Ride the Andes on Horseback | Riding Holidays in South America

SMALL GROUP JOURNEY

Ride the Andes on Horseback

To discover Argentina’s gaucho traditions, there are few experiences more exhilarating than a small group riding adventure in Patagonia. At Rio Quillen, one of the great estancias, your small group will experience a programme geared for riding, fishing, roaming lofty Andean plains, refreshing lake swims, shady siestas and hearty picnics. This nine-day Argentine journey features cosy evenings in the main lodge and starry nights under canvas in the heart of Patagonia. Each day, take in pristine wilderness landscapes from the saddle, with rides led by gauchos to volcanic lagoons, soaring mountain peaks and thick forests of lenga, monkey puzzle and pine trees.

Plan South America-Argentina-Rio Quillen-Rider and View

DATES

27th October – 2nd November 2024

PRICE

From $6,667 per person based on two sharing

GROUP SIZE

12 people

HIGHLIGHTS

6 full days of exploring northern Patagonia on horseback led by gauchos.
2 nights spent at a basecamp under the stars, sleeping in safari-style tents on the banks of Rio Quillen.
No phone signal or Wi-Fi at the basecamp, allowing guests to engage with the rustic simplicity of the journey.
Hearty and traditional Patagonian cuisine served by an in-house cook and your guides.

DAY BY DAY

DAY 1:

Arrive to Buenos Aires and meet your group for a one-night stay at the elegant Casa Lucia. Take in the city sights with a guided tour of the sophisticated Recoleta neighbourhood. Enjoy a welcome dinner at one of PSA’s favourite restaurants in the city.

DAY 2:

Fly from Buenos Aires to San Martin de los Andes. There, a private driver will take the group on a 3-hour journey to the wild and wonderful Estancia Rio Quillen where you’ll meet your hosts for the next six days of adventure.

DAY 3:

After breakfast, mount your horses for a trek to Mallin Escondido, trailing your gauchos through oak forests as you ascend the southern slope of the valley. Refuel with an open-fire lunch before returning to the lodge.

DAY 4:

Saddle up for a ride to your home for the next two nights, Camp Quillen: a well-equipped basecamp situated on the Quillen River. You’ll sleep in twin beds under canvas tents and enjoy a hot shower in your own private bathroom. End the day watching the sunset over Lanin volcano.

DAY 5:

Wake to the crackle of the campfire and mount your steeds. Ascend to the highest summit in the area, where you’ll experience privileged views of the seven volcanoes that dominate the mountain range of the Andes. Head back to camp for a hearty open-fire dinner.

DAY 6:

Begin the day at Camp Quillen, and prepare to indulge in some hard-earned downtime. Trade your steeds for an easy boat ride to a shoreside Argentine barbecue and try your hand at fly fishing.

DAY 7:

This final full day at the estancia features one last ride, wading through the Quillen River and galloping through open fields within the grounds. Enjoy a relaxing night at the lodge with a glass of Malbec in one hand and a good book in the other to conclude your estancia experience.

DAY 8:

Bid farewell to your Patagonian paradise and the hosts who’ve shared it with you. Board a return flight to Buenos Aires, where you’ll stay one night at the charming Jardin Escondido in the neighbourhood of Palermo Soho. Recap the adventure with your group during one final dinner together.

DAY 9:

Enjoy breakfast on the terrace at Jardin Escondido before heading to the airport for your international flight home.

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

Accommodation during this small group journey is wild, cosy and comfortable. The majority of your time will be spent at Casa Quillen, which offers spectacular views of the peaceful Quillen Valley. Here you’ll feast on traditional Argentine specialties such as Cordero al Palo (slow-roasted lamb) accompanied by a glass or two of Malbec. At Quillen Camp, a truly off-grid experience awaits. Sleep under canvas in African safari-style tents set up in the horseshoe of a river and overlooked by a towering volcano. Wake to the sound of birdsong and a crackling fire.

This Patagonian adventure is bookended with time in Argentina’s buzzing capital, Buenos Aires. Start at Casa Lucia, an elegant mansion in the leafy neighbourhood of Recoleta, and round off your trip with a night at Jardin Escondido, a charming boutique hotel in fashionable Palermo.