Riding: The Peninsula Valdes
To ride along the beach with elephant seals and penguins is a unique experience!
Similar to the rugged grasslands on the western side of the Patagonian Steppe, the Peninsula Valdes is not somewhere that immediately jumps to mind when thinking of horse riding locations in Argentina. Again, the terrain is fairly even and unchanging and so not first on our list, but it is on offer from a few of the estancias out on the peninsula and, where the ranches have a strong horse tradition, the riding is still worth a mention.
While the mainland of Patagonia is fairly desolate grassland and so has never been overly used to farm cattle, the Peninsula Valdes itself, with its short gorse bushes and limited wind protection, has provided locals with something to work with.
Where once there were a handful of small estancias that worked the land rearing sheep and cattle, these now provide a handy accommodation stop. These ranches are the perfect base from which to enjoy and experience the abundant wildlife that surrounds this small promontory.
Where most of the land that these small estancias own is fenced, and so offers only a limited area in which to explore, the riding is fairly unique (with guanacos and rheas running alongside) and a welcome addition to the range of activities that are on offer.
Click here to view some video footage of the area.