Horseback Riding in Argentina

Patagonian Andes

Overview

The mountain refuge El Sapucai is the starting point for this adventure in Argentina, located in the southeast of San Carlos de Bariloche, situated on the shore of the Chubut River. Begin the tour by private transfer from Bariloche, located on the shore of the Nahuel Huapi Lake southwards along the famous route 40. The drive takes you through the mountainous region of the lakes of the Nahuel Huapi Park, then  towards the Steppe and finally after about 3 ½ hours you arrive at the mountain refuge. You will spend the week on horseback in this remote area between the Pre-cordillera and the Cordillera of the Argentinean Patagonia, discovering and riding through the high peaks and deep valleys with their native forests. The terrain does not present high complexity, but you will cross passes that reach 55oo feet above sea level and trails that border rivers. The river crossings on horseback will allow our riders to experience new adventures. During the days and due to the diversity of the terrain, the pace is slow but you will have the chance to experience fast paced trots and canters. Some days we have to cover more distances than others, and the long days with light until 10pm come in handy. The long days in the saddle are balanced with comfortable camp and lodge stays, good food and company.

2 nights camping: there is tent for every two guest and mat available if needed. Sleeping bags may be rented.
3 nights at El Sapucai: yurts sleeping two, three or four
1 night in lodge / refuge: yurts sleeping two, three or four
2 nights in hotel in Bariloche

The cuisine on the trip will be a special blend of flavors and ingredients consisting of an ethnic variety of Patagonian Criollo gastronomy. A traditional wood stove in the El Sapucai lodge will give a special flavor to the dishes. If it is the right season, you will be able to taste the delicious rainbow trout. The asado criollo could be served in several meals. It consists of delicious lamb or beef roasted on embers and firewood. As a typical main dish, it is cooked in different ways, usually accompanied with salad, potatoes and, of course, red wine. Vegetables and fruits are excellent and very varied. Vegetarian dishes are a delicious option, but we need to know if you prefer vegetarian options when you make your reservation.

  • Overview:
    Criollos Argentinos - This breed descends from the Spanish horse brought by the conquistadors in the XVI century. Since then, its specimens acquired extraordinary conditions of hardiness, resistance and adaptation to the environment, aptitudes to which they add their great patience, agility and docility. With a short, broad head and pointed muzzle, muscular neck, broad chest, powerful flanks and short, strong legs, the Criollo is an animal especially suited for field work. Its type corresponds to that of a balanced and harmonious saddle horse. Well muscled and strongly built, with a low center of gravity. Good footing and loose gait, agile and quick in its movements. With an active, energetic and docile character, its characteristics are defined by its hardiness, longevity, fertility, resistance, courage, recuperative power and aptitude for livestock work.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Criollos
  • Trip Pace:
    Mostly slow
  • Tack:
    Endurance
  • Weight limit:
    200 lb

Bariloche, Argentina

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Bariloche

Arrival at Bariloche’s international airport where a private transfer will take you to your hotel, located in the center of this beautiful city surrounded by lakes and mountains, situated in the very heart of the Patagonian Andes. Depending on your arrival time, you will have time to visit the city and do some last minute shopping for the horseback ride. In the afternoon your guide will meet the group at the hotel to give you a brief outline of what you will spend the next few days doing. Dinner at a traditional steak restaurant.

Day 2

El Sapucai

At around 10am you’ll begin the transfer by road along route 40, the famous junction at the foot of the mountain range between the north and the south of the country. First cross the region of the lakes of Norpatagonia, and then enter the immensity of the steppe. Finally after about three to four hours you’ll arrive at “El Sapucai” in the Precordillera, where you will be assigned a yurt and a horse. Meet the stagg and enjoy the beauty of the afternoon. Before dinner, go for a horseback ride.

About 1 hr riding.

Breakfast, lunchbox, dinner. Overnight in Glamping – El Sapucai.

Day 3

Veranada Miranda

After a night of excellent sleep away from the noise of the city, get ready to start the adventure. There will be a brief talk about safety and details of the ride before leaving the mountain refuge behind. Go up the coast of the Chubut River to the house of a local family, the Mirandas. They will
tell stories of the past and also of their present life. Continue up to the Veranada. On the banks of the Cerrucho stream set up camp, protected inside a forest of Ñire trees. In the afternoon visit the only waterfall of the Chubut River.

About 4-5 hrs riding.

Breakfast, lunchbox, dinner. Overnight in camp.

Day 4

Foyel Arriba - Refugio

This morning continue climbing as the terrain becomes more technical and the landscape becomes wilder and more imposing. Cross an old Lenga forest and at noon stop for lunch near the source of the Chubut River. This river flows into the Atlantic Ocean, it is still a small and quiet river. In the afternoon  cross the “Paso Sin Nombre” at 1700 m.a.s.l., we are 2 hours away from the refuge. Enter the area of the source of the Foyel River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean. Arrive at the mountain refuge at the foot of Cerro Carreras where you will spend the night.

About 4-5 hrs riding.

Breakfast, lunchbox, dinner. Overnight in mountain refuge.

Day 5

Arroyo Pantanoso

After a delicious breakfast, descend for an hour and a half accompanied by the waters of the Foyel River. As you continue descending pass by two high altitude lagoons and the Pantanoso stream appears. Follow the course of this small stream and arrive at the junction with the Chubut River. Their waters mix and follow their course downstream. Set up our camp.

About 4 hrs riding.

Breakfast, lunchbox, dinner. Overnight in camp.

Day 6

El Sapucai

Today continue descending with the Chubut River, its waters flow between Lenga forests. The rock formations become more scattered and abstract sculptures can be found in their shapes. You’ree only two hours away from the special mountain refuge “El Sapucai” where a delicious meal and
a hot shower awaits you . There will be time to rest and enjoy the comforts.

About 4-5 hrs riding.

Breakfast, lunchbox, dinner; Overnight in Glamping – El Sapucai.

Day 7

El Sapucai

Climb the mountain range to appreciate the panoramic view of the surrounding Andes. You will be impressed by the dexterity of the Criollo horse crossing different terrains: mallines, lenga forests and rocky ground. At the end of this climb, enjoy a 360 degree view, where you will be able to appreciate the lagoons where you will have lunch in front of the Cordillera with the eternal snow. Return by another trail that goes through forests of stunted ñires and old lenga forests until you reach the refuge.

About 6-8 hrs riding

Breakfast, lunchbox, dinner. Overnight in Glamping – El Sapucai

Day 8

El Sapucai to Bariloche

Today is the last day with the horses. Follow the course of the Chubut River until you reach the Escuela Vieja. It is a quiet ride, which offers another spectacle of unique landscapes and little by little the first villages of the people who live in the valley. Share one more picnic with the baqueanos before leaving them behind. A last trip by minibus will take you to the city of Bariloche. A return trip that you may spend mostly in silence, as there is so much to review from our ride of the last seven days on horseback.

About 2-3 hrs riding

Breakfast, lunchbox. Night in Hotel

Day 9

Departure

A private transfer takes you from the hotel to the airport.

Tour Map

Tour Dates & Pricing

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Mar 6, 2025
Mar 14, 2025

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $3,030
Additional Pricing Information:
Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid.      

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Contact Megan Barrett

The whole operation at Estancia los Potreros is first class and every horse is so fit and well-trailed and so agile. The gauchos, wranglers and all staff were extremely helpful and fun to be with.

Barnes, 2014