Why go horse riding in Aysen

  • Embrace the gaucho lifestyle and gain a true understanding of Aysen's local customs and traditions
  • Test your riding skills and stamina to striking out into the wilderness for a remote multi-day horse trek
  • Discover hidden jewels like the Torres de Avellano that are out of striking distance of the hiking trails
  • Take a short ride for a day or half day from a lodge or ranch for a taste of Patagonian life in the saddle

Horse riding in Aysen

Horse riding options in Aysen

Riding to the Avellano Valley

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 the valley on day one, Avellano, Aysén, Patagonia, Chile

Riding in Cerro Castillo's Avellano Valley

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Harriet says

There is something quite magical about waking up in a gaucho's hut in Aysen to the sound of rustling and chewing, and then opening the door to see your horses grazing in a pasture against a backdrop of mountains.

Harriet Pike Head of Swoop Patagonia

Day rides from a lodge base

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 sits on his horse in Aysen

A Chilean gaucho in Aysen

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Swoop says

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 in Aysen FAQs

  • How much time do I need?

    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. 

  • How much riding experience should I have?

    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. 

  • What gear do I need to bring?

    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.

  • How well trained are the horses?

    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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Hiker in the Leones Valley in Aysen

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Why Swoop

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Ready to plan your Patagonia adventure?

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Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

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Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

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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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