
Zapallar and Papudo Tour with Penguins and Horseback Riding
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Zapallar and Papudo Tour with Penguins and Horseback Riding worth booking?
Zapallar and Papudo Tour with Penguins and Horseback Riding is a 10-hour experience in Santiago, Chile, from $225 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (20)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $225 per person
Discover the stunning landscapes of the Chilean Pacific coast on this full-day tour from Santiago. Begin your adventure with a boat ride to Cachagua Island, where you will observe the endangered Humboldt penguins in thei
What you get
- Private transportation
- Boat ride to Cachagua Island
- Horseback riding experience with guide
About this experience
Discover the stunning landscapes of the Chilean Pacific coast on this full-day tour from Santiago. Begin your adventure with a boat ride to Cachagua Island, where you will observe the endangered Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat. After this unique wildlife experience, head to Papudo for a scenic horseback ride along the coastline, taking in breathtaking views of the ocean while enjoying the serenity of the Chilean countryside. This journey combines nature, adventure, and cultural insights, guided by local experts. - Full-day tour lasting approximately 9-11 hours, starting around 7:00-07:30 AM - Includes round-trip hotel transportation from Santiago and a professional guide - Enjoy a boat ride to Cachagua Island and observe Humboldt penguins - Scenic horseback riding experience along the Pacific coast with opportunities to see diverse wildlife
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Boat ride to Cachagua Island
- Horseback riding experience with guide
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Zapallar
Explore this elegant coastal town surrounded by hills and seaside architecture.
Pass by without stopping
Isla Cachagua
Sail along the coast to spot Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and seabirds in their natural habitat.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Papudo
Visit this charming fishing village, stroll along the beach, and enjoy the relaxed local atmosphere. Free time to enjoy local cuisine at a seaside restaurant (meal not included).
60 minutes here
Papudo
Experience a guided horseback ride with ocean views and fresh coastal air. Enjoy panoramic stops along the route for photos and breathtaking landscapes.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Santiago
We meet at the lobby of your hotel. We will always get in touch with our guests a few days before the tour.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
We meet at the lobby of your hotel. We will always get in touch with our guests a few days before the tour.
Options you can book
Zapallar and Papudo Tour with Penguins and Horseback Riding
Zapallar and Papudo Tour with
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Brotherstours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- No recomendado para viajeros susceptibles al mareo
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
20 verified traveler reviews for Zapallar and Papudo Tour with Penguins and Horseback Riding. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Unforgettable and out of the ordinary
Tour for those who want to get out of the obvious tours in Santiago. Everything was very well organized, they pick up at the hotel and are warning by whatsapp who will be next and share the location of the van in real time, the guide Juan is excellent, explains the entire history of the locations, helps the people to relax, brings curiosities and takes beautiful photos! The horse ride is simply unavoidable! The coast is wonderful and the horses are very gentle, until I who had no experience felt safe. We also saw very cute penguins, a puppy giving their first fists in the water, more beautiful thing! And the van allows us to enjoy the landscape and rest after a long day of walking. I loved today and I recommend it to everyone!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Excellent attention unforgettable walk
Everything very well met my expectations
via Tripadvisor (translated)
The best way to see Penguins from Santiago
I looked at trying to reach Zapallar by bus, but the schedule was almost impossible unless you have several days. So I settled on this trip instead and it was definitely the right choice. Picked up from my hotel on time (they contacted me the day before with the exact time for pick up). Once they have collected all the other passengers (there were 8 of us) headed off to Zapallar. We stopped on the way for a toilet break and you can buy snacks if you want. The boat trip is on a small fishing boat with only 4 passengers and lasts an hour. They take several passes around the island and there were plenty of penguins as well as other sea birds. I have included pictures but I have a 600mm lens - you will not get as good pictures with just a phone. We saw one baby sea lion, but unfortunately no sea otters (but they are rare - so if you do see one remember how lucky you are) After the boat trip we went on to Papudo and horse riding. Only one of the group had done any riding before, but honestly they were very placid horses so don't worry if you haven't ridden before. We rode along the beach and back but only at a walk. Then back to Papudo beach where you can have lunch at a seafood restaurant (not included). The food was excellent according to the others - I opted to walk the beach front instead as I had brought my own lunch. Then back to the hotel. Overall a great day out and I think reasonably priced. The trip was originally planned for the next day, but the company contacted me about changing the day because there was going to be bad weather on the day I booked. So excellent communication. The guide was multilingual - English and Portugese for us - and kept us informed. I would recommend this trip to anyone who likes penguins.
via Tripadvisor
A more than perfect tour!
A fantastic experience! An unparalleled program in Santiago, with an excellent guide (Juan) and a first-rate driver (Sebastián). We were taught the history of the villages we visited and much about the local flora and fauna, Humboldt penguins, horseback riding on the beach, a beach break and, finally, a lovely little gift! Thank you so much! I highly recommend this amazing tour; you will not regret it!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Amazing boat ride and horseback riding
Seeing penguins in Cachagua by boat was magical, and the ride in Papudo by the coast, spectacular, with incredible views. All inclusive. 5/5. From the best experiences in Chile.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zapallar and Papudo Tour with Penguins and Horseback Riding: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santiago.
How much does Zapallar and Papudo Tour with Penguins and Horseback Riding cost?
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Prices start at $225 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Santiago usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Zapallar and Papudo Tour with Penguins and Horseback Riding take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Santiago is not rushed.
Is Zapallar and Papudo Tour with Penguins and Horseback Riding worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 20 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Santiago, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Zapallar and Papudo Tour with Penguins and Horseback Riding?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Zapallar and Papudo Tour with Penguins and Horseback Riding suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 10-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Zapallar and Papudo Tour with Penguins and Horseback Riding?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Santiago can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Santiago and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Zapallar and Papudo Tour with Penguins and Horseback Riding start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Santiago within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Santiago?
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On Outty we rank every Santiago experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago., Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting, Santiago: Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Santiago?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Santiago?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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