Highlights
- 3-hour horseback ride through Santiago’s rugged cordillera (mountain range)
- Throw on some chaps and follow local cowboys off-track
- Savor a hearty lunch while admiring the vista
- Sip mate (a hot drink steeped from yerba mate leaves) or a cup of coffee at the home of a local cowboy
- Ride small but sturdy Criollo horses – no experience necessary
- Sunset and full-moon tours are available during the summer
Useful Information
Horseback Riding in Santiago's Cordillera
After your guide picks you up from your Santiago hotel, relax on the 30-minute drive into the rugged mountain range (known locally as the ‘cordillera’). When you arrive, put on your chaps and mount your Criollo – a stout and hardy, long-distance horse breed known for its stamina in mountainous terrain. You’ll get a brief safety training and some riding instruction, but no prior experience is required to ride one!
When you’re ready, follow a local cowboy who guides you onto the trail for a 3-hour ride on horseback. Take in the magnificent scenery as you scale the mountain paths, and cross some streams along the way.
Admire the breathtaking panoramas of Chile’s gorgeous natural surroundings as you learn about the horses, abundant bird life, and native flora and fauna from your arriero guide. There’s plenty of time to stop for great photo opportunities during your ride.
Afterward, stop to visit an authentic arriero ranch. You’ll be welcomed by his family to enjoy a cup of coffee or try mate – a traditional South American drink typically sipped from a gourd through a metal straw. While you’re there, enjoy a picnic lunch including locally baked bread, seasonal fruits, cheeses, cookies and more!
Your horseback-riding tour ends with return transport to your hotel.
Tour Options:
In the summer months, evening and night rides are also available. Admire the views of Santiago during the sunset tour. Or book the monthly lunada (full moon) tour for an extra special experience and enjoy a Chilean asado (BBQ) while stargazing under a sparkling sky!
