9 Horseback Rides in El Calafate to Build a Trip Around

1.Horseback riding in Cerro Frias

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 137 reviews · 4 hours · from $151Our pick

Ride Cerro Frías near El Calafate through lenga forest, enjoy mountain views, and finish with a hearty ranch meal in Patagonia.

“It was a great experience, the guides were very professional. The horses were very gentle; it was my first time riding a horse and I had no difficulties at all. The only downside was the food; it says lunch is included, but there was only tea, coffee, and cake. I was expecting something much better”

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2.Adventure Horseback Riding on Cerro Frias

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $150Top rated

Ride through Cerro Frias from El Calafate for Patagonian views, calm horses, gaucho guides, wildlife, and a warm ranch meal.

“What a pleasant surprise! My friends and I didn't know what to expect, but it was a highlight of our trip to Patagonia! Henry and Lucas were amazing guides, the scenery was incredible (especially at sunset--highly recommend the 6:30 tour) and the meal afterward was delicious. A steal for the price!”

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3.Patagonian Ranch: Nibepo Aike Adventure with Horseback Riding

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 25 reviews · 1 day (approx.) · from $183

Ride horses through Patagonia at historic Nibepo Aike ranch, with Andes views, lamb asado, rural traditions, and hotel transport from El Calafate.

“A bit of a disappointing day, considering what is available in the area. Very uncomfortable 90 minute drive to and from the ranch, and more of a day suited for small children than adult couples. The staff work very hard and welcoming - and the meal was well prepared.”

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4.Nibepo Aike Ranch with Horseback Riding

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 17 reviews · 7 hours · from $175

Ride with gauchos at Nibepo Aike Ranch, enjoy Andes views, learn ranch traditions, and share a Patagonian lamb asado near El Calafate.

“Me encanto ! Fue una gran experiencia: paisajes hermosos, ambiente agradable y hospitalario, comida deliciosa, muy interesante la interacción con animales de la estancia y un espectacular paseo a caballo. Altamente recomendado”

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5.Horseback riding in Calafate

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 14 reviews · 1 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $85Best value

Ride from El Calafate to Lake Argentino, spotting flamingos and swans, with hilltop views, gentle horses, and flexible one to three-hour options.

“Very enjoyable. Highly recommended for a beautiful afternoon. The horses are very easy-going. A highlight to be able to get a bit deeper into the landscape. The staff is also very pleasant.”

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6.Rio Miter Horseback Riding

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $260

Ride along Lake Rico from Estancia Río Mitre near El Calafate, with mountain views, gentle horses, a fireside steak lunch, and warm local hosts.

“Amazing adventure right from the start. We were picked up from our meeting spot and have a wonderful car ride all the way to the ranch where we were warmly welcomed by the staff. The vibe was very friendly and casual and they really were interested in engaging with us and making us feel at home. Our warm welcome was followed by a quick horse riding instruction that was very easy to understand and within 10minutes we were off on our ride. We had no previous horse riding experience but quickly got the hang of it and had a wonderful time. I can’t emphasize how much we enjoyed this trip…”

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7.Horse Back Riding Expedition

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $450

Ride across Patagonia from Estancia Cristina, with an Upsala Glacier boat trip, lunch, hotel pickup, and a small-group horseback adventure.

“This was the most wonderful activity I did in Calafate! After viewing some icebergs on the lake we arrived at the estancia. My guide Juan Cruz greeted me and we walked to the staple. Everything was organized well. The 2 h ride to the shelter was spectacular! Lots of bids on the way. Juan prepared a fantastic lunch and we had a good bottle of Malbec. The ride back was sumilar spectacular with many river crossings. I can highly recommend this activity.”

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8.Estancia 25 de Mayo Experience with Dinner and Horseback Riding

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $210

Review of Estancia 25 de Mayo in El Calafate, with horseback riding, Patagonian history, lamb dinner, farm life, and practical booking tips.

“The show was fun. We saw how the sheep’s “hair” is cut, processed and later used. Also feed a baby cow and a baby sheep.”

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9.HORSEBACK RIDING EXPERIENCE – CAÑADONES & SADDLES

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $180

Ride through Patagonia’s ravines and streams from Estancia 25 de Mayo, with gaucho stories, a picnic lunch, wine, and hotel pickup.

“care taken for very enjoyable ride, lunch excellent including vegetarian”

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