Atacama Desert Horseback Ride: Views and Review
The Atacama Desert, it’s almost like one of those places that calls out to your spirit, asking you to see its strange sort of beauty. Now, imagine this: you are seeing all that, not from a dusty tour bus window, yet from atop a trusty horse, really feeling the desert wind on your face. That’s what the Atacama Desert horseback riding adventure promises, it seems – and from what I experienced, it mostly delivers. This detailed review covers every little thing you might be wondering about before deciding to spend your money on this particular trip.
Booking Your Ride Into the Wild
The first thing, of course, you want to get it right is reserving your spot. Several local companies provide horseback riding tours, very much like “Atacama Desert Expeditions” and “Ride Atacama.” It’s advisable, just a little, to read a couple of reviews and do a little comparing before you choose which one suits you best, very similarly to how you’d compare prices on flights. Something I found pretty cool, anyway, that a lot of these companies allow you to book directly through their websites, making everything a little bit simpler. Now, most trips, I feel, last between two to four hours, that might depend on how much of the desert you’re wanting to see. And rates, it looks like, generally fall somewhere between $75 to $150 USD, again it varies by the length and whatnot included. Very unlike skydiving, anyway, this one doesn’t break the bank too badly.
The booking itself, it can be a bit straightforward. So, they usually ask for your weight and riding experience level. And this is definitely to match you with a horse that, actually, you know, suits your abilities. Be honest here; it is never the time to show off like some rodeo superstar – you really want a safe and pleasing ride. After booking, you should get an email confirming all the important details, which typically, usually, involves the meeting location and what stuff you should remember to bring. In short, anyway, make certain you get this confirmation and, actually, read it carefully. By the way, because some operators, maybe, just maybe, provide hotel pick-up and drop-off options. I suggest that anyway, because taxis can sometimes be quite expensive.
What to Pack: Gearing Up Like a Pro
Okay, talking about what to bring, the Atacama Desert, it isn’t like your ordinary day at the park. You are talking about one of Earth’s driest places, as I understand, it does get pretty harsh. That means, alright, packing the right gear is actually something you should care about for having a comfortable and safe adventure. The sun can be remarkably strong, that might even require good sunblock, and, of course, you know, hats and sunglasses for, you know, some added protection. Like many things, usually, it’s best to get them on before it becomes an issue. One thing, it’s almost essential, a wide-brimmed hat will really do wonders in shielding your face and neck from sunburn.
Then, clothes – long-sleeved shirts and pants, maybe they are your friends. They shield you from the sun and help you not getting scratched up by the desert vegetation. About shoes: sturdy, closed-toe ones, actually, they are non-negotiable. As a matter of fact, like, you really do not want to get any little stones in your sandals, alright? Trust me about that. So, water, very obviously, something that needs saying. Carry quite a bit of water, because staying hydrated in the desert environment, that can be crucial. Maybe throw in some snacks, very like granola bars, for some added energy during your trip, right? Last, but, arguably, not least, your camera to grab those awesome, beautiful, desert shots, by the way.
Meeting Your Steed: First Impressions
Once you reach the meeting point, usually, that’s a nearby ranch or stables, it’s nearly time to actually get to know your horse. The guides, really, actually, they are great at matching riders with horses based upon their experience levels, as I had said. This is, clearly, really something to think about to make sure both you and your equine friend have a good outing. Meeting your horse can be like meeting a colleague on some work outing. As I was saying, the horses that I saw, well, mostly, they looked well cared for, and, typically, pretty gentle.
So, before heading out, anyway, the guides will most likely give you a bit of a summary of basic riding techniques and what precautions you might want to consider. And they’re going to, of course, go over how to hold the reins, how to steer, and very much how to communicate with your horse, I think. Listen closely, alright, and do not shy away from some clarifying questions. Maybe get familiar with your horse for a couple of moments, it could be really useful – pet it, speak with it – it could be some comforting before going off. When it gets done the prep work, then, you will be riding across the desert!
Riding Through the Desert Landscape
As soon as you are riding, it starts really becoming clearer why you signed up. The landscapes, very surely, they are something like out of this galaxy. Vast expanses, they extend in every direction, showcasing this fantastic mix of sand, rock, and mountainous formations. Seemingly, the silence out there, besides the clip-clop of your horse’s hooves, is profound. What a thing to experience, alright.
The trails, of course, maybe they differ depending upon what route the tour is doing, although most guides really aim to bring you to vantage points where you can catch sight of magnificent panoramic views. You are likely to pass by dried riverbeds, unusual rock formations, and, arguably, if you are truly lucky, catch a glance of local fauna. It could be that the pace is ordinarily quite leisurely, alright, enabling you to definitely fully absorb the magnificence around you. And also, just a little, take photographs, naturally, anyway.
Scenic Views and Photo Opportunities
Speaking of those photo moments, your camera is going to be working on overdrive. So, one tip is: ask your guide to pause at a place where there are stunning vistas, that tends to be perfect to capturing postcard-perfect shots. The golden hour – it’s usually that point when the sun’s beginning to set, so casting warm hues all around the terrain – that could be incredibly amazing for photography. Bring along a wide-angle lens, that may help get those wide, expansive shots.
Most trips incorporate a specific location where you can get pictures with you along with your horse. That can really create long lasting keepsakes. And another option: when you find that you have the skills for it, alright, experiment with some distinct angles and views to really make the photos look their best. When your guide knows any nearby interesting viewpoints, go right on ahead and inquire! So, in the desert, many opportunities abound for unique snapshots.
Safety and Comfort: What to Expect
Now, about safety, almost all reputable tour providers truly prioritize this. Usually, it starts with providing well-trained horses that have been known to be calm. Now, they really match these horses up according to the skill sets of the rider. At the beginning, actually, they will, with no doubt, give you detailed directions about how exactly to handle the reins and also steer the animal. As a matter of fact, if at any point in time you believe uneasy, speak to the guide straight away. That tends to be what they’re for – ensuring every person stays safe and secure.
Then, the thing that has to do with comfort, wearing suitable clothes could definitely help greatly. As has been pointed out, always wear a wide-brimmed hat as well as sunglasses in order to avoid an excessive amount of sunlight. A thing to think about: a number of guided tours offer helmets. Those should be thought about by everyone because that’s something to think about if one were to happen to fall. Finally, stretch out and move regularly during pauses. Do so in order to avoid any sort of tightness, alright? The most critical idea when it comes to desert riding: just keep plenty of hydration going throughout the duration of the tour.
The Guides: Your Desert Sherpas
The guides actually add a whole lot of character, arguably, along with proficiency to your ride. Not merely do these guys show the routes, they additionally understand where to find all those cool viewpoints, right? As well as supplying instructions, they will be full of captivating information regarding the geological formations, the area flora and fauna, also the reputation of the region. So, feel free to consult and question them; these people appreciate discussing all their desert expertise.
As you ride, it’s quite clear that tour guides love showing tourists around to the place, as I had mentioned, their capability tends to be unequaled for taking good care of both folks and creatures! When you require any type of support or advice while operating an adventure trip, just notify a nearby guide! This is precisely what keeps everything safe, alright?
Post-Ride Reflections: Was It Worth It?
Once the ride ends, usually, you will definitely dismount, alright, maybe pat your new equine friend on the head, and give your gratitude to them prior to making your way back. Giving it some thought in hindsight, can it be worth all the hassle and the investment? The truth is, that could very well be! Being atop some majestic equine exploring all that great expansive space actually feels incredibly liberating! Now consider the sun’s warm embrace coupled together with awesome scenes around nearly every corner — ah it’s a perfect experience really worth experiencing!
Nonetheless, that doesn’t automatically mean everyone could take great pleasure out of doing it. If perhaps you are not at ease working directly using horses or generally, just you know, don’t generally tend to really like physical things, it may not match well along your needs at all. However for many individuals wishing various distinct experiences around Chile then going by pony may very well present these individuals having a unforgettable opportunity to truly get closely familiar, a little anyway, the grandeur that is Atacama!
Key Takeaways:
- Booking Early: Secure your ride well in advance because spaces sometimes are limited!
- Right Gear: Get proper footwear as well clothes appropriate with all types of conditions that often show in some kind or nature over across landscapes!.
- Tune-In: Take guidance through an instructed riding course plus safety guidelines explained/provided prior by guide/trainer .
- Camera Power: Try not miss recording spectacular views; fully seize photo possibility from desert.
- Honesty: When evaluating tours for possible engagement , reading thorough user testimonials sometimes provide a level transparent/valuable info aiding in choosing suitable tour guides !