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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Chile
Intro to Chile
 Lake DistrictNorthern Chile Patagonia / Torres del Paine
Argentina
Brazil
Colombia
Ecuador
Peru
Uruguay
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Crossing the Andes from Chile into Argentina
Lake District
Chile
The Crossing of the Andes - the greatest adventure on horseback in the Northern Patagonian Andes
Riding amongst the snow capped volcanoes of the Chilean Andes, discover hidden mountain lakes, and meander your way through the Huerquehue National Park. For days you will feel like the only people on Earth! Then, crossing at a pass in Icalma, the mountains open into the vast valleys of the Argentinean pampas. The views on the descent from the peaks of the Andes are stunning. Look out through the rugged terrain at the sparkling lakes below, and ahead to the open pampas you will soon be riding through.
From smoking volcanoes and snow capped mountains, to deep blue mountain lakes, this ride is a once in a lifetime experience.
Get the best of two worlds and two great horse cultures. The steep mountains, and endless virgin forests on the Chilean side will give you a new appreciation for the low and sturdy Criollo Chilean horses. You will understand why the Criollo horses have become the prized horse of choice for the Chilean people. You also have the opportunity to observe the unique style of the Argentinean gaucho life, and the open space of the Argentinean pampas where they live and work. Descend along the Argentinean cliffs where we admire the majestic condor and other wildlife unique to the area. There is no better way to experience all of this than on a horseback trip.
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Camping Ride with vehicle support
Camping Ride with pack horses
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Meeting:
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Pucon
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Airport:
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Temuco
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Transfer:
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Pucon or Temuco
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2018 | 2019
Rates include*:
Accommodations, meals, wine is included with dinner. 8 riding days, English speaking guide, all camping equipment including tent, sleeping bag and mat.
Cabin Option A: The cabin to cabin trip spends 6 nights in cabin accommodations and 3 nights camping; 5 days with shared bathroom facilities.
Camping Option B: 7 nights camping, 2 nights in cabins, 4 days with shared shower facilities
| A | 2018 | 10 day cabin to cabin ride, AP | 10d / 9n | €3100 | $3720 |
| Single supplement | €400 | $480 |
| B | 2018 | 9 day camping ride, AP | 9d / 8n | €2750 | $3300 |
| Single supplement | €170 | $205 |
| C | 2018 | 11 day camping ride, AP, plus Sllipulli Volcano | 11d / 10n | €3550 | $4260 |
| Single supplement | €400 | $480 |
| D | 2018 | 10 day cabin & tent camping ride, AP | 10d / 9n | €3250 | $3900 |
| Single supplement | €400 | $480 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2018
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Transfer to/from Temuco Airport (1-5 pax), pp, return
This is a "Group Rate"
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€
70
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$85
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2018
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Transfer to/from Temuco Airport (6+ pax), pp, return
This is a "Group Rate"
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€
120
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$145
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2018
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Small group supplement
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€
1,800
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$2,160
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Transfers are available anytime from Temuco Airport, bus station, or hotel in Pucón on Day 1 of the trip. Please note we will not be back at the Temuco airport earlier than 12:30PM on the last day. Do not book a departure flight from Temuco earlier than 3PM!!
Tour Dates for 2018 | 2019
This trip can be arranged at other dates between Dec 1 and March 30 - with a minimum of 2 riders.
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Rates do not include:
Travel and medical insurances, tips for local guides.
Sample Itinerary - 9 day camping ride - Subject to changes
Day 1: Pick up in Pucon at 09.00 am. We have breakfast and afterwards we take an initial ride through the Mapuche Indian Community Quelhue and along the rapids of Trancura River to evaluate your riding experience, get familiar with the saddle and tack, and determine which horses to take on our great adventure. Lunch at the farm and then, it’s time to pack the saddlebags. In the evening we go to our base camp at Laguna Geppinger from where we start our ride the following morning.
Day 2: We cross the first of three mountain ranges on our trail towards Argentina. At night we camp beside the natural hot springs in Rio Blanco Valley.
Day 3: We ride through virgin rainforests and dense stands of Coighue trees and bamboo crossing the 2nd range. The night we spent at a mountain farm at the Mapuche Indian community “Flor de Valle”
Day 4: We ride along the slopes of Sollipulli volcano, overnight on a clearing in an ancient Aruaucaria forest.
Day 5: We cross the last range before Argentina and spend the night in a cabin at the shore of Lake Icalma.
Day 6: We ride to the border, after arranging custom formalities with the Chilean border control we cross the border 20 meters on foot, and greet Hernan and his wonderful Argentinean horses which will bring us through the unique world of the Argentinean Andes for the next three days. We ride up to the top of Batea Mahuida Volcano with 6560 feet the highest point on our ride. Overnight in tent camp.
Days 7 and 8: We ride the valleys and cliffs of Argentina, watch condors pass us by and enjoy amazing views over the endless wide open spaces of this uninhabited part of the world. On the evening of the 8th day we reach the outpost were Hernan lives with his horses and which marks the end of our journey. We celebrate the end of the trek with a typical Argentinean BBQ.
Day 9: After breakfast we transfer back to Chile. We can bring you to Temuco city (1.00 pm) or Temuco airport (1.30 pm) or Pucon (3.30 pm).
Sample Itinerary - 11 day camping ride plus Sllipulli - Subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival day, pick up at Temuco airport (03.00 pm) or Pucon (01.00 pm). Welcome to the ranch and dinner at the ranch house.
Day 2: We take an initial ride through the Mapuche Indian Community Quelhue and along the rapids of Trancura River to evaluate your riding experience, get familiar with the saddle and tack, and determine which horses to take on our great adventure. In the evening we go to our base camp at Laguna Geppinger from where we start our ride the following morning.
Day 3: We cross the first of three mountain ranges on our trail towards Argentina. At night we camp beside the natural hot springs in Rio Blanco Valley.
Day 4: We ride through virgin rainforests and dense stands of Coighue trees and bamboo crossing the 2nd range. The night we spent at a mountain farm at the Mapuche Indian community “Flor de Valle”
Day 5: We ride along the slopes of Sollipulli volcano, overnight in the mountain lodge “Nevados de Sollipulli”.
Day 6: We ride up the volcano, reaching its 2.5 miles wide crater which is filled with a 660 feet deep glacier. We return to “Nevados de Sollipulli” for a second night.
Day 7: We cross the last range before Argentina and spend the night in a cabin at the shore of Lake Icalma.
Day 8: We ride to the border, after arranging custom formalities with the Chilean border control we cross the border 20 meters on foot, and greet Hernan and his wonderful Argentinean horses which will bring us through the unique world of the Argentinean Andes for the next three days. We ride up to the top of Batea Mahuida Volcano with 6560 feet the highest point on our ride. Overnight in tent camp.
Days 9 and 10: We ride the valleys and cliffs of Argentina, watch condors pass us by and enjoy amazing views over the endless wide open spaces of this uninhabited part of the world. On the evening of the 10th day we reach the outpost were Hernan lives with his horses and which marks the end of our journey. We celebrate the end of the trek with a typical Argentinean BBQ.
Day 11: After breakfast we transfer back to Chile. We can bring you to Temuco city (1.00 pm) or Temuco airport (1.30 pm) or Pucon (3.30 pm). If you prefer, you may finish the trip in Argentina, and keep on traveling or riding some more days in the Argentinean pampas.
Sample Itinerary - 10 day cabin & tent ride - Subject to changes
Day 1: Pick up at Temuco airport (03.00 pm) or Pucon (01.00 pm). Time to get to know the horses, tack and equipment, and to get settled. Welcome dinner at the ranch house.
Day 2: We take an initial ride through the Mapuche Indian Community Quelhue and along the rapids of Trancura River to evaluate your riding experience, get familiar with the saddle and tack, and determine which horses to take on our great adventure. In the evening we move to our base camp at Laguna Geppinger from were we start our ride the following morning.
Day 3: We cross the first of three mountain ranges on our trail towards Argentina. At night we stay in double rooms in cabins 5 minutes away from the natural hot springs in Rio Blanco Valley.
Day 4: We ride through virgin rainforests and dense stands of Coighue trees and bamboo crossing the 2nd range. The night will be spent in a tent camp at a mountain farm at the Mapuche Indian community “Flor de Valle”
Day 5: Today, we ride along the slopes of Sollipulli volcano, overnight in the mountain lodge “Nevados de Sollipulli”.
Day 6: We cross the last range before Argentina. We return to civilization again and ride through the small Mapuche settlement of Icalma. We spend the night in a cabin at the shore of Lake Icalma.
Day 7: After arranging custom formalities with the Chilean border control we are heading into the mountains to cross the actual border to Argentina. High in the mountains we say goodbye to our Chilean horses and the guides that led us to this magnificent place. Then we cross the border 20 meters on foot, and greet Hernan and his wonderful Argentinean horses which will bring us through the unique world of the Argentinean Andes for the next three days. We ride up to the top of Batea Mahuida Volcano with 6560 feet the highest point on our ride. Overnight in tent camp.
Day 8: We ride the valleys and cliffs of Argentina, watch condors pass us by and enjoy amazing views over the endless wide open spaces of this uninhabited part of the world. On the evening we reach the outpost were Hernan lives with his horses.
Day 9: We enjoy a day long farewell ride to cliffs and a viewpoint overlooking the area of our last day’s rides. We celebrate the end of the trek with a typical Argentinean barbeque while recounting our adventures from the past week and sharing our impressions of this experience of a lifetime.
Day 10: After breakfast we transfer back to Chile. We can bring you to Temuco city (1.00 pm) or Temuco airport (1.30 pm) or Pucon (3.30 pm). If you prefer, you may finish the trip in Argentina, and keep on traveling or riding some more days in the Argentinean pampas.
Meeting:
Pucon
Airport:
Temuco
Transfer:
Pucon or Temuco
Distance:
75 miles
Transfers are available anytime from Temuco Airport, bus station, or hotel in Pucón on Day 1 of the trip. Please note we will not be back at the Temuco airport earlier than 12:30PM on the last day. Do not book a departure flight from Temuco earlier than 3PM!!
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Tack:
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Chillean working saddles: Avio Chileno and Corralero Chileno
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Horses:
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Criollo Chileno
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Pace:
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On mountain trails mostly walking. The terrain is the challenge rather than speed. We ride 6 to 9 hours a day, in difficult passages we may lead our horses walking on foot. Canters are available on some days - especially in Argentina.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
15
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
8 riders
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THE RIDE
You should have at least an intermediate level physical condition and some experience on horseback, but you do not have to be a highly experienced rider.
We ride up to 8 hours a day. In difficult passages we may lead our horses walking on foot.
Some canters and short gallops are possible in flatter parts, especially in Argentina portion, in the mountainous areas the pace is mostly at a walk or trot.
The luggage is carried by pack horses.
THE HORSES
On the home farm we live with 20 horses, all of them Criollo Chileno and cross breeds. Some of them registered, most of them "ordinary" working horses. Our horses are running free on several paddocks, one 12 acre on the riverside, a big 70 acre in the mountain and some smaller 2 acre paddocks beside the house. They range free as a herd all year round, in winter they have an open stable where they can seek shelter and go in and out as they like. In summer they feed mostly on fresh grass and additional grain if they work. In winter due to the slow growth of the grass in this rough mountains we feed additionally hay.
The Criollo Chileno is eldest registered breed in Southern America. They are descended from the Iberian horses the Spaniards brought when they conquered Southern America.
These horses are perfectly adapted to our landscape. Short with a low center of balance they are ideal for climbing the mountains of the Chilean Andes
The word "Criollo" basically means a mixture between Spanish and native - this may be food, customs, horses and even people. Criollo Chileno must not be confused with other Criollo Breeds as e.g. the Criollo Argentino, sounds alike, but they are very different.
They are extremely sure stepping and not nervous at all, no reaction to thunder, dogs or whirring cameras. They have a tendency to search for closeness to their riders. You can notice this many times even on short 3-4 hours, but definitely on every several day ride, when horse and rider have enough time to get to know each other.
The Criollo is a sturdy horse, with a big head on a muscle packed neck. Criollo Chilenos are rather small, about 1,38 to 1,48 m. They are of all colours. They have the fame of sturdy working horses, but they can have a great elegance as well.
THE SADDLES
We use the typical Chilean "Avio" working saddle, designed for a long day on horseback. Very comfortable for both rider and horse. The base is a wooden frame, held together by pieces of metal in the front and back part.The seat, a broad band of rawhide is tied in between. It's covered by a wool-filled pad, followed by 2 - 6 Layers of sheep skin and a leather cover.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
PassportsPassport valid for at least six months required by nationals referred to in the chart.Passport NotePassports issued to children must contain a photo and state the nationality.VisasNot require. more
Temuco area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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77
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78
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74
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66
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59
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54
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54
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57
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61
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64
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68
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73
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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48
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48
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46
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43
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43
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41
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39
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39
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40
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42
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45
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47
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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25
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25
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23
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19
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15
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12
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12
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14
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16
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18
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20
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23
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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9
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9
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8
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6
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6
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5
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4
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4
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4
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6
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7
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9
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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4
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3
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5
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8
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12
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15
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14
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13
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10
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9
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6
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5
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Temperatures in Chile vary a lot with the height and whether we have sunshine or clouds. As a general rule we have high temperatures only with direct sunshine, as soon as the sun disappears, at night or because it's cloudy, temperatures drop immediately. In Pucón and on the ranch from January to March you can count on 25 degrees Celsius up in the day. At night however, temperatures go down to 10-15 degrees Celsius. On a ride in the heights of National Park Villarrica you may get temperatures near the freezing point at night, even in summer.
The weather is usually fine starting from October, with pleasant temperatures. However, we do not start running this tour before November because snow usually stays until that time, high up in the mountains. The best time of the year to visit weather-wise is probably mid December to March as temperatures are warm and there is a low possibility for rain.
Please note that as Chile is in the southern hemisphere, seasons are opposite to the seasons on the northern hemisphere.
Special note - altitude
Pucon is situated on the entrance of a huge valley that reaches right into the center of the Andes at a height of 200meters/660 feet above sea level. The main house is at 350 meters/1150 feet. Behind the paddocks the mountain within 1.5 kilometers/ 0.9 miles rises to 1200 meters/4000 feet. On the trails we cross passes at about 2000 meters/6600 feet but ride into lower regions for the night camps. Generally speaking the Andes in southern Chile are not as high as further north. The highest peaks around are Volcano Villarrica with 2,860 m (9,380 ft) 14 km/8,6 miles away and Lanin with 3,776 m (12,388 ft) 70 km/44 miles away.
Packing list suggestions for trail rides
Some suggestions for your packing list for horse treks
The luggage you bring on the ride should fit our waterproof packroll of 20x12x12 inches.
• Sun block
• Torch (flashlight), water bottle (we can provide if you let us know).
• Hat or cap, best with wide rim.
• Sun glasses (compulsory on the Chile - Argentina ride)
•Swimming suit, towel.
• Rain gear: we suggest you bring waterproof trousers and jacket, we provide additional rain ponchos which are great on horseback, but may not be suitable for the time you're not riding.
• Riding trousers: jeans or trekking trousers are perfect for the kind of riding we do.
• Shoes: Light trekking boots, best if they are high enough to protect your ankles.
• Fleece clothes to keep you warm during the cool nights in the Andes. Bringing several layers is the best option so that you can easily adjust to the temperature.
• For rides outside in the main season (which is January, February, March) and in the high Andes we strongly recommend that you bring warm underwear.
• We provide half chaps, though if you prefer your own gear, you are welcome to bring it.
• We do not provide riding helmets. If you are used to wearing one please bring your own, as they are not common in Chile and it will be hard to find one in a shop.
Weight and volume limit for personal items:
2 x 5 kilo/11 lbs (not including tent, mat and sleeping bag), one package for the Chilean leg, one for the Argentinean leg of the ride. Before the ride each rider packs 2 bags, one for the Chilean part, a second for the Argentinean part of the trip. On the last night in Chile, the supply truck brings the second bag and returns the first bag to the farm.
If you prefer to bring your own sleeping bag, tent or mattress, the size/weight should not exceed:
Bag: 40 x 20cm( 16x8 inches) and 2kg ( 4.4 lbs )
Mattress 30 x 15 (12x6 inches) / 1kg ( 2.2 lbs )
Tent 60x15 (24x6 inches) / 3.3kg (7.3 lbs )
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Accommodations are in comfortable tent camps and in cabins.
Cabin to Cabin Trips: We spend 3 nights camping and the rest in cabins.
Camping Trips: We spend 6 nights in tent camps, 2 nights in cabins. Shower facilities are available on 5 days. On all other days you can freshen up in lakes, rivers etc or heat up some water over the campfire.
Cabins: You sleep in double rooms with either one double or two twin beds.
Tent Camps: The dome tents are first choice brand “The North Face” and “Salewa Denali” tents - firm, light-weight and spacey with two entrances - its perfect for two sleepers. Thermarest mattresses and best quality sleeping bags make the tent camps comfortable. Double tents for couples, single tents for single riders at no extra cost. Sleeping bags are "Doite" a Chilean brand. Comfort zone: -7-0 degrees Celsius/ 19 - 32 degrees Fahrenheit. We wash them after each use and they do not have more than 3 seasons of use. The tent camps are besides the Rio Blanco natural Hot Springs, Icalma Lake and under the stars in the Argentinean pampas.
MEALS:
We serve a mixture of traditional dishes, BBQs are an important part of the diet, especially in Argentina; you will experience and taste the difference between Chilean and Argentinean dishes and of course the Chilean and Argentinean wines. On the trail we have abundant breakfast and dinner and a picnic at lunchtime. We can cater for special diet requirements and vegetarian as well with prior notification.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Chillean working saddles: Avio Chileno and Corralero Chileno
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|
Horses:
|
|
Criollo Chileno
|
|
Pace:
|
|
On mountain trails mostly walking. The terrain is the challenge rather than speed. We ride 6 to 9 hours a day, in difficult passages we may lead our horses walking on foot. Canters are available on some days - especially in Argentina.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
15
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
8 riders
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THE RIDE
You should have at least an intermediate level physical condition and some experience on horseback, but you do not have to be a highly experienced rider.
We ride up to 8 hours a day. In difficult passages we may lead our horses walking on foot.
Some canters and short gallops are possible in flatter parts, especially in Argentina portion, in the mountainous areas the pace is mostly at a walk or trot.
The luggage is carried by pack horses.
THE HORSES
On the home farm we live with 20 horses, all of them Criollo Chileno and cross breeds. Some of them registered, most of them "ordinary" working horses. Our horses are running free on several paddocks, one 12 acre on the riverside, a big 70 acre in the mountain and some smaller 2 acre paddocks beside the house. They range free as a herd all year round, in winter they have an open stable where they can seek shelter and go in and out as they like. In summer they feed mostly on fresh grass and additional grain if they work. In winter due to the slow growth of the grass in this rough mountains we feed additionally hay.
The Criollo Chileno is eldest registered breed in Southern America. They are descended from the Iberian horses the Spaniards brought when they conquered Southern America.
These horses are perfectly adapted to our landscape. Short with a low center of balance they are ideal for climbing the mountains of the Chilean Andes
The word "Criollo" basically means a mixture between Spanish and native - this may be food, customs, horses and even people. Criollo Chileno must not be confused with other Criollo Breeds as e.g. the Criollo Argentino, sounds alike, but they are very different.
They are extremely sure stepping and not nervous at all, no reaction to thunder, dogs or whirring cameras. They have a tendency to search for closeness to their riders. You can notice this many times even on short 3-4 hours, but definitely on every several day ride, when horse and rider have enough time to get to know each other.
The Criollo is a sturdy horse, with a big head on a muscle packed neck. Criollo Chilenos are rather small, about 1,38 to 1,48 m. They are of all colours. They have the fame of sturdy working horses, but they can have a great elegance as well.
THE SADDLES
We use the typical Chilean "Avio" working saddle, designed for a long day on horseback. Very comfortable for both rider and horse. The base is a wooden frame, held together by pieces of metal in the front and back part.The seat, a broad band of rawhide is tied in between. It's covered by a wool-filled pad, followed by 2 - 6 Layers of sheep skin and a leather cover.
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Passports issued to children must contain a photo and state the nationality.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of Greece for up to 60 days and nationals of Romania for up to 30 days.
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey on the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding required travel documents for onward destination and not leaving the airport transit lounge.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
2. Nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA entering Chile for touristic purposes will be charged a processing fee payable on arrival and in cash only. For nationals of Australia, the fee is US$56; for nationals of Canada, the fee is US$132; and for nationals of the USA, the fee is US$100 .
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No/1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Crossing the Andes from Chile into Argentina
Tour Code:
IT-CHRT04
10 days /
9 nights
~$3,720.00
Dates :
Dec to March
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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