After a two-hour drive from Chile’s capital of Santiago, you will arrive at the horse ranch located at Cascada de las Animas in the village of San Alfonso on the banks of the Maipo River. This nature resort has more than 25 years of experience in ecotourism in Chile with 8,000 acres of mountain ranges, valleys, springs, and waterfalls.
You will be guided by “arrieros” (local cowboys) as you take in the stunning vistas and admire the abundant flora and fauna from horseback. You will scale narrow mountain trails to a plateau where you will enjoy the gorgeous surroundings. The horseback riding time is approximately 90 minutes. There is no experience needed for this adventure. We use small but robust Chilean “criollo” horses that make everyone feel comfortable.
Following the horseback riding experience, you will have time for lunch at the rustic countryside Casa Bosque Restaurant in San Jose de Maipo.
Then, it is wine time! You will visit Cousiño Macul Vineyard for a winery tour and wine tasting. Founded in 1856, Cousiño Macul is the only winery in Chile among those established in the 19th Century that continues in the hands of the original founding family. The mission of Cousiño Macul is to produce world-class wines that are unmistakably Chilean carrying the distinctive character of the Maipo Valley.
| 8:00 a.m. |
Depart Hotel in Santiago |
| 10:00 a.m. |
Horseback Riding Experience at Cascada de las Animas |
| 12:30 p.m. |
Depart Cascada de las Animas |
| 12:45 p.m. |
Lunch at Casa Bosque Restaurant. Click here for the restaurant’s menu. |
| 1:45 p.m. |
Depart Restaurant |
| 3:00 p.m. |
Winery Tour and Wine Tasting at Cousiño Macul Vineyard |
| 4:30 p.m. |
Depart Vineyard |
| 5:00 p.m. |
Return to Hotel in Santiago |
(1) All times are approximate and the order of sites visited may vary.
(2) The minimum age for horseback riding is 12 years old and maximum age is 65 years old. The maximum individual weight is 100 kilos (220 lbs).
(3) Please keep in mind that this is a mountain horseback ride. There are segments of the trail that are steep and narrow in both going up and coming down from the summit. This may be uncomfortable for those who have a fear of heights. If you would prefer a trail that is less steep – but does not reach the summit – please inform your guide. Also, if at any point during the ride you feel uncomfortable, you always have the option to get off the horse and walk down the trail.
(4) Although this is a private tour with your own vehicle and guide, there may be others joining you on the horseback ride and at the vineyard, which is beyond our control.
(5) On Mondays, due to Cousiño Macul Vineyard being closed, we will visit Concha y Toro Vineyard for the winery tour and tasting (Traditional wine tasting option only). In this case, the restaurant for lunch will be La Vaquita Echá. Click here for restaurant’s menu.
