Horseback Riding in Lago Puelo

Horseback riding in Lago Puelo is one of the best ways to explore Lago Puelo National Park, in the Andes of Chubut, Patagonia. Cabalgatas Lago Puelo is a family-run business located at the park entrance, offering guided horseback rides, multi-day riding vacations and tourist lodging a short walk from the lake and the Río Azul. If you are planning your trip, our guide to tourism in Lago Puelo has more information on what to do and how to organize your visit.

Day rides in Lago Puelo National Park

Guided excursions last from 1 hour to a full day, are suitable for all levels and ages, and are led by guides certified by the National Parks Administration. The options are:

• Río Azul Delta (1 hour): the ride follows the Río Azul to where it flows into Lago Puelo, where you can see the lake's characteristic water colors. It continues along the shore through a native pitra forest and returns by park trails.

• Motoco Viewpoint (2 hours): the river is crossed on horseback before entering a native forest of cypress and coihue trees. A mountain trail climbs Cerro Motoco to a natural stone ledge with views of the valley, the lake and Cerro Tres Picos.

• Pampa de Fernández (3 hours): a route inside the National Park toward the Chilean border, passing the Motoco Viewpoint and continuing through a forest of century-old coihues to an old settlement.

• Currumahuida Viewpoint (4 to 5 hours): a mountain trail climbs through cypress forest to Puesto Maninga. The viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Río Azul valley, its mouth at the lake and the west arm of Lago Puelo.

• Arroyo Las Lágrimas (6 hours, lunch included): the route follows an old mountain pass toward Chile through the Valdivian rainforest down to the lakeshore and the Gendarmería post. Lunch is served beside the mouth of the Las Lágrimas stream.

Horseback riding vacations in the Patagonian Andes

For a longer experience, the family organizes 3 to 7 day vacations with 4 to 6 hours of riding per day, combining nights in lodging with nights camping in the mountains. They include full board with drinks, homemade meals cooked in a clay ovenon the grill, and customized itineraries adapted to each group's riding abilities. They can also be combined with fly fishing, hikingcycling, always with a local guide. The maximum is 6 guests, with no fixed datesminimum group sizes.

Lodging in Lago Puelo: El Portal del Lago

The tourist lodging at Cabalgatas Lago Puelo is called El Portal del Lago and sits at the park entrance, a short walk from the lake and the Río Azul. It consists of two spacious ground-floor studio apartments, fully equipped, for 2 to 4 guests. They offer:

• Breakfast included
• Full kitchen and private bathroom
• Satellite TV and free Wi-Fi
• Natural gas heating
• Grill and covered parking
• Garden and mountain views

To compare options, see all the accommodation in Lago Puelo. If you prefer an independent space for your stay, browse the cabins in Lago Puelo, ideal for familiesgroups of friends.

Tips for your horseback ride in Lago Puelo

• Book in advance, especially for a full-day ridea riding vacation, since capacity is limited.
• Choose a ride that fits your time: the Río Azul Delta is ideal for a first experience, while Arroyo Las Lágrimas suits those who want a full day out.
• Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket: mountain weather can change during the day.
• Wear long pants and comfortable closed shoes.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, water and a camera for the viewpoints.
• If you choose the Arroyo Las Lágrimas ride, which approaches the Chilean border, bring your IDpassport.
• Staying near the park entrance lets you start early and combine your ride with walks to the lake and the Río Azul.