Horseback Riding in El Calafate: Lake Argentino Views

Ride the open steppe with Lake Argentino unfolding ahead

Horseback riding in El Calafate takes you through the Bay Redonda Nature Reserve on the Patagonian steppe at a contemplative walking pace, with panoramic views of Lake Argentino and the surrounding landscape. A local horseman guides you across open terrain where you may spot native flamingos, swans, herons and gulls. The ride is designed to be safe and immersive for all experience levels, with no trotting or galloping.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 81 to US$ 155 per person, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

Short Cavalcade 11:00, 15:00 and 17:00 Guide in English or Spanish Ride length: 1 hour 30 minutes, available from all accommodations

Long Cavalcade 11:00 Guide in English or Spanish Ride length: 3 hours, available from all accommodations

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Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback ride with lake views

• Ride through Bay Redonda Reserve
• Cross Patagonian steppe
• Enjoy panoramic Lake Argentino views
• Spot native birds in habitat
• Experience calm, immersive horseback ride

What’s included

• Horse and riding equipment.
• safety briefing before the ride.
• guided horseback riding experience with a local Patagonian horseman.
• access to the Bay Redonda Nature Reserve on the Patagonian steppe.

Times

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• Every day 11:00 15:00 17:00

Information

Ride through the Patagonian steppe on horseback with panoramic views of Lake Argentino, guided at walking pace and suitable for all experience levels.

Group Up to 10 · max 4 per booking

Live guide English and Spanish

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. 5 similar tours with pickup › See the exact address

Ages Adult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with back problems

More information The exact meeting point address, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

4.11 ★★★★★ Very good 19 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

You arrive at the reserve and meet your local Patagonian horseman, who gives you a safety briefing before you mount. The ride unfolds at walking pace across the vast open steppe, which means you have time to take in the landscape rather than hold on for dear life. Lake Argentino spreads across the horizon, and the terrain opens in every direction. This is not a trail ride through trees but a crossing of exposed grassland where the light and distance dominate what you see.

Along the route you may spot native bird species in their habitat: flamingos, swans, herons and gulls moving through the wetlands and shoreline. The experience is built around observation and calm rather than speed or technical riding. Because the pace stays at a walk and trotting or galloping is not permitted, the ride suits riders of all experience levels, including those on a horse for the first time. The horseman handles the navigation and the animals. You handle the rhythm of the ride itself.

The short and long options differ in duration. Choose the short cavalcade for a morning or afternoon slot, or the long cavalcade if you have a larger window and want more time in the reserve. Either way, you'll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point. The ride itself includes the horse, the equipment, and the guide.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the riding pace like if I've never been on a horse before?

The entire ride is at walking pace with no trotting or galloping, so it's designed specifically for riders of all experience levels. A safety briefing happens before you mount, and the local horseman guides you through the terrain.

What birds and wildlife might I see while riding?

Native species in the Bay Redonda Nature Reserve include flamingos, swans, herons and gulls, which you may spot in the wetlands and along the shoreline as you cross the steppe. Sightings depend on the season and time of day.

How long does the ride actually take?

The short cavalcade runs between one and two hours, while the long cavalcade extends to three hours, giving you more time to cover the reserve and observe the landscape.

Do I need to arrange transport to the riding location?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you'll need to arrange your own transport to the Bay Redonda Nature Reserve meeting point.

Can I bring food or drinks on the ride?

Food and drinks are not included in the ride itself, so plan accordingly if you want to bring water or snacks for the duration.

Operated by SALUM TOUR & TRAVEL. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated today