Central and South America > Argentina

North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail

Experience a beautiful camping trail through a remote part of northern Patagonia, that boasts cinematic views and stunning landscapes, some accessible only on horseback. This vast wilderness is the perfect location for those looking to disconnect from the modern world and explore rural life in Argentina, with the added chance to spend a day herding cattle alongside the gauchos. There’s also two nights at a family-owned traditional ‘estancia’ or farmhouse. In this unique and other-worldly region, riders will discover new wildlife, swim in rivers and lagoons, ride the native criollo horses and enjoy cosy evenings around the campfire. At the end of the trip, a stay in the vibrant capital of Buenos Aires beckons. This is a trip for those seeking adventure, untamed beauty and a taste of real Argentina.
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Trail Riding
8 days (6 riding) -
From £0
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail
  • North Patagonia Cattle & Camping Trail

Itinerary

Highlights

- Ride sure-footed Argentine criollo horses across the wild and beautiful landscapes of northwest Patagonia
- Enjoy breathtaking views, riding through beautiful valleys and over majestic peaks
- Wild swim in rivers, pools and natural hot springs
- Embrace the chance for a digital detox --unplug and connect with nature in a wonderfully remote location
- Sleep under the stars and enjoy cosy nights around the campfire
- Try your hand at cattle driving and ride alongside Argentine gauchos
- Spot wildlife such as condors, hares, foxes, red deer, wild boar, pumas and various birds
- Take the chance to go fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout (to be arranged in advance)
- Visit the capital Buenos Aires before or after the ride and enjoy it’s rich, vibrant culture: with tango, colourful street art, delicious cuisine and fascinating architecture all on offer
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  • Day 1 1: BUENOS AIRES – NEUQUÉN – ESTANCIA - No riding

    You’ll fly to Buenos Aires (Ezeiza) and then take a domestic flight to Neuquén in western Argentina. (International flights not included but bookable upon request). Please note that you will may need to arrive in Argentina a day earlier and spend the night in Buenos Aires.

    Please plan to arrive in Neuquen by 1pm latest so you can join the group transfer at 2pm. You may also choose to arrive in Neuquen a day earlier and stay in a hotel. After arriving in Neuquen, you will be met by a member of the local team and begin your transfer (approximately 5-6 hours) to the estancia near Caviahue, a small town on the Chilean border. On the way, enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andes.

    Upon arrival, you’ll meet your hosts. If there’s time, you can enjoy a short introductory ride before dinner.

    Dinner and overnight at the estancia.

  • Day 2 2: ESTANCIA – EL MANZANO - 6-7 hours riding

    After a hearty breakfast, you’ll get ready for your first full day ride and cattle drive. This morning will be a slow pace in order to move the cows, (a herd of approximately 300-400 cows) and you’ll get the chance to ride alongside a team of local gauchos. Be prepared for a good 3-4 hours in the saddle.

    Afterwards, you’ll enjoy lunch by a stream and then continue to ride for three more hours before reaching your campsite, just metres from a waterfall on the Agrio River. Time for a dip and a classic spit-roasted lamb barbeque (asado).

    Dinner and overnight camping.

  • Day 3 3: EL MANZANO – TROLOPE RIVER - 5 - 6 hours riding

    Today you’ll ride to Salto del Agrio, where the river plunges from a basalt edge into a peaceful lagoon.

    You’ll enjoy lunch inside the caldera, with the roar of the nearby waterfall echoing around you. Brave souls can swim in the natural pool (be prepared for cold water). Later, you’ll ride through majestic Araucarias—towering Monkey Puzzle trees that reach up to 80 meters—and head towards tonight’s camp by the Trolope River.

    Dinner and overnight camping.

  • Day 4 4: TROLOPE RIVER – EL TROLON - 5 - 6 hours riding

    This is a day for adventure: today you’ll cross the mountain range, ascending into pure wilderness.

    After about five hours on horseback and lunch in the peaks, you will reach the most remote destination of the ride —a natural hot spring in a hidden valley, fed by the Copahue volcano. You can take a dip and relax, and then afterwards, you’ll head to the nearby campsite.

    Dinner and overnight camping.

  • Day 5 5: EL TROLON – LAGUNA DEL CUERO - EL TROLON) - 5 - 6 hours riding

    You’ll ride light today, bringing only day packs. The morning will be faster paced, with some nice canters and the chance to spot condors.

    Afterwards, you’ll arrive at a mountain lagoon at the summit of cerro bayo, where you’ll have lunch and swim in the lagoon with the horses—an unforgettable moment. In the afternoon, a short two-hour ride takes you back to camp at El Trolon. Time to soak again in the hot spring and enjoy some wine while dinner cooks.

    Dinner and overnight camping.

  • Day 6 6: EL TROLON – LLANO BLANCO - 5-6 hours riding

    Today you’ll begin the return journey, riding three hours through high valleys and along scenic trails. You’ll have lunch under willow trees in a quiet valley before continuing to ride for a few more hours.

    As you glimpse the El Morado hill in the distance, the journey starts to feel full circle. Tonight, you’ll camp near the ranch, ready to reflect on the incredible days behind you.

    Dinner and overnight camping.

  • Day 7 7: LLANO BLANCO – ESTANCIA - 5-6 hours riding

    A relaxed final ride takes you to a riverside beach on the Agrio River. Along the way, you’ll descend through historical landmarks from the Conquest of the Desert, spotting ruins, monoliths and relics.

    You’ll enjoy lunch by the river, swim if you please, and ride the last two hours through golden light until you reach the farmhouse. A hot shower and a final farewell dinner brings this unforgettable week to an end.

    Dinner and overnight at the estancia.

  • Day 8 8: NEUQUÉN – BUENOS AIRES – EUROPE - No riding

    After breakfast, you will leave the estancia at 9am and be transferred to Neuquen airport (a 5-6 hour drive).

    Please book a flight departing after 4pm to allow time for your transfer. You may decide to spend a night or two in Buenos Aires or travel directly to Europe.

Dates & prices

Price details

No departure for this destination. Please contact our travel advisers for more information.
- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room at the estancia and a 2-man tent during the ride.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 6 riders and a maximum of 12 international riders, plus guides.

- The ride will confirm for 2-5 riders payment of a small group supplement. Please contact us for rates.

- There is no single supplement if you are willing to share a room/tent with another guest of the same sex.

- Please note that single rooms and tents come at no extra cost but are subject to availability and not always possible. Please contact your travel advisor if you would like to request a single room at the estancia and/or a single tent during the ride.

- Transfers to and from the airport are included at set times. Please ensure you arrive before 1pm on the first day and depart after 4pm on the last day. If you arrive early, you may need to wait at the airport for the rest of the group to arrive.

- There may also be a chance to go fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout – please contact your travel advisor to arrange in advance. Licenses, gear, and guide must be arranged prior.

- Accompanied minors are welcome from 10 yo, provided they match the riding requirements.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 support vehicle
Pack mules
1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle

International Transport

International and domestic flights

Inland transport

Airport transfers

Accommodation

Five nights camping, with tents shared between two people
Two nights sharing a twin room at the estancia, with shared bathroom

Meals

Full board from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
Beverages, including soft drinks and alcohol

Additional equipment

First aid kit
Saddle bags
Satellite phone in case of emergency

Price doesn't include

Meals

Personal extras

Extras

Tips to the local team
Small group supplement - see above for the details

Insurance

Visas if required
We are currently updating our dates and prices they will be online soon. If you want details of this holiday, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Equestrian info

Horses

The horses are mostly the native criollo breed – they are surefooted, well trained and used to the local terrain. The ranch has a herd of around 40 horses who all live outdoors, with many born and raised on the farm.

Guide & local team

The ranch is a family-run business and all of the guides are part of the family, deeply connected to the land and grateful for the opportunity to share it with others. They are all fluent English speakers. The team will be assisted by gauchos, some of whom have been with the family for more than 50 years.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You should be comfortable in walk, rising trot and canter, have good balance in the saddle and be comfortable riding outdoors over varied and steep terrain. Previous experience of a multi-day trail ride is recommended. This ride welcomes intermediate riders and above who are physically fit and comfortable with adventure.

Maximum rider weight limit:
90 kilos / 14,1 st / 198 lbs.

This ride may be able to accommodate experienced riders weighing up to 95kgs. Please contact your travel advisor.

Pace

This is not a fast ride due to the steep and rugged terrain, but there will be opportunities to trot and canter in the valleys.

Tacking ability and participation

You will be expected to groom and tack up your own horse, with the local team there to assist if needed. You will also be required to help pitch tents and assist with camp chores, although on some days, a group of gauchos may ride ahead to set up camp and prepare dinner for you. The gauchos and guides will prepare the pack mules.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You should be in good physical condition as you will be riding in a remote location, far away from medical help. All guests should be riding fit and comfortable spending several hours each day in the saddle, as well as riding over rugged terrain. There may be some technical or rocky sections when you will need to dismount and walk your horse. As the trails can also be steep, this ride is not recommended for those with vertigo.

This trip is designed for those seeking adventure: You should be comfortable riding in a remote location with no phone service, happy with wild camping and spending time outdoors for several days. Please inform your travel advisor of any allergies or medical conditions in advance.

Pack mules are used for camping gear, food equipment and supplies. A support vehicle also carrying additional supplies and equipment will meet the group at certain points during the ride and sometimes at campsites, but not all, as some areas are only accessible on horseback. Please plan to carry all of your personal belongings on your horse, as the pack mules and support vehicle are used exclusively for equipment and supplies.

Equestrian equipment

The saddles are Argentine ‘cangalla’ saddles, with sheepskins. These are very comfortable and ideal for long-distance riding. The bridles are rawhide bridles. The local team also provides saddle bags. Ponchos can be rented or purchased. Riding helmets are compulsory and not available to borrow.

Travel info

Comfort

You will spend 2 nights at the estancia/farmhouse, and 5 nights camping (two people sharing 3-man tents).
The farmhouse is rustic and cosy, with 7 bedrooms, each with two single beds. There are 5 bathrooms which are shared between guests. Please note, there are no double beds.

Please note that for the camping part of the trip, tents will be provided but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and camping mattress. You can also rent a sleeping bag at the ranch for US$50. There will be no bathroom facilities or electricity during the camping part of the trail.

Single rooms and tents are not always available – please contact your travel advisor for more information.

Meals

All meals are prepared with high quality, natural ingredients. Meat comes from grass-fed sheep, born and bred on the ranch. Much of the food and wine is organic.

Breakfasts will be around 8 am. Lunch on the ride will be around 1pm and dinners are around 8:30pm. All water, soft drinks and alcohol (wine/beer/spirits) are included. Please let us know in advance if you have specific preferences.

Meals are hearty and varied. Guests can expect traditional Argentine asado, fresh salads, empanadas, regional stews, homemade pasta, and even freshly baked bread. Vegetarian options may be available, please inform your travel advisor in advance. Everything is prepared by a chef who joins the group for the ride.

Climate

The weather in Patagonia can be extremely changeable and unpredictable. Please be prepared for all conditions: sun, wind, rain, (and even snow). Temperatures can vary between 30°C during the day and -2°C overnight.

Tips

Tips are welcome but not expected. You should tip what you feel the service is worth and what you feel comfortable with. We suggest around 10–15% of the trip cost to be shared among the team.

Packing list

Please use a soft sided case or bag which can easily be transported. There is no weight limit for luggage brought to the estancia but please note that domestic flights from Buenos Aires to Neuquen sometimes have a weight limit of 15kg of checked baggage per person. Please check with the airline.

For the trail, each rider will be provided with a saddlebag which fits approximately two changes of clothes, an extra pair of shoes, a sweater, underwear, socks, personal toiletries and a torch. Sleeping bags and jackets are usually tied to the back of the saddle. Riders carry their belongings on their horse, with a weight limit of 6–7 kg per saddlebag. You are welcome to leave any additional luggage at the estancia.

Head
- Riding helmet -- helmets are compulsory and not available to borrow. Please ensure you bring your own.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- A warm hat for chilly nights / evenings around the campfire.
- Sunglasses – for protection from sun and wind, with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun and dust

Upper body
- Thermals in case of cold weather (can also be worn at night)
- Long-sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun
- Short-sleeved T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent (plus a spare in case one gets wet)
- Windproof and waterproof jacket with hood.
- Down jacket or warm coat for the cold evenings

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Lightweight, waterproof over trousers
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- Thermals in case of cold weather

Hands and feet
- Several pairs of warm socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Shoes
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Hiking boots (or hybrid walking/riding boots that are safe and suitable for riding)
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Flip flops or sandals

Nightwear and sleeping gear
- Sleeping bag with a comfort rating of at least minus 10c.
- We also suggest adding a liner, such as silk or fleece for extra warmth.
- Thermals or warm pyjamas.
- Eye-mask.
- Ear-plugs.

Equipment
- Swimming costume
- Microfiber or quick drying towel
- Headtorch (and spare battery)
- Dry bags to secure your personal items in saddle bags
- Water bottle
- Camera with spare batteries
- Powerbank and charging cables
- Small bumbag for carrying small items during the day
- Book/reading material
- Notepad and pen

Cosmetics, personal items and medicines
- Any medication you regularly take (including a list of any allergies)
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Pain killers (ibuprofen, paracetamol etc)
- Plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream
- Anti-histamines
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Micropur or similar water purification tablets
- Re-hydration sachets / tablets
- Wet wipes
- Handwash gel
- Toilet paper
- Hairbrush / comb and dry shampoo
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste

Our recommendations:
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes / any essentials and valuables in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Please print copies of your passport and insurance documents and take them with you.
- Please carry any valuables in your hand luggage.
- Backpacks should not be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)

Did you know?

Did you know?

Patagonia in Argentina has also been dubbed 'the land of dinosaurs' due to the abundance of dinosaur fossils discovered there, including the 'Argentinosaurus', a massive herbivore and possibly the heaviest land animal to have ever lived. Neuquén especially, is one of the world’s most important dinosaur fossil regions.