Icebergs, mountains and wild horses

Highlights

• Experience the unique thrill of horse riding among the immense landscapes of Patagonia
• Become part of a unique conservation project as you head out in search of wild horses
• Ride out with the true cowboys of the south into Patagonia’s version of the wild west
• Chat fireside with your fellow riders and hear the fascinating stories of the local ranchers
• Spot guanacos, rhea and possibly pumas in this frontierland flanked by the southern Andes
• Enjoy some fast paced and dramatic riding on responsive, trusty Criollo horses
• Ride across the heart of Torres del Paine with its breathtaking vistas
• Canter across the immense pampas in the shadow of the Paine Massif to Grey Lake
• Take a boat trip for an up close and personal encounter with a vertical towering glacier
• Learn about natural horsemanship from local Patagonian horse whisperer, Puchi

Day by day

1. This 5-day trip will start with collection from either your hotel in Puerto Natales or a meeting point in Torres del Paine.
   Accompanied by your guide and driver in a private transfer the route takes us west on a scenic track which follows the shoreline of Sarmiento Lake as it weaves and winds across the pampas through ancient forests and with dramatic mountain and lakes views. Eventually we will arrive at Laguna Verde and there will be a chance to enjoy the views of the Paine Massif from this lesser known southern perspective. We will then meet our horses and the baqueanos who care for them. After assigning horses to riders, we will have a safety check and short familiarization with western riding before packing our saddle bags with cameras, waterproofs, and our picnic lunch and setting off around the shores of this pretty lake through ancient southern beech forests towards the Sierra del Toro.This is a great introductory ride that starts out with flat terrain, soft grassy trails and incredible mountain and lake views at every turn. After a few hours riding we will reach the Mirador del Toro where we will enjoy far reaching views across this marvelous southern landscape. After some time spent here enjoying the views, we will start the steep descent of this scree slope 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. Now used to our horses, we can continue with some canters across the pampas to the Serrano River where we will camp beside the emerald green waters of this beautiful river with its dramatic mountain views. Showers available. Inside dining in case of inclement weather.

   Packed lunch and dinner included with wine while camping (BlueGreen chef to prepare meals).
   All gear provided including mountain tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags with liners.

2. After breakfast we will be meeting our horses and preparing for the dramatic pampas ride to Grey Lake. Our view will be dominated by the jagged, granite peaks of the Paine massif as we ride out along the Grey River to the largest glacier in the park, Grey Glacier. On reaching the trailhead we will tether our horses and walk out across the swinging footbridge through the forest to Grey Beach.The view that greets us is memorable – the sandy shores of the beach form an almost surreal contrast to the blue of the floating icebergs that have calved off the nearby glacier. Grey Glacier protrudes off the southern ice field and is quite simply a wonder of nature. Measuring 28 km in length and covering a total surface area of 270 square km with its frozen walls of crystalline ice towering almost 35 metres high, it never ceases to impress. 

   After some time walking along the beach and enjoying our picnic lunch, we will walk back to our waiting horses for the exciting ride back to the Serrano River.

   Note: the Glacier itself is 17 kilometers from the the Grey beach and if you would like to get up close to the face of this marvel of ice, we can arrange a trip out onto the lake in the Grey III boat. This is an optional excursion available at the cost of approximately US$135 per person. If you want to take the excursion, you would return to the hotel by vehicle as there is not time to ride back.

   All meals included (BlueGreen chef to prepare meals).
   All gear provided as above.

3. Today you will be setting out on a long ride across the heart of the Park with iconic mountain and lake views as you head from west to east.  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 Laguna Amarga). Today’s ride is always a highlight of everybody’s itinerary with its iconic Paine views of the mountains from a southern perspective and diverse wildlife.

    

   On arrival at the ride end you will meet your driver for the private transfer north east of Paine towards the Sierra Contreras mountains following the Baguales River to the historic Hacienda 3R (now Estancia Sierra Baguales). 

   This estancia (ranch) is located in a dramatic landscape in the frontierlands between the Rio de las Chinas and the Rio Baguales. An arid, dramatic location with immense skies and closeness to the domineering Sierra Baguales mountain range. You will be staying here for two nights in a working ranch that houses guests in the comfortable main house and guest lodge.

   The silence is deafening and you will have your BlueGreen guide(s) and local team to keep you company, a chance to enjoy memorable meals and explore with your new friends in this magical place. With luck you will meet your host, Alicia Rivero, the force behind the estancia and its mission to protect and conserve the wild horse herds in the region.

   The main house consists of three bedrooms (see below), a large kitchen and living area with expansive mountain views, wood burning stove, two bathrooms (two showers) and three wash basins. Nearby is a separate house that sleeps 7 in two rooms.

   In addition to the condors nesting nearby, other wildlife includes armadillos, skunks, hares, guanacos and even puma. There is no cell phone reception or WiFi and meals are eaten communally around the big wooden table which is the centre of the house’s beautiful dining area.
   After your delicious dinner prepared by a competent chef you can settle into your comfortable beds for a night in this magical place.

   Night Estancia Sierra Baguales 

   The ‘Casa Patronal’ or Lodge has a maximum capacity for 10 guests in two double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and three bedrooms with bunk beds (each bunk is a double sleeping two people). There are two shared bathrooms equipped with two WC’s, three wash basins and two showers. The open play layout features a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, living room and fireplace. It also offers a spacious terrace to enjoy the dramatic views, heating and WIFI.

   The ‘Puesto Grande’ has capacity for up to six guests in one double bedroom, two bedrooms with bunk veds (each bunk is a double sleeping two people) and two fully equipped bathrooms. It also features an open plan kitchen, dining area and living room as well as a full terrace and a wood burning stove for heating. El Puesto Grande” has a maximum capacity of six people, with a layout comprising one double bedroom, two bedrooms with bunk beds, and two fully equipped bathrooms. It also features an open-plan kitchen, dining area, and living room, as well as a full terrace and slow-burning wood stoves for heating.

   *Meal basis: all meals included (dinner will be prepared by the ranch chef)

4. Today you can choose from a menu of activities according to your preference

5. Options include:

   Laguna 3R
   Take an easy hike of around 3.6 km into the high plains that surround the estancia that are home to a variety of flora and fauna. Our destination is the Laguna 3R with a surface area of 7.3 hectares. Located at 673 metres above sea level the lagoon attracts large numbers of birds during the summer season.

   Rio Baguales Trail
   This easy hiking trail follows the banks of the Baguales River. In addition to a variety of the estate’s native flora and fauna marine fossils have been found here dating back to approximately 42 million years ago (the Cenozoic era).

   Amphitheatre Trail
   This trail is located along the northern boundary of the estancia and covers a hiking distance of approximately 2.4 km. During the 1.5 to 2.5 hours taken to complete it you will witness panoramic views of the Sierra Baguales and the Patagonian highlands. There are also paleontological remains in the area.

   Barranca Trail
   This trail covers a distance of approximately 6.6 km on a moderately difficult trail lasting 3 – 4 hours. You will witness panoramic views of the Sierra Baguales as you traverse the Chorillo de la Barranca. Your guides will identify a number of native plants and flowers in addition to any wildlife seen along the way. Marine fossils from the cretaceous era have been found here dating back 70 million years.

   Observe and interract with horses.
   This activity involves observing and interracting with herds of both tame and wild horses belonging to the estancia. There will be members of the conservation team present with guests at all time to share information on the history and care of the wild horses and ensure everybody’s safety at all times.

   Outing to visit the wild horse herds
   This involves heading out to an area frequented by the wild horse herds are grazing. The guide will aim to get closer to the horses using feed and, when safe and appropriate to do so, guests can approach the horses. Ths activity can last between 1-3 hours depending on where the horses are located and the herd chosen for observation. The guide will explain the social dynamics, hierarchy, geaneology and the history of the herd. They will also discuss the strong reasons for preserving and protecting these horses.

   Locating and Coraling the herd
   This involes setting out on foot into the surrounding hills and valleys to find a herd before herding them into the estancia’s corals located near the lodge. Once in the coral, guests can feed the horses and interract with them, all the time in the company of their knowledgeable conservation guide. This can last between 1-3 hours depending on where the herds are located.

   Horse riding in the area (experienced riders capable of controlling a horse at canter on open ground).

   Depending on the weather you will be taking a half day ride into the incredible landscapes that surround the estancia. With just the soaring condors and agile guanacos for company you will journey into this deep, remote Patagonian countryside to explore the various peaks, lakes, valleys and canyons that exist in this area. Riding will be on the wide open pampas and steppelands that characterize the area which is home to wild horses (baguales) which breed in the area and which hopefully you will see during the day. Views of the various mountain ranges are all around; the Sierras Baguales that form the natural barrier with Argentina to the north, the Sierra Contreras to the south, and of course the Paine Massif to the west all provide a memorable and fitting backdrop to this, Patagonia’s own wild west.

   Night Estancia Sierra Baguales 

   The ‘Casa Patronal’ or Lodge has a maximum capacity for 10 guests in two double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and three bedrooms with bunk beds (each bunk is a double sleeping two people). There are two shared bathrooms equipped with two WC’s, three wash basins and two showers. The open play layout features a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, living room and fireplace. It also offers a spacious terrace to enjoy the dramatic views, heating and WIFI.

   The ‘Puesto Grande’ has capacity for up to six guests in one double bedroom, two bedrooms with bunk veds (each bunk is a double sleeping two people) and two fully equipped bathrooms. It also features an open plan kitchen, dining area and living room as well as a full terrace and a wood burning stove for heating. El Puesto Grande” has a maximum capacity of six people, with a layout comprising one double bedroom, two bedrooms with bunk beds, and two fully equipped bathrooms. It also features an open-plan kitchen, dining area, and living room, as well as a full terrace and slow-burning wood stoves for heating.

   *Meal basis: all meals included prepared by the ranch chef.

6. After breakfast you will be continuing with your onward travel. We can arrange drop off in Torres del Paine, Cerro Castillo (for the bus on to el Calafate and el Chalten) or Puerto Natales to catch an onward flight or bus.

   Breakfast only included.

Alicia Rivero, the owner of Estancia Sierra Baguales

Alicia Ximena Rivero Álvarez was born in September 1965. She has a twin sister.  The family farm is called Hacienda 3R in honour of her late father, Rafael Rivero Rodríguez, who acquired it in 1962. Alicia has spent her entire life in the countryside and has always been passionate about rural life. Since she was a child, she has showed a strong interest in horses and the countryside.

Over the years, Alicia has been involved in the management of the family ranch, taking a broader approach that includes the protection of the wild (bagual) horses in the area. Recognizing the importance of these animals in local history and culture, Alicia has set out to preserve their existence. Additionally, she has challenged traditional gender roles by working side by side with men in the field and earning their respect.

Alicia considers that women play a fundamental role in rural areas and has assumed the many varied responsibilities involved in successful ranching including caring for the animals and working on the farm. Her vision is to strengthen the presence of women in the area by promoting participation and education in the rural environment. She is committed to supporting any local woman interested in working, learning about horses and joining her cause.

Alicia Rivero Álvarez is a homely, strong and multifaceted woman who has proven her worth as an estanciera (rancher) and who strives to preserve the traditions and importance of bagual horses in the region. Her determination and dedication are an inspiring example for women and girls in the region.

Estancia 3R/Sierra Baguales

Hacienda 3R, located 135 kilometers from Puerto Natales (approximately 2 hours by road), is located in the heart of Chilean Patagonia on the border with Argentina, flanked by the imposing mountain range of Sierra Baguales. With land extending to 6,000 hectares, this ranch has a history deeply rooted in the equine world.

In this remote corner of the southern Patagonia, the owner of the ranch, Alicia Rivero, is dedicated to preserving and protecting the few examples of the wild (bagual) horses that still live in the area. Her vision is to turn this land into a sanctuary for these majestic animals who in the past roamed freely. Today, after years of effort, she has managed to gather and protect at least 100 of these magnificent horses in the process of establishing a sanctuary for their protection.

The work

The process of separating males that fail to integrate into the herd for subsequent training and veterinary care is a delicate and challenging task. At Hacienda 3R, work has been done to gradually identify the groups that are most trusting in the face of human presence. This is handled using natural horsemanship methods to separate the bagual horses in a respectful manner, based on communication and mutual respect, avoiding the use of force and aggression.

During your visit to the ranch, you will have the opportunity to witness up close the work that is being done in this unique environment. You will be able to get closer to the herds, participate in the separation of horses that need to be tamed and immerse yourself in the authenticity of rural life and gaucho tradition, establishing a special bond with these noble animals.

The wild horses of Sierra Baguales represent the essence of survival in its purest form; demonstrating exceptional resilience and adaptation to their natural environment.

Is this trip for me?

• This NEW exclusive BlueGreen itinerary is suited to lovers of riding and the outdoors. In the company of an experienced guide and Chilean horsemen you will ride across Torres del Paine before heading out into more remote borderlands where the only access is on foot or horse. 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 camping and a typical ranch house that now welcomes guests. The accommodation is twin share, we can accommodate singles on request. The ride is an authentic experience with as much contact with the local horse culture as possible including a privileged opportunity to visit Patagonia’s famous wild horses as part of a conservation project implemented by a local estancia. Accommodation throughout is warm, comfortable, and in great locations. If you prefer not to camp we can arrange a hotel upgrade for the first two nights. A dedicated BlueGreen chef will be preparing your meals while camping at the Serrano River. At the estancia your meals will be prepared by a trained chef. 
• Riding experience required for this trip is intermediate to advanced; the first part of the ride is more flexible and we can accept novice and intermediate riders. At the estancia, we can only accept competent, experienced riders as the horses are not suitable for beginners. It is possible to do the first three days riding and then join other activities for the second part, this could work very well for families. 
• 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 a dedicated driver giving options for riders to rest or cut a ride short if required. While at 3R you will be joined by additional horsemen and/or conservation guides. You may also meet the host Alicia Rivera.
• Age limit: 12 – 70 unless by prior arrangement. 
• The trip includes three days riding with varying lengths according to how far you need to ride on a certain day. The time spent with the wild horses will be entirely due to the location of the horses and local conditions. We recommend a half day ride on Day 4 so you spend half the day tracking or coraling the wild horses (this is not included in case you prefer to do other things, prices below). You will be riding two different horses during the ride.
• This trip is available on request for 2+ riders between November and early April. We can endeavour to match any solo riders with other confirmed groups so contact us if you are interested. We do not charge a single supplement is if you are willing to share with another rider of the same gender (otherwise, the single supplement can be confirmed on request).
• Travel insurance is mandatory as is the wearing of suitable head gear (a full packing list is provided prior to departure).
• The trip is priced from US$4,750 per person (6 riders, 26/27 season). The extra day riding on Day 4 is US$280 per person extra (experienced riders only).