Transfer Option:

Day 1 You should aim to arrive into Punta Arenas at 3:30 PM.  We will collect you from the airport and drive 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 Estancia Ride.  The Hosteria and estancia is owned and run by a charming family who have converted some of their historic estancia buildings into comfortable 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:  $75 per vehicle which can be arranged in advance.    Transfer time with penguins: approx. 3 hours. Dinner included.

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.  Breakfast and 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 seperate 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 Tre 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 another full day’s ride.  This time, 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 dramatic mountain range of Torres del Paine enables us to fully benefit from the incredible 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 the transfer vehicle for the short but stunning drive into Torres del Paine and the beautiful Estancia Lazo. Our base for 2 nights, 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.  Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included (excluding wine/drinks).  Hours in the saddle: 6-7.

Day 5   After breakfast, we will pack our saddle bags with cameras, waterproofs and our picnic lunch and set off around the shores of this pretty lake through ancient southern beech forests towards the Sierra del Toro.  We will then make a steep ascent through forests to climb right up on top of this mountain.  The last section of the ride will often be through snow as we stop to marvel at the views of the entire Park below us.  We will then wind down to a pretty authentic puesto manned by one of the cattle ranchers from Estancia Lazo to take our lunch.  Afternoon return to our comfortable accommodation at Estancia Lazo. Dinner in the restaurant (wine/drinks not included).  Hours in the saddle 4-5. 

Day 6  After a wholesome breakfast and packing up we will be starting our ride eastwards towards the heart of the Park.  The morning ride is very pretty as we wind our way through valleys passing a number of lakes and stunning lookouts.  Plenty of time to take photos before we ascend to a lookout with fabulous views of the pampas and waterways below.  After stopping to let the horses rest we will tighten our girths before making a fairly steep and dramatic descent of the Sierra del Toro to the pampas below.  Lunch will be taken in the valley and we will have a chance to visit the Park Headquarters to look at their relief map of the Park.  We will step up the pace in the afternoon and enjoy an exciting canter across the flat pampas towards the emerald green waters of the Serrano River.  Our accommodation will be in one of the hotels situated close to this beautiful river.  Dinner in restaurant included (excluding wine/drinks).  Hours in saddle: 3-4. 

Day 7  Today we 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 approx. $75 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.  Dinner included (excluding wine/drinks).  Hours in the saddle: approx 5 -6.

Day 8  Today we will be setting off on one of the longest rides of the trip initially started as an experiment but now one of our most popular rides which none of our itineraries would be complete without.  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 cross the Rio de las Chinas on our route out to the land belonging to Estancia Tercera Barranca.  We will be basing ourselves here for 2 nights and can relax in the lovely living room with splendid views of the Towers while dinner is prepared.  Dinner included (except wine/drinks).    Hours in the saddle: 7 – 8. 

Day 9  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 10  Ride out north across the barren pampas towards the fabulous mountainous wilderness dominated by the Baguales and La Cumbre mountain ranges (the latter that separates Chile from Argentina).  Enjoy remote, empty trails in this dramatic landscape.  With luck, see the wild horse herds that inhabit these areas and enjoy some local hospitality at one of the local estancias.  Late afternoon arrival into the beautiful Estancia Las Chinas valley where we will be enjoying our home-style accommodation here in one of the old estancia houses.   Relax by the roaring fire while dinner is prepared for you.  Dinner included (including wine).  Hours in the saddle: 4-5.

Day 11  After a leisurely breakfast of coffee and home made cakes/bread we will transfer to Punta Arenas via Puerto Natales.  We will have time in Natales to shop for souvenirs or postcards and there is a wide choice of restaurants and cafes in which to enjoy lunch.  We will arrive in Punta Arenas about 5 p.m.  Night Hotel Chalet Chapital.  Breakfast only included. Transfer time: 4 hours.

Day 12  Taxi to airport or onward travel.  Breakfast only.

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

Note: 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.

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. 

*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*

Accommodation
We use both working and converted estancias and the former 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. In order to ensure a visit to the beautiful Dickson Valley we will use the Park refugio (mountain lodge) where accommodation is of a simple standard.  The refugio itself is constructed of wood and is in a stunning setting.  The atmosphere is convivial and comfortable and dining is ‘group style’.  Whilst we endeavor to provide twin share accommodation, there may be times that guests are required to share with one or two other people.   In converted estancias and hosterias such as at Laguna Verde and Cerro Castillo the accommodation is comfortable twin share with en suite facilities. 

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
This trip would suit those who wish to combine some local flavor with their outdoor riding adventure and 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. Accommodation throughout is clean, comfortable and welcoming – all of it having been chosen for its beautiful location and unsurpassable views.

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: 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 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.

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: 18 - 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.

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). 
 

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 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: 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 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.

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: 18 - 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.

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 .