The Araucarias Safari takes place on a private estancia in Northern Patagonia, in the pre-Cordillera region. This area is truly unique, as it is one of the few places in the world where you can find Monkey Puzzle trees (Araucarias) growing naturally.
The landscape is a vast open valley crossed by the Quillén River, which follows the entire length of the ride. Throughout the journey, riders experience a remarkable variety of scenery: lenga forests, araucaria forests, native oak trees, wetlands (mallines), open pampas, river crossings, mountain ascents, and wide valleys.
We ride up into the mountains, reaching elevations of up to 2,800 meters, with breathtaking panoramic views. One of the highlights of the safari is the constant presence of Volcán LanÃn, which accompanies much of the route. We also spend time riding near a lake, surrounded by lush green forests — a very special day of the trip.
Meeting Point
San MartÃn de los Andes, Argentina
Date and Rates based on double occupancy
North Patagonia Trail 2026
$3,550 based on shared accommodation
13-18 December, 2026
Price Includes
- All accommodation (glamping)
- All meals and alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
- Horses, tack, and riding equipment
- Experienced guides and support team
- All activities during the safari
Price Excludes
- Flights and transfers to/from the meeting point
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and tips
Day 1 Arrival to Quillén / MallÃn Escondido
Around midday, an optional private transfer will pick you up from either San MartÃn de los Andes or the airport, depending on your location, and bring you to Quillén. Upon arrival at Puesto RÃo Quillén, you’ll be welcomed with a freshly prepared lunch.
After the meal, the team will help you get ready for your first horseback ride, ensuring you're comfortable with your horse and saddle before heading out.
This introductory ride takes you to MallÃn Escondido, nestled on the southern slopes of the Quillén Valley. At camp, a traditional Argentine meal will be cooked over an open fire. You’ll have time to enjoy a hot shower and settle in for a good night’s sleep—tomorrow’s journey will be longer and even more scenic.
Estimated riding time: 2 hours
Day 2 Voladero Ride
After breakfast at the MallÃn Escondido camp, the group will mount their horses and head toward Voladero camp. The ride begins with a descent along the southern slope of the valley, offering stunning views of the Ruca Choroi ridge.
Once in the valley, the group will reach the Quillén River, which will be crossed to get to the northern bank. Lunch will be served there, and if the weather allows, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the river.
After lunch, the ride continues up the northern slope of the Quillén Valley, with beautiful scenery along the way. The day ends at Voladero camp, where a delicious dinner and a hot shower await, followed by a good night's sleep.
Net riding time: 4 hours
Day 3 Picudo Ride
In the morning, after breakfast at Voladero camp, the group will saddle up and set off on a long ride with magnificent views. The trail ascends gentle slopes until reaching MallÃn del Picudo, where we’ll stop for lunch and a well-deserved rest.
The journey then continues through an unforgettable forest of araucarias (monkey puzzle trees), before beginning the descent down Loma de los Chivos, a steep slope offering breathtaking views of LanÃn Volcano and Lake Quillén.
At the end of the descent, we arrive at Malalco camp, our main base. There, you'll enjoy a hot shower, a hearty dinner, and a restful night.
Net riding time: 5 hours
Day 4 Explore Quillén Lake
After a relaxed breakfast, the group will embark on a restorative day. They’ll ride at a calm pace to the dock, where a boat will take them across the lake to Lumillas beach. There, lunch will be prepared over an open fire.
In the afternoon, after enjoying time by the lake, the group will return by boat, and those who wish can try their luck at fishing. Back at the dock, the group will mount up once again and ride back to Malalco camp.
Net riding time: 2 hours
Day 5 Ruca Choroi Ride
The goal for the day is to reach the highest peak in the area — Ruca Choroi Volcano — standing at over 2,320 meters above sea level.
The group will leave Malalco camp in the morning and begin the ascent. Along the trail, you'll pass through lenga forests, reed beds, araucaria forests, and finally rise above the tree line to reach the lagoons formed within the volcano's ancient crater.
Lunch will be served at the crater. Afterwards, those with energy to spare can hike up to the ridge, rewarded with a panoramic view of seven volcanoes and the Andes.
Net riding time: 6 hours
Day 6 Departure
Start your day with breakfast at the glamping. Once packed, a truck will pick you up from Malalco and take you back to San MartÃn de los Andes.
