Jakotango Patagonia Ride
There are places on Earth where the landscapes seem larger, wilder, untamed by the hand of man. Patagonia is one such place; to explore it on horseback is to engage with it at its most elemental.
This seven-night journey leads you through valleys cradled by ancient forests, along mountain ridges where the wind carries the whispers of distant peaks, and into the heart of gaucho culture. For those seeking a genuine connection with the wilderness, this is as real as it gets.
Enquire now- A seven-day journey through untamed Patagonian landscapes, from verdant valleys and crystalline rivers to rugged mountain summits
- Traverse the awe-inspiring Pass of Tears, a high-altitude route with sweeping views of the Andes and Chilean wilderness
- Spend evenings at remote camps, lodges and farmsteads, immersing yourself in authentic gaucho traditions while enjoying traditional asados and stories by the campfire
Day by Day
DAY 1:
Land and enjoy a scenic drive to Estancia Don Joaquín. Settle into your room and prepare for the days to come. Dinner is served in the estancia, where you can get to know fellow travellers and riding companions for the days to come.
DAY 2:
The morning begins with introductions – not just to the trails but to the horses themselves. You’ll try a few before settling on your companions for the journey; The gauchos guide you into the distinctive Argentine riding style, with loose reins and a relaxed posture. After a morning ride across the estancia’s grounds, a long, unhurried lunch awaits, then further exploration in the afternoon. The gauchos encourage you to ride as many horses as you like until you’ve chosen the two that will carry you through the days ahead..
DAY 3:
The day begins with a ride northeast across the plains, where sandy tracks invite long, exhilarating canters. The bell of the lead mare rings softly as the herd moves across the grasslands. By midday, the horses rest as the gauchos prepare an asado in the open countryside, followed by a siesta under the trees offers respite before the ride continues. Come afternoon, the scenery shifts to wetlands alive with capybaras, antelope, and caiman. The trail opens to the vast pampas, and suddenly, a colonial estancia emerges, where you’ll be staying tonight.
DAY 4:
After breakfast, the trail leads through lagoons and scrublands, eventually reaching the banks of the Corrientes River. Lunch is set beneath the wide sky, where an asado and hammocks by the riverbank create a languid pause in the day. The afternoon ride takes you along sandy beaches, the river a constant companion. By evening, you’ll arrive at a Mediterranean-style estancia perched on the riverbank. Tea and sundowners are served on the terrace as the day fades.
DAY 5:
Today, after breakfast, you’ll enjoy another full day ride herding the horses back towards Estancia Don Joaquin, amidst landscapes of big pine forests. Lunch is at a remote cattle corral, with a siesta under the shade of the trees. In the afternoon, follow the chime of the cow bell as the ‘godmother mare’ leads the horses back home.
DAY 6:
A change of pace this morning; you’ll be following the gauchos in their daily cattle ranch routine and assisting where you can. Learn the art of the lasso, then it’s lunch back at the estancia and then some relaxation time around the swimming pool. As the evening settles, a blind tasting of Argentina’s finest wines offers a moment of reflection before dinner.
DAY 7:
The morning ride takes you to a new corner of the estancia, where grasslands are bordered by acacia trees and native forests, teeming with birds and wildlife. After lunch, a leisurely walk (or drive) takes you to the River Lodge, a second property on the estancia. Here, you’ll relax with sundowners as the sun dips below the horizon.
DAY 8:
Return to the home farm for a morning of cattle work with the gauchos: herding, lassoing, and tagging calves. It’s a final glimpse into the daily life of the estancia. After lunch, there’s time for one last ride or a visit to the nearby town of Esquina, where a local tack shop offers the chance to take a piece of this world home with you.
The day ends with a farewell dinner, a shared celebration of the week’s adventures, before your evening departure.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Each night offers a distinct experience, from the quiet luxury of Base Camp to the rugged simplicity of the fly camps.
- Jakotango Base Camp: Located beside the Río Filo Hua Hum, this camp features safari-style tents with en-suite bathrooms and wood-burning stoves. The quincho provides a warm, communal space for meals and conversation.
- Fly Camps: These remote mountain camps feature dome tents equipped with sleeping bags, cots, and thick mattresses. The amenities are simple, but the sense of remoteness is unparalleled.
- Felipe’s Homestead: This traditional farmstead offers safari tents with shared bathrooms, surrounded by barns and corrals. The hospitality of Felipe and his family makes this a true highlight of the journey.
Intrigued by this adventure? Speak to our travel designers about securing a saddle on one of Jakotango’s coveted rides.
-
What type of horse will I be riding?
The Criollo horses of Patagonia are the unsung heroes of this journey. Hardy, intelligent, and perfectly adapted to the terrain, they are steady companions on narrow ridges and steep descents alike. Saddles are traditional recados, designed for comfort and long hours in the saddle.
-
How much riding experience do I need for this trail?
This journey is crafted for riders confident at all paces, with the stamina for full days in the saddle. The terrain can be challenging, with steep climbs and rocky descents, but the rewards are unparalleled. Non-riders can also be accommodated, with opportunities to relax at Base Camp while others explore the high country.
-
What do I need to pack?
The Patagonian climate is famously mercurial. Guests should pack for all possibilities: thermal layers for cold nights, waterproofs for sudden rain, and sun protection for clear skies. Portable power banks are recommended for charging devices at the fly camps, where electricity is unavailable. We will provide a full packing list to all riders.
