Estancias & Endurance Race
Patagonia / Torres del Paine Chile: (IT-CHRT03)
URL: http://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/chile_patagonia_estancias_endurance.aspx
Introduction
Patagonia / Torres del Paine
Chile
Experience
the unique thrill of endurance riding in Torres del Paine!
Join the
fabulous Patagonia Endurance Race and compete against the local gauchos
in races of 27km or 57km. Canter across the wide-open pampas with the most
incredible mountain views. Feast on succulent lamb, roasted gaucho-style and on the local salmon as you enjoy the post race party and
celebration! Enjoy the Patagonian hospitality and culture at the lovely
authentic Estancia Tercera, then an exciting boat ride to the vertical
face of an immense towering valley glacier and ride off into the hills
close to the border of Argentina in search of the wild horse herds!
The endurance race takes you to one of the most impressive places in the world. Views
and scenery will be of incomparable beauty whilst riding through the Torres del Paine
National Park and southern Patagonia. Apart from the scenery, the other
huge attraction of this race is the other competitors who will join you. Gauchos come
down from the hills to compete in this exciting horse race and arrive from every
corner of Patagonia (both the Chilean and Argentine sides). The camaraderie
shared with everyone is very special and there is
little true competitiveness. Everyone is equal and a mate, lamb and vino tinto
flow freely! People-watching is world class at this event! And it is a very special
privilege to be riding in the company of the wonderful locals in such
spectacular surroundings.
This fabulous one-off trip will
immerse you into the Patagonia culture like no other – you will
participate in a uniquely Patagonian event, riding your socks off among
the locals! In addition to the exciting race itself, you will spend a
further 5 days exploring the spectacular Torres del Paine National
Park. Accommodation is in quality 4* hotels and the authentic Estancia
Tercera. May is a great time to visit - most other tourists will have
left and you will have the trails to yourself as if you were a local!
Accomodation
Meals:
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 flavor and comfy accommodations with
their outdoor riding adventure. It is designed for those who prefer not
to camp as we will get to stay comfortably in a quality 4* hotels, and a lovely working estancia. Accommodations are all comfortable, authentic, cozy and welcoming - all of it having been
chosen for its beautiful location, great view and cultural appeal!
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 on the estancia. 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. Throughout these long, exciting days in
the saddle, the beautiful snow capped mountains are never far away.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
Riding
Ride Patagonia's Never-ending Pampas...
Southern Patagonia in Chile is perfect riding country. Unhindered by fences, roads or urban development, horseback riders can canter for miles and miles across pampas beneath towering granite peaks surrounded by the immense beauty of the southern ice cap. They can rest beside flower-filled meadows, clear mountain lakes and glaciers, and drink from iceberg-choked rivers. BlueGreen will take you deep into this riders' paradise away from the main trails and into the Patagonia wilderness.
Horses
Our horses are Criollos and Criollo crosses. Descendants of the Spanish Barb and Arab, the Criollo is a sturdy, sure-footed and willing ride. Generally fairly small by European standards at between 14.2 and 15.0 hands, they are strong nonetheless.
After riding from Argentina to Washington in the 1930s, A F Tschiffely wrote:
"I have been able to prove that the Criollo horse is worthy of the reputation he has always held among the few that really know him, namely that of being second to none for continuous hard work under any conditions!"
Tack
Saddles are western style and very comfortable. Most of the horses are ridden in simple snaffle bridles.
Fitness
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.
Itinerary
One date only: May 2 - 9th, 2010
May 2nd: Collect clients from airport in Punta Arenas or their hotel, to start the drive to Torres del Paine National Park. Introduction to the wide open pampas and land belonging to some of the huge estancias in the area. After a brief stop in Puerto Natales to stretch our legs, we will continue on to the park itself. Our destination is the comfortable 4* Hotel Rio Serrano situated close to the Serrano River. You will enjoy accommodation in superior rooms all with private bathrooms and fabulous views of the Paine Massif (subject to availability). Chance to relax before dinner.
No riding today. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (wine and drinks extra cost)
May 3rd: After breakfast we will be meeting our horses and the baqueanos who care for them. There will be a safety briefing and a chance to familiarize ourselves with the tack and style of riding. We will then ride up towards the heart of the spectacular National Park. The trail starts by taking us across the classic open pampas, great for nice long canters. We will then ride through some lovely ancient southern beech forests before arriving at the shores of Lago Pehoe. The trail then takes us round the shores of this beautiful lake with awesome views of the Paine Massif in front of us. Picnic lunch at the northern end of the lake. Afternoon return to the Hotel Rio Serrano.
Hours in the saddle 4-5. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (wine and drinks extra cost)
May 4th: Today we saddle up for a 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 see the huge icebergs floating in the grey waters of the 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 $55 per person for a three hour boat ride). If the boat isn't running for reasons out of our control 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 back to the Hotel Rio Serrano.
Hours in the saddle: approx 5. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (wine and drinks extra cost)
May 5th: Today we will be setting off on one of the longest rides of the trip, besides the actual race day. The Paine Massif will unfold in front of us as we cross widely diverse scenery on our journey across the heart of the park. Mountain peaks dominate the horizon and we pass numerous lakes of startling colours, with rivers tumbling through tranquil green valleys. Herds of guanacos will be seen and flocks of birds accompany us on our rides through the forests. Wild flowers and orchids are nestled amongst the trees and line the trails. Truly a fantastic and memorable ride. Finally, our trail will take us eastwards to the River Las Chinas and our destination for the next 2 nights, the lovely and cozy ranch house of Estancia Tercera. Situated in a beautiful remote setting with fabulous views of the famous Towers of Paine, this is an authentic homestead serving home cooked Chilean food with comfortable rooms with fireside living and dining areas.
Hours in the saddle: 5 + hours. Dinner only included (wine and drinks extra).
May 6th: Today we will be setting off on an 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 criollo horses 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 after having sighted the Towers. Returning, we will then ride out North of the estancia, crossing wide open pampas and riding through solitary valleys and visiting the pretty Zamora Falls, before heading back to the comfortable Estancia Tercera.
Hours in the saddle: 5-6. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (wine and drinks extra cost)
May 7th: After breakfast, we will be taking it easy today on our ride to the competitors check-in at Las Torres to register and collect our permits. Also an opportunity to size up the competition and witness Patagonian horse culture at its finest! To ensure we can soak up the pre-race atmosphere, our accommodation tonight will be at Hosteria Las Torres, the hub of the race action. Night in comfortable en suite accommodation in this great location at the foot of the Towers. Spa available. Hours in the saddle: approx. 5. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (wine and drinks extra cost)
May 8th: Race Day!!! Followed by the awards ceremony and celebration asado (barbeque). Final night in our comfortable accommodation at Hosteria Las Torres.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (wine and drinks extra cost)
May 9th: After breakfast, transfer back across the pampas to the airport in Punta Arenas for onward flights.
Transfer time is 5 hours. Breakfast
Rates and Dates for Estancias & Endurance Race
Rates include:
7 nights accommodation based on twin share (in hotels and estancias), six days riding, transfers to/from Punta Arenas and whilst in Park , breakfast and lunch as indicated in itinerary, dinner (excluding drinks), lamb asado, local guides, baqueanos who care for the horses, use of saddle bags, entrance fees to Torres del Paine National Park ,entrance fees to the endurance race (*22km, 57km or 79 km). First time guests will only be allowed to enter the 22 k race, repeat guests can move up to the 57 km race.
Packages and Options
| A | 2010 | 8 days Estancias and Race, AP | $3250 |
| Small group supplement (3) pp | $275 |
| Small group supplement (2) pp | $450 |
Gratuity: We recommend a gratuity of $60 to $100 for the tour operator.
At
the end of the trip it is also customary for each client to contribute
towards a tip for the hard working baquianos who have traveled with us and cared for our horse along the way. 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.
%
Gratuity:
We recommend a gratuity of $60 to $100 for the tour operator.
At
the end of the trip it is also customary for each client to contribute
towards a tip for the hard working baquianos who have traveled with us and cared for our horse along the way. 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.
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Punta Arenas is included
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Tour Dates
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| A |
2010
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05/02
- 05/09
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8d / 7n
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8 days Estancias and Race, A...
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4
/12
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Reserve
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Dates Note:
Rates do not include:
Flights, airport taxes, lunch on Day 8 and local gratuities (recommend $60).
*Single supplements available on request.
Other Info
Meeting: Punta Arenas
Airport: Puntas Arenas
Transfer: Punta Arenas
Climate: Torres del Paine has a
milder and drier micro-climate than the surrounding areas of Patagonia
because of some unique geological features to the region. 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 (head to toe) are essential.
What To Bring: *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*
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… this list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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2 Pairs of riding trousers (or jeans with chaps)
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T-shirts and long sleeved tops (cotton polo necks are good for layering)
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Riding
boots (well broken in) or ankle-high multi-purpose ride/walk boots
which work well when worn with half-chaps and can comfortably be worn
for walking too
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Riding helmet (riders not wishing to wear a hard hat do so at their own risk)
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1 Pair of insulating and quick-drying gloves for riding
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Wool cap or other warm hat
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Waterproof/windproof (gortex or other suitable fabric) jacket with hood
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Waterproof pants
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Wool sweater or fleece
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Fleece Jacket or waistcoat
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Sun hat or visor
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear, Women: Jogbra or other suitable support for women
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Set of thermals for cold nights
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5 Pairs of socks (including a couple of knee-high socks for riding)
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Pyjama
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Comfortable footwear for general walking and travelling (well broken-in)
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Swimsuit
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2 Bandannas or scarves
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for the emergency)
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Sewing kit
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Camera and enough extra films
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Waterproof camera bag (or bring plastic bags to cover when in saddle bags i.e. Ziplocks)
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Belt pack
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Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm
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Minimum 1 Litre water bottle or two half-litre bottles
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Torch with spare batteries (Maglite or similar)
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