March 25 - Apr 1.2026with Marcos Villamil
February 6 - 13.2026 with Zhenya Henne
PATAGONIA TRAILS
Embark on an exceptional journey of discovery and camaraderie with a unique Horseback Tour in the wilderness of Patagonia – where places and people change your life
WHY PATAGONIA?
IMMERSE IN UNTOUCHED NATURE
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia as you ride through unspoiled landscapes, enchanted forests, and majestic snowy mountains. Each day of our tour presents a new adventure, allowing you to connect deeply with the wilderness and revel in the serenity of nature.
EMBRACE GAUCHOS LIFESTYLE
Step into the world of the gauchos, the traditional horsemen of the land of Ice and Fire. Embrace their lifestyle and indulge in genuine Patagonian hospitality, warmth and care. Gather around a cozy campfire under a canopy of stars, enjoy delightful food and wine, and listen to the stories, preserving their unique culture.
BUILD LASTING FRIENDSHIPS
Join a small group of passionate riders and nature enthusiasts, fostering camaraderie and sharing unforgettable moments. As you explore together, you’ll create lasting memories and friendships extending beyond the tour, bonding over stories, laughter, and the joy of adventure.
DISCONNECT FROM YOUR DAILY ROUTINE
Leave the hustle of everyday life behind and immerse yourself in a week of tranquillity. Disconnect from the civilized world and embrace a simpler way of living, where the only sounds are the hoofbeats of your horse and the whisper of the wind through the trees.
BECOME ONE WITH HORSES
In this magnificent journey, horses become your trusted companions, carrying you through the wild and hidden paths of Patagonia. Their strength and grace will allow you to explore the stunning scenery in a way that connects you to the land and its rich history, as you embrace the spirit of adventure that these magnificent animals embody.
CAPTURE EPIC STORIES
This tour is not just about riding; it’s about weaving your own narrative in one of the world’s most picturesque locations. With every gallop across the rugged terrain, you’ll collect stories and experiences that will stay with you forever and may become a book one day.
JOURNEY WITH ZHENYA
ZHENYA HENNE
International photographer, Travel Writer and Entrepreneur
Zhenya is an international travel, hotel, lifestyle and commercial photographer and travel writer who has hosted retreats and workshops in more than 10 countries and whose work has been published in Vogue Australia, National Geographic, L’Officiel Voyage, Brides UK, Hello, German Polo Mag, Kinfolk, Conde Nast Traveler, Style Me Pretty, Tina Mag, The Noisetier, Veter Mag, Travel and Leisure, among others. She has partnered with major camera brands, such as Leica, Sony and Canon. On the tour, she will be your photographer, host and guide, but also mentor helping to bring the beauty of Patagonia to your camera screens and reveal the beauty around through her unique vision. Zhenya speaks fluent English and German. This will be her 3d season hosting in horseback tours in Patagonia.
Dates: February 6 - 13.2026
7 saddles in the group (5 left)
JOURNEY WITH MARCOS
MARCOS VILLAMIL
Gaucho, horseback guide, inventor of the trail
Marcos Villamil's life has always revolved around horses and farming, beginning in the bustling heart of Buenos Aires before finding sanctuary on his family's farm. His passion for the equestrian world blossomed under the guidance of Angelito, a gaucho who taught him the art of breaking wild horses. By age 19, he embarked on transformative journeys, completing a 200-mile ride and a monumental 620-mile trek that deepened his connection with the Argentine landscape and his beloved equine companions. After earning a degree in Agriculture Engineering, he returned to the family farm and explored opportunities in agri-business before realizing his dream of sharing the beauty of Argentina through horseback adventures. On this incredible journey, Marcos will support you along the way sharing captivating tales woven from the rich tapestry of his homeland. Marcos speaks English and Spanish languages.
Dates: March 25 - Apr 1.2026
7 saddles in the group
GENERAL INFORMATION
Overall trip duration - 8 days / 7 nights
Accommodation - authentic comfortable cabins with scenic views, fireplace, rustic interior. Accomodaion is share, but single supplement is also possible.
Group size - up to 7 people
Average daily time in the saddle - 5-10 hours
Find more information in Q&A section here
Rider’s experience level: Intermediate plus (you should be comfortable at all paces, must be able to control your horse at all times and follow instructions of the guide)
Type of riding saddles: Western
Weight limit: 90 kg
If you would like to know more about the journey and whether it is tailored for YOU, would like to hear more about the itinerary, or simply want to connect and ask Zhenya anything directly — you're warmly invited to book a consultation call.
This is a relaxed, no-pressure chat where you can receive all the information you need, dissolve any doubts, and get a real sense of what this experience is all about.
If you don’t see a time slot that suits your schedule, just send us an email — we’ll be happy to find a time that works for you.
DAY 1
LOS MORROS RANCH
After your Buenos Aires—Esquel flight, a van will meet you at the airport and take you to the estancia "Los Morros", on a two hour drive. This amazing ranch, where they work with cattle and horses, is the best choice to start our Patagonian experience. After settling in, we’ll enjoy a gentle introductory ride to get familiar with our horses and the rhythm of Patagonia. At this ranch, you will have four double rooms and two bathrooms. Also a quincho where we will have breakfast and dinner.
After breakfast, we ride three hours through stunning landscapes. There, we dismount and enjoy a scenic picnic by the water, surrounded by native forests and snow-capped peaks. On the return, we can pick up the pace with some long canters back to "Los Morros".
DAY 2
BAGUILT LAKE
DAY 3
A FULL-DAY HORSEBACK JOURNEY
Our first real challenge begins as we ride deep into the Andes. A full-day horseback journey — 4 hours ascending through forest trails, streams, and river crossings — will take us to a breathtaking mountain viewpoint. After a scenic break, picnic lunch, we’ll ride 4 hours back to the house, with opportunities for cantering along open stretches.
DAY 4
TIME TO CAMP
After breakfast, we leave the ranch and travel by truck to our remote fly camp beside the Hielo River.
It will be a two-and-a-half-hour drive, and our team will be waiting for us with lunch at the camp. After lunch, we unwind with a peaceful afternoon—whether it’s a short ride to the Plomo River or a plunge into glacial waters.
DAY 5
GLACIAR DAY
The most demanding day: a full-day ride to the Hielo Glacier and its hidden lagoon. Ten hours in the saddle through remote, pristine wilderness — an awe-inspiring and deeply rewarding experience. It is 1000 percent worth the effort as they views will be just jaw-dropping!
DAY 6-7
LOS REBELDES RANCH
DAY 6
A relaxed morning at camp, followed by a farewell ride through tranquil trails. We meet our trucks and head to Los Rebeldes Ranch, where the afternoon unfolds gently at our final base.
DAY 7
Grande by boat to find our horses on the other side.
A 4-5h ride brings us to a panoramic picnic spot with sweeping views of Amutui Quimey Lake. We return across the water to Los Rebeldes for a farrwell dinner under the stars.
DAY 8
FAREWELL
A late breakfast filled with memories and laughter. Then, we begin the 1.5-hour drive to the airport, carrying the spirit of Patagonia with us.
JOURNEY WITH ZHENYA
FEBRUARY 6 - 13.2026
LOCATION: PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA
TOUR COST: 5,500 USD (pp sharing)
*To reserve your spot, a deposit of 30 % (1650 USD) is required, with the remaining amount due at least 2 months before the trip. Deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel your trip, the deposit will be refunded only if a replacement is found for your spot.
INCLUDED:
Accommodation - authentic comfortable cabins with scenic views, fireplace, gaucho interior
Horse riding
Meals 3 times a day (authentic Argentinian food, available to adjust food to your diet preferences and requirements)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included
Local guides
Transfer from Esquel airport and back
Gallery of 250-500 photos from the trip (including personal portraits of the guests)
*This is a hosted tour, where Zhenya will be your host, guide and photographer.
NOT INCLUDED:
Flight tickets
Travel insurance
Gratitudes (25$ per pay per person - required)
JOURNEY WITH MARCOS
MARCH 25 - APR 1.2026
LOCATION: PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA
TOUR COST: 4,500 USD (pp sharing)
*To reserve your spot, a deposit of 30 % (1350 USD) is required, with the remaining amount due at least 2 months before the trip. Deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel your trip, the deposit will be refunded only if a replacement is found for your spot.
INCLUDED:
Accommodation - authentic comfortable cabins with scenic views, fireplace, gaucho interior
Horse riding
Meals 3 times a day (authentic Argentinian food, available to adjust food to your diet preferences and requirements)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included
Local guides including Marcos as your host and guide
Transfer from Esquel airport and back
*This is a hosted tour, where Marcos will be your host and guide.
NOT INCLUDED:
Flight tickets
Travel Insurance
Gratitudes (25$ per pay per person - required)
FAQ
-
A week's safari with Ride&Explore will see you stay in four different types of accommodation - Los Rebeldes ranch, Rincon del Aceite ranch, our mountain fly camps and a Los Morros ranch. Los Rebeldes is situated on the banks of Río Grande. The camp is formed of two luxury cabins, with three rooms and three bathrooms, and the 'quincho' - a beautiful log cabin that serves as our dining room and bar. The cabins are spacious and cozy, with wood-burning stoves lit morning and evening. When up in the mountains we stay in Los Morros cabin that has two double rooms, one room of four and a shared bathroom; after that we go to Rincon del Aceite cabin that is bigger and has two rooms of three and one double, also with a shared bathroom. And at last our fly camp Los Glaciares where we will all sleep on dome tents each with sleeping bags, cots and mattresses. There is 1 shared shower (with hot water) but also fresh mountain springs to wash your face and hands in.
-
Fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout is an optional, additional activity or can be done in place of riding. For this we would need previous notice since the licenses, rods and a guide may need to be organised. This will be at an additional cost.
Also you can ask for a personalised shooting session with your host and amazing photographer Zhenya Henne. That's also at an additional cost.
-
We accept children on riding safaris, but they must be competent riders and up for an adventure. There is a half price discount for children under 12 years old.
-
✔ Warm jacket
✔ Riding hard hat
✔ Riding boots and chaps
✔ Rain gear / waterproof coat
✔ Gloves
✔ Warm hat
✔ Jockey goggles (for if it is very windy)
✔ Buff / scarf (to cover your face if it is windy, sunny or dusty)
✔ Fleece
✔ Thermal underwear, thermal long johns, long sleeved thermal tops and ski-type socks
✔ Riding trousers
✔ Long-sleeved cotton shirts
✔ Short-sleeved T-shirts
✔ Trainers
✔ Flip flops
✔ Swimming costume
✔ Sun hat
✔ Sun glasses
✔ Sun block
✔ Lip balm with SPF
✔ Wet wipes (handy for camping)
✔ Head torch
✔ Water bottle
✔ Camera
✔ Power bank (to charge phones and cameras when at Fly Camps or Felipe’s House)Should you wish to dress like a local for your ride, we are happy to recommend places in Buenos Aires to buy ponchos and traditional gaucho boinas (beret), bombachas (riding trousers) and alpargatas (espadrilles) - all essential items in a gaucho's wardrobe.
-
All alcohol and soft drinks are included. Most sprits, wine and beers are available, but please let us know should you have any special requests.
-
In Patagonia, there are (amongst others) red deer, wild boar, puma and an abundance of bird life. We are fortunate to regularly see condors on our rides; they are usually very curious, swooping down to within only a few metres over our horses to investigate.
-
We do not have a luggage limit but, please note, on some domestic flights there is a 20kg (40lb) per person luggage restriction. Should you wish to bring more, please be aware that you may be asked by your airline to pay a fee.
-
You should check VISA requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority before travelling.
-
Argentina is famous for being a carnivorous country, but we can happily cater for vegetarians and other diets. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know in advance and we will make our best efforts to cater for them.
-
A medical kit and a satellite phone for emergencies is on hand in camp and in the saddle. We are mainly in remote places in the Andes and may, at times, have limited access to medical support. All of our guides have First Aid training. Please advise us of any allergies or relevant medical history.
-
Fly to Ezeiza International Airport, Buenos Aires. This is a wonderful, vibrant city so we advise you stay here for a couple of nights either before or after the trip. Tango shows and shopping are some of the highlights as well as city tours and excellent restaurants. In November and December, the Argentine Polo Open is a unique opportunity to see the best and fastest polo in the world. There is a domestic flight to Patagonia from Buenos Aires which we organise at an additional cost (Esquel airport). The cost of it is around 300 USD.
-
Whilst we carry public liability insurance and take all possible care, full medical and holiday insurance is essential.
-
Varying between 3-10 hours in the saddle.
On longer days, we will stop for a picnic lunch and siesta, untacking and tying our horses to trees, then falling asleep on our sheepskins and ponchos.
-
We will have regular electricity and wifi at Los Rebeldes. After that we will spend 4 days without wifi or telephone signal. We will be able to charge your electric elements when we turn on the generator between 20h to 00h.
-
Predominantly the Argentine 'criollo' horse.
-
We start the season in November with the arrival of spring, and end our rides in the final week of February when autumn begins. Depending on how harsh the winter has been, early in the season, we can sometimes find ourselves riding in snow.
Should there be a lot of snow, we may not be able to fly camp but instead ride between Base Camp and Felipe's House, opening up the routes in between and pioneering paths through the mountains. The weather in Patagonia can be very variable with temperatures ranging from 25C to -20C, and strong winds can make it feel even cooler. Please come prepared for all conditions - hot days under the strong sun; cold nights when you would need thermal layers; and it is always best to be prepared for wind and rain. Most of our guests are lucky with good weather all week, but please be prepared for the possibility of four seasons in one day. Layers are key and will allow you to prepare for all forecasts. We will provide you with saddle bags so you that can always carry extra layers whilst out on rides, as well as ponchos to keep you warm.
-
Argentine 'recado' saddles with sheepskins and traditional, rawhide bridles. All of our horses are trained to neck-rein.
-
The recommended tip is $25 per person per day.
-
Age, weight, height and riding experience.
Special drink requirements and any dietary restrictions or allergies.
-
You should be comfortable at all places. Riding in Patagonia is predominantly slow due to the steep climbs and rocky descents, however down in the valleys there are opportunities to canter.
-
Bring your own riding boots and helmet. If needed, a helmet will be provided upon request.
-
Not always possible. Please check with us in advance.
-
A maximum of 8 guests.
-
In the mountains, we will reach places otherwise inaccessible but for on horseback.
The area is totally wild, rugged and unspoiled; you may find it challenging. If you suffer badly from vertigo, we do not recommend you join us on the mountain peaks. There are steep climbs on horseback and sometimes, for your own safety, you may be required to walk on foot. Down in the valleys there are green pastures, beech forests, crystalline rivers and lakes.
ARE YOU JOINING?
Please, fill out this form to get all the details on the tour, dissolve your doubts and book a spot on this wild adventure!
LOVE
NOTES
We are always happy to receive feedback about our rides and here are the kind words from the riders who joined us on the trip to Patagonia, in March 2024 nad March 2025