Don LagoEquestrian Lodge
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Cabalgatas Don Lago

HorsebackWhere time stops

Five horseback rides through the hills, ravines, fields and river of the Calchaquí Valley, 24 km from Cafayate. For riders with or without experience.

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  • 24 kmfrom Cafayate
  • 5rides
  • 1:45 hfrom

Five horseback rides

From a one-hour-and-a-half family ride to a three-day journey.

Group of riders waving on horseback in front of the valley hills
Group of riders moving along a dirt path between the valley grasslands
Circuit 1

Horseback ride to El Toldito

For the whole family, with or without experience

We leave Finca Don Lago heading east along the slopes of El Zorrito hill, an arid landscape of low, flattened vegetation with a panoramic view of the valley hills and the Quebrada de las Conchas. Along the way you can spot foxes, hares, partridges and a great variety of birds.

Our destination is El Toldito, the first lookout hill, where we can optionally stop for a few minutes to take photos and enjoy a short introduction to the landscape, flora and fauna of the area.

  • Talk about horse sensitivity and handling
  • A 500 cc bottle of water per person
1:45 h ARS 58,000 rate per person
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Lone rider crosses an open field
Two riders at sunset in front of the valley ridge
Line of riders at sunset in open countryside
Circuit 2

Ride through El Campo

For the whole family, with or without experience

We leave Finca Don Lago heading west. The route begins along a lane fenced with branches and native trees, which leads straight to the ciénego (wetland), a vast field of natural grassland fed by hundreds of springs that bubble up from the ground, forming small lagoons and reed beds.

After about an hour in the saddle we reach the Calchaquí River, one of the most important in the valley. Its white sands, mixed with dunes, give us a different terrain to enjoy and a spectacular view of the blue foothills that surround us.

It is one of the few green fields in the Calchaquí Valley. Along the way you can see animals grazing, such as cows, sheep, goats and horses.

  • Talk about horse sensitivity and handling
  • A 500 cc bottle of water per person
1:45 h ARS 58,000 rate per person
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Rider crosses a narrow canyon with red walls
Two riders among the red walls of the Quebrada de las Conchas
Rider in a hat on horseback inside the coloured canyon
Circuit 3

Ride to Los Colorados

High-altitude ride, for the whole family

We leave Finca Don Lago heading southeast along a stretch of gravel road. After a few minutes we turn onto the only trail, which crosses a large arid plain covered in different kinds of shrubs and home to local wildlife such as foxes, hares and partridges.

Ahead of us, the imposing Cerro Zorrito keeps us company the whole way, full of history, myths and legends, one of the highest in the valley.

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Then we ride along a watercourse the locals call Río El Colorado. It stays dry for most of the year, though it still shows traces of water. Little by little we approach the entrance to this red gorge, nestled at the foot of the hill, a magical place that invites us to ride in zigzag through a mountain canyon of reddish and white sediments. Here, among the colorados, we can enjoy the silence, the peace and the mystery of the region.

Its charm is so unique that it has a legend of its own. When we reach our destination, we dismount for a few minutes to take photos and take in the marvelous scenery. It is a highly recommended excursion: a ride that climbs gradually, without you noticing it on horseback. If we go in the afternoon, we get to watch the sunset, a moment not to be missed.

  • Talk about horse sensitivity and handling
  • A 500 cc bottle of water per person
  • Digital photos and videos of the ride
3 h ARS 75,000 rate per person
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Riders cross the river at sunset with red hills in the background
Group of riders crossing a rocky valley on the El Paso ride
Horses ride along a cactus-covered hillside on the El Paso ride
Circuit 4

Horseback ride to El Paso

Adults with average riding experience

We leave Finca Don Lago heading northeast. The ride begins across the first surface of the valley, an arid, gravelly plain with small rises where the cardón cacti that abound here are the stars. The trail leads us to the white strata, a mountain range of whitish sediment, colored by the different minerals that make it up. This visually striking stretch takes us to the Río de las Conchas, whose waters are calm for most of the year. Here we are already immersed in the Quebrada de las Conchas nature reserve, whose landscapes invite us to enjoy the contrast between the water, the green vegetation and the red, brown and blue hills.

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We continue over natural grassland surrounded by carob trees and other local trees until we reach “Al Paso” (“at the pass”), a place named that way because it gives passage to the herders who live in the heights, in the different areas of the hill. Riding between the red hills of the Quebrada de las Conchas is something special: the sun appears and disappears across the mountain walls of the canyon, in a zigzag game that brings us to a rest point. There we dismount, share a refreshment and hydrate while the horses rest too. We have 30 minutes to relax and take photos, and then we head back, with a different perspective of the landscape that will keep us captivated all the way to the farm.

  • Talk about horse sensitivity and handling
  • A 500 cc bottle of water per person
  • Refreshment during the ride
  • Digital photos and videos of the ride
5 h ARS 130,000 rate per person
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Horseback descent down a red slope towards the sand flats
Riders cross the river on horseback during the journey to Santa Bárbara
Circuit 5

Journey to Santa Bárbara

Adults with riding experience

The experience begins with a two-hour guided ride to Cerro El Toldito. On our return, guests take part in a Salta-style empanada workshop and share the empanadas at dinner.

Guests sleep in a rural lodge to experience the silence and tranquility of the countryside.

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The second day starts with a country breakfast, followed by a ride of about eight hours through the Quebrada de las Conchas nature reserve, enjoying the variety of the landscape and the beauty of the valley hills, accompanied by a board of local cheeses and cured sausages.

We spend the night at the Santa Bárbara rural post, where we share an asado with drinks and side dishes included.

On the third day we start with a country breakfast and then return to the farm by vehicle.

  • Salta empanada workshop and shared dinner
  • Rural lodging at Santa Bárbara, with asado and side dishes
  • Country breakfasts and a board of local cheeses
  • Return to the farm by vehicle
3 days / 2 nights ARS 510,000 rate per person
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Guided Horseback Riding at Finca Don Lago.

A joyful team, one passion

We are a joyful team, dedicated to a single passion: horses.

We have a lot of horses, tame and functional for short and long-distance horseback riding, suitable for people with or without experience. Our professional and experienced work makes us stand out: training, responsibility and love for animals.

  • TrainingGuides who know every trail
  • ResponsibilitySafety for rider and horse
  • LoveFor animals, always

Guest room

Stay at Residencia Equina Don Lago and wake up facing the hills, ready to ride.

Picada and wine in the barbecue shelter at sunsetPicada and wine in the barbecue shelter at sunsetRoom for three guestsRoom for three guestsBreakfast corner with kettle and wooden tableBreakfast corner with kettle and wooden table
  • Country breakfast
  • Private bathroom
  • Air conditioning
  • Mini fridge
  • Wifi
  • Parking
  • Booking requires a 50% deposit of the total rate.
  • Cancellation is 24 hours before the guest's arrival, with the deposit kept as a credit note, subject to modification.
  • Children under 5 do not pay, with no extra bed added.

Before you book

  • We work every dayMornings and afternoons.
  • A 50% deposit is required to bookNo exceptions.
  • If you cancel, the ride can be rescheduledThe deposit is non-refundable.
  • Only in the case of bad weatherThe ride can be rescheduled or the deposit refunded.
  • Maximum rider weight: 95 kgFor the safety and well-being of the horse.
  • Grace period: 15 minutesAfter that, you need to agree a new time with the coordinator to reschedule.
  • No alcohol or other substancesRiders under the influence cannot take part.

Requirements

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Long trousers
  • Cap or hat
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
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Everything you need to know

What days and times do the rides run?

Every day, in the morning and in the afternoon. Advance booking is recommended.

How much is needed to book?

50% of the total rate. The balance is paid on the day of the ride.

What happens if I cancel?

The ride can be rescheduled at no cost, but the deposit is non-refundable. Only in the case of bad weather can the deposit be refunded.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum rider weight is 95 kg, for the safety and well-being of the horse.

How long is the waiting time?

There is a 15-minute grace period. After that, you need to agree a new time with the ride coordinator to reschedule.

Can I ride after drinking?

No. Riders who are intoxicated or under the influence of other substances cannot take part.

Is it suitable for children?

Circuits 1, 2 and 3 are designed for the whole family, with or without experience. Circuits 4 and 5 are for adults with riding experience. At the lodge, children under 5 do not pay and no extra bed is added.

What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes, long trousers, a cap or hat, and sunscreen with insect repellent. The weather changes quickly, so an extra layer is recommended.

Where are you located?

In Corralito, Calchaquí Valley, 24 km from Cafayate, on Provincial Route 44 at kilometre 5.

24 km from Cafayate, on Provincial Route 44, kilometre 5.

Directions

From Cafayate along Route 68; turn off to Corralito at kilometre 17.5, then Provincial Route 44.

Address

Ruta Prov. N° 44, Km 5
Corralito, Valle Calchaquí, Salta, Argentina

Google Maps

Where time stops

Fill in the details and send them via WhatsApp. The coordinator confirms availability and closes the booking with the deposit.

Don Lago Horse Riding