9 days exploring Patagonia’s most remote corners and iconic landscapes
Last March, I traveled to Patagonia for one of the most unforgettable trips I’ve ever experienced: a 9-day horseback riding and hiking adventure through the incredible landscapes of southern Argentina. This wasn’t just a trip about getting from point A to point B. It was about slowing down, spending full days on horseback, sleeping in remote gaucho cabins, sharing meals prepared over the fire, hiking bucketlist trails, and feeling completely immersed in Patagonia’s rugged beauty.
This trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and one I will never ever forget! Think wide dramatic mountain landscapes, rides to the border of Chile, brilliant fall foliage at its peak, cozy nights completely off the grid, and experiencing it all with a group of likeminded women who are just as excited to be there as you are. I know as soon as I got back, that I would have to plan this itinerary again so even more people could experience its magic. Below is a day-by-day breakdown of our adventure, with photos included of course!!!
Days 1 & 2: Arriving at the Estancia & Beginning our Ride
Our journey started in Argentina, where we made our way to Estancia Nibepo Aike — a historic working ranch tucked inside Los Glaciares National Park. From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into another world. Wide open land, horses everywhere, and the kind of quiet you don’t realize you’re craving until it’s there.
After settling in and meeting our horses and guides, we headed out for our first ride. We left the ranch behind and rode through forests and open land, slowly making our way deeper into the park. By midday, we arrived at our first outpost cabin just in time for a picnic lunch.
This cabin wasn’t a lodge or a guest house — it was a real gaucho outpost that’s still actively used by ranch workers today. Simple, rustic, and perfectly placed in the middle of nowhere.
That evening, we rode out toward the border of Chile and Argentina, soaking in golden light and endless views. We wrapped up the day with wine, dinner, and conversation around the fire — the perfect way to settle into life on horseback.
Day 3: Río Cachorro Valley + My Favorite Views of the Trip
Day 3 was hands‑down my favorite day of riding. We packed up and rode toward our next outpost cabin, stopping along the way at another active gaucho outpost for lunch. Fresh choripán, eaten outside after hours in the saddle, somehow tasted better than any restaurant meal.
As we continued riding, the views opened up into the Río Cachorro Valley — massive snow‑capped peaks, wide valleys, and landscapes that made everyone go quiet for a while. This stretch of the trip had my favorite views of the entire journey.
We also passed a bright blue lake called Laguna 3 de Abril, which honestly looked unreal against the muted fall colors of Patagonia.
We made it to our next cabin just as rain started to roll in. The timing couldn’t have been better. We spent the evening cozied up inside, drying out, relaxing, and exploring the land around the cabin during breaks in the weather.
Day 4: Hidden Glaciers Excursion
Day 4 looked a little different — and was a huge highlight of the trip. We headed out for the Hidden Glaciers excursion, which involved a mix of boats and hiking.
First, we crossed Lago Argentino by boat, followed by a short trek and another boat ride. From there, we hiked to an incredibly remote glacier lookout — one of those places that feels untouched and completely wild.
We enjoyed lunch surrounded by glaciers and floating icebergs before making our way back to the outpost. It was one of those days where every hour felt completely different, and every view somehow topped the last.
Day 5: Returning Back to Civilization
On Day 5, we rode back toward the estancia, following the shoreline of a large lake next to Nibepo Aike for much of the day. It was a slower, reflective ride — one last chance to take in the landscape from the saddle.
We arrived back at the ranch in time for lunch, said goodbye to our horses, and then headed into El Calafate. After several days off the grid, hot showers and town food definitely hit differently.
Day 6: Perito Moreno Glacier
Day 6 was all about one of Patagonia’s most iconic sights: Perito Moreno Glacier. We spent the day walking along the paths near the glacier, stopping often to watch massive chunks of ice calve into the water below.
We also took a boat ride that brought us even closer to the glacier’s towering ice walls. Hearing the cracking ice and seeing the scale of it up close was something I’ll never forget.
Days 7 & 8: El Chaltén + Laguna de los Tres
For the final leg of the trip, we headed north to El Chaltén, Patagonia’s hiking capital. Our main objective here was the Laguna de los Tres hike — and we couldn’t have asked for better conditions.
We got incredibly lucky with clear skies and peak fall colors in the mountains. Since it was mid‑March, the leaves were turning and the landscape was glowing with oranges and yellows, all framed by jagged peaks and glaciers.
The hike was challenging but so rewarding, and reaching Laguna de los Tres with perfect weather felt like the best possible way to wrap up the trip.
