Our top 3 insider tours of Patagonia
BEST FOR: SLOW AND STEADY RIDES
Former rock singer and expedition leader Jonny Bealby has ventured into the deepest reaches of the Arabian Peninsula’s Empty Quarter, traversed the Silk Route, and amassed stamps from over 90 countries in his passport. However, he finds something uniquely captivating about this region of Argentina, nestled in southern Patagonia near El Calafate and the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier. “What makes it so singular from a riding perspective is the vastness of the steppe,” Bealby explains. “It’s almost unimaginable. There is nothing here but grassland, and the scale is deceiving — you gaze at the peaks, the end of the Andes, and assume you can reach them quickly, yet they never seem to get closer. The expansive sky above creates incredible multicolored prisms of light when the sun shines — it’s spectacular.” Bealby’s tours, lasting from 11 to 18 days, focus on slow, immersive travel, allowing guests to spot herds of guanaco while staying in remote estancias.
BEST FOR: AWARD-WINNING BREEDS
Mark your calendars for this six-night adventure in the northern Patagonian mountains, available just three times a year. The trips emphasize “ancient landscapes, rich gaucho culture, strong, sure-footed horses, picnics, and siestas by the river,” says Plan South America’s founder Harry Hastings. “There’s no better sleep than one after a hearty lunch, lying on a sheepskin pillow, followed by a refreshing swim before the late-afternoon ride.” Estancia Alinco, the base for these outings, boasts a medal-winning stud consisting of over 100 gentle, elegant quarter horses — owned by Celina and her daughters, who excel in breeding. While the riding adventures are magnificent, non-equestrians can enjoy activities like trout fishing in the renowned Aluminé River or try white-water rafting, yoga, or working with younger animals in the corrals.
BEST FOR: HEART-PUMPING ROUTES
James Mahon has an incredible familiarity with Patagonia, having spent the last 20 years guiding adventures and participating in endurance horse races, notably winning three times in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park—an unmatched accomplishment. His local knowledge is extensive, as he tailors exciting trips to the far southern expanse of Patagonia on the Chilean side, which is characterized by breathtaking and rugged scenery, nearly devoid of tourists. “It is absolutely stunning down there,” he says, “with no tourists at all.” The adrenaline-packed horse safari crosses various private lands among three family farms, culminating in the opportunity for adventurous guests to partake in the endurance race if they choose.
Patagonia captivates adventurers with its expansive landscapes and rich traditions. Many visitors find that exploring this unique region on horseback reveals breathtaking vistas often inaccessible by road and allows for deep connections with both the culture and environment. The journey through Patagonia is not just about the scenery; it is about experiencing the soul of the land and its people.
The dynamic geography, ranging from towering mountains to vast steppes, provides a spectacular backdrop for horseback adventures. Patagonia is an immersive destination that offers remarkable opportunities for exploration and connection to nature.
Each tour offers participants an opportunity to engage with the gaucho culture, travel on well-bred horses, and develop a sense of discovery that is often hard to find in the modern world. Therefore, it is no wonder that many guests express feelings of fulfillment and joy as they ride through these stunning landscapes.
For those seeking breathtaking views and a taste of the pastoral lifestyle, Patagonia is truly a dream destination. The combination of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness makes for an unforgettable travel experience.
