Nestled in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, Puerto Natales beckons adventure-seekers with its breathtaking natural beauty. One of the best ways to learn about this stunning landscape is through a full-day horse riding excursion to the majestic mountains. As you traverse diverse terrains, you’ll not only witness the awe-inspiring Paine Massif but also have the opportunity to connect with these magnificent animals. With a personalized experience, a delightful picnic lunch, and the chance to spot local wildlife, this adventure promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the region’s wonders. But the real question is, are you ready to saddle up and explore the untamed beauty of Puerto Natales?
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Full-Day Tours In North Chile.
Key Points
- A full-day horse riding excursion through the stunning Puerto Natales mountains, lasting 10 hours and catering to a maximum of 8 participants.
- Comprehensive safety briefing, scenic 3-hour rides with views of the Paine Massif, and a picnic lunch break included in the €323.92 per person package.
- Opportunity to connect with horses through activities like catching, brushing, and tacking, as well as optional mindfulness exercises and wildlife spotting.
- Suitable for those with previous riding experience, with restrictions on children under 5 or 8, wheelchair users, and individuals over 243 lbs.
- Essential preparation includes wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, coordinating pickup arrangements, and bringing treats for the horses if desired.
Activity Overview
This full-day horse riding excursion takes guests on a scenic journey through the mountains surrounding Puerto Natales.
Priced at €323.92 per person, the tour lasts 10 hours and is limited to 8 participants. Offered in both English and Spanish, the experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a picnic lunch, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Participants should bring appropriate clothing and footwear, as the tour involves catching, brushing, and tacking the horses before setting off on the ride.
With optional mindfulness exercises and the opportunity to spot wildlife like condors, this activity promises breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and the therapeutic benefits of connecting with horses.
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Itinerary Details
The full-day horse riding excursion begins with a 30-minute car journey from the starting location at Holaste! Specialty Coffee to Hotel Posada 3 Pasos.
There, participants receive a comprehensive safety briefing for 1.5 hours before embarking on their scenic 3-hour horse ride through diverse landscapes.
A picnic lunch is provided during a one-hour break.
Riders then continue their journey for an additional 3 hours, taking in breathtaking views of the Paine Massif.
Experience Highlights
Catching, brushing, and tacking the horses allow participants to connect with these majestic creatures before setting off on their scenic journey.
The route offers breathtaking views of the Paine Massif, where wildlife sightings, including condors, are common. Optional mindfulness exercises encourage self-reflection during the ride, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of horse riding.
Riders can expect to traverse diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to rugged mountain trails, seeing the stunning natural beauty of the region.
This full-day adventure promises an unparalleled connection with nature and a deeper appreciation for the horses that guide participants through this remarkable landscape.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a picnic lunch, and insurance coverage.
However, this experience isn’t suitable for certain individuals:
- Children under 5 years or 8 years
- Wheelchair users
- Individuals over 243 lbs (110 kg)
- Low fitness level individuals
- Babies under 1 year
Guests are also not allowed to wear high-heeled shoes, sandals, flip-flops, shorts, or short skirts.
Intoxication, umbrellas, and unaccompanied minors are also prohibited.
Previous riding experience is recommended, and guests can bring treats for the horses, such as carrots or apples.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyPreparation and Recommendations
To prepare for the horse riding adventure, guests should pack the essentials. Sunscreen and a lightweight jacket are musts, as the Patagonian weather can be unpredictable.
Long pants and sturdy, waterproof shoes are recommended for comfort and safety while on the horses. Guests should avoid wearing high heels, sandals, or flip-flops, as they aren’t suitable for the activity. Plus, shorts and short skirts are prohibited, as they may not provide adequate coverage during the ride.
Guests should also refrain from bringing umbrellas, as they can startle the horses.
Not Suitable for
This activity may not be suitable for certain individuals.
It isn’t recommended for children under 5 years, children under 8 years, wheelchair users, individuals over 243 lbs (110 kg), low fitness level individuals, or babies under 1 year.
The activity requires:
- Ability to ride a horse for extended periods.
- Sufficient physical fitness to handle the demands of the experience.
- Comfort and safety within the specified weight limit.
Those with concerns or limitations in these areas should opt for a more suitable activity to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Meeting and Pick-up
Meeting at Holaste! Specialty Coffee, the meeting point for the full-day horse riding experience, opens at 8:30 AM.
Guests can enjoy a coffee to-go while they wait for the transportation to arrive. The team will coordinate the pick-up after the booking is confirmed, ensuring a seamless start to the adventure.
The car ride to Hotel Posada 3 Pasos takes around 30 minutes, where the safety briefing and horse preparation will commence.
With the group limited to 8 participants, the experience offers a personalized and intimate connection with the horses and the stunning landscapes of Puerto Natales.
Guests are encouraged to arrive on time to make the most of this unforgettable day.
Additional Information
Previous riding experience is recommended for guests embarking on this horse riding adventure in Puerto Natales. While not strictly required, some familiarity with horses will enhance the overall experience.
Plus, the following considerations are important:
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Guests are welcome to bring treats for the horses, such as carrots or apples, to help build a connection during the outing.
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It’s crucial to coordinate pickup arrangements with the tour provider after booking, as the meeting point is at a coffee house that opens at 8:30 AM.
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Guests should be mindful of the clothing and footwear requirements, as high-heeled shoes, sandals, and shorts aren’t permitted for safety reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Horse on the Tour?
Unfortunately, you can’t bring your own horse on this tour. The activity includes providing the horses, and participants are not allowed to use their own horses. The tour is designed for a group experience with the provided horses.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
No, there’s no option to extend the tour duration. The full-day horse riding experience is fixed at 10 hours, including transportation, safety briefing, lunch, and return. Extending the tour would require booking a separate excursion.
Do I Need to Have Prior Horse Riding Experience?
Although prior riding experience is recommended, it’s not required. The tour provides a safety briefing to ensure participants feel comfortable on the horses. Beginners are welcome, as long as they meet the other tour requirements.
Can I Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Lunch?
Yes, you can request a vegetarian or gluten-free lunch. The tour provider is accommodating and will happily cater to special dietary needs if you inform them in advance when making your booking.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?
The activity isn’t suitable for children under 5 years old or 8 years old. There’s a minimum age requirement to ensure participants’ safety and enjoyment during the horseback riding experience.
The Sum Up
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Puerto Natales on an unforgettable 10-hour horse riding adventure. Enjoy nature, connect with the horses, and savor a picnic lunch amidst the majestic Paine Massif. With a small group and personalized attention, this excursion promises unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the region’s natural beauty.
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