Visitors to Patagonia have a lot to discover, but Explora offers a unique perspective from which visitors can endeavor to see the region's true beauty.
Guests staying with Explora have the opportunity to learn about Chile's legendary gaucho, the South American cowboy's lifestyle, through 16 distinctive equestrian explorations.
"Gauchos are integral to the experience on horseback here," Gaela Hourcq, Explora's stable manager, who also oversees the company's horse-breeding program. "Their work is so much a part of the culture and day-to-day life in Patagonia. Riding across rivers and through forests and mud and witnessing the remarkable relationships that gauchos have with our horses really makes our travelers feel a part of their culture and the work and freedom that makes them who they are."
Gaucho's accompany each of the property's equestrian explorations along with a guide, each of whom is responsible for helping ensure travelers have a comfortable ride. Along the way, they discuss their lifestyle and answer visitors' questions.
"Being part of Explora really makes them feel valued as people and as representatives of their culture," said Hourcq. "I think our gauchos continually surpass expectations by opening our travelers' eyes to their lifestyle through their distinctive clothing, stories, and knowledge of horses as well as the security that they provide. Once you've explored Patagonia on horseback with us, the picture of a skilled gaucho with a horse will always come to mind."
Explora Patagonia is home to 50 horses half of them raised and trained at Colunquen, a ranch in the heart of gaucho country that belongs to the Ibáñez family, owners of Explora.
The 16 equestrian explorations include half-day and full-day journeys that travel up to 21 miles roundtrip.
Rides such as the Laguna Negra take guests to a lookout point, crossing rivers and riding through forests along the way. Mirador de los Tempanos follows the banks of the Grey River and the Puntilla del Toro is an adventurous trek that crosses the Weber Bridge, offers panoramic views of Toro Lake, the Serrano plain and follows various rivers, with a steep descent and lunch included.
A YouTube video created by Explora highlights the experience here:
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
