Patagonia Horse Riding

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Introduction

It’s time to giddy up and tame the wilds of Patagonia on this horse-lovers’ dream trip.

EcoCamp Extension

The best way to experience Torres del Paine? From the back of a horse, of course! Channel your inner cowboy and join the ranks of the local “baqueanos” cowboys for a day of riding across the grassy pampas of Patagonia, luxuriating in the fresh air and stunning views, and learning more about the fascinating cultural history of the region.

This trip is an EcoCamp Extension and is to be enjoyed as an extension to one of our Ecocamp Patagonia Tours!

Highlights

Traditional Baqueano guides
Views of Torres del Paine
One of Chilean Patagonia’s largest ranches
Local Patagonian horses
Historical & cultural immersion
Journey through varied wildlife

Brief Itinerary

Depart EcoCamp, Torres del Paine
Arrive at Horse Riding Ranch
Full Day Horseriding Excursion to Las Flores
Dinner & Night at EcoCamp

» Extend your trip, check out our Patagonia Wild Horse Tracking.

» Read more about Patagonia Cowboys "Baqueano" culture.

Itinerary

Chilean Patagonia

After breakfast, we are driven east from EcoCamp to a traditional Estancia (Patagonian ranch) with a horse-riding range, founded at the end of the 19th century just outside of Torres del Paine National Park. Upon arrival at the ranch stables, we meet our local Baqueano (Patagonian cowboy) guide who introduces us to the fine selection of Patagonian horses we will be riding. Our horses have been raised in the area’s wild geographical surroundings but are very well-trained and used to being ridden by anyone - no previous riding experience is needed.

We saddle up and set off eastwards, through the fields, passing by a little village en route to Las Flores. Here we cross Baguales river, popular for fly fishing due to its 30km of calm waters and lively trout. From here there is an open, accessible road ahead so riders with more experience can canter and those with less experience can walk or trot.

In Las Flores, we are very close to Sierra Baguales and have a great view of the mound with its condor and eagle nests. There’s also an adobe house (the only remaining adobe house in the southern Patagonia Magellanes region) we can visit. During the ride, we will settle down to enjoy our picnic amid the spectacular Patagonian scenery and reflect on the generations of Baqueanos who have traveled across Patagonia’s plains before us.

Our guide will expand on the region’s horse riding history and the geography of this fascinating area so close to the world’s end, with a wealth of stories passed down through generations. Figures such as Santiago Zamora who traveled from Central Chile down to Punta Arenas in 1868 and integrated with the European colonists, spending his life exploring the region alongside them on horseback, form part of the rich intercultural heritage of the region.

We make our way back to the stables by way of Vega Nash, soaking up the experience of riding across the Patagonian plains in traditional fashion. Once we say goodbye to our guide and horse we are driven back to EcoCamp to enjoy our evening aperitif and meal and share our day’s experience with fellow EcoCamp guests.

Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia

Accommodation

EcoCamp Patagonia

Ecocamp Patagonia is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, with a unique view of the majestic granite towers. The region’s first fully sustainable accommodation south of the Amazon and the first of its kind in the Patagonian wilderness, EcoCamp offers upscale camping in geodesic domes inspired by the region’s ancient nomadic inhabitants.

EcoCamp Standard Dome interior EcoCamp Patagonia Standard Dome (Shared bathroom, 10m²/108ft²)

EcoCamp Standard domes were the world's first geodesic dome hotel room. They are resistant to the strongest Patagonian winds, rains, and snow and come equipped with two single beds (doubles on request), very cozy fleece blankets, feather quilts and organic elements for decoration. There are round windows in the ceiling to look up at the stars. Standard domes have shared bathrooms which are large, comfortable and gender divided.

Please Note: Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, we will not be offering the option to share a Standard Dome this season. All Standard Domes will be reserved for solo travelers or travelers from the same reservation group.

EcoCamp Suite Dome interior EcoCamp Patagonia Suite Dome (Heating & Private bathroom, 28m²/300ft²)

Suite domes were designed for sleeping in the highest level of comfort allowed by sustainable development in a natural untarnished environment. The domes have comfortable double or twin beds, a modern low-emission wood stove and a private bathroom with a state of the art composting toilet. Guests can gaze at the stars through the ceiling windows while falling asleep each night, after enjoying a spectacular sunset from their private terrace.

Prices & Facts

Rates

What's CLP? Your booking is based on Chilean pesos (CLP), but you pay in US$ (USD), using the exchange rate valid on the day of payment which will be shown in your order. This exchange rate may vary between the date you pay your deposit and the date you pay your outstanding balance, but rest assured this is the best way to keep our prices competitive and ensure the best rate for you!

EcoCamp Patagonia Seasons

Shoulder Season: October 16th to 31st, 2020 (Spring) and April 1st to 15th, 2021 (Autumn)
High Season: November 1st to December 14th, 2020(Spring-Summer) and January 21st to March 31st, 2021 (Summer)
Peak Season: December 15th to 19th, 2020 to January 6th to 20th, 2021 (Summer) (For this program, prices are the same as for the high season)

For rates in Superior dome, single and double or 2 days / 2 nights trip length, please contact us.

Departures

Regular departures every day on request. Only valid as an extension to our Ecocamp Tours!

*April departures are subject to weather conditions.

Also, please note:

If the excursion is canceled because of bad weather conditions, alternative options will be offered

What is an EcoCamp Extension?

EcoCamp Extensions are excursions you can book in addition to our regular EcoCamp programs, to enhance your Patagonian experience. These tours can take place before or after your main program but we strongly recommend doing them afterward to maximize your arrival experience at EcoCamp with your fellow trekking/Safari group members. Transport in and out of the park is not included as these services are covered by your regular program with EcoCamp. If you wish to book an EcoCamp Extension without any other EcoCamp program please contact us so we can give you a quote.

Starting / Finishing Points

The trip starts and ends at Ecocamp Patagonia.

Physical Demands

This trip requires a level of fitness sufficient to spend a day riding on a horse over varied terrain. Speed will be determined by group fitness. No previous experience is necessary.

Only available for passengers under 65 years old.

Included

1 full day excursión Patagonian Horseback riding
1 overnight in Ecocamp Dome
Bilingual guide
Safety hat & horse riding equipment
Round trip transportation to stables
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch and dinner

Excluded

Transfers in and out of airport
Insurance (the same as for main programs)
Voluntary tipping of guides and staff
Items of personal nature
Items not mentioned

Transport

EcoCamp van to Horse riding ranch and back

Weather

The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, both the strong marine and the South Patagonic Ice field influence make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer, fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rains and eventually snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared to find cold- strong winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfalls. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºC max, 2ºC min).

What you need to bring

You need to bring your personal belongings and box lunch provided by EcoCamp. It can get pretty chilly during the ride so warm clothes, gloves and hat suitable for strong winds are recommended.

Itinerary modifications

We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.

Testimonials

Melissa C., USA (EcoCamp Patagonia Wildlife Safari)

My boyfriend and I were both extremely impressed with our experience at Ecocamp from start to finish. We did the multi-sport itinerary and our amazing guide, Henry, was so knowledgable about the history, science, flora&fauna of the area - we had a really great time with him.
We stayed in a suite dome - I highly recommend this if you can book one. It was spacious and the beds were comfortable. Bathroom was very eco-friendly with a composting toilet! Also loved the woodstove fireplace.

Travellers Departure:

Jan 06, 2016

Bethan Brickly, USA (Wildlife Safari Patagonia)

Vine a ver la belleza del lugar y me fui extrañando a la gente.
Acabo de volver de 5 días en EcoCamp, participando en el programa Wildlife Safari. El domo standard tiene una vista perfecta hacia la montaña, que incluyen 2 de las 3 famosas torres. Los amaneceres son espectaculares y vimos hermosos arcoíris en las montañas.

Travellers Departure:

Jan 12, 2016

Geraldine, USA (Wildlife Safari Patagonia)

Tuve la oportunidad de pasar 4 noches en EcoCamp con mi marido, el gran final de nuestro viaje de 18 días haciendo Eco tours en Chile. ¡Nos cuidaron increíblemente bien! En EcoCamp, todo – transfer, alojamiento (los domos son increíbles), la comida (exquisita), las excursiones y los guías – fue perfecto. Todo fue muy bien organizado con muchas opciones de actividades. La misión de EcoCamp hacia la sustentabilidad y cuidado del medio ambiente como negocio es muy inspirador para la gente y otros operadores turísticos.

Travellers Departure:

Jan 02, 2016

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Patagonia Horse Riding - EcoCamp Extension