Horse riding holidays in Chile are as diverse as the country's remarkable geography and geology. With its unique, string bean-like shape, Chile stands out as one of the most distinctive countries in the world. Stretching an astonishing 4,329 km (2,706 miles) from the tropics to near the Antarctic, it is incredibly narrow - averaging just 180 km (112 miles) in width and narrowing at one point to just 15 km (9 miles)! The Andes form the backbone of South America, dividing Chile to the west from Argentina to the east. This extraordinary length gives Chile a dramatic range of climates, from the hot, arid Atacama Desert in the north to the icy, snow-covered landscapes of Patagonia in the south. In between, you'll find sunny coastlines, vineyards, a Lake District and fjords sandwiched between them. However there is a common element linking every region of Chile - spectacular scenery and, outside the cosmopolitan cities, a vast wilderness and gaucho horse culture for the free spirited to discover on a horse riding holiday.
The connection between Chile and horses dates back to the Spanish conquistadors, making horseback riding a timeless and authentic way to experience the country. The tradition of the huaso, Chile's skilled horsemen, lives on, particularly in rural regions where horses remain essential for cattle work and transportation.
The Chillian Capital: Santiago
Chile's capital Santiago is situated north of the centre of the country. Even here you will find natural beauty as the city is located between the Andes to the east and a smaller coastal mountain range to the west. From this starting point, we offer you the horse riding adventure of a lifetime - an unforgettable journey crossing the Andes from Chile to Argentina.
Just south of central Chile lies the Lake District. Here you will find pristine deep blue lakes, glacier-tipped volcanoes, lava tubes, the ubiquitous monkey puzzle tree, lake-side beaches and a full range of outdoor sports activities.
Our Range of Horseback Riding Vacations in Chile
There is no better way to experience the beauty of this country than on one of our equestrian tours. We offer horseback riding vacations in Chile in several areas:
The Atacama Desert: In the far north our Atacama Desert Trail takes riders on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the driest desert in the world. This ride follows natural river systems from the high Andes, weaving through landscapes of oases, geysers, and rugged mountains. The rock formations defy belief, and a must-do is to climb high in Moon Valley to watch the sunset which then turns the Andes to the east to an eerie deep pink. The area has lots of history with archeological sites to visit and Inca forts to explore. The route runs from the mining town of Calama to the desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. Riders camp under star-studded clear desert skies and ride local Criollo horses known for their endurance. The terrain requires confident riders who can handle eight hours in the saddle every day. To discover the Atacama on horseback is such a privilege.
The Avellano Valley Trail: The spectacular Avellano Valley Trail in northern Patagonia follows historic settler routes through protected wilderness areas. It starts from Lake Largo Lapparent, which is 429 meters above sea level, and the trail passes through mountain valleys to General Carrera Lake. Riders become part of the gaucho way of life, learning wilderness camping skills and the art of travelling with pack horses. The Quarter horses and Chilean-Criollo crosses are equipped with traditional work saddles layered with sheepskin for comfort during long riding days. The Avellano Valley Trail has basic camping throughout the trip and riders help to set up camp and prepare meals in true expedition style.
Chile to Argentina Crossing: The Chile to Argentina Crossing follows the historic route taken by San Martin in 1817 to free the people of Chile. This legendary journey, renown throughout Argentinian, passes through wilderness areas surrounded by Mount Aconcagua (20 900ft.) and Mount Mercedario (20 700 ft.) which are the highest peaks in South America. Riders can see guanaco herds and nesting condors in landscapes that are only accessible on horseback. The trip combines riding horses and mules and there is instruction provided in traditional South American riding techniques using Recado saddles. The Andes Crossing starts with one night of luxury accommodation followed by six nights of camping under the star-filled mountain skies.
Getting to Chile
International flights arrive at Santiago Airport (SCL), which serves as the meeting point for our immense Chile to Argentina ride. For our other equestrian vacations in Chile, domestic flights connect to various riding destinations. Travelers joining the Atacama Desert ride will need to fly into Calama Airport (CJC), while those heading to the Avellano Valley trails should book flights to Balmaceda Airport (BBA).
We strongly recommend arriving a day or so early to adjust to the time difference and avoid any potential connection issues, especially in Santiago, where morning transfers can be particularly busy and luggage may be left behind. Rest assured, airport transfers to the meeting point are included in the price of your holiday.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Chile for a Horse Riding Holiday
Chile's weather varies greatly by region, making the best time to visit dependent on where you're headed. To help you plan your horse riding holiday in Chile, we've detailed the weather conditions for each of our trails below:
For the Atacama Desert Trail, April and October provide the best riding conditions. During these months, daytime temperatures reach around 30°C and drop to near 0°C at night. The extreme temperature variation is typical of desert environments, but the high altitude (around 1,800 meters) helps moderate the heat. August has slightly cooler conditions, with daytime temperatures around 25°C and occasional frost at night (-2°C). As it is a desert, rain is virtually non-existent all year-round and this creates reliable riding conditions with no need for wet weather gear.
The Avellano Valley Trail in the Lakes region of northern Patagonia has four distinct seasons. Summer (December-February) provides the most reliable weather, and temperatures are between 15°C and 25°C. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) can be beautiful but unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C and an increased chance of rain. The average rainfall in this region is 754mm per year, with May being the wettest month and March the driest.
For the Chile to Argentina Crossing, the ride runs between November and March when the mountain passes are free from snow. December and January offer the most stable conditions, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 25°C, although the altitude can affect temperatures throughout the journey. At higher elevations, temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer, while valleys can become quite warm.
Book your Horseback Trip in Chile with Unicorn Trails
At Unicorn Trails, we specialise in connecting riders with authentic equestrian experiences worldwide, using horsemanship as a universal language to bridge cultural differences. Our extensive knowledge of global riding destinations, including our diverse rides available in Chile, makes sure we can give expert guidance in choosing the right riding holiday for you. We work with local guides and operators who share our values, and both riders and horses receive excellent care. Each of our guided horseback trips in Chile has small group sizes which allows for personalised attention and a more immersive experience.
Additional Activities and Add-Ons
Beyond horseback riding, each region has many different activities. In the Atacama, riders can visit archaeological sites and watch the sunset over Moon Valley. After crossing the Andes, you could try rafting the Mendoza River's class 2-3 rapids or rappel in mountain gorges. The Lakes region provides opportunities for hiking, kayaking and exploring monkey puzzle forests. You could perhaps relax on the beach in Chile's best seaside town of Valpraiso. Wine tours in the central valley complement riding adventures, and more ambitious travellers might consider adding Easter Island to their itinerary. We have plenty of suggestions for you.
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