Crossing the Andes on Horseback in Northern Patagonia

Crossing the Andes : Chile into Argentina

9 days tent camp horse back riding adventure

Cross the Andes with us and get the best of two worlds and two historic horse cultures! From the snow-capped volcanoes of the Chilean Andes, over a pass in Icalma, to the open valleys of the Argentinean pampas, we'll explore and witness the landscape transition as we ride. Encounter smoking volcanoes, snowy peaks, deep blue mountain lakes, and dense, towering rainforests during this once in a lifetime experience. On the Chilean side we'll experience steep mountains and endless virgin rainforests with our low, sturdy Chilean Criollo horses. Crossing the border, we'll witness the unique Argentinean gaucho lifestyle, the vast plains, and the dramatic cliffs where we can admire the majestic Patagonian condor.

Riders galopping in front of a mountain on the Crossing the Andes ride through Chile and Argentina

Itinerary trail ride

Day 1 Arrival and getting to know ride

Pick up in Pucon in the morning, welcome to the farm. e take an initial ride through the Quelhue mountains and along Liucura River to evaluate your riding experience, get familiar with the saddle and tack and determine which horses to take on our great adventure. Lunch at Antilco, time to pack the saddlebags. In the evening we ride to our first camp at Renahue.

Days 2 to 4: On narrow trails through dense forest

On days 2-4 we ride through virgin rainforests and dense stands of Coighue trees and bamboo, and pass by crystal mountain lakes and gurgling creeks. In the evening we make camp besides rivers and lakes; the trails lead through the National Park Huerquehue, the National Forest Reserve Villarrica and the Mapuche Indian Communities of Reigolil and Icalma.

Day 5: The last mountain range before Argentina

On the 5th day we cross the last range in Chile, we return to civilization and ride through the small Mapuche settlement of Icalma where we stay overnight at a beautiful cabin on the lake-shore. Here we meet the supply truck that brings our luggage bag for the next days in Argentina.

Day 6: Crossing the continental watershed into Argentina

On the 6th day after arranging custom formalities with the Chilean border control we are heading into the mountains to cross the actual border to Argentina. High in the mountains we say goodbye to our Chilean horses and the guides that led us to this magnificent place. We cross the border 10 meters on foot, and greet Hernan and his wonderful Argentinean horses which will carry us through the unique world of the Argentinean Andes for the next three days.

Days 7 and 8: Riding the open wide Argentina

We ride the valleys and cliffs of Argentina, watch condors pass us by,meet shepherds with their herds of cattle or goats and enjoy amazing views over the endless wide open spaces of this uninhabited part of the world. On the evening of the 8th day we reach the outpost were Hernan lives with his horses and which marks the end of our journey. We celebrate the end of the trek with a typical Argentinean barbecue while recounting our adventures from the past week and sharing our impressions of this experience of a lifetime.

Day 9: Return to Chile

After breakfast we transfer back to Chile. We can bring you to Temuco city (1.00 pm) or Temuco airport (1.30 pm) or Pucon (3.30 pm). If desired, you may finish your trip in Argentina and travel on directly from Hernan's.

At one glance

Tent camp tour
9 Days
Pick-up in Pucón on day 1, 9.00am
8 days of riding
6 nights in tent camps
2 nights in cabins
1 night besides natural hot springs
Return from Argentina in our van
Including all material from spoon to tent
All meals, beverages, wine and beer
2 -8 riders
Including all entance fees, taxes... - no aditional costs
Tips -not mandatory- are not included
Download complete itinery and facts
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Crossing the Andes on Horseback

Enjoy a documentary filmed by German National TV about our expedition to Sollipulli Volcano, our Chile - Argentina ride and life on our ranch.

Our most valuable partners

Enjoy some impressions of our horses: the morning on the paddock, out riding and finishing the evening on their mountain pasture. A video by our guide Lotte.

Camera and editing: Annelotte Medema. Drone-takes by Hannes Häfner. Check more movies and videos from Lotte at YouTube and at www.annemedemafilm.com

How do our guests see the rides

Please check at our testimonial section, the press releases or Trip Advisor for most recent reviews on our trail-rides

We are proud winners of the 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Trip Advisor Excellence Award.
In 2024 Trip adviserlisted us as "No 1 horseback ride in Chile.
#2 of 24 Outdoor Activities in Pucon

"A Highlight of our RTW Trip”
Reviewed 8 August 2015, 2016 und 2017 Msmarits

Thanks for arranging that fantastic ride for us, it truly was a trip of a lifetime.
Lindy and Ron Echlin [ronechlin1@gmail.com]

It has been one of the best experiences of my life, and I will certainly be returning some time.
Sarah Barford [menorcaonhorseback@hotmail.com]

Horseback trail rides in the Andes