The first settlers of the Avellano Valley used this route to get winter supplies and move their cattle to seasonal grazing ground and this ride is a taste of the traditional way of life which still exists for some of the Gaucho inhabitants of this remote place. Much of the trail ride is through protected wilderness areas, mountains, forests, rivers, praire and old ranch land, starting from Lake Largo Lapparent, 429 meters above sea level, through the mountain valleys to General Carrera Lake. Everything is carried by pack horses and riders become part of the team, learning about wild camping, living close to nature, reacting to the circumstances of the trail. Your hosts have an ethical ethos and a 'leave no trace' philosophy. You will be packing and unpacking, and can help with saddling and unsaddling, setting up tents and food preparation etc if you want to. There is no WiFi or electricity, just you, the landscape and wildlife. The pace is walking, but the terrain can be steep, high, and variable, with strong winds sometimes, so riders need to be of good intermediate ability, fit and healthy, with a positive mindset and a tough, resilent outlook to enjoy this ride. It's an amazing chance to experience another culture and way of life, interacting with nature, the locals, and of course the essential horses.
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Although Balmaceda Airport transfers are available, we recommend arriving a few days early in order to explore Coyhaique, the capital of the region,. This allows you to refresh yourself after the long journey and to avoid any flight delay complications. Delays in Santiago Airport are not uncommon. the airport is extremely busy during the morning arrival and transfer to domestic flight window. If you do intend to fly straight through we also advise to take your riding gear in your hand luggage.
You will be picked up from the Balmaceda Airport or your hotel in Coyhaique and driven to Puerto Ingeniero Ibanez (Approx. 90min transfer), a small town in southern Chile surrounded by rock formations and large pampas where the native people used to hunt and live. After orientation and a personal gear check, there will be time to look at the route together and answer any questions etc. The day finishes with a nice local meal and overnight at the camp site.
Day 2
After an early breakfast, drive with the horses to the start point in sector 4 Arroyos (approx. 3 hours). On clear days the dramatic Cerro Castillo mountain in the National Park is visible for most of the way. The ride starts gently on a stony track for a mile or so and then follows old gaucho trails into native ancient forest with trees such as the Patagonian lenga and nirres. There are many small creeks to cross and dramatic valleys until we reach the open plain of the Valle Largo, with spectacular views of the Avellano Mountain Range, where we set up camp and and have dinner together. (5-6 hours riding)
Day 3
Wake up at 7am for breakfast at 8am. The departure is scheduled for 9:30 in the morning, after storing and organizing the equipment and saddling up the horses. Ride as far as the trail allows and then walk on foot around 1 hour to get to the Torres del Avellano, then back to the horses and ride on to camp, set up and enjoy dinner together before settling down for the night.
Day 4
Wake up at 7am, ready for breakfast at 8am, aiming to set off at 9.30am. Packing and organising gets quicker with practice! Today's ride passes through forest and marshes, following the Avellano river, which we will cross several times, until we reach the lake, surrounded by the Avellanos Mountain range. The ride follows the same gaucho and animals trails that the early pioneers followed and we start to get an impression of their life. We will see several old puesto settlements and make camp in the grounds of one of them. (5 hours riding approx.)
Day 5
Today the scenery begins to change as we ride along the Avellano River, and the lush forests and valleys gradually turn to rocky pampas with lower vegetation and sandy terrain. We set up camp at Don Luis Diaz's farm. He is one of the oldest settlers in the valley, and we share a traditional asado BBQ with our host . (6 hours riding)
Day 6
Today is an easier day, riding on to Puerto Avellano to our camping place on a old ranch close to the edge of the General Carrera Lake (the second largest in South America, with shores in Chile and Argentina). Spend the afternoon relaxing, chill out and bathe in the lake ready for a tough day tomorrow. Our camp is at the small Avellano Harbour, which serves the local inhabitants. (3 hours riding today)
Day 7
An early start this morning for the hardest day of the trail, for us and the horses, as we leave the Avellano region. The terrain can be tricky, lots of ups and downs and we need to mount and dismount several times to help the horses pass through the difficult places and reduce risks. It is the only trail available, and has narrow passes, several creeks and streams that run into the lake. Our rest and camp stop is Campo el Alto.
Day 8
After a hearty breakfast we set off on our last ride, leaving the lake behind us, to ride across large estancias (farmland). At a prearranged spot, we are collected by vehicle and taken to spend our at Puerto Ibanez. Depending on the weather we’ll have breathtaking views of various mountains like Cerro Castillo, Cerro Pirámide and others. After our last supper together we'll take you to your cabin.
Day 9
After breakfast, the program ends by driving you to the airport to catch your flight or to Coyhaique if you are staying longer.
In order to participate in this ride you will need to provide travel insurance before the expedition. You will also be asked to signed a liability release agreement at the time of check-in. This is mandatory and guests cannot participate on the ride without signing the release agreement (all moneys paid are non-refundable). Please feel free to read the release agreement prior to your arrival, ask for a copy. Parents or legal guardians of minor children are required to sign the release agreement on their children’s behalf.
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.
The horses are amenable Quarter horses, Pure Chilean Bred and Chilean-Criollo crosses, ridden in traditional Chilean work saddles. These are made of several layers, the last one being sheepskin, making it comfortable for long days in the the saddle.
You need to be a fit, adventurous rider, with intermediate riding ability onwards as the terrain is exposed with steep ups and downs, narrow tracks and river crossings. Some technical riding over rough terrain, high winds and some places where you'll need to mount and dismount frequently without assistance. The pace is a walk, but you need to be able to ride at all paces and have good balance for long days in the saddle (3-7 hours) A good head for heights is essential.
Good young riders from age 12 years accompanied by a responsible adult can join the ride. The upper age limit is 70 years (with medical approval). The trip is not suitable for pregnant women or those with medical restrictions.
The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
This is a camping trip with tent accommodation, and pack horses carry all the luggage and food etc.
Bring your own sleeping bag and camp mattress and be sure to practice, to make sure you are comfortable. The total weight limit per person is 6kg so practice this too! There is the possibility of a cabin in Puerto Ibanez (at the start and finish) for an additional cost, payable on site, please enquire if you are interested.
All the food is carried on the pack horses. You can expect mate tea (a traditional South American caffeine-rich infused herbal drink), tea, coffee, oatmeal, bread, cheese, rice, pastas, tortillas, and other camping food. Breakfast and dinner are the main meals, lunch is picnic trail food. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated, and gluten free and many allergies, but not vegan.
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. Passport and 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. Departure tax – Unless a departure tax was included in your airfare, you will have to pay it on leaving. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/chile In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Chile.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/chile
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
Patagonian weather is extremely changeable.
Lago Lapparent is a lake located in the Aysén region, in the southern part of the Chile, 1,400 km south of Santiago, the capital of the country. Lago Lapparent is located 481 meters above sea level covering 25.3 square kilometers. The surroundings of Lago Lapparent are almost covered with mixed forest. It covers 4.6 km from north to south and 17.2 km from east to west.
The average temperature is 4 °C. The warmest month is January, at 9 °C, and the coldest is May, at 0 °C. The average rainfall is 754 mm per year. The wettest month is May, with 131mm of rain, and the driest is March, with 23 mm. The Aysén Region climate's is classified as a cool oceanic climate with low temperatures, abundant precipitation and strong winds.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
There are good health facilities in Santiago and other major cities, but private clinics and hospitals are expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Chile and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
Health (ride specific)
Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.
This ride is not suitable for people with serious medical conditions as the location is very remote. Clients with other conditions requiring medication must bring their own supplies.
We do not travel higher than 500 to 600 meters above sea level, so altitude sickness is not a risk, but there is steep terrain, so vertigo could be a problem for some people.
In Chile 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 no mobile reception or WiFi in the mountains on the trail, and no electricity, so you need to bring batteries.
Horses carry all of the food and gear for this trip so it is important to pack light. The maximum allowable weight of your personal luggage for this expedition is 6kg. Its a good idea to practice at home! The rest of your luggage will be waiting for you at the end point. We recommended that you bring a waterproof stuff sack (dry bag) to put your clothes and personal gear in. A waterproof travel bag such as a duffle bag or bag pack is ideal, NOT a hard suitcase, which cannot be placed on a packhorse.
ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR RIDING HOLIDAY
- Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards is strongly recommended
- Riding boots designed for riding and walking (We recommend ankle boots and half chaps)
- Half Chaps
- Riding gloves
- At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best
- Long sleeved shirts
- A warm synthetic layer.
- A warm jacket.
- A raincoat.
- Water bottle
- Mobile phone
- Layers are advisable ( Patagonian weather is very variable, so be prepared)
- Passport
- Travel insurance
- Pocket money
- An extra pair of camp shoes for around camp.
- Dry fast towel.
- Hat, gloves, buff or similar.
- Water bottle
- Pocket knife (not in your carry on luggage!!)
- Headtorch
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries (preferably eco friendly)
- Sleeping bag for -10 ° C.
- Sleeping pad (strongly recommended)
- Camera suitable for the adventure with extra batteries as we will be without electricity.
- Personal pharmacy (Guides will carry an emergency kit, but we recommend carrying a personal kit as well, with prescription drugs)
9 days / 8 nights / 7 riding days
2025: 9 - 17 Dec Escorted Date
Other dates on request for groups of 3+ December - April
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | double pp 4+ riders | 2,499 |
2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | small group supplement 3 riders pp | 645 |
2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | small group supplement 2 riders pp | 1,129 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | double pp 4+ riders | 3,005 |
2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | small group supplement 3 riders pp | 775 |
2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | small group supplement 2 riders pp | 1,359 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | double pp 4+ riders | 3,219 |
2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | small group supplement 3 riders pp | 835 |
2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | small group supplement 2 riders pp | 1,455 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | double pp 4+ riders | 35,145 |
2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | small group supplement 3 riders pp | 9,069 |
2025 | 9d/8n | 7 | small group supplement 2 riders pp | 15,875 |
In Patagonia there are guanacos (a camelid related to the llama), foxes, skunks, pumas, flamingos and nandues (like a small ostrich). In the forests there are two species of deer: the small shy pudu and the huemul.
The surroundings of Lago Lapparent (481 m above sea level) are almost covered with mixed forest. General Carrera lake is of glacial origin and is surrounded by the Andes mountain range. The lake drains to the Pacific Ocean on the west through the Baker River. During the last glaciation the lake drained to the Atlantic through Deseado River. The weather in this area of Chile and Argentina is generally cold and humid, the lake itself has a sunny microclimate, a weather pattern enjoyed by the few settlements along the lake. The area near the coast of the lake was first inhabited by criollos and European immigrants between 1900 and 1925. In 1971 and 1991, eruptions of the Hudson Volcano severely affected the local economy, especially that of sheep farming.
Chile's boundaries are geographically well-defined: to the west is the Pacific Ocean; to the east the Andes mountains; to the north is the Atacama Desert, the driest in the World; and to the south are the icefields and glaciers of Chilean Patagonia. There are wide variations of soil and climate between these features. Its 4,500 km coastline includes an amazing assortment of archipelagos and channels south of Puerto Montt. Although Chile is 4,329 km long at no point is it wider than 180 km. Chile's sovereign territory includes some Pacific islands, among them Easter Island, and it has a claim to a sector of Antarctica.
Chilean territory was among the last to be populated in Latin America. Prehispanic Chile was home to over a dozen different groups of indigenous people. The three main cultural groups were Incan, Mapuche and Patagonian.
Northern Chile was an important centre of culture in the medieval and early modern Inca empire. Afterwards, their culture was dominated by the Spanish during the Colonial and early Republican period. Other European influences, primarily English and French, began in the 19th century and have continued until today, as in other Western societies.
The national dance is the cueca. Another form of traditional Chilean song, though not a dance, is the tonada. In the mid-1960s native musical forms were revitalized with the Nueva Canción Chilena, which was associated with political activists and reformers.
Chileans call their country País de Poetas which means land of poets. Gabriela Mistral, was the first Chilean to win a Nobel Prize for literature. Chile's most famous poet, however, is Pablo Neruda, who also won the Nobel Prize and is world-renowned for his extensive library of works on romance, nature, and politics. His three highly individualistic homes, located in Isla Negra, Santiago and Valparaiso are popular tourist destinations.
Chile is four hours behind GMT and 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 +56.