Patagonia Horseback Riding Vacation:
Patagonia Ranch Ride: Futaleufu River Valley Trail
Patagonia Chile

This patagonia horseback expedition circumnavigates the core of the untouched Futaleufu Valley, exposing you to Patagonian nature in all of its wild splendor. In addition we stay at real working ranches run by pioneer families that are sprinkled along the rivers and lakes of the valley. The accommodations are rustic country but clean, sanitary and cozy. Our Chilean hosts are selected and trained by Expediciones Chile. Eating your hearty meals around the wood stove you will gain insight to a way of life that is similar to the frontier days of the American west. This cultural and natural experience can not be matched anywhere. This vacation is the REAL DEAL. The valley contains lots of exciting history from the days the pioneers settled it and many are still alive. As the trip progress's you realize you are getting to understand this remote section of Patagonia and its people. This is a very unique equestrian vacation.

Day 1: Arrival and Introductions
Arrive at either of our entry points in Puerto Montt, Chile or Esquel, Argentina, the gateway to Patagonia. Connect with our representative and travel to the remote riverside town of Futaleufu, surrounded by majestic mountains. You will find your accommodations at our comfortable native wood lodge and unwind from your trip with a hearty welcome dinner at the Futaleufu Adventure Center.

Day 2: Orientation to Your Horses, Saddles and Tack
Sleep in late and after breakfast we will walk you to our local ranch for an introduction to your Corralero horse. We will make sure all your Chilean tack fits well and that your mount is suitable. Afterwards, we will head off for a half-day ride to Piedra de Aguila, a rock outcrop overlook. We will return to Futaleufu for a late snack and our traditional Pisco Sours.

Day 3: Horseback Riding: Rio Escalas Valley
Today, our ride will take you along the Infierno Gorge, a black rock canyon of the Futaleufu River. Snow-capped peaks surround us as we view the agitated turquoise water 500 feet below. You can easily imagine the tectonic activity that formed this area 70 million years ago. The trail enters the open Las Escalas Valley. We will ride along the river and cross it on a wood and cable swinging bridge. On the other side we will find your accommodations at an isolated family ranch. Here we will enjoy dinner as the sun settles over the peaks above, while the sound of the river tumbling-by relaxes us. This is horseback riding in Chile at its best!

Day 4: Horseback Riding: Rio Azul Valley
After breakfast we will cross back over the river and head downstream to view the most furious rapid on the river, the Throne Room. This Class V+ rapid is a whitewater power storm blasting through a narrowing in the canyon walls. After viewing this maelstrom from a cliff above we have lunch on a gravel beach on the side of a huge calm pool below. Fishing and swimming opportunities are yours to take. After lunch, we will lead our horses for the first 500 yards. The trail here is cut into the side of the gorge and is too difficult for the horses to manage with a rider. The river picks up speed 100 feet below us as it rushes through the narrowing canyon. We will soon arrive at our Patagonia eco-camp at the confluence of the two rivers underneath the Tres Monjas Peak. This is perhaps the climax of beauty in the valley and where we will stay for the night.

Day 5: Horseback Riding: Lago Lonconao
Today we will horseback ride up the glacier ringed Rio Azul Valley. We will find a heavily forested trail behind the glittering Lonconao Lake. This lake offers great fishing, views and a lunch spot. On the far side of the lake, a ranch is hidden among the ferns and Coigue trees. Here we will enjoy an excellent dinner and a chance to sleep under the stars of the Southern Cross.

Day 6: Rio Espolon & Futaleufu Pueblo
After breakfast we depart towards another mountain lake, Lago Espolon. Here as the Espolon drains from the lake through a narrow, rocky canyon, it forms a huge and violent cascade called “La Garganta del Diablo,” or the “Devils Throat.” After viewing this at the overlook we will ride down the side of the Espolon River where white sand beaches wait for us to swim in the transparent waters of the Espolon. At the end of the day we will return, tired, tan, and happy, to our lodging in Futaleufu. Chile horseback riding at its best!

Day 7: Rest Day: Day Off
This is a day to enjoy the culture of the village. You can go shopping, trekking, fishing or visit the beaches on the Rio Espolon. If you are feeling up to it you can also take a raft trip down the mighty Futaleufu. This day is built in to the itinerary as a rest day from horseback riding in Patagonia. After the last day’s activity, we will have a special farewell fiesta and remember all the sights and adventures we had on our horseback riding vacation.

Day 8: Departure
Wake up for an early breakfast and drive back to Chaiten, Chile and your flight to Puerto Montt, or relax for a couple of hours and take our shuttle to Esquel, Argentina. As you catch a final view of the Río Futaleufu; surrounded by hanging glaciers and snow capped mountains, take a moment to reflect upon all of the amazing sights and experiences of this past week. After all these years we are still stunned that views like these exist.

PRICE: $2195.00 USD

Included: All meals, lodging, transportation, horses, guides and equestrian gear while horseback riding in Chile with us. Round trip transportation between Futaleufu and Chaiten or Esquel. See the horseback riding packing list for specific details. The actual program for your individual horseback riding vacation may vary according to the desires and skill level of your group, weather, or other factors.

	Experience Needed: Intermediate Physical Challenge: Medium High Cultural Experience: Very High Lodging: Cabins & Ranches (camping option) Comfort Rating: Rough Comfort Days away from home: 10 Days with us: 8 Max Trip Size: 8 (12 with camping option) Price: $2195.00 USD Region: Futaleufu and Espolon River Valleys, Patagonia Chile Lakes, Rivers, Sites Visited: Pacific Ocean, Chaiten, Lago Espolon, Rio Espolon, Futaleufu river, and the Futaleufu village

Other Horseback Riding Vacation options include: Lodge Based Horseback Riding in Chile , Expedition Horseback Riding in Patagonia, Chile Horseback Riding Trail Rides, Patagonia Horseback Riding - Cowboy Routes. Horseback Riding Chile - Lakes Route For more information see our Horseback Riding Patagonia FAQs

Downloadable pdf: Chile Horseback Riding