PATAGONIAN RIDING ADVENTURE

Day 1 Arrive in to Argentina

Arrive into Buenos Aires off your international flight, before taking a domestic flight to El Calafate, where on arrival you will be privately transferred to Nibepo Aike. Nibepo Aike is located in the Los Glaciares National Park, framed by monumental mountains, soaring woodlands and a slither of Lago Argentino. Immerse yourself in this traditional way of life, where cattle are rounded up by horseback and the sheep are regularly sheared. On arrival, relax before carefully choosing and planning your activities for the next few days with your guide.

Overnight: Estancia Nibepo Aike

Day 2 Ride through the Andean Landscape

This morning saddle up for a morning riding through the Andean wilderness, trotting up to Cordon de los Cristales, before coming to a clearing that takes you into the depths of Patagonian woodlands. Passing by lofty lenga trees and soaring beeches, ride along the old sheep driving tracks, where enduring herdsmen once cantered. Stop at the La Rosada Outpost, where you can learn about the traditions of the estancia, before tucking into a delicious ranch lunch. In the afternoon, continue to explore the Los Glaciares National Park, cantering and galloping through the vast, green landscape. Returning to La Rosada Outpost, relax under the beautiful dusky sky, before spending the night under the stars.

Overnight: Estancia Nibepo Aike

Day 3 Discover Hidden Glaciers

Wake up for another full day in the saddle, tearing through the rural Argentinian landscape. Patagonia is one of Argentina’s most magical destinations, where jagged mountains peer over you, and vast landscape engulfs you in breathtaking vistas. Riding along the Valley of Rio Cachorro, slowly descend to the meandering river that slips off into the distance and catch a glimpse of the Frías glacier as it slowly comes into focus. Pass between mammoth granite rocks and bristling grasslands and reach the corrals of the Río Cachorro outpost where the rangers can be found working with their livestock. Stop for a delicious picnic lunch and relax in the beautiful and calming surroundings, before trotting on past the glacial Lake Argentina onwards to the outpost, where you have another night beneath the dazzling stars of Patagonia at a refuge.

Overnight: Estancia Nibepo Aike

Day 4 Explore Lake Argentina

This morning rise to the beautiful rural surroundings and take a walk to the lake shores to discover the booming Glaciar Sur. Embraced by granite dusted summits, this natural phenomenon is a spectacular sight. Continue riding and exploring the hidden corners of Los Glaciares National Park, unknown except to the indomitable Gaucho and a few curious cows, before saying goodbye to your horses at the outpost. Take a boat from Nibepo Aike's pier and weave your way across Lake Argentina to the hidden glaciers spend the day navigating the icy peaks of the many glaciers that pepper the area.

Overnight: Estancia Nibepo Aike

Day 5 Return to the Estancia

Wake up as the sun shrouds the surroundings in a warming glow of sunlight, before saddling up and returning to the estancia. Trotting, cantering or galloping along the lake, let the horses confidently lead you through the Andean landscape back to the estancia in time for a mouth-watering Patagonian lamb roast. Slow cooked over the warm embers of the fire, this delicious lunch is a highlight of the trip. After filling up on your meal, take some time to relax with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Estancia Nibepo Aike

Day 6 Fly to Bariloche

This morning transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Bariloche, the picturesque alpine town that sits at the feet of the Andes mountains. Stay at the five-generation family-owned Estancia Caballadas, gathered in a grassy landscape glanced over by the Andes. Located within the Lanín National Park in the Patagonian Lake District, this is one of the most spectacular spots in all of Argentina, and also home to the world-famous gaucho. An iconic emblem in Argentina’s history, idolised in poems, books and songs, the Gaucho way of life still thrives today.

Overnight: Caballadas

Day 7 Ride with the Gaucho

Set out this morning after a hearty breakfast, and catch a glimpse of the glimmer of silver buckles, brooches and bridles of the traditionally dressed Gaucho horses and jump on for a day exploring the Patagonian Lake District. With 20,000 hectares of national park awaiting you, canter beneath the shadows of the mountains, discovering secluded vistas, imposing woodlands and the intriguing Araucaria Araucana, or Monkey Puzzle trees that have survived since prehistoric times. Take a break and enjoy some lunch at the Las Tordillas barn, relaxing as the horses nonchalantly tuck into the verdant grass. When ready, jump back in the saddle and ride along past trickling streams, before heading back to prepare for dinner.

Overnight: Caballadas

Day 8 Camp under the stars

Today pack a small bag for three nights camping like the Gaucho in the Caballadas Valley. Trotting into the centre of the national park, let any worries disappear as you immerse yourself in the natural surroundings where there are no other people for miles, and it is just you and your guide. As you ride further into the depths of the Andes mountains, stop for lunch in the Mallin Escondido Valley, a remote and uninhabited spot wrapped in ancient woodlands. Conclude the day riding to your campsite, where a roaring fire will welcome you along with a homemade dinner. Listen to incredible stories of the Gaucho as you sip on a glass of wine, before settling down for the night in the wild landscape.

Overnight: Tented camp

Day 9 Explore Lanin Volcano

Wake up to the great outdoors, tucking into a fresh breakfast whisked up by the cook. Stretch out and prepare for another day galloping through Patagonia like the famous Gaucho. Weaving your way past the amber and golds of the trees, arrive at the monumental Lanin Volcano, which hedges both Argentina and Chile. Depending on the weather, ride up to the top of Cerro Ventana for breath-taking views of the volcano and towering Andes mountains. When ready gallop back to the campsite for an afternoon learning more about the landscape and culture, before another delicious meal beneath the stars.

Overnight: Tented camp

Day 10 Discover the Patagonian mountains

Spend a full day crossing the mountainous landscape, snaking along steep and sloping terrain and enjoying the calming quiet. Ride past the Cerro Ponom mountains, along the Mogotes Grises mountain range to the densely populated forests. Sitting back in the peaceful atmosphere, meander down the trails to the Tres Lagunas Valley and pass the splashes of the cobalt blue lagoons, before returning to camp.

Overnight: Tented camp

Day 11 Return to the Estancia

Rise to one last morning outdoors, pack your bag and jump back in the saddle to ride back to the Estancia. Arrive and relax in your room, perhaps indulging in a warming bath and stretches out the aches. This evening a special dinner will be served celebrating the incredible adventure you have had in Argentina.

Overnight: Caballadas

Day 12 Fly home

Enjoy your last breakfast at Caballadas before saying goodbye to everyone at the Estancia and transferring back to the airport. Passing through the rugged landscape one last time, depart on your domestic flight to Buenos Aires and connect with your international flight home.