a restaurant) and in the south by El Calafate.

This region is also home to Torres del Paine National Park (probably the most famous park in Patagonia), and is served by the town of Puerto Natales.

3. South:

Wild and remote, horse riding in southern Patagonia will take you stony beaches, cliffs and forests. The main city is Ushuaia, close to Tierra del Fuego National park and it is here that the wilderness of the terrain makes for some pretty adventurous horse riding. Tierra del Fuego National Park is situated at the tip of Patagonia - the last point before Antarctica.

I’ve heard about ‘estancias’, what exactly are they?

The word ‘estancia’ translates to 'ranch' and there are many large and small cattle ranches throughout Chile and Argentina. Lots of estancia owners have opened them up to guests to provide a warm and homely place to stay during your trip as well as offering lots of outdoor activities.

Can I combine horse riding with something else?

If you would like to spend a couple of days horse riding but the majority of time trekking, operators can offer you tailor-made trips or you can choose from a variety of multisport trips which include trekking, kayaking and horse riding. 

What type of horse?

Our operator partners generally use youngish horses with lots of energy and endurance. The Corralero is chosen for its hardiness, and the Chilean criollo for its calm temperament. Many operators use their own pack of horses and this means they can assign the right horse to the experienced or novice rider. As well as this, operators are dedicated to the welfare of their horses and some are taking part in initiatives such as the Bitless Bridle which is more comfortable for the horse.

Getting there

1. North:

There are regular internal flights from Buenos Aires to Bariloche airport. From there catch a bus to Bariloche town and then it’s a 35 minute ride to Bariloche Lake District. For horse riding in the Cochamó Valley, fly from Santiago or Buenos Aires to El Tepual aiport in Puerto Montt.

2. Middle:

For Los Glaciares National Park fly to El Calafate from Buenos Aires or Santiago and  take the bus to the park or for the very north of the park, take the 3 hour bus ride to the small town of El Chaltén.

To get to Torres del Paine National Park book a flight from Santiago, El Calafate or Buenos Aires to Punta Arenas where you can then make the 5-hour bus journey to the small town of Puerto Natales (closest to the park) and take the bus directly to the park.

3. South:

There are regular flights from El Calafate and Buenos Aires to Ushuaia airport. From Ushuaia airport take a taxi to Ushuaia town (there are no buses). You can then either take the boat to Tierra del Fuego or take the bus to Rio Grande and then on to Tierra del Fuego.