Reviews

‘This was my 7th GT ride, which has become my favourite ride (I may have said that before!). I had been dreaming about this ride for years, and it was the one that caught my attention the first time I discovered GT. Surprisingly, it surpassed all of my expectations.  The base camp was situated in a stunning location, and the hospitality was impeccable. We were treated so well that every need was met, even the ones that we didn’t imagine. The food was outstanding, too. If you’re looking for a ride that delivers in every way – culture, breathtaking scenery, incredible horses, wonderful hosts, and a perfect small group size – then this is the ride for you. The best part of the ride was the incredible terrain, which blew me away. Despite having ridden a few of the big mountain ranges, this ride was something else. Each day was an adventure as we explored ways to negotiate the snow pack still there after a cool season. We pushed new trails, and the variety in terrain was stunning. All of the horses were drop-dead gorgeous and did their job well. I never felt compromised in any of the sometimes steep and very narrow trails. They just went up and down with the same reliable steadiness. I appreciate the amazing crew on the ground here and thanks to GT for being the conduit!”

‘The Patagonia Trail is one of the best trips I’ve had. The mesmerising views that keep getting better, authentic culture and food, wonderful guides and staff who provide terrific hospitality, and the most amazing horses that let you experience it all from their backs. The whole trip was worth travelling halfway around the world for! Crossing the Pass of Tears was one of my favourite experiences, even though I’m not especially fond of heights – plenty of Type II fun. The views from the top while riding along the spine of the mountain, with steep drops on either side, were phenomenal and absolutely worth it. Having 17 Condors flying around us while at one of the lookouts was a pretty special moment, too.’

‘Words cannot describe how truly fantastic this ride is! It was a real adventure and our guides Jakob, Daisy and Marcos made this ride exceptional – they are so warm, helpful, interesting and fun! The scenery was stunning and the horses were so kind, sure-footed, willing, and matched perfectly to each rider. We loved each day. We rode high over mountain passes, had some lovely canters through valleys, swam in pristine lakes and rivers, and enjoyed incredible, delicious food and malbec at base camp around the campfire. This was our third Globetrotting ride and will be hard to beat! Treasured memories for a lifetime.’

‘The Patagonia Trail was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. The beautiful setting on a trout filled river in a remote valley full of horses deep in the Andes mountains was beyond anything I could have ever dreamed. Luxury camping beyond compare and a world class adventure are just a couple of ways I can think to describe it. The guides were exceedingly gracious and accommodating. I truly could not have been more impressed and grateful. The horses were all beautiful and well suited to their assigned riders. Toro was AMAZING. He carried me safely over the Pass of Tears and for that, he had my heart.
The riding included exciting canters across the valley fields and heart-stopping mountain climbing on horseback. Time out of the saddle was equally enjoyable, spent taking in the gorgeous scenery and enjoying the company of friends by the fireplace in the main cabin or around the campfire by the river. From the five-star worthy accommodations and dining at base camp to the authentic and rustic experience at Felipe’s fly camp, there was nothing not to love! This vacation is one I will never forget.’

‘The Patagonia Trail with Jakob was spectacular. The horses were sound and sure. Miguelito es mi favorito! He was a very forward, careful and comfortable horse. The accommodations were comfy and snug. The cuisine was top of the line. Jakob, Daisy and all the support crew were so kind, supportive, interesting and fun, and very solicitous of our needs. The attention to our comfort was outstanding. We couldn’t sit down without being offered a drink or snack!
This ride stretched me to do things I didn’t know I could. I was exhilarated and exhausted. I will treasure this memory for ever (and brag about it to all my non-horsey friends). Thanks Globetrotting for making our travel simple and safe so that we could enjoy such unspoiled beauty.’

‘Gorgeous blue-green crystal clear waters, soaring mountains and plunging ridgelines combined with surefooted and unflappable dream horses, a bit of cosy luxury camping and delectable food. This ride both challenges your fears and soothes the soul – a veritable feast of stunning scenery. It met every expectation I had and more. I have ridden on so many other speccy trips with their own special features that I have loved, and they seem tame in comparison – for adrenaline, I think this hard to beat.
I rode Moro Negro and I loved him. He was so perfectly behaved and well trained – I couldn’t think of a single thing to improve. Very surefooted over all the rabbit holes and so careful and unflappable on the Pass of Tears. He was perfect for me and the sort of horse I wish I could find at home. The saddles were great – to do those 13 hour days and not get sore is an achievement! The gauchos provided excellent care of the horses and were very accommodating of us – nothing was too much trouble.
All the staff were great, friendly and went above and beyond. Daisy made this ride the fantastic experience it was. Her humour and stories, her consideration and care of each and every one of us, her easy going approachability and the reassurance and communication she provided was so highly valued. She is a talented host and a special part of the team.
The food was divine – some of the best I’ve had. Clean flavours, fresh, healthy but still delicious, and a perfect amount of it. The chef should produce a book of his recipes – I would absolutely have bought it.
Not for the inexperienced or faint of heart, this was a very special experience of Patagonia and has become my new ‘happy place’ – at least ’til my next ride!’

‘The long day’s ride to Filipe’s place was possibly the best ride of my life, incredible! I loved my horse, Moro Blanco – he was so kind and steady and suited this old girl perfectly! Although the ride was expensive, considering the location, scenery and standard of service, it was good value for money. The accommodation and meals at the lodge exceeded my expectations, they were fantastic! As an older rider, no longer riding regularly, it is not possible to go without a certain amount of help, so thanks again to the Globetrotting girls for your good humour, kindness, help and assistance.’

‘Picture this: it’s 7am and you’re woken to the sound of Miguel discretely lighting your wood-heater in your cosy glamping tent. The cold Patagonian night is dispelled, so you enjoy a good stretch in your comfortable bed then shower (if you want), jump into your riding clothes and make your way to breakfast at 8. It’s fabulous homemade granola, fresh fruits and juices, huevos and bacon. You don’t linger though… because its time to ride! You gather your gear and head to your horse who is already saddled by the gauchos and ready to go. You rode the whole day before… but you wouldn’t know it, as the gaucho saddles with their sheepskin pads are the most comfortable saddles ever. FACT.  It really doesn’t matter where you are riding today – it’s guaranteed that the scenery is spectacular, your horse surefooted and willing and that you are surrounded by people who share your love of horses and viewing the world ‘between two ears’. At every viewpoint, you think ‘this is the money shot!’, only to find that the vistas get more and more spectacular. Your horse is amazing. You are enjoying a privilege few others receive. You are EXACTLY where you need to be. You return to camp at the end of the day and delight in watching the horses roll away the day’s efforts and start tearing into the lush green grass outside your cabin. You spend a few moments reflecting on their strength and agility… but the open bar is calling! You shower and change and enjoy Daisy’s G&T or Oscar’s Pisco Sour in front of the roaring fire, joining in on the excited chatter that recaps today’s marvellous ride. The conversation continues over a three-course epicurean delight prepared by Oscar and his team and washed down with some Argentinian Malbec (a must!). Retire early or retire late, your wood-heater is already stoked and the hot water bottle is ready to warm your toes. You pinch yourself – life doesn’t get any better than this. Horses are truly the best therapy… sign me up for this treatment every day!’

‘This was the most amazing experience in so many ways. In my email to Kate asking about this trip, I said, ‘I want to be challenged emotionally, physically and mentally.’ If I was to leave my husband, kids, business, etc to fly to the other side of the world, it had to be worth it. Well, worth it was! I could never have imagined one trip could give me so much. Words fail to describe the magic that this remote final frontier contains. There is something extraordinary powerful about removing yourself from this crazy modern world where we are all juggling so many balls and going somewhere no one can contact you, riding to places where very few have been. The horses were nothing short of amazing and our hosts Jakob and Daisy were the perfect team. The whole experience from start to finish was life altering. To ride a horse to the edge of the earth where the mountains meet the sky is something I will never forget. Climbing 2,000 meters above sea level under the watchful eye of a gliding condor with a wingspan of over 3 metres is extremely humbling. This is a journey I won’t forget. The only negative is that it is highly addictive – my new life goal is to trek the most remote parts of the globe on horseback.’

‘A group of US career women, ranging from 30 to 60, from nervous beginners to old pros, from never left the country to seasoned travellers, most of whom had never met, decided on a whim to take the trip of a lifetime together – with Globetrotting. And WHAT A TRIP. Globetrotting listened, selected the ideal trip, held our hands, answered all our questions calmly and patiently, recommended outstanding guides, helped with extra curricular activities and followed up at each point of the trip. We enjoyed every second of our ride – and travelled home feeling as if we had conquered the world. THANK YOU, Globetrotting, for a simply incomparable CUSTOM experience. We will all be back.’

‘Riding The Patagonia Trail was the trip of a lifetime… having the opportunity to see the unspoiled beauty of the Andes from the back of God’s most amazing creation, surrounded by friends, sustained by good food and wine, nothing can compare. This is not a ride for the fainthearted: it is physically and mentally challenging, with long hours in the saddle up technical terrain, but you will see things few have seen, experience things few will experience, and leave changed and inspired to see more of the world from the back of a horse.’

‘The Patagonia Trail exceeded all expectations. We were so well looked after, it was a true holiday! Great accommodation, food, alcohol, guides, gauchos, lovely well trained horses. My horse was General Rosas, and if he had fitted in my luggage I would have brought him home with me. The scenery and landscapes were diverse and absolutely stunning. Worth every cent.’

‘If riding a sure footed Criollo horse up and down precipitous mountain trails under a blazing blue sky is on your wish list, then The Patagonia Trail is for you! Experience luxurious glamping on the banks of a crystal clear river, feast on delicious asados and parillas washed down with plentiful Malbec. Ride through ancient forests to remote campsites that can only be reached on horseback to find a cold beer and delicious lunch waiting for you. Sit around the campfire in the evening, listening to the profound silence and watching the moon rise over the mountains. Swim in the icy Lake Traful after enjoying the amazing hospitality of Felipe’s home. The only thing I didn’t like about my time in Patagonia was that it came to an end all too soon! If there was just one word to sum up this experience it would be EXHILARATING!’

“This is an incredible experience and a wonderful way to see such a pristine part of our world!”

“The seven days we spent with our six new riding friends, the amazing guides and all the base and fly camp team was not just a riding holiday but a life-changing experience that will remain with us forever!”

“Patagonia is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Combine that with good food, good horses and great people, you couldn’t ask for more!”

“From our first ride at sunset on day 1, I knew this was going to be special. Jakob has set the bar high in regards to an experience of a lifetime.”

“An incredible week in an incredible country!”

“A stack of golden memories to freeze frame into lifelong memories.”