Horseback Riding Andes from Santiago: Private Trail

Ride mountain trails and stop at a panoramic viewpoint where the Andes spread out below.

Horseback riding in the Andes Mountains departing from Santiago includes hotel pickup, a local guide fluent in English or Spanish, a 3-hour ride through native mountain flora with stops at scenic overlooks, and a box lunch at a mountain viewpoint. The full outing runs 5 to 6 hours from pickup to return. Children from age 14 are welcome. The operator assigns each rider a horse after a short briefing before departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback ride in the Andes Mountains

• Travel from Santiago to Andes Mountains
• Meet muleteer and horses
• Receive horse assignment and briefing
• Begin 3-hour horseback ride
• Enjoy mountain landscapes and views
• Stop at scenic viewpoint for box lunch
• Rest and take in surroundings
• Return ride along different trail
• Pass natural and cultural interest areas

The experience

You'll start in the morning with pickup from your Santiago hotel, then travel by private vehicle to the trailhead in the Andes foothills. A muleteer and a string of horses will be waiting. Your guide assigns you a horse, gives a short briefing on handling and safety, and then you begin the approximately 3-hour ride through mountain landscapes filled with native plants and views of the snow-capped peaks. The trail winds through areas of natural and cultural interest within the protected mountain environment, and the pace lets you absorb the quiet of the high country without rushing.

Midway through the ride, you'll reach a scenic viewpoint where the group stops to rest and eat. The box lunch is included, and you'll have time to sit with the panorama, watch for condors overhead, and let the horses graze. After the break, you'll return along a different trail, taking in a different angle of the same landscape. The whole outing (pickup, ride, lunch stop, and return to your hotel) takes 5 to 6 hours.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Santiago.
• a local guide fluent in English or Spanish.
• horse assignment and a pre-ride briefing.
• the approximately 3-hour horseback ride through the Andes.
• a box lunch at a scenic mountain viewpoint.
• return transport to your hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (17 to 70 years) · Youth (14 to 16 years) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree 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.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for back problems

Operated by HikeChile

Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving in Santiago with a free afternoon or morning and want to spend it outside the city on horseback. The private format and included pickup mean no separate transport logistics, and the 5- to 6-hour timeframe fits a half-day outing without eating into a full second day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 16 years). Under 14: they can't be included in the booking.

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 experience like if I've never been on a horse before?

The guide gives all riders a short briefing before you start, and the operator notes the experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Horses are assigned to match riders, and the pace through the mountain trails is steady rather than fast.

How long is the actual time spent riding versus traveling and breaks?

The horseback portion runs approximately 3 hours, with the full outing from hotel pickup to drop-off lasting 5 to 6 hours. The midpoint break at the scenic viewpoint gives you time to rest and eat the included box lunch.

What should I bring or wear for a day riding in the Andes?

Wear comfortable pants, a jacket or short windbreaker, and closed shoes with a good grip. Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The high altitude and open terrain mean strong sun exposure even on cooler days.

Does the ride go above the tree line or stay in forested areas?

The trail passes through mountain landscapes with native flora and reaches a scenic viewpoint where the snow-capped Andes peaks are visible. The operator describes the environment as a protected mountain area with natural and cultural points of interest along the route.

Is this a private ride just for my group, or will I be riding with other travelers?

The original title specifies a private tour, so the ride is arranged for your group alone with your assigned guide and muleteer.