Horseback riding in Calafate: Horseback Riding Experience with gaucho lunch
Connect with the essence of Patagonia. The Horseback Riding Experience It's the most complete horseback riding tour in Calafate: much more than a horseback ride, it's a journey through the vastness of the steppe and the culture of the pioneers in the Estancia 25 de Mayo, 20 minutes from El Calafate.
We will travel 12 km, crossing streams and ancient formations until we reach the Cave of the Stream. There, we will enjoy an authentic country lunch prepared by local gauchos, surrounded by peace and panoramic views of Lake Argentino.
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Reserve your place!
Space for this experience is limited and sells out quickly in high season. Reservations are coordinated directly with our operations team through our inquiries channel. We will confirm availability and coordinate all the details for you to live the experience in an organized and safe way.
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About the tour
Itinerary of the horse parade in Calafate
Start your day in comfort, as we will pick you up at your hotel in El Calafate and head to the main house of Estancia 25 de Mayo.
Pick-up by the hotel
Arrival at Estancia 25 de Mayo
Horseback riding
Visit to Cueva del Arroyo
Picnic lunch
Return to Estancia 25 de Mayo
Return to El Calafate
Included in the TourTechnical Talk and Equipment
At the main house of the ranch, you'll receive a brief but essential technical briefing. Equipped with helmets and gaiters, you'll be ready for the exciting horseback ride.
The horseback ride through the Calafate stream canyon
Begin your horseback ride south, crossing the impressive El Calafate stream canyon. Cross streams and marvel at geological formations that tell stories millions of years old.
Cave of the Stream
After an hour and a half of riding, you'll arrive at the enchanting Cueva del Arroyo (Cave of the Stream). Here, the gauchos will welcome you with a traditional country lunch that will delight your senses. Enjoy the meal and toast with wine, completing the experience.
Return to the Ranch
After experiencing the essence of Patagonia, you will begin your return to the main house of Estancia 25 de Mayo, taking with you unforgettable memories of this unique day.
Lunch Menu
- – Picada.
- – Criolla-style steaks.
- – Cheesecake.
- – Drinks included.
- – Optional vegetarian menu.
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Info to keep in mind
A 4-hour horseback ride through the Patagonian steppe, accompanied by guides throughout the journey. The horses are gentle and docile, so no prior experience is necessary to enjoy it. Some practice helps in the canyon sections, where the terrain presents natural variations, but it's not essential. Here are the details to help you arrive prepared.
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Tour Details
Duration
4 hoursOffering you the opportunity to explore and enjoy every moment to the fullest.Difficulty level
Medium difficultyNo prior riding experience is required. Some practice is recommended for the canyon sections, but the horses are gentle and you will be accompanied at all times.Age
From age 12This tour provides an experience tailored to the skills and adventurous spirit of the youngest participants. -
Recommendations
Prepare for the trek by packing comfortable, warm walking clothes, including a shirt, fleece, and warm jacket. Add a touch of style and protection with a hat or cap, and be sure to protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen and sunglasses.
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Includes
- Enjoy a full lunch included in the package, giving you the energy you need to continue your adventure.
- Simplify your experience with included transfers, allowing you to focus on enjoying the surroundings without logistical worries.
- Discover the area with the guidance of a bilingual guide, who will share valuable information about the history and ecology of the Estancia 25 de Mayo Nature Reserve.
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Climatic Conditions
- This tour is conducted normally under all weather conditions, except in case of heavy snowfall that may compromise passenger safety.
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“"The two excursions I took were the caves and the horseback riding. Both were excellent and reasonably priced. I loved them. If I ever return, I'll definitely book with you again."“
“Highly recommended! From the moment I contacted them via WhatsApp to arrange my excursions in Calafate, they were incredibly kind and efficient, taking care of every detail to ensure I was prepared for the trips. The excursions themselves were excellent, with great guides, drivers, vans or buses, and outstanding service. Thank you so much!!!“
“Excellent! The WhatsApp support for providing information was very good. The tours were excellent. I took three tours with them, and on all of them, the punctuality was excellent, the guides were very friendly and experienced, the tour organization was great, and the buses were in excellent condition. 100% recommended.“
Ride 12 km through the Patagonian steppe to the Arroyo Cave, with a gaucho lunch and views of Lake Argentino. Half day trip from El Calafate.
Book now and live the adventure of a lifetime in Patagonia!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Where do horseback riding tours take place in Calafate?
Horseback riding tours in El Calafate depart from the Estancia 25 de Mayo Nature Reserve, about 20 minutes from the town center. The 12 km route takes you through the steppe and the Calafate stream canyon to the Cueva del Arroyo (Stream Cave), where a traditional gaucho lunch is served. Transfers from your hotel in El Calafate are included.
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Is prior experience necessary for the parade?
It's not required. The horses are gentle and docile, and you're accompanied throughout the ride, so even a beginner can do it. Some prior practice is recommended because the terrain of the steppe and canyon has natural variations, but it's not essential.
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What is the minimum age?
The minimum age allowed for this activity is 12 years.
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What does a gaucho lunch include?
It includes a criolla platter, the main course of criolla-style steaks, dessert, water and regional wine.
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How long is the total tour?
The total duration is about 4 hours from departure to return to the hotel in El Calafate.
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Which one to choose? Compare adventure tours in Calafate
Ideal tours to combine with other excursions on the same day in Calafate.
| Safari Experience | Safari Bike | Horseback Riding Experience | Snowmobiles | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⏱ Duration | 5 hs | 5 hs | 4 hs | 3 hs |
| 🚀 Type of activity | 4x4 Safari + Lunch on Stay | 4x4 ascent + 16km MTB descent + lunch | 12km horseback ride + gaucho lunch | 2h snowmobiling + snack |
| 📊 Difficulty |
Low |
High |
Medium |
Low |
| 👤 Age | All ages | From age 16 | From 12 years old | From 8 years old (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult) |
| 🎯 What to visit | May 25th Reserve · Tehuelche Chenque · Fossil Oyster Reefs · La Sección Post · Patagonian Fauna | Ascent to La Sección · Valle de los Guanacos · Chenque · Cerros Verlika y Baguales | Creek Canyon · Creek Crossings · Creek Cave · Geological Formations | Cerro Huyliche · Balcones de El Calafate (950m above sea level) · Views of Fitz Roy and Torre |
| ✅ Includes | Full lunch (appetizers, stew, cheesecake, drinks) · Bilingual guide · Transfers | Lunch (cheese board, lamb, casserole, mousse, drinks) · Guide · Transfers | Lunch (appetizers, Argentine-style steak, cheesecake, drinks) · Equipment (helmet, gaiters) · Guide · Transfers | Full equipment (thermal suit, helmet, gloves) · Snack · Guide · Transfers |
| 🔗 Same day can be combined | Yes · With morning or evening tours (depending on the shift) | Yes · With morning or evening tours | Yes · With morning or evening tours | Yes · With morning or afternoon/evening tours |
| 🚐 Transfers | Including | Including | Including | Including |
| 💰 Price from | $165,000 ARS | $170,000 ARS | $170,000 ARS | $210,000 ARS |
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Horseback Riding Experience
$170.000
12 km horseback ride through the steppe and the Calafate stream canyon, with a gaucho lunch at the Cueva del Arroyo. No prior experience required. Ages 12 and up.






