Secrets of Northern Patagonia

In the heart of Chile – in northern Patagonia, in the Los Lagos region – an extraordinary horseback riding adventure awaits you, which I am pleased to arrange and mediate for you. The ride itself is operated by an experienced local Chilean outfitter and guides, including a highly knowledgeable Chilean horseman and an English-speaking guide who accompanies the group throughout the journey.

For six days and five nights, you will explore the Andes from the back of incomparably sure-footed and tireless Chilean Criollo horses. The lead guide is a true Chilean cowboy: for over fifteen years, he has led multi-day riding tours through these mountains and knows every valley, every pass, and every hidden trail. He shoes his horses himself with impressive precision – and trains them independently as well.

On the first day, you will get to know your horse on a relaxing ride, ensuring that the chemistry between horse and rider is right. After a home-cooked dinner with your hosts, you will spend the night in a small, extremely comfortable cabin – time to rest, because the adventure truly begins the next morning.

​

After breakfast, a transfer will take you to the starting point of the tour, where the horses will be waiting patiently. From then on, you will spend around six to seven hours a day in the saddle, immersing yourself in the spectacular Andean landscape: riding across lush pastures reminiscent of Switzerland and later along narrow, steep mountain trails used exclusively for these rides, offering real challenges. Dense forests of ancient araucaria trees await you – trees that seem to have come straight from the age of dinosaurs. Time and again, wide valleys open up before you, creating perfect moments to pause and marvel.

​

The highlights of this trip are countless: riding out of the forest onto the volcanic plateaus of the Andes and seeing four volcanoes at once for the first time; or reaching the summit of the Sollipulli volcano after a long, impressive climb – an indescribable feeling. Add to this the lovingly prepared picnics at ever-changing, special rest stops, the dinners cooked daily over an open fire, the magical light of the morning and evening hours around the campfire – and the hot springs where you can relax after a long day of riding.

If you are looking for luxury, this is not the place for you. This tour offers something else entirely: a friendly atmosphere, warm and welcoming hosts, delicious homemade meals, and personal attention from two guides – including an English-speaking guide – as well as small groups usually consisting of no more than five other guests. You will be immersed in nature around the clock, experiencing the Andes in their most authentic and intense form. The nights in the tent are simple – but that is precisely what makes this adventure so genuine and unforgettable.

 

 

Note from Joanna
For us, this ride was the absolute highlight of our year-long trip around the world and one of the main reasons why the Untamed Trails project was started – a truly heartfelt recommendation. If you are looking for adventure, you will find it here. Memories for a lifetime are guaranteed. Contact me for more information.