The Estancia Ride

Highlights

• Experience the unique thrill of horse riding among the immense landscapes of Patagonia
• Canter your heart out on soft grassy pampas beneath towering granite peaks
• Enjoy a slice of history and Patagonian culture at an estancia’s new glamping domes 
• Feast on succulent lamb roasted gaucho style over a roaring fire
• Witness some of the areas’s exotic wildlife such as guanacos, rheas, condors and puma
• Take a boat trip for an up close and personal experience of a towering valley glacier
• Sample some local wines and delicious local foods including the much sought after King Crab
• Bond with your smart, responsive, agile Criollo horse, your loyal companion for the riding
• Experience some of Torres del Paine’s most photographed views through the ears of your horse

Day by day

1. Arrive into Puerto Natales. You will be collected from the airport or bus station depending on your arrival. There will be a guide’s briefing in the evening as you prepare yourselves and your luggage for the adventures ahead. Night Hotel Costanera, a light, contemporary hotel located on the waterfront. Dinner at leisure in one of the town’s many excellent restaurants.
2. After breakfast you will be heading out to the remote and dramatic Sierra Baguales that forms a natural border with Argentina located roughly 2 hours north east of Puerto Natales. This is Patagonia’s own wild west with its towering granite peaks, immense glacial valleys and fast flowing rivers. The area has a drier climate than the neighbouring Torres del Paine and this is apparent in the terrain. On arrival you will have a chance to explore the small paleontology museum where a number of marine fossils are on display.

   You will then be continuing by 4×4* to your home for the next two nights, one of a handful of comfortable glamping domes located on this vast estancia which has formed the estancia’s summer pasture for over 50 years. The domes each sleep two people with en suite bathrooms, they are designed to give you wilderness access without sacrificing modern comforts.

   While staying here your meals will be prepared for you in the nearby ranch house.
   *Alternatively you can ride or hike to the domes to stretch your legs and get used to the horses and local style of riding. 

   Dinner will consist of 3 courses. Breakfast consists of fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt, granola, local bread, jams, juice and of course locally roasted coffee. Packed lunches will be prepared for you depending on the day’s activities. You will also get to enjoy a traditional gaucho BBQ during your stay where locally produced lamb is roasted over an open fire. 

   Beverages include a variety of Chilean red and white wines, local beers, locally distilled gin, whisky and pisco for those who want to try a Chilean spirit. We do not offer sodas. Please feel free to bring any additional beverages you may like that you do not see listed.  We do not supply plastic water bottles, you must bring your own reusable bottle to fill up with our fresh non-treated mountain water.   

   After checking into your comfortable dome with a bed, seating area and awesome views you will meet your horses for today’s ride into this other worldly landscape. A stay here is a custom, exclusive experience designed around your preference which we will discuss with you at the time of booking.

   Night in glamping domes.
   Lunch and dinner included (with drinks at dinner)

3. Today you will have a full day to explore the incredible landscapes in this area. 
   You can choose from riding, hiking or taking an ATV adventure. 

   Second night comfortable domes.
   All meals included (with drinks at dinner).

4. You will spend your final morning in this magical place with one last horse ride or exploration before heading out towards Puerto Natales where you will have lunch before meeting your guide and continuing to the Hotel Las Torres located on the eastern boundaries of Torres del Paine.

    

   After checking in there will be a chance to explore the gardens and look for wildlife or relax in the hotel’s comfortable bar area before dinner.

   Night Hotel Las Torres in superior double/twin rooms
   This very comfortable well located hotel was once the Cerro Paine ranch, an 8,000 acre ranch that breeds cattle. Now it is a lovely hosteria with restaurant, bar, spa, stables, organic garden and gift shop. *Use of the spa is included, treatments are extra, ask us for a spa menu if you would like us to pre-book a massage or facial.

   All meals included (wine/drinks available at extra cost).

5. Today you will be meeting your horses at Laguna Amarga and your horseman Puchi who will accompany you and your guide for today’s long ride across the heart of the Park with iconic mountain and lake views as you head from east to west. The full distance is 48 km with 8-9 hours riding although the ride is vehicle supported enabling you to travel in the vehicle for the final part of the trail if you prefer (shortening the ride to 38 km although riders can jump in the van at any point, the ride ends at the Park administration centre).

    

   Our destination is the Serrano River with stunning views of the western face of the Paine Massif. Today’s ride is always a highlight of everybody’s itinerary with its iconic picture postcard views of the Paine Massif and the surrounding lakes from a southern perspective and a wealth of diverse wildlife. 

    

   Night in the comfortable Pampa Lodge, a small boutique lodge decorated in a contemporary-natural style with uninterrupted views of the Paine Massif and a jacuzzi to soak in after your long riding day. For early risers, this area also offers some of the best sunrises in all of Patagonia.

   Accommodation in twin/double rooms with private bathrooms. 

   Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

6. After breakfast you will be saddling up and riding out to Grey Lake, a stunning pampas ride with mountain views throughout and good opportunities for long canters.

    

   Arrive at Grey Lake and take a walk on the sandy beach often packed with icebergs floating on its surface. Option to take a boat to the face of Grey Glacier (recommended) for an up close and personal encounter with a towering wall of ice. The ride distance is 35 km there and back although if you choose to take the Grey Boat you will return by vehicle making today’s ride 17 km. 

   After your exciting ride you will be taking a private transfer back to Puerto Natales and the Hotel Costanera that will be home for tonight.

   Breakfast and packed lunch included.
   *We can recommend and reserve a suitable restaurant on request. 

7. Transfer to bus station or airport for onward travel. Breakfast only.

Is this trip for me?

• This 7-day BlueGreen itinerary is suited to intermediate or occasional riders who wish to combine local culture and comfortable accommodation with horse riding. It is designed for those who prefer not to camp.
• In the company of an experienced riding guide and Chilean horsemen you will ride into some of Patagonia’s most iconic scenery and landscapes with plenty of diversity. Throughout these long, exciting days in the saddle the snow capped mountains are never far away. Luggage is moved by vehicle or 4×4 and you are provided with saddle bags to carry water, suncream, lunch box etc.
• Accommodation is in a mix of lodgings including remote glamping domes, a comfortable estancia-turned-hotel and a riverside lodge. You will stay in a waterfront hotel before and after the ride in Puerto Natales. The accommodation has been chosen in the best locations and to access the best riding away from the main hiking trails. The ride is an authentic experience with as much contact with the local horse culture as possible. The accommodation is comfortable, twin share with private bathrooms throughout. An estancia chef will prepare the meals while staying at the glamping domes.
• Riding experience required for this trip is flexible. The riding can be tailored to suit the experience and fitness of the riders. It would also suit non-riding partners who wish to enjoy other activites and excursions during the day.
• Age limit: 12 – 70 unless by prior arrangement. Please ask about our custom family trips for riding options for very young riders. Older riders are welcome but may be asked to complete a medical suitability questionnaire.
• The trip includes four to five days riding with varying lengths depending on experience and preference. You will ride two horses during the itinerary, both assigned to you according to your height, weight and experience.
• You will be riding with an experienced English speaking riding guide together with between one and three horsemen (baqueanos) depending on the size of the group. Where practical the riding is supported by a vehicle with dedicated driver giving options for riders to rest or cut a ride short if required.
• This trip is available on request for 2+ riders. The maximum group size is an intimate 6 riders. Alternatively, we can arrange the trip on a custom basis for a family or larger group of riders, subject to availability.
• Solo riders are welcome and a single supplement is not charged if you are willing to share with another rider of the same gender. If you would like a guaranteed single room, the supplement is US$1,020 (ask about availability).
• Travel insurance is mandatory as is the wearing of suitable head gear (a full packing list is provided prior to departure).
• Prices start at US$7,385 per person (group of 6 riders, 26/27 season), contact us for prices for smaller groups. Prices are inclusive of private transfers in/out and vehicle support during the ride where practical; all accommodation and meals stated above; English speaking riding guide with Chilean baqueanos to care for the horses; four-five days riding as detailed; truck to move horses in some areas; saddle bags & helmets; entrance fees; ground support provided by our experienced logistics team based in Puerto Natales
• Please contact us for more information or if you are interested in booking your place on one of the rides.
• Ask about our other riding trips in the area.

Extras

• Add boat trip to the face of Grey Glacier, US$140 per person
• Single supplement (for those who prefer not to share, add US$1,020)