Puerto Natales: Horseback Riding with Horse Connection

The most unusual part of this Puerto Natales outing happens before you ever climb into the saddle. Lynn asks you to meet a horse, halter it, brush it, and pay attention to its behavior. The horse may help choose you, which gives the morning a calm, personal feel rather than the quick climb-on-and-go routine common on trail rides. I especially like the chance to choose between English, Chilean huaso, and gaucho tack, and the way Lynn adjusts the ride to your ability.

I also like the small group, capped at seven, and the route toward Lake Figueroa through forest and open pampa. The main consideration is that this is not the best fit if you are afraid of horses or want a fast, polished riding excursion with no groundwork. The full-day option asks for real riding experience, including comfort at a trot and canter.

Key points to know before you book

• Meet the horse first: You halter, brush, saddle, and get to know your horse before riding.
• Choose your riding style: English, Chilean huaso, or gaucho tack is available.
• Lake Figueroa is the main goal: The route crosses Patagonian forest and open pampa on the way to the lake.
• Two very different outings: The half-day includes about two hours of riding, while the full day includes six to seven hours.
• Lynn leads a small group: Spanish and English are available, with no more than seven participants.
• Plan for practical clothing: Long, comfortable trousers are required in practice since shorts are not allowed.

This is horsemanship first, trail riding second

If you book this experience expecting a standard guided ride, reset your expectations. Lynn’s approach begins on the ground, where you learn to read a horse and build a working connection before asking it to carry you. You will enter the corral, meet the horses, and follow Lynn’s guidance as you choose or are matched with one.

You then halter the horse and take it to the barn. Brushing and saddling are part of the experience, not a short delay before the real activity begins. This matters because you learn the horse’s personality, practice handling it, and get a better sense of how calm and clear your instructions need to be.

Several people found this reflective side especially meaningful. One person described the outing as an equine therapy experience, while another focused on the way a horse responds to your body language, mood, and intentions. You should not book this expecting a formal therapy session. Still, you can expect Lynn to use the horse-human relationship as a way to teach awareness, trust, and leadership.

That focus also explains why the ride may feel slower and more thoughtful than a normal trail excursion. You are not simply a passenger. You take part in preparing the animal, checking the saddle, and caring for the horse at the end.

Hotel Posada 3 Pasos: a useful starting point

The experience begins at the barn at Hotel Posada 3 Pasos. The initial introduction lasts about 10 minutes, followed by the meeting with the horses, though the full preparation and safety briefing take about an hour and a half in the stated itinerary.

If you need transport, the regular meeting point is Holaste Specialty Coffee in Puerto Natales. The coffee house opens at 8:30 a.m., and pickup is listed for 9:00 a.m. You can order coffee while waiting, which is a sensible touch for an early start. Hotel pickup is optional, but you need to contact the provider in advance.

The ride finishes with drop-off at either Holaste Specialty Coffee or Kau Lodge. Hotel transport is not included as a standard part of the price, so ask about a hotel collection before the day begins rather than assuming it will happen.

The small group size is a real advantage here. With up to seven participants, Lynn has a better chance of helping each rider with haltering, grooming, tack, posture, and reins. It also makes the horse-selection process less rushed.

Choosing English, huaso, or gaucho tack

You can choose the tack that feels most comfortable from three options: English, Chilean huaso, or gaucho. This is a useful choice, but it does not mean every rider will already know how each setup works. Lynn helps you get arranged and checks the fit before you leave the pasture.

The Chilean huaso and gaucho options add a local riding flavor, while English tack may feel more familiar to riders from riding schools or equestrian centers. Your choice should be based on comfort and experience, not just appearance.

Once the horse is ready, you go into the pasture. Beginners receive instruction there. Experienced riders check that the saddle fits properly and review their riding position before setting off. That short check is important in Patagonia, where a comfortable saddle can make a major difference over several hours.

The horses are described as well trained, but you still need to be comfortable around them. The provider makes clear that beginners are welcome if they are not afraid of horses. You do not need advanced skills for the half-day ride, but you do need to listen, follow instructions, and give the horse clear guidance.

Riding north toward Lake Figueroa

The route heads north toward Lake Figueroa, moving through a mix of forest and pampa. The pace depends on the ability of the group, so the half-day outing can be gentle and instructional or a little livelier for a group of riders with similar experience.

The scenery is a major part of the appeal. You ride through open Patagonian country, with forest sections and views toward the lake. The route offers a different way to see the area than a vehicle or walking trail. From the saddle, you pay attention to the horse, the ground, and the changing pace, so the setting becomes part of the riding experience rather than a backdrop viewed through a window.

A group of experienced riders may have time to enter the water for a swim or dip. This is not a promise for every departure. It depends on the riders, the pace, and the available time, so treat it as a possible extra rather than a planned feature.

The half-day ride includes about two hours on horseback. That is enough time to reach the lake area, enjoy the scenery, and get a genuine feel for the horse without committing an entire day. I would choose this option if you are a beginner, have limited riding experience, or have a busy Puerto Natales schedule.

The full-day option is a serious ride

The full-day route continues beyond the half-day outing through pampa and Patagonian forest. You stop for a picnic in the woods, then ride on to reach a good viewpoint. Total riding time is listed at six to seven hours, depending on the pace.

That is a long time in the saddle. The full-day option is recommended only if you already ride comfortably at a trot and canter. It is not simply a longer version of the beginner route. You need enough experience to manage your horse for several hours and remain comfortable as the terrain and pace change.

The benefit is a fuller day outside, with more time for the scenery, the horse, and the quiet rhythm of riding. The drawback is plain: six to seven hours of riding can be tiring, especially if you are not used to it. If you have only ridden occasionally, choose the half-day outing and enjoy it rather than pushing yourself into a full day that may become uncomfortable.

At the end of either option, you remove the saddle and help finish the day with the horse. You can bring apples or carrots as a treat. This small ritual gives the outing a proper ending and reinforces the idea that the horse is not just transport for a scenic route.

Lynn’s teaching style shapes the whole day

Lynn is the central part of this experience. Her instruction goes beyond how to sit, steer, and control speed. She encourages you to notice how the horse responds to your signals and presence.

That can be surprisingly revealing. A horse may react to unclear body language or a hesitant command, so you learn to be calmer and more direct. Several people valued the way Lynn connected riding skills with self-awareness. Her teaching is especially suited to someone who wants more than a photograph on horseback.

She also shares information about the horses, their personalities, and local history as you ride. The history element is not presented as a formal museum-style lecture. Instead, it comes during the route, as the forest, pampa, lake, and old local stories form the setting.

You should allow yourself time for this slower pace. If you want a guide who keeps the group moving quickly and focuses only on the route, this may feel too personal or unhurried. If you like learning how an activity works, the groundwork is one of the strongest reasons to book.

Tea after the ride

After returning to the barn, you unsaddle the horse and take part in a tea service lasting about 30 minutes. This is a welcome finish after riding, especially on the half-day route.

The tea gives you a chance to talk with Lynn, process what you learned, and say goodbye to the horse without being rushed straight into a vehicle. It also completes the practical cycle of the outing: meet the horse, prepare it, ride, remove the tack, and care for it afterward.

The drop-off points are Holaste Specialty Coffee and Kau Lodge. Since hotel drop-off is not included, check your onward plans before booking. If you are staying elsewhere, you may need to arrange your own short transfer.

What the $150 price includes

At $150 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a few hours near Puerto Natales. The price makes more sense when you consider what is included: a trained horse, instruction, the choice of tack, a small group, the route to Lake Figueroa, and the horse-handling session before and after the ride.

You are paying for more than saddle time. The preparation is part of the lesson, and Lynn adapts the difficulty to the group. That personal attention would be harder to provide in a large commercial ride.

Value depends on what you want. For a beginner who wants a short scenic ride, the half-day option offers a focused introduction without requiring an entire day. For an experienced rider who wants six to seven hours outdoors and a picnic stop, the full-day option gives you a much longer experience.

The price does not include hotel pickup and drop-off. Entry fees are included, but no other meal is listed beyond the picnic connected with the full-day outing and the tea at the end. Bring your own apples or carrots if you want to give your horse a treat.

Who should book this experience

I would recommend the half-day version to:

• First-time or beginner riders who are comfortable around horses
• People who want a quieter, personal activity between major Patagonia excursions
• Riders curious about Chilean huaso or gaucho tack
• Anyone who values learning horse care and handling, not just riding
• Small groups seeking a flexible outing with English or Spanish guidance

The full-day version suits experienced riders who are comfortable at a trot and canter and want a longer day in the open country. It is a poor match for someone who has never ridden, dislikes close contact with animals, or wants a tightly timed sightseeing tour.

Children under 2 are not suitable for this activity. Shorts are not allowed, so wear comfortable long trousers and clothing that lets you move freely. The information provided does not list a detailed equipment checklist, so contact the provider if you need to ask about helmets or other riding gear.

The cancellation terms are practical: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Patagonia schedule may change.

My call: choose the half day unless you truly ride

Book this if you want an authentic horse experience built around trust, grooming, handling, and communication. Lynn’s method gives the outing more substance than a standard trail ride, and the route to Lake Figueroa adds strong scenery without taking attention away from the horses.

Choose the half-day option if you are a beginner or unsure of your stamina. Pick the full day only if six to seven hours in the saddle sounds comfortable and you already manage a trot and canter with confidence.

At $150, the outing is worth it for riders who want a personal connection with the horses and a small-group day outdoors. Skip it if you only want a quick ride for a few photographs. The best part happens before and after the saddle time, so come ready to participate.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride begin?

The experience begins at the barn at Hotel Posada 3 Pasos. The listed meeting point for pickup is Holaste Specialty Coffee, which opens at 8:30 a.m., with pickup at 9:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included as standard. You can contact the provider in advance to ask about being collected from your hotel.

How long is the horseback riding?

The half-day option includes about two hours of riding. The full-day option includes about six to seven hours in the saddle, depending on the group’s pace.

Can beginners join?

Yes, beginners can join if they are comfortable around horses and are willing to follow instructions. Lynn provides instruction in the pasture before the ride. The full-day option is recommended only for riders who are comfortable at a trot and canter.

What kind of tack can I use?

You can choose between English, Chilean huaso, and gaucho tack. Lynn helps you prepare the horse and checks the setup before you ride.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for riding. Shorts are not allowed, so long trousers are the practical choice.

Is the activity available in English?

Yes. The live guide is available in English and Spanish. The group is limited to seven participants.