Wild Horse Round-up Ride

Highlights

• Experience the unique thrill of horse riding among the immense landscapes of Patagonia
• Become part of a unique conservation project as you ride out in search of wild horses
• Feast on a traditional gaucho asado under the huge southern skies
• 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
• Develop new skills as you drive wild horses across the arid plains in an other worldly landscape
• 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. Arrive in Puerto Natales. Afternoon private transfer to the small border outpost of Cerro Castillo on the way to Torres del Paine. Night in the comfortable, country house-style villa of Hosteria el Pionero in twin/double rooms with private bathrooms. Welcome dinner and guide’s briefing.
2. After breakfast we will be jumping in the van for the transfer north east on Route 9 towards the frontierlands close to Argentina and the Baguales and La Cumbre mountains. Our journey takes us along the Baguales River through a dramatic valley towards the snow capped peaks of this mountain range of the same name. Eventually we will arrive at the land belonging to Estancia 3R in the Sierra Baguales with its recently converted Casa Patronal a comfortable, rustic ranch house where you will be spending the next couple of nights in double/twin rooms with shared bathrooms.You will be meeting your host Alicia Rivero and the resident baqueanos before heading out to the coral where you will be assigned a horse.*Please note the activities and riding on Days 2 and 3 will be decided according to the location of the horses, the weather and the work that has to be done*
3. Day spent with Alicia working with the wild horses of Sierra Baguales. Night Estancia 3R as above. During your time at Estancia 3R you will be also be enjoying a Natural Horsemanship demonstration by renowned Patagonian Horse Whisperer, Abdias Puchi.
4. After a home cooked breakfast we will be saddling up for the ride south to Estancia Cerro Guido. As we journey through this arid and dramatic terrain we will see the granite peaks of Torres del Paine to the west and the mountains that form the natural border with Argentina to the east with stunning mountain views and great wildlife opportunities for most of the ride. After a picnic lunch we will be continuing south through the Las Chinas valley named after the river of the same name. Our destination is Estancia Cerro Guido, located on the north east borders of the Park this estancia offers very comfortable accommodation in twin/double en suite rooms with views of the Towers.
5. Today we will be bidding our horses goodbye. The day starts with a transfer to the picture postcard Laguna Amarga, Bitter Lake, with its salty shores and dark waters reflecting the famous Towers of Paine. Here we will meeting our new horses for our long ride across the heart of the Park with iconic mountain and lake views as we head from east to west. The full distance is approx 45 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 the comfortable Pampa Lodge with uninterrupted views of the mountains and twin/double en suite rooms.
6. After 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 and meet a private transfer back to Puerto Natales. Night in the waterfront Hotel Costaustralis with views across Last Hope Sound and comfortable twin/double en suite rooms. Farewell dinner included in one of the town’s many excellent restaurants.
7. Transfer to bus station or airport for onward travel.

Alicia Rivero

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 3-day 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 6-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 into some remote areas 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 lodgings including a country house lodge, a home-stay ranch house (occupied exclusively), a working estancia, a riverside lodge and a waterfront hotel to celebrate the last night. The accommodation is twin share and has been chosen in the best locations and to reach 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 including a privileged couple of days working with the famous wild horses as part of a conservation project implemented by a local estancia. Accommodation throughout is warm, comfortable, cosy and in great locations. It is not luxury while in the Park (an upgrade is possible at the Serrano River to the Hotel Rio Serrano (with pool and spa, ask for prices). The hotel in Puerto Natales is a 4* waterfront hotel with comfortable spacious rooms and a great location. A dedicated BlueGreen chef will be preparing your meals while staying at Estancia 3R.
• Riding experience required for this trip is intermediate to advanced. This is a fairly fast paced ride with some long riding days and a couple of days working with a local estancia to round up, count and treat wild horses that roam the area. Fitness and experience are important. The ride is not suitable for beginner riders.
• 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 (including local horse whisperer Abdias Puchi and your host Alicia Rivero).
• Age limit: 12 – 70 unless by prior arrangement. Young riders need to 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 five days riding with varying lengths according to how far you need to ride on a certain day. The work with the wild horses will be entirely due to the location of the horses and the task at hand. You will be riding two different horses during the ride.
• This trip is available as a one-off, end of season ride starting on the 4th April 2026.
• 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, the single supplement is US$849 limited single accommodation available in some areas)
• 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$6,650 per person (group of 6 riders, 25/26 season), contact us for prices of smaller groups. Prices are inclusive of private transfers in/out and vehicle support during the ride where practical; all accommodation and meals stated (with wine in ranch stays); English speaking riding guide with Chilean baqueanos to care for the horses; truck to move horses in some areas; natural horsemanship demonstration, cook to prepare meals in ranch stay; 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 further details or to book your place on this ride.