Leave the hiking boots at the lodge, strap on your chaps and experience the farthest-flung regions of South America on horseback, with two-dozen explorations suited to riders of all skill levels
Santiago, CHILE – How to experience the farthest-flung regions of South America on horseback? As horse sense will tell you, explora knows the way. The award-winning adventure travel operator offers 24 distinctive equestrian explorations for riders of all levels through regions rich in natural beauty with relaxing rewards at the end of the trail. Giddy-up!
Renowned for hiking, trekking and mountain biking adventures with best-trained guides in the business, explora has long offered equestrian explorations as well. Travelers slide into English or Chilean saddles atop well-bred horses that have been rigorously yet compassionately prepared for the trail and for all levels of riding expertise.
At explora Atacama, there are more than 20 horses housed in exquisite 9,400 square foot stables located right onsite, with attentive hands to keep them contented under supervision of Gaella Hourcq, a French national with more than 15 years of professional equine experience at prestigious stables on three continents. There are more than 20 horses at explora Patagonia, as well, all raised and trained at Colunquén, a ranch in the heart of central Chile that belongs to the Ibánez family, owners of explora.
Simply put, there nothing like viewing the lunar-like landscape of the Atacama Desert or the wilds beneath the jagged-toothed peaks of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia from the back of a horse. explora guides and native gauchos lead all equestrian explorations, drawing on their knowledge of horsemanship and passion for the land to create enriching experiences for riders.
There are 24 different horseback explorations with different difficulty levels offered between the two destinations – from easy to demanding:
- At explora Atacama, choose from 10 rides of various durations, with experiences including climbing Las Cornisas ridge, riding through towering dunes, and exploring Quebrada del Diablo (the Devil’s Valley). For more, saddle up for horse’s-eye views of mountains, volcanoes, salt flats, geysers, wetlands and hot springs, as well as culture dating back 10,000 years.
- explora Patagonia offers 14 different rides, from crossing the Serrano pampa to tracing the turquoise Serrano River with views of the snowy peaks of Mount Balmaceda beyond. Horseback riding in Patagonia offers an authentic glimpse of gaucho life amid stunning natural beauty, with rewards from saddle up to sundown. At the end of invigorating hours in the saddle, curl up around a cozy fire, sip fresh mate tea with gauchos and share stories around the fire.