Full-Day Ride to Laguna Cayutue — Huasos-Style Horseback in Vicente Pérez Rosales

Puerto Varas•easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

6–8 hours (includes transfers; ~3 hours riding)

Fitness Level

Suitable for people in general good health; basic balance and comfort on a horse for up to three hours required

Overview

Spend a day on horseback through temperate forest and volcanic ridgelines to Laguna Cayutue, following the routes huasos have used for generations. Expect three hours in the saddle, an asado lunch by the water, and sweeping views of Puntiagudo and Osorno.

Full-Day Ride to Laguna Cayutue — Huasos-Style Horseback in Vicente Pérez Rosales

Other

Wildlife

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

You start before the sun warms the saddle: an air-conditioned transfer peels away from Puerto Varas, and the road narrows into gravel as the sound of the Reloncaví begins to drop behind you. By the time the horses are tacked and the baqueano checks your stirrups, the trail has already climbed into a temperate forest where ancient coihues and mañíos hold a damp, resinous scent. The horses pick their way over roots and volcanic scree as the guide points toward three jagged cones—Puntiagudo, Cayutué and, farther off, Volcán Osorno—white against the sky.

Adventure Photos

Full-Day Ride to Laguna Cayutue — Huasos-Style Horseback in Vicente Pérez Rosales photo 1

Adventure Tips

Wear riding-friendly pants

Avoid shorts—long, flexible pants reduce chafing and are safer when mounting and dismounting.

Bring a refillable water bottle

Although guides report water from sources is safe, carry at least 1–1.5 liters for the day; refills are not guaranteed.

Protect from sun and rain

Pack a lightweight rain shell and a wide-brim hat—weather changes fast near the coast and on volcanic slopes.

Declare health and weight accurately

Operators require height and weight at booking to match horses and tack—be upfront to ensure safety and comfort.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Pudú (small native deer)
Andean fox (zorro)

History

The route follows access paths used by huasos and local ranchers; horseback remains a living link between livelihoods and landscape in this region.

Conservation

Riders are asked to stay on established trails and carry out waste; Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park manages grazing and visitation to limit erosion and protect native forest.