Horseback Riding Vacations in Chile

Chile: a land of extremes at the End of the World

Chile is, above all, an Andean country. Stretching over almost 4,270 km from north to south, its territory has an average width of about 200 km.

From East to West there are 4 types of relief:

• The Andes Mountains: this mountain range extends almost the length of the entire country, from North to South. The snow-capped peaks are its most outstanding feature, with heights of over 6,000 meters.
• The Intermediate Depression: a narrow strip of open plains between the Andes and the coastal ranges.
• The Coastal Cordillera: these mountains are lower than the Andes and they form a ridge between the Intermediate Depression and the Pacific coast.
• The Coastal Plains: a series of discontinuous coastal plains between the sea and the Coastal Cordillera.

If we look at the map of Chile from North to South, we will see how the landscapes change radically, a wide range that includes deserts, mountains, lakes and, in the southern part of the country, glaciers.

From north to south, Chile has 5 natural geographic regions:

• Norte Grande: this is the northernmost region of the country, mainly covered by the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world.
• Norte Chico: it is a semi-arid area, dotted with some fertile valleys.
• Central Chile: thanks to its Mediterranean climate, this very fertile region is where 75% of the population lives. Here we can find the country's capital, Santiago, and the city of Valparaiso, with its important port.
• The Lake Region: with a temperate oceanic climate, it is covered with forests and meadows.
• Patagonia and Tierra de Fuego: this is the southernmost area of the country; its climate is extreme, especially in Cape Horn, where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans meet.

Chile is characterized by a labyrinth of archipelagos, islands, channels and fjords. Most of them are located in the Strait of Magellan and along the length of Patagonia.

In the middle of the sea, we find the Polynesian Easter Island, of volcanic origin. The gigantic moáis, wdescendants of a mysterious culture, greet visitors.

In Chile, there is a flowering desert; there are condors up in the Andes and blue whales that reign in the sea.

According to UNESCO, 10 world biosphere reserves are located in Chile. It has more than 5,000 plant and animal species identified in Chile, of which more than 2,500 are endemic.

The unusual wildlife includes rhea (ñandú), guanacos and condors (the biggest bird in the world whose extended wings measure almost 3.5 m (12 ft.).

Equestrian tourism in Chile

Horseback riding in southern Chile will open your eyes to an incredibly beautiful country and a very different way of life than yours.

The terrain is often ideal for long canters and the resistant Criollo horses even please the most demanding rider.

Riders have the option to camp or stay at Estancias.

In the incredible valleys such as the Melado Valley, you are able to ride at the foothills of the gigantic Andes mountain range.

Discovering Chilean Patagonia on horseback will allow you to reach the most remote places in this country, discovering the immensity of its glaciers and dreamlike landscapes.

Near Puerto Natales, you can visit different places such as the Antonio Varas Peninsula and the area surrounding Torres del Paine National Park, riding across rivers and forests until you reach some glaciers.

Many riders from different parts of the world have enjoyed these riding holidays, which are more rewarding for experienced riders who appreciate the thrill of traveling in a region with strong winds and changing, extreme weather conditions.

Different riding options in Chile

There are so many beautiful spots to see in Chile, some stunning far-off landscapes, and only a horse can take you there.

Chile Horse Riding and Horse Riding Patagonia are two companies that offer several routes and we recommend taking a look at them.

Chile Horse Riding

Located in the Melado Valley just a few hours south of Santiago, it is a paradise for riders and hikers. They have offered guided horse riding tours since 2002.

Danilo will be your guide and host. It is the driving energy behind Chile Horse Riding. He loves to share his knowledge and stories of the beautiful Chilean mountains and the special people of the region, the inhabitants.

Its horses

They have about 50 Criollo horses, the typical Chilean horse breed. They are resistant and strong horses, even in the high parts in the Andes.

They breed, raise, start and train their horses. In winter, they are in the forests close to the farm and in the mountains.

Every year in December, in their spring, they take all the horses to pasture in the Andes close to the limit with Argentina during the summer, this horse drive is called the “Arreo”.

In the Andes, life is good for them, they are free as there are no fences and the grass is of better quality. They stay in the mountains during 5 months.

Its routes

They offer several Programs and with them the unique opportunity to explore the high Andes on horseback:

• Laguna Ride (8 days)
• Skiing & Riding Experience
• Cowboy Experience (8 days)
• Rari Discovery Ride (3,5 days)
• Rari Day Ride
• Moonshine Ride
• Tailored Tours

For more information about these tours, go to their website: www.chile-horseriding.com.

Horse Riding Patagonia

They’re located in Puerto Natales, south of Chilean Patagonia, and on their rides, you can discover the wildest places in South America.

You will discover Patagonia in the first person feeling part of the life and nature in this place, you will experience the joys and difficulties of the daily routine at a cattle farm in Chile.

They organize the best horseback riding holidays in the Torres del Paine National Park. In the summer months (October – April), two people work in the office in Puerto Natales, one is in charge of the logistics and the other one for the reservations.

Their horseback rides

They offer a variety of different rides, where you can cross the vast plains, visit the glaciers and lakes or ride in valleys and forests of southern beaches.

The multi-day rides are supported by a "baqueano" (a horse expert) and a bilingual guide with a deep knowledge of local flora and fauna, which you will see on the ride.

The accommodation is carefully selected to give you a good combination of authenticity and comfort. In some programs you will stay in hotels or Estancias and in others in camps.

On various days you ride more than eight hours, the riding pace is slower to avoid exhausting the horses. The wellbeing of the horses is always priority.

For more information, you can go to their website:www.horseridingpatagonia.com.

From the northern end, with the world's most arid desert, to the southern edge, with eternal ices and reverse waterfalls, Chile is an invitation to an extraordinary horse riding holiday. Its climate and landscape diversity offers a unique opportunity to discover fabulous endemic animals and plants.

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.