Argentina - Tierra del Fuego
A challenging expedition ride at the extreme tip of South America, this is your chance to explore ‘Fin del Mundo’; the End of the World. The island of Tierra del Fuego is divided between Argentina and Chile. On this trail you explore the Mitre Peninsula, at the easternmost part of the Argentinean side of the island.
You leave civilisation and everyday life behind and journey into a true wilderness area. Canter along endless deserted beaches; race the tide; ford rivers; climb to high headlands; navigate vast peatlands; ride with wild horses and perhaps penguins too. The Mitre Peninsula is home to some of Tierra del Fuego’s most diverse wildlife and so you may also catch sight of sea lions, guanacos, foxes and penguins. Low flying condors often accompany you, as well as other varied bird life and you may be lucky enough to spot an albatross.
This trip is designed for those interested in a journey on horseback, with everything you need carried on the pack horses. The trail follows in the footsteps of the first heroic explorers of Patagonia and you share a little of their experiences in an incredibly unique place. It is a real wilderness adventure and not for the faint-hearted.
You need to be a fit, confident rider to undertake this riding expedition.
You could be riding for up to seven hours a day, but since you are riding in such a remote area you should be prepared for longer days in case things do not run exactly to plan.
Your progress will be dictated by the tides of the Atlantic Ocean; you may start early in the morning or not until later in the day to ensure the tide is in your favour. As well as long stretches of beach, there are river crossings and areas of peaty ground to negotiate, so this is sure to be a real adventure. There are times when you will need to lead your horse on foot. The pace of the ride is usually at a jog/trot, but there are opportunities for canters when the conditions allow.
The horses are Argentinian Criollos and Criollo crosses bred in Tierra del Fuego. Varying in size between around 14hh and 15.2hh, the Criollo is a strong horse with an excellent walk and good character; they are sure-footed and ideally suited to the terrain.
You ride with Argentinian tack. Some of the horses will have traditional Argentinian curb bits, whilst others may go in simple snaffles or bitless bridles. All the horses are ridden on a loose rein and respond to neck reining.
The saddles are typical Argentinean gaucho ‘Cangalla’ saddles; metal or wooden framed, onto which is layered felt, sheepskin and leather. They are comfortable for long distance-riding, with a relaxed riding style.
The first and last nights of the ride are spent in hostel accommodation in Ushuaia. The nine nights in between are basic sleeping bag accommodation in simple refuges or tents. You need to be prepared to share throughout.
Camp is set up each night outside remote gaucho huts along the riding route. Each shelter has a communal area, warmed by a central stove, where meals are cooked and eaten. Sleeping arrangements are communal bunk rooms or camping in two to three-person tents. The refuges provide a place to cook and warm up in front of the fire if the weather has been unkind.
There are shower and loo facilities only on five out of the eleven nights.
Meals during the trail are hearty and filling. Lunches will be picnics along the way, whilst supper will be prepared in the gaucho hut, or over a fire out in the open.
This ride runs on set dates between November and March.
| Holiday | Experience LevelExp Lvl | Arrive - DepartArr - Dep | Price | Itinerary | Availability | |
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| Mitre Peninsula | 16 Nov 2024 - 27 Nov 2024 | 11 nights 11 ngts | £2,805.72 |
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Book | |
| Mitre Peninsula | 10 Dec 2024 - 21 Dec 2024 | 11 nights 11 ngts | £2,805.72 |
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Book | |
| Mitre Peninsula | 15 Jan 2025 - 26 Jan 2025 | 11 nights 11 ngts | £2,805.72 |
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Full | |
| Mitre Peninsula | 14 Feb 2025 - 25 Feb 2025 | 11 nights 11 ngts | £2,805.72 |
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Book | |
| Mitre Peninsula | 15 Mar 2025 - 26 Mar 2025 | 11 nights 11 ngts | £2,805.72 |
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Book |
INCLUDES Accommodation; meals (from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 12; dinner on days 1 and 11 are not included); riding.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT There may be the option to upgrade to a single room for the two nights spent in Ushuaia. Please ask if you would like us to check availability and costs.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Dinner on days 1 and 11; drinks; tips.
NEAREST AIRPORT Ushuaia.
TRANSFERS Transfers from/to Ushuaia airport.
The meeting point for the ride is Ushuaia.
On the first day your flight should arrive in Ushuaia early afternoon or before. In the late afternoon or early evening, when all guests have arrived, there will be a ride briefing with your guide.
On departure day your flight can leave Ushuaia at any time. Check-out is at 11:00, but you can store your luggage and explore a little of Ushuaia if you are booked on a later flight.
On the island of Tierra del Fuego, at the very tip of South America.
As you may imagine, the weather in this part of the world is highly variable and can be unpredictable. It is possible to experience four seasons in the course of a few hours and so you must be prepared for all eventualities.
The weather in the months the ride runs is generally cool and windy. Temperatures tend to range between 2-12ºC, but the wind can make things feel far colder and the temperature can change in the blink of an eye. You should always be prepared for rain.
Adolfo and his family were fantastic hosts, very kind and welcoming. It was an adventurous ride and I always felt very safe. Incredible horses, incredible landscape - wild, remote and beautiful.
Anna ,Brighton
Overall rating: 5/5
