Five-day Glacier Ride

Highlights

• Canter across the wide open spaces of the Patagonia pampas with the wind in your hair
• Ride to Grey Beach to see Glacier Grey and witness Paine’s largest highway of ice
• Camp close to the abundant waters of the Serrano River
• Unzip your tent on some of Patagonia’s most eye popping vistas
• Ride along shores of mirror top lakes beneath giant craggy peaks as you hone your riding skills
• Picnic lakeside on the sandy beach of Laguna Azul, with views of the famous Towers of Paine
• Observe agile guanacos as they scatter across the landscape in front of you
• Imagine life as a cowboy (or cowgirl) as you ride into Patagonia’s version of the wild west
• Eat some typical Patagonian food and meet some of the people who call this place home

Day by day

1. Arrive into Puerto Natales. Transfer to historic Puerto Bories located on the Senoret Channel a few miles outside Puerto Natales. Sleep in Bories House, an English style villa with traditional Patagonian architecture and comfortable en suite rooms a short walk from Last Hope Sound. Dinner and guide’s briefing at Afrigonia in Puerto Natales offering a fusion of African and Patagonian cuisine.
2. After breakfast, you will be taking a private transfer to an area known as Canadon Macho located close to Laguna Azul in the north eastern section of the Park. Here you will meet your horses and enjoy a safety briefing before setting out towards Laguna Cebolla and Victorina located north east of the Paine mountains with dramatic mountain views and plenty of opportunities to see the agile guanaco and other wildlife. After our full day’s ride of around 28 kilometres (5-6 hours) you will be heading back to Laguna Azul where you will be spending the night camping in a very pretty campsite with bathrooms and hot showers and a BlueGreen chef to prepare meals. All gear provided with sleeping bags, liners and mats included.
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 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 Paine views of the mountains from a southern perspective and diverse wildlife. Night in a riverside camp with bathrooms and hot showers and a BlueGreen chef to prepare meals and all gear provided with sleeping bags, liners and mats included.
4. After your camp breakfast you will be saddling up and riding out to Grey Lake, a stunning pampas ride with mountain views throughout. 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. Return to the Serrano River for a second night camping.
5. After breakfast you will be rejoining your horses at the campsite for the lovely pampas ride to the much photographed Puente Weber with dramatic mountain views throughout. You will then start a slow climb of the Sierra del Toro with jaw dropping views of the Paine and Balmaceda mountain range below. Once you reach the lookout at the summit you can enjoy the far reaching views before setting out through the grassy trails past a myriad of pretty lakes and forests with stunning mountain views that change at every turn. Arrive at Estancia Lazo located on the shores of Laguna Verde in the south of the Park with, we think, some of the best (and lesser known) views of the Paine Massif from a southern perspective. Enjoy the views before bidding your horses goodbye and jumping in your van for the private transfer back to Puerto Natales. Distance approx 22 kilometres (4-5 hours). Night Bories House. Wine tasting and special farewell dinner at El Cormoran de las Rocas.
6. Transfer to bus station or airport for onward travel.

Is this trip for me?

• This 5-day 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 through some of Torres del Paine’s most iconic landscapes. 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 a country house hotel in Puerto Natales and three nights sleeping outside in tents while in the Park. The campsites have been chosen in the best locations and to reach the best riding away from the main hiking trails. All gear is provided when camping and a dedicated BlueGreen chef will be preparing your meals.
• Riding experience required for this trip is intermediate. This is a moderately fast paced ride with some long riding days with options to travel in the vehicle due to tiredness. Although not suitable for beginner riders this trip would suit someone who has ridden in the past but whose skills are rusty.
• 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.
• Age limit: 12 – 70 unless by prior arrangement. Young riders should be experienced and accompanied by an experienced and capable adult. Alternatively, 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 days riding with varying lengths according to how far you need to ride on a certain day. You will be riding your own assigned horse throughout the trip (horses will be moved by truck where necessary).
• This trip is available on request for 2+ riders between November and March. The maximum group size is an intimate 6 riders.
• Solo riders are welcome and a single supplement is not charged if you are willing to share with another rider of the same gender (otherwise, ask about the options for single accommodation)
• 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$4,610 per person (group of 6 riders, 25/26 season), ask for prices for smaller group sizes. Prices are inclusive of private transfers in/out and vehicle support during the ride where practical; all accommodation and meals stated; English speaking riding guide with Chilean baqueanos to care for the horses; truck to move horses in some areas; all riding and activities as detailed; saddle bags & helmets; entrance fees; ground support provided by our experienced logistics team based in Puerto Natales.
• Please contact us for more details or if you wish to book your place on this ride.
• See note on accommodation upgrades which are available on this ride if you prefer to sleep inside and avoid camping.

Extras

• Add boat trip to the face of Grey Glacier, US$140 per person
• Single supplement (for those who prefer not to share, on request)
• Accommodation upgrades are available on this ride, ask for details and prices.