Riding Expeditions since 1988

Horse riding holidays

South America Packing

Preferably you should travel light using a single duffel type bag or rucksack for all your kit if at all possible, since you will often have to carry all your bags yourself in bus stations, airports and into and out of taxis.

Please take note that there is no possibility of shopping during the actual rides which take place in remote locations, but that there are good opportunities to do so in the various capitals before or after the riding. We sometimes get people asking if they can recharge their digital camera or telephone batteries, out on the trips this is generally not possible so you need to bring enough batteries, memory and film for the duration. Naturally you can charge your appliances before and after the rides at hotels.

You must provide your own sleeping bag for the riding expeditions and a down or feather bag with a polar rating is recommended. Another item that you might want is a camping mat for ground insulation. For the riding holidays a sleeping bag is NOT required.

Clothing: Temperatures vary dramatically depending on the latitude. Daytime temperatures are usually in the upper 30's degrees centigrade in the north (Gaucho Trail & Uruguay Rides). In the north night temperatures are moderate and there is no wind to speak of. Night time temperatures can range between 0 and 5C in Patagonia - especially farther South. As soon as the sun sets it can get really cold, well below 0C - conversely during the middle of the day it may be absolutely roasting! In Patagonia it can get very, very windy too (120km per hour in Tierra del Fuego). Head protection is essential due to the high chill factor, a wind proof head covering usually comes with a wind jacket, otherwise you will need a balaclava or wool cap that covers your ears. You will want something comfortable to change into at the end of a long day's riding. Jeans and a cotton T-shirt will be fine for hot afternoons, but evenings may be chilly and you are advised to bring a sweater and a wind and waterproof jacket. Be aware that you may not have the chance to wash anything out on expedition trips. But don't burden yourself with too many changes of clothing. For footwear a pair of light hiking boots are an excellent choice in addition to your riding shoes/boots. Proper head gear is another important item. A wide-brimmed hat is a good choice; just be sure it has a chin strap. Bring along a good pair of sunglasses, which should also have a strap. A pair of riding gloves is a good investment, both to avoid blisters while riding and as protection against the sun. If you use any special medication be sure to bring along enough to last the holiday.

Bear in mind that most airlines flying from Europe limit your baggage to 20kg.

Packing List