Join our Patagonia adventure in Argentina! Ride the trails only known by the gauchos and let them show you their world. The ride takes you from the touristic shores of Lago Puelo to the hidden heart of the Patagonian cordillera. The same trails as the gauchos use for driving the cattle to their summer pastures.
This ride has been developed in close collaboration between the outfitter and Hooves Around The World.
Written by Stine
19 - 26 November 2026
3 - 10 December 2026
28 December 2026 - 4 January 2027 New Years Ride
11 - 18 January 2027
25 January 2027 - 1 February 2027
8 - 15 February 2027
18 - 25 March 2027
2500 USD per person
Horse & tack
Transfer to and from Bariloche or El Bolson
All meals and drinks (Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary requirements can be catered for)
Insurance for horseback riding (Global Rescue insurance not included)
Boat ride
All accommodation
Sleeping bag
English and Spanish speaking guide and host
Flights
Intermediate & Experienced.
Consult for beginner levels.
The terrain is challenging and the ride is slow paced. We will have few spots suitable for faster pace.
To keep it intimate and not have too many horses on the trail the maximum number of guests for each ride is 5 guests.
From the moment you are picked up in Bariloche, the scenery begins to unfold. Driving along the iconic Ruta 40, you’ll pass shimmering lakes, winding rivers, rugged mountains, and wide open valleys — a preview of the landscapes that await on horseback.
During the ride, you’ll move through dense forests and expansive valleys, following narrow mountain trails that feel untouched by time. Each night, we camp in secluded locations, with access to running water, allowing you to fully disconnect while still enjoying essential comforts. Let yourself get taken away by the views of the snowcapped mountains and crystal clear glacier river.
The ride covers approximately 120 km of narrow mountain paths and open valleys, offering a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience.
(This ride is a mix of camping and sleeping in puestos. Puestos are cabins made by gauchos. First and last night before heading into the mountains are accommodation in cabins)
This ride is hosted by Stine from Hooves Around The World, who helped develop the ride to accommodate the guests of Hooves Around The World. The rest of the team consists of Juani, Lalo, and Ariel, each bringing a unique energy and depth of experience to the journey.
Juani is the soul of the operation. With a degree in tourism and over ten years of experience as a guide, he can answer just about any question you may have about Patagonia — from working alongside gauchos to the region’s flora and fauna. His passion for horseback riding, combined with years spent living on rural estancias, gives him extensive experience in both riding and outdoor living, which is why he started his own business.
Lalo is one of the reasons to join this adventure. Having spent his life riding the very trails we follow, he is the key decision-maker on the route. He knows the landscape better than anyone — especially the rivers — and understands when and where it is safe to cross. On narrow mountain trails, he rides at the back, quietly watching over the group, but as soon as we reach open valleys, he is the first to cross the river, ensuring a safe passage for everyone. In the evenings, Lalo becomes the main storyteller, sharing a lifetime of knowledge gained from living and working in the mountains. Even if you don’t understand his words, his stories and gestures will keep you entertained. He will be sure to teach you how to drink the local drink “mate”.
Ariel is the energy of the ride. Always ready with a quirky reply. He supports the group with horse care, camp setup, and cooking. He is also our main fishing guide — and if anyone needs moral support before jumping into the icy river, Ariel will be the first one in. Should anything happen with the horses, he’s the guy, always ready to reshoe a horse or fix whatever needs repairing.
Besides our guides you will meet the oldest resident of the Turbio river valley community, Doña Ita. We will stay two nights on her property and she will welcome anyone with open arms and give an insight into the life of the community and daily tasks.
Pick-up from Bariloche city centre or airport at 2pm. We can also arrange pick-up in El Bolson if you’d like to spend a few days there before the ride begins. (At the end of the blog you can find more information about what to do in El Bolson and Bariloche). After arriving at our accommodation for the night, you’ll have time to change before heading out for a short introductory ride to get comfortable with your horse and surroundings. Dinner will be prepared over the fire. While it cooks, we’ll enjoy a few drinks and get to know one another. After dinner, you’ll pack what you need for the week into your saddlebag, ready for the days ahead. Time in the saddle: 1 Hour.
An early breakfast, as a long day awaits. We ride out from our base and begin the trail into the mountains, following the shoreline of Lago Puelo until we reach the beach and dock on the opposite side. The packs for the horses are brought by boat and from there on the pack horses carry it into the mountains.
Here we stop for lunch, with time to swim in the lake and relax while the afternoon heat passes. After lunch, we leave the lake behind and begin riding along the Río Turbio. The trail is relatively flat for the first hour before narrowing again into mountain paths.
Our camp for the night is on Doña Ita’s property beside the river. We arrive late and settle in by setting up camp and preparing dinner, glass of wine in hand. The horses are turned loose to graze freely in a pasture next to camp. Time in the saddle: Approx. 8 hours.
Another early breakfast to ensure we reach camp in time to enjoy the afternoon. Today we ride through open valleys, crossing the river several times along the way. Halfway to camp, we stop for lunch in a shaded spot beside the river. From there, we continue on to our destination: a traditional gaucho puesto, built by hand by Lalo who will be riding with us throughout the week.
Our camp sits right by the river. You can join the guides for fishing or cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear water. Time in the saddle: Approx. 6 hours.
Today we slow things down. After a late breakfast, we ride for approximately 1.5 hours, leaving the valley behind and entering the forest. Our destination is a beautiful cabin where we’ll stay for the night.
After lunch, there’s time to rest before heading out on a 25-minute walk through the forest to the river. We spend the afternoon there before returning to the cabin for dinner. The evening ends around the bonfire, sharing wine and stories.
Time in the saddle: Approx. 1.5 hours
After a well-earned rest day for the horses, we head back downriver. It’s a long riding day, and halfway through we stop for lunch at another gaucho’s puesto.
We set out early, riding through open valleys before returning to Doña Ita’s campsite. The afternoon is free to relax by the river with wine, swimming, and a small bonfire.
Time in the saddle: Approx. 7 hours
A late breakfast, as we have only a 3-hour ride ahead. We return to the beach at Lago Puelo, leave the horses behind, and sail back across the lake — approximately 25 minutes, depending on weather conditions.
From the water, you’ll see the mountains and trace the routes we rode earlier in the week. Back on shore, we enjoy lunch and cold beers, followed by a much-needed shower and change of clothes. The afternoon is free to rest by the lake or river before our final dinner and drinks together. Time in the saddle: Approx. 3 hours.
A relaxed late breakfast before returning to Bariloche or El Bolsón, depending on your onward travel plans. Arrival in Bariloche is around 1:00 pm, with drop-off either in the city centre or at the airport.
The majority of meals are prepared fresh over the fire. Some lunches are pre-prepared, as there are two days with limited time for cooking. Meals include meat as well as fresh vegetables, and several meals will be vegetarian, particularly when we are deeper in the mountains but don’t worry, you will get to try authentic Patagonian lamb!
If we’re lucky while fishing, the catch will be prepared over the fire. We can cater to any dietary requirements — just let us know in advance. All meals will be accompanied with red wine and some nights we’ll have beer.
Our horses have years of experience navigating these trails and will help you move safely and confidently through rough terrain. They are calm, sure-footed, and easy to handle, and all are well suited to mountain trail riding. You’ll notice a clear difference between how they behave on the introductory ride and how they work once we’re in the mountains, where their experience and instincts truly show. Ariel and Lalo will be accompanied by a few of their dogs, so you’ll always have a furry companion trotting alongside the ride. We ride in traditional Argentinian tack and of course, lots of sheepskin!
The first night before going into the mountains and last night after the ride we will be sleeping in a cabin together with the rest of the group. The cabin is located close to where we keep the horses.
Two nights in the mountains we will be sleeping in a tent all together or outside under the stars. Completely up to you!
The two other nights we will sleep in puestos. One built by Lalo and the other built with help from Lalo together with the owner of the puesto. Here you can sleep inside the puesto or outside if you prefer. Temperatures will be dropping during the night as we are closer to the Andes.
Bariloche is a paradise for hikers and outdoor lovers, with countless trekking trails—you could easily spend weeks exploring the area. If you rent a car you can do the Ruta 40 and head North up the Ruta de Los Siete Lagos. The town is also famous for its chocolate factories, artisan shops, and craft beer scene. Berlina and Patagonia are the two most well-known breweries and well worth a visit.
Cajón del Azul – A beautiful one-day hike, or you can stay overnight in one of the mountain refugios for a more immersive experience.
Cerro Piltriquitrón – A challenging but rewarding two-day hike with incredible views.
Humus – A small dairy and berry farm producing handcrafted organic ice cream and cheeses. A lovely stop to taste local flavors and slow down.
Manso River rafting – An adventurous rafting experience that takes you all the way to the Chilean border.
Parque Nacional Los Alerces – Home to the second-oldest tree in the world, this national park offers pristine lakes, forests, and unforgettable scenery.
