About this trip
AN IMPACTFUL ADVENTURE
Embark on a 5-day horseback journey through the far reaches of Última Esperanza, a quiet and little-known corner of southern Patagonia. From the edge of the stunning fjords to the heights of the Baguales mountains, this ride moves through raw and varied landscapes — ancient forests, open steppe, glacial valleys, and the kind of silence that stays with you.
We begin on the remote Antonio Varas Peninsula, across the water from Puerto Natales, at one of the last working estancias in the region. Life here is still shaped by the land — sheep are moved on horseback, the wind carries old stories, and the pace is steady and real. Riding alongside fourth-generation sheep and cattle farmers, we experience a way of life that’s rooted, physical, and deeply connected to place.
As we move north, the landscape begins to shift. The greens of the fjords give way to dry, golden hills and the rugged beauty of Sierra Baguales. This is a part of Patagonia few ever reach — a place where the land rises from ancient ocean floors, and the trail winds through fossil beds, ridgelines, and valleys where wild horses still roam.
Throughout the journey, there’s time to slow down. Mindfulness practices are woven into the rhythm of the journey — yin yoga, yoga nidra, and breathwork by a warmly lit fire — helping you land more fully in your body, in the saddle, and in the moment.
You’ll also be joined by photographer Lena Bam, whose own path led her from Siberia to Patagonia. Her images capture not just where you are, but how it feels to be there — riding with the wind, the cold, the horses, and the land.
The trip ends high in the mountains, where we stay in beautiful shared glamping domes with sweeping views of the stunning landscapes. It’s a rare kind of comfort, held in the stillness of this wild, remote place.
Join us
AVAILABLE TO BEGINNER TO ADVANCED RIDERS
All riding is done at a walking pace. Prior riding experience is recommended but not required to participate.
If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on March 3rd.
Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here.
Price includes: meals, guides/wranglers/cooks. A bed in a shared room, and bus transport to and from Reykjavik.
Price doesn’t include: travel insurance, flights to and from Reykjavik, accomodation in Reyjavik and airport transfers. Group size: 12-15 riders
Join us
AVAILABLE TO BEGINNER TO ADVANCED RIDERS
ALL RIDING LEVELS - SOLD OUT
Available to strong intermediate to advanced riders. All riding is done at a walking pace. Prior riding experience is required.
March 19th-23rd
PRICING
$5,995
If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on July 14th for the November ride and September 1st for the March ride. Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here.
Price includes: 1:1 healing session with Candice & her herd, our program, meals, horseback safari, guides, and your own private room at the Belle Balance Bush Hideout for 4 nights.
Price doesn’t include: gratuities, travel insurance, transport to and from Belle Balance, flights to and from Plettenberg Bay. Group size: 5 riders per trip
ADVANCED RIDE - SOLD OUT
Available to strong intermediate to advanced riders. Comfortable and in control at all gates and terrains in open country.
March 27th-1st
PRICING
$5,995
Highlights
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Experience the rich traditions of Patagonian culture and everyday sheep farming at Estancia Patagonia
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Enjoy an exciting horseback ride across the Patagonian steppe, filled with opportunities for trotting and cantering
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Enjoy a nurturing yin yoga class by a cozy fire after a long day of riding
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An opportunity to have your photograph taken by Lena Bam, creating lasting memories for years to come
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Experience the striking contrast between the lush green forests of the fjords and the golden, treeless hills with rugged peaks of the Baguales
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Wonderful, welcoming owners/guides who are 4th generation sheep and cattle farmers
Join us
OPEN TO INTERMEDIATE - ADVANCED RIDERS
Comfortable and in control at all gates and terrains in the open country. Comfortable in the saddle up to 5hrs per day.
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE
February 12th-16th, 2026
PRICING
$4,650
If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on October 1st. Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here.
Price includes: All meals, guides and activities. A bed in a shared room, and all transport to and from the trip start and end point in Puerto Natales, Patagonia.
Price doesn’t include: travel insurance, and flights to and from Puerto Natales, Patagonia. Park Entrance Tickets: Each guest is responsible for purchasing their entrance ticket to Torres del Paine in advance, as this must be done online before we enter the park. Group size: 8 riders Weight restriction: For the well-being of our horses, there is a weight limit of 200 lbs (90 kg) for riders.
OUR OFFERINGS
01 Mindful Riding
Mindful riding is the practice of riding in a state of meditation through developing a present connection of mutual trust with your horse. Riding in this state of trust, presence and openness allows the rider to receive countless somatic benefits by being held by an intuitive, pure, and grounded sentient being. The rider will learn about their own energy through slowing down enough to see how they communicate and in turn receive messages from their horse’s body language. They will tap into the naturally meditative energy of horses and sensitize their intuition, the ability to energetically communicate, and connect with their true nature.
OUR OFFERINGS
02 Horse Guided Somatic Healing®
We offer horse-guided somatic healing through present-moment connection, guided meditation, and attuned observation—inviting deep embodiment, spiritual remembering, and intuitive healing alongside horses. Inspired by Equine Guided Empowerment®—a unique approach developed by The Reflective Horse®—this work honors the horse as an energetic mirror and guide. Through relational presence and the healing energy of horses, participants are gently led back to their innate wisdom, authentic connection, and a sense of grounded wholeness.
OUR OFFERINGS
03 Trauma Informed Breathwork
Ceremonial, trauma-informed breathwork, drawing inspiration from Taren Maroun’s teachings, integrates the science-backed benefits of breathwork with the depth of a spiritually grounded healing journey. Guided by her shamanic studies and rooted in her Celtic (Irish) and Phoenician (Lebanese) ancestry, this practice invites profound transformation by releasing stored energy or trauma within the body, restoring emotional resilience, and opening pathways to expanded states of consciousness. Through the rhythm of intentional breathing, the body’s innate wisdom is reawakened, guiding you into deeper connection, and the emergence of your authentic self. It is within this sacred integration of body, mind, and spirit that true healing unfolds.
OUR OFFERINGS
04 Somatic Yin Yoga
Somatic Yin Yoga is a trauma-informed, embodied practice that reconnects you with the body’s innate wisdom. Rooted in nervous system regulation and somatic awareness, this slow, intuitive approach supports the release of tension, emotional stress, and energetic blockages. Through long-held postures and deep listening, it nourishes connective tissues, enhances flexibility, and fosters resilience. Its meditative quality soothes the mind and strengthens the body's capacity for deep repair, renewal, and integration.
TACKING ABILITY & PARTICIPATION
We do ask our riders to help with grooming and tacking up their own horses. This responsibility is an important part of the experience that supports both the team function, but also ensures you create an authentic connection with your horse.
TRIP CONDITIONS & REQUESTED EXPERIENCE
The Patagonia ride takes place across two distinct and contrasting landscapes: the coastal fjords of Estancia La Peninsula and the high-altitude steppe of Sierra Baguales.
At Estancia La Peninsula, the terrain features dense southern beech forests, open fields, and rocky ridgelines overlooking the Last Hope Fjord. Riders will follow historic sheep trails and traverse areas shaped by glacial movement, with varied footing and sweeping views. The pace is generally moderate, with stretches of walking through forested paths and opportunities to trot and canter across open ground and along ridgelines.
At Sierra Baguales, the landscape shifts dramatically. Here in the Patagonian Highlands, the terrain is more exposed and rugged, with rolling hills, fossil-strewn valleys, and dramatic mountain backdrops. Rides move through wide-open steppe, dry riverbeds, and ancient geological formations, offering longer stretches for trotting and cantering in remote, silent country.
Due to the remote setting and dynamic conditions, riders should be comfortable navigating uneven, natural terrain and confident handling a responsive horse at all gaits.
EQUESTRIAN EQUIPMENT
For the Patagonia ride, we equip our horses with trail/endurance-style saddles, selected for their ergonomic design and comfort over long hours in the saddle. These saddles provide excellent rider support and allow freedom of movement—ideal for navigating varied terrain from forest paths to open steppe.
As for helmets, riders are required to wear one that meets current safety standards. You’re encouraged to bring your own helmet to ensure a snug and personalized fit, which enhances safety and comfort for the entire ride.
HORSES
Estancia Patagonia’s riding program features a carefully chosen herd of approximately 75 horses, with around 30 iconic white Criollo mounts at La Peninsula and an additional group at Baguales. The Criollo breed—sometimes crossed with Anglo-Normando and Polo Pony stock—is native to the South American pampas and prized for its compact, sturdy build, remarkable endurance, and sure-footedness. Bred to thrive in Patagonia’s challenging conditions, these horses are ideal for both seasoned riders and those new to horseback exploration, offering confidence, comfort, and a genuine connection to the land.
GUIDE & LOCAL TEAM
You will be guided by a team of experienced local Patagonians who know the land, weather, and horses intimately. Many of them have lived and worked on these estancias for generations, bringing deep regional knowledge and a warm, authentic presence to each day of the journey. Their connection to the terrain and their horses is unmatched, ensuring both your safety and a rich, immersive experience throughout the ride.
MINIMUM RIDING ABILITY
To join the Patagonia ride, you must be an intermediate to advanced rider. You should be confident and in control at all gaits, comfortable riding in open terrain, and prepared to spend up to 5 hours in the saddle each day. The pace will vary depending on the landscape and trail conditions, but riders must be capable of handling their horse in remote, natural settings.
Please note that the rider weight limit is 200 lbs (90 kg). If you’re unsure whether this ride is a good fit for your experience level, feel free to consult our riding ability guide or reach out directly.
PACE
The pace of the ride will vary throughout the day depending on the terrain, weather, and group comfort. While much of the journey will be at a walk—especially through rugged or uneven areas—there will be opportunities to trot and canter each day across open steppe. Riders should be comfortable and in control at all gaits and prepared to adapt to the natural rhythm of the landscape. Time in the saddle will typically be up to three hours per day.
GETTING THERE
To begin your journey in Patagonia, you’ll fly into Puerto Natales (PNT) or Punta Arenas (PUQ) in southern Chile. The most direct option is to fly into Puerto Natales, which has limited but growing seasonal service—typically via Santiago or other major Chilean hubs. From Puerto Natales, it’s just a 10-minute drive to MacLean Dock, where you'll board our private boat for a scenic 40-minute transfer across the Last Hope Fjord to Estancia La Peninsula. Alternatively, you can fly into Punta Arenas, a larger airport with more frequent connections. From Punta Arenas, it's a 3-hour drive to Puerto Natales, followed by the same boat transfer to the estancia.
CLIMATE
In mid-February, Patagonia is in the height of its short summer season, offering some of the most stable and accessible conditions of the year—though the region remains famously unpredictable. Daytime temperatures typically range between 12°C and 20°C (54°F to 68°F), with cooler mornings and evenings, especially in the highlands of Baguales. Sunshine is common, but rapid shifts in weather—such as sudden winds or light rain—can occur without warning. Winds are a constant presence in the region, especially in open steppe and high-altitude areas, with gusts sometimes reaching 40–60 km/h (25–37 mph). Rainfall in February is relatively low, but light showers are possible. Daylight hours are generous, with sunrise around 6:45 AM and sunset near 9:00 PM, providing ample time for riding and exploration.
La Barrosa Cabin – Nights 1 & 2
For the first two nights, we’ll stay at La Barrosa Cabin on Estancia La Peninsula—a rustic, remote hideaway surrounded by sweeping views and a deep sense of stillness. The cabin features two bedrooms, each accommodating four guests in bunk beds and equipped with two private bathrooms.
For those who prefer more privacy and solitude, there’s the option to camp in a private tent just outside the cabin. Campers will still have access to the indoor bathrooms and shared dining space, creating a convenient yet personal alternative to the shared bunk rooms.
Baguales CABIN – Nights 3 & 4
Our final two nights will be spent at Baguales Cabin, a remote and rugged retreat deep in the heart of the Patagonian steppe. Accommodations are in shared rooms with bunk beds, with two guests per room. A single supplement is available for up to two guests at an additional cost of $300.
The meals are thoughtfully crafted to highlight the best of local Patagonian ingredients and traditions. Breakfast includes fresh juice, yogurt, milk, granola or cereal, eggs, bacon, fresh bread, and seasonal fruits. For full-day outings, guests prepare their own lunch from a sandwich or tortilla station, with a variety of ingredients and a selection of snacks such as dried fruits, nuts, cereal bars, and chocolate to keep you fueled on the journey. Dinner is the main meal of the day beginning with light appetizers followed by a locally inspired main course and fresh salads. Meals are balanced, flavorful, and made with seasonal produce, regional meats, fish, and seafood. Dietary preferences and special requests can be accommodated with advance notice.
You’re welcome to bring anything else you feel called to — though we always suggest keeping things simple and packing light.
CLOTHING
Upper body
- long sleeved shirts (provide protection from the sun or extra warmth)
- warm sweater (wool or fleece)
- warm long underwear
Lower body
- riding pants
- casual clothes for the evenings
- yoga pants
- warm long underwear
Outerwear
- waterproof jacket/waterproof rain pants to wear over riding pants
- warm jacket or overcoat
Footwear
- comfortable riding boots (we recommend short boots with half chaps)
- hiking boots, rubber boots (bring a pair of these in case your riding boots get wet)
- warm socks, at least a few pairs
Headwear
- riding helmet
- sunhat
- warm hat for cold evenings
OTHER ITEMS
- gloves for riding
- scarf/bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun, wind or rain
- sunglasses with a cord attached so they don’t fly off when riding
- swimsuit
- towel
- toiletries
- hand sanitizer
- small plastic bags
- pair of slippers to wear in the accommodation
- water bottle
- camera & accessories
- rechargeable power bank
- notebook/journal
MEDICAL KIT
- high uv sunscreen
- aquaphor (for dry lips)
- insect repellent
- any medication you regularly take
- band aids and second skin plasters for chafing
- pain reliever
- ear plugs (for light sleepers)
HEALING
- Untethered Soul - Michael Singer
- Healing Collective Trauma - Thomas Hübl
- Attuned - Thomas Hübl- If Women Rose Rooted - Sharon Black
- Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times - Katherine May- Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma - Peter A. Levine
- The Power of Now - Ekhart Tolle
- Being Peace - Thich Naht Hahn
- One Long River of Song: Notes on Wonder - Brian Doyle
- The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief - Francis Weller
- Gender(s) - Kathryn Bond StocktonRELATIONSHIP
- Us - Terrence Real
- Perfect Love, Imperfect relationships - John Welwood
- Conscious Loving: The Journey to Co-Commitment - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick
- The Conscious Heart - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick
- Nonviolent Communication - Marshall Rosenberg
- The Power of Attachment - Diane Poole Heller
- Eight Dates - John Gottman
CLIMATE
- All We Can Save - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katherine K. Wilkinson
- Rooted - Lyanda Lynn Haupt
- The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle
of Oppression to Protect People + Planet - Leah Thomas- The End of Eden: Wild Nature in the Age of Climate Breakdown - Adam Weltz
HORSE
- Tao of Equus - Linda Kohanov
- Riding Between Worlds - Linda Kohanov
- Sacred Spaces: Communion with the horse through science and spirit - Dr. Susan Fay
please note, this is an optional reading list for your enjoyment
Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart from Puerto Natales at 9:00 AM and begin your journey to Estancia La Peninsula. Upon arrival, settle into the remote beauty of the Barrosa Cabin, your base for the next two days. After a warm welcome and some time to get grounded, you’ll head out for your first guided horseback ride—an immersive introduction to the wild, expansive landscape of the region. As the day winds down, return to the cabin to unwind with a deeply restorative yin yoga session followed by yoga nidra. We’ll close with a nourishing dinner and a chance to reflect on the day’s first connection to the land.
Day 2:
Begin your day with a warm breakfast as the early light stretches across the Patagonian landscape. Afterward, ease into a gentle yoga flow to awaken the body, followed by a grounding meditation to center your energy for the day ahead. Mid-morning, we’ll head out on horseback for an extended ride across La Peninsula’s vast and rugged terrain. Along the way, we’ll pause for a simple, nourishing lunch in the field and take time for a photo session to capture the raw beauty of the land. Upon returning to the cabin in the afternoon, we’ll move into a guided breathwork ceremony by the fire—a powerful, intentional practice to deepen your connection to self and place. After dinner, the evening is yours to unwind, journal, or simply settle into the stillness of Barrosa Cabin.
Day 3:
Begin the day with a grounding morning meditation, followed by your final ride through the wide-open landscape of La Peninsula—one last chance to take in the wild, windswept terrain on horseback. After the ride, we’ll return for lunch before boarding the boat back to the mainland. From there, the journey continues with a scenic 3-hour drive through the iconic Torres del Paine National Park, with opportunities to stop, stretch your legs on short hikes, and take in the dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife that define this legendary region. Following the park tour, we’ll continue with a 2-hour drive to Estancia Baguales. Arriving around 7:00 PM, you’ll settle into the quiet comfort of your glamping accommodation and enjoy a warm, grounding dinner in this remote and otherworldly setting.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 4:
Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast as the first light touches the peaks surrounding Baguales. If the weather allows, we’ll follow with an outdoor yoga session beneath the vast Patagonian sky—an invitation to root into the stillness of this remote place. From there, we’ll spend the day exploring Baguales on horseback, venturing deep into fossil-rich valleys shaped by millions of years of geological history. This untouched terrain evokes a sense of awe and timelessness, offering a rare chance to connect not only with nature, but with the ancient energy that lives in the land. As evening settles in, we’ll gather for a final shared meal together and close the day with space to reflect, share stories, or simply rest under the expansive southern stars.
Day 5:
Begin your final morning in Patagonia with breakfast, followed by a grounding meditation to settle into the rhythm of the day. We’ll then head out for a final ride—one last opportunity to move with the land and take in the vast, quiet beauty of Baguales. After returning to camp, we’ll gather for a farewell lunch, sharing a final meal together in this wild and sacred place. In the early afternoon, we begin the journey back to Puerto Natales or onward to Torres del Paine National Park, carrying with us the stillness, strength, and presence cultivated over these unforgettable days together.
End of trip
Itinerary
Estancia Patagonia
Estancia Patagonia is a family-owned outfitter based in the Last Hope Province of Chilean Patagonia. Run by a fourth-generation sheep and cattle ranching family, the team has spent generations living, working, and guiding in these remote landscapes. With over 25 years of experience blending traditional ranching with thoughtful tourism, they offer travelers a rare opportunity to experience Patagonia through the lens of those who call it home. Whether riding across open steppe or witnessing sheep herding firsthand, the experience is designed to foster connection—to the land, the culture, and the people. With properties at both La Peninsula and Baguales, Estancia Patagonia is grounded in deep knowledge of place and a strong commitment to conservation. Their mission is to contribute to a thriving Patagonia where livestock, wildlife, and humans coexist in balance—preserving the landscape and way of life for generations to come.
Testimonial
“Time in the backcountry on horseback surrounded by an incredible group of women who share the same values and inspiration was balm for my soul. Riding Wild created a beautiful safe space for heart centered healing and connection through every aspect of this journey. Thank you for an epic adventure of body and spirit.”
- Jenn whitney
We can't wait to meet you!
Meet your guides
Aniela Gottwald
CALIFORNIA, USA
Aniela Gottwald is the founder of Riding Wild, a 1% For The Planet nonprofit organization that takes women on transformative wilderness expeditions, com- bining personal and collective healing with intersection- al environmentalism. With over 20 years of experience in horsemanship, Aniela is a certified Equine Guided Empowerment® facilitator specializing in integrative somatic trauma and attachment therapy. Aniela’s lifelong connection with horses began in childhood, but it was her solo 1,300-mile backcountry expedition with wild horses she trained herself that deepened her understanding of the mirroring power of these animals in the healing process. Her work with Riding Wild stems from this understanding, offering equine-guided journeys that foster empowerment, personal sovereignty, and a sense of freedom. Through these immersive experiences, Aniela helps women, especially BIPOC and Indigenous communities, reclaim their voices and rediscover their inner strength. Guiding horse-riding expeditions throughout the world, Aniela has created a powerful program that seamlessly integrates tools for nervous system regulation and therapeutic practices into each journey. Her approach is grounded in the belief that individual healing contributes to collective well-being, creating a ripple effect of generational healing and transformation. Riding Wild’s purpose is to make these healing experiences accessible through scholarships, providing safe spaces for adventure, connection, and the discovery of new possibilities. Through her work, Aniela invites women to step into a journey of personal growth and resilience, supported by the essential connection between humans and nature. She believes that empowering women to heal, we also open pathways to advocate for the healing of nature - recognizing that personal and environmental restoration are deeply interconnected.
Lena Bam
PHOTOGRAPHER | PATAGONIA, CHILE
Lena was born in Siberia, Russia, and never imagined her life would change so drastically, leading her to find her place on the other side of the world. After many years traveling and living in Asia, she discovered her true home in Patagonia. She fell in love with the stunning landscapes, the rich gaucho culture, and the horses galloping freely across the pampa. With her camera in hand, Lena captures moments that feel unique and authentic. While riding horses and experiencing the wind and cold, each image she takes tells the story of her journey, inviting others to connect with these extraordinary moments.