Because of the climat sometimes hard, we can offer you an itineray slightly
different to the bivouac trekking, with an accommodation in "estancias"
and refuges chosen for their exceptional situation.
The highlights of this trekking are the discovery of the most famous sites
of the park with the highest Grey Glacier accessible only by boat (in
option during the trekking).
8 days on horseback for a trekking which will bring you in the most far
away area. you will enjoy one of the most beautiful area of the reserve
and of Patagonia!
The National Park of Torres del Paine has been registered as reserve of
Biosphere by Unesco in 1978.
See our trekking in Bivouac.
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ITINERARY
Day 1
You will be collected from the airport and driven 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 have converted
some of their historic estancia buildings into confortable 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 you
can wander around the small villa to see the buildings making up
this working farm. Dinner (excluding drinks). Trip briefing over
dinner.
Transfer time with penguins: approx. 3 hours
NB:if you arrive 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: $60 per vehicle which can be arranged in advance.
Day 2
Today you should dress in your riding clothes for their morning transfer
to the Torres del Paine National Park. After a short lunch stop in
Puerto Natales (free lunch but you have a lot of restaurant and cafes),
we will continue to a small puesto or gaucho hut on the edge of Lago
Sarmiento. Here we will meet our horses and baqueanos before continuing
on with a short 'shake down' ride to Laguna Verde. This afternoon's
ride will be at a leisurely pace giving us time to accustom to the
local riding style and tack. The trail is a spectacular one as we
skirt the shores of this turquoise lake with our first views of the
awesome peaks that form the Paine Massif. Soon Laguna Verde will come
into view normally inhabited by a multitude of birds, ducks and geese
- then we will see our base for the night; the traditional red roofs
of Estancia Lazo now housing a lovely hotel with fireside dining and
warm cozy rooms. Dinner will be in the restaurant offering an excellent
variety of local foods and wine. Dinner (except wine/drinks).
Hours in the saddle: 2 - 2.5. Transfer time: 4 - 4.5 hours.
Day 3
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 restauraunt (wine/drinks not included). Hours in the saddle:
5-6.
Day 4
After a wholesome breakfast and packing up we will be starting
our ride eastwards towards the heart of the Park. The morning ride
is fairly relaxing as we wind our way through this pretty valley passing
a number of lakes and mountain views. Plenty of time to take photographs
before we ascend to a lookout with fabulous views of the pampas and
lakes below. After stopping to let the horses rest and take a few
photographs we will start our steep 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 then step up the pace for an exciting canter
across the flat pampas towards the emerald green waters of the Serrano
River. Our accommodation will be Cabanas del Paine or the newly built
and very comfortable Hotel Rio Serrano (depending on availability)
both accessed via a footbridge across the river. Dinner in restaurant
(excluding drinks). Hours in the saddle: 5-6.
Day 5
After breakfast, we will 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 $60 per person for
the three hour boat ride). If the boat isn't running or for those
clients who prefer to stay ashore, there's 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: 6-7.
Day 6
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 situated
on the eastern perimeters of the park. On arrival we will be greeted
by the local baqueanos and settle into our comfortable 'homestay'
accommodation. Time to enjoy pre-dinner drinks and snacks whilst our
evening meal is prepared. Dinner included (wine/beer not included).
Hours in the saddle: 7 - 8.
Day 7
After enjoying some fine home baked bread and cakes for breakfast
we will set off on an exciting and unique adventure through the forests
and hills of the Sierra Contreras to the Cascada Zamora (waterfall).
We will also visit a working estancia and may even sight an elusive
puma (frequently seen in these parts). The scenery in this area is
amazingly wild and we will ride along winding trails crossing rivers
and beech forests as, in the distance we see the sun rise over the
Towers giving them their classic morning glow. A lovely day's ride.
Evening asado (traditional gaucho lamb barbeque) under the stars.
Dinner included (wine/beer not included). Hours in the saddle: 4-5.
Day 8
To continue our exploration of local estancias and the established
'estancia culture' in this area, today we will be riding out to Estancia
Las Chinas. Leaving Barranca, we will be riding through some dramatic
and untamed scenery as we pass the La Cumbre and Baguales mountain
ranges and some spectacular glacial valleys. This area contains a
number of estancias and puestos and its not unusual for our riders
to be invited in for atraditional mate session (pronounced matay)
or home baked bread and sopapillas (similar to donuts). After a picnic
lunch we will continue on to Valley Las Chinas where our accommodation
will be in a renovated Estancia House. Dinner (excluding wine/drinks).
Hours in the saddle: 5-6.
Day 9
After enjoying a traditional campo breakfast with our host baqueanos
we will be heading south to a new lodge 'Cerro Guido'. The ride will
take us through beautiful valleys, across mountain passes and wide
open pampas as we approach the beautifully converted Estancia Cerro
Guido which will be our home for the night. The Estancia has 60,000
hectares and farms in the region of 50,000 sheep. It is one of the
last remaining establishments that still retains many period features
and characteristics from the days when the Sociedad Explotadora de
Tierra del Fuego was functioning. The villa or village has a beautiful
view of the Paine Massif and has preserved all of the typical buildings.
These include the lodge, the main house, the administration office,
workers' houses, kitchen, bakery, school, carpentry workshop and farm
buildings. Our accommodation is in the lodge which has cozy bedrooms
(some with fireplaces) all with modern en suite facilities. The lounge
area consists of comfy couches and fireside dining. Dinner (excluding
wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 5-6.
Day 10
Today we will riding south to the small outpost town of Cerro Castillo
situated 40km from the entrance to the park and 60km from Puerto Natales.
A fantastic ride 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 exhilerating 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 days 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
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
Taxi to airport or onward travel.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Travel Extension Santiago - Valparaiso : 4 days / 3 nights
We suggest you a short stop to Santiago del Chile to discover the beautiful
capital of Chile located in the heart of the Andes.
Created in 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia, Santiago is crossed by the Rio
Mapocho. Santiago is a very touristic city with lot of cultural monuments
to visit : Palazio Real Audiencia, Santo Domingo church, palazio Real
Casa de la Aduana....
We recommand you to stay 2 nights to Santiago and next drive to Valparaiso
with a rental car to visit the famous house of Pablo Neruda or the beautiful
precolombian arts museum.
See price details in our "rates & dates" chapter.
HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL
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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 '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 their riding days.
There are staff to take care of the horses but of course if you want
to help them you will be very welcome. |
Tack
The tack is Chilean and comprises of metal framed saddles onto which is
layered felt, sheepskin and leather. Rope, rawhide and leather form the
bridles, girths, straps etc. The saddles provide adequate comfort for
the long days riding and the stirrups consist of a leather cup through
which the foot cannot pass. Most of the horses are ridden in simple snaffles.
Halters are worn throughout the ride with rope tied around the horse's
neck to tie up at lunch stops/rest stops etc.
Required riding abilities
Riders on riding
trips need to be fairly experienced - able to control a horse on open
ground at the canter.We prefer riders to be confident at walk, trot and
canter.
Please read carefully our pratical information page.
Poids limite : 210 Pounds.
Age limite : 18 - 70 years unless on a custom or private departure.
Younger riders need to be with an experienced/capable adult. They too
need to be experienced riders (on riding trips) and have the stamina and
attitude to complete a trip of this nature. We will request riders over
70 to complete a medical/suitability questionnaire before their booking
is confirmed.
YOUR GUIDES
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The horses are owned by only one person, who doesn't plan byhimself the
horse trekking. This concession systeme is organised by the Parc for all
the activites to control the crowds in the parc. Our Partner on site deal
with directly with the owner of the horses, since more than 10 years,
he is the only specialist on horse trekking in this region ( usually,
a lot of horse trekking specialist organise the trekking on the same itineray
as the hikers with a rythm less sustained than our horse trekking, and
with guide who are not formed for the horse trekking).
Set in Puerto Natales, he is directly in the heart of the region, since
10 years now, he knows each path and each horse by heart. Either him or
his wife are going with you for the horse trekking, helped by the Baqueanos
who are friends for ages.
If for you "horse trekking" is not synonyme of stroll and you
are a demanding person, we promise you, you will never forget this trek ! |
ACCOMMODATION
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Accomodation
For this trekking you will be accommodated in well equiped estancias,
hostel and refuges. They are all clean, comfortable with breathtaking
views. In some fra away area, the accommodation can be sometimes modest
in the refuges set in the Park. The diner will be friendly and it could
happened that you will have to share you room with other people.
You can ask for a single room (with supplement) but we can not make sure
that you will have a single room because there are only few single room.
Pack horses carry the luggage. |
Food
All meals are included. Wine is also included (generous though necessarily
limited supplies!). Meals in Punta Arenas and lunches in Natales on transfer
days are not included.
The restaurant of the refuges offer a vibrant atmosphere and solids meals.
Breakfast is normally hot and cold cereals, toast, jams, marmalade, coffee,
tea and juice. The refuges offer a range of different restaurant, the
wine and beer are at good value prices (local production). Packed lunches
are prepared at breakfast and are carried with us. These consist of sandwiches
(e.g. tuna, cheese, ham, peanut butter, salami), fresh fruit, trail mix,
chocolate, biscuits, snacks etc. Clients are responsible for looking after
their lunch boxes.
The water of streams and lakes are drinking water, but you
can take pastilles to clean the water.
Please read carefully our pratical information page.
Please see as well our trekking
in Bivouac in the Torres del Paine Park.
DATES AND RATES
| 2010 |
| March 28 to April 08 * |
2050 € |
available |
| November 22 to December 05 |
2620 € |
available |
| December 05 to 18 |
2620 € |
available |
| December 21 to Januaray 03, 2011 |
2620 € |
available |
*special departure : includes 1 full day horse moving ride. 2 days
in the saddle less than in the standard program.
- single room supplement : + 520 € / pers
Supplement does not apply if you are prepared for sharing, even if we
do not find another rider for sharing your accomodation.
- supplement small group (3 riders) : + 290 €
Options (price per person)
| Extension Santiago - Valparaiso or Vina del Mar |
| All dates on a double room basis |
250 € |
| If your travelling alone, we can also organise tjis
extra stay. Contact us for prices. |
Included:
- 2 nights in a 3 or 4 star hotel in Santigao city centre
- 1 night in a 3* hotel to Valparaiso or Vina del MAr
- breaksfasts
- 3 days rental car (cat B), based on 2 people sharing.
To add:
- Personal expenses: meals, drinks, oil...
RATE INCLUDING
- the horse trekking as mentionned above in Estancias accommodation and
full board basis (chilean wine for diner ) from diner of day 2 to the breakfast
of day 12,
- group equipement (excluding sleeping bags and inflatable mastresses which
can be rent on site),
- english and spanish speaker guide,
- assistance of "baqueanos" who take care of horses, pack horses
carry the luggage, waterproof bags to protec your luggage,
- entrance fees to go to the Park, and to see the penguins,
RATE NOT INCLUDING
- flights to Punta Arenas. Please contact us to check the best available
rate from your country,
- return transfer Airport hotel in Punta Arenas (15$ for the outward and
return and per taxi),
- the lunch of day 1, 2 and 11, the diner of day 1 and 11,
- any other services not mentioned in the program.
- the tips (usually between 50$ and 60 $ for the whole staff),
- optional insurance: more information
.
Please read carefully our pratical information.
BOOKING - INFORMATION
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PRATICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
Chile
LENGTH
14 days / 11 nights / 8
days horses trekking.
LANGUAGE
English, Spanish.

GROUP SIZE
We operate our trips with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 clients (more
on custom trips). In the case that the minimum number has not been reached
we reserve the right to either cancel the departure or offer to the client
a different date.
ACCESS
Punta Arenas, connected with Santiago.
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.
Formalities
Please check with your local ambassy.
Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.
We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus..
REFERENCE :
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