This equestrian adventure offers an exceptional horseback riding experience in the heart of Patagonia - far from civilization. This point-to-point horseback trail has accommodation ranging from a luxury lodge to fully serviced walk-in tents with beds and hot showers.
Ride through Monkey Puzzle tree forests and ancient woodlands, across river plains and over steep climbs with scenic views of the snow capped volcanoes and the Andes mountains. Each scenic lunch spot is carefully chosen to give an exceptional view.
The terrain and the horseback riding pace is varied and the surefooted, responsive Argentinian Criollo horses make the trip a riding pleasure. Slower horseback ride options are also available. There a large herd, offering a choice of mounts to suit each rider.
The ride is vehicle-supported with plenty of staff to ensure riders have a great experience. Meals are tasty and plentiful, with traditional asados as well as vegetarian options. Alcoholic drinks are included with your stay. The inaugural trip, starts with Christmas at the eco lodge and New Year's eve on the Lumillas beach beside a huge lake.
While this location is a long journey from anywhere, the effort will provide a memorable equestrian riding experience.
Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.
Review received from NS of Enniscorthy on 06/01/2025
Due to internal flight schedules we recommend arriving in Buenos Aires the day before and staying the night and flying on to CPC the following morning. The city of Buenos Aires has lots to offer, so you may wish to spend several nights there before continuing onto your riding holiday.
Day 1
24 Dec: Arrive at airport San Martin de Los Andes (CPC) and pick up the transfer to the stables (2hr drive). The group will arrive at Quillén River Lodge by the afternoon depending on the flight schedule. If there is time, guests can explore the surrounding landscape, appreciating the incredible views it offers. Enjoy a Christmas dinner prepared by the chefs and an after dinner presentation about the upcoming days and planned activities
Day 2
25 Dec: In the morning, the group meet the horses and staff for a briefing and to allocate the perfect mount. After lunch the riders head out on a trial through the Quillén Valley to explore the flora and fauna, and the surrounding mountains. It is perfect terrain for a canter. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. (Riding hours: 2)
Day 3
26 Dec: After an early breakfast, riders pack and head to the saddling area where the guides await. The group can choose between a faster ride with canters, or a leisurely one to enjoy the scenery. This is the start of the Araucaria Safari towards Mallin Escondido, passing through pine forests, ascending the southern slope, and reaching a forest of araucarias in Mallin Escondido. Stopping for lunch and a rest in the woods at midday, the group will arrive at the fly camp at about 4pm. After refreshments the group can relax, shower and enjoy the landscapes before dinner. (Riding hours: 4)
Day 4
27 Dec: After breakfast, the group descend to Quillén Valley at their own pace, facing challenges on the northern side of the valley during the first 2 hours of the ride. On reaching the Quillén River the group will ride through typical pine forests before leisurely continuing on to the Quillén Valley, reaching the main camp by midday for lunch. The afternoon can be spent resting or fly-fishing. Freshen up before dinner and early night. (Riding hours: 3)
Day 5
28 Dec: After an early breakfast, the group will cross the Malalco River to embark on a demanding 3-hour ride to the lagoon Rucachoroi, where a snack lunch is served. Those with enough energy can take a short walk to the summit of Rucachoroi, offering incredible views of the Lanin and Chilean volcanoes. After lunch, the group continues riding through the Rucachoroi ridge, descending to the Rucachoroi Valley and heading to our camp on the shores of the lake. Unfortunately, the terrain doesn't allow for free canter, prioritizing caution and care for the horses. The evening is spent eating dinner and relaxing. (Riding hours: 5)
Day 6
29 Dec: Today, the group can decide either to ride to the Calfiquitra Valley, or stay at the camp for a rest day. Those who decide to ride will prepare horses and begin the ride through the Calfiquitra Valley, fording a river and enjoying incredible views. This time, participants can canter freely through the terrain. After a 2-hour ride, the group reaches the bottom of the Valley to rest and a light snack before heading back to the Rucachoroi camp for a rest stop by the lake before dinner. (Riding hours: 4)
Day 7
30 Dec: After an early breakfast, the ride begins with a steep ascent to a plateau where locals bring their animals during the summer months. After crossing Cerro Iglesias (4 hours) the group reaches the Pampa del Iglesias for a light lunch. After a short break, the group continues the ride through Mallín del Picudo and beautiful Araucaria forests. The descent through Loma de las Chivas leads to the Malalco camp, where, after refreshments and a hot bath, dinner is served. (Riding hours: 7)
Day 8
31 Dec: Today, the group ride to the source of the Quillén River, with its view of the lake and the imposing Lanin Volcano in the background. Follow the Malalco Riverto to the lake where riders can cool their hooves, wading in the eastern region of it, to reach the pier, where the horses rest while riders board a boat for a 30-minute journey to the lake's base. Enjoy lunch and rest before heading back to the horses at approx 4pm. Return to main camp to celebrate with a New Year dinner before continuing the New Year celebrations at the lodge together. (Riding hours: 3)
Day 9
1 Jan: After a lazy morning enjoy brunch before transfers to the airport
Getting There
This ride is in an extremely isolated and remote location - that is part of the charm. You really are heading to the edge of the known world. The lodge is a 2hr drive from San Martin de Los Andes airport, a tiny airport in Patagonia with only a few flights each day. It is preferable to get onto the early arrival to allow time for the transfer.
The first step is to get from from your preferred departure airport to Buenos Aires in Argentina. All international flights land at the international airport with code EZE.
From here, you will need to get to Jorge Newberry Airport (AEP), the airport in Buenos Aires that all domestic flights depart from. The easiest and quickest way will be by taxi. Or you can get a shuttle with Manuel Tienda Leon which runs between the two airports. This takes 1 hour and 10 minutes. The traffic is often terrible in BA, so we advise leaving 3hrs for the transfer.
Domestic flights from BA Jorge Newbery (AEP) to San Martin de Los Andes (CPC) Airport are offered by Aerolineas Argentinas or JetSmart in 2024. Bearing in mind there is a 2 hr transfer on arrival, suitable flights are:
Ideally 11:25 - 13:40 (JetSmart) or,if necessary, 13:00 - 15:20 (Aerolinas Argentinas) on arrival. Check out skyscanner.net or Google Flights for possibilities. Be sure to search the domestic and international legs separately to get sensible options.
So working back from an 11:25 departure from BA (AEP) to San Martin (CPC) you will probably need an overnight at an airport hotel in Buenos Aires to make the connection to San Martin the following morning. In this case we recommend picking a hotel near the domestic airport. Or stay a few days in Buenos Aires if you have the time!
On the return it is possible to arrive in BA by 13:40 or 15:20, transfer from AEP to EZE airports and connect straight out on an overnight flights back to your home, negating the need for an airport hotel.
Or call us to put together some options for you!
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
In general, the horses are born and raised in the area, thanks to this, they have a great capacity to cover large distances and overcome the challenges of the mountains without major problems. There are 24 beautiful and well looked after horses in total, including criollo crosses and part Anglo-Norman, of varying size. They are sure-footed and well behaved and will suit all levels of rider.
The saddles used are “montura de monte” which are similar to old English army saddles with a sheepskin on top. Following traditional gaucho methods, you will find only the stirrups have buckles on the saddles. The saddles are cinched using rawhide, a custom not forgotten from the days when gauchos, like the American cowboy, would ride into the wilderness unable to replace a broken buckle. The gauchos continue to practice this and you will see them fully equipped with their lassos, gaucho knives and boleadoras.
You will ride though forests of lengas, reedbeds, pinewoods, araucarias, lengas achaparradas and more, much of the trails are in walk, as they occur on mountains. Cantering is possible on all but 2 days (28 and 30 December) and is dependent on the riders ability (as judged onsite at the trial ride) and the suitability of the terrain i.e. valley trails, not mountain trails.
Riding fitness and being able to ride long hours in the saddle is more important than riding ability on this holiday and novice riders can be accommodated. Where cantering is possible, a slower ride will depart earlier to allow the journey at a slower pace.
When cantering is possible (all except 2 days), riders are encouraged to take advantage of these possibilities but you are under no obligation to do so and the ride can be adapted to suit all level of rider.
The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
The first two nights are spent in the beautiful Casa Grande Lodge. This is a beautiful wooden lodge built in a clearing with a back drop of woodlands. The lodge is well equipped and very comfortable and offers double rooms. All meals and beverages are included in your stay. From day 3 the guests set out on the point-to-point trail portion of the holiday, during which riders will stay in walk-in double tents at the following camps; night 3 at Caballadas camp, night 4 at Mallin Escondido camp, night 5 and and 7 are spent in the Malalco main camp and night 6 is spent at Rucachoroi camp. On the last day after a short ride, the group return to the lodge to pick up the transfer back to San Martin de los Andes.
A range of delicious and diverse meals are served to satisfy everyones tastes, with a menu featuring local meals cooked at the fire like asados, empanadas, salads, lamb and vegetables on the grill, risottos, stews and pasta, amongst others. For breakfast, there is a selection of fresh toasts, fruits and local options such as mate and medialunas on offer. Vegetarian and most dietary requirements can be met with advanced notice, please notify us on booking.
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. When visiting Argentina your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/argentina In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Argentina.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/argentina
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
November to March are the summer months in Patagonia and give the best weather. Temperatures are warm reaching 17 degrees and rainfall is low. However even in the summer and spring seasons Patagonia can experiences cool winds, so pack extra layers and wind-resistant gear, so that the breezy chill factor doesn’t affect you.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to some parts of the country.
Health authorities have classified Argentina as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.
Dengue fever can occur throughout the year. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Argentina and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
In Argentina the supply voltage is 220V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 220V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.
There is power at the lodge on the first two nights but not on the camp nights so we recommend you bring a power pack to charge mobile phones during the trip. There is limited signal on the trail and WIFI is only available at the lodge. If using a Go Pro ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.
Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries, casual clothes, and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
- Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards (some locations can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
- Riding boots designed for riding and walking
- Riding gloves
- Chaps
- At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best
- Long sleeved shirts
- Lightweight waterproof
- Water bottle
- Mobile phone
- buff bandana
- Warm layers - At times the evening temperature drops significantly
- Sleeping bag (one can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- Small bag or backpack (soft material) to transfer the clothes to the camps
- Power banks as there will be no where to charge phones/cameras
- Torch for the evenings
Can be provided by hosts:
Riding Helmet
Sleeping bag
9d / 8n with 8 riding days on set dates. Private departures for groups of 6 or more can be arranged between 15 November and 15 April, please enquire.
2025 TBC
Both the lodge and glamping camps can offer single accommodation (room or tent) for an additional charge.
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2024/2025 | 9d/8n | 8 | double pp | 3,199 |
| 2024/2025 | 9d/8n | 8 | single supplement | 1,069 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2024/2025 | 9d/8n | 8 | double pp | 3,779 |
| 2024/2025 | 9d/8n | 8 | single supplement | 1,265 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2024/2025 | 9d/8n | 8 | double pp | 4,069 |
| 2024/2025 | 9d/8n | 8 | single supplement | 1,365 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2024/2025 | 9d/8n | 8 | double pp | 44,555 |
| 2024/2025 | 9d/8n | 8 | single supplement | 14,919 |
Rough Guide to Argentina
On A Hoof And A Prayer: Around Argentina At A Gallop
Footprint Argentina Handbook
‘Gauchos and the Vanishing Frontier’ –Richard W Slatta,
‘The Drunken Forest’ and ‘The Whispering Land’ – Gerald Durrell,
‘Saddled With Darwin’- Toby Green
‘In Patagonia’ – Bruce Chatwin.
For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com
Also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com
Fly fishing and hiking are available from the Lodge.
Patagonia is one of the largest and most diverse nature reserves in the world spanning an impressive 402,700 square miles. It stretches across the southernmost region of South America and is shared by Argentina and Chile. Separating the two countries, yet not dividing the nature reserve, is the impressive Andes mountain range.
If you are lucky you may get to see the Patagonian Puma or its prey the Guanacos. You may come across a variety of foxes, hairs and armadillo. One of the most impressive birds of prey is the Andean Condor. This large black vulture is recognizable by its contrasting white feathers along the base of its neck and wings and likes to feed on large carcases of deer or cattle.
Argentina is the second largest country in Latin America after Brazil (almost all the countries of Western Europe and Scandinavia could fit inside Argentina's land mass). The country is diverse and includes rain forest in the north, vast areas of fertile farming land in the centre, the Andean mountain range to the west and the desolate plains of Patagonia in the south, leading down to glaciers at the southern tip. Argentina has the world's southernmost city (Ushaia). Despite Argentina's recent economic woes, its pleasures - stunning natural wonders, an elegant capital and a passionate culture - are still as tempting as ever. Argentina has a distinctly European feel, Argentinians are much more European in temperament than their South American neighbours but their Latin spirit is still evident such as in their love of football and in the tempestuous dance of the Tango. Argentina is three hours behind GMT. Remember in the summer the UK is one hour ahead of GMT and daylight savings is not in use in Argentina. They use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code is +54.
