Horseback riding in the Andes, Chile, Northern Patagonia

More than a leisure or hobby, horseback riding in Chile is still a way of life. Much work is still done on horseback for example driving cattle and sheep in the mountain areas and often, riding on horseback is just a means of transportation. Riding with us we will show you as much as possible of this equestrian culture and the natural beauty of Nnorthern Patagonia. The lakes district with its huge virgin rainforests and deep blue mountain lakes. Most of our horseback rides follow the old "arriero" (as the chilean cowboys are called) trails. It's an network of trails used by locals on horseback, oxcarts and by foot. Many of them were used by the first settlers who explored these steep mountains and valleys 150 years ago on foot or on horseback. Sometimes it's like a journey back in time, when we meet the sons and grandsons of these guys who came here first to cultivate up into the rainforest.

We do trail rides from half to ten days. Pack trips on horseback as well as tailor made horseback rides where you can put together an itinery according to your wishes. We offer easy overnight ride for beginners or riders seeking a more comfortable equestrian vacation. We also do several day horseback riding expeditions for those looking for a more challenging trail ride. Among them our Crossing the Andes on horseback trail from Chile to Argentina.

Horseback Riding from Antilco

Starting on our farm we offer  half day horseback riding in the Mapuche Indian Community Quelhue, day rides to the Villarrica lakeshore or in the mountains of  National Forest Reserve Quelhue as well as 2 day horseback rides were we camp out in the mountain.

Antilco is 12km out of Pucón on the banks of Liucura River and on the foothills of the Quelhue mountain range. Doing horseback riding with us you can stay in a cabin or double room in the guest cabin on the farm or in a hostel or hotel in Pucón were we can pick you up for your horseback ride.

Whether expert or beginner we have the right horse for you. Our Beginners Horseback riding Program is ideal for persons with limited experience on horseback and also offer the perfect setting to learn a good horseback riding technique. On every horseback ride with us our guides are always willing to teach beginners and help them improve their skills . Besides the beginner horseback riding program we also schedule beginner week horseback riding vacations if you wish.

Antilco has also plenty to offer to the more experienced equestrian rider. Our horseback rides vary in terrain and skill level. Trail rides in the lower valley offer the opportunity to gallop and trot meanwhile in the higher and sometimes steep mountain ranges good horsemanship and handling skills are required.

On the horseback rides to the more remote valleys of the northern Patagonian Andes we have the opportunity to meet the people, often sons and grandsons of the first settlers who came here from 1885 on that live in these areas, sometimes a journey back in time. An experience you will remember and treasure.

Beginners Trail riding Program

2 Days Overnight Horseback Ride

4 or 6 days of Horseback Riding in Huerquehue National Park and Rio Blanco Valley

Tailor made Horseback Rides

Crossing the Andes - the Adventure on Horseback

About our Horses

About our Tack

The tack we use on our horseback riding trips is also native Chilean (exception: the rides in Argentina, were we of course use Argentinean equipment) . Our saddles are leather sheepskin covered "Avillo" or "Coralero" saddles , the typical chilean working saddle used by the arrieros in their daily work, designed specifically for the type of trail riding you will do in this region of Patagonia, Chile. At the beginning of your Chile horseback riding vacation our guides will spend some time introducing you to the Chilean style of riding. Typically you will spend four to six hours a day in the saddle, riding at a moderate pace. There will be ample opportunity to gallop the horses in the open fields and on trails if you so desire. More about Chilean Saddles & Tack

The Horseback Riding Season in Southern Chile

General hints for traveling in Chile