Jakotango End of the World Ride
Set at the southernmost tip of South America, Tierra del Fuego is a land of untamed beauty, where jagged peaks, endless skies, and rolling steppes whisper of adventures past. This remote archipelago – its name evocative of flickering fires and fierce landscapes – calls to those who yearn for the extraordinary.
This seven-night horseback journey offers an unparalleled immersion into this land of extremes, combining comfort, wilderness, and the timeless traditions of the gaucho.
Enquire now- Ride through the valleys of the South and navigate thrilling mountain trails, experiencing the untamed beauty of Tierra del Fuego on horseback
- Stay at historic estancias amidst sweeping Patagonian landscapes
- Discover the isolation of gaucho life, with nights by open fires and mornings by fresh mountain springs
- Spot guanacos, wild horses, condors, and explore the Río Grande, a world-renowned haven for keen fly fishers
DAY BY DAY
DAY 1:
Your journey begins in Rio Grande. After a warm welcome and a hearty breakfast at Estancia María Behety, you’ll travel onward to Estancia San José. Spanning 8,000 hectares, this former sheep farm is now a haven for anglers and adventurers alike. The Río Grande, meandering through the property, is famed for its enormous sea-run trout.
After settling into your en-suite room and meeting your guide, Marcos Villamil, you’ll join the group for lunch in the estate’s converted shearing shed. Following a siesta, you’ll embark on an evening ride across the steppe, the low sun painting the horizon in hues of fire and gold. Dinner awaits back at the estancia by the fire.
DAY 2:
The morning begins with a brisk ride to the banks of the Río Grande. The river, renowned for its trout, offers an opportunity to try fly-fishing (gear provided with prior notice). After a leisurely picnic and siesta, you’ll canter back across the steppe, pausing to explore trenches from the Beagle conflict of 1978 – tangible remnants of a contested border, now calmed by the passage of time.
DAY 3:
Today’s ride, a demanding 35-mile journey, is an odyssey across the ever-changing landscape. You’ll traverse steppes, ford rivers, and approach the foothills of Tierra del Fuego’s rugged interior. Saddlebag provisions ensure a feast en route, with lunch enjoyed by the tranquil waters of Río Menendez. By evening, the cozy gaucho caravans at Estancia Río Apen offer a respite.
DAY 4:
After breakfast, your horses will change – fresh mounts brought from Estancia Boquerón for the next stage of your adventure. The day’s ride takes you through the heart of the island, arriving at Boquerón’s yellow-painted homestead by midday. The afternoon is yours to explore on foot, ride further afield, or relax in the homestead’s inviting living spaces. Dinner, as always, is a celebration of Tierra del Fuego’s rich culinary traditions.
DAY 5:
The wilderness calls as you depart Boquerón with only the essentials packed into your saddlebags. The destination: Puesto República, accessible only by horseback. This remote camp strips life back to its essentials. Here, under the Southern Hemisphere’s brilliant stars, you’ll dine and dream of the adventures still to come.
DAY 6:
The morning ride takes you higher, up the tallest peak of the trip. From the summit, Tierra del Fuego reveals itself in all its grandeur: rugged valleys, shimmering rivers, and distant peaks disappearing into the horizon. The descent carries you back to Boquerón, where a hot shower and the comforts of the estancia await – an indulgence earned after the rigours of the wilderness.
DAY 7:
The Cerro Pelado awaits – a morning ride across the wind-swept slopes, offering one last taste of this extraordinary landscape. After lunch, it’s time to bid farewell to your horses and guides. A 4×4 transfer takes you to Estancia Viamonte, the oldest estancia on the Argentine side of the island. Dinner here is both a farewell feast and a reflection on the journey you’ve shared.
DAY 8:
With the memories of the steppe still fresh, you’ll depart from Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, to begin your journey home.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
This ride is an immersion into the gaucho way of life, with each estancia offering a distinct slice of Tierra del Fuego.
- San José Lodge: Set within 8,000 hectares of private land, this estancia is a haven of wild beauty, with the Río Grande flowing through – a river famed for its world-class sea-run trout. Once a sheep farm, it has been transformed into a welcoming retreat. Guests stay in renovated buildings with ensuite rooms, and the old shearing shed is now a cosy living space with a crackling fireplace.
- Estancia Río Apen: Offering a touch of frontier spirit, this estancia features four gaucho caravans, each with two double beds and private bathrooms. The communal cottage, perched on a hillside with sweeping views, houses a bar, dining room, and a parrilla for traditional Argentine grilling.
- Estancia El Boquerón: Tucked into the island’s remote interior, this estancia is rustic yet comfortable. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a relaxed living and dining area make it an inviting base for a two-night stay amidst the isolation of the surrounding wilderness.
- Puesto República: The most remote stop on the journey, accessible only by horseback, this is a true wilderness adventure. Pack horses carry supplies, and the camp is basic yet enchanting: two-man tents with cot beds and sleeping bags, meals cooked over open fires, and fresh mountain springs for washing.
- Estancia Viamonte: The oldest estancia on the Argentine side of the island, this historic lodge was once home to Lucas Bridges, a legendary figure of Tierra del Fuego. Its ensuite rooms provide a final night of comfort at the end of the world.
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What type of horse will I be riding?
The horses you’ll ride are predominantly Argentine criollos, hardy and sure-footed creatures bred on the very estancias you’ll traverse. They are equipped with traditional Argentine recado saddles, a comfortable setup resembling Western saddles, complete with soft sheepskins and rawhide bridles that speak to centuries of gaucho tradition.
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How much riding experience do I need for this trail?
This ride is for confident, experienced riders of an intermediate-advanced level. You should be comfortable at all paces and across challenging terrains – over the eight days, you’ll be cantering through open valleys, navigating steep mountain trails, and spending long days in the saddle.
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What do I need to pack?
Packing for Patagonia means preparing for the unpredictable. A warm jacket is indispensable for crisp mornings, while a waterproof coat is essential for sudden downpours. Sturdy riding boots with chaps, gloves, and a warm hat are vital for long hours in the saddle, and a buff or jockey goggles will shield you from the wind that sweeps across these wild landscapes. Layers are key – thermals, a fleece, and a mix of long and short-sleeved shirts will see you through the region’s shifting weather. Bring sunblock, sunglasses, and SPF lip balm, and don’t forget a head torch, wet wipes, and a water bottle for evenings at camp. Helmets aren’t provided, so pack your own if you want to wear one. A full packing list will be provided to all riders in advance of travelling.
