MARCH 19-26.2025PATAGONIA 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.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Overall trip duration - 8 days / 7 nights
Accommodation - authentic comfortable cabins with scenic views, fireplace, rustic interior
Group size - up to 8 people
Average daily time in the saddle - 4-8 hours
Find more information in Q&A section here
MEET THE TEAM
MARCOS VILLAMIL
Gaucho, 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.
ZHENYA HENNE
International photographer, Travel Writer and Entrepreneur
Zhenya is an international travel, hotel, lifestyle and commercial photographer and travel writer who has hosted photography 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 guide and 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.
DAY 1-3
LOS REBELDES RANCH
01 Arrival to Esquel
A van will meet you at the airport of Esquel after your flight Buenos Aires-Esquel and take you to "Los Rebeldes". This amazing ranch where they brid criollo horses is the best choice to finish our Patagonia experience. We will be resting in 4-star hotelery and riding on massive landscapes. Also, learn about how they break horses in and what secrets are behind criollo horses.
02 Ride through the forest to the Amutuy Quimey lake
After our breakfast at "Los Rebeldes" we will cross the Rio Grande river on a boat and find our horses on the other side of the river. We will have a 4hs ride to reach a beautiful panoramic view where we will have our picnic and then ride back to our place surrounded by mountains.
03 Baguilt Lake
After a full breakfast and enjoying the morning in this dream place we will face Bagilt Lake on an amazing ride. Having a picnic at the lake and then coming back to Los Rebeldes to enjoy a great asado with the veggie option always.
DAY 4
LOS MORROS RANCH
After spending our 3 nights at Los Rebeldes we will move forward to our next cabin. After a 3h ride through forests, big pampas, and open views we will reach our new house where we'll relax and have lunch. On the afternoon ride we will have a long canter and beautiful views.
DAY 5-6
RINCÓN DEL ACEITE RANCH
05 Long ride day
In this day we cover a distance of 25 miles from "Los Morros" ranch to "Rincon del Aceite" ranch. We will go through rivers, mountains and forests. A big challenge of riding during 9h aprox and then a big reward reaching to our beautiful cabin at Rincon del aceite.
06 Milestone with Chile
We will have a relaxing morning to rest well after our big 25 milles challenge that we had the day before. After lunch we will ride up the mountain and reach the milestone with Chile. This will be a day of awesome views of the Andes riding through the limit between Argentina and Chile. We will experiment with some vertigo with 0 danger, of course! Just to put some spicy to the experience!
DAY 7-8
LOS GLACIARES FLY CAMP
07 Glacier day
We will start our day really early. Waking up surrounded by pure nature, birds, and the sound of streams around you. With a full breakfast, you will ride to the deep nature. Riding up to the Hielo glacier and having an incredible picnic with one of the most astonishing views you will ever see. This will be one of the most wild places you will ever be (just a few humans have visited these lands before). After lunch we will head back to our base camp. This will be the longest riding day.
08 Last day and flight back
We will have a morning to relax and enjoy the paradise, and after lunch a van will take the group to the airport to take the flight back to Buenos Aires.
TOUR DATES: MARCH 19-26.2025
LOCATION: PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA
*You'll need to arrive in Esquel on the 19th and in Buenos Aires either early on the 19th or on the 18th of March. It's a 2-hour flight from Buenos Aires to Esquel (approximately 300 USD).
TOUR COST: 4,500 USD
*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
Transfer from Esquel airport and back
Gallery of 150-200 photos from the trip
*This is a hosted tour, where Zhenya will be your host, guide and photographer.
NOT INCLUDED:
Flight tickets
Insurance
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 are no showers but 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 15-20kg (33-40lb) 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