THE PATAGONIA TRAIL

7 Nights | From $7,175 | Bariloche, Argentina

THIS IS A CALL FOR THE WILD AT HEART.

Jakob von Plessen’s eight day safari through the Andes will leave you breathless and enchanted. Follow the tracks of the puma through this mountainous utopia. Cross the infamous ‘Pass of Tears’, a death defying mountain pass with a sheer drop to the valley below and revel in that feeling of being fully alive! Wash it all down with a glass (or a bottle or two) of Malbec and chat the night away with your new companions and the charming guides.

Each of the herd of horses is carefully trained by an Argentine cowboy, a gaucho, to be perfectly adapted to the mountainous terrain. All the horses are ridden in traditional raw hide bridles and ‘recado’ saddles more similar to western than english style. The riding is mountainous and so at a slower place as you climb the peaks though there is room for a few fast canters.

The sunrise over the mountain ridgeline at Base Camp will invigorate you each morning and is worth getting up a little early to witness. You may be lucky enough to hear the low thudding sound from the horses hooves getting ever closer to camp as the gaucho’s herd them into the corral each morning. Each day is carefully planned around a post lunch siesta. Take the sheepskin off your saddle and lay down under a tree to rest before the ride begins again. At night retire to the bar and stay up late talking to your new companions about your passions and big ideas.

This is the trip of a lifetime. What are you waiting for?

Overview

RIDE GUIDE

Duration: 7 nights / 8 days

Cost: US$7,175

Operator: Jakotango

Guides: Rides are led by best-of-the-best Daisy Soames (probably your lead guide) and Jakob von Plessen

Where: Bariloche, Argentina

When: November to February

Riding level: Intermediate to advanced. You must be comfortable at all paces.

Weight limit: Maximum of 95kg/210lbs

Time in the saddle: 2 to 8 hours a day

Group Size: 8 - 10 riders

HORSES

The horses are predominantly the Argentine ‘criollo’ horse crossed with quarter horse, thoroughbred and percherons. Jakob has begun to breed his own line of Noriciollo horses, a mix of his Noriker stallion imported from Austrian and local criollo mares.

All the horses are trained to neck-rein and the saddle are Argentine ‘recado’ style, more similar to a western saddle, with sheepskins and traditional, rawhide bridles.

Though there are some spaces for fast canters you will be climbing mountains at a steady pace for most of the ride.

ACCOMMODATION

Four nights are spent at base camp in luxurious Kenyan safari tents with permanent beautiful and simply appointed bathrooms with endless hot water.

Two nights are spent in campsites while on the point-to-point rides with simple dome tents and sleeping bags.

The final night is spent as a guest of Felipe in safari tents around the homestead that has been in his family for generations.

GET IN TOUCH

BOOK NOW

HOW TO BOOK

ENQUIRY

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Shared accommodation, road transfers to San Martin de Los Andes Airport and to Bariloche airport, all horse riding, guides, meals, alcohol and soft drinks are included. Tips of $25 per day are included, there is no need to bring additional cash for this reason. Whiskey, gin, vodka, wine and beers are always available but please let us know should you have a special request.

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

The price does not include international or domestic flights, travel insurance. Full medical and holiday insurance is required to join the ride.

TRANSFERS

The trail begins at either Bariloche or San Martin de los Andes airports, a two hour domestic flight from Buenos Aires. Once you have reserved your saddle we will share the exact flight for you to take to meet the group or you’re very welcome to come earlier and enjoy Bariloche or San Martin de los Andes before the tour begins.

MEALS

At base camp all meals are authentically prepared by wonderful onsite private chef Oscar who has been with Jakotango season after season. Lunch and dinner at base camp are long and leisurely three course meals with a starting cocktail (pisco sour anyone?) followed by wine to match the meals. Meals centre around a meat main course. You’ll enjoy asado, argentine barbeque, cooked fresh over the fire pit in front of the kitchen cabin. Other meals and starters include osso buco, stuffed mushrooms and fresh salads. Save room for desert! They are fine and delicate and you’ll manage to find room even on a full stomach!

Argentina is famous for being a carnivorous country but Jakotango can happily cater for vegetarians and other diets. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know on the rider form and Jakotango will make their best efforts to cater for them.

WHAT TO PACK

While the season is open in summer you will be in the mountains where any weather can roll in. Refer to our FAQ for what to pack on a horse riding holiday.

Base camp runs off solar energy, providing enough power to charge cameras, phones and provide electric lighting and WiFi within the tents and quincho. However, it is unable to sustain any devices that generate heat (e.g hairdryers) so please don’t bring those with you. There is no power at the fly camps or at Felipe’s house so we recommend you bring portable power banks to charge your devices. We recommend our favourite power bank and other gear here.

Please note that there is a 15kg (33lb) per person luggage restriction on some domestic flights.

Should you wish to dress like a local for your ride, we are happy to recommend places in Buenos Aires to buy ponchos and the traditional gaucho boinas (beret), bombachas (riding trousers) and alpargatas (espadrilles) - all essential items in a gaucho’s wardrobe.

Helmets are not provided. Please bring your own if you choose to wear one.

LAUNDRY

Laundry will be available on one day of your safari, typically when you have returned to Base Camp after your first night camping at El Buque Fly Camp.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout is an optional, additional activity or can be done in place of riding. For this we would need previous notice since the licenses, rods and a guide may need to be organised. This will be at an additional cost.

PRICES & AVAILABILITY

All departures are $7,175 per person sharing. There is an option for a solo stay in a pretty caravan at Base Camp. There is only one space per trip. Please ask if you would like this solo option.

2023 / 2024: SOLD OUT

2024 / 2025: SOLD OUT

2025 / 2026: 16 to 23 January 2026

The Jakotango season runs from mid-November to February over the Argentine summer.

Fill out a Rider Form and we will notify you of any cancellations.

Maximum group size of 10.

PATAGONIA

Currency is the Argentinian Peso (ARG$). Banks in Argentina greatly limit daily withdrawals so bring USD$ in cash to convert in Buenos Aires. You can pay your tips in USD. Card are readily taken in Buenos Aires. If you need to withdraw cash Western Union can issue larger amounts than ATMs at a much better rate.

Time Zone: GMT -3

Climate: The weather in Patagonia can be very variable with temperatures ranging from 30C to -2C, and strong winds can make it feel even cooler. Please come prepared for all conditions – hot days under a strong sun; cold nights when you will want thermal layers; and it is always best to be prepared for wind and rain. It can snow. Most guests enjoy good weather all week but please be prepared for the possibility of four seasons in one day.

YOUR ITINERARY

We recommend arriving a day early to Buenos Aires.
Fly to Ezeiza International Airport, Buenos Aires. This is a wonderful, vibrant city so stay here for a couple of nights either before or after the trip. We recommend the vibrant suburb of Palermo for it’s boutique hotels, cafe culture, nightlife and shopping.
In November and December, the Argentine Polo Open is a unique opportunity to see the best and fastest polo in the world.
Tomorrow the tour begins and you will take a domestic flight to Patagonia from Buenos Aires, the details of which we will share with you to book directly with the airline, in order to meet your transfer to base camp.
Your group will all fly on the same flight from Buenos Aires on the morning of the first day.
Your driver collects you and your group from the airport and immediately you are whisked away to meet the horses. Make sure you’ve wearing your riding clothes as you leave the airport as you’ll be meeting your horses very soon.
Boarding a speedboat you cut through the mountains to a secluded lakeside forest where you meet the horses and Jakob for the first time. Get to know your horse and your group on the ride back to base camp.
Once arrived at camp, you will be shown to your tent and given a chance to settle in before an evening of drinks and dinner in the ‘quincho’ – the log cabin that serves as the dining room, sitting room and bar.

1 Hour Riding
Stay at Base Camp
Early in the morning the gauchos herd the horses into the corral. You hear the thunder of galloping hooves from the breakfast table and can choose to run and see them come into camp. Today you have two rides designed to familiarise you with your horse. On the first you will explore the Fila Hua Hum valley. On the second you’ll ascend the valley walls to enjoy a spectacular clifftop view. As always, you have a long siesta in the afternoon before setting out on the second ride.
Dinner is served around 9pm by private chef Oscar and followed by an incredible desert made by the pastry chef. You’ll be offered a hot water bottle to be placed into your bed that evening and a fire lit early morning to warm your tent. Do say yes to both!
6 Hours Riding
Stay at Base Camp
Today you traverse the infamous mountain ridge-line. Surrender to your fear of heights and trust that your horse will carry you safely through to camp. Your reward is the spectacular views and a healthy rush of adrenaline! We suggest filling a hip-flask with whiskey before leaving basecamp for some extra dutch courage. Rest at the summit and observe the condors flying over-head. Lunch is carried in your saddle bags and eaten in a shady glade at the tree-line.
Dinner is prepared over the roaring campfire at El Buque Fly Camp. Wash your success down with a glass (or two) of Malbec. There are no showers at the fly camp but you’re able to wash your face in the fresh spring water.
8 Hours Riding
Stay in a simply fly camp on El Buque
Today you head back down the mountain to Base Camp. You weave through the wild bamboo forest down to the grassy valley below. Watch the path for puma pawprints. These elusive animals are often observed only by their tracks. You may come across some of Jakob’s herd grazing in the valley. Some may nicker to your horse and choose to follow their friends home. You cross the river when heading into Base Camp. Why not take off your boots and get in the river to wash your horse down to thank them for returning you home from the mountain safely!
The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish. You could ride in the afternoon, take the opportunity to go fly fishing, take a nature walk or enjoy an extended siesta.
3 Hours Riding
Stay at Base Camp
Today you take it easy. You take a leisurely ride back to the lake where you first met Jakob and the horses. You move back into the neighbour’s land and come across his herd grazing in the valley. The horses are a range of different colours blend beautifully into their surroundings. You have the opportunity for a few fast canters.
The afternoon is yours to do with what you wish. With two long days in the saddle ahead of you this is the perfect time for a little rest and relaxation.
3 Hours Riding
Stay at Base Camp
Today you leave the beautiful base camp home for good and begin the two day ride to the home of Felipe Chandia, a local gaucho, whose land we are privileged to ride over and whose homestead we will be staying at the following night.
Saddle bags are packed and loaded onto the horses and you begin the highest ascent over the mountains. Today you’ll feel like you’re in a Clint Eastwood western. Take in the magnificent view as you stand a cliff edge above a mountain glade and observe Lake Traful.
Felipe’s horses are herded down from the mountain as tomorrow we will change mounts to his herd. Jakob’s horses are released at dusk to make their own way back base camp, a beautiful sight and not to be missed!
Enjoy a meal cooked over the camp fire. Accommodation is in simple dome tents amongst the trees at Felipe’s Fly Camp.
6 Hours Riding
Stay at a simple mountain fly camp
You wake to a meal of bacon & eggs cooked over the campfire. You are introduced to your new horse from Felipe’s herd and begin the ride down the mountain to the shores of Lake Traful.
Lunch is served at a long table under the fruit trees at Felipe’s house. In terms of experiencing Argentina’s gaucho traditions, this is as authentic and immersive as it gets. The afternoon is yours to spend it as you wish though a long siesta followed by a swim in the lake is highly recommended.
4 Hours Riding
Stay in safari tents at Felipe’s homestead
After breakfast you mount your horse one last time for a short ride to the lakeside. A speedboat takes you back to civilisation. Time to start planning your next horseback adventure!
30 minute ride to the speedboat

Read the Field Report

Find out what it’s actually like to ride The Patagonia Trail

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation at base camp is in large kenyan safari tents with wooden floors, a pitched roof, beautiful terracotta bathrooms with flushing toilets and a large shower.

Each tent has a double sided fireplace that is discretely lit from the bathroom side so that you wake up warm and toasty each morning.

Two nights you will sleep out on trail in simple dome tents. There are no showers on trail though you can wash in the fresh mountain stream water. A long drop loo is set up in each location.

Your final night is spent at Felipe’s house. You are in tents once more. A shared bathroom is located close to the tents.

MEET YOUR GUIDES

Daisy Soames

As the famous line goes ‘Come for Jakob, Stay for Daisy’.

Adventurer, horse woman, comedian, the world’s best hostess and all around spectacular human being, Daisy Soames. Chances are Daisy will be your lead guide on your safari.

Daisy was born in England but escaped as a university graduate to Africa where she starting working with Offbeat Riding Safaris before completing Safari School in South Africa.

When Jakob returned to Argentina to start the ‘The Patagonia Trail’ Daisy soon began swapping seasons between the Argentine summer months and returning to guide in Kenya with Offbeat during the equitorial summer, which she still does.

Daisy has a very rare and impressive handmade whip that tastes like strawberries that you must ask her about when you visit.

Marcos Villamil

Argentina native Marco started guiding at Jakotango in 2022. An accomplished horseman many guests are surprised to find out Marco used to work in the City in Buenos Aires. Living in Recoleta, he worked in a bank and owned two businesses.

In 2021 he packed in his corporate career and packed his saddle bags to ride the length of Argentina over 450 days. He knows the land like the back of his hand, is cool, calm and collected, an excellent knowledgable guide. He also plays guitar beautifully, adding another dimension to your camp fire sessions.

Jakob von Plessen

Jakob is a living legend in the horse safari world. Born in Austria he moved with his family to Argentina as a child. Growing up he played polo on the family estancia but also spent time with the gauchos, Argentinian cowboys, that farmed the wild mountains of Patagonia where his family spent their holidays away from the City.

At age 19 he was guiding riding safaris across the Masai Mara in Kenya with Offbeat Safaris, headed by the legendary Tristan Voorspuy.

For fifteen years Africa captured him, until in 2015 it was time to return back home. Back to Patagonia where the gauchos had inspired him to spend his life with horses as a child.

Probably the most famous Safari guide in the world with enough stories of adventure to fill volumes.

https://black-saddle.com/journal/10-tips-for-a-jakotango-riding-holiday — READ OUR TEN TIPS FOR A JAKOTANGO RIDING SAFARI

Read MORE