Campo Antilco

Hi, I’m Mara.

I’m an interior designer by trade, but for the past 10+ years I’ve been guiding horseback rides here at Campo Antilco.

I’m either answering emails… or maybe I’ve taken you from one side of the Andes to the other on horseback.

Over the years I’ve had the chance to meet incredible people from all over the world , share unforgettable memories, and make great friends along the way, all while sharing our corner of southern Chile with others. My home. What a treat!

I welcome you to experience it all, our mountains, rivers, lakes, volcanoes, and, of course, our amazing horses.

Traditional Chilean riding saddles are quite different from the lighter Western or English saddles you might see elsewhere. They were developed for long days working cattle, crossing rough terrain, and staying comfortable for both horse and rider during hours in the saddle.

It’s called a montura chilena. It’s built with a solid wooden tree, thick layers of wool or sheepskin pads a top layer of leather and with a wide support for the rider.

Designed for Comfort and Stability.

One of the biggest goals of the Chilean saddle is stability. Chilean horses often work steep hills, forests, volcanic terrain, and cattle. This saddle helps the rider stay secure.

Have you ever tried one? What did you think?

Also, do you spot the mistake in the last picture?

Villarrica Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in South America, constantly reminding us that this landscape is very much alive.

Here and in Pucón the volcano is always present. You see it when you start your day, while riding through the valleys, and again at sunset when the last light hits the snow on the summit. It becomes part of daily life, something both grounding and impossible to ignore.

Its original name in the Mapuche language is Rucapillán, often translated as “House of the Spirit,” the volcano has long held an important place in local culture and history.

From some angles it’s a near perfect cone, rising above the lakes, forests and mountains.

In 2015 the volcano erupted dramatically during the night, sending lava high into the sky, it reached about 1.5 kilometers above the crater. The eruption column itself rose even higher, around 10 km into the atmosphere. An unforgettable reminder of the power that lies beneath the mountain.

Crossing The Andes

On our last full day of riding in Chile, before crossing the border, we arrive at Lake Icalma at the end of a long day in the saddle.

There is something special about turning your horse out to pasture by the lake, knowing the trails they have carried you through. The long days in the saddle have come and gone, and all that is left to do is feel thankful and admire them grassing peacefully along the lakeshore.

Alejandra, Ale, is one of the driving forces behind our farm. A part of the team for over 17 years, she’s someone you can always count on. If anyone can do it, it’s her. She never fails to deliver the best possible results.

The mountain forests of our Araucanía Region are some of the most beautiful and ecologically rich in South America—wild, dramatic, and still deeply tied to indigenous culture.
On the lower slopes it’s denser, greener, with coihue and mixed with various evergreen species.
At mid elevations araucarias start appearing, spaced out among Lengas.
Higher up it opens, wind-shaped forests with ancient araucarias standing alone.

One of the best things about our region is the amounts of water that we have. Lakes and rivers all around us, and there is no better way to end a long day in the saddle than with a splash of water!

Our cozy cabin is surrounded by peaceful nature, but there’s always something happening—whether it’s chickens wandering around or us getting the horses ready for a ride.
It’s the perfect mix of tranquility and life on the farm.