Horseback Riding in Zapallar: Penguins, Dunes & BBQ from Santiago

Six to eight hours: boat to penguin island, desert dunes on horseback, private barbecue at the ranch

A full-day horseback riding adventure from Santiago combines a private 1.5-hour boat trip to Cachagua Island Sanctuary to see endangered Humboldt Penguins, guided riding through the Ritoque sand dunes to spot native birds, and an exclusive outdoor barbecue lunch at the ranch. Transport, helmet, gloves and lifejacket are included. The guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese and the experience suits all riding levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Penguins, dunes, horseback riding, BBQ

• Boat trip to Cachagua Island
• Observe Humboldt Penguins
• Explore Ritoque sand dunes and forest
• Guided horseback riding tour
• Enjoy private barbecue lunch

The experience

The day starts with a 1 hour 55 minute drive from your Santiago hotel to Zapallar Dock, where you board a private motorboat reserved only for your group. The 1.5-hour navigation hugs the coast between Zapallar and Cachagua, giving you a close view of the endangered Humboldt Penguins in their natural habitat on the protected island sanctuary. Weather and sea conditions determine whether the boat can operate safely that day.

After returning to shore, you ride horseback through the Ritoque sand dunes (a desert-like landscape unusual for Central Chile), where native forest surrounds the open sand and native bird species move through both. The riding is guided and designed for all skill levels. Helmets and gloves are provided. The route ends at the ranch, where a private barbecue lunch awaits your group, with roast beef or vegetarian options and beverages included.

Transport from your Santiago hotel is included in an air-conditioned vehicle. WiFi is available on board. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available. The experience prioritizes safety throughout: lifejackets for the boat, proper riding gear, and a focus on manageable pacing for families and mixed fitness levels.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Santiago hotel.
• air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi.
• private motorboat reserved for your group.
• helmet, gloves and lifejacket.
• guided horseback riding.
• roast beef or vegetarian barbecue lunch with beverages.
• snacks.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (6 to 80 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 26 pickup points.

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.

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Terraventura Outdoor

Is this one for you?The full day (nearly eight hours from hotel to hotel) combines water time, riding and sitting, so it suits families and mixed fitness levels more than a fast-paced itinerary. Early starts and a coastal boat trip mean you'll want to be comfortable with morning departures and open water. The guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese, so language choice matters when you book.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

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 are Humboldt Penguins and where do I see them on this ride?

Humboldt Penguins are an endangered species native to the coasts of Chile and Peru. You see them in their natural habitat on Cachagua Island Sanctuary during the private 1.5-hour boat trip from Zapallar Dock. The boat stays close to shore between Zapallar and Cachagua, so viewing happens from the water rather than on land.

Do I need horseback riding experience to join this adventure?

No. The guided horseback riding through the Ritoque sand dunes is designed for all skill levels, and the guide adjusts the pace to match the group. Helmet and gloves are provided, and the route focuses on safety and comfort rather than technical riding.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my booking?

The boat trip requires good weather and calm sea conditions for passenger safety. If conditions are unsafe on your scheduled day, the operator will work with you on rescheduling. Check the specific cancellation and weather policy when you book.

How long is the drive from Santiago, and what's included in transport?

The drive from your Santiago hotel to Zapallar Dock takes 1 hour 55 minutes each way. Transport is included in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board. The vehicle also handles excess baggage, so you can travel with what you need for the full day.

What food and drink options are available at the barbecue lunch?

Lunch is a private outdoor barbecue served at the ranch with roast beef or vegetarian options, plus alcohol beverages included. The meal is exclusive to your group and marks the end of the riding portion of the day.