Exciting ride for adventurers and wilderness-lovers, estancias and refuges ride option

Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chilean Patagonia. One of Chile's most prized National Parks, this area encompasses 243,000 hectares of diverse scenery and a wild landscape on the edge of the Patagonian icecap. Located 150 Km. from Puerto Natales the park was created in 1959 and was further declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978.
There are many trails in the park which cross widely different types of terrain and as riders can cover greater distances than hikers; our groups get to see an enormous and diverse section of this pristine wilderness. The riding terrain is extremely varied and highlights include: exhilarating canters across open stretches of pampas; silent and winding trails through ancient southern beech forests; rides (and swims!) across fast flowing glacial rivers and tributaries; dazzlingly beautiful trails around lakes of amazing colours and wild rides out to enormous glaciers and iceberg-filled lakes. In addition, our vistas are constantly dominated by the huge granite peaks which form the centre piece of this geographical wonder.
There is also plenty to offer the wildlife enthusiast. Twenty five species of mammal including the elusive puma, the ostrich-like Rhea, and the now protected guanacos can be found in the park. There are over one hundred species of birds, notably black-necked swans, flamingos, ibis, rheas, austral parakeets and southern lapwings. Condors with a wing span of three meters will be seen hovering over valleys.
This trip would suit those who wish to combine some local flavour with their outdoor riding adventure and is designed for those who prefer not to camp. Riders will experience a first hand view of Patagonia estancia life and the joys, threats and difficulties posed by farming cattle and sheep in this area. The majority of the ride takes place within the park itself and offers plenty of diversity with rides across open pampas, rides to wild glaciers and iceberg-filled lakes and peaceful rides through valleys and ancient southern beech forests. Accommodation throughout is clean, comfortable and welcoming – all of it having been chosen for its beautiful location and unsurpassable views.
This exciting 12 day itinerary rides between working estancias, converted estancias and wilderness lodges.

ITINERARY

Day 1 PUNTA ARENAS – HOSTERIA RIO VERDE

• Clients should aim to arrive into Punta Arenas at 3:30 p.m. We will collect clients from the airport and drive them to the lovely Hosteria Rio Verde (about 40 minutes from the airport) via the Magellanic Penguin Colony. There will be plenty of time to wander amongst these cute burrowing animals before continuing onto this lovely authentic estancia, a fitting start to our Patagonia Estancia Ride. The Hosteria and estancia is owned and run by a charming family who has converted some of their historic estancia buildings into comfortable guest accommodations. Much of the renovation uses imaginatively recycled or locally produced materials and the rooms are all beautifully decorated and distinctive. Food and service are excellent and clients can wander around the small villa to see the buildings making up this working farm. Dinner included (excluding drinks). Trip briefing over dinner.
  NB: Clients arriving early (or spending extra time in Punta Arenas) will be collected from a pre-arranged meeting point in town at 3 p.m. Clients arriving late will need to cover their transfer cost to the estancia: US$60 per vehicle which can be arranged in advance. Transfer time with penguins: approx. 3 hours.

Day 2 TORRES DEL PAINE – ESTANCIA LAS CHINAS

• Today we are going to be starting our drive across the wide open pampas and land belonging to some of the huge estancias in this area towards the Torres del Paine National Park. After a short lunch stop in Puerto Natales, where clients can choose from a variety of restaurants and cafes, we will continue on along the easterly edges of the Park and into some quite different scenery bordered by the huge Baguales and La Cumbre mountain ranges. This area is very close to the border with Argentina and offers a wild and remote beauty not soon forgotten. Our base for the night is the lovely converted Casa Patronal (estancia house) of Estancia Las Chinas. Lunch not included. Dinner included (excluding wine/drinks). Driving time: 5 – 5.5 hours.

Day 3 ESTANCIA BARRACA

• Today after a homely breakfast, we will be meeting our horses and the baqueanos who care for them. Horses will be selected and assigned and there will be a short safety briefing and introduction to western riding. We will then load up our saddle bags and set off on our day’s journey. We will take it easy this morning giving us a chance to adjust to the local riding style and horses. Our ride takes us through some gorgeous canyons and glacial valleys as we ride in the shadow of the granite and often snow capped mountains. This area is home to a number of estancias and puestos and it is not unusual for our riders to be invited in for a traditional mate session (pronounced matay, the herbal tea drunk in this area). After lunch, we will enjoy some nice long canters as we head south entering the land belonging to Estancia Tercera Barranca. Our base for the night will be the converted casa patronal belonging to this estancia. Time to settle into the comfy accommodation and enjoy a pisco sour round the fire. Dinner included (excluding wine, drinks). Hours in the saddle: 5-6.

Day 4 ESTANCIA LAZO

• After a wholesome breakfast of home made bread and cake, we will be setting off on our ride across wide open pampas and river crossings heading towards the mountains of the Paine Massif. Hopefully we will be able to enjoy some ripe Calafate berries on our journey as this area is home to large bushes containing this sweet purple fruit similar to the blueberry. There will be lots of opportunities for long canters and the scenery gets ever more dramatic as we ride towards the famous Torres and the south western sector of the Park. Today’s ride is a long one and to give us and the horses a breather, we will meet our vehicle at a small puesto situated on the shores of the beautiful Sarmiento Lake. From here we will continue in a vehicle along this stunning drive skirting the rocky shores of this turquoise lake with the fabulous peaks standing watch behind. As we drive the final section through an ancient southern beech forest, we will see the traditional red roofs of estancia Lazo come into view. Our base for 2 nights, this very comfortable converted Estancia situated beside Laguna Verde offers splendid views, great food and comfortable accommodation. The lake shore is a great place to stroll spotting the wild geese and ducks bobbing in the water. Dinner will be in the restaurant offering an excellent variety of local foods and wine. Dinner included (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 6-7.

Day 5 ESTANCIA LAZO

• After breakfast, we will pack our saddle bags with cameras, waterproofs and our picnic lunch and set off around the shores of this pretty lake through ancient southern beech forests towards the Sierra del Toro. We will then make a steep ascent through forests to climb right up on top of this mountain. The last section of the ride will often be through snow as we stop to marvel at the views of the entire Park below us. We will then wind down to a pretty authentic puesto manned by one of the cattle ranchers from Estancia Lazo to take our lunch. Afternoon return to our comfortable accommodation at the Lazo Ranch. Dinner in the restaurant (wine/drinks not included). Hours in the saddle 3-4.

Day 6 SERRANO RIVER

• After a wholesome breakfast and packing up we will be starting our ride eastwards towards the heart of the Park. The morning ride is very pretty as we wind our way through valleys passing a number of lakes and stunning lookouts. Plenty of time to take photos, before we ascend to a lookout with fabulous views of the pampas and waterways below. After stopping to let the horses rest we will tighten our girths before making a dramatic descent of the Sierra del Toro to the pampas below. Lunch will be taken in the valley and we will have a chance to visit the Park Headquarters to look at their relief map of the Park. We will step up the pace in the afternoon and enjoy an exciting canter across the flat pampas towards the emerald green waters of the Serrano River. Our accommodation will be in one of the hotels built beside this river. Dinner in restaurant included (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in saddle: 3-4.

Day 7 SERRANO RIVER

• Today we saddle up for the fast pampas ride to Grey Lake. Our view will be dominated by the huge granite peaks of the massif as we ride out along the Grey River to the largest Glacier in the park, Glacier Grey. After crossing the swinging footbridge, we will take a walk down to Grey Beach for a memorable view of the Glacier and huge icebergs floating in the grey waters of this lake. For those who are interested there’s an optional boat ride across this iceberg-choked lake towards the face of this spectacular Glacier (this boat is very weather reliant and costs $70 per person for the three hour boat ride). If the boat isn’t running or for those clients who prefer to stay ashore, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, taking pictures or walking the short distance to Hosteria Lago Grey to enjoy some fireside pisco sours. After this exciting day we’ll rejoin our horses for a lovely long canter across the pampas to our hotel at the Serrano River. Hours in the saddle: approx 5.

Day 8 ESTANCIA TERCERA BARRANCA

• Today we will be setting off on one of the longest rides of the trip initially started as an experiment but now one of our most popular rides which none of our itineraries would be complete without. The Paine Massif will unfold in front of us as we cross widely diverse scenery on our journey across the heart of the park. Mountain peaks dominate the horizon and we pass numerous lakes of startling colours with rivers tumbling through tranquil green valleys. Herds of guanacos will be seen and flocks of birds accompany us on our rides through the forests. Wild flowers and orchids are nestled amongst the trees and line the trails. Truly a fantastic and memorable ride. Finally, our trail will take us eastwards to cross the Rio de las Chinas on our route out to the land belonging to Estancia Tercera Barranca. We will be basing ourselves here for 2 nights and can relax in the lovely living room with splendid views of the Towers while dinner is prepared. Dinner included (except wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 7 – 8.

Day 9 ESTANCIA TERCERA BARRANCA

• After saddling up we will set off on our exciting ride west towards the Torres and Lago Paine. Just before Laguna Azul we head north towards Laguna Stokes where a large natural vega or pasture exists. This area attracts wild criollos from the surrounding hills to graze in the summer. There will be many excellent photo opportunities on this route as we pass through forests, pastures and the lake where Lady Florence Dixie first camped having sighted the Towers. Afternoon return to Estancia Tercera. Dinner included (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 5-6.

Day 10 PUERTO NATALES

• Today we will ride south to the small outpost town of Cerro Castillo situated 40km from the entrance to the park and 60km from Puerto Natales. A fantastic riding across farmland and pampas with some unique and interesting stops on the way. Rivers will be crossed and there will be plenty of opportunity for long exhilarating canters on this prairie land just made for riding! Our lunch stop will be at one of the many estancias whose land we cross on the way to our destination. Hospitality is legendary in these parts and it is rare for passing riders not to be offered some form of hospitality by the estancieros. During late afternoon we will see a small hotel surrounded by the customary layer of trees offering protection from the wind. This villa was built by settlers to Tierra del Fuego at the beginning of the century and will be our home for the night. Once home to one of the most important and influential estancieros in the region it offers comfortable accommodation and an excellent restaurant offering a variety of typical local foods and international cuisine. The fireside bar is an excellent place to enjoy a pisco sour whilst recounting the previous day’s adventures. Comfortable ensuite accommodation (some rooms with fireplaces). Dinner in the comfortable restaurant (meal included, except wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 6-7.

Day 11 PUNTA ARENAS

• After a leisurely breakfast of coffee and home made cakes/bread we will transfer to Punta Arenas via Puerto Natales. We will have time in Natales to shop for souvenirs or postcards and there is a wide choice of restaurants and cafes in which to enjoy lunch. We will arrive in Punta Arenas about 5 p.m. Night Hotel Terra Sur. Dinner not included. Transfer time: 4 hours.

Day 12 PUNTA ARENAS

• Breakfast.

Group size: min 2, max 12

2006-2007-2008 SEASONS RATES, PER PERSON 

INCLUDES:

• Eleven nights accommodation based on twin share throughout (in hotels, hosterias and estancias – see full itinerary for more details on the type of accommodation)
• Eight days riding; all transfers to and from Punta Arenas and whilst in park (see designated flight info above).
• Breakfast and lunch every day; dinner in home stays, hotels and estancias (excluding wine - see full itinerary).
• Lamb Asado.
• English speaking and local guides.
• Baqueanos who care for horses.
• Waterproof stuff sacks for trip.
• Use of saddle bags.
• Entrance fees to park and penguin colony.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Domestic flights and airport taxes.
• Airport transfers in Punta Arenas.
• Meals on last night: lunch on day 2 and day 11 in Natales.
• wine and drinks whilst in park; local gratuities.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Horses: The horses are Criollo-cross and vary in size with the majority being between 14.0 and 15.2 hands. They are strong, fit, willing and sure-footed. We are able to provide good horses for both experienced riders and for riders who are more novice or a bit ‘rusty’. The pace of the ride will be adjusted to suit the majority of riders but as we always travel with more than one riding guide, there is great deal of flexibility and riders soon find their own pace for the trip. Riders are not responsible for grooming or tack. Horses are constantly checked for injury and/or lameness and tiredness. Where necessary horses will be changed. Most clients will experience at least one horse change during the course of a ten day trip.
Climate: Torres del Paine has a milder and drier microclimate than the surrounding areas of Patagonia because of some unique geological features. The weather however is famously unpredictable and it is possible to experience four seasons in the course of a few hours! Average daily temperatures vary but in summer one can expect 10 - 20 degrees Celsius with the occasional hot day of 25 degrees. Temperatures can drop to zero at night and high winds are common in this area. Although you can never be sure of how Paine will treat its guests, we ask that clients are prepared (both mentally and physically) for unpredictable and sometimes challenging weather conditions and that you pack accordingly. Good waterproofs (top to toe) are essential.

Suitability: 
This trip suits experienced riders wishing to combine some local flavour and comfy accommodations with their outdoor riding adventure. It is designed for those who prefer not to camp. Riders will experience a first hand view of Patagonia estancia life and the joys, threats and difficulties posed by farming cattle and sheep in this area. The majority of the ride takes place within the park itself and offers plenty of diversity with rides across open pampas, rides to wild glaciers and iceberg-filled lakes and peaceful rides through valleys and ancient southern beech forests. Throughout these long, exciting days in the saddle, the snow capped mountains are never far away. Accommodation is comfortable, authentic, cozy and welcoming - all of it having been chosen for its beautiful location, great view and cultural appeal.

Riding Experience: 
Intermediate – Advanced. This is a fast paced ride with some very long riding days. Fitness and experience are essential. No beginner riders please.

Age Limit: 
We can accept clients between the ages of 12 and 70. Younger riders need to be experienced and accompanied by an experienced and capable adult. Older riders are very welcome to join us on the completion of a medical suitability questionnaire.

Accommodation and Meals 

Estancia trip: 
We use both Park hotels and working and converted estancias. The latter offer a family stay environment with clean and comfortable facilities (sometimes shared) and cattle/sheep are often farmed. The hotels we use are all standard twin share accommodations with en suite facilities and a restaurant on site. They are all beautifully located and offer guests a warm welcome and good service. Please bear in mind that double beds are hard to secure and advance notice needs to be given to us so we can pre book these.
In converted estancias and hosterias such as at Laguna Verde and Cerro Castillo the accommodation is comfortable twin share with en suite facilities. On payment of a single supplement US$ 300 clients may secure single accommodation where this is available.

Food: 
Meals will be eaten in the restaurant or with the family. Food will consist of lamb, beef, chicken or salmon with fresh vegetables or salad accompanied by rice or potatoes. Wine and beer is available at a reasonable cost throughout the trip. Lunches will be prepared by clients at breakfast and packed in our saddle bags or day packs. They consist of sandwiches (tuna, cheese, salami, ham, peanut butter etc), fresh fruit, nuts and snacks and biscuits/chocolate. Clients are required to look after their own lunch boxes.
The restaurants in the Refugios offer a lively atmosphere and wholesome food. Vegetarian options are also available.
Breakfast will include toast, coffee, cereal, ham/cheese, bread rolls and juice and occasionally eggs.

All meals, excluding wine and beverages, are included in the trip price. In hotels this will be the ‘menu’ consisting typically of a soup or salad to start, a main course of beef, chicken or fish and a sweet (usually fruit). In home-stay accommodations such as Estancia Tercera Barranca, the meal will be a Chilean home cooked meal. Breakfast and packed lunch is included daily during the ride. Meals in Punta Arenas and lunches in Natales on transfer days are generally not included.
**Vegetarians can be catered for on all our trips.

Equipment: 
A full kit list is attached to this note. On our Camping trips clients are required to bring a sleeping bag and mat. The sleeping bag should be 3 or 4 season and should be carried in an effective stuff sack. We can rent sleeping bags and mats to guests and you should indicate this at the time of booking. For those clients renting a sleeping bag, we recommend you bring a sleeping bag inner (available in silk, cotton and fleece) for your comfort and hygiene.
Waterproof stuff sacks are supplied to each client for the duration of the trip (the size of an average 60 litre backpack/3,200 cubic inches and is sufficient for the demands of the trip). This enables clients’ belongings to be packed comfortable, safely and dryly onto the pack horses. Excess luggage not required for the trip can be stored either at the client’s hotel in Punta Arenas or with us in Puerto Natales.

Group Sizes:
We operate our trips with a minimum of two and a maximum of ten clients (twelve on Xmas Rides). In the event that the minimum number has not been reached we reserve the right to either cancel the departure or offer a smaller group of two clients the same itinerary but with some public transfers (still with guide throughout). We would like to add that we did not cancel any departures this season even though this meant running some trips with two clients. Although we cannot guarantee to do this in the future, we will always do everything possible to ensure a booking can be confirmed.