Experience Patagonia the Gaucho Way
You truly won’t be able to find a better itinerary that encompasses the rough and rugged beauty of Argentina’s Patagonia region while being brought to life with the local gaucho culture.
Trip Highlights
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Drinking maté with the gauchos
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Falling in love with the trusting, loyal Criollo horses
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Chowing down on Argentina’s famous asado
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Swimming the horses in a refreshing river fed from the Andes
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Taking in the breathtaking vistas you’re presented with as you summit a rugged mountain
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Holding your breath as you ride across the Pass of Tears
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Watching in awe as a condor circles above
Details
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Riding levels
Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. You should be comfortable at all paces, but please note, the majority of the ride will be completed at a walk due to the terrain.
*Please be aware, if you suffer from vertigo you will find parts of this ride VERY challenging.Not sure what your riding ability is? See the definitions below.
- Type of tack
Traditional Argentine ‘recado’ saddles with sheep skins. These saddles are composed of many layers of blankets, pieces of leather, and sheepskins placed on the horse’s back in a particular order. The last layer of sheepskin serves as a seat for the rider, making it very comfortable to ride.
- Horse breed
In Patagonia the horses are locally born and bred, predominantly the Argentine ‘Criollo’ breed but some with Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred and even Percheron influences.
- Accommodation
The Patagonia Trail consists of two different types of accommodation – Base Camp and mountain fly camps.
- Pace
Generally a walking pace due to the climb and descent nature of the mountains and terrain. There will be some opportunities to trot and canter, but these will be limited.
- Weight limit
A maximum of 95kg / 210lbs.
It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Group size
A maximum of 10 guests.
- Minimum age
18 years of age
- Time in Saddle
Between 4 to 8 hours per day.
- When to go
December to February.
- Terrain
In the Patagonian mountains, there is steep climbing on horseback with a few opportunities for cantering in the valleys. On horseback, you can reach places completely unspoiled by man. You’ll ride along crystal clear lakes and rivers where you can swim with the horses after a long day in the saddle. People with vertigo may struggle riding along the magnificent precipices. Although the pace is slow, there is definitely no lack of excitement. It is wonderful to see what a horse is capable of in difficult terrain like this.
- Languages
Instructions spoken in English.
Your guide also speaks: Spanish, French and German.
What’s included (and what’s not)
Included
- Transfers to and from regional airports (or local accommodation) in Patagonia
- All food and drink, including alcohol
- Accommodation
- Daily riding activities
- Guides
- Staff tips
Excluded
- International or domestic flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
Departure dates and prices
Instalment plans available
Lock in your ride with a 10% deposit and pay the rest over time – interest-free in 10 easy payments. Learn more.
Per person
2026
December 14 to 21, 2026
Waitlist yourself and we will send you an email if this date becomes available. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
2027
January 15 to 22, 2027
Waitlist yourself and we will send you an email if this date becomes available. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
We'll email you — you'll be among the first to hear when new departure dates are released.
The fun bits
Payment details
- A fixed Booking Fee of $108 USD
- All bookings are charged in the local currency of the ride destination.
- Accepted payment method is by credit or debit card only.
Cancellation policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your ride, please let us know as soon as possible. Cancellation fees apply based on how close your departure date is, and deposits are non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your booking. Read our full cancellation policy.
International fees
If you're paying in a currency different from your own, your bank may charge a conversion or international transaction fee.
Itinerary
Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
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Pre-ride arrival: Buenos Aires
Dependent upon your travel plans and budget of course, we recommend arriving a few days early and spending two nights in Buenos Aires to explore this vibrant city and recover from jet lag.
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Day 1: Arrival
1 hour in the saddleFly to San Martin de los Andes (specific flight to be confirmed and booked closer to departure) where your hosts will meet you. We recommend that you travel in your riding clothes, as the luggage will go directly to camp while you go a separate way by mini bus, where you’ll be offered a little snack and drinks. After a two and a half hour drive, you will arrive at the shores of Falkner Lake to meet the motor boat in which you’ll cross to the other side, where the horses will be waiting. Travel light with little to carry – just your camera is enough, as the ride into camp takes just over an hour: long enough for you to get a feel for your horse and the gaucho saddles, which you might not be used to.
Once in Base Camp, you’ll be allocated a tent and get settled in before cracking open a nice Malbec for the first sundowner. The tents are very spacious and beautiful, with built in bathrooms. There are plugs for charging devices, but no lights; instead you’ll have rechargeable lanterns. The dining room is a very cosy log cabin overlooking the beautiful Filo Huahum River.
Please note that in the case of bad weather, the arrival will be directly by car from the airport, as the lake is too dangerous to cross when the water is choppy.
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Day 2: Filo Huahum Valley and beyond
6 hours in the saddleThe mornings here are so beautiful that it’s worth getting up early. Breakfast is ready at 7am, but the wake-up call won’t be given until 8am, so if the sunrise isn’t enough to coax you from your bed, you can enjoy a bit of a sleep-in. Normally your guides will aim to have you in the saddle at 9am, but you’ll see that packing the saddle bags, readying the pack horses, rolling ponchos and fitting them to your saddle all takes a bit longer on the first day. Once mounted up, you will ride down the Filo Huahum Valley and border the lake to have a nice Argentine asado (barbeque) on the other side. Argentina is well known for its Malbec and good meat, and you’ll have a lot of it! Don’t worry if you’re not a meat eater, though – as long as you informed Globetrotting of your dietary requirements prior to departure, you’ll be very well catered for.
The morning ride is easy and only about 3 hours. In the afternoon you ride for the same amount of time, but it is slightly more challenging as you’ll have a little climb and descent to get the hang of mountain riding. It is important to keep an eye on your saddles when climbing. Your guides will always check on them and often stop to adjust tack, but it helps if you are aware of it. Saddles can slide back or forward on the steep slopes. You get back to camp at about 6pm, in time for a nice shower to shake off the dust and another sundowner in the cabin or at the river shore.
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Day 3: Pass of Tears
6 to 7 hours in the saddleToday you leave for fly camp – you won’t come back to base camp until the next day. You can leave your luggage in your tents -just pack what you need for one night away. The sleeping accommodation in fly camp is a little two-man tent with a good mattress and a good sleeping bag provided by your guides. Remember that there are no showers at fly camp, but there’s enough water to wash your hands and face, of course. At breakfast your guides will give you a little bag to put in your saddle bag, which contains all the basics: a little towel, wet wipes, some chocolate, nuts, lip balm and soap. Remember to pack your swimming gear,because for lunch the following day you will stop and have another asado by the river, with lots of time for a refreshing swim.
As for riding, this is an important day. You will face the ‘Pass of Tears’: possibly the most amazing scenery on the whole ride, but for the faint of heart and those prone to vertigo, it can be very challenging. You will ride up the mountain in the morning, pass the tree line, then have lunch among the rocky slopes without untacking. After lunch you’ll ride for three more hours to reach fly camp. This is a long day, so make sure you drink lots to stay hydrated. Fly camp is in a spectacular spot overlooking the ‘Buque’ mountain. Once you have arrived and settled into your nomadic homes, you can relax and join the gauchos around the campfire. Hannibal, our main gaucho, is the cook tonight and you’ll get to taste his delicious stew.
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Day 4: Return to base camp
4 hours in the saddleToday you will ride back down into the valley to a lovely spot by the river where you can swim and enjoy another delicious asado. The ride today is not long, about three hours in the morning and an hour in the afternoon, which you’ll welcome with open arms after clocking up some serious mileage on the previous days. When you return to base camp you will notice that everything feels, looks and tastes better. The little things that we take for granted suddenly become amazing.
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Day 5:
3 to 4 hours in the saddleThis is a day to recover your strength for tomorrow’s ride. Day five varies depending on the weather, the horses and what your group feels like, but typically you’ll go for an easy ride in the morning, sometimes to check on the herd of horses and sometimes to visit Domingo’s place. Domingo is the owner of the property and sometimes he’s there, sometimes he’s not. Lunch is at base camp and there is plenty of time for relaxing, siesta, swimming or walking in the afternoon.
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Day 6: Mallin Redondo Camp
6 hours in the saddleToday you’re heading out for another night of camping, so you’ll need to pack just as you did before: same gear, same level of preparation. You will have another exciting full day of riding today and will be camping tonight in the second fly camp. You’ll set off in the morning for a three-hour ride to the lunch spot, where you’ll take a proper break before continuing. In the afternoon, it’s another three-hour ride to camp. This site is very different from the Pass of Tears fly camp: much more open, with sweeping views in every direction. It’s an exposed location, but incredibly beautiful, and ideal for stargazing.
After a long day in the saddle, you’ll settle in with another hearty stew to round things off.
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Day 7: Eagle Pass
3 to 4 hours in the saddleAfter a breakfast of bacon and eggs on the fire, you’ll ride down through Eagle Pass, making your way back in time to arrive at base camp for lunch. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at a more relaxed pace, with a range of activities to choose from. You can head out for a walk or simply unwind back at base camp, perhaps with a pisco sour in hand or cooling off in the river pools. For those still keen to be in the saddle, there’s also the option of a gentle afternoon ride, making the most of the landscape before the day winds down.
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Day 8 : Departure
Non-riding dayAfter breakfast, you will say goodbye to your gauchos and guides. A car will take you to San Martín de los Andes Airport for your journey home.
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Additional Activities:
Fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout is an optional activity and can also be done in place of riding at an additional cost. If you wish to go fly fishing, please inform your hosts before the beginning of the ride so that the necessary licenses, rods and guide can be organised.
Transfer information
We recommend flying into Buenos Aires at least two nights prior to the start of your ride, so you are not suffering from jet lag when it comes time to throw your leg over the saddle.
You will then need to fly into San Martin de los Andes on day one of your ride. On the final day you will need to fly out of San Martin de los Andes (or you could opt to stay in the area and do some further travel). Transfers from the airport or your hotel accommodation are included in the price.
Don’t forget to check with Globetrotting as to the specific regional flight you are required to catch if you are planning on flying in/out of San Martin de los Andes on the first and last days of your ride.
Please note
It is ESSENTIAL you check with Globetrotting before booking regional flights to and from the ride, as specific flights must be booked closer to the departure date.
Accommodation
The Patagonia Trail consists of two different types of accommodation – base camp and mountain fly camps.
Base camp is glamping-style tents with ensuite bathrooms. The tents are spacious but cosy, with wood-burning stoves lit morning and evening.
Mountain fly camps are basic, made up of dome tents each with sleeping bags, cots and mattresses. There are no showers, but fresh mountain springs to wash your face and hands in.
Base camp
Base camp
Base camp
Food
Although Argentina is a carnivorous country, apart from the delicious Argentine meat, your hosts will serve a delicious variety of dishes. Even if this might not be the ideal place to be vegetarian, your hosts can cater for this when necessary.
Reviews
Mary H
Kimberly F
Robyn S
Sharon R
Nathan T
Julie Y
Janet B
Karen R
Lyndal M
9 reviews
Mary H
‘The long day’s ride to Filipe’s place was possibly the best ride of my life, incredible! I loved my horse, Moro Blanco – he was so kind and steady and suited this old girl perfectly! Although the ride was expensive, considering the location, scenery and standard of service, it was good value for money. The accommodation and meals at the lodge exceeded my expectations, they were fantastic! As an older rider, no longer riding regularly, it is not possible to go without a certain amount of help, so thanks again to the Globetrotting girls for your good humour, kindness, help and assistance.’
Kimberly F
‘This ride was absolutely unforgettable! A week of stunning views awaited us around every turn, with challenging climbs, thrilling drops, and heights that tested every nerve. The horses were brilliant – trustworthy, smart, and sure-footed (thank goodness) – making perfect partners for the journey. Mine, Caipirinha, loved to jump anything jumpable (extra fun!) and even saved us from disaster with an epic leap over a huge rabbit hole during a run on the first day! We were spoiled with the best food, hospitality, hosts that felt like family (and kept our wine glasses full!), and new friendships that made the experience even more special. This riding trip truly was the adventure and experience of a lifetime!’
Robyn S
‘This was my 7th GT ride, which has become my favourite ride (I may have said that before!). I had been dreaming about this ride for years, and it was the one that caught my attention the first time I discovered GT. Surprisingly, it surpassed all of my expectations. The base camp was situated in a stunning location, and the hospitality was impeccable. We were treated so well that every need was met, even the ones that we didn’t imagine. The food was outstanding, too. If you’re looking for a ride that delivers in every way – culture, breathtaking scenery, incredible horses, wonderful hosts, and a perfect small group size – then this is the ride for you. The best part of the ride was the incredible terrain, which blew me away. Despite having ridden a few of the big mountain ranges, this ride was something else. Each day was an adventure as we explored ways to negotiate the snow pack still there after a cool season. We pushed new trails, and the variety in terrain was stunning. All of the horses were drop-dead gorgeous and did their job well. I never felt compromised in any of the sometimes steep and very narrow trails. They just went up and down with the same reliable steadiness. I appreciate the amazing crew on the ground here and thanks to GT for being the conduit!”
Sharon R
‘Words cannot describe how truly fantastic this ride is! It was a real adventure and our guides Jakob, Daisy and Marcos made this ride exceptional – they are so warm, helpful, interesting and fun! The scenery was stunning and the horses were so kind, sure-footed, willing, and matched perfectly to each rider. We loved each day. We rode high over mountain passes, had some lovely canters through valleys, swam in pristine lakes and rivers, and enjoyed incredible, delicious food and malbec at base camp around the campfire. This was our third Globetrotting ride and will be hard to beat! Treasured memories for a lifetime.’
Nathan T
‘The Patagonia Trail is one of the best trips I’ve had. The mesmerising views that keep getting better, authentic culture and food, wonderful guides and staff who provide terrific hospitality, and the most amazing horses that let you experience it all from their backs. The whole trip was worth travelling halfway around the world for! Crossing the Pass of Tears was one of my favourite experiences, even though I’m not especially fond of heights – plenty of Type II fun. The views from the top while riding along the spine of the mountain, with steep drops on either side, were phenomenal and absolutely worth it. Having 17 Condors flying around us while at one of the lookouts was a pretty special moment, too.’
Julie Y
‘The Patagonia Trail was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. The beautiful setting on a trout filled river in a remote valley full of horses deep in the Andes mountains was beyond anything I could have ever dreamed. Luxury camping beyond compare and a world class adventure are just a couple of ways I can think to describe it. The guides were exceedingly gracious and accommodating. I truly could not have been more impressed and grateful. The horses were all beautiful and well suited to their assigned riders. Toro was AMAZING. He carried me safely over the Pass of Tears and for that, he had my heart.
The riding included exciting canters across the valley fields and heart-stopping mountain climbing on horseback. Time out of the saddle was equally enjoyable, spent taking in the gorgeous scenery and enjoying the company of friends by the fireplace in the main cabin or around the campfire by the river. From the five-star worthy accommodations and dining at base camp to the authentic and rustic experience at Felipe’s fly camp, there was nothing not to love! This vacation is one I will never forget.’
Janet B
‘The Patagonia Trail with Jakob was spectacular. The horses were sound and sure. Miguelito es mi favorito! He was a very forward, careful and comfortable horse. The accommodations were comfy and snug. The cuisine was top of the line. Jakob, Daisy and all the support crew were so kind, supportive, interesting and fun, and very solicitous of our needs. The attention to our comfort was outstanding. We couldn’t sit down without being offered a drink or snack!
This ride stretched me to do things I didn’t know I could. I was exhilarated and exhausted. I will treasure this memory for ever (and brag about it to all my non-horsey friends). Thanks Globetrotting for making our travel simple and safe so that we could enjoy such unspoiled beauty.’
Karen R
‘Gorgeous blue-green crystal clear waters, soaring mountains and plunging ridgelines combined with surefooted and unflappable dream horses, a bit of cosy luxury camping and delectable food. This ride both challenges your fears and soothes the soul – a veritable feast of stunning scenery. It met every expectation I had and more. I have ridden on so many other speccy trips with their own special features that I have loved, and they seem tame in comparison – for adrenaline, I think this hard to beat.
I rode Moro Negro and I loved him. He was so perfectly behaved and well trained – I couldn’t think of a single thing to improve. Very surefooted over all the rabbit holes and so careful and unflappable on the Pass of Tears. He was perfect for me and the sort of horse I wish I could find at home. The saddles were great – to do those 13 hour days and not get sore is an achievement! The gauchos provided excellent care of the horses and were very accommodating of us – nothing was too much trouble.
All the staff were great, friendly and went above and beyond. Daisy made this ride the fantastic experience it was. Her humour and stories, her consideration and care of each and every one of us, her easy going approachability and the reassurance and communication she provided was so highly valued. She is a talented host and a special part of the team.
The food was divine – some of the best I’ve had. Clean flavours, fresh, healthy but still delicious, and a perfect amount of it. The chef should produce a book of his recipes – I would absolutely have bought it.
Not for the inexperienced or faint of heart, this was a very special experience of Patagonia and has become my new ‘happy place’ – at least ’til my next ride!’
Lyndal M
‘Picture this: it’s 7am and you’re woken to the sound of Miguel discretely lighting your wood-heater in your cosy glamping tent. The cold Patagonian night is dispelled, so you enjoy a good stretch in your comfortable bed then shower (if you want), jump into your riding clothes and make your way to breakfast at 8. It’s fabulous homemade granola, fresh fruits and juices, huevos and bacon. You don’t linger though… because its time to ride! You gather your gear and head to your horse who is already saddled by the gauchos and ready to go. You rode the whole day before… but you wouldn’t know it, as the gaucho saddles with their sheepskin pads are the most comfortable saddles ever. FACT. It really doesn’t matter where you are riding today – it’s guaranteed that the scenery is spectacular, your horse surefooted and willing and that you are surrounded by people who share your love of horses and viewing the world ‘between two ears’. At every viewpoint, you think ‘this is the money shot!’, only to find that the vistas get more and more spectacular. Your horse is amazing. You are enjoying a privilege few others receive. You are EXACTLY where you need to be. You return to camp at the end of the day and delight in watching the horses roll away the day’s efforts and start tearing into the lush green grass outside your cabin. You spend a few moments reflecting on their strength and agility… but the open bar is calling! You shower and change and enjoy Daisy’s G&T or Oscar’s Pisco Sour in front of the roaring fire, joining in on the excited chatter that recaps today’s marvellous ride. The conversation continues over a three-course epicurean delight prepared by Oscar and his team and washed down with some Argentinian Malbec (a must!). Retire early or retire late, your wood-heater is already stoked and the hot water bottle is ready to warm your toes. You pinch yourself – life doesn’t get any better than this. Horses are truly the best therapy… sign me up for this treatment every day!’
What's my riding level?
Not sure what your riding level is? Watch our videos to see all our levels.
Beginner
Reasonably confident riding a horse at a walk, a rising trot, and learning to canter.
Intermediate
Confident and in control riding at all paces outside an arena, but not riding regularly. Comfortable and competent using aids {the language of your leg, seat and hands} to communicate with your horse.
Strong Intermediate
An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly outside of an arena and is fit enough to ride for at least six hours per day. Strong intermediate riders are comfortable and competent in all three gaits; able to post or sit to the trot; have an independent seat while cantering (don’t hold onto the saddle); and can pick up the correct canter lead. They can also navigate more complex terrain, including asking a horse to sidestep and jump over a small obstacle.
Advanced
A frequent rider who is very fit, comfortable in the saddle for at least six hours per day, and has an independent seat and soft hands. Advanced riders are confident on a forward-moving horse at all paces over rough and variable ground on open terrain. They can ride over small jumps and know the techniques used to collect a horse
Not sure? Contact our team to help you figure out your riding ability.
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