Horseback riding in Pucón: Learn to ride Criollo horses

Match with your horse, then ride forest trails and river valleys with three volcanoes in view

Horseback riding in Pucón on single-trail routes through pasture, forest and along the Liucura River, with a professional bilingual guide who matches you to one of 24 Criollo horses and teaches you to ride rather than follow. Choose the 2-hour ride as a beginner or the 4-hour mountain ride if you have previous riding experience. Both start on the ranch with an introduction to your horse and the Chilean riding style.

The experience

The ride begins on the ranch with an introduction to your horse and the fundamentals of Chilean horsemanship. You're matched to one of 24 well-trained Criollo horses based on your size and riding ability, and the guide takes time to let you and the horse get used to each other before heading out. The bilingual guide teaches you to actually handle the horse as you go, not just sit and follow. A hands-on approach that means you'll leave understanding how to ride, not just having ridden.

The trail itself moves through narrow forest paths and open meadows, following the Liucura River with views across three volcanoes: Villarrica, Quetrupillan and Lanín. You'll walk, trot, canter and gallop depending on the terrain and your comfort, starting slowly so both you and the horse settle into the rhythm. A small waterfall marks a natural stop partway through. The 2-hour ride suits beginners and keeps a steady pace. The 4-hour route includes steeper mountain sections and is only suitable if you have previous mountain riding experience. On the longer ride, the guide brings beverages and snacks for the break.

Riders must weigh no more than 80 kilos. Children are welcome from age 15. The experience requires at least moderate fitness, and it's not suitable for anyone with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

• Professional bilingual guide.
• one Criollo horse matched to your ability.
• introduction to Chilean riding style on the ranch.
• beverages and snacks on the 4-hour ride.

Options for this experience

2 options

A 2-hour horseback trail rideGuide in English or Spanish · 10:00 and 14:00Lasting 2 hours, this ride covers a similar trail to our four-hour ride. Along easier single trails, it suits less experienced riders.

Horseback Trailride ExcursionGuide in English or Spanish · 14:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Horseback Trailrides with Antilco

Is this one for you?The 2-hour ride suits anyone new to horseback riding who wants to learn the basics on a manageable trail. Choose the 4-hour option if you have previous mountain riding experience and want steeper terrain and longer time in the saddle.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years). Children under 15 can't be included in the booking.

What's the difference between the 2-hour and 4-hour horseback rides?

The 2-hour ride is designed for beginners, moving at a steady pace through pasture, forest and along the river. The 4-hour ride includes steeper mountain terrain and is only suitable for riders with previous mountain riding experience. It also includes a snack and beverage break partway through.

Will I actually learn to ride, or just sit on the horse?

The guide teaches you to handle and ride your horse as you go, rather than simply following the leader. You'll understand how to control the horse by the end of the ride, not just have completed a trail.

How are riders matched to horses?

Each rider is matched to one of the 24 Criollo horses based on your weight, size and riding ability. The guide spends time at the start letting you and your horse get comfortable with each other before the trail begins.

What do I see on the ride?

The trail passes through forest, open meadows and along the Liucura River, with views of three volcanoes: Villarrica, Quetrupillan and Lanín. A small waterfall is a natural stopping point on the route.