Patagonia has been on my bucket list for years, and this March, that dream finally becomes a reality. After more than a year of planning, the six of us travel to Patagonia in March 2026, ready for an unforgettable adventure. Our journey begins in Chile, with stops in Punta Arenas, Magdalena Island, and Torres del Paine. From there, we cross into Argentina to visit El Calafate and witness the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Day six, we do something different: exploring Patagonia on horseback.
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart – Helen Keller
An Unexpected Highlight in Patagonia
Today, we split up. Liane and Maureen head out for another hike, while Seema and Bina go to visit the caves. Tricia and I opt for something completely different—we’re going horseback riding at an estancia.
Our driver, Gaston, takes us on a scenic one-hour drive south to Estancia Laguna Sofía Pingo Salvaje. It’s a small, rustic ranch—nothing fancy, but full of charm. We’re welcomed at the office, sign the necessary paperwork, and are then led to the barn, where we’re fitted with helmets and “camaches”. I am excited and can’t help but smile—it makes me feel like a real cowboy.
A Private Ride Through Untouched Landscapes
We walk out to meet the horses. Mine is called Canario, while Tricia’s is Blancita, or little white one. Sergio, our guide, gives us a few simple instructions before we mount.
I’m immediately delighted. It’s just the three of us—Sergio, Tricia, and me. In the past, I’ve always ridden in larger groups, so this feels special. We set off with Sergio in the lead, Tricia behind him, and me bringing up the rear.
We follow a path toward the lake. The sky is overcast, with a light drizzle in the air, but it only adds to the atmosphere. I lean back slightly in the saddle, letting Sergio and Tricia chat ahead while I quietly take it all in—the beauty of the landscape, the rhythm of the horse, and the peaceful stillness all around us.
Nature at Its Most Peaceful
There’s something incredibly calming about moving at the pace of a horse. The only sounds are the soft steps along the trail, the occasional breeze, and the distant water.
I find myself fully present—no distractions, no rush. Just the quiet connection between rider, horse, and landscape. It’s one of those rare travel moments where you don’t feel the need to capture anything—you just want to be and experience it.
Panoramic Views from the Saddle
We ride along the lake before turning toward the mountains. Soon, we begin to climb. The path becomes narrow and rocky. Canario isn’t a fan of the rocks and carefully picks his way through them.
Sergio leads us to a lookout point, where we pause to take in the view. It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come—or rather, how far the horses have carried us. My watch even tells me I’ve reached 10,000 steps, which feels slightly unfair given Canario is doing all the walking. All I’ve been doing is sitting in the saddle the whole time! I pat Canario’s neck in thanks. The views are stunning, and Sergio captures some great photos of us on horseback.
A Playful Trot Across the Plains
We continue on until we reach a wide, open field. Sergio tells us it’s time to try trotting. He explains the basics and reminds us that every horse has its own rhythm—we just need to find it.
I love it immediately. I quickly sync with Canario’s movement, rising and falling in rhythm as we trot across the field. It’s such a fun and freeing feeling.
Soon, we return to a relaxed walk as the trail leads us downhill and across several small streams. Canario seems a bit cautious on the descent, so we take it slow. There’s no rush—just time to enjoy the ride.
After nearly three hours, we make our way back to the estancia. It’s been an incredible experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to explore Patagonia in a different and memorable way.
Golden Light and a Perfect Return
On the drive back, the rain has stopped and the sun begins to break through the clouds. Gaston pulls over so we can take a few photos of the sun over the lake.
We arrive back at camp just after one o’clock. Erika is there to greet us, eager to hear how it went—it’s the first time they’ve arranged a horseback riding excursion with this estancia. We assure her it was fantastic and something future guests should absolutely consider.
The ride has worked up quite an appetite, so we head to the restaurant for lunch. As with all our meals at Patagonia Camp,, it’s outstanding.
All photo credit Tricia Jagt and Mariel van Tatenhove