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, dirt roads, 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 settlements and quaint rural homes. We offer day rides that return to a your accommodations each night. We also offer 4-7 day Chile Horseback trail riding expeditions for those looking for a more challenging equestrian vacation that takes you to a different destination each day. Please see our skill evaluator to determine which of our Chile horseback riding trips would offer you the most enjoyment.

Horseback Riding from the Tres Monjas Eco-Camp

From the Expediciones Chile Eco-Camp, 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 Eco-Camp.
At our camp you can adjust the frequency and length of your horseback riding to suit your own tastes. Our camp 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 camp also has plenty to offer the more experienced equestrian rider. From the comforts of our weatherproof cabins or Condor's Nest Ranch 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 Riding Week
This is a series of 6 spectacular one day horseback rides through ,rivers, old growth forests, mountain overlooks of the pristine and remote Futaleufu River Valley. Each day you are exposed to Patagonia nature in its wild splendor, pristine rivers and exotic forests and Condors. Each night you return to your comfortable cabin at eco-camp Tres Monjas or our luxury CondorNest ranch beautifully located in a mountain meadow in the Andes. Cocktails and meals are prepared. You have the choice of which rides you want to do and you will experience the Chilean equestrian culture in pristine nature...

(8 Days in Patagonia, Chile / 7 over nights / 6 Active Days)

Futaleufu Riding Week Lite - (4 active days)
This is a series of 4 spectacular one day horseback rides through ,rivers, old growth forests, mountain overlooks of the pristine and remote Futaleufu River Valley. Each day you are exposed to Patagonia nature in its wild splendor, pristine rivers and exotic forests and Condors. Each night you return to your comfortable cabin at eco-camp Tres Monjas or our luxury CondorNest ranch in a mountain meadow in the Andes...




(6 Days in Patagonia, Chile / 5 over nights / 4 Active Days)

Patagonia Horseback Riding: Trail Rides

From the Tres Monjas Eco-Camp just outside 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 week long 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 Eco-Camp. We don't recommend these overnight trail rides for beginners.

Ruta de Los Arrieros
This Patagonia "Route of the Cowboys" is a 6 day trail trip back in time that few people will ever have a chance to experience. It is sure to be a life changing cultural journey. We will visit small remote working ranches, outposts, and settlements without roads in Patagonia, Chile. We wiil be staying each night in different ranches or cabins with bed and linens and prepared meals. Our Horses will carry your lunch, personal gear but you can pack light. The accommodations are rustic country but, sanitary, ordered, and cozy. Our Chilean hosts are selected and trained by Expediciones Chile to ensure our high quality of service. They look forward to the few visitors they get at the remote homesites...



(8 Days in Patagonia, Chile / 7 over nights / 6 Active Days)

Ruta de Los Arrieros Lite - (4 days)
This Patagonia "Route of the Cowboys" is a 4 day trail trip back in time that few people will ever have a chance to experience. It is sure to be a life changing cultural journey. We will visit small remote working ranches, outposts, and settlements without roads in Patagonia...

(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.

Andes to the Ocean Horseback
This just might be one of the most challenging and spectacular horseback trips available, but note it is not for everyone. We offer those with a spirit for adventure, once each year the chance to join our week long equestrian journey across the Andes. This trail was once the only link between Chaiten and Futaleufú; used by locals and police officials up until 1975, when the Carreterra Austral finally opened. On this trip we will camp out in the Patagonia wilderness and at isolated ranches...

(8 Days in Patagonia, Chile / 7 over nights / 6 Active Days)

Private Estancia Riding Week
The Estancia is located in the Futaleufu's Valle de los Reyes, or Valley of the Kings, at the confluence of the Rio Espolon and the Rio Futaleufu. This 300 acre farm is a series of terraced pastures and groves of native coihue and cypress trees ringed by snowcapped mountains. This Private Estancia Lodge is the most refined option Expediciones Chile offers and it is the only exclusive lodge of it's kind on the Futaleufu River...




(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