Riding to the Glaciers in Patagonia

per person

When we talk about horse riding in Patagonia, there is nothing as special as a ride near the glaciers. Being able to appreciate this gift of nature on the back of a horse is priceless.

A little history

With over 100 years old, this estancia is an emblem of South Patagonia. If this region is still considered inhospitable, imagine how it was back then. The villagers of southern Patagonia deserve a real mention for their courage and bravery.

Santiago Peso was the first colonizer. He came from Croatia at the beginning of the XX century and settled in the lands of the southern arm of Argentinian Lake. Later, he met his wife and had a son (who died at an early age) and three daughters. Sadly, Santiago died from tuberculosis in 1.938 leaving everything in the hands of his wife and daughters. These brave, hard-working women took on the responsibility of taking care of the land and it can be said that in the present days the property is still in the hands of the family.

About the Estancia

The estancia has 12 thousand hectares and it’s surrounded by an incredible landscape: lakes, mountains and a spectacular view of the Perito Moreno glacier. The land has many trails. They can all be discovered by foot, bike or most important, by horse riding.

The main house presents the typical architecture found in the region with a lot of sheet metal material which was light and easy to transport. Today, the house was transformed into a hotel that has 10 comfortable rooms.

It’s activities

The farm breeds both sheep and cows, but mostly the last. It’s more common in South Patagonia the sheep business and breeding because usually the lands don’t have enough green grass to feed cows, which need a lot more than the sheep does. But, as this estancia is located in the Glacier National Park and near the mountain range, it receives a lot of water. This means it’s possible for the owners to have and breed cows. Also, a detail to keep in mind, is the presence of pumas, a great sheep predator. As we said, the farm is within the Glacier National Park, and as a consequence, pumas are a protected species. They can’t be hunted. This is another reason why the cow is preferable to the sheep: pumas don’t usually attack them.

This estancia is located 56 kilometers away from the city of Calafate. You can get there through a gravel road and it’s inside the area of National Parks.

Horse riding here

This horseback riding opportunity is unique because it’s the only one that offers such a close encounter with the Perito Moreno Glacier. You will find yourself surrounded by Andean forests, crystal clear lakes, high mountains and stunning glaciers. The estancia counts with different refugees along the mountains. This is very common in the authentic rural tradition. The gauchos need them to be able to cover the long distances taking care of the lands. They stop here and there for some rest, a good meal and siesta or a good night sleep. During this ride, guests will enjoy the Patagonic scenery and its immensity. They will live in their own flesh the adventure sensation the first baqueanos experienced so long ago, and still do. The glaciers that you’ll be able to see are Frias, Gorra, Grande and Dickson.

On certain dates it’s also possible to participate in the cattle driving activities, which we highly recommend. That’s why EQUUS ARGENTINA also includes this programme in the cattle herding section.

4 Nights / 5 Days

10+ Age

Trail Rides

Destination
Santa Cruz
Departure
Calafate City
Departure Time
16:30
Return Time
14:15
Included

Accomodation

Advanced

Beginner

Breakfast

Dinner

Full Board Accomodation

Intermediate

Lunch

private Guides

Riding Horses

Transport
Not Included

Alcoholic Drinks

Caballos de equitación

Economic

Endurance Horses

Equipment

Gimnasio

Half Board Accomodation

Jumping Horses

Local Tours

Luxury

Polo Horses

Spa

Tickets to National Parks

From our gallery

Itinerary

Pick up and drop off at Calafate Airport (three and a half hour flight from Buenos Aires).
At 16.30 hs the guests will be taken to the estancia where they will be checked in and taken to their rooms. Later, they will meet the guides that will take them on the adventure. They will inform them about the ride, the horses and the trail. In the afternoon, guests can relax and get to know the farm’s surroundings and they can even see a shearing demonstration in the old shearing shed. Dinner at the hosteria.
On the second day, after breakfast, the riding adventure begins. Today 's destination is La Rosada Outpost. Riders will start ascending the Crystal Cordon, just behind the hosteria. On the way up they will be able to see the Rico and South Arm of the Argentino Lake, the Roca Lake and the Mount Frias. The trail continues into the Andean Patagonian forest, following old paths that were used to drive sheep. The cows are in a small plain. There, La Rosada is the home of the caretaker who is in charge of them. His job is the key to preserving traditional rural production. He knows the land by hard and can keep count of the cows with just a quick look, always alert to spot those who stray away from the limits to bring them back. There will be a picnic on the way and in the afternoon riders will arrive at Hito 32, the last stop of the estancia and also the border between Argentina and Chile. Dinner will be at Rosales Outpost.
On the third day, riders will arrive at Cachorro Outpost and 3rd of April Lagoon. After breakfast and getting the horses ready they will start the journey. They will leave behind the forest to dive into the Cachorro River Valley where they will appreciate the Notros trees and the Calafate bush (the legend says that those who eat the plant’s fruit will come back to this magical land). Later, they will start descending until the lower farms and the riverbed while discovering amazing views like the Frias Glacier. Between rocks and grasses they will arrive at the corrals of Cachorro Outpost, where maybe they will see the baqueanos working the cattle. Lunch will be here. After this, they’ll get back on the horses and back on the track until 3rd of April Lagoon. Wildlife to observe: black neck swans, cauquen ducks, steam ducks and many salmonids. Once in the outpost, past the lagoon, riders will get to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. At night, a delicious meal will be cooked in a wood-fired oven. Night at 3rd of April Outpost.
The fourth day will have a different spin: after breakfast riders will come to the estancia’s pier where they will get on board a boat that will take them on a tour to the South Arm of the Argentino Lake. From over there they will have a better look of the Hidden Glaciers. They will sail until the other bank where they will get back on their feet to walk alongside the river until arriving at the amphitheater of the Gorra, Frias and Grande Glaciers and their lagoon where many icebergs are floating. This section of the Park remains practically unexplored, only the local gauchos or the cows know all their secrets. There will be a picnic in front of the glaciers; in the afternoon they will return to the outpost. Dinner and night at 3rd of April Outpost.
Additional information: this activity is provided by Glaciar Sur (Argos Patagonia SA). There is no additional cost. The service includes a bilingual guide provided by Glaciar Sur and will be joined by other passengers that signed up for the complete excursion from El Calafate. The same may be canceled according to the weather and the sailing conditions. The hiking is approximately 6 hours long for 14 km of medium difficulty. In case the navigation is canceled, the adventure continues by foot and horses!
On the last day riders will start the way back alongside the South Arm until the farm’s main house and surroundings. This is approximately an 18 kilometers ride. They will be received with an asado of Patagonian lamb, this will be the best way to rest and recharge the energies. At 14:15 Hs a transfer will take them back to Calafate city.

What to take

Riders must bring along the trip only the essentials. The sleeping bags will be carried by another horse just for this.

A small bag for the trekking day.
A sleeping bag (*) of -5°C or 23° F.
Waterproof/warm jacket. It’s better if it’s a good quality jacket, designed for mountaineering.
Waterproof pants or over pants.
Sweater or polar.
A change of clothes: Pants (comfortable for riding), a long sleeve shirt and socks (more than one).
Hiking boots or trainers.
Stratermic shirts (if you have).
Gloves / Hat / Scarf.
Sunscreen.
Sunglasses.
Lantern.
(*) In case you don’t have a sleeping bag, the estancia has a few to lend. You must ask for one in advance.

Location

The city of Calafate is in Santa Cruz Province, on the southern border of Argentino Lake. Los Glaciares National Park is 100 kilometers away from the city.

Other activities for riders and non riders companions

Calafate City is a very popular destination because of its proximity to the Perito Moreno Glacier. It’s one of Argentina’s most important tourist attractions, a must on the list of places to visit, and that’s why the place is prepared to receive its visitors with hotels and gastronomy of the highest level.

For those who prefer other activities rather than horses, Calafate has many to offer. It’s worth mentioning that the estancia offers a regular service from and to the Calafate city, this means that all non riders can easily decide what they would like to do next and where once their riders companions start off.

Mini trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier is the most popular activity and the best way to get to know it. This service is provided by the company “Hielo y Aventura”, it includes the pick up at the estancia. The trekking begins with a short navigation through Argentino Lake up to the glacier. From here, passengers will walk for a few minutes until getting to the part where they sil start walking on the glacier itself. For this they will use special grampones tied to their shoes to have a firm grip on the ice. The views inside the glacier are incredible, not to mention the sounds of the ice cracking and detaching.

Later, passengers will be taken to the footbridges of the Perito Moreno where they will have a more panoramic view of the glacier. We advise taking the time to just sit down and watch, patience is highly rewarded. For those who wait the glacier offers its most amazing show, the calving of huge ice blocks.

Another option is to visit the Upsala Glacier. This includes a few hours of navigation through the Northern Arm of the Argentino Lake up to the glacier. During this, passengers will have a very close look at the Upsala Glacier and all its big detachments or icebergs floating in the lake.

The town of Calafate has many restaurants with a variety of food to offer, the Patagonic lamb made at the metal cross being one of the most popular. There are also other traditional dishes, like guisos or empanadas. One of our favorite places is Pura Vida, a cozy place with a cool vibe that serves the most delicious homemade meals. We also recommend taking a walk along the lake’s coast where you will be able to see the beautiful flamingos and swans.

Last but not least, another good option is the guided tour to the estancias. Here they usually do demonstrations of sheep shearing and sheep roundups with dogs (Kelpies or Collies); they offer a snack and talk about the farm’s histories and the production of wool; and even include an asado for dinner or lunch. Every estancia has its own programme and they are all worth it.