Hiking in Aysen
Chile’s Aysen region is full of wild mountains, glacial lakes and lush forest, with epic trails waiting to be discovered by the pioneering hiker.
Discover MoreDeep roots in Patagonia: We are ex-guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, & adventurers.
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For the ends of the Earth: Sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
Deep roots in Patagonia: We are ex-guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, & adventurers.
We’ve got our feet on the ground: Impartial advice, a bespoke service, and at no extra cost.
For the ends of the Earth: Sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
Discover the traditional gaucho culture that’s characteristic of Aysen by climbing into the saddle to go horse riding in the mountains. Escape the modern world and get a sense of total freedom on an almost endless procession of spectacular trails.
One of the best horse rides in Aysen is to the Torres del Avellano, a set of stunning granite towers that tower above huge glacial amphitheatres and celestial blue glacial lakes on the edge of Cerro Castillo National Park. Feel like an explorer as you discover this area not far from the Cerro Castillo National Park on horseback accompanied by local gauchos. You will camp out and use the gaucho's hut as a shelter to cook and eat your dinner and breakfast and warm your hands on the fire.
The classic Avellano Valley trail spends three days riding in the remotest parts of an area often referred to as the Torres del Paine of Aysen, but longer variations of this route can also be arranged
Riding in Cerro Castillo's Avellano Valley
If you’re interested in just getting a taste of Aysen from horseback but worry that a multi-day trip might leave you saddlesore, there are plenty of half day and full day horse riding excursions available from the comfort of traditional lodges across the region.
Whether you’re staying in Coyhaique, Cerro Castillo, Patagonia National Park or close to the Marble Caves, Aysen’s lodges are well set up to offer you a taste of gaucho culture. You can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing from different daily excursions: riding one day, and hiking or kayaking the next – or just relaxing with the scenery at the lodge.
A Chilean gaucho in Aysen
Horse riding combines well with hiking, kayaking or even fishing to discover the many different faces of this amazing region. Ask us about the best way to weave in some time on horseback with the rest of your Aysen adventure.
Horse riding trips in Aysen can be as short or long as you are comfortable in the saddle. We can arrange half day excursions or longer rides of a week or more depending on what type of ride you prefer, where you want to stay, and how long you want to be on horseback.
There are many options with lodge-based rides that are ideal if you want to learn and build up confidence without committing to a multi-day ride.
Generally, the multi-day rides are aimed at intermediate to experienced riders who regularly horse ride at home. If you are planning to join a longer trip of three or more days then you should definitely be comfortable with up to seven hours in the saddle per day.
You do not need to bring anything of your own - all tack and equipment will be provided for you. The tack usually comprises of metal or wood-framed saddles covered in layered felt, sheepskin and leather. Rope, raw hide and leather form the bridles, girths, straps etc. Most of the horses are ridden in simple snaffles. Halters are worn throughout the ride with rope tied around the horse's neck to tie up at lunch stops and rest stops.
You will be provided with a helmet and Chilean-style chaps or comfort and safety.
The horses taken out on these trips have been incredibly well trained and are well looked after by their owners. We only work with operators who care well for their horses to offer safe and reliable riders for visitors of all abilities.
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Discover MoreImpartial advice and a bespoke service to make your trip perfect.
We are former guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts & adventurers.
Swoop is proud to be B Corp Certified as we know sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
We’ll make sure you have the adventure of a lifetime.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
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