Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsNibepo Aike Estancia in Nibepo Aike
Enjoy basic, cozy rooms, mountain views, and private bathrooms while you stay at this traditional estancia.
Horseback Riding to Patagonia’s Hidden Glaciers
Prices
Highlights
Ride on horseback to three astounding glaciers in Patagonia
Pioneers have been living alongside horses for many years in Patagonia, and the Horseback Riding to Patagonia’s HIdden Glaciers tour gives you the chance to explore Argentina in this traditional way. You’ll spend 3 days on horseback, moving across Patagonia as a team. Your objectives are three spectacular glaciers far out on the Southern Branch.
Ride up mountain ranges and across high passes, traversing the region’s iconic mountain ranges and earning unbeatable views over the surrounding landscapes. Stay at local ranches and lodges each night, enjoying a sky filled with stars as the horses whinny nearby. Your final adventure takes you by boat and foot to “the Amphitheater,” a remote viewpoint over the Gorra, Frias, and Grande glaciers. This is an out-of-the-box adventure experience that you’ll simply never forget.
Horseback Riding to Patagonia’s Hidden Glaciers Tour itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Nibepo Aike
Your adventure begins in El Calafate, where you’ll be picked up and transferred to Nibepo Aike. As the horses are prepared, you’ll enjoy a walk around the estancia, or you can borrow a bike for the afternoon. There’s a sheep shearing demonstration you can watch in the late afternoon.
- Overnight Location
- Lodge in Nibepo Aike
- Meals
- Dinner
Day 2 Cristales Mountain Range Ride
Ready to saddle up? Meet your horse, mount, and start climbing the Cristales Mountains. As you gain elevation, you’ll gain a view of the Southern Branch, the Rico Branch, Lake Roca, and Frias Hill. Once you’re in the “abra” (mountain pass), the path winds into the Andean Patagonian Forest.
Arrive at Puesto La Rosada for a picnic, then spend the afternoon appreciating history at El Hito (the Minestone), the last Estancia in Argentina, right on the border with Chile.
- Overnight Location
- Outpost at Puesta La Rosada
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril
Depart from La Rosada in the morning, riding out towards Puesto Cachorro. You’ll take it slow up an ascent with lunch waiting at the top. After enjoying a break and giving your horse some scratches, hop back on to ride to Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril, where you’ll be following paths used by rural workers.
- Overnight Location
- Outpost at Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Southern Branch Glacier Excursion
After breakfast, you’ll head towards the glaciers of the Southern Branch. This is a combination of a hike and boat ride to a remote location. Hike to Lake Frias, then ride in a zodiac across the lake. On the opposite shore, hike to “the Amphitheater” of the Gorra, Frias, and Grande glaciers. Surrounded by a frosty blue lagoon and floating icebergs, these glaciers are astounding in their size and a true hallmark of Patagonian scenery.
Reunite with your equine pals tonight, spending some downtime with the group before your last ride tomorrow.
- Overnight Location
- Outpost at Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Return Ride
Saddle up one last time, riding back along the Southern Branch to the estancia where you’ll be picked up and taken to El Calafate. So long, cowboy!
- Overnight Location
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch
Horseback Riding to Patagonia’s Hidden Glaciers Tour Price and Dates
The price of this guided horseback tour in Argentina depends on the room you select and whether you prefer a private or shared tour. Note that shared rooms are the only option for 3 nights of this tour.
Important note: The departures for this tour are available first, second and third Wednesday of each month.
Prices below are per person.
Private Tour
- Guided travellers in single rooms: $2,745USD per person
- Guided groups of 2+ in double rooms: $1,380USD per person
- Guided groups of 3+ in triple rooms: $1,325USD per person
Shared Tour
- Guided travellers in single rooms: $2,345USD
- Guided groups of 2+ in double rooms: $1,175USD per person
- Guided groups of 2+ in triple rooms: $1,175USD per person
Accommodation on the Horseback Riding to Patagonia’s Hidden Glaciers Tour
This tour is based in ranch lodges and outposts. The ranch lodge offers comfortable accommodations, meals cooked on-site, and friendly hosts. The outposts are simple in nature and offer shared rooms. It is recommended that you bring a sleeping bag.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you would prefer a single room where available, the required supplements are included in the listed prices. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Night 2
Outpost at Puesta La Rosada
This shelter offers two bunk beds and a dining room. If your group exceeds 4, some people will sleep in a tent.
Night 3
Outpost at Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril
This outpost and the nearby buildings sleep 6 and has a kitchen and dining room for you to relax in. You can use a basic restroom.
Standard Accommodation
What’s Included in the Horseback Riding to Patagonia’s Hidden Glaciers Tour?
Meals
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 4 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transfers according to the itinerary are included. Transfers upon arrival and for departure are included. Luggage transfers are also included.
Also Included
- Guide services
- Horse and tack
- National park entrance fees
- Mentioned excursions and activities
Not included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
- Sleeping bag
Optional Extras
- Optional activities or excursions
- Additional nights before or after the tour
Frequenty Asked Questions about Horseback Riding to Patagonia’s Hidden Glaciers
How hard is the Horseback Riding to Patagonia’s Hidden Glaciers tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You will ride a horse through mountainous terrain for up to 6 hours each day and complete one moderate excursion on foot. Experience riding horses on longer rides is strongly recommended, and participants should have a suitable level of basic fitness.
Do I need a visa to travel to Argentina?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Horseback Riding to Patagonia’s Hidden Glaciers tour?
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to El Calafate to start this tour?
You can fly into El Calafate Airport (FTE). Your guide will pick you up at the airport to begin your tour. Please plan to arrive prior to 3 pm on the first day of the tour.
What should I bring?
The weather in Patagonia is unpredictable, so please come prepared with a warm jacket, fleece layer, waterproof outer layer, hiking boots, warm gloves, a buff or scarf, a hat, lip balm, and sunscreen. You should bring boots that are at least ankle-high with a heel and jeans for riding. You should also bring your own sleeping bag, however, if you don’t have one, please let us know in advance to make the arrangements.
Is the Horseback Riding to Patagonia’s Hidden Glaciers tour in English?
Yes, your guide will be English-speaking.
Where does the Horseback Riding to Patagonia’s Hidden Glaciers tour end?
The tour ends in El Calafate, where you will be dropped off at the airport. You will need to either book a departure flight for after 6 pm on the final day or arrange to stay an extra night in El Calafate (we can assist with this).
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Argentina?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Argentina?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Argentina for this tour?
The best time to visit Argentina for this tour is between December and February when the weather is at its warmest. Please still come prepared for possible cold conditions and wind.
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Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You will ride a horse through mountainous terrain for up to 6 hours each day and complete one moderate excursion on foot. Experience riding horses on longer rides is strongly recommended, and participants should have a suitable level of basic fitness.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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