Patagonia, Chile
Reviews
“Good length of rides through beautiful and variable terrain, back to basics in terms of accommodation (camping), but this allowed us to access areas that could not otherwise be seen. My favourite memory was the ride through the forest to Dickson lake.”
Mark S. (Glacier)
“I am back in one piece and it was fantastic!! The camping was great, but I had done enough of sleeping on the ground, never the less I would do it all again.
Great holiday adventure and I will look forward to the next one!!” Carol H. (Glacier)
Horses
Type of horses:
Chilean Criollo
Nature of horses:
Surefooted, hardy, forward going, gentle nature
Height of horses:
14 - 15 hh
Weight limit:
95 kg/ 210 lbs
Tack type:
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. Most of the horses are ridden in simple snaffle bridles.
Weather
Current Conditions:
Partly Cloudy, 2 C
Forecast:
Sat - Clear. High: 7 Low: 1
Sun - Rain/Snow Showers/Wind. High: 3 Low: 2
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Estancia Ride
The price includes ten nights accommodation based on twin share throughout in hotels, hosterias and estancias, eight days riding, all transfers to and from Punta Arenas and whilst in park, breakfast and lunch every day, dinner in homestays, hotels and estancias (excluding wine), English speaking and local guides, baqueanos who care for horses, waterproof sacks for the trip, use of saddle bags, entrance fees to park and penguin colony. It excludes, flights, airport taxes, airport transfers and meal in Punta Arenas on last night, lunch on day two and day eleven in Natales, local gratuities, ($50 recommended).
£2556 per person 4+ pax
£356 2-3 pax supplement
£518 Single Supplement
Single supplement £300
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Glacier Ride
The price of the Glacier ride is inclusive of ten nights accommodation (eight nights camping and two nights in hotels in Punta Arenas) based on twin occupancy throughout and return transfers from Punta Arenas. Meals whilst camping, (including wine); all equipment (except sleeping bags and mats which can be rented locally on request); English speaking and local guides; waterproof sacks for trip; use of saddle bags and entrance fees to park and penguin colonies. Baqueanos who care for the horses and pack horses.
Price excludes flights, airport taxes, airport transfers and meals in Punta Arenas on last night, lunch on day 2 and day 10 in Puerto Natales, local gratuities ($60 recommended).
£2061 per person (4+pax)
small group supplement for 2-3 pax £162
Single supplement £194
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Patagonian Horse Moving Ride
The price of this programme includes all riding/walking; all transfers to and from Punta Arenas and whilst in park; nine nights accommodation based on twin share (see full itinerary, giving further details on types of accommodation); breakfast and lunch every day; dinner in homestays, hotels and estancias (excluding wine - see full itinerary); Lamb Asado; English speaking and local guides; baqueanos who care for horses; waterproof sacks for trip; use of saddle bags; entrance fees to park and penguin colony.
The price varies as detailed below depending on the size of the group:
2010 prices
£1960 per person (2 pax)
£1890 per person (3 pax)
£1740 per person (4-6 pax)
£1635 per person (7-12 pax)
Single supplement £200
Blue Ice Trail - Multi Activity Trip
The price of this programme includes all riding/walking/kayaking; all equipment (except sleeping bags/mats); all transfers to and from Punta Arenas and whilst in park; thirteen nights accommodation (nine camping, three in hotels, one in refugio) all based on twin share and meals with wine whilst camping, English speaking and local guides; baqueanos who care for horses; waterproof sacks for trip; use of saddle bags; river fees, camp fees, entrance fees to park and penguin colony, two nights in Punta Arenas at Hotel Terra Sur, one night at hotel Weskar, Puerto Natales.
This varies as detailed below depending on the size of the group:
Groups of 4 £2362 per person
small group supplement for 2: £631
small group supplement for 3: £307
single supplement: £227
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This is a place suited to lovers of riding and the outdoors and those who like to get "off the beaten track". On the Glacier Ride you will have the company of your guide and Chilean horsemen - you ride into some remote areas where the only access is on foot or horse. On the Estancia Ride you will have more comfortable accommodation but still have diversity of rides across open, pampas, rides to wild glaciers and iceberg filled lakes. The Blue Ice Trail is a trip organised in response to those who wish to explore the remote wilderness and is a once in a lifetime adventure for those wanting to experience the best of three exciting activities.
Your hosts still spend a lot of time researching new trails, riding and walking them and meeting local Patagonians. They invest a great deal in local people and resources. Their baqueanos have been with them for years and are part of their family. Their guides are valued experts in their field. The Criollo horses offer strength, willingness and honesty whether they are carrying clients or their supplies. And the clients, many of whom have become friends, come back year after year because they know that an adventure here will always be unique, well planned, challenging and surprising.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation on the Estancia Ride is comfortable, authentic, cosy and welcoming. All the estancias having been chosen for their beautiful location, great view and cultural appeal. The campsites on the Glacier Ride have been chosen with much care and they are all very different, very special and very beautiful. Some of them are wilderness sites with no 'facilities' at all.
Whether you choose to camp out in the wilderness or stay in comfort at one of the hotels or estancias you can be assured of plentiful, fresh and wholesome meals. Vegetarians can be catered for with advance notice. (It should be noted that the culture in Patagonia is largely founded and based upon the farming of sheep).
Meat, especially lamb is the staple diet for most people in the area and guests are very likely to enjoy a lamb or meat asado during their trip. We respect that it may be difficult for vegetarians to travel in a very meat based culture. Although alternatives for vegetarians are available this trip may not be suitable for those who are offended by the site of meat being prepared (as this is not easy to disguise).
On the camping trips you will enjoy evening meals of fresh salmon and local fish, pasta, chicken, beef, lamb and local chilean meals served with fresh salad and accompanied by local wine. Breakfast usually consists of hot and cold cereals, toast, jams, marmalade, coffee tea and juice. Occasionally a cooked breakfast is served. Packed lunches are prepared by guests at lunch time and consist of sandwiches, (ham, cheese, tuna, salami), fresh fruit, chocolate biscuits and snacks. Weather permitting, guests sometimes choose to eat in a camp 'shelter' or around the camp fire although a dining tent for eating and cooking is also carried on the trip.
Meals served in the restaurant consists of lamb, beef, chicken, or salmon and served with fresh vegetables or salad and accompanied by rice or potatoes. Wine and beer is available at a reasonable cost. Breakfasts include toast, coffee, cereal, ham/cheese, bread rolls, juice and occasionally eggs.
Meals in the estancias are fresh, home-cooked Chilean dishes.
Activities
As well as the amazing riding, this is an area fabulous for hiking and kayaking. There is an opportunity to visit a Penguin colony and you may take some fabulous boat rides. This is a great place for the photographer - the spectacular sunsets, the granite moniliths, the turquoise blue lakes, the condors and the guanacos and nandus which you can photograph from the back of your horse.
Further Details
Languages: English & Spanish
Health requirements: You must be fit and healthy
Age limit: 12-70
Tuition: No
Included: Please see individual itineraries.
Not included: Flights
Travel Information
Chile's international airport is in the capital Santiago de Chile. Flight times are about 13 hours from Europe and 11 hours from the US. To get to Patagonia from Santiago, you take a domestic flight into Punta Arenas which takes three to four hours. It is possible, if you fly into Santiago in the morning, to continue with the domestic flight the same day but a stop over in this remarkable city is worthwhile.
Airport: Punta Arenas
Programmes
Estancia Ride
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Day 1: Arrival in Punta Arenas in Patagonia. You will get a taxi from the airport to Hotel Rey Don Felipe. There you will meet the leader in hotel lobby at 7.30 p.m. to be escorted to the restaurant for dinner. Trip briefing and welcome dinner. Day 2: After an arrival night in the comfortable Hotel Rey Don Felipe in Punta Arenas you will be driven out across the pampas towards your first estancia, Tres Pasos, just north of Puerto Natales. Tres Pasos is a warm and inviting chalet style house with magical views down its own valley, pretty gardens and a restaurant serving locally produced meat and vegetables. There is an atmospheric fireside bar where the clients can enjoy getting to know one another whilst being introduced to some authentic Patagonian culture. The day starts with a drive across the wide open pampas and land belonging to some of the huge estancias in this area as you head towards the Torres del Paine National Park. After a short lunch stop in Puerto Natales, where you can choose from a variety of restaurants and cafes, you will continue the drive north. The road takes you alongside the waters of Last Hope Sound and the bobbing heads of the black necked swans to our first estancia for the night. Estancia Tres Pasos, now a comfortable hosteria is situated at the head of a magical flower filled valley. A still working estancia the wooden, chalet-style property consists of a number of estancia buildings, pretty gardens and lovely views down the valley. There will be a chance to unpack and relax a little before meeting our horses for an afternoon introductory ride in the vicinity of the estancia. Riders will be get a chance to adjust to the style of riding and tack as you run through the paces and enjoy a relaxing afternoon’s ride. You will then return to the hotel for dinner in the lovely restaurant. Most of the food in this delightful family run establishment is home produced. Breakfast and dinner included (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 3- 4. Day 3: Today after breakfast, riders will once again be saddling up for a full day’s ride. This time, you will be heading north west to the outpost town of Cerro Castillo. This is a beautiful open ride across grassy meadows and welcoming pampas. Riding towards the dramatic mountain range of Torres del Paine enables you to fully benefit from the incredible mountain and lake views. You will also have some opportunities for the first long canters on the responsive and comfortable horses. During late afternoon after a leisurely picnic lunch and an afternoon’s riding you will see the welcome site of Hosteria el Pionero come into view. Surrounded by the customary layer of trees, the villa has the look and feel of an English country home and was built by European settlers to Tierra del Fuego at the beginning of the century. 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 meeting your new friends and discussing the adventures to come. Comfortable en suite accommodation (some rooms with fireplaces). Dinner in the comfortable restaurant. All meals included (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 6-7. Day 4: After a breakfast of home baked bread and cakes served in the bright dining room, you will be saddling up for the long ride north east towards Estancia Tercera Barranca. This is a classic Patagonian ride with the soft, inviting pampas stretched out in front as you journey north towards the mountains of Torres del Paine and La Cumbre mountain range that makes up the natural barrier between Chile and Argentina. You will be crossing the land belonging to various local farmers and with luck may be invited to join a local for tea or mate. After 5 or 6 hours riding with lunch taken in one of the many picnic spots en route, you will be riding onto the land belonging to Estancia Tercera Barranca. Our destination is the comfortable ranch house belonging to this still working estancia. This is comfortable and cosy accommodation in this authentic country house with fabulous views of the Towers from its large west facing windows. Fireside living room/bar and traditional quincho (wooden dining room with outside BBQ area). En suite rooms. All meals included (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 5-7. Day 5: After breakfast, you will once again be saddling up for our exciting ride west towards the Torres and Lago Paine. Just before Laguna Azul you 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 and with luck you will get to see them (the viewings are not guaranteed!). There will be many excellent photo opportunities on this route as you pass through forests, pastures and the lake where Lady Florence Dixie first camped having sighted the Towers. In the afternoon you return to Estancia Tercera Barranca. Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included (excludingwine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 5-6. Day 6: After a wholesome breakfast and packing up you will be starting the ride westwards towards the heart of the Park. You will now be riding directly towards the Paine Massif mountain range so the views are dramatic and beautiful. The trail then skirts the southern edge of the mountains on a rarely trodden path as you pass azure and turquoise lakes with the huge granite mountain peaks standing behind. After a picnic lunch taken in one of the pretty valleys you will continue west to the beautiful soft pampas beside the Serrano River. Here you will have a chance for a nice long canter as the light fades and the shadows lengthen and you arrive at the destination hotel, the Cabanas del Paine. Situated by the emerald green waters of the Serrano River with river and mountain views this is the base for the next two nights. Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner in restaurant included (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in saddle: 5-6 depending on photo stops. Day 7: Today you saddle up for the fast ride to Mirador de los Hielos (iceberg lookout). Your view will be dominated by the huge granite peaks of the massif as you ride out along the Grey River towards the largest Glacier in the park. You will eventually arrive at a lookout with dramatic views of the iceberg choked waters of Grey Lake with the immense Grey Glacier in the distance (the largest glacier in the Park). After plenty of time to rest, take photos and enjoy our incredible lunch perch you will rejoin the rested horses and head back to our comfortable hotel Cabanas del Paine at the Serrano River. Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: approx 5 -6. Day 8: Today after breakfast, you will once again be joining the horses and the baqueanos who have now become our friends for another full day’s ride. This time, you will be heading south east to the Mirador del Toro and the beautiful Laguna Verde. The day starts with the final ride across the fabulous wide open pampas before crossing the much photographed Puente Weber and riding towards the Sierra del Toro. After stopping to tighten girths and check your tack, you will make a steep ascent of this mountain climbing high above the national park and surrounding areas. Eventually you will arrive at the dramatic and often very windy lookout (Mirador del Toro) with its incredible far reaching views of the lakes, mountains and glaciers below. Depending on the weather, you will take a picnic lunch in this beautiful setting before continuing on through southern beech forests passing a myriad of pristine lakes and valleys as you approach the land belonging to the Estancia Lazo. The base for two nights, this very comfortable converted Estancia situated beside this tranquil green waters of 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. Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 4-5. Day 9: After breakfast, you will pack your saddle bags with cameras, waterproofs and our picnic lunch and set off around the shores of this pretty lake through ancient southern beech forests behind the estancia for the climb up and over the Sierra del Toro. You will be making another 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 you stop to marvel at the views of the entire Park below us. You will then wind down to a pretty authentic puesto (gaucho post) manned by one of the cattle ranchers from Estancia Lazo to have lunch. After lunch you will be riding back to the comfortable accommodation at Estancia Lazo where sadly you will be bidding the horses and baqueanos goodbye Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner in the restaurant (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle 4-5. Day 10: After a leisurely breakfast of coffee and home made cakes/bread you will transfer to Punta Arenas via Puerto Natales. You will have time in Puerto Natales to shop for souvenirs or postcards before continuing on to the Magellanic penguin colony situated outside Punta Arenas. Late afternoon is a great time to visit these cute burrowing penguins before they return to their burrows. Time is spent taking photos and wandering the trails which extend down to the beach where you can witness the penguins waterside. Arrival in Punta Arenas is around 6 p.m depending on time spent with the penguins. Breakfast included. Driving time approx. 6 hours with penguins. Night is spent Hotel Don Rey Felipe. Day 11: Taxi to airport for onward flight. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate to advanced. definitely no beginners |
| Type of ride: | Fast Paced |
| Total riding time: | 11 days/10 nights |
| Departure dates: | 23 November - 3 December; 7 - 17 December; 23 December- 2 January 2011; 29 January - 8 February; 24 February - 6 March 2011 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Glacier Ride
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The combination of fast, exciting riding and the scenery of Torres del Paine make this a very special experience. Riders will witness two of the most beautiful and immense glaciers in the Park; Dickson and Grey, in addition to an optional boat trip to the face of the Glacier at Grey. The trip features camping in beautiful wilderness and long days of riding in the magnificent granite peaks of the Paine mountain range. Day One: Arrival in Punta Arenas. Taxi from airport to Hotel Rey Don Felipe, Armando Sahnueza 965, Punta Arenas, Chile. Meet leader in hotel lobby at 7:30 pm to be escorted to the restaurant for dinner where there will be a trip briefing. Day Two: Morning collection from the hotel to start the day’s drive towards the penguin colony to see and photograph the cute burrowing Magellanic penguins. Continue in a comfortable transfer vehicle across the Patagonian Steppe where you will have your first opportunity to see some of the unusual plant and animal life that exists in this area. After a short lunch stop in Puerto Natales you will continue on to the campsite situated close to a working estancia on the edges of the beautiful Laguna Verde. Here there is a chance to stroll down to the lakeside and enjoy the variety of bird life and spectacular views of the horns whilst dinner is prepared. There are no showers here. The drive is approximately 6.5 hours including penguins. Day Three: Today you will be meeting your horses and the dedicated baqueanos who care for them. After assigning horses to riders, you will have a safety check and short familiarisation with western riding before packing your saddle bags with cameras, waterproofs, and picnic lunch and setting off around the shores of this pretty lake through ancient southern beech forests towards the Sierra del Toro. You will then make a steep descent of the Sierra del Toro to the pampas below. Lunch can be enjoyed in the valley, before a visit to the Park Headquarters. In the afternoon there is faster riding across the pampas to the Serrano River where you camp beside the emerald green waters with dramatic mountain views. There are showers available. Hours in the saddle: 4 - 4.5. Day Four: A fast ride to Mirador de los Hielos (iceberg lookout) gives you views dominated by the huge granite peaks of the massif as you ride along the Grey River towards the largest glacier in the park. Eventually arriving at an lookout with dramatic views of the iceberg choked waters of Grey Lake. After time to rest and enjoy lunch you will head to the pretty campsite at the Serrano River. Please note, weather allowing, there is an optional excursion available for USD180 with a boat trip across the iceberg-choked lake towards the face of the spectacular Glacier. Hours in the saddle: 5 – 6. Day Five: After breakfast you will enjoy some beautiful trails across the heart of the Park, offering incredibly diverse scenery from verdant green valleys and beech forests to azure lakes and wide open plains. Crossing over 30 kilometres of this amazing Patagonia ride, you may see one of the magnificent condors hovering high above the mountain peaks. After a truly memorable ride, you take a short vehicle transfer to the beautiful campsite where you camp on sandy beach, or among the beech trees on soft grass, beside the waters of Laguna Azul. Hot showers, bathrooms and a small shop are available. Hours in saddle: approx 7-8. Day Six: After packing up camp you will set off on an exciting ride towards the Torres and Lago Paine. After skirting the lake, you head north towards Laguna Stokes where a large pasture sometimes attracts wild criollos from surrounding hills to graze in the summer. There are many excellent photo opportunities as you pass through forests, pastures and by the lake, eventually arriving at the remote campsite with beautiful mountain views. Camping beside the river at Lago Paine, where there are no showers. Hours in the saddle: 4.5 - 5. Day Seven After enjoying breakfast in the stunning campsite you will ride out to Lake and Glacier Dickson. One of the more remote and rarely visited glaciers in the Park due to it's inaccessibility, it is also one of the prettiest. You will ride past the northerly peaks of the Paine chain, where one of the peaks is the shape of a Tuhuelche Indian's face. His 'headband' is decorated with snowdrifts even in summer. Your trail then heads north, passing ancient beech forest and scattered lakes before reaching the lunch stop; a viewpoint above the beautiful lake and Glacier. In the afternoon you ride back to Lago Paine, where there are no showers available. Hours in the saddle: 6 - 7. Day Eight After breakfast you will be riding eastwards towards the La Cunbre mountain range. This is a beautiful ride through forests, flower-filled meadows and southern beech forests, with lots of opportunities for long canters before riding onto the wide open pampas that surround the estancia. Your destination is the wooden refugio nestled in a small valley with beautiful views of the Towers. It has a very remote and charming Patagonian feel and offers hot showers and accommodation in bunk beds. Hours in the saddle: 7 - 8. Day Nine After breakfast, you will set off on an exciting and unique adventure into the hills and forests of the Sierra Contreras, to arrive at the pretty Cascada Zamora waterfall. Then after lunch, you will ride out to the remote puesto mercardo, high over the pampas with views to the Las Chinas Valley with the Sierra Baguales in the distance. You then return to camp at puesto Tercera for the night where there are hot showers and bunk bed accommodation. Hours in the saddle: 4 - 5. Day Ten Today you will pack up camp and begin the transfer back to Punta Arenas, where you will arrive by late afternoon. There will be a lunch stop in Puerto Natales with the opportunity to purchase souvenirs, books, postcards and other items. You will be taken to the Hotel Rey Don Felipe in Punta Arenas at around 6 pm. Transfer time: 5 hours. Day Eleven Breakfast, followed by taxi to airport for onward travel. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate and experienced |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 7 days |
| Departure dates: | 2010: 5 - 15 November; 6 - 16 December; 23 December 2010 - 2 January 2011, 16 - 26 January 2011, 9 - 19 February 2011, 14 - 24 March 2011 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Patagonian Horse Moving Ride
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This is a unique opportunity for experienced riders who would like to combine fast riding with local flavour and comfy accommodation. This a land full of diversity. During your ride you will experience open pampas, wild glaciers, iceberg filled lakes and peaceful rides through ancient southern beach forests. Throughout these long and exciting days in the saddle the snow capped mountains are never far away. Spending a day herding over 40 horses to their winter pasture will make this a truly memorable experience. Day 1 Clients should aim to arrive into Punta Arenas at 1530 hours. Clients will be collected 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 horse moving ride. The Hosteria and estancia is owned and run by a charming family who have 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: $60 per vehicle which can be arranged in advance. Transfer time with penguins: approx. 3 hours. Day 2 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 towards the Torres del paine National Park. Our destination is the beautiful estancia and hosteria known as Estancia Tres Pasos. A still working estancia the property consists of a number of estancia buildings, pretty gardens and lovely views down a beautiful valley. There will be a chance to unpack and relax a little before meeting our horses for an afternoon introductory ride in the vicinity of the estancia. Riders will be have a chance to adjust to the style of riding and tack. After a relaxing ride, we will return to the hotel for dinner in the lovely restaurant. Most of the food in this delightful family run establishment is home produced. Dinner included (excluding wine/drinks). Driving time: 4 hours. Day 3 Today after breakfast, riders will once again be saddling up for the first full day’s ride. We will be heading north west to the outpost town of Cerro Castillo. This is a beautiful open ride across grassy meadows and welcoming pampas. Riding towards the mountain range named after our destination we will enjoy the dramatic mountain and lake views. We will also have some opportunities for our first long canters on our responsive and comfortable horses. A picnic lunch will be taken in one of the pretty valleys before continuing on to the lovely converted estancia house, Hosteria el Pionero. 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 getting to know the rest of the group. Comfortable ensuite accommodation (some rooms with fireplaces). Dinner in the comfortable restaurant (meal included, except wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 6-7. Day 4 After breakfast, we will be joining our horses for today’s beautiful ride into the Park itself. The ride starts with some more fabulous pampas riding towards the famous peaks of the Torres del Paine National Park. We should spot some large guanaco herds in this area as it’s a very popular summer grazing area. Nandus (Darwins rhea) too are often seeing running across the pampas with their young in tow. The views during today’s ride are spectacular. We will ride around Lake Sarmiento, a beautiful turquoise blue lake with a dramatic mountain backdrop and through some lovely southern beech forests. Lunch will be taken lakeside before riding on to our destination beside Laguna Verde. We should see condors nesting in the rocky hills and plenty of other birdlife on the lakeshores and meadows. As we ride the final section through a pretty forest, we will see the traditional red roofs of the lovely Estancia Lazo come into view. Our base for 2 nights, this very comfortable converted Estancia situated beside this pretty tranquil lake 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 After breakfast today's ride takes us north east past the beautiful azure waters of Lago Sarmiento onto the wide open pampas belonging to various estancias in the area. Lots of great mountain views and lovely long canters. Depending on the water levels, there are also some exciting river crossings on this route. After a picnic lunch on the trail, we will cross the Rio de las Chinas before crossing onto the land belonging to Estancia Tercera Barranca. We will be basing ourselves here for 2 nights and can relax in this beautifully situated, authentic estancia. Pisco sours will be served in the living room while dinner is prepared. Great views of the Towers. Dinner included (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 5-6. Day 6 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 7 After a filling and wholesome breakfast we will be going out to the coral to prepare for the day's adventure. Today we will be moving between 40 and 60 horses onto their winter grazing. With the help of the baqueanos, we will be herding horses across pampas, valleys, rivers and mountain trails. Because of the speed of this ride, we will be changing horses often - simply swapping our tack from one mount to another. To the accompanying chorus of whistles and shouts from the local horsemen, we will be driving the horses forward whilst observing and rounding up strays and wanderers. A hard day's ride but what a privilege! Watching loose horses canter across valleys or splash through rivers with the fabulous Paine Massif behind is is an incredible, unforgettable experience. After our long day's ride we will be settling into our comfy accommodation beside the Serrano River. A well deserved dinner and rest for all! (Drinks excluded). Hours in the saddle: 7-9. Day 8 Far from being over, our adventure continues! 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 $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'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: 5-6. Day 9 After a leisurely breakfast 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. After lunch we will be visiting the fascinating burrowing Magellanic penguins at their colony in Otway Sound (situated about 1 hour from Punta Arenas). There will be plenty of time to wander amongst these cute animals before continuing onto Punta Arenas and our final hotel night at the Hotel Chalet Chapital. Lunch/Dinner not included. Transfer time: 5.5 hours with Penguins. Day 10 Taxi to airport or onward travel. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 7 days as detailed by the programme |
| Departure dates: | please contact the office for dates |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Blue Ice Trail - Multi Activity Trip
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Day 1 Late morning collection from airport or hotel to start the days drive across the wide open pampas and estancia lands that characterize this area before arriving at the waterside town of Puerto Natales with views of Last Hope sound and the Serrano Glacier in the distance. Rooms are light, airy and comfortable and there is laundry and internet available. Dinner is excluded. Day 2 Morning collection from Hotel IF for the drive towards the spectacular Torres del Paine national park. The destination is the comfortable ranch house belonging to Estancia Tercera. Comfortable and cosy accomodation in this authentic country house with fabulous views of the Towers from its large west facing windows. Fireside living room/bar and traditional quincho (wooden dining room with outside BBQ area). En suite rooms. After some time settling in, you will be meeting our horses and the friendly cowboys (baqueanos) who care for them. The first part of our adventure is on horseback so after a safety briefing and introduction to western riding, you will set off on the exciting and unique adventure into the hills and forests of the Sierra Contreras. The destination is the pretty waterfall known as Cascada Zamora. It is normal to see no other visitors here enabling you enjoy a peaceful lunch in this pretty area. After lunch you will ride up high over the pampas with views off to the Las Chinas Valley and the Sierra Baguales in the distance. Return to the lodge by a different route passing the beautiful azure waters of Laguna Azul with the Towers behind, one of the most picturesque areas of the park. All meals included (excluding wine/drinks). hours in saddle: 5-7. Day 3 Today, now more familiar with the horses, you will be setting off across some lovely open pampas towards the heart of the park and Laguna Amarga. This is a beautiful ride, not least because you get to ride towards the dramatically beautiful mountains of the Paine Massif. You will also pass through the summer grazing grounds of large guanaco herds. Plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the athletic antics of these fascinating and agile animals, or to pick some lovely ripe calafate berries from the many bushes that grow around here. Our trail takes us across some rivers and finally along the dirt track which leads into the Laguna Amarga area of the park. Here you will meet our transfer vehicle for the short drive to camping Las Torres. Hot showers available. Hours in the saddle: 4-5. Transfer time: 45 minutes. B,L,D. Day 4 After our hearty camp breakfast, a challenging hike lies in store for us today as you climb up to the base of the towers themselves. Starting with an uphill walk and then following wooded mountain trails this hike is beautiful and the most famous in the area. The final section is a series of ‘hops’ over glacial moraine before finally reaching our lunch destination in the shadow of these fabulous granite peaks. In the foreground waterfalls flow off the hanging glaciers into a basin of green water where icebergs float. You will hear thunderous roars as the ice calves off the glacier to the rocks below. In the afternoon you will descend to the camping spot in the valley and enjoy a shower- and for those who have the energy to walk to the nearby hotel bar, pisco sours can be enjoyed while dinner is being prepared. Hiking time: 7-9 hours depending on fitness. B,L,D. Day 5 After an early breakfast, you will be starting our hike round the shores of Lake Nordjenskold. The hike takes us around the milky waters of this beautiful lake whilst you enjoy the views of the granite peaks that form the centre piece of this geographical wonder. Tonight you will be eating and sleeping in the Reugio Los Cuernos which is beautifully situated beside the turquoise waters of the lake with the mountains standing watch behind. Dinner and wine included. Hiking time 4-5 hours. B,L,D. Day 6 After breakfast in the convivial refugio you will continue the hike along the shores of Lake Nordjenskold towards the French Valley. This is a beautiful trail into a superb natural granite ampitheatre where you will also see the French Glacier. After lunch in an awesome picnic spot you will hike to another beautiful lake, Lago Pehoe. You will be setting up camp here on the shores of these pretty waters before relaxing a little while dinner is prepared. Showers available, inside dining if weather bad. Hiking time: 5 – 9 hours depending on how far the group hikes into the French Valley. B,L,D. Day 7 Today you will be hiking up to the spectacular and immense Grey Glacier. The trail takes you through ancient beech forests and along a spectacular trail high above Grey Lake. You will enjoy fantastic glacier views throughout. The destination is refugio Grey and Mirador (lookout) where we can enjoy lunch on the shores of the iceberg choked lake before you start the descent back to our pretty campsite at Pehoe Lake. Second night at Pehoe. Showers available. Hiking time: 6-7 hours. B,L,D. Day 8 After breakfast and packing up camp, you will be reunited with the horses and the baqueanos who care for them with a brisk and exciting ride across wide open pampas to the Serrano River. The path first takes you along flower-lined trails around Pehoe Lake before opening out onto flat pampas where you can enjoy an exhilarating canter to the emerald green waters of the Serrano River. Showers available and inside dining in case of bad weather. Hours in the saddle: 4-5 depending on the pace. B,L,D. Day 9 Today you will be boarding Zodiacs for an exciting ride down the Serrano river. The journey takes you through the Bernardo O;Higgins national park (the largest in the country) past Tyndall and Geike Glaciers finishing at the mouth of the river where it spills into the Last Hope Sound. On arrival at Puerto Toro you will meet with the kayak guide, prepare camp and enjoy lunch. After lunch, your guide will provide a safety briefing and padding instructions for the next part of your adventure in kayaks. This prepares you for the journey to the Balmaceda glacier through the Ultima Esperanza Fjord, with its waterfall and cliffs (3hrs approx). On returning to camp you will enjoy the sunset over the fjord whilst your guide prepares dinner for you. Hours in Zodiac 2-3 (weather reliant). Wild camping with no facilities. Day 10 Is an early start with a nutritious breakfast, after which you will carry the kayaks 100m to the water. On entering the lagoon you will be able to paddle in between the floating icebergs while taking advantage of the beautiful morning light in front of the Serrano glacier. A truly unforgettable experience. After a couple of hours you will leave the lagoon and pack away the camp ready to board the boat once again and return to Puerto Natales. During the journey you will stop off at the cute and beautifully situated "Estancia Perales" where a Patagonian asado (BBQ) will be served. After lunch, you will continue in the boat to arrive at the quayside in Puerto Natales at around 6 p.m. On arrival in this interesting waterside town, you will take a taxi to the Hotel IF. There is a restaurant with laundry and internet usually available. Dinner in one of the town's many fine restaurants or in the hotel (not included). Hours on cutter: 3. Breakfast and lunch only. Day 11 Morning at leisure in this beautifully situated and quaint waterside town. After an early lunch, you will continue on to the Otway Sound Penguin Colony where you will have a chance to see and photograph these unique and fascinating burrowing penguins. After enjoying and photographing these cute creatures, you will continue on to Punta Arenas airport for onward flight. Transfer time:4.5 hours with the penguins. Breakfast only. |
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| Accommodation: | Is in comfortable, authentic and welcoming estancias and hotels (3nts), camping (6nts) and refugios (1nt). All of which have been chosen for their beautiful location, great view and cultural appeal. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Riders must be comfortable in walk, trot and canter. Hiking is moderate- challenging so you should be fairly fit. Kayaking is suitable for beginners although you should be confident around water. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Riding and hiking |
| Departure dates: | 24 November - 4 December 2010; 24 December 2010 - 3 January 2011; 17-27 january 2011; 7-17 February 2011; 9-19 March 2011 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |