The Gaucho Life
Over the course of the journey, you will ride through lenga woodlands, reed beds, high-altitude lagoons and vast araucaria forests, their ancient silhouettes standing sentinel across the slopes. Each day unfolds differently, some focused on steady progression between camps, others designed to explore a single dramatic environment in depth. Long riding hours are rewarded with sweeping views of Lanín Volcano, Quillén Lake and the surrounding Andean peaks.
The itinerary balances challenge and comfort. Camps are thoughtfully arranged, with bell tents, shared facilities, hot showers and hearty meals prepared over open fires. Logistics are seamlessly handled by the support team, allowing you to focus entirely on the ride, the horses and the scenery. Personal belongings are transported between camps, and experienced guides ensure both safety and a strong connection to the land.
This is not a rushed adventure. You will ride at a measured pace suited to the terrain, with time to absorb the environment, enjoy long lunches in remarkable locations, and share evenings around the fire. A restorative lake day offers a welcome pause, while the ascent of Ruca Choroi delivers one of the most spectacular riding days in the region. By journey’s end, Patagonia will feel less like a destination and more like a place you have truly travelled through.
You will love
- Ancient araucaria forests
- Remote fly-camp living
- Volcanic mountain panoramas
- Authentic Patagonian horsemanship
- Slow, immersive travel
- Open-fire wilderness dining
7 days of pure Patagonian adventure
Day 1 | Arrival – San Martín de los Andes
You arrive in San Martín de los Andes, where the journey begins at an unhurried pace. After checking into your accommodation near Río Quillén, the evening is dedicated to settling in and meeting your fellow riders. Over dinner, introductions are made and expectations shared, setting the tone for the days ahead.
This first night is about transition, allowing you to move from the routines of travel into the slower rhythm of the safari. Surrounded by Patagonian scenery and crisp mountain air, you rest well, knowing that tomorrow marks the true beginning of the adventure.
Day 2 | Río Quillén to Mallín Escondido
After breakfast, a transfer collects the group and drives towards Quillén. Upon arrival at Puesto Río Quillén, lunch is served before you are introduced to your horses. Time is taken to ensure every rider is comfortable, with careful saddle fitting and horse allocation.
You then set off on your first ride, following the southern slopes of the Quillén Valley towards Mallín Escondido. This introductory route allows you to find your rhythm in the saddle while enjoying forested trails and open valley views. By late afternoon, you arrive at camp, where an open-fire Argentine meal awaits. Hot showers and comfortable tents offer welcome relief before a restful night.
Net riding time: 3 hours.
Day 3 | Mallín Escondido to Voladero Camp
Breakfast is followed by a descent along the southern valley slope, with sweeping views of the Ruca Choroi ridge unfolding as you ride. Reaching the Quillén River, the group carefully wades across to the northern bank.
Lunch is enjoyed beside the river, with time to swim if conditions allow. The afternoon ride climbs gently along the northern slope of the valley, revealing new perspectives of the surrounding terrain. By evening, you arrive at Voladero Camp, where dinner, hot showers and a quiet night beneath the stars round out the day.
Net riding time: 4 hours.
Day 4 | Picudo Ride to Malalco Camp
After breakfast, you begin one of the most scenic riding days of the safari, ascending towards the Mallín del Picudo. Moderate climbs are rewarded with expansive views across valleys and distant peaks. Lunch is taken at the mallín, followed by a well-earned rest.
The afternoon route leads through striking araucaria forests before a steep descent along Loma de los Chivos, offering dramatic views of Lanín Volcano and Quillén Lake. You arrive at Malalco Camp, the main base for the coming nights, where hot showers and a generous dinner await.
Net riding time: 6 hours.
Day 5 | Lake Day from Malalco Camp
Today unfolds at a slower, restorative pace. After breakfast, you ride gently to the dock before crossing the lake by boat to Lumillas Beach. Lunch is cooked over open fires, and the afternoon is free to swim, relax or try fishing.
Returning by boat, you mount up for the easy ride back to Malalco Camp. The evening is spent unwinding and sharing stories, refreshed by a day that offers balance within the journey.
Net riding time: 2 hours.
Day 6 | Rucachoroi Ride
This is the most ambitious day of the safari, aiming for the slopes of Ruca Choroi Volcano at over 2,320 metres above sea level. Leaving camp in the morning, you ascend steadily through lenga forest, reed beds and araucaria stands before reaching the high-altitude lagoons formed within the ancient crater.
Lunch is served in this dramatic setting. Those with energy remaining may walk to the ridge, where panoramic views stretch across seven volcanoes and the Andes beyond. The group then descends together along the same trail, returning to camp for a final evening in the wilderness.
Net riding time: 6 hours.
Day 7 | Departure
After breakfast, you pack and prepare for departure. A vehicle collects the group from Malalco Camp and transfers you to Chapelco, marking the end of the safari.
As you leave the valley behind, the experience lingers, shaped by long riding days, shared meals and the quiet intimacy of travelling through Patagonia by horseback.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
7 Days
7 Days
USD 3,300 Per Rider
USD 3,300 Per Rider
START: San Martín de los Andes, Argentina | Finish: Chapelco, Argentina
Inclusions
- Accommodation throughout the safari
- All meals & beverages during the ride, including wine & alcoholic drinks
- Fully equipped bell tents at all camps
- All camp equipment including tables, chairs, dishes & cooking gear
- Horses & full riding equipment including saddles & saddlebags
- Transport of personal belongings between camps
Main guide & local baqueano
VHF communication support
Exclusions
- Tips & gratuities
- International air arrangements plus all applicable pre-paid departure taxes
- Travel Insurance & individual health requirements
- Food & beverages in San Martín de los Andes
- Transfers from San Martín de los Andes to Quillén & return
PLEASE NOTE: Wifi is unavailable throughout this itinerary
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- Hat or beret – very important
- Buff or bandana (sometimes, especially when it is very dry, horses can kick up a
- lot of dust during the rides)
- Sunscreen – very important
- Appropriate footwear for horse riding
- Adequate equipment to endure colder temperatures
- Swimwear
- Any medication or personal items that might be required
- NOTE: There are no towns in the region, so anything that you consider to be
- essential, you will have to bring with you
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