Horseback Riding

Discovery of Pampa Linda

From Pampa Linda, between Bariloche and Cerro Tronador, a multitude of horseback rides are possible, lasting half a day or a full day. The area is splendid and the landscapes magnificent. Of course the Tronador Volcano is the main actor in the beauty of nature that will be offered to you, but the few lagoons and mountains in the surrounding area are also worth this activity.

The most interesting horseback rides from Pampa Linda are: Glaciar Alerce, Refugio Meilin, Paso de las Nubes, Laguna Ilon, Garganta del Diablo, Glaciar Castaño Overa, Saltillo de las Nalcas… You can choose your route.

Discovery of the Cochamó Valley

Just 2 hours from Puerto Montt is the Cochamó Valley, 30,000 hectares of practically uninhabited land, where nature manifests itself in all its splendor. A unique journey for adventure lovers; it’s also the opportunity to take a trip to the past, discovering the self-sufficient life of the settlers. A travel for those who like to confront an imposing and magnificent environment.

To penetrate deeper into the cordillera, you must follow a path which, more than 100 years ago, was one of the most used border crossings. The work it took to trace a path through this exuberant nature is enormous and today, local horses, well accustomed to crossing these wetlands, are essential. Horseback riding from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas in Chile.

Discovery of Río Manso

Starting from San Carlos de Bariloche, almost 80 km towards the southern area of ​​the Río Manso, for horseback riding for a day or more, in a magnificent setting. Total change of scenery: days on horseback where the objective of this “expedition” is to travel the Andes, with the same means and through the same valley that the pioneers of this region used.

This travel not only allows us to discover incredible landscapes, but we also have access to the culture of the inhabitants of this area. It’s a kind of time travel. The guides are experts and have great knowledge of the region, the people and their customs. You can dine with local people and spend a night in a camp or with villagers.

Stay in an Estancia in Río Minero

I offer you a full board stay in an Estancia, where you are in contact with a family of typical gauchos of northern Patagonia, not far from the superb village of Villa Traful, about 100 km from Bariloche. This Estancia is 32,000 hectares large, and the choice of horseback riding and walking is extraordinary.

You’ll meet the “Lagos” family: the father, Osvaldo, owner of the estate, is truly a character. His son, Lucas, with his “Cowboy” style from the deep South, will seduce you. You can have meals with the Lagos family, or in your cabin, in the middle of the forest.

The magnificent Minero River, which runs through the estancia, is the perfect place for fishing and swimming in the heart of summer. You’ll be able to witness and participate in the life of an Estancia. You’ll very quickly feel “at home” within this very special family. An ideal place to recharge your batteries.

Torres del Paine National Park

We sail on the Serrano River to Estancia Anita, which is completely cut off from the world, because the only way to access it’s by zodiac via this river. Discovery of great wilderness in the southern zone of the Torres del Paine National Park. We’ll sail on the Serrano River admiring striking landscapes. Around 9 a.m., we arrive at the Estancia to have breakfast. In total, to go to the Gueikie Glacier, it takes 8 hours of riding there and back. We’ll contemplate the Icebergs very closely.

It’s also possible to travel this path by walking instead of riding a horse. This horseback ride will shock you. A meal is planned for midday, after which we return to the Estancia going up the river with superb views of the “Towers of Paine”. This day is sure to be accompanied by thrills!

Typical Patagonian estancia

We are at 30 km from Bariloche – the Estancia “El Desafio”, very typical of Patagonia. With its 5,000 hectares, many activities are possible: horseback riding, walking in the middle of a thousand-year-old lenga forest, condor observation…

You can also stay and sleep in the estancia for those who wish. The best thing is probably to go on horseback to Mount “La Buitrera” to observe condors. In a very small group, we climb up to the cavities from which the condors fly, the best times are early in the morning or in the evening – spring or autumn. We are at the same place where Nicolas HULOT came to make a documentary on condors.

The Patagonian steppe

Estancia “Nibepo Aike”, which is located at 70 km from El Calafate, on the banks of the “Brazo Rico” at Lake Argentino and in the “Los Glaciares” National Park, in the Santa Cruz province. This is a traditional Patagonian estancia.

The Estancia offers different activities such as walking, horseback riding through the hills and forests of lengas and ñires, observing flowers, plants and local fauna, participating in rural tasks and tasting typical dishes, including asado from Patagonia. It’s a very relaxing place and of course, you’ll have the opportunity to sleep in one of the 11 rooms…

A Patagonian Estancia

This time we go at 50 km from El Calafate, to the Estancia “Río Mitre”, where we are welcomed by Esteban, a very warm character. With this gaucho, you can spend a day in his estancia and learn many things and habits about life in southern Patagonia.

The possible activities are: horseback riding, fishing, trekking, mountain biking, observation of local fauna… The place has more than 2,000 hectares and a unique rustic house, which allows us to have a exclusive and practically private service… Not to be missed!!!

Horseback riding between Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine

At 70 km from Puerto Natales, you’ll discover an Estancia that I particularly like. Located between Puerto Natales and the Torres del Paine National Park, this Estancia is 4,000 hectares large and has more than 2,000 sheep, horses, cows… You’ll be received by its owners: the young Cristian and Loréna.

You’ll be able to taste all the homemade products of this estancia (especially at breakfast), visit the “galpón” where the sheep shearing takes place, you’ll also have a demonstration by “Chuma” of the Chilean rodeo. Of course, you can ride a horse, or take a walk to discover the magnificent “Toro” lake.

At midday, you’ll be treated to a great “asado” prepared by Omar. The life of a family in an Estancia will no longer hold any secrets for you: the hard work of sheep’s wool, in the middle of a destabilizing 360 degree landscape… With Cristian, we became friends from our first meeting, his simplicity and his courage seduced me so much.

Estancia Las Hijas at Río Grande in Tierra del Fuego

I suggest you go and meet the very endearing “Daniels” family, who live all year round in a timeless Estancia “Las Hijas”, in the middle of a grandiose setting in Tierra del Fuego – Río Grande – we are in Argentina, at 130 km from Ushuaia.

The Daniels family and their entire team welcome us: Richard, Carola, Esteban and Patricio (the two sons) and Maria. They’ll have prepared a great “cordero” (a lamb méchoui type) for us, a specialty of the house. Horseback riding is organized in the middle of the 4,000 hectares of this Estancia, which is one of my favorites, due to its simplicity and authenticity.