Ride out into the remote mountain range and foothills of the Alto Chubut massif, a rugged, isolated terrain where you can switch off and immerse yourself in nature

Highlights

• Ride out on well cared for and locally bred Criollo cross horses, a noble breed well adapted to the conditions and mountain terrain
• Ride across high mountain passes and through valleys with plenty of exciting river crossings
• Journey through some of the Northern Patagonia’s isolated ranges and landscapes
• Sample local trout or nourishing lamb asado washed down with Argentine wine
• Sleep in a comfortable riverside yurt on the banks of the Chubut River heated by wood burner
• Unplug from beeping phones as you spend seven unforgettable days with your trusty horse and small group of riders for company
• Ride out with Argentine gauchos and listen to their stories as you sip mate around the fire.
• Sleep outside in tents in silent star-filled landscapes with no light or noise pollution
• Canter across the wide open pampas and grassy valleys on your fit Criollo horse.

Day by day

1. Arrive into Bariloche in the heart of the Patagonia Andes in northern Patagonia. Transfer to hotel. Explore the city and do some last minute shopping for the ride. Guide’s briefing over dinner at a traditional steak restaurant. Night hotel.
2. After breakfast you will head south on Argentina’s famous Ruta 40 that crosses the country from north to south. Pass through the Lakes area and the renowned Nahuel Huapi National Park before reaching the immense steppe where you will arrive at El Sapucai, a comfortable riverside yurt camp and base in the cordillera. Meet your horse and settle into this isolated valley. Enjoy a short introductory ride before dinner. Night yurts.
3. Start the adventure after breakfast with a safety briefing before leaving the mountain refuge and heading along the Chubut River banks to meet a local family. Continue riding to the Cerrucho stream where we will set up camp protected in a forest of Nire trees. Afternoon visit to a waterfall, the only one in the area. Approx 4-5 hours in the saddle. Night camping.
4. After our camp breakfast we will continue climbing as the terrain gets more technical and the landscape larger and more imposing. After crossing an ancient Lenga forest we stop for lunch near the source of the Chubut River which flows into the Atlantic. After lunch we cross the Paso Sin Nombre at 1,700 metres above sea level. Riding for another two hours to our refuge where we will spend the night we see the source of another important river, the Foyel River which flows into the Pacific Ocean. Arrive at mountain refuge at the foot of Cerro Carreras where we will spend the night. Approx 4-5 hours in the saddle. Night refuge.
5. After a delicious breakfast we will start our descent following the Foyel River as we pass two high altitude lagoons and the Pantanoso stream comes into view. Following the course of this small stream we arrive at the junction of the Chubut River where the two rivers converge and continue downstream. Set up camp. Approx 4 hours in the saddle. Night camping.
6. Continue descending the Chubut River as the waters flow between the native forests in this area. Witness rock formations forming abstract sculptures on the horizon. Continue riding to El Sapucai where a delicious meal and hot shower awaits. Rest and relax riverside while dinner is prepared. Approx 4-5 hours in the saddle. Night yurts.
7. After breakfast we will be saddling up and heading out into the nearby mountain range with panoramic views of the surrounding Andes peaks. As our sure footed horses pick their way through the uneven terrain we will reach an area with a 360 degree view of the lagoons and surrounding peaks with their eternal snow. Returning by a different trail through stunted Nire and Lenga forests before we reach El Sapucai. Approx 6-8 hours in the saddle. Night yurts.
8. Today is our last day with our horses as we follow the course of the Chubut River until reaching the Escuela Vieja. This 2-3 hour, quiet ride offers diverse landscapes and the first villages of the people who make these valleys home. After sharing a final picnic with our horsemen (baqueanos) we will be bidding them goodbye and taking a transfer back to the city of Bariloche. Night hotel in Bariloche.
9. Private transfer from hotel to Bariloche airport.

Is this trip for me?

• Join this 9 day scheduled ride for experienced riders with departures from November to March offering 7 days riding on fit, responsive Criollo cross horses.
• The trails offer diverse scenery and landscapes, not overly complex but with some rocky passes, narrow trails and river crossings. The pace will be set according to the distance required each day but with long daylight hours until 10 p.m there is plenty of time to explore at a pace suitable for everybody.
• The weather can be unpredictable and in case of rain, it may be necessary to dismount and lead the horse in certain areas. The time and route can also need to change in the event of bad weather but the guides are experienced and will advise you if this is necessary. You should be prepared for all weather conditions, mentally and in your packing; winds can be high and the ride can be hot, cold, windy and raining/snowing with temperatures between -3 to +30 degrees celsius.
• The trip is a great option for single riders and no supplement is charged if you are prepared to share with another member of the same gender. If you want guaranteed single accommodation, contact us for the single supplement.
• El Sapucai camp/yurts – this cosy Patagonian refuge is located on the banks of the Chubut River in an isolated location in the foothills. The house has a warm kitchen/dining room where delicious meals are cooked over a wood fired stove, bathroom with wood burner, dining room and living room with wood burning stove. Outside a small stream separates the house from the 3 yurts. Each one has wooden floors, a private bathroom, wood heating and full beds for 2/3/4 people. The solid construction and warm interiors allow you to enjoy a well deserved rest.
• The riding takes place in some isolated areas and a satellite phone is carried for emergencies. A first aid kit is carried. Travel insurance is mandatory with medical insurance and evacuation included.
• During the ride there is no possibility to access phone or internet services or charge devices so if you are using phones as a camera you should carry extra battery packs.
• Water is taken from mountain springs and rivers, it is clean and there is no risk drinking it. However if you have concerns you should bring a filtered water bottle or water purification tablets.
• All guides are WFR (Wilderness First Responder) and first aid trained. They are experienced and knowledgeable about the region, the people and the culture. Horsemen (baqueanos) will help you saddle up, prepare the horses and adjust saddles/stirrups etc.
• Saddle bags are provided (not waterproof). A full packing list is available on request.
• The wearing of a riding helmet is mandatory
• The trip is available on set departures through the season, for 25/26 these are; 18-26 November 2025 (2 provisional, space available) , 9-17 December 2025 (2 provisional, space available), 8-16 January 2026 (request update), 18-26 January 2026 (full), 19-27 February 2026 (request update), 4-12 March 2026 (space available). Contact us for up to date availability and for confirmed departures (the rides will confirm with 2+ riders). Price is US$3,250 per person (25/26 season). Prices include private transfers in/out, meals (with limited wine at dinner), riding as detailed, accommodation with all camping gear provided except sleeping bags which can be rented, English speaking guides, horsemen to care for horses, satellite phone, pack horses and extra horses in case of tiredness or injury. Maximum group size is 8 riders.
• Contact us for alternative, shorter multi-activity itineraries with nights at El Sapucai and trekking, riding, river activities between October and the end of April. These experiences are a great option for families as they are suitable for beginner riders. Prices for 3 inclusive nights start at US$1,160 per person or US$1,380 per person with 3 days riding (discounts for children under 15 years). Private custom trips available with a premium.

Extras

• Contact us if you wish to extend this trip with a short ride in Torres del Paine, either a multi-day point to point ride or an estancia based experience to complement your riding in Argentina
• We can add other experiences, accommodation or activities in the Lakes region of Bariloche or further south in the renowned Los Glaciares National Park.