Horseback Riding in Santiago: Andes Mountains with Picnic & Wine

Three hours on horseback through the Cordillera de los Andes, then a wine and cheese picnic at the ranch.

Private horseback riding in the Andes mountains near Santiago, where you ride Criollo horses across ridges and valleys with an expert bilingual guide, learn about Chilean horsemanship traditions, and return to the ranch for a gourmet picnic with wine, cheese and local products. Hotel pickup and all riding gear are included. The activity runs six hours total and suits beginners and experienced riders alike. A minimum of two people per booking is required, and riders must be at least 10 years old.

The experience

The ride starts 30 minutes from Santiago at a working ranch where you meet your guide and the horses: small, sturdy Criollo breeds bred for mountain terrain and known for their calm temperament. After a brief orientation on handling your horse, you spend three hours in the saddle crossing the Cordillera de los Andes foothills, following the routes local arrieros (cowboys) have used for generations. The guide points out native trees, vegetation shifts across different micro-climates, and the sprawl of the Santiago valley below. Dogs often join the group, and the pace suits both beginners finding their seat and experienced riders looking for mountain scenery.

You wear a helmet and chaps for safety, and the operator holds Sernatur certification under Chilean Ministry of Tourism standards. The route stays off main tracks, moving across ridges and through the mountain landscape at a rhythm the guide sets based on the group's comfort. This is not a guided walk on horseback. You operate the horse, and the guide manages the day's flow and the terrain.

Back at the ranch, a gourmet picnic waits: local ham, cheeses, fresh bread, seasonal fruits and wine showcasing regional producers. Hotel pickup and drop-off bookend the day, so you start and end at your accommodation in Santiago.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Santiago accommodation.
• professional bilingual guide (English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or another language).
• all riding equipment including helmet and chaps.
• three hours on horseback through the Andes foothills.
• gourmet picnic with local wine, ham, cheeses, fresh bread and seasonal fruits.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private Sunset OptionGuide in 5 languages · 16:00Private tour, available when scheduled. A full picnic with wine is included, featuring local breads, fresh fruit, cheeses, and various regional products. Sunset option: a 6-hour horseback riding tour leaving Santiago at 4 pm. Pickup is included.

Private Morning OptionGuide in 5 languages · 10:00Private tour, available when scheduled. A complete picnic with wine is provided, with cheese, fresh fruit, breads, and local products. 10 AM departure. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 16:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Chile Off Track

Is this one for you?Choose the morning departure if you want the cooler hours for riding and the afternoon light on the valley. The sunset option suits those who prefer a later start and the golden hour in the mountains. Either way, the small group size and the guide's pace mean you ride at your own comfort level, whether you're finding your seat for the first time or looking for serious mountain terrain.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 17 years). Under 10: 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.

How long do I actually spend on the horse?

Three hours in the saddle, with the full activity running six hours from hotel pickup through the picnic and return.

What are the Criollo horses like, and will I be comfortable if I've never ridden before?

Criollo horses are small, sturdy mountain breeds known for staying calm and sure-footed on steep terrain. The guide gives a brief orientation before you ride, and the activity is designed for beginners as well as experienced riders. The pace adjusts to the group.

What's included in the picnic after the ride?

The picnic features local ham, cheeses, fresh bread, seasonal fruits and wine from regional producers, eaten at the ranch after you return from the mountains.

Do I need to bring my own riding gear?

No. The operator provides a helmet and chaps. You bring comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you travel from your Santiago accommodation.