Multi Day Horse Riding in Lago Puelo
This incredible horseback expedition takes place in the northwest of Chubut Province, Argentina. It’s just a step away from Chile and another from Rio Negro. We were lucky enough to meet Juani, the young owner, in El Calafate, Santa Cruz. He took us horseback riding where he was working at the time and told us he would soon be working at the place he loved so much.
Juani is great with both horses and people. Along the way, he names all the trees and animals you might see. It’s amazing! He knows all the rivers, streams, plants, and everything else you’ll discover on this horseback adventure.
This horseback expedition takes place on a ranch located on the shores of Lake Puelo. You’ll spend four days riding through breathtaking landscapes, covering a total of 38 kilometers. Every day, Juani will surprise you with his delicious meals. These are traditional Argentine dishes or one-pot meals, as you’ll be in very rustic and remote areas where cooking and logistics are challenging.
The horses will take you through extraordinary places. At first, the terrain is rugged and forested, offering views of Lake Puelo. Then you’ll see the Turbio River and the Pedregoso Stream — a narrow, fast-flowing spring with a stunning color due to glacial meltwater. You’ll ride to Cerro de los Tres Picos and feast your eyes on an incredible landscape of towering peaks surrounded by forests and streams flowing down from the eternal snow.
- Destination
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Departure
Lago Puelo
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Departure Time
10 am
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Return Time
6 pm
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Included
AccomodationAlcoholic DrinksBeginnerBreakfastDinnerEconomicFull Board AccomodationIntermediateLunchprivate GuidesRiding HorsesTransport
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Not Included
AdvancedCaballos de equitaciónEndurance HorsesEquipmentGimnasioHalf Board AccomodationJumping HorsesLocal ToursLuxuryPolo HorsesSpaTickets to National Parks
From our gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up at Bariloche Airport. Transfer to Lake Puelo. Presentation of the itinerary. That day, you’ll go on a short horseback ride to assess each rider’s experience level and assign the most suitable horse. Overnight at the estancia on the lakeshore.
Day 2: On this day, you'll ride for approximately 7 hours, mostly along the lake’s shoreline. You'll spend the night at a rustic field outpost known locally as Zanjon Hondo. These are simple but cozy shelters, perfect for spending the night and enjoying a traditional campfire under Patagonia’s starry sky.
Day 3: After a homemade breakfast, you’ll begin preparing for a 6-hour ride. The route will take you to the Cerro Tres Picos lookout, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the Andes mountains. After lunch, the ride continues toward the Turbio River viewpoint, where the second campsite is located. You'll spend the night in tents, once again under Patagonia’s spectacular starlit sky, warmed by the glow of a campfire.
Day 4: This day is a bit different, as you'll spend about 4 hours on horseback, but you’ll also go on a trek up Cerro Tres Picos. Afterwards, you’ll ride back to the first outpost, Zanjon Hondo.
Day 5: The fifth day will be the last one on horseback. You'll ride for about 4 hours heading back towards the lake. Once you reach the lake, you’ll board a boat that will take you across to El Desemboque dock. Overnight at the estancia with a guitarreada (live folk music around the fire). It will be a time to rest and share stories from the ride.
Day 6: Check-out. Transfer back to Bariloche.
Location
As its name suggests, the experience begins at the lake, located in the province of Chubut.
Other activities for riders and non riders companions
The protected area of Lake Puelo is destiny itself! The lake’s turquoise waters, surrounded by the Andes and native forests, make it a truly unique place for activities like hiking, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the lakeshore and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
For travel companions who choose not to join the horseback expedition, there’s the option of staying in the estancia’s cabins and enjoying the calm of the lake along with a variety of trekking opportunities.
Among the most popular trails are:
- The Cascada de las Sombras (Waterfall of Shadows) – beginner level.
- The trek to the Cerro Currumahuida Viewpoint, which offers stunning panoramic views – intermediate level.
- The trek to the Chilean border, where you'll find the international boundary marker – this one is quite challenging.
Several boat tours on the lake are also available. One of them crosses to the Chilean side of the lake, since it is shared between both countries. To join this excursion, travelers must first complete the necessary paperwork with Gendarmería (border patrol).
Additionally, the town of Lago Puelo is located just 4 kilometers from the lake, where visitors can enjoy the artisan market and traditional Patagonian cuisine.
