Things to consider
- Experience: how much riding have you done in the past?
- Fitness: are you looking for day rides or a multi-day horse trek?
- Accommodation: would you prefer a comfortable hotel, a rustic estancia, or perhaps some camping?
- Horses: is there a certain type of horse that you wish to ride?
- Landscape: where would you like to ride - across the steppe, into the Andes?
- Culture & history: would you like to experience traditional gaucho life?
Guide to Pony Trekking in Patagonia
Multi-Day Rides
Multi-day rides are wonderful for getting deeper into the less visited corners of Patagonia, experiencing a wider range of scenery and terrain, and really getting a feel for traditional gaucho life. They typically range from 3 to 14 days, catering to wide-ranging levels of ability. If you're interested in a multi-day ride, we recommend being comfortable with 2-7 hours in the saddle each day. These trips are wonderful for getting deeper into the less visited corners of Patagonia, experiencing a wider range of scenery and terrain, from the fjords to the steppe, and really getting a feel for traditional gaucho life.
Estancia Based Rides
Estancias are traditional Patagonian ranches, generally focused around livestock farming or horse rearing. Some are still 'working' estancias today, opening their doors to visitors who wish to visit and immerse themselves in traditional working estancia life, whilst others no longer function commercially, but are set up to allow guests to have a more rustic experience. They vary in size and comfort levels, but generally are more basic and remote than the luxury lodges. They are wonderful bases from which to escape the crowds and get a true sense of Patagonian culture and history. Rides from estancias are usually day excursions, but some offer multi-day rides as well. There are usually opportunities for all levels of ability.
Day Rides from Hotels & Luxury Lodges
If the rustic and remote nature of an estancia is not for you, or you're keen to embark upon some other activities aside from horse riding, then you might like to base yourself from one of the luxury lodges/hotels that offer day rides as part of their excursion 'menu'. Each property has its own unique qualities, and we can help you choose one that suits you best, based on the range of excursions, level of comfort, quality of guides and food.
Swoop Says
Horse Riding Trips
What our customers think
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I have a lot of experience with horses but was astonished by the sure-footedness of the criollo horses. They took us over wildly steep, boggy, and rocky terrain without hesitating, and I was never nervous.
Bailey Tennessee February 2017
Chloe says
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Having not ridden a horse for 10 years, I was unsure at first. But no sooner had I clambered aboard, I felt perfectly safe and full of excitement! Taking in the Patagonian landscape on horseback is incredible. The horses are very well trained, and if you have the courage you can even have a go at an exhilarating gallop across the steppe - one of the highlights of my entire three-week trip!
Chloe O'Keeffe Patagonia Specialist
FAQs on Horse Riding in Torres del Paine
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When should I go?
Most multi-day rides and estancia/hotel based trips run through the main season (November - April), but there are some wonderful (although less diverse) opportunities for winter rides in Torres del Paine as well (May-Sept).
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How long do I need?
Anything from half a day to two weeks depending on what type of ride you prefer, where you want to stay, and how long you want in the saddle!
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Do I need to be experienced?
There are plenty of trips that are suited to novices, and hotel/estancia based rides are ideal if you want to learn and build up confidence without committing to a multi-day ride. Generally, the multi-day rides are aimed at intermediate to experienced riders who regularly horse ride at home. If you are planning to join a longer trip of three or more days then you should definitely be comfortable with 2-7 hours in the saddle. The pace of your ride will always be adjusted by your guide to suit you and the other riders.
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What gear will I need?
You do not need to bring anything of your own - all tack and equipment will be provided for you. The tack usually comprises of metal or wood-framed saddles covered in layered felt, sheepskin and leather. Rope, raw hide and leather form the bridles, girths, straps etc. Most of the horses are ridden in simple snaffles. Halters are worn throughout the ride with rope tied around the horses neck to tie up at lunch stops and rest stops etc. You will be provided with chaps and a helmet for comfort and safety.
Where to go horse riding in Patagonia
Horse Riding in Torres del Paine
Day rides or longer treks that explore the pampas with the gauchos, head up to glaciers or follow trails through the Cordillera Paine with its mile-high granite peaks.
Horse Riding in the Patagonian Lake District
Riding through the lush alerce forests, mountain sides and rivers of the Lake District is perhaps one of the most active and thrilling ways of seeing Patagonia whilst at the …
Horse riding in Aysen
Discover the traditional gaucho culture so characteristic of the Aysen region by climbing the Andean mountains on horseback. There are dozens of horse riding routes throughout the …
Estancia Huechahue
Huechahue offers the quintessential Patagonian estancia experience - an opportunity to sample the true taste of gaucho life on a working cattle ranch.
Ready to plan your Patagonia adventure?
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.