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 some beautiful old estancia houses
• 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
• Enjoy a night in a typical Patagonian country house hotel overlooking Last Hope Sound
• 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 most of the ride
• Experience some of Torres del Paine’s most photographed views through the ears of your horse

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. Welcome dinner included.
2. After meeting your horses and enjoying a safety briefing you will be riding north west from Puerto Bories to Puerto Prat following trails along the shores of Last Hope Sound and across farmland, a great introductory ride to get used to the style of riding and your horse who will be your companion for much of the riding to come. Along the way we will be stopping for lunch at Estancia Consuelo, founded in the late 19th century by German immigrant Hermann Eberhard (who also discovered the nearby Milodon Cave). Consuelo is one of the region’s oldest ranches and a landmark of Patagonian settler history. Its preserved buildings and sweeping views of the Eberhard Fjord make it a great stopover, offering an authentic connection to local culture and the legacy of Patagonia’s pioneering families. After a full day ride of around 28 kilometres you will be meeting your transfer vehicle to take you the remaining short distance to the outpost village of Cerro Castillo. Night in the comfortable, country house-style Hosteria el Pionero in twin/double rooms with private bathrooms. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. *We are hoping to coordinate the end January ride with the rodeo/country show that takes place in Cerro Castillo – ask us for more details.
   
3. After breakfast, you will be joining your horses in the nearby coral and saddling up for today’s long ride north across the wide open pampas that characterize this part of Patagonia passing a number of large estancias. The trails take you east of the lakes as you ride across the immense pampas, the views of the Paine Massif can be seen to the left throughout the day and there should be good opportunities to see wildlife. The ride will be supported by a vehicle so in the event of tiredness riders can travel the last part in the vehicle (the total distance is 64 km and there will be a chance to get into the vehicle at 47 km and 50 kms).  Later in the afternoon we will arrive at the remote Casa Las Chinas located in the Las Chinas valley named after the river of the same name. Tonight will be spent in a pretty ranch house in this beautiful secluded valley decorated in the typical style with eating and living area with fireplace. The house will be occupied exclusively by your group and a chef will prepare meals. Night Casa Las Chinas in twin/double rooms, one with private bathroom, other rooms share bathrooms. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
4. Today’s ride of approximately 5-6 hours will take us north through canyons and ravines to the lovely Salto Las Chinas. We will return via a different route to the very pretty Laguna Azul with its captivating turquoise waters and dramatic view of the three Towers of Paine. The total distance is 35 km and there will be an opportunity to return in the vehicle if required. We will have time to explore the sandy lake beach and the resident wildlife before riding back to the Casa Las Chinas where we will spend a second night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
5. 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 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 with uninterrupted views of the Paine Massif and a jacuzzi to soak in after your long riding day. Accommodation in twin/double rooms with private bathrooms. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
6. After your camp 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. Return to the Serrano River for a second night at the lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
7. After breakfast you will be meeting your new horses in the coral belonging to Pampa Lodge. You will then be heading out of the Serrano village following the river of the same name south into the inaccessible and pristine area of the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Today’s ride takes you into some true wilderness landscapes as you ride along river shores in the shadow of the Balmaceda mountain range towards Mt Donose and Glacier Tyndall which you should see in the distance. The terrain will give you lots of opportunities for long canters in some magical lesser known, but truly Patagonian, landscapes.  After today’s exciting ride you will be returning to the lodge and bidding your horses goodbye before jumping in the van for the private transfer back to Puerto Natales. Distance approx 25 kilometres (5-6 hours). Night in the waterfront Weskar Lodge located in an enviable position a little outside town. Farewell dinner at El Cormoran de las Rocas. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
8. Transfer to bus station or airport for onward travel. Breakfast only.

Is this trip for me?

• This 8-day exclusive BlueGreen itinerary is suited to experienced riders who wish to combine local culture and comfortable accommodation with outdoor riding adventures. 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 the Park’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 a country house hotel, a converted Estancia House, a working Estancia house and two nights in comfortable lodges. 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 at the Casa Las Chinas

  Riding experience required for this trip is intermediate to advanced. This is a fairly fast paced ride with some long riding days. Fitness and experience are important. The ride is not suitable for beginner riders.

• 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 six 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 for the entire trip with the exception of Day 7 when you will ride a different horse (horses will be moved by truck where necessary).
• 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 set departures in the main season as follows: 20 November 2025, 20 January 2026, 20 February 2026, 20 March 2026 with groups of 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 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$980 (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$7,045 per person (group of 6 riders, 25/26 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 (from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8); English speaking riding guide with Chilean baqueanos to care for the horses; six 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 exciting end of season Wild Horse round up ride scheduled for late March/early April.

Extras

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

Optional two-night estancia extension to Sierra Baguales

(for 4+ experienced riders) **

1. Transfer to Estancia 3R (Sierra Baguales). Explore. Ranch House

   This extension can start with pick up in Torres del Paine or Puerto Natales. You will be taking a private transfer north east out of the Park as you skirt the Sierra Contreras mountains following the Baguales River to the historic Hacienda 3R (now Estancia Sierra Baguales) located in a dramatic landscape in the frontierlands between the Rio de las Chinas and the Rio Baguales. This arid, dramatic location with its immense skies and closeness to Sierra Baguales mountain range will be your base for two nights in the recently converted *casa patronal*, now a comfortable, rustic ranch house.

   The silence here is deafening and you will have just your BlueGreen guide(s) and staff to keep you company, a chance to enjoy memorable meals and exploring 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 nesting condors who own the barn, the other wildlife includes armadillos, skunks, hares, guanacos and herds of wild horses. 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 you can settle into your comfortable beds for a night in this magical place.

   **Night Estancia Sierra Baguales** / exclusive use of the house (that has space for 10 + 7; main house has two double rooms and one room with 6 bunk beds and sleeps a maximum of 10, the small house has one triple and one quadruple room sleeping a maximum of 7).

   **Meal basis:** BlueGreen chef to prepare meals and provide full support, all meals included with wine at dinner

2. Full day riding in the dramatic landscapes of the Estancia. All meals**

   After your chef-prepared breakfast you will be making your way out to the corral to meet the estancia’s own horses that you will be riding today. Depending on the weather you will be taking a full day ride into the incredible, empty landscapes that surround the estancia with lots of opportunities for long canters. With just the soaring condors and graceful 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.