Price
2026 & 2027
10 nights - $6,195 per person, sharing.
Dates & Prices
CHILE & ARGENTINA
Crossing the Andes Chile to Argentina
Overview
This incredible challenge takes you through the three main landscapes of northern Patagonia: lush virgin rainforests, the glacier world of Sollipulli Volcano and the wide, open high plains of Argentina. You will ride sure footed horses across the Andes and visit the dormant crater of the Sollipulli volcano and experience two of the world’s most historic horse cultures.
From the snow-capped volcanoes of the Chilean Andes and the majestic crater of the dormant Sollipulli through a pass in Icalma, to the open valleys of the Argentinean pampas, you will explore and witness the landscape transition as you ride. Encounter smoking volcanoes, a deep blue glacier, snowy peaks, deep blue mountain lakes, and dense, towering rainforests during this once in a lifetime experience.
On the Chilean side experience steep mountains and endless virgin rainforests as well as the breath-taking high Andes with stunning views on our low, sturdy Chilean Criollo horses. Crossing the border, witness the unique Argentinean gaucho lifestyle, the vast plains, and the dramatic cliffs where you can admire the majestic Patagonian condor.
Location
Chilean and Argentine Andes Mountains
Airport
Temuco or Pucon, Chile
Duration
10 nights
When to go
December - April
Riding level
Intermediate to Advanced
Weight
100 kg / 15.7 stone / 220 lbs
Group size
2 - 8
Accommodation
Mountain cabins and tented camp
Included
All riding, guiding, accommodation, meals, soft drinks and wine with dinner during the ride.
Extras
Single supplement – $540
For the camping section of this trip, we will try to accommodate solo travellers in single tents but it is dependent on how much can be carried on the trip.
Excluded
Flights, transfers, tips and other alcoholic drinks.
Price guarantee
All our riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book with us and will refund the difference should you find the same riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
Exchange rate
Rates are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations, please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Transfers
Airport transfers are included in the package at set times from and to Temuco or Pucon airport.
Departure dates
2026
27 December 2026 - 6 January 2027
2027
3 - 13 January (Fully Booked)
10 - 20 January
24 January - 3 February
7 - 17 February
21 February - 3 March
7 - 17 March
21 - 31 March
Private Groups – Other dates on request, this is a fantastic adventure to embark on with a group of friends.
Riding & Itinerary
Horses – The Criollo Chileno is the oldest registered breed in South America. They descend from the Iberian horses the Spaniards brought when they conquered Southern America. These horses have evolved in conjunction with the landscape and are perfectly adapted to mountain trekking. Short, with a low centre of balance, they are ideal for the steep ascents and descents of the Chilean Andes. The word 'criollo' basically means a mixture of Spanish and native parts. This may refer to food, customs, horses and even people. Criollo Chileno must not be confused with other Criollo Breeds such as the Criollo Argentino, which has a similar name but is very different.
Tack – You will ride on typical Chilean 'Avio' working saddles, designed for long days on horseback and are very comfortable for both rider and horse.
Day 1
Pick up in Pucon or Temuco in the afternoon, welcome to the farm. Time to get to know the horses, tack, and equipment, and get settled in.
Day 2
We go for a day ride through the Mapuche Indian Community Quelhue and along the rapids of Trancura River to evaluate your riding experience, get familiar with saddle and tack, and to determine which horses to take to our great adventure. In the evening we enjoy a Chilean BBQ in our first tent camp on the shore of Lake Geppinger.
Day 3
We ride through virgin rainforests and dense stands of Coighue trees and bamboo and pass by crystal mountain lakes and gurgling creeks. The trails lead through the National Park Huerquehue, in the evening we put up our tent-camp besides the natural hot springs in Rio Blanco Valley.
Day 4
We ride through virgin rainforests and dense stands of Coighue trees and bamboo crossing the second range. The night we spent at a mountain farm at the Mapuche Indian community Flor de Valle.
Day 5
We ride along the slopes of Sollipulli volcano, overnight in the mountain lodge Nevados de Sollipulli.
Day 6
We ascent on horseback to the top of Sollipulli volcano, reaching its 2.5 miles wide crater which is filled with a 660 feet deep glacier. We return to Nevados de Sollipulli for a second night.
Day 7
We cross the last range before Argentina and spend the night in a cabin at the shore of Lake Icalma.
Day 8
After arranging custom formalities with the Chilean border control, we cross the border 20 meters on foot, and greet Hernan and his wonderful Argentinean horses which will bring us through the unique world of the Argentinean Andes for the next three days. We ride up to the top of Batea Mahuida Volcano with 6560 feet the highest point on our ride. Overnight in tent camp.
Day 9 - 10
We ride the valleys and cliffs of Argentina, watch condors pass us by and enjoy amazing views over the endless wide-open spaces of this uninhabited part of the world. On the evening of the 10th 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 BBQ while recounting our adventures from the past week and sharing our impressions of this experience of a lifetime.
Day 11
Transfer from Hernan’s ranch back to Chile. Drop of either in Temuco, Temuco airport or Pucon.
Horses
Criollo Chileno
Riding level
Intermediate to Advanced
Type of riding
The pace is adapted to terrain, some steep ascents and descents, faster paces in flat valleys
Tack
Comfortable Chilean Avio working saddles
Weight limit
100 kg / 15.7 stone / 220 lbs
Group size
2 - 8
Accommodation & Meals
10 nights accommodation including:
6 nights double rooms in cabins
4 nights camping
The cabins are rustic mountain style with cosy beds, shared bathrooms and kitchen areas. Some are more basic but they are all comfortable.
When you are camping, 2 riders share one dome style tent complete with mattresses. We always try to give solo travellers a single tent but this is dependent on how much equipment is being carried. There are showers available for 6 days of the trip and a natural hot spring for 1 day. Please note that there are toilets available on 7 of the 11 days.
Breakfast and lunch are normally served out on the trail with plenty of bread, cheese, ham, fruit and salads. Dinner is at the campfire where wonderful Chilean and Argentinean wines will be served. The meat is usually beef although some lamb and goat may also be on the menu. Vegetarian and vegan diets can be catered for.
Accommodation
Mountain cabins and tented camp
Single Supplement
Possible to have a single room for an additional fee
Meals
Inform us about food allergies and intolerances
Drinks
Soft drinks and wine included with meals
The Destination
Pucón is a town in central Chile's Lake District, lying on Lake Villarrica overlooked by the snow-capped Villarrica volcano. An adventure tourism hub, it's renowned for access to hiking trails, water sports, white-water rafting and kayaking as well as skiing and snowboarding. The surrounding terrain ranges from lakeside beaches to temperate rainforest. Natural hot springs are found in nearby forested valleys.
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