While Torres del Paine is a popular hiking destination, there’s no better way to get off the beaten track than on horseback. A former estancia, it has miles and miles of horse-friendly terrain, such as pampas, vast flowers meadows and lakeshore trails; most within sight of the spectacular Paine Massif.

The Pampas

Some of the best riding in Torres del Paine is on the Pampas – immense steppe grasslands that account for a third of the Park’s territory. Living, working landscapes , they are home to historic estancias, still operated by generations of baqueanos (Patagonian cowboys).

The riding here is freer, faster; the ground flat enough for confident canters; the sky wide enough to take in views of the Paine Massif and, if you’re lucky, Condors riding the high thermals. Other wildlife to look out for includes guanacos, foxes, condors, flamingos, armadillos, and even the elusive puma.

Riding the Pampas with BlueGreen

The Estancia Ride – A ten-day journey from ranch to ranch, traces traditional cattle routes through the heart of the pampas
The Glacier Ride – A five or ten-day ride crosses open steppe before entering wilder, glacial terrain.
VIP Riding Trip is a luxury alternative that still includes long gallops across the plains.

Torres del Paine and beyond

Sierra Baguales

Sierra Baguales, Patagonia’s ode to basalt, lies just north-east of Torres del Paine. Named peaks, The Cathedrals, The Castle, The Citadel, of blue-black rock rise lost-city-like from pampas of gold and bronze. Wild horses, guanacos, puma, and the occasional hiker roam the valleys below, an ancient seabed, itself thrust up by volcanic forces, where fossils including shark teeth and leaves from prehistoric forests litter the hillsides.

BlueGreen’s Wild horse round-up will take place here and in neighbouring Torres del Paine.

The Estancia Ride includes an optional extension into this little-known wilderness. For seasoned riders, it’s an unmissable add-on.