Jakotango · San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Seven nights across wild Northern Patagonia on Jakob von Plessen's own horses
A seven-night riding expedition through the wild valleys, forests and high passes of Northern Patagonia, led by Jakob von Plessen, one of the world's most sought-after riding guides, with his team of gauchos. You ride Jakob's own noricrollo horses, a line he bred from an Austrian Noriker stallion and local criollo mares, crossing the dramatic Paso de las Lagrimas, the Pass of Tears. Nights are split between a comfortable base camp and remote mountain fly camps reached only on horseback, with meals centred on Argentine asado. For advanced riders only, running through the Argentine summer.
This is a genuine expedition for advanced riders only. Expect long hours in the saddle over demanding mountain terrain, fast canters on open ground and steep climbs, so you need to be fit, balanced and secure at all paces on unfamiliar horses. It is not suitable for beginners or nervous riders.
You ride Jakob von Plessen's own noricrollo horses, a line he developed by crossing an Austrian Noriker stallion with local criollo mares: hardy, willing horses bred for this country. Riders over the weight limit need a second horse for the week at extra cost.
Days unfold on horseback through remote valleys, forest and high passes, with long hours in the saddle broken by shared meals and stillness. Nights are spent in the comfort of the base camp or out at mountain fly camps reached only on horseback, with Argentine asado cooked over the fire. The group is small and gaucho-led, and no two days are the same.
A comfortable permanent base camp combined with simple mountain fly camps out on the trail, reached only on horseback.
All meals are included, cooked fresh on the trail and centred on traditional Argentine asado.
Best months: Mid-November to end of February
The rides run through the Argentine summer, from mid-November to the end of February. A single supplement is not always available.
Nearest airport: Fly into Buenos Aires (Ezeiza), then a domestic flight to San Martin de los Andes (Chapelco)
Transfers: Jakotango suggest suitable domestic flights and arrange the transfer to the start of the ride
The ride is in Northern Patagonia, reached via Buenos Aires and San Martin de los Andes.
