Expeditions / Patagonia
The Last FENCE
Wind, granite, and a gate that opens onto nothing but country.
from $3,800
- Duration
- 7 days
- In the saddle
- 5-6 h/day
- Distance
- 20-35 km
- Level
- 3 / 4
- Group
- 8 riders
- From
- $3,800
Down here the wind has opinions and the rivers run milky from the ice. You ride Criollo horses with the locals who work this country, through southern beech forest and out across open pampa toward the peaks.
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Expect weather. Expect long light. Expect to be quieter than usual.
Nights are spent in a lean-to in the forest, in a shepherd's puesto, or out in the open when the sky is clear.
Highlights
- ▸ Southern beech forest (lenga and ñire), then wide-open pampa.
- ▸ River fords on horses that have done it a thousand times.
- ▸ A night in a shepherd's puesto: lamb on the fire, maté going round.
- ▸ Granite peaks catching the last light.
- ▸ Shelter craft in real wind: lean-tos, windbreaks, fire in the rain.
Adventurers.Group
The route.
01 · Days 1-2 · Through the lenga
Meet the gauchos and the horses. Ride into the forest, where it's quieter than you'd think. First camp: a tarp lean-to against a fallen log, built by everyone.
22 km · 5 h · forest · wild camp
01 · Days 1-2
Through the lenga
Meet the gauchos and the horses. Ride into the forest, where it's quieter than you'd think. First camp: a tarp lean-to against a fallen log, built by everyone.
22 km · 5 h · forest · wild camp
02 · Days 3-4 · Open country
Out of the trees and onto the pampa. Big skies, guanacos, long canters if the wind allows. A night at a puesto.
25-35 km/day · 6 h · pampa and fords · puesto
02 · Days 3-4
Open country
Out of the trees and onto the pampa. Big skies, guanacos, long canters if the wind allows. A night at a puesto.
25-35 km/day · 6 h · pampa and fords · puesto
03 · Days 5-6 · Toward the peaks
The mountains get closer every hour. A glacial river, a hard climb, a camp with a view you'll look at for a long time.
20 km · 5 h · moraine and river · wild camp
03 · Days 5-6
Toward the peaks
The mountains get closer every hour. A glacial river, a hard climb, a camp with a view you'll look at for a long time.
20 km · 5 h · moraine and river · wild camp
04 · Day 7 · The last gate
A short morning ride back through the last fence. Asado, goodbyes to the horses, transfer to El Calafate.
12 km · 3 h · return
04 · Day 7
The last gate
A short morning ride back through the last fence. Asado, goodbyes to the horses, transfer to El Calafate.
12 km · 3 h · return
Dates & prices.
November to March
Private on request
On request · $3,800 per person
RequestThings to know
A 30% deposit holds your place. The balance is due 60 days before you ride.
See the booking conditions for cancellations. Booking conditions
Where you sleep.
Forest lean-to
Tarp, log, fire.
Shepherd's puesto
Four walls, a stove, a roof against the wind.
Open camp
On clear nights only, and it's worth it.
Included
- ✓ Horses and tack
- ✓ Guides and local horsemen
- ✓ Meals on the trail
- ✓ Camps and the stays listed
- ✓ Transfers from the meeting city
Not included
- ✕ Flights
- ✕ Travel insurance
- ✕ Sleeping bag
- ✕ Tips
- ✕ Personal kit