Horseback riding in Argentina will introduce you to diverse and colorful landscapes and ecosystems that will foster a daring and intrepid spirit. There are many popular locations for equestrian tourism in Argentina. The best places for horseback riding in Argentina include Patagonia, Pampas, the Andes, and San Juan. Enjoy an authentic experience of a historic horseback riding culture and explore this thrilling, magical world by booking a tour in one of the country’s iconic locations.
If you are seeking a horseback riding experience in Argentina, but can’t decide where to go, we have put together some of the top destinations for horseback riding in the country to spark inspiration!
Top Destinations for Horseback Riding in Argentina
Patagonia
Captivating and enchanting, the Patagonia region is a deeply ancient land, famously marked by the theatrics of the Andes Mountains, offering plunging peaks and glacial-blue lakes. Patagonia is enormous, located in the southernmost part of the Andes Mountains, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. It can be easy to get lost in the endless wilderness by exploring the vast valleys, glaciers and rivers on horseback. Patagonia is one of the least inhabited stretches of land on the planet, making it one of the best places to truly escape civilization and get in touch with nature, history, and culture — and of course, encounter wildlife and plant life endemic to the region.
Patagonia is also home to a range of incredible national parks. Torres del Paine draws in adventurers for its sweeping mountains, blue icebergs and alabaster glaciers, paired with golden stretches of pampas (grasslands). Los Glaciares National Park, tucked into the southwest of Argentina, is known for its glacial lakes. Three of which meet in a famous wall of ice, where enormous chunks fall off with a percussive splash.
Consider booking the Horse-riding Holiday in Patagonian Andes tour for a 5-day trek into this wilderness, along historical trails used by ancient peoples, and tuck into some authentic local food. Disconnect from modernity and flee into a land of whistling wind, singing rivers, and ancient history.
Pampas
The low and fertile grasslands of the Pampas region of Argentina are a popular destination for horseback riding in South America. Pampas means grassland or prairie, and the wide-open expanses of gold-flecked grasses draws a romantic and enigmatic essence. It would be a lovely choice for an adventurous honeymoon or a couple’s getaway! These grasslands are mainly flat, so the Pampas would also be a perfect choice of location for newcomers to horseback riding who are keen for a wilderness quest.
The Pampas is famous for its gaucho culture. Here, you can visit some of the original Argentinian estancias (ranches) which have become unique accommodations and the perfect place to enjoy the rustic and rough and tumble lifestyle of this culture and people – and ride like a gaucho! It was the birthplace of the gauchos, after all.
There are many opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture too, such as trails through the wheat fields and even the chance to take part in the daily gaucho cattle drive! There are many small towns and villages within the Pampas that protect the remnants of the past and the gaucho traditions.
Horseback riding vacations in the Pampas offer a true authentic fusion of wildlife, landscapes, and nomadic culture and history. Encounter herds of wild guanacos (who are smaller than llamas, but larger than alpacas) and indulge in a traditional Asado meal.
Andes Mountains
The Andes Mountains stretch along the west of the South American continent. Its diverse range of terrains make it an incredible choice for a horseback riding adventure. This region of the world offers incomparable scenic trails, including glaciers, volcanoes, grasslands, lakes, forests, and even deserts. Embark on a trip into a forgotten land that feels as though you are stepping back in time with a spattering of archaeological sites.
For more experienced riders, the Andes Mountains are the perfect destination for more challenging trails, without compromising on the stunning scenery! Consider the Andes Crossing from Argentina to Chile trip, which takes you through endless valleys, across bubbling rivers, and tricky ravines — all while engulfed by sheer cliffs with peaks reaching up to 19,000 feet.
Discover the magic of the Meseta del Alamo mountain plateau teeming with native trees. This mountain valley is an enchanting spot to explore on horseback. There are waterfalls, pools, and gentle streams for idyllic swimming and relaxing after a long day’s trek. Crossing the Andes is also the opportunity to explore one of the largest mountain peaks in South America — Aconcagua.
For animal lovers, the Andes Mountains are home to the Vicuña (a relative of the llama), the Andean condor, which is one of the largest flying birds in the world, the puma, the spectacled bear, and of course, the adorable chinchilla.
You will not regret exploring the Andes Mountains on horseback. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Buenos Aires
Horseback riding in and round the colorful city of Buenos Aires offers an exciting adventure for horse riders of all experience levels. It’s a great option for beginners! There are plenty of horse-riding trails in and around the Buenos Aires area, including urban and suburban options.
Blending the passion and flair of Latin culture with faded colonial architecture, this city has a thrilling energy that burns night and day. Choosing this location for your horse-riding vacation will have you dining in dynamite spots, and dancing in the streets in between your riding days.
Try your hand at a game of polo, the iconic stick and ball game played atop your sweet and noble steed. For example, the Polo and Horse Back Riding Weekend tour offers guests an immersive experience into the suburban and rural pastimes of the city. Polo has deep traditional roots in the area and a trip to this country wouldn’t be complete without a game or two! Horseback riding trips in Buenos Aires offer a break into the nearby Pampas grasslands too, offering an experience of fresh wind amongst long stretches of golden grass and rolling hills.
Near the city, San Antonio de Areco is the perfect town to experience the gaucho culture in the city. Modern gauchos can be spotted meandering through the town plaza on horseback or huddled together in one of the dusty old bars. You can experience a traditional estancia for an exciting blend of horse-riding and cultural and historical immersion.
For those seeking an experience that perfectly blends the electric atmosphere of the city, historic equestrian activities, and the lull of the countryside, choose Buenos Aires for your horseback riding vacation in Argentina.
Horse Riding Tours in Argentina: A Must-Do!
Horseback riding in Argentina offers an escapade into an untouched and wild land, where the people dance, play, and still ride their horses for daily farming tasks. Escape into a landscape where glaciers meet sun-kissed prairies and condors glide overhead along the peaks of soaring mountains. There is nothing to regret and everything to gain, including a wealth of stories to retell and smile over for a lifetime.
Go ahead and book your horseback riding vacation in Argentina today! At Horse Tours Club, we have a wide catalog of Argentinean tours to suit beginners and experienced riders, from Patagonian treks to traverses of the Andes. There is a trip for any adventurer.
Explore our tours to plan your Argentinean adventure!
