Santiago Andes: Private Horseback Ride & Chilean Wine Picnic

Summary

Ride mountain trails with locals then share Chilean wine and cheese

You’ll ride quiet mountain trails near Santiago with local horsemen guiding you every step (or hoof). Expect honest conversation, a proper cheese & wine picnic under open skies, and plenty of space for both laughter and silence. It’s less about perfect riding form—more about feeling part of rural Chile for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

We pulled off the city streets and suddenly it was just us, a couple of horses, and the foothills of the Andes stretching out—way bigger than I’d pictured. The drive from Santiago barely took half an hour, but it felt like we’d crossed into another world. Our guide, Martín, handed me the reins and grinned, “No rush—your horse knows these hills better than anyone.” I laughed because honestly, my riding skills are questionable at best. He showed us how to sit easy in the saddle (I still got sore legs) and told us about his grandfather who used to herd cattle through these same trails.

The air smelled faintly of eucalyptus and dust. We moved slow at first—hooves crunching over dry grass, sunlight flickering through the trees—and I tried to remember everything Martín said about gaucho life here. There’s this quiet out there that’s hard to explain; you hear insects buzzing and sometimes a distant dog barking from a farm down below. My horse kept pausing to sniff wildflowers or maybe just test my patience. At one point, we stopped so Martín could point out a condor circling above—he said if you see one close, it’s good luck (not sure if that’s true but I wanted to believe him).

I didn’t expect the picnic to feel so… homey? We sat in the grass with a spread of southern cheeses and a bottle of carménère that tasted way better than anything I’ve had back home. Someone tried to teach me how to say “queso de campo” properly—Li laughed when I butchered it in Spanish. There was no rush to get back; we just talked for a while about horses, city life versus campo life, even fútbol. When we finally headed back toward Santiago, my boots were dusty and my head felt clearer than it had in weeks. Still think about that view sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horse riding and picnic near Andes

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive to private ranch
• Receive horseback riding introduction
• Ride horses on mountain trails
• Enjoy picnic with Chilean wine and cheese
• Return to city

Top questions

How long is the horseback riding tour near Santiago?

The ride itself lasts about two hours along mountain trails outside Santiago.

Is hotel pickup included for this Andes horseback tour?

Yes, private transport is included within a 5-km radius of Costanera Center in Santiago.

Do I need horseback experience for this tour?

No experience is necessary; guides provide an introduction before starting.

What food is included on the Andes horse riding day trip?

The picnic includes Chilean wine, southern cheeses, and local products.

Are vegetarian options available on this private tour?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking.

Who leads the horseback riding tour in the Andes?

The ride is led by local arrieros (horsemen) who know the region well.

How far from Santiago is the ranch for this tour?

The private ranch is about 30 minutes’ drive from central Santiago.

Is accident insurance provided on this day trip?

Yes, accident insurance is included as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup within central Santiago (5-km radius), all safety equipment and accident insurance, well-trained horses with expert local guides leading you through Andean trails, plus a relaxed picnic featuring Chilean wine and regional cheeses before heading back to the city together.