More than an equestrian vacation, horseback riding in the Futaleufu Valley is a way of life. Riding with us you are immersed in the equestrian culture and beauty of Patagonia Chile. Most of our horseback rides in Patagonia follow the ‘huaso senderos’ – the cowboy trails. This is an extensive network of trails and swinging bridges used by locals on horseback, oxcart and by foot. These trails move through the spectacular isolated river valley of the Futaleufu and its tributaries. These trails lead us back in time, to a simpler way of life, through nearby villages and quaint rural homes. We offer day rides that return to our Lodge or our Tres Monjas eco-camp each night. We also offer 3-7 day Chile Horseback riding expeditions for those looking for a more challenging equestrian vacation. Please see our skill evaluator to determine which of our Chile horseback riding trips would offer you the most enjoyment.
Horseback
Riding from the Lodge
From
the village of Futaleufu,
we take off on daily horseback rides that allow you
to live during the day in a time forgotten,
but at night you can return to all the comforts
of our Futaleufu Lodge.
At
our lodge you can adjust the frequency and
length of your horseback riding to suit your own tastes.
Our lodge based equestrian vacations are also ideal
for those individuals with limited experience
on horseback and also offer the perfect setting
to learn good horseback riding technique. Our guides
are always available to teach beginners and
we can even schedule beginner week horseback
riding vacations should you so desire.
The lodge also has plenty to offer the more
experienced equestrian rider. From the comforts
of our weatherproof lodge you can set out
each day to explore a new part of this incredible
Patagonia countryside. All of our horseback rides vary
in terrain and skill level. Those along the
valley floor offer the opportunity to gallop
and trot and those higher up in the Andes
mountains will test your horsemanship and
handling skills.
Futaleufu Lodge Riding Week
This is a series of spectacular horseback rides through the lakes, rivers, and old growth forests of the pristine and remote Futaleufu River Valley. The nearest paved roads are four hours away. Each day you are exposed to Patagonia nature in its wild splendor, the clear lakes and pristine rivers. Returning to the lodge in the village allows you to interact with a real pioneer equestrian culture. Grab you Spanish phrase book! 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 trip is the REAL DEAL a trip back in time. The valley contains lots of exciting history from the days the pioneers settled it and many are still alive. As your horseback riding vacation progresses you will realize that you are getting to understand this remote section of Patagonia and its amazing people...
(8 Days in Patagonia, Chile / 7 over nights / 6 Active Days)
Futaleufu Lodge Riding Lite - (4 days)
This is a shortened version of our Futaleufu Lodge Riding Week for guests who don't have the time for our weeklong Chile horseback riding vacation...
(6 Days in Patagonia, Chile / 5 over nights / 4 Active Days)
Patagonia
Horseback Riding: Trail Rides
From
the Adventure Center
Lodge in Futaleufu you will horseback ride
overnight to small neighboring communities
in Patagonia, Chile. Horses will carry your
food, gear, and bags. We combine camping with
small local inns. These mini equestrian excursions are
ideal for those who don't have time for a
weeklong Chile horseback riding vacation.
These
trail rides are intended for intermediate
riders who are comfortable spending up to
six hours a day in the saddle. The terrain
is mixed and varied, sometimes providing trotting
and galloping opportunities. At other times
the terrain is steep and demanding, requiring
confident horsemanship and handling. Many
riders come back from these trips amazed at
the agility and dexterity of the Chilean Corralero
horse.
Novice
horseback riders, with some trail riding experience
can participate on these rides if they are
in good physical condition and spend the first
half of the week horseback riding from the lodge. We
don’t recommend these overnight trail
rides for beginners.
Futaleufu River Valley Trail Lite - (4 days)
This is a shortened version of our Futaleufu Lodge Riding Week for guests who don't have the time for a weeklong horseback riding in Patagonia vacation...
(6 Days in Patagonia, Chile / 5 over nights / 4 Active Days)
Lago
Espolon Circumnavigation - (4 days)
A
4-day Chile horseback riding trail ride that circumnavigates
the glacier encircled Lago Espolon. TGhe first night we stay
under shelter of a cabin with a spectacular
view of the lake and at the far end of the
lake a remote ranch in a settlement reached
only by horse trail or over water. This allows
you to see how the people live in this area.
An experience you will remember and treasure.
A road will be arriving here in about five
years so experience it now...
(6
Days in Patagonia, Chile / 5 over nights /
4 Active Days)
Chile Horseback Riding: Expedition
Rides
Our
expedition rides
are once in a lifetime opportunities. Imagine
yourself traversing a pristine rugged landscape
of breath taking beauty. On these rides you
will experience, temperate rainforests, hanging
glaciers, scenic extinct volcanoes, wide open
steppe, fjord like lakes, swift rivers, swinging
bridge crossings, charming ranches and inns
and the warm and friendly culture of Patagonia,
Chile. Horseback riding Chile does not get better than this!
Our
expedition horseback riding vacations are
meant for experienced horseback riders. To
consider these trips you should be a strong
intermediate rider who rides fairly regularly
at home. Our ride Across the Andes trip is
a true expedition style trip with limited
opportunity to turn back once we start. Riders
should be prepared to face the elements on
these trips. While the weather is usually
good in the late Patagonia Summer significant
storms are possible off of the Southern Pacific
Ocean. On average we will ride six hours a day
over incredibly varied terrain.
Patagonia Ranch Ride: Futaleufu River Valley Trail
From our working ranch in Futaleufu we depart on a six-day horseback riding Patagonia expedition. This is a trip back in time that few people will ever have a chance to experience. A life changing cultural journey. We will visit small remote ranch outposts, and settlements without roads deep in Patagonia, Chile. Horses will carry your food, gear, and bags. We combine camping with staying at small ranches...
(8 Days in Patagonia, Chile / 7 over nights / 6 Active Days)
Ruta de Los Arrieros
Route of the Cowboys: A six day horseback trail ride that circumnavigates the glacier encircled Lago Espolon. The first night we stay under shelter of a cabin with a spectacular view of the lake and at the far end of the lake a remote ranch in a settlement reached only by horse trail or over water. The final three days will be spent horseback riding through the Rio Azul and Rio Futaleufu Valleys. This allows you to see how the native people live in this area. An experience you will remember and treasure...
(8 Days in Patagonia, Chile / 7 over nights / 6 Active Days)
Journey Across the Andes: Andes to the Ocean
Just one month out of every summer we offer people the chance to join our 7-day journey across the Andes. This trail was once the only link between the costal port of Chaiten and Futaleufú; used by locals and police officials up until 1975, when the Carreterra Austral finally opened. This ride is a very unique experience we want to share with those who love long horseback trips into remote wilderness with a unique cultural experience...
(8 Days in Patagonia, Chile / 7 over nights / 6 Active Days)
About our Horses
The horses we ride from the lodge are native Chilean Corralero horses: a breed that is unique only to Chile. The Corralero came about because of the need of the Chilean equestrian culture for a superior horse breed in this region of Patagonia. The Corralero is know for its even temperament, sure footedness, speed, and endurance. An all around great horse! Read More: Chilean Corralero Horse
About our Tack
The tack we use on all of our Patagonia horseback riding trips is also native Chilean. Our saddles are leather sheepskin covered "Huaso-saddles" designed specifically for the type of trail riding you will do in this region of Patagonia, Chile. At the beginning of your Chile horseback riding vacation our guides will spend a significant amount of time introducing you to the Chilean style of riding. Typically you will spend four to six hours a day in the saddle, riding at a moderate pace. There will be ample opportunity to gallup the horses in the open fields and on trails if you so desire. Read More: Chilean Saddles & Tack
Chile Horseback Riding Season
Our trail riding season is November to April - summer in Patagonia - equestrian vacation weeks usually go Saturday to Saturday or Saturday to Thursday. Our Across the Andes Wilderness Trip is only available for two weeks in our season Chile horseback riding season. Horseback Riding Calendar
Traveling in Chile
Traveling in Chile is a very safe experience , especially for women traveling on their own. The Chilean economy is the best in South America and the Chilean people are welcoming and friendly. For the past twenty years Expediciones Chile has been running safe vacations in this region of the world. We have hosted thousands of guests, of all ages and abilities, from around the world - and many arrive solo. See our Horseback Riding Patagonia FAQs for more information.
Downloadable pdf: Chile Horseback Riding
