Ride Description

In one of the most spectacular areas of southern Chile your hosts, both experienced horse enthusiasts, have combined their knowledge of Southern Chile and passion for horses to offer a truly memorable experience.

With programmes ranging from day trips for the first timer and ten day adventures for the more experienced rider, this destination has something to offer everyone. Depending on your level of experience each trip is carefully planned to allow you to get the utmost enjoyment from your holiday.

Exploring this amazing part of Chile on horseback, you have the time to observe the breathtaking natural beauty of the places you visit and become familiar with the abundance of wildlife you will meet along your journey.

Trails vary from vast open plains perfect for exhilarating gallops, to steep mountain descents and ancient wooded valleys. The Torres del Paine national park offers open pampas, wooded valleys and breathtaking views of the towering mountains, turquoise lakes and rolling glaciers.

Food & Accommodation

Accommodation throughout your holiday will be in traditional estancias that have been respectfully and tastefully converted into hotels. These estancias all have their own individual history and charm. With the perfect blend of comfort and culture your hosts offer an experience that allows you to celebrate this culture and share with you the warmth and hospitality of the people who live and work within it.

Here you can be assured of delicious, wholesome cuisine as all meals are freshly prepared using organic produce. Local meat or fish complimented with a fresh salad or vegetables are the dishes most typically offered. Sumptuous local desserts, freshly ground coffee and herbal teas are always included with the evening meals. Good quality wines are available during meal times on the longer trips.

Special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice.

Activities

In addition to riding we have a number of packages that offer horse riding in combination with other activities. These include hiking, orienteering and kayaking.

Horses

Type of horses: Chilean Criollo

Nature of horses: Well schooled, strong, fit, willing and sure-footed.

Height of horses: 14.2 - 16hh

Weight limit: 105kg

Tack type: The tack used on the horses will be determined by the rider’s level of experience or preference. A choice of either Chilean, Western or English tack is offered.

Further Details

Languages: English & Chilean

Health requirements: It is strongly recommended that clients are up to date with the following vaccinations, typhoid; tetanus; hepatitis A & B; polio.

Age limit: Riders must be between the ages of 18 and 70 unless by prior arrangement

Tuition: No

Included: Please refer to individual programmes

Not included: Flights

Travel Information

Flights are to Punta Arenas airport. A number of airlines fly from the UK to Punta Arenas, please contact us if you would like help or advice regarding booking your flights. Transfers using a private chauffer driven vehicle are included with times being arranged to suit the requirements of the group.

Airport: Punta Arenas

Estancia to Estancia Trail

Day 1
Arrive in Punta Arenas. Meet in the evening to dine with the rest of the group.

Day 2
Morning tour of the historical town Punta Arenas, then transfer to Estancia Olga Teresa for a horse demonstration and lunch. Afternoon short ride out and then transfer to Estancia Rio Penitente for the night.

Day 3
Day of riding from Estancia Rio Penitente, you will gallop across open pampa, wind through woodlands and rest for lunch by a lagoon. Over night stop with a traditional Patagonia barbecue in the same estancia.

Day 4
Early morning transfer to Estancia Puerto Consuelo the first estancia in the Ultima Esperanza region, situated on the banks of fjord Eberhard. Set off to Milodon cave across open pampa. Stop for lunch and then continue the ride to Laguna Sofia, through ancient Lenga forests and open valleys until you reach a Condor look out point on the cliffs of Laguna Sofia. Over night stop in Hotel Tres Pasos.

Day 5
Ride from Tres Pasos to the small farming settlement Cerro Castillo. This ride will take you around lagoons, through woodland valleys and up to a look out point to see the Torres del Paine National Park. Late afternoon you will arrive at estancia El Pionero where you will spend the evening.

Day 6
Ride from Estancia El Pionero across the plains to Sarminento Puesto for lunch. Transfer to Estancia Lazo situated on the banks of lago Verde with spectacular views of the National Park.

Day 7
From Estancia Lazo you will ride up to the Toro mountain look out point, where you will have a magnificent views of the surrounding area, before descending down the mountain path and into the park for lunch. In the afternoon you will continue your ride to Lago Grey, where you can take a stroll along the beach to see Grey Glacier and the icebergs, overnight stay in the hosteria Lago Grey.

Day 8
Beautiful ride through the park, around the horns to Estancia Las Torres at the foothills of the Towers of Paine, after which you will have a relaxing evening at this luxury estancia / hosteria.

Day 9
Walk to Las Torres. Three hours to reach the base and two & half hours down. Option to relax at the Estancia Las Torres if preferred or required!

Day 10
You return to Puerto Natales by boat down the Ultima Esperanza fjord, visit Serrano glacier then stop for a traditional Patagonia barbecue lunch in Estancia Perales. The evening will be spent in the beautiful hotel Llanuras de Diana.

Day 11
Early morning transfer to Estancia Puerto Consuelo for the last ride. After a leisurely lunch take transfer to Punta Arenas airport.

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 8

Ability description: Intermediate and above

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: 8 days

Departure dates: Please contact the for 2008 departure dates.

Pricing: The price of this ride is inclusive of ten nights accommodation (based on twin share), and all meals and drinks including wine. It also includes all riding, an English speaking bilingual guide and all transfers starting from Punta Arenas airport. The boat trip on the last day and all entrance fees are also included.

The price of this ride varies as detailed below depending upon the size of the group:

New 2008 Prices
Small groups: £2075

4-8 persons: £1940

Pioneers Ride

Day 1
Morning collection from Punta Arenas airport and transfer to Puerto Bories, situated on the banks of the Ultima Esperanza sound, Bories once the largest exporting plant for wool in the world has now been transformed into a quiet hamlet that has spectacular views of the sea, surrounding mountains and Balmaceda glacier. Lunch will be taken at the traditional traveller inn Ruben’s on route. Throughout the transfer you will be able to appreciate the vast open pampas and wildlife. During the evening you’ll have the opportunity to go for a short horse ride or view the local museum before enjoying a traditional Patagonia barbecue at the guest house.

Day 2
Early morning take a short transfer to Estancia Puerto Consuelo the first estancia in the Ultima Esperanza region, situated on the banks of fjord Eberhard. After meeting the horse that will be carrying you for the next couple of days you set off across the estancia to the Milodon cave. After stopping to view the cave you will carry on your ride to Laguna Sofia, through ancient Lenga forests and open valleys stopping for lunch on the way. From Laguna Sofia you continue through wood and farm land until you reach the traveller’s inn Tres Pasos where you will spend the night (Tres Pasos was made famous by the noble prize winner Gabriela Mistral who wrote prize winning poetry from this special retreat).

Day 3
From Tres Pasos you ride to the small farming settlement Cerro Castillo. You will be riding through lush valleys and around lagoons, if the wind is low you shall ride up the mountain path to where you will have breathtaking views of the National Park, Torres del Paine. You arrive early afternoon in Cerro Castillo where you will lunch at the estancia “Cerro Castillo”, now converted into a comfortable hotel. After a short tour of the small town and its rodeo ring you will travel by jeep to Estancia Cerro Guido, situated on the borders of the park. You shall spend the evening in this beautifully converted estancia that offers view of the famous granite towers.

Day 4
Today the ride will take you from Laguna Amarga across the park to Rio Serrano. The days ride will be long, but you'll have some of the most spectacular views of the trip. You will enter at Laguna Amarga and from here cross diverse terrains from open pampa to wooded lenga valleys, through streams and along steep mountain paths. The wildlife will be in abundance Guanaco herds will be easy to photograph, foxes will follow your path, Ñandu will greet you and the array of birds will make it a bird lover’s paradise. You arrive at the parks administration centre late afternoon where you will be able to view on the map the vast expanse of the park. After this short break you will take the jeep (5 mins) to your destination for the night the Cabañas del Paine by the Serrano river. These cabañas have a privilege view of the horns.

Day 5
From the cabañas you will head across the open pampa to grey glacier arriving there for lunch which will be taken on the beach over looking grey lake and the glacier. The evening will be spent back at the cabañas after an exhilarating days ride.

Day 6
You return to Puerto Natales by boat down the Ultima Esperanza fjord, first taking a zodiac boat to view several beautiful waterfalls before stopping to view Serrano glacier. Lunch will be taken at Estancia Perales on the bank side of the Ultima Esperanza. On arrival in Puerto Natales you’ll be transferred (5 mins) to Puerto Bories for your farewell evening meal.

Day 7
In the morning you’ll have a chance to view Puerto Natales, before transferring to Punta Arenas.

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 8

Ability description: Novice - Experienced

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: 4 - 5 days

Departure dates: Please contact the office for dates

Pricing: The price of this ride is inclusive of six nights accommodation, (based on twin share), all transfers starting from Punta Arenas airport, all meals, all equipment, English speaking bilingual guide and entrance fee for TDP.

The price of this ride varies as detailed below and depends upon the size of the group:

Please contact the office for 2008 prices

Horse Ride and Navigation

This trip starts from the first estancia founded in the region by Captain Eberhard in 1893.During the ride you will have the opportunity to gallop along the shores of the Ultima Esperanza and meander through the Lenga woods. This trip boasts spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys whilst also brimming with an abundance of flora and fauna for the wildlife enthusiast.

Day 1
10:00 Transfer from hotel to Estancia Puerto Consuelo
10:30 Set off by horse towards Cerro Prat and Estancia Perales (4hrs)
14:30 Arrive at Estancia Perales for a lunch on the bankside of the Ultima Esperanza fjord
16:30 Relaxing walk around the Estancia
19:00 Dinner a traditional patagonian barbecue

Day 2
10:00 Take the 21 de Mayo boat to visit Balmaceda and Serrano glacier
17:00 Return to Puerto Natales.

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 8

Ability description: Previous experience not essential

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: 1 day

Departure dates: Available upon request

Pricing: The price of this programme is inclusive of one nights accommodation, (based on twin share), all transfers, meals and drinks including wine, all equipment and bilingual guide.

The price off this programme varies as detailed below depending on the size of the group:

2-4 persons £250

5-8 persons £240

Horse Ride and Kayak

This trip begins at the first estancia founded in the area by Captain Eberhard in 1893. You will ride aross open pampas towards the Milodon Cave before riding through ancient lenga forests to Lagun Sofia. Spectacular views are combined with outstanding beauty, flora and fauna making this an exceptional experience for wildlife enthusiast.

Day 1:
10:00 Arrive at Estancia Puerto Consuelo. Meet the horses and set off on the ride towards the Milodon cave. Stop for lunch in the Caverna restaurant. Those who wish to view the cave may do so.
14:00 After lunch continue the ride to Laguna Sofia. Stop to appreciate the spectacular views of the Ultima Esperanza region.
17:00 Arrive at Laguna Sofia and set up camp for the night.
20:30 Dinner

Day 2:
10:00 Morning kayak Instruction.
10:30 Set off on the kayak trip around Laguna Sofia. Approximately 4 hours of kayak to enjoy the beauty of the lagoon and the surrounding area.
16:30 Transfer to hotel in Puerto Natales

Accommodation: Tents

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 6

Ability description: This trip is suitable for novice to experienced riders. Previous experience of kayaking is not necessary. Both guides are experienced in their field and can offer help and instruction when necessary. The pace of the trip is determined by the level of experience within the group on each individual excursion.

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: 1 day

Departure dates: Dates available upon request

Pricing: The price of this programme is inclusive of one nights accommodation, (based on shared tent), all transfers, meals and drinks, all equipment and an English speaking bilingual guide.

The price of this programme varies as detailed below and depends on the size of the group:

2-4 persons £205

5-6 persons £195

Getaway Ride

Day 1
Morning collection from Punta Arenas airport and transfer to Puerto Bories, situated on the banks of the Ultima Esperanza sound, Bories once the largest exporting plant for wool in the world has now been transformed into a quiet hamlet that has spectacular views of the sea, surrounding mountains and Balmaceda glacier. Lunch will be taken at the traditional traveller inn Ruben’s on route. Throughout the transfer you will be able to appreciate the vast open pampas and wildlife. During the evening you’ll have the opportunity to go for a short horse ride or view the local museum before enjoying a traditional Patagonia barbecue at the guest house.

Day 2
Early morning take a short transfer to Estancia Puerto Consuelo the first estancia in the Ultima Esperanza region, situated on the banks of fjord Eberhard. After meeting your horse that will be carrying you for the next couple of days you set off across the estancia to the Milodon cave. After stopping to view the cave you carry on your ride to Laguna Sofia, through ancient Lenga forests and open valleys stopping for lunch on the way.

From Laguna Sofia you continue through wood and farm land until you reach the traveller’s inn Tres Pasos where you’ll spend the night (Tres Pasos was made famous by the noble prize winner Gabriela Mistral whom wrote prize winning poetry from this special retreat).

Day 3
From Tres Pasos you ride to the small farming settlement Cerro Castillo. You will be riding through lush valleys and around lagoons, if the wind is low you will ride up the mountain path to where you will have breathtaking views of the National Park, Torres del Paine. You arrive early afternoon in Cerro Castillo where you will lunch at the estancia “Cerro Castillo”now converted into a comfortable hotel. After a short tour of the small town and its rodeo ring you will travel by jeep to Estancia Cerro Guido, situated on the borders of the park. You will spend the evening in this beautifully converted estancia that offers view of the famous granite towers.

Day 4
Today the ride will take you from Laguna Amarga across the park to Rio Serrano. The days ride will be long, but you’ll have some of the most spectacular views of the trip. You will enter at Laguna Amarga and from here cross diverse terrains from open pampa to wooded lenga valleys, through streams and along steep mountain paths. The wildlife will be in abundance Guanaco herds will be easy to photograph, foxes will follow our path, Ñandu will greet you and the array of birds will make it a bird lover’s paradise. You arrive at the parks administration centre late afternoon where you will be able to view on the map the vast expanse of the park. After this short break you will take the jeep (5 mins) to our destination for the night the Cabañas del Paine by the Serrano river. These cabañas have a privilege view of the horns.

Day 5
From the cabañas you will head across the open pampa to grey glacier arriving there for lunch which will be taken on the beach over looking grey lake and the glacier. The evening will be spent back at the cabañas after an exhilarating days ride.

Day 6
You return to Puerto Natales by boat down the Ultima Esperanza fjord, first taking a zodiac boat to view several beautiful waterfalls before stopping to view Serrano glacier. Lunch will be taken at Estancia Perales on the bank side of the Ultima Esperanza. On arrival in Puerto Natales you’ll be transferred (5 mins) to Puerto Bories for your farewell evening meal.

Day 7
In the morning you’ll have a chance to view Puerto Natales, before transferring to Punta Arenas.

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 8

Ability description: Novice - experienced

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: 4 - 5 days

Departure dates: Please contact the office for dates

Pricing: The price of this programme is inclusive of 6 nights accommodation, (based on twin share), all transfers starting from Punta Arenas airport, all meals, riding and a billingual guide and entrance fee for the TDP.

The price of this programme varies as detailed below depending on the size of the group:

Please contact the office for 2008/9 prices