At the end of the trip it is customary for each client to contribute towards a tip for the staff and baquianos who have travelled with us, between $50- $60 recommended, however this is up to you.

This should be presented to the trip leader at the end of the trip and he/she will distribute this money to the relevant parties.

Transfer Option:

subject to change

Torres del Paine has a milder and drier microclimate than the surrounding areas of Patagonia because of some unique geological features. The weather however is famously unpredictable and it is possible to experience four seasons in the course of a few hours! Average daily temperatures vary but in summer one can expect 10 - 20 degrees Celsius with the occasional hot day of 25 degrees. Temperatures can drop to zero at night and high winds are common in this area. Although you can never be sure of how Paine will treat its guests, we ask that clients are prepared (both mentally and physically) for unpredictable and sometimes challenging weather conditions and that you pack accordingly. Good waterproofs (top to toe) are essential.

Useful items

• Spanish phrasebook or dictionary
• Travel alarm clock
• Swiss army knife
• Any ‘special’ or herbal teabags that are essential to one’s well being!
• Small camping pillow
• Fleece, silk or cotton sleeping bag inner
• ‘Wet Ones’ or similar travel wipes
• Tissues
• Tracksuit pants or comfortable walking trousers
• Reading material
• swimsuit (for the hardy)

Sleeping bags:  Rental of sleeping bags and mats.  We can rent sleeping bags and mats to clients who do not wish to bring their own and the cost of this is: $6 per day for a bag and $2 per day for a mat (adjusted rates).  Payment for this rental can be made locally.  We recommend you bring your own sleeping inner for added comfort and hygiene.

Meals:
Meals are varied and wholesome and include fresh salmon and local fish, pasta, chicken, beef, lamb and some local Chilean meals. Fresh salad is served every night. Local wine is served with dinner and all meals are prepared. Packed lunches are prepared by the clients at breakfast and are carried with us in saddle bags. These consist of sandwiches (e.g. tuna, cheese, ham, peanut butter, salami), fresh fruit, trail mix, chocolate, biscuits, snacks etc. Clients are responsible for looking after their lunch boxes. Breakfast is normally hot and cold cereals, toast, jams, marmalade, coffee, tea and juice. At times a cooked breakfast is served. Vegetarians can be well catered for and clients should indicate their requirements at the time of booking. A dining tent is carried for eating meals and cooking although sometimes we choose to eat in a camp ‘shelter’ or around the campfire (weather obviously permitting)! Where possible, vehicle support is arranged. Supplies of bread, salad and fresh fruit are replenished. On arrival at the campsite, wine and canapes are served giving clients ample time to relax while the evening meal is being prepared. 

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Insurance Coverage:
For these trips it is mandatory that you have proof of travel insurance that covers you for all activities during the tour and also covers emergency evacuation and medical treatment.

Horses:  The horses are Criollo-cross. Descendants of the Spanish Barb and Arab, the Criollo is a sturdy, sure-footed and willing ride.and vary in size with the majority being between 14.0 and 15.2 hands. They are strong, fit, willing and sure-footed. We are able to provide good horses for both experienced riders and for riders who are more novice or a bit ‘rusty’. The pace of the ride will be adjusted to suit the majority of riders but as we always travel with more than one riding guide, there is great deal of flexibility and riders soon find their own pace for the trip. Riders are not responsible for grooming or tack. 

Tack: The tack is Chilean and comprises of metal framed saddles onto which is layered felt, sheepskin and leather. Rope, rawhide and leather form the bridles, girths, straps etc. The saddles provide adequate comfort for the long days riding and the stirrups consist of a leather cup through which the foot cannot pass. Most of the horses are ridden in simple snaffles. Halters are worn throughout the ride with rope tied around the horse’s neck to tie up at lunch stops/rest stops etc. 
Saddles are western style and very comfortable

Pace of Ride: Moderate - Fast. Many of the riding days are long - between 25 and 40 kilometres. The pace is moderate to fast. Riders should be able to control a horse on open ground at the canter and be fit enough to horse ride all day.

Riding Experience: We prefer riders to be reasonably confident at walk, trot and canter. We can provide willing, free going horses to experienced riders who like to go at a faster pace and in addition the horses are extremely kind to the more novice riders. All riders (but especially the novices) would benefit from getting ‘riding fit’ before coming here. A few tough one hour lessons with lots of trotting immediately before traveling would be a good idea.

Suitability: This itinerary is suited to lovers of riding and the outdoors and those who like to get ‘off the beaten track’. In the company of our guide and Chilean horsemen, we ride into some remote areas where the only access is on foot or horse. Pack horses carry our luggage and often we see no other humans. Whilst camping in these areas we can observe the plentiful wildlife, sit and enjoy some traditional mate with the baqueanos (pronounced matay) or find a peaceful spot and just sit and relax.

The campsites on this trip have been chosen with much care and they are all very different, very special and very beautiful. Some of them are wilderness sites with no ‘facilities’ at all. For those who prefer daily hot showers and a fluffy bed, the Estancia Ride would be more suitable!

Tack:		Chillean metal framed saddles onto which is layered felt, sheepskin and leather.
Horses:		Criollo-cross 14.0 and 15.2 hands.
Pace:		This is a faster paced ride with some long riding days. Fitness and experience are essential. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Good Intermediate
Age:		Min 12	Max 70
Weight:		Max 210 lbs
Riders:		Min 7 riders	Max 12 riders

Insurance Coverage:
For these trips it is mandatory that you have proof of travel insurance that covers you for all activities during the tour and also covers emergency evacuation and medical treatment.

Horses:  The horses are Criollo-cross. Descendants of the Spanish Barb and Arab, the Criollo is a sturdy, sure-footed and willing ride.and vary in size with the majority being between 14.0 and 15.2 hands. They are strong, fit, willing and sure-footed. We are able to provide good horses for both experienced riders and for riders who are more novice or a bit ‘rusty’. The pace of the ride will be adjusted to suit the majority of riders but as we always travel with more than one riding guide, there is great deal of flexibility and riders soon find their own pace for the trip. Riders are not responsible for grooming or tack. 

Tack: The tack is Chilean and comprises of metal framed saddles onto which is layered felt, sheepskin and leather. Rope, rawhide and leather form the bridles, girths, straps etc. The saddles provide adequate comfort for the long days riding and the stirrups consist of a leather cup through which the foot cannot pass. Most of the horses are ridden in simple snaffles. Halters are worn throughout the ride with rope tied around the horse’s neck to tie up at lunch stops/rest stops etc. 
Saddles are western style and very comfortable

Pace of Ride: Moderate - Fast. Many of the riding days are long - between 25 and 40 kilometres. The pace is moderate to fast. Riders should be able to control a horse on open ground at the canter and be fit enough to horse ride all day.

Riding Experience: We prefer riders to be reasonably confident at walk, trot and canter. We can provide willing, free going horses to experienced riders who like to go at a faster pace and in addition the horses are extremely kind to the more novice riders. All riders (but especially the novices) would benefit from getting ‘riding fit’ before coming here. A few tough one hour lessons with lots of trotting immediately before traveling would be a good idea.

Suitability: This itinerary is suited to lovers of riding and the outdoors and those who like to get ‘off the beaten track’. In the company of our guide and Chilean horsemen, we ride into some remote areas where the only access is on foot or horse. Pack horses carry our luggage and often we see no other humans. Whilst camping in these areas we can observe the plentiful wildlife, sit and enjoy some traditional mate with the baqueanos (pronounced matay) or find a peaceful spot and just sit and relax.

The campsites on this trip have been chosen with much care and they are all very different, very special and very beautiful. Some of them are wilderness sites with no ‘facilities’ at all. For those who prefer daily hot showers and a fluffy bed, the Estancia Ride would be more suitable!

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Passports issued to children must contain a photo and state the nationality.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of Greece for up to 60 days and nationals of Romania for up to 30 days.
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey on the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding required travel documents for onward destination and not leaving the airport transit lounge.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
2. Nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA entering Chile for touristic purposes will be charged a processing fee payable on arrival and in cash only. For nationals of  Australia, the fee is US$56; for nationals of Canada, the fee is US$132; and for nationals of the USA, the fee is US$100 .