“No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle,” said Winston Churchill. This couldn’t be truer of a seven-day horseback journey through Argentina’s Patagonia, led by one of South America’s most sought-after guides, Jakob von Plessen. Born to Austrian immigrants, Jakob combines rugged gaucho tradition with European refinement, offering riders an unparalleled glimpse into the wild beauty of Patagonia.
The adventure begins in a private reserve bordering Nahuel Huapi National Park and the 400,000-hectare Lanín National Park. After a scenic flight to Bariloche, a drive, and a boat ride across a glacial lake, guests arrive at base camp, located on a 12,000-hectare estancia. Here, Criollos, the native horses of the pampas, graze nearby, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey.
Days are spent traversing some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes, including the aptly named Pass of Tears, a narrow, knife-edge mountain crossing. The Criollos, renowned for their stamina and sure-footedness, guide riders across volcanic ash ridges and along breathtaking mountain passes. Riders are encouraged to “sit tight and lean back” as the horses choose their path along the rocky trails. With every climb, views of emerald lakes and jagged peaks replace trepidation with awe.
Nights are equally enchanting, with guests bedding down in comfortable tents equipped with proper beds and wood-fired heaters. Evening meals feature lamb grilled on a traditional parrilla, accompanied by flowing Malbec. By day’s end, the flicker of candlelight in the log cabin and the scent of wild sage create an atmosphere of quiet luxury.
Each detail, from the mounted deer skulls to the enamel mugs, feels plucked from an interiors magazine. Sluggish Wi-Fi is replaced with siestas, storytelling, and the meditative task of saddling horses. Riders immerse themselves in the traditions of the pampas, donning bombachas and berets while mastering the intricacies of the recado saddle.
This is more than a riding trip—it’s a connection to a simpler, timeless way of life. From the camaraderie of the Criollos to the meditative silence of the Patagonian wilderness, every hour spent in the saddle is a reminder of life’s purest pleasures. Indeed, four legs are better than two.

This is undoubtedly the most stunning horseback journey in Patagonia.
This seven-day journey starts at approximately €7,000.
Reach out to start planning your unforgettable Patagonian adventure.
david@remoteexperiences.com