Patagonia as a horse riding destination

By: Virginia Imberti Posted: 13/09/2019

Horse riding destinations in Patagonia

In Argentinian Patagonia there are many outstanding places to go horse riding. One of them is the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is one of the most important natural wonders of Argentina, in the Patagonian ice field, in Los Glaciares National Park, which is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

Another one is San Martín de los Andes with its beautiful lakes, near the city of Bariloche. And the third one is Estancia Huechahue in the Junín de los Andes area, where you can visit the Tehuelche’ caves, the former indigenous people, or the landscapes of the Patagonian cliffs.

All these places will let you discover the beauty of Patagonia on horseback and get close to its local culture.

If you are a fan of horse riding holidays, take notice of these tours and visit Patagonia once you set foot on Argentinian land!

Riding near the Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier is a huge ice formation located in the Lago Argentino department of the Santa Cruz province, in the south west of Argentina, in the Patagonia region.

Accommodation in a typical estancia of the Argentinian Patagonia and the opportunity of contemplating this magnificent glacier while riding are services offered by “Cabalgatas del Glaciar”, an equestrian tourism provider.

Undoubtedly, this provider’s biggest achievement is combining the stay in the Patagonian Estancia “Lago Roca” and, at the same time, a wide range of horse riding tours for guests. Therefore, enthusiasts of horse riding holidays can also find an exclusive way of discovering this part of the Argentinian Patagonia.

But that’s not all. Since in this region of the Argentinian Patagonia some estancias still carry out their rural activities, guests can spend a whole day not only riding but also herding cattle, tasting some traditional Argentinian dishes and being in contact with flocks of sheep.

Requirements for horse riding tours organized by “Cabalgatas del Glaciar”

In order to participate in the equestrian activities proposed by “Cabalgatas del Glaciar”, it is not necessary to have any previous experience. The return transfer from El Calafate to Estancia Lago Roca (one hour’s drive along Provincial Route 15) is included. All meals, drinks, riding chaps, raincoats and insurance are also included. Sleeping bags are not included in the tours (you can hire them in El Calafate).

“Cabalgatas del Glaciar” offers three interesting horse riding options

1. A two-day and one-night tour near the border with Chile

Departure takes place between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. At the beginning of the tour, riders have the possibility of contemplating one of the best views of the Perito Moreno Glacier. After that, they will go along the Chico River until they get to the lenga woods, wading across creeks and “mallines” (typical Patagonian wetlands).

Finally, they will reach Puesto La Rosada, only 300 meters away from the border. This is a mountain shelter where they will camp and enjoy a traditional dinner. On the following day, on the way back and if weather allows, they will witness the dreamy panoramic views of the Paine Mountain Range and the Southern Arm of Lake Argentino. They will arrive at the estancia at 6:00 p.m. and, one hour later, at El Calafate.

In the case of tours that last more than two days, please see the itineraries in the web site. For this programme, you are provided with chaps, saddle bags, comfortable saddles, saddle covers and 2-person tents.

2. Riding tour in Lake Roca, one-day activity

This excursion starts in El Calafate at 8:30 a.m. Our first destination is the main viewpoint, where you can enjoy some panoramic views of the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Lake Roca, Moreno Hill, the Southern Arm, Frías Hill, the Magallanes Peninsula and the Camiseta River Valley. e next stop will be Los Ñires campsite, after skirting the Los Cristales mountain range. After a 2-hour break, which includes lunch, you will go back to the estancia.

3. 2-day and 1-night riding tour to Los Ñires Campsite

This programme is exactly the same as the previous one. The only difference is the stay at Los Ñires Campsite. You will spend the night in a mountain shelter with heating. On the following day, the tour will continue to the estancia Lago Roca. You will be back in El Calafate at 2 p.m.

In this part of Southern Argentina you can ride your horse quite freely since there are not continuous wire fences. Another thing that may also call your attention is the fact that you will come across very few people.

Be part of this experience that combines one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the country and the opportunity of discovering dreamy landscapes on horseback. http://cabalgatasdelglaciar.com/

/ Photos: from www.facebook.com/CabalgatasdelGlaciar and from their web cabalgatasdelglaciar.com /

Riding through the woods of San Martín de los Andes

North of El Calafate, near Bariloche, there is a small town called “San Martin de los Andes”. This is the Lanin National Park area where, besides the Lanin Volcano, you can find lakes, glaciers, native nothofagus forests, clear water rivers where trout fishing is a popular activity, and a great variety of birds such as condors, geese, bustards, woodpeckers and many others. Not far from there, in the steppe, there are guanacos, pumas, rheas and deer.

It is there where Yvonne Corbett and Raúl Pizales organize the activity of equestrian tourism, welcoming guests from all over the world. Their passion for horses brought them together eight years ago, and today they share the same interest – making their guests happy. That is why Corbett Rides’ motto is “Fulfilling people’s dream of discovering the mountains”.

For that reason, they offer three riding options

Day rides, half-day or full-day rides, and long rides. The season goes from October to late April. These day rides are short and last approximately three hours per day. The main goal here is to visit a small portion of this region, so riders can see Lolog Lake, ride through pine and indigenous forests with lookout points to admire the lake and the mountains. During day rides you can enjoy a delicious clay-oven meal which includes meat and vegetables.

Another option is a full-day ride, of 6 hours, where we ride through forests and gorges, and enjoy the views of the lakes and nature. We take a picnic lunch with cold meats, cheese, homemade bread and dessert.

Long rides are suitable for all levels of riders. The full programme lasts six days and five nights. Departure dates can be arranged. During this ride, the lodging is in cabins and tents. In this option, tourists can ride into the indigenous woods of San Martin de los Andes and learn about the different tree and flower species and birds of Patagonia.

A ride to Pucón, a Chilean town, can also be arranged. The ride starts during the day and we return at night to a hotel or a cabin, and guests can continue with their trip around Chile or go back to Argentina.

Don´t miss Yvonne and Raúl’s innovative offer! http://corbettrides.com/

/ Photos: by Yvonne Corbett /

Estancia Huechahue in Junín de los Andes

From Chapelco Airport, with transfer services, you can reach one of Argentina’s most renowned estancias, Huechahue.

Limitless space

If you choose to ride in Huechahue, you will have the possibility of riding across one of Argentina’s widest and most open spaces For those riders who enjoy gallop, this is the right place.

The ranch has thousands of acres for riding and it offers different working cattle activities such as herding cattle or lassoing an animal, a really challenging experience. The owners’ goal is that everyone gets involved with the Argentinian gaucho’s way of life.

Huechahue also cares about environment and remains self-sufficient all year round. Most of the food that you will taste is produced on the estancia.

Some other interesting activities

If you are keen on photography or bird watching, you will have the possibility to observe eagles and Andean condors.

Another interesting activity is visiting the lndian caves, with paintings made by the indigenous people.

Let’s ride!

The ranch is home to about 50 horses, which are criollo crosses, part Anglo-Norman. They can ride up to 15.5 kilometres in an hour and the riding is similar to Western style. Our guides will advise you on which type of horse would be a good match for you.

They offer 8-day riding programmes, which include a visit to Chenque Hill, the Tehuelches’ burial caves and the Patagonian cliffs.

The cultural exchange with the members of the neighbouring Indian reservation, near Huechahue, is a very touching experience. Here you can also witness how they work with leather to make muzzles.

One day is devoted to riding around the Estancia. A perfect moment to spot guanaco, deer, wild boar and armadillos.

In short, Estancia Huechahue is a Patagonian horse riding destination that combines nature, tradition and culture, and lots of fun, too.

Huechahue is a classic destination, which provides tourists with everything they want to see in Argentina. You can find more information about this offer in www.huechahue.com.

/ Photos: from huechahue.com /

Do you like Argentina as your next horse riding holiday destination?

We encourage you to download the catalog of our horseback riding tours in Northern, Central and Western Argentina. Discover Argentina on the back of a Peruvian horse and with our team of equestrian tourism experts.

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