Tips/Gratuities
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 you 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:

Day 1 Trip starts in Puerto Natales. Late morning collection from Puerto Natales airport or hotel to start the drive across the wide open pampas and the land of estancias s that characterize this area before arriving at the small outpost town of Cerro Castillo. We overnight in the converted estancia house of el Pionero, which offers comfortable accommodation in what feels like a large private country house. Trip briefing and welcome dinner included (drinks available at extra cost).
Day 2  After breakfast we drive towards the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park. Our destination is the comfortable ranch house belonging to Estancia Tercera. Comfortable and cozy accommodation in this authentic country house with fabulous views of the Towers from its large west facing windows. Fireside living room/bar and traditional quincho (wooden dining room with outside BBQ area). En suite rooms.
After some time settling in, we will be meeting our horses and the friendly local cowboys (baqueanos) who care for them. The first part of our adventure is on horseback so after a safety briefing and introduction to western riding, we will set off on our exciting and unique adventure into the hills and forests of the Sierra Contreras. Our destination is the pretty waterfall known as Cascada Zamora. It is normal for us to see no other visitors here enabling us to enjoy a peaceful lunch in this pretty area. After lunch we will ride up high over the pampas with views off to the Las Chinas Valley and the Sierra Baguales in the distance. Return to our lodge by a different route passing the beautiful azure waters of Laguna Azul with the Towers behind, one of the most picturesque areas of the Park. All meals included (excluding wine/drinks).
Hours in the saddle: 5-7.
Day 3 Today, now more familiar with our horses, we will be setting off across some lovely open pampas towards the heart of the Park and Laguna Amarga. This is a beautiful ride, not least because we get to ride towards the dramatically beautiful mountains of the Paine Massif. We will also pass through the summer grazing grounds of large guanaco herds. Plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the athletic antics of these fascinating and agile animals, or to pick some lovely ripe calafate berries from the many bushes that grow around here. Our trail takes us across some rivers and finally along the dirt track which leads into the Laguna Amarga area of the Park. Here we will meet our transfer vehicle for the short drive to camping Las Torres. Hot showers available. Hours in the saddle: 4-5. Transfer time: 45 minutes. B,L,D. (meals in refugio)
Day 4  After our hearty camp breakfast, a challenging hike lay in store for us as we climb up to the base of the towers themselves. Starting with an uphill walk and then following wooded mountain trails this hike is beautiful and the most famous in the area. The final section is a series of „hops‟ over glacial moraine before finally reaching our lunch destination in the shadow of these fabulous granite peaks. In the foreground, waterfalls flow off the hanging glaciers into a basin of green water where icebergs float. You will hear thunderous roars as the ice calves off the glacier to the rocks below. In the afternoon we will descend to our camping spot in the valley and enjoy a shower - and for those who have the energy to walk to the nearby hotel bar, pisco sours can be enjoyed while dinner is being prepared. Hiking time: 7-9 hours depending on fitness. B,L,D (meals in refugio)
Day 5 After an early breakfast, we will be starting our hike round the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. Our hike takes us around the milky waters of this beautiful lake while we enjoy the views of the granite peaks that form the centre piece of this geographical wonder. Tonight we will be eating and sleeping in the Refugio Los Cuernos which is beautifully situated beside the turquoise waters of the lake with the mountains standing watch behind. Dinner and wine included. Hiking time: 4-5 hours. B,L,D
Day 6 After breakfast in the convivial refugio we will continue our hike along the shores of Lake Nordenskjold towards the French Valley. This is a beautiful trail into a superb natural granite ampitheatre where we will also see the French Glacier. After lunch in our awesome picnic spot we will hike to another beautiful lake, Lago Pehoe. We will be setting up camp here on the shores of these pretty waters before relaxing a little while dinner is prepared. Showers available, inside dining if the weather is bad. Hiking time: 5 – 9 hours depending on how far the group hikes into the French Valley. B,L,D
Day 7 Today we will be hiking up to the spectacular and immense Grey Glacier. The trail takes us through ancient beech forests and along a spectacular trail high above Grey Lake. We will enjoy fantastic glacier views throughout. Our destination is refugio Grey and the mirador (lookout) where we can enjoy lunch on the shores of the iceberg choked lake before we start our descent back to our pretty campsite at Pehoe Lake. Second night at Pehoe. Showers available. Hiking time: 6-7 hours. B,L,D
Day 8 After breakfast and packing up camp, we will be reunited with our horses and the baqueanos who have become our friends for a brisk and exciting ride across wide open pampas to the Serrano River. Our path first takes us along flower-lined trails around Pehoe Lake before opening out onto flat pampas where we can enjoy an exhilarating canter before arriving at the the emerald green waters of the Serrano River. Night in comfortable cabins in a beautiful location with hot showers and fantastic views of the Paine Massif. Hours in the saddle: 4-5 depending on the pace.  B,L,D.
Day 9 Today, we will be boarding Zodiacs for our exciting ride down the Serrano River. Our journey takes us through the Bernardo O‟Higgins National Park (the largest in the country) past Tyndall and Geike Glaciers finishing at the mouth of the river where it spills into Last Hope Sound. On arrival at Puerto Toro we will meet with our kayak guide, prepare camp and enjoy lunch. After lunch, your guide will provide a safety briefing and paddling instructions for the next part of your adventure in kayaks. This prepares you for our journey to the Balmaceda Glacier through the Ultima Esperanza Fjord, with its waterfalls and cliffs (3 hrs approx). On returning to camp we will enjoy the sunset over the fjord whilst your guide prepares dinner for you. Hours in zodiac 2-3 (weather reliant). Wild camping with no facilities.
Day 10  Early start with a nutritious breakfast, after which we will carry the kayaks 100m to the water. On entering the lagoon we will be able to paddle in between the floating icebergs while taking advantage of the beautiful morning light in front of the Serrano Glacier. A truly unforgettable experience. After a couple of hours we will leave the lagoon and pack away the camp ready to board the boat once again and return to Puerto Natales. During the journey we will stop off at the cute and beautifully situated “Estancia Perales” where a Patagonian asado (BBQ) will be served. After lunch, continue in the boat to arrive at the quayside in Puerto Natales at around 6 p.m. On arrival in this interesting waterside town, we will take a taxi to the Hotel IF. There is a restaurant with laundry and internet usually available. Dinner in one of the town‟s many fine restaurants or in the hotel (not included). Hours on Cutter: 3. Breakfast and lunch only.
Day 11  Morning at leisure in this beautifully situated and quaint waterside town.   Bus tickets included to either Punta Arenas or el Calafate (morning departure necessary for Calafate). Breakfast only.


         Subject to changes

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 find below a recommended clothing list for our riding trips in Patagonia.  From our experience, this list will be adequate to cope with the demands of travelling in Patagonia.  The Patagonian climate is famously unpredictable and weather changes in an instant.  Temperatures vary between 10 and 20 degrees during the day but at night it can drop to zero.  The wind can be very strong so windproof clothing is especially important.

You will need money for meals not included in the trip price, you should budget around US$ 8-15 for lunches and US$ 10- US$ 40 for dinners, depending on what you want to eat. Other expenses - aside from meals and activities not included in the trip price, you will need spending money for such things as souvenir shopping, nightlife, internet, cafes and gratuities /tips.

*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*

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

Water: During the trip we use local water supplies from rivers, streams and lakes. Clients should bring a water bottle to fill for their personal daily drinking supply. Water is always available at camp and there are further rivers and streams to replenish supplies en route. This water is clean and pure and is about as close to the source as is possible. We have never had any problems with any client drinking this water (there are no communities in the park to contaminate the water and there are no tropical water borne diseases such as guiardia). If however a client does not feel confident in drinking this, we would recommend they bring iodine drops (and the taste inhibitors that are sold with them) for their personal supplies as it is impossible to carry any alternative source of water on the pack horses.

Equipment: On our Camping trips clients are required to bring a sleeping bag 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 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 dry 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.

WE PROVIDE:

·   60 kilometers of river travel

·   paddling up close to the Tyndall Glacier (weather permitting)

·   paddling amongst the icebergs of the Serrano Glacier (weather permitting)

·   waterproof stuff sacks for personal clothing and cameras

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Chillean metal framed saddles onto which is layered felt, sheepskin and leather.
Horses:		Criollo-cross 14.0 and 15.2 hands.
Pace:		Clients should have a good level of stamina and be in good general health. Must be comfortable in the saddle and feel safe at walk, trot and canter. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 to 3 out of 5)    Low Intermediate
Age:		Min 12	Max 70
Weight:		Max 210 lbs
Riders:		Min 4 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.

Suitability: The hiking on this trip is moderate-challenging and clients should be fairly fit and capable of hiking long distances in varying weather conditions. Terrain is rocky and boggy on some of the trails and the last section of the hike to the base of the Towers is a clamber over glacial moraine (though this is a there-and-back hike so if a client is not happy with this part of the trail they could turn back).    The riding is suitable for novice riders and full instruction is available.  The horses are very kind and responsive ensuring the riding is fun and enjoyable.  Again with the kayaking, this is suitable for beginners although clients should be confident around water. The trip is guided throughout with baqueanos caring for the horses and a chef and camping assistants throughout.  Clients joining this trip should love the outdoors, be comfortable traveling in remote areas, be prepared for weather changes and most of all have a sense of humor and a positive attitude.

Horses: The horses are Criollo-cross 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.

Riding Experience: As this is an adventure tour, clients should have good stamina levels. We are able to accept a lesser standard of riding than on our scheduled riding trips. However, clients should feel fairly comfortable in the saddle and be capable of cantering unaided.  The pace is largely dictated by the terrain and the distance we need to travel on a certain day but where possible there is a lot of trotting and cantering. Distances vary between 20 and 40 kilometers in a day.
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.

Pace of Ride: Moderate with some canters. The pace is largely dictated by the terrain and the distance we need to travel on a certain day but where possible there.

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. 

Hiking Fitness: The hiking on our trips is moderate-challenging. We do offer a specific `Get Fit for your Trip` program.

Kayaking Experience: The kayaking is essentially a downriver float although in the case of high winds and bad weather you should expect to work quite hard on the river. No previous experience is necessary and there is a full safety and instruction briefing prior to boarding the kayaks. In our opinion, this trip is suitable for open-minded travellers with a flexible attitude and good sense of humour and those who are comfortable around water.

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 .