Horse Riding in Catamarca

per person

If you are looking for a long horse riding trip in the North of Argentina, the Ambato Mountain ride is a great option. La Inesita and its owner, Mario, will give you the chance to discover these lands on the back of their horses. Horse riding in Catamarca is a unique way to enjoy the incredible landscapes this province keeps secret.

La Inesita is found in the area of Coneta, only 20 minutes away from the city of San Fernando de Catamarca. Mario Guardo, its owner, is a former professional polo player. He played for many years in foreign countries such as the Czech Republic. Back in Argentina, he decided to teach polo lessons and take people out for rides. He’s one of the few people to offer such an interesting way to get to know the province.

Mario takes really good care of his polo horses. Also, the people working with him are locals with great knowledge of the area. They are what we call “baqueanos”. They all share the same philosophy: a strong love for horses and the healing sensation of being in contact with nature through them.

7 Nights / 8 Days

16+ Age

Trail Rides

Destination
Catamarca
Departure
San Fernando de Catamarca City
Included

Accomodation

Advanced

Alcoholic Drinks

Beginner

Breakfast

Dinner

Economic

Intermediate

Local Tours

Lunch

Polo Horses

private Guides

Riding Horses

Transport
Not Included

Caballos de equitación

Endurance Horses

Equipment

Full Board Accomodation

Gimnasio

Half Board Accomodation

Jumping Horses

Luxury

Spa

Tickets to National Parks

From our gallery

1

Itinerary

Pick up and drop off at San Fernando de Catamarca’s Airport.
Transfer to La Aguada Hotel, in Coneta, twenty minutes away from the airport. This is a lovely big house made of stones surrounded by gardens, an ideal place to rest and enjoy nature. It has a private lagoon where one can swim, if the weather allows it. After having lunch, riders will go with Mario to meet the horses and try them. Their riding skills will be tested in the polo field of La Inesita. Afterwards, there will be mate and snacks in the stables while Mario will inform the riders of the next days’ schedule and about the story of the place. Dinner at La Aguada.
Ride through Coneta’s Alleys: after breakfast, riders will go to La Inesita where the horses will be waiting ready to start the adventure in Coneta’s alleys until San Lorenzo River, going through farm fields of local farmers. It's approximately a 3 hour ride. After midday an asado will be waiting back in La Inesita. In the afternoon, riders can either go back to the hotel and enjoy some massages or have some fun sliding down the zipline nearby.
On the third day, after breakfast, riders will go back to La Inesita where the horses will be waiting to take them to Los Angeles River. They will cross the river nine times and then arrive by foot to the “lavatorio” (the lavatories). Here they can have a bath and cool in the waters. During this trail you will see three indigenous terraces where corn and cereal was cultivated. At midday, Mario will treat you with an asado at the river bank. The ride is approximately 6 and a half hours long. At the return, dinner will be served at the Aguada Hotel. It’s important to have a good night's sleep to be rested and prepared for the next day’s ride to Puesto El Pinto (El Pinto’s lodge).
Ride and sleepover at El Pinto’s stop: starting early in the morning from La Inesita all the way to El Pinto. The ride starts with a three hour climb (800 metres above sea level). From the top, riders will have a panoramic view of Catamarca’s valley. They’ll have lunch here, enjoying fine wine from the north and relaxing. They will sleep in tents, the campment will be set up by the guides.
Waking up in the mountains near the horses and condors, unique! After breakfast you’ll ride in the roundabouts before returning to the campment and start the way down the Los Angeles slope. A delicious lunch will be waiting at La Inesita. Later, you’ll return to the hotel where chinese massages will be offered.
Ride to Los Angeles Hotel: the longest one! You’ll start approximately at 9 am from La Inesita. After a 3 hour ride you’ll arrive at a mountain post where you will rest and enjoy some typical food: goat roasted at the cross. Then you’ll continue through the myrtle forests and after 2 hours you’ll arrive to Los Angeles town. At Mount Ambato’s feet, this hotel will receive and comfort you. Option to explore the town and get to know a little more of Catamarca.
On the last day, you’ll ride by the Los Angeles River until its source, 2.500 metres above sea level. At midday, horses and riders will rest and have lunch on the river bank before returning to Los Angeles. From here you’ll return to La Aguada Hotel.
Late check out from La Aguada Hotel. During the day, after breakfast, you can enjoy the swimming pool, gardens and lagoon. Afterwards you’ll return to San Fernando de Catamarca City.
Optional: Excursion to Fiambala, Dunas de Taton. Excursion to Los Seismiles (listed separately).

Location

Catamarca is located in the northwest of Argentina, it borders to the north with Salta, to the east with Tucuman and Santiago del Estero, to the southeast with Córdoba, and finally, to the south with La Rioja. Chile can be found to the west. Flights to this province are not very often but there are good alternatives like flying to Tucuman. From there it’s only a two hour car ride till Catamarca. Coneta is a locality of the department of Capayan, Catamarca. It’s only 20 minutes away from its capital. You can access it by taking the National Route 38 and then the provincial route 5. It’s 15 kilometers away from the capital of Catamarca and very near the Ambato Mount.

Other activities for riders and non riders companions

The great thing about visiting Catamarca is its weather that allows all year round trips. The Aguada Hotel has many activities to do outdoors: swimming in the pool or in the lagoon or doing some trekking nearby with a beautiful view.

Fly fishing is also an option, for the sport´s lovers this is possible at 4.000 metres above sea level. The excursion can be arranged for as many days as you like!

The city of San Fernando de Catamarca is also very entertaining. Its streets are lovely, they carry a colonial architecture with red roof houses and wide avenues. One of the highlights of the city is the Plaza 25 de Mayo, in the centre near the Nuestra Señora del Valle Cathedral. The artisans market and the Puna Museum are also good spots, not to mention all the restaurants and theatres.

La Cuesta del Portezuelo can be found approximately 30 minutes away from Coneta and it's a great viewpoint to admire Catamarca. For those who enjoy trekking, there's a 17 kilometres trail up to the top.

Also, an hour away from the city lies El Rodeo, a mountain village at the feet of the Sierra Ambato.