Lodge-to-lodge riding in spectacular Patagonia
Patagonia has a way of making you feel wonderfully small. This relaxed ride combines spectacular mountain scenery, welcoming lodge accommodation and authentic gaucho hospitality, allowing you to experience one of Argentina’s most breathtaking regions without ever needing to pitch a tent.
Trip Highlights
- Splitting your stay between two spectacular Patagonian lodges, enjoying all the comfort of lodge accommodation while exploring two very different corners of Patagonia
- With half-day and full-day rides woven throughout the week, there’s plenty of time to appreciate the scenery, enjoy long picnics and simply soak up the peaceful rhythm of Patagonia
- Whether it’s visiting the nearby national park, trekking through the mountains or enjoying a spot of fishing, there are wonderful off-the-horse options for travelling companions
- Spending three nights surrounded by vineyards and mountain views at Casa Yague Winery-Lodge, where relaxing with a glass of local wine is every bit as rewarding as time in the saddle
- Experiencing Patagonian life through the eyes of the people who have called this remarkable landscape home for generations
Details
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Riding levels
All riding abilities are catered for, from beginner to advanced.
Not sure what your riding ability is? See the definitions below.
- Type of tack
Traditional Argentine ‘recado’ saddles with sheepskins. 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
The horses are locally born and bred, predominantly the Argentine Criollo breed, but some have Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred and even Percheron influences.
*You will change horses at least once throughout the itinerary, as the two lodges have different herds. - Accommodation
You’ll split your time between two beautiful lodges in the Patagonian wilderness. Each lodge has twin share or double rooms with en-suites and a comfortable common area where you can relax and share a glass of wine with your fellow globetrotters.
- Pace
Variable, depending on the nature of the terrain. There will be opportunities to trot and canter, but this is very dependent on the weather conditions and terrain.
- Weight limit
A strict maximum of 95kg / 209lbs.
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 minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 guests.
- Minimum age
12 years of age
- Time in Saddle
On average, between 2 to 6 hours per day.
- When to go
December to April.
- Terrain
This region of Patagonia is defined by rugged Andean wilderness—ancient lenga forests and native bamboo thickets give way to wide open valleys, glacial rivers, marshlands, and steep shale climbs scattered with boulders.
- Languages
Instructions spoken in English.
Your guides speak Spanish and English.
What’s included (and what’s not)
Included
- All food and drinks (including alcohol)
- Accommodation
- Daily riding
- Guides
- Horse riding & tack
- Transfers to and from regional airport in Esquel
Excluded
- International or regional flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Staff tips
- Fishing license (optional activity)
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
2027
April 1 to 7, 2027
April 8 to 14, 2027
We'll email you — you'll be among the first to hear when new departure dates are released.
Things to know
Payment details
- A fixed Booking Fee of $105 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 due to weather conditions and other influencing factors.
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Pre-Arrival: Buenos Aires
Dependent upon your travel plans and budget, 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
Non-riding dayYou’ll arrive at La Escondida Lodge in the afternoon, your home for the next three nights. After settling in, there’s time to unwind and soak up your first taste of Patagonia with a gentle stroll around the surrounding property, where mountain views and fresh country air set the tone for the week ahead, before enjoying a relaxed evening.
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Day 2: Meet your horses
3 to 4 hours in the saddleAfter breakfast, you’ll head to the corral for a demonstration of horse handling, giving you the chance to get to know your trusty steed before setting off on a short introductory ride of around an hour.
With lunch enjoyed back at the lodge, there’s time for a siesta before venturing into the surrounding mountains in the afternoon on a longer ride. Winding through the rugged Patagonian landscape, you’ll begin to appreciate the region’s immense sense of space, dramatic peaks and peaceful wilderness.
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Day 3: Village of Trevelin
3 hours in the saddleA leisurely morning sets the pace before you ride out through native forest and up the mountainside. After around 1.5 hours in the saddle, you’ll arrive at a beautiful panoramic viewpoint overlooking the village of Trevelin and the valley stretching out below.
A picnic lunch and well-earned siesta await, giving you plenty of time to savour the stillness of the mountains before riding back through the forest to the lodge for a quiet evening. If you’re not riding, a visit to the nearby national park can be arranged instead.
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Day 4: A change of scenery
Optional riding dayAfter breakfast, you’ll travel by vehicle for around an hour to your second home for the week, Casa Yague.
Nestled amongst vineyards and framed by beautiful mountain scenery, this is a wonderful place to slow down and savour your magical surroundings. You can choose to spend the afternoon relaxing with a glass of local wine and soaking up the views, or, if you’d rather stay in the saddle, head out for an afternoon ride through the surrounding countryside.
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Day 5: Los Cipreses
4 hours in the saddleToday’s ride takes you into the hills above the village of Los Cipreses. As you climb higher, expansive views unfold across the surrounding valleys and mountains, with a picnic enjoyed in a scenic spot before returning to the winery lodge.
Guests taking a day off riding can instead choose to go fishing or explore the area on foot.
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Day 6: A day with the gauchos
6 hours in the saddleToday you’ll cross the river and spend the day riding alongside the local gauchos through Patagonia’s wide-open landscapes.
This is a genuine gaucho experience and a wonderful opportunity to experience the region through the eyes of the people who call it home, sharing their pace of life against a backdrop of vast valleys, rugged mountains and endless skies.
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Day 7: Departure
Non-riding dayEnjoy a leisurely morning at Casa Yague before it’s time to transfer to the airport, taking one last look across the mountains before your Patagonian adventure comes to a close.
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Non-riders:
Being based at two different lodges, this itinerary is perfect for non-riding partners and friends to join, especially those who have a keen interest in fishing or hiking. Non-riders will have their own guide each day to explore at their leisure, whether that be venturing into Patagonia on foot on the various hiking trails around, or spending the day fishing in the rivers that run right through. Fishing equipment is provided, but you will need to obtain a fishing license (at your own expense). This can be arranged with the ride hosts, rest assured.
Transfer information
Transfers to/from Esquel Airport are included in the ride price. There is generally only one regional flight operating in and out of Esquel on the start and end dates of the ride, and this is the flight we recommend booking.
Please note
Arriving a day early is not necessary (unless you prefer to), as Esquel is a small town with limited activities and sights.
Accommodation
You’ll split your time between two luxurious lodges in the Patagonian wilderness, spending three nights at each. You’ll enjoy comfortable twin-share rooms with ensuites, traditionally decorated. Both lodges have a dining area and beautiful common space where guests can unwind and relax with a glass of wine after spending a day exploring the region.
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.
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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