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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Chile
Intro to Chile
Central Lake District Northern Chile Northern Patagonia Patagonia / Torres del Paine
Argentina
Brazil
Ecuador
Peru
Uruguay
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Torres del Paine - Estancias Ride
Patagonia / Torres del Paine
Chile
This fabulous and exciting ride is based mainly in and around Torres del Paine National Park with its unforgettable landscape. It combines challenging, exciting riding on responsive, fit horses combined with the opportunity to experience the life of Patagonia’s unique estancia culture.
After an arrival night in the comfortable Hotel Rey Don Felipe in Punta Arenas we drive out across the pampas towards our first estancia, Tres Pasos, just north of Puerto Natales. Tres Pasos is a warm and inviting chalet style house with magical views down its own valley, pretty gardens and a restaurant serving locally produced meat and vegetables. There is an atmospheric fireside bar where the clients can enjoy getting to know one another whilst being introduced to some authentic Patagonian culture.
Tres Pasos is a great introduction to the Park and it is from here that we ride out to discover the unforgettable landscape and exotic wildlife of Torres Del Paine Park whilst staying in authentic and welcoming estancias. All in the company of expert local horseman who are the true cowboys of the south!
Riding highlights: cantering 8 riders abreast on soft grassy pampas with the wind in their face and their trusted Criollo beneath them.
Scenic highlights: awesome mountain peaks, fast flowing glacial rivers, turquoise lakes and icebergs quietly floating by.
Picnic highlights: much deserved lunchtime breaks taken in hidden valleys, protected old growth forests and in the shadow of imposing glaciers.
Luxury highlights: at the end of the day take a hot bath and enjoy a fireside pisco sour in the company of a host that anticipates everyone’s needs.
The standards on this trip are high. We are constantly reviewing our itineraries and inspecting accommodations and designing the most incredible trip possible. All our chosen lodges offer authentic Patagonian hospitality, comfortable ensuite rooms, great food, friendly service and incredible or distinctive views.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Hosteria Rio Verde
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Airport:
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Puntas Arenas
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Transfer:
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Puntas Arenas Airport at 3:30 PM
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
Video
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodation in hotels, hosterias and estancias; 8 days riding; most meals including Lamb Asado; English speaking and local guides; baqueanos who care for horses; waterproof stuff sacks for trip; use of saddle bags; entrance fees to park and penguin colony.
| A | 2013 | 11 day Trip, AP | 11d / 10n | $4375 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer is included from Puntas Arenas hotel
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* 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.
Rates do not include:
Insurance (mandatory). Airport transfers; meals in Punta Arenas; lunch on Day 2 and Day 10 in Natales; drinks in hotels and estancias; local gratuities (recommend $60). Boat trip to face of Glacier
Brief day-by-day itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive Puerto Natales. Dinner with guide for trip briefing. Night at Hotel If or similar. Dinner not included.
Day 2 - Transfer to Consuelo. Ride close to Estancia Perales. Night in Estancia. All meals included. Hours in the saddle: 7.
Day 3 - Take cutter across fjords to Balmaceda. Meet horses for ride to Serrano. Night Hotel Rio Serrano. All meals included. Hours in the saddle: 7-8.
Day 4 - Ride to Glacier Grey viewpoint. Optional boat trip. Ride back to Serrano. Night Hotel Rio Serrano. All meals included. Hours in the saddle: 6-7.
Day 5 - Ride the Up and Over across the heart of the park to Laguna Amarga. Ride to Estancia Tercera Barranca. Night Estancia Tercera Barranca. All meals included. Hours in the saddle: 7-8.
Day 6 - Ride out to Laguna Azul around the lake and back to Tercera Barranca. Night Estancia Tercera Barrance. All meals included. Hours in the saddle: 5-6.
Day 7 - Transfer to Estancia 3R. Ride to remote Tetas de las China. Night Estancia Tercera Barranca. All meals included. Hours in the saddle: 6-7.
Day 8 - Ride to Cerro Castillo. Transfer to Laguna Sophia. Night at Country House. All meals included. Hours in the saddle: 8-9.
Day 9 - Full day ride in Laguna Sophia. Night at Country House Laguna Sophia. All meals included. Hours in the saddle: 6-7.
Day 10 - Transfer to Puerto Natales for onward travel. Breakfast only included.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary:
Day 1 / Arrive Puerto Natales. Dinner and briefing. Night in Hotel If.
Arrive into Puerto Natales. Clients will arrive today and in the evening will be escorted to dinner by their
guide (dinner not included) for the trip briefing. Night in Hotel If.
Day 2 / Transfer to Consuelo. Ride from Estancia Consuelo to Estancia Perales. Night Estancia Perales.
In the morning clients will leave their luggage, taking only enough for one night’s stay, and take a transfer of
approximately 20 minutes to Puerto Consuelo where they will have their first encounter with Criollo horses.
This Estancia is still the home of the Eberhard family who have much history in Magallanes. From this lovely
Estancia clients will ride along the fjord until they reach Estancia Perales, the neighbouring estancia. Guests
will enjoy a welcoming meal and be able to relax next to the waters of Last Hope Sound. Night in Estancia.
All meals included. (Wine/drinks not included).
Day 3 / Boat to Balmaceda. Ride from Balmaceda to Rio Serrano. Night Hotel Rio Serrano.
After breakfast, guests will say goodbye to Estancia Perales and hop on the boat which will dock especially to
take them for a great ride up the Last Hope Sound. Guests will enter the Bernordo O’Higgins National Park.
Shared by the regions of Magallanes and Aysen, this is the largest National Park in Chile and one of five of
the most expansive in the world (over three million hectares). With access only via the water, the mountains
or the southern ice field itself, it remains a remote and pristine corner of our planet. It also contains the
third largest mass of ice on earth after Antarctica and Greenland, so the climate is understandably extreme.
We will disembark our boat here and enjoy the stunning views which combine old growth forests of
evergreen and deciduous southern beech, fire bushes and cypresses - a stunning contrast to the snow
capped peaks and glaciers in this region.
We will meet our new horses and have some lunch before setting out on a beautiful trail through thick
forests passing pristine rivers and streams in the shadow of the Chacabuco and Balmaceda range of
mountains. A fairly slow ride today gives us the opportunity to find our riding stride while enjoying the
dazzling scenery on our route into the Torres del Paine National Park. Towards the end of the trail, we will
cross the Nutria river and come out onto the pampas which marks the end of today’s ride, as we approach
our hotel for the night, Hotel Rio Serrano. This hotel is only a few years old and offers very comfortable rooms and great views of the Paine Massif. A large living/dining area with log fires and a comfortable bar and good restaurant. For early risers, it also
offers some of the best sunrises in all of Patagonia!
All meals included. (Wine/drinks not included).
Day 4 / Ride to Grey Glacier and Lake. Optional boat trip. Ride back to Rio Serrano. Night in Hotel Rio
Serrano.
After breakfast we will be meeting our horses and preparing for the pampas ride to Grey Lake. Our view
will be dominated by the jagged peaks of the Paine massif as we ride out along the Grey river to the largest
glacier in the park, Glacier Grey. On reaching the trailhead we will tether our horses and walk out across the
swinging footbridge through the forest to Grey beach. The view that greets us is memorable - the pebbly
shores of the beach form an almost surreal contrast to the blue of the floating icebergs that have calved off
the nearby glacier. Glacier Grey protrudes off the southern ice field and is quite simply a wonder of nature.
Measuring 28km in length and covering a total area of 270 square km with its frozen walls of blue ice
towering almost 35 metres high, it never ceased to impress. After some time walking along the beach and enjoying our picnic lunch, we will walk back to our waiting horses for the ride back to Rio Serrano.
*Note for those who would like to get up closer to the face of this marvel of ice, we can arrange a trip out onto the
lake in the Grey II boat. This is an optional excursion available at the cost of approximately US$96 per person.
Return to Hotel Rio Serrano for the night. All meals included. (excluding wine/drinks).
Day 5 / Ride the up and over across the heart of the park to Estancia Tercera Barranca. Night Tercera.
After breakfast in the hotel we will pack up and start our ride eastwards towards the heart of the park. We
will now be riding directly towards the Paine Massif mountain range so the views are dramatic and beautiful.
Our trail skirts the southern edge of the mountains on a rarely trodden path as we pass azure and turquiose
lakes with the huge granite mountain peaks standing behind. After a picnic lunch taken in one of the pretty
valleys we will continue east onto the beautiful soft pampas of the Patagonian steppe. Here we will have a
chance for some cantering as the light fades and the shadows lengthen until we arrive at our destination,
the intimate and authentic Estancia Tercera Barranca.
Typical of the estancias of the area, Estancia Tercera Barranca is a working sheep ranch situated in an
enviable position on the park border offering fantastic views of the granite mountains and of the Paine
Massif. With land extending to 6,454 hectares it offers quality accommodation close to Torres del Paine
National Park in addition to its continuing work as a Patagonian ranch. Sleeping just 14 guests in 7 rooms,
the ranch house has a lovely intimate feel. There is a comfortable living area warmed by the welcoming log
fire where you can read and relax before dinner which is served in the adjacent wooden quincho. All rooms
have private bathrooms. All meals included (excluding wine/drinks).
Day 6 / Ride out to Laguna Azul around the lake and back to Estancia Tercera Barranca. Night Tercera.
Today’s ride takes us west towards the peaks of Torres del Paine as we approach the stunning deep blue
waters of Laguna Azul framed by the Towers themsleves. We ride through native forests and grassy flowerfilled
meadows as we follow the route round this beautiful lake with its stunning mountain backdrop. We
then head south crossing the area known as Cañadon Macho with vega nañdu normally inhabited by large
breeding groups of both guanaco and rhea. This is a great area for spotting and photographing wildlife.
We then ride on to the south before dismounting and walking out to the beautiful Cascada Paine, a very
pretty waterfall where glacial water thunders over the rocks in its journey through the park. We will ride
past Estancia Laguna Amarga and the salt encrusted shores of Laguna Amarga (Bitter Lake) with its emerald
green waters acting as a mirror to the surrounding mountains which reflect in its surface. Continuing on a
different route to our home for a second night at Estancia Tercera Barranca.
Night at Estancia Tercera Barranca. All meals included. (excluding wine/drinks).
Day 7 / Drive out to the remote Baguales area close to the border with Argentina. Ride at the small
Estancia 3R and into the surrounding mountains. Return to Estancia Tercera Barranca. Dinner.
Today we will hop into the van for the drive that takes us literally to the end of the road known as ruta 9 to a
mystical area known as La Cumbre (The Summit) at a height of 850m. Our destination is Estancia 3R situated
in the heart of Sierra Baguales, a wild mountain chain that extends from the north eastern limit of Torres
del Paine penetrating the border with Argentina. The name of the mountains, “Baguales” translates to mean
domesticated animal gone wild, such as a cow, bull or in this case, horses. Its distinctive peaks of basalt are
cathedral-like in their forms. The area is also famous for its marine and land fossils which document the passing of geological eras.
Here we will meet our new horses for the day and ride out into these grand peaks climbing up high towards
the Tetas Las Chinas where, with luck, we will spot the famous wild horse herds of Sierra Baguales. After a
few hours riding, we will return to the estancia house for tea with our charming hosts before driving back to
Estancia Tercera Barranca for dinner and our comfortable beds.
All meals included (excluding wine/drinks).
Day 8 / Ride south across the pampas to Cerro Castillo. Transfer to Laguna Sophia.
Today after breakfast, riders will once again be saddling up for a full day’s ride. This time, we will be
heading south to the outpost town of Cerro Castillo. This is a beautiful open ride across grassy meadows
and welcoming pampas. Riding south with the dramatic Paine mountains to our right enables us to fully
appreciate the distances that the original pioneers encountered and which the estancieros still encounter
to this day. There will also be opportunities for lots of canters on your responsive and comfortable horses.
With the wind in your hair and a smile on your face you will experience the sheer joy that is riding in
Patagonia!
During late afternoon after a leisurely picnic lunch and an afternoon’s riding we will see the welcome site of Cerro Castillo come into view. Here we will say goodbye to our trusty steeds and jump in the van for a transfer to Laguna Sophia. (Approximately 30 minutes). The comfortable country house, situated next to the fabulous Laguna Sophia, is a place where you will feel warm and comfortable. The huge roaring fire and big soft sofas will invite you to relax and reflect on your holiday experiences so far. The water is taken from the river which is maintained from the rain which falls in the mountains, the stream which falls down the mountain side also powers a turbine enabling you to have electricity 24 hours a day and a welcome hot shower!
All meals included (excluding wine/drinks).
Day 9 / Ride to El Puesto (The Gaucho Hut). Night at Laguna Sophia.
After breakfast we find our horses, check our saddles and begin our last, fullday of riding to the Gaucho
hut in Vega Señoret. Along the way we go around Laguna Sophia, bordering the Sierra Señoret, with great
views of the mountains around us. Once we get to Vega Señoret we will see views of the Torres del Paine
mountains one last time and Cerro Ventana (Window Hill).
By lunch time we will let the horses rest and we will have a nice lunch at the Gaucho hut, a small puesto
located in the middle of the valley where gauchos stay during the summer time to look after their cattle.
Depending on the time available, and the weather, we may go for a further hour and half to a condor area,
where we will be riding at the same altitude they are flying. After these lovely views we are ready to return to Laguna Sophia where a typical Patagonian asado dinner will be cooking and we can enjoy our last night together under the stars drinking vino tinto from a typical bota (a leather pouch used to carry wine).
All meals included (including wine tonight).
Day 10 / Transfer to Puerto Natales. Tour ends. Onward journey.
Meeting:
Hosteria Rio Verde
Airport:
Puntas Arenas
Transfer:
Puntas Arenas Airport at 3:30 PM
Distance:
10 miles
* 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.
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Tack:
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Chillean metal framed saddles onto which is layered felt, sheepskin and leather.
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Horses:
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Criollo-cross 14.0 and 15.2 hands.
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Pace:
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This is a faster paced ride with some very long riding days. Fitness and experience are essential.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
70
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Weight:
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Max
210 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
12 riders
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This trip is for riders wishing
to combine some local flavour and comfortable accommodations with their
outdoor riding adventure. It is designed for those who prefer not to
camp and who enjoy fairly fast paced riding with long days in the
saddle. 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. Throughout
these long, exciting days in the saddle, the snow capped mountains are
never far away!
Horses: On sturdy and agile Criollo-cross horses, we cover between 25 and 40 kilometres each day. The riding days are generally full with between 5 and 7 hours spent in comfortable ‘western style’ saddles. The horses are bred locally and respond to ‘neck reining’. The horses vary in size with the majority being between 14.0 and 15.2 hands. They are willing, sure-footed, fit and safe and cope admirably with both the terrain and the demands of our rides. 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.
Pace of Ride: Moderate - Fast. 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.
Riding Experience: We prefer riders to be 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 lower level riders. All riders (but especially the novices) would benefit from getting ‘riding fit’ before coming here and investing in instruction. A few tough one hour lessons with lots of trotting immediately before traveling would be a good idea.
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.
The trips are guided from start to finish. The guides will be joined on trips by baquianos (Chilean horsemen) and an assistant who helps with preparing meals and other camp chores. The leader has many years experience of leading groups in this area and is bilingual.
Age Limit: 12 - 70 years unless by prior arrangement. We will accept children over 10 as long as they have the stamina and attitude to complete a trip of this nature. We would prefer them to be a confident rider. We will request riders over 70 to complete a medical/suitability questionnaire before their booking is confirmed.
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.
Non-Riders: For non-riding partners, we can arrange a hiking trip which follows a similar route taken by the riders. This will be guided where necessary (with occasional vehicle assistance to enable him/her to make up the distance) and the hiker will meet the riding group at the end of each day (with one or two slight deviations).
Passport and Visa Requirements:
PassportsPassport valid for at least six months required by nationals referred to in the chart.Passport NotePassports issued to children must contain a photo and state the nationality.VisasNot require. more
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.
From our
experience, this list will be adequate to cope with the demands of
traveling 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.
On
these trips guests are required to bring a sleeping bag. The sleeping
bag should be 3 or 4 season and should be carried in an effective stuff
sack. We can rent sleeping bags to guests and you should indicate this
at the time of booking. Waterproof stuff sacks are supplied to each
client for the duration of the trip. This enables their belongings to be
packed comfortable, safely and dryly onto the pack horses. The capacity
of these bags is 3,200 cubic inches and is sufficient for the demands
of the trip. Excess luggage not required for the trip can be stored
either at the hotel in Punta Arenas or with us in Puerto Natales.
Water: During the trip we use local water supplies from rivers, streams and lakes. You should bring a water bottle
to fill for your personal daily drinking supply. Two 'half litre'
bottles seem to work better than one 'one litr' bottle as these fit
more easily into pockets (saddle bags are provided but one needs to
dismount to access these). 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 water, 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.
*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*
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| 2 Pairs of riding trousers (or jeans with chaps) |
| T-shirts and long sleeved tops (cotton polo necks are good for layering) |
| 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 |
| Riding helmet (riders not wishing to wear a hard hat do so at their own risk) |
| 1 Pair of insulating and quick-drying gloves for riding |
| Wool cap or other warm hat |
| Waterproof/windproof (gortex or other suitable fabric) jacket with hood |
| Waterproof pants |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Wool sweater or fleece |
| Fleece Jacket or waistcoat |
| Sun hat or visor |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear, Women: Jogbra or other suitable support for women |
| Set of thermals for cold nights |
| 5 Pairs of socks (including a couple of knee-high socks for riding) |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Comfortable footwear for general walking and travelling (well broken-in) |
| Swimsuit |
| 2 Bandannas or scarves |
| Towel and small bar of soap |
| |
| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Camera and enough extra films |
| Waterproof camera bag (or bring plastic bags to cover when in saddle bags i.e. Ziplocks) |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
| Minimum 1 Litre water bottle or two half-litre bottles |
| Torch with spare batteries (Maglite or similar) |
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
No mobile phone coverage in the park but there are phones at:
- Estancia Rio Verde
- Estancia Lazo
- Hotel Rio Serrano
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodation
The accommodation is a mix of authentic estancias and where this is not possible, comfortable hotels.
We use both working and converted estancias that offer a family stay environment with clean and comfortable facilities. All accommodations are beautifully located and most have amazing views. Cattle and sheep are farmed and horses will be seen in a working environment. Facilities may be shared.
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.
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:
|
|
This is a faster paced ride with some very long riding days. Fitness and experience are essential.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
|
Max
70
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
210 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
|
This trip is for riders wishing
to combine some local flavour and comfortable accommodations with their
outdoor riding adventure. It is designed for those who prefer not to
camp and who enjoy fairly fast paced riding with long days in the
saddle. 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. Throughout
these long, exciting days in the saddle, the snow capped mountains are
never far away!
Horses: On sturdy and agile Criollo-cross horses, we cover between 25 and 40 kilometres each day. The riding days are generally full with between 5 and 7 hours spent in comfortable ‘western style’ saddles. The horses are bred locally and respond to ‘neck reining’. The horses vary in size with the majority being between 14.0 and 15.2 hands. They are willing, sure-footed, fit and safe and cope admirably with both the terrain and the demands of our rides. 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.
Pace of Ride: Moderate - Fast. 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.
Riding Experience: We prefer riders to be 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 lower level riders. All riders (but especially the novices) would benefit from getting ‘riding fit’ before coming here and investing in instruction. A few tough one hour lessons with lots of trotting immediately before traveling would be a good idea.
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.
The trips are guided from start to finish. The guides will be joined on trips by baquianos (Chilean horsemen) and an assistant who helps with preparing meals and other camp chores. The leader has many years experience of leading groups in this area and is bilingual.
Age Limit: 12 - 70 years unless by prior arrangement. We will accept children over 10 as long as they have the stamina and attitude to complete a trip of this nature. We would prefer them to be a confident rider. We will request riders over 70 to complete a medical/suitability questionnaire before their booking is confirmed.
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.
Non-Riders: For non-riding partners, we can arrange a hiking trip which follows a similar route taken by the riders. This will be guided where necessary (with occasional vehicle assistance to enable him/her to make up the distance) and the hiker will meet the riding group at the end of each day (with one or two slight deviations).
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 .
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No/1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Torres del Paine - Estancias Ride
Tour Code:
IT-CHRT20
11 days /
10 nights
~$4,375.00
Dates :
Nov to March
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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