Frequently Asked Questions

Our programs are adapted to all levels, from inexperienced people who want to take their first steps in horseback riding to horseback journeys designed for the most experienced riders.

We rate the recommended experience level in each program as follows:

• Novice: a person who has never ridden a horse but wants to learn how to ride and participate in a riding trail with us.
• Beginner: a rider who feels comfortable at a walk, but has trouble galloping. He is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, and can use basic aids.
• Intermediate: a rider who has a firm seat but does not ride regularly. He is confident and in control at all paces for an extended period of time.
• Advanced: a rider who meets all the above conditions, plus an independent seat and soft hands.

The Ampascachi staff will help you assess whether your fitness level and riding skills meet the demands of the program you've chosen.

We will also help you choose the Peruvian horse that will accompany you during your vacation according to your level.

Our programs are designed to spend 4 to 5 hours a day in the saddle – rest stops, lunch and other short breaks not included.

In any case, we will always be attentive to the dynamics and needs of each group to adapt the pace of the ride accordingly.

For a horse riding holiday, you must be in good health and should not weigh more than 95 kilograms, riding gear included.

If you exceed this weight limit but have good physical condition, we will recommend switching horses so they can rest in some legs of the journey if necessary. In this way, we look after the well-being of our guests and our horses.

If you want to prepare before the ride, we suggest aerobic and strength exercises based on your age and medical recommendation to improve your cardiopulmonary capacity and resistance.

During the trip, it is important that you eat a balanced diet and always stay well hydrated.

TWe recommend that you consult with your doctor before the trip.

If you have any physical conditions or need special medical care, please let us know when making your reservation so that we can provide you with the necessary advice and attention.

We offer different programs which vary according to the riding abilities of our guests, the region they want to visit and the possibility to combine horseback riding with traditional tourism.

On our website, you can find detailed information about each program and choose the one that suits your preferences. If you prefer, you can customize your trip by combining our different destinations.

Basically, you will find 3 types of horse riding experiences:

• Estancia: a centre-based program in which you can unpack your suitcases, settle into your room and take daily rides and activities from the estancia. This type of holiday allows for a relaxing stay, in which you can combine equestrian activities with our facilities (swimming pool, tennis court, etc.) in an exceptional natural setting.
• Learning: this type of program is intended for people who have never ridden before or have little riding experience and want to build confidence and feel more comfortable as riders. Our expert horsemen will give you practical lessons and the necessary theoretical support for you to enjoy your riding vacations.
• Horseback journey: pack-trips on the back of a Peruvian horse to explore the spectacular landscapes of Argentina. This program includes different types of accommodation, such as campsites, estancias, cottages or top-notch hotels, according to the program you choose.

You must bring the same valid ID or passport as you need to enter Argentina.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory and must cover all the equestrian activities as indicated in the program you have booked.

Travel insurance is the responsibility of and at the discretion of the participant. It must cover the entire length of your trip.

We suggest that you check the activities you will partake in and carefully read the coverage policy of your insurance to make sure you are fully covered. If you have any questions, please check with your insurance company.

At Ampascachi, we reserve the right to cancel your booking if your travel insurance is inadequate.

You only need to bring your usual medication, if you take any, and moisturizer or after-sun lotions if you use them. We will provide you with sunscreen and we have a complete first-aid kit if necessary.

If you are allergic to a particular medication or food, please let us know when you book your trip.

Our saddles are specially designed to guarantee both your comfort and that of the horse during the horseback riding activities, so we provide all the equipment you need.

If you prefer to bring your own saddle, our guide will have to approve its use before the tour.

Considering the differences in temperature between day and night, we recommend:

• Wearing comfortable clothes that allow for freedom of movement. Shirts offer better sun protection than T-shirts.
• Layering your clothes. Fleece or other synthetic materials are preferred over wool or cotton because they are much lighter.
• Wearing rubber-soled trainers that are suitable for outdoor activities and preferably already used to avoid rubbing or blisters.
• Avoiding too much baggage or unnecessary items. You can only carry what is necessary in the saddlebags of the horse.

In addition, when you book your program we will send you a list to guide you when packing your suitcases.

You don't need to worry about the rest. At Ampascachi, we have all the necessary riding and camping equipment, and we offer toiletries.

Follow the airline's guidelines regarding your hand and checked baggage, allowed weight and permitted items.

Normally, suitcases should not weigh more than 20 kilograms. However, you can split your belongings into two cases weighing less than 15 kg for easy handling.

Our logistics team will be in charge of transporting your luggage throughout the trip, from the moment we pick you up at the airport. And during the rides, you can leave part of your luggage for storage at our equestrian centres, but be aware that Ampascachi will not be responsible for the contents.

For your convenience, we offer laundry service at our Haras Ampascachi equestrian centre and in some of our handpicked accommodations.

This service is not included in the price.

Depending on the chosen program, we will pick you up at the corresponding airport and take care of all transfers during your stay with Ampascachi until the moment you take your flight back home.

According to your chosen program, there are different types of accommodation: hotels, estancias, cottages, mountain cabins or camps in natural areas, which are set up by our logistics team.

We have handpicked this accommodation network paying special attention to facilities and services to guarantee the quality and excellence that sets our programs apart. If you want to learn more about each of them, they are described on this webpage.

On the other hand, our campsites have everything you need to spend a comfortable night in contact with nature: personal sleeping bags on a tent cot with mat, bell end where you can keep your personal belongings and a tent with shower and chemical toilet.

At the moment of booking, you can specify your accommodation preferences. You may prefer a single room or may be willing to share a room with another guest during the trip.

Our programs include all meals and drinks.

During the trips, we offer hearty and balanced meals in accordance with our activities. Expect traditional Argentine recipes and plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.

If you have food allergies or require a special diet (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc.), please let us know when booking and we will prepare a special menu according to your needs

When we are out riding in the mountains or in the backcountry, there are no toilets available.

However, at our campsites we have chemical toilets and enough water for personal hygiene needs.

Although active tourism activities involve certain inherent risks, our safety record is excellent.

EWe are proud of our professional staff and qualified mountain guides, who have broad experience and know these areas perfectly well. Everyone has an in-depth knowledge of the terrain you will ride in and they love what they do.

We have a satellite telephone and mobile phones for medical emergencies only. If you wish, we may share these phone numbers with your family so they can contact you in case of emergency.

In all these years, we have never had dropouts.

But if a participant doesn’t want to complete the trip, it would not be possible to cancel the trip for one person, as this would affect the logistics and organization of the rest of the group.

Therefore, you must be sure before you embark on a ride. In any case, our staff will always be willing to help you with whatever you may need.

We are prepared for any unforeseen circumstances or mishaps. We have a first aid kit, a contingency plan for each route and satellite phones for communication in such situations.

First of all, we ask you to act responsibly, follow the instructions of our guides and wear a riding helmet.

EThe weather in Argentina can vary greatly given its vast territory.

However, our programs take place in central and northern Argentina, where the climate is dry and suitable for horse riding activities.

There may be isolated storms, but in that case, we have raincoats for each participant.

Our riding programs take place mainly in two areas of Argentina: the central and the northern part of the country. In both regions, the scenery and the terrain are very different.

On our trips in the province of Córdoba, in central Argentina, there are hills, valleys, mountains, lakes and rivers. In Salta and Jujuy, in the north of the country, the landscapes are filled with many different colours and the rugged terrain seems to merge with the Andes.

Of course you can travel alone.

You can join one of our group trips, come with your own group (family or friends) or ride alone, as you prefer.

Although we offer group discount pricing, there is no minimum number of participants required. This allows you to plan your holiday in advance, regardless of how many people have booked.

We offer special booking discounts for groups of 4 - 5 people, and for groups of 6 people or more.

Anyone over thee age of 16 can participate in our equestrian journeys. Also children between the ages of 12 and 15, if they are accompanied by their parents, guardians or a responsible adult.

Families with younger children can also opt for our programs for companions, but note that children should always be supervised by at least one adult.

In this case, your partner or friend can join our programs for companions, designed for people who want to live this experience without riding.

The planned itineraries combine rural and traditional tourism, and there are several meeting points where riders and non-riders can share some activities.

These companion programs are only available in combination with horseback trips; they are not sold separatel.

Ampascachi also offers the possibility of joining our programs for beginners where your companion can gain riding experience and learn new skills.

Depending on the type of booking you've made, your fellow riders may be your friend, your family members or other people who joined your same group, in case of a shared trip.

Therefore, groups can be heterogeneous and multicultural, with an age range between 16 and 75. However, they will all have something in common with you - traveling, horses and nature.

Our expert guides are part of the Ampascachi team and they all have broad professional experience. Your safety is their top priority and they’ll do their best to ensure you enjoy an unforgettable experience.

For any of our programs, you must make reservations at least 30 days in advance.

Once you have chosen the program that is right for you, a down payment of € 200 is required in order to make the reservation.

The balance is payable 30 days before your scheduled program starts.

Payments can be made by bank transfer, credit/debit card or PayPal.

We have designed our programs taking into account all the necessary aspects so that you can focus on enjoying your holidays. We'll take care of the rest.

From your arrival in Argentina to the moment you go back home, we will provide you with all the necessary services to make your trip a wonderful and unforgettable experience.

All transfers are included in the price of the program you booked.

International round-trip flights are not included. You must book them yourself to arrive from your place of origin to the start point, and to fly out from the end point of your program.

Although we have taken all the necessary steps to hold our prices steady, they may occasionally vary. We recommend that you check the prices when booking.

No! But if you want, you can bring extra money to buy souvenirs or personal items.

We take care of the rest.

No. On Ampascachi trips, gratuities are not required.

Yes, you can customize your trip according to your preferences, including our horse riding holidays and/or other activities. Find all the booking details in the customized programs section and fill out the form to request a quote.