$75+ recommended

At the end of the trip it is customary for each client to contribute towards a tip for the baquianos who have traveled with us. The normal amount given by each client is between $50 and $100 for the trip although of course it is up to the client to decide on how much they would like to give. This is presented by one of the group to the head baquiano at the end of the trip.

Rates Note:

Transfer Option:

Day 1 Clients should aim to arrive into Punta Arenas at 3:30 pm. You will be collected from the airport and driven to the lovely Hosteria Rio Verde (about 40 minutes from the airport) via the Magellanic Penguin Colony. There will be plenty of time to wander amongst these cute burrowing animals before continuing onto this lovely authentic estancia, a fitting start to our Patagonia horse moving ride. The Hosteria and estancia is owned and run by a charming family who have converted some of their historic estancia buildings into confortable guest accommodations. Much of the renovation uses imaginatively recycled or locally produced materials and the rooms are all beautifully decorated and distinctive. Food and service are excellent and clients can wander around the small villa to see the buildings making up this working farm. Dinner included (excluding drinks). Trip briefing over dinner.

NB: Clients arriving early (or spending extra time in Punta Arenas) will be collected from a pre-arranged meeting point in town at 3 p.m. Clients arriving late will need to cover their transfer cost to the estancia: $60 per vehicle which can be arranged in advance. Transfer time with penguins: approx. 3 hours.

Day 2 Today we are going to be starting our drive across the wide open pampas and land belonging to some of the huge estancias in this area towards the Torres del Paine National Park. After a short lunch stop in Puerto Natales, where clients can choose from a variety of restaurants and cafes, we will continue on towards the Torres del paine National Park. Our destination is the beautiful estancia and hosteria known as Estancia Tres Pasos. A still working estancia the property consists of a number of estancia buildings, pretty gardens and lovely views down a beautiful valley. There will be a chance to unpack and relax a little before meeting our horses for an afternoon introductory ride in the vicinity of the estancia. Riders will be have a chance to adjust to the style of riding and tack. After a relaxing ride, we will return to the hotel for dinner in the lovely restaurant. Most of the food in this delightful family run establishment is home produced. Dinner included (excluding wine/drinks). Driving time: 4 hours.

Day 3 Today we will be driving a short distance to Puerto Natales for a full day's ride onto Sierra Dorotea and on to Estancia Dos Lagunas. We will be riding up high above the pampas for incredible views towards Paine and the Baguales mountains that separate Chile from Argentina. Plenty of opportunities for photo stops and enjoying the vistas. Lunch will be taken in one of the many pretty forests around here. After lunch continue on to a small gaucho post for tea and cake before joining our vehicle for the short drive to Estancia Tres Pasos. Dinner included (excluding wine/drinks). Driving time: 1 hour. Hours in the saddle: 5-6.

Day 4 Today after breakfast, riders will once again be saddling up for a full day's ride. We will be heading north west to the outpost town of Cerro Castillo. This is a beautiful open ride across grassy meadows and welcoming pampas. Riding towards the mountain range named after our destination we will enjoy the dramatic mountain and lake views. We will also have some opportunities for our first long canters on our responsive and comfortable horses. A picnic lunch will be taken in one of the pretty valleys before continuing on to the small outpost town of Cerro Castillo. Meet transfer vehicle for the short but stunning drive into Torres del Paine and the beautiful Estancia Lazo. Our base for tonight, this very comfortable converted Estancia situated beside this pretty tranquil lake offers splendid views, great food and comfortable accommodation. The lake shore is a great place to stroll spotting the wild geese and ducks bobbing in the water. Dinner will be in the restaurant offering an excellent variety of local foods and wine. Dinner included (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 6-7.

Day 5 After breakfast today's ride takes us north east past the beautiful azure waters of Lago Sarmiento onto the wide open pampas belonging to various estancias in the area. Lots of great mountain views and lovely long canters. Depending on the water levels, there are also some exciting river crossings on this route. After a picnic lunch on the trail, we will cross the Rio de las Chinas before crossing onto the land belonging to Estancia Tercera Barranca. We will be basing ourselves here for 2 nights and can relax in this beautifully situated, authentic estancia. Pisco sours will be served in the living room while dinner is prepared. Great views of the Towers. Dinner included (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 5-6.

Day 6 After saddling up we will set off on our exciting ride west towards the Torres and Lago Paine. Just before Laguna Azul we head north towards Laguna Stokes where a large natural vega or pasture exists. This area attracts wild criollos from the surrounding hills to graze in the summer. There will be many excellent photo opportunities on this route as we pass through forests, pastures and the lake where Lady Florence Dixie first camped having sighted the Towers. Afternoon return to Estancia Tercera Barranca. Dinner included (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 5-6.

Day 7 A fter a filling and wholesome breakfast we will be going out to the coral to prepare for the day's adventure. Today we will be moving between 40 and 60 horses onto their winter grazing. With the help of the baqueanos, we will be herding horses across pampas, valleys, rivers and mountain trails. Because of the speed of this ride, we will be changing horses often - simply swapping our tack from one mount to another. To the accompanying chorus of whistles and shouts from the local horsemen, we will be driving the horses forward whilst observing and rounding up strays and wanderers. A hard day's ride but what a privilege! Watching loose horses canter across valleys or splash through rivers with the fabulous Paine Massif behind is is an incredible, unforgettable experience. After our long day's ride we will be settling into our comfy accommodation beside the Serrano River. A well deserved dinner and rest for all! (Drinks excluded). Hours in the saddle: 7-9.

Day 8 Far from being over, our adventure continues! After breakfast we will saddle up for the fast pampas ride to Grey Lake. Our view will be dominated by the huge granite peaks of the massif as we ride out along the Grey River to the largest Glacier in the park, Glacier Grey. After crossing the swinging footbridge, we will take a walk down to Grey Beach for a memorable view of the Glacier and huge icebergs floating in the grey waters of this lake. For those who are interested there's an optional boat ride across this iceberg-choked lake towards the face of this spectacular Glacier (this boat is very weather reliant and costs $70 per person for the three hour boat ride). If the boat isn't running or for those clients who prefer to stay ashore, there's plenty of opportunities for hiking, taking pictures or walking the short distance to Hosteria Lago Grey to enjoy some fireside pisco sours. After this exciting day we'll rejoin our horses for a lovely long canter across the pampas to our hotel at the Serrano River. Hours in the saddle: 5-6.

Day 9 After breakfast we will be packing up for our return drive to Punta Arenas and the cozy and cute Hotel Terra Sur. Lunch/souvenir stop in Puerto Natales. Transfer time: 5 hours. Dinner in Punta Arenas (not included).

Day 10 Taxi (not included) to airport or onward travel. 

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.

*Please note it is a condition of travel that you provide Hidden Trails with proof of insurance coverage in advance of your trip. This insurance must adequately cover your intended activity, i.e. riding, kayaking or hiking. It is also essential that you have cover for emergency evacuation and medical treatment. Unfortunately we will not be able to accept uninsured clients on this trip*

Equipment: On our Camping trips clients are required to bring a sleeping bag (on Estancia Ride these are provided for the two nights in refugios but clients might like to bring a sleeping sheet) and for our camping trips they should also bring a mat. The sleeping bag should be 3 or 4 season and should be carried in an effective stuff sack. We can rent sleeping bags and mats to guests and you should indicate this at the time of booking. For those clients renting a sleeping bag, we recommend you bring a sleeping bag inner (available in silk, cotton and fleece) for your comfort and hygiene.
Waterproof stuff sacks are supplied to each client for the duration of the trip (the size of an average 60 litre backpack/3,200 cubic inches and is sufficient for the demands of the trip). This enables clients’ belongings to be packed comfortable, safely and drily onto the pack horses. Excess luggage not required for the trip can be stored either at the client’s hotel in Punta Arenas or with us in Puerto Natales

Meals will be eaten in the restaurant or with the family.  Food will consist of lamb, beef, chicken or salmon with fresh vegetables or salad accompanied by rice or potatoes.  Wine and beer is available at a reasonable cost throughout the trip.  Lunches will be prepared by clients at breakfast and packed in our saddle bags and will consist of sandwiches (tuna, cheese, salami, ham, peanut butter etc), fresh fruit, nuts and snacks and biscuits/chocolate.  Clients are required to look after their own lunch boxes. The restaurants in the Refugios offer a lively atmosphere and wholesome food.  Vegetarian options are also available.  Breakfast will include toast, coffee, cereal, ham/cheese, bread rolls and juice and occasionally eggs. 

Suitability and Accommodation: This is for experienced riders who like to ride fast and long and those wishing to combine some local flavour and comfy accommodations with their outdoor riding adventure. It is designed for those who prefer not to camp. Riders will experience a first hand view of Patagonia estancia life and the joys, threats and difficulties posed by farming cattle and sheep in this area. The majority of the ride takes place within the park itself and offers plenty of diversity with rides across open pampas, rides to wild glaciers and iceberg-filled lakes and peaceful rides through valleys and ancient southern beech forests. In addition riders will benefit from an exciting horse moving day where they will be involved working with the local horsemen (baqueanos) to move 40+ horses to their winter grazing. Throughout these long, exciting days in the saddle, the snow capped mountains are never far away. Accommodation is comfortable, authentic, cozy and welcoming - all of it having been chosen for its beautiful location, great view and cultural appeal.

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: Must be comfortable riding at a fast pace - the horse moving day is fast and long.

Tack:		Chillean metal framed saddles onto which is layered felt, sheepskin and leather.
Horses:		Criollo-cross 14.0 and 15.2 hands.
Pace:		Moderate to fast, 5 to 7 hours in the saddle per day. Fast paced ride with long riding days. Fitness exeperience essential. | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3.5 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: Must be comfortable riding at a fast pace - the horse moving day is fast and long.

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 .