Horseback Riding Vacations in Argentina

The magic of a country with equestrian tradition

Argentina is a beautiful country located in South America; internationally well known for its natural landscapes, the great magnitude of its territory, its geographical and climatic variety and its culture.

Horse riding vacations in Argentina is a unique experience, which will allow you to know this country in a different way, accessing remote landscapes and enjoying nature. You will be able to cross valleys, gorges, mountains and rivers, at the same time you will be able to see wild animals such as guanacos, pumas, foxes, condors and hares, among others.

Argentina has a great equestrian tradition. For this reason, here you will find different providers of equestrian tourism, which will put at your disposal routes and paths for horseback travel from end to end in this country, from Patagonia to northern Argentina. Guided by experts, you will be able to enjoy unique and entertaining trips that will leave you unforgettable memories.

The Argentine gaucho

A horse riding getaway through Argentina will allow you to relive the strong bond that unites the horse with the gaucho, country man and inhabitant of the Pampas region; a strong cultural and tradition symbol in the country.

Such is the case that the gaucho’s traditions are still alive thanks to many gaucho federations and cultural centres that still preserve their traditions, practices and skills.

Also, the clothes of the gaucho do not go out of style. Poncho, boots, berets and baggy pants are still in use in Argentine folklore and have been redesigned by important clothing companies, so you can buy typical Argentine items of clothing in any shopping or artisan fair.

Some interesting facts about Argentina

Geography

The Argentine territory seems to contain several countries in one, since one of the characteristics of its geography is the contrast among the great diversity of its landscapes. Thus, the different places you can visit on horseback vary from La Quebrada de Humahuaca to Tierra del Fuego, better known as “World’s End”.

We can mention the following geographical areas:

• The Andean Mountains: which has the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, the Aconcagua of 6,959 meters. From Jujuy to Tierra del Fuego, this mountain range offers us a wonderful variety of landscapes, from desert and colourful valleys, gorges and hills to the north; to the lake’s region, forests and glaciers to the south.

• The Argentine Mesopotamian: between the Paraná River and the Uruguay River, where the provinces of Entre Ríos, Corrientes and Misiones are located. In Misiones you can visit the spectacular landscape of the Iguazu Falls.

• The Pampas region and the province of Córdoba: in the centre of the country, where we come across impressive mountain ranges

• The Atlantic coast: draws sinuous forms such as the Valdés Peninsula, where you can see marine animals such as penguins or sea lions

Whatever time of the year you choose to visit Argentina, you can find all the existing climates: temperate and humid in the Pampas flatlands, cold and humid in the west of Patagonia, subtropical in the northern part of Mesopotamia, and warm in the Northwest of the country.

Flora and Fauna

Going on horse riding holidays in Argentina will allow you to appreciate the diverse vegetation and fauna existing in the country. In the different regions, you can see tropical plants and grasses, several tree species, cactus in arid regions, among others.

Regarding wildlife, animals such as the tapir, the puma, the condor, the fox, the American ostrich, different bird species, and in the colder regions, the guanaco, the llama and the alpaca, can be spotted in a journey on horseback through the extensive territory of Argentina.

Argentine traditions

Each region of Argentina has something original to show, and each place is distinguished by its habits and traditions, its own local accent and slang, and its music. Apart from tango, other musical expressions such as gaucho folklore with its different styles, such as the zamba of Salta or the chacarera of Santiago del Estero, paint the culture of each region of the country.

For sports fans, this country is well known for its passion for football. However, it is also notable for Polo, and the national sport is the Pato, a horse game in which two teams try to introduce a ball with handles in a basket.

Argentina is also known for its estancias, full of tradition and history, located in unique places. Their designs are determined by the culture of the place where they are located. They stand out for their good cooking, their decoration and for the endless activities they offer, apart from horseback riding.

On your horse riding holidays in Argentina, you can enjoy the hospitality of its people and taste some typical dishes such as asado, (Argentinian-style barbecue), different empanadas (turnovers), locro (thick squash stew), humita or arrope (fruit syrup). We cannot forget about the Argentine wine, the national drink par excellence. The varieties in which Argentina stands out are Malbec in reds, from the province of Mendoza, and Torrontés in whites, from the province of Salta.

Horse riding holiday proposals in Argentina

The Argentine equestrian tourism tour operators that we will list below will give you the opportunity to have unforgettable horse riding holidays in Argentina, since they offer different options according to your time availability, preferences and needs.

There are several companies throughout the country that offer a variety of programs for horse riding holidays in Argentina.

Ampascachi Horse Riding Holidays

Ampascachi is an equestrian tourism company that started over 25 years ago with the breeding of Peruvian Paso Horses.

With them you can go riding through the north, centre and west of the country on the back of a Peruvian Paso horse, which will take you across rivers, through valleys and mountains, and through places in full contact with nature.

This company has a large logistics capacity, supported by two Equestrian Centres located in Córdoba and Salta, which allow it to house horses and equipment to do horse riding trails in the Central, North and Western region of Argentina.

It should be noted that all the equestrian programs offered by Ampascachi also have activities for those companions who do not ride, thus allowing both those who ride and those who do not to spend time together.

Travelling the north of Argentina with the help of this provider will allow you to discover different towns and places:

In the province of Salta, you can explore the Calchaquí Valley and the Lerma Valley, which have a captivating cultural and Andean landscape. These places keep many secrets, their pre-Columbian traditions are still intact and many native peoples that live there will share their art and culture with you. The Calchaquí Valley also offers its high quality wines produced in high-altitude vineyards and the charm of towns such as Cafayate and Cachi.

In Salta, you can be amazed by the monumental Cardons (a species of cactus) and the red earth, and when the sun goes down, the stars will turn the sky into a spectacular scenario, which is worth observing. During the trip, you will also meet the puesteros (stall holders) and witness the way of life in the mountains.

In the province of Jujuy, Ampascachi will take you to explore La Quebrada de Humahuaca, passing through Purmamarca, with its hill of Seven Colours, to reach Tilcara, a town that still keeps its ancestral customs.

From the centre of the country, in the province of Córdoba, we will be able to see the different places where the Jesuits left their imprint, such as schools, universities, and estancias, some of them declared Historical Heritage of Humanity.

In Córdoba, you can stay at Estancia Haras Ampascachi, whose colonial beauty is still preserved. There you can participate in various equestrian activities related to livestock handling and nature, or just ride the many trails through the impressive Traslasierra Valley.

Ampascachi Horse Riding Holidays also offers the possibility of adding more destinations to the trip you choose, for example the gaucho Argentine Pampas region and the city of Buenos Aires, the most cosmopolitan city in Latin America.

In the province of Mendoza, in the western part of Argentina, Ampascachi offers an epic route, "The Crossing of the Andes from Argentina to Chile". During the tour, you will enjoy snow-capped mountains, valleys, rivers and spectacular waterfalls, framed by the highest mountains of America: Mount Mercedario (6,770 m) and Mount Aconcagua (6,959 m), the highest peak on the continent, covered with glaciers and eternal snows. We travel with "Argentine gauchos" and "Chilean huasos", discovering their typical customs and muleteer traditions.

Estancia Los Potreros

This Estancia is located in Sierras Chicas, the heart of the province of Cordoba. The 2,000-hectare Estancia has been the property of the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations.

Your hosts, Kevin and Louisa Begg offer you unforgettable horse riding holidays in the Mediterranean region of Argentina, with the possibility to practice bird watching, explore trails, enjoy the local culture or taste some Malbec while relaxing in the middle of the oldest mountain system in South America, between the Pampas and the Andes.

This ranch is known for its exceptional horses, all bred in the ranch. These horses are trained to ride with the “gaucho riding style”, in a relaxed manner with loose reins.

While the main activity is horse riding, many other activities are possible: polo, golf and visits to the Jesuit estancias in the surroundings.

Estancia Huenchahue

The Estancia Huenchahue provider offers tourist and equestrian services, as well as the opportunity to learn about the traditions of Patagonia through the various horse riding programs you can choose from according to your preferences.

The beautiful Argentine Patagonia has movie landscapes. You can go through forests, lakes, and glimpse the magnificent Andean Mountains. With a dry climate and scarce population, this is an ideal place to go horseback riding amidst its large green spaces.

Estancia Huechahue also invites you to watch condors and eagles, learn how to cook a good Argentine barbecue (Asado), and visit the Indian reserve, where you can share cultural expressions such as textiles and make good friends.

Estancia La Rosita

La Rosita is a traditional and authentic Argentine estancia, located in the south of the province of Corrientes, in the Argentine Mesopotamian region.

This Estancia offers horseback rides that are suitable for each guest, who can choose the duration, the landscape and the riding pace that they want. Also, you can participate in rural tasks or take Polo lessons since in La Rosita you will provided with everything you need to take such lessons, including the saddle, helmet, gloves and mallets.

Among its various offers, there is one that stands out, “4 Estancias Horse Riding”, a horseback ride through four estancias in Argentina, with a duration of five days. During the journey, you will be able to see capybaras, alligators, rheas, and a variety of birds. The Estancias included in the tour are: Estancia La Rosita, Estancia La Amistad – where you will enjoy a massage session – in the Estancia Buena Vista you cannot miss visiting the surroundings of the estancia’s farmhouse, and finally, you will arrive at Estancia La Pelada where you will have an unbeatable view of the Corriente River.

Cabalgatas del Alma

This family-run company is devoted to promoting the culture of Alto Valle de Tunuyán in the province of Mendoza.

Cabalgatas del Alma was conceived for the purpose of sharing their experience and knowledge of the Andes crossing, a journey that gathers Argentine history, gastronomy in the region of Cuyo, the best wines, and excellent horses born and bred in these mountains.

"The Andes crossing on horseback" takes a week, among the mountains of the Uco Valley. The trip includes full board, transfer from the city of Mendoza to Tunuyán and back to Mendoza, specialised guides, fully-equipped horses, among others.

This company also offers shorter itineraries, according to the level of experience of each rider. There are three-hour and full-day horse riding tours, or you can choose the three-day tour of High Altitude riding where you can see the Historical Apple Tree, where General San Martín stopped when he returned from the liberating campaign, and you will be able to see Mount Punta Negra with its 3,500 meters above sea level, waterfalls and the Andean massif in its splendour.

Fin del Mundo Equestrian Centre

For over 26 years, this family business has been offering Argentines and foreigners the opportunity to enjoy the experience of horse riding at the End of the World and discover the beautiful lands of southern Argentina, full of paths and perspectives beyond imagination.

The Equestrian Centre offers three types of horse riding tours where you can enjoy the beauty of Ushuaia, and visit Nothofagus forests, panoramic viewpoints from Mount Susana, ride along the Beagle Channel coast and the Pipo River. These tours last between four and seven hours and have expert rider guides who will accompany you in this experience.

However, the most attractive riding tour they offer is the visit to the Mitre Peninsula, an expedition where you will spend ten days riding through the most biodiverse place of Tierra del Fuego, visiting mythical sites, shipwrecks, stunning landscapes and countless examples of flora and fauna.

Argentina offers dazzling landscapes and a culture worth knowing. Horse riding along this country leaves us with one-of-a-kind experiences.

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling the world on horseback?

Argentina is a country with a long-standing tradition of horses. Exploring the country on horseback is something unique – a highly recommended experience. In our eBook "Discover Argentina, the Land of the Gaucho, on Horseback" you will find our options to enjoy Argentina on horseback.