Transfer Option:

--- due to the fires in December of 2010 some parts of the park have been closed. over 80% is still open and as beautiful as ever. Temporarily we have changed our regular itinerary to an alternative itinerary, that we believe is every bit as spectacular as the reg one ... an opportunity to see some parts you normally would not !

Temporary 2012 Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive into Rey Don Felipe. Night hotel. Welcome/dinner. No meals included.
Arrive into Punta Arenas in southern Chilean Patagonia. Take taxi to hotel. Night at Hotel Rey Don Felipe,
Meet leader in hotel lobby at 7.30 p.m. to be escorted to restaurant for dinner. Trip briefing and welcome dinner. No meals included today.
Day 2: Visit penguins - transfer to Las Chinas and Estancia 3R. Night camping.
Morning collection from the Hotel Don Rey Felipe to start the day's drive towards the penguin colony at Otway Sound to observe and photograph the Magellanic penguins. After plenty of time admiring the antics of these cute animals as they waddle between their burrows and the ocean we will continue in our comfortable transfer vehicle across the Patagonia Steppe where you will have your first opportunity to see some of the unusual plant and animal life that exists in this area. After a short lunch stop in Puerto Natales, the capital of the Ultima Esperanza region of Chile we will continue on to the estancia lands that surround the Torres del Paine National Park. Our destination is Estancia 3R, a private estancia located north east of the Park. It is a mystical and unexplored place where you can literally feel the energy of the ancestors who once inhabited this land. The estancia is very close to the border with Argentina and is surrounded by jagged, wild peaks better known as Sierra Baguales so called because of the wild baguales horses that roam free here.
It is in this appropriate setting that we will witness a ʻDoma Indiaʼ show. The Doma India is a method of breaking a horse by way of a slow building of trust and loyalty, avoiding generating any pain or fear. The aim is to tame the horse according to its nature where the
horse learns by gentle persuasion and communication without the need for physical supremacy or harshness. Our friend and newest team member, Abdias has been practicing Doma India for a few years both in this region of Patagonia, absorbing much knowledge from the area, and from further afield in Argentina. Abdias captivates everybody who sees him demonstrate this amazing craft. Our night will be spent in this beautiful valley also considered a significant archaeological site where it is possible to hunt for marine and land fossils under the huge Patagonian skies. Night Camping with showers, bathrooms and a cosy family room where we will be eating dinner.
Drive approx. 6.5 hours including penguins. Breakfast and dinner included (with wine at dinner).
Day 3: Ride out into the hills of Baguales towards the border and La Cumbre. Night camping.
After unzipping our tents on this incredible landscape we will let the smell of camp coffee and breakfast lure us from our warm sleeping bags as we get up and prepare for the dayʼs adventure. Our ride today takes us to the ʻTeta las Chinasʼ further into back country where we hope to spot the wild bagual horses in their natural environment. The immensity of the landscape here is striking - it makes one feel both blessed and insignificant in its presence. The peaks of the Sierra Baguales are distinctive with their wild, jagged peaks made of basalt forming unusual shapes. We will ride among a myriad of valleys and mountains with the occasional ascent giving us incredible panoramic views in every direction. We hope to see the Andean condor with its mighty wing span in full view as it soars on the warm air thermals above us in its search for carrion. And a variety of other birdlife that exist in the native forests that line our trails. After about 5 to 6 hours riding we will return to our beautiful campsite for a second night camping under these huge, star filled skies.
All meals included (with wine at dinner).
Day 4: Ride south onto the lands belonging to Estancia Tercera. Night camping at Puesto Tercera.
We will once again enjoy a wholesome camp breakfast in our remote surroundings before packing our saddle bags and joining our horses and the baqueanos who have now become our friends for the ride south towards Estancia Tercera. We will be riding with the La Cumbre and Baguales mountain ranges to our left as we head through valleys and across pristine streams towards the peaks of the Paine Massif. Now comfortable on our horses we will witness the changing scenery from the arid landscapes of the borderlands to the greener and more colourful pampas that in turn give way to the pristine azure lakes and the granite peaks of the Towers of Paine in the distance. Today is a fairly long riding day. We will be riding for about 7 - 8 hours with our first stop the beautiful Las Chinas valley. We will have a rest here and lunch before continuing south to the land belonging to Estancia Tercera and our beautiful campsite in a hidden, protected valley with fantastic views of the Towers. We will ride our horses into the nearby corral for them to rest while we enjoy some snacks and a pre-dinner drink. Time to relax and enjoy the tranquility while dinner is prepared.
Facilities: Cosy indoor dining and campfire for recounting the dayʼs adventures. We are also pleased to announce the completion of our new eco dry bathrooms here providing more comfort for our guests. All meals included (with wine at dinner).
Day 5: Ride to Lago Paine. Wild camping at Lago Paine.
After packing up camp and loading up the pack horses we will set off on our exciting ride towards the magnificent Towers after which the park is named and the startlingly blue waters of Laguna Azul located in the north eastern section of Torres del Paine. After our ride around this beautiful lake, we will be heading north towards Laguna Stokes where a large natural vega or pasture exists and which attracts wild criollos from the surrounding hills to graze in the summer. With luck we may get to see these horses (please note the viewing is not guaranteed). 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. Eventually we arrive at our remote campsite with beautiful mountain views. We will be camping riverside at Lago Paine.
Facilities: none. Hours in the saddle: 4-5 - 5. All meals included (with wine at dinner).
Day 6: Ride to Dickson Lake and Glacier. Return to camp at Lago Paine.
After breakfast, we will be saddling up for the beautiful ride out to Lake and Glacier Dickson. Dickson is one of the more remote and rarely visited glaciers in the Park due to its inaccessibility - in our opinion it is also one of the prettiest. Our rides takes us past the northerly peaks of the Paine chain where one of the peaks is topped by a black, craggy rock in the shape of a Tuhuelche Indian Face where the 'headband' is decorated with snowdrifts even in summer. The trail then heads north passing ancient southern beech forests and scattered lakes before we reach our solitary perch and viewpoint above this beautiful lake and glacier. This will be our picnic spot for lunch - a truly memorable place. In the afternoon we ride back to Lago Paine. Facilities as above.
Hours in the saddle: 6-7. All meals included (with wine at dinner).
Day 7: Ride back to Laguna Amarga. Transfer to Serrano. Night Camping.
Today we will be riding back via a different route through the beautiful enchanted valley, an area which is usually home to large breeding groups of guanaco and nandu. With the towering peaks of the Paine range to our right, we will be following the contour lines as we ride south close to the Paine River. We will have a chance to dismount and see the lovely Salto (waterfall) with its glacial waters crashing over the rocks to continue their journey downriver. We will then continue riding to the Laguna Amarga area of the park where we will dismount and bid our horses goodbye. Joining our comfortable transfer vehicle we will drive across the park with plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos during the journey. Our destination is the immense Glacier and Lake Grey where we will head out on foot across the small footbridge before walking through the forest and down to the lakeʼs grey sandy shores. The views from here are spectacular and almost surreal. Measuring 28 km in length and almost 35 metres in height this fast retreating glacier remains the largest in the Park. The views from the beach are dramatic. The grey waters of the lake form an interesting contrast to the blue-white icebergs that have calved off the crystalline ice wall and which float on its surface. Time permitting, interested clients can join the Grey Boat trip that takes you up to the face of the glacier. The cost can be payable locally ($80 per person). We will then jump in the van for the 15 minute drive to our destination campsite beside the salmon stocked waters of the Serrano River.

Night Camping in this beautiful setting with full frontal views of the Paine Massif and the lovely Serrano River. Camp facilities including shelters, hot showers and bathrooms. And for early risers - some of the best sunrises in all of Patagonia.
Hours in the saddle: approx 3-4. Hours driving: roughly 1-2. All meals included (with wine at dinner).
Day 8: Ride to Lago Brush in the Bernardo OʼHiggins National Park. Night wild camping.
We will be making a relatively early start today for the beautiful ride out of Torres del Paine and into the remote and pristine Bernardo OʼHiggins National Park. This is a new ride in a virgin area and one where you will see few, if any, other clients. As an added bonus today, we will get to see the horses swim the pretty waters of the River Nutria. This always proves fascinating towatch as the horses, completely trusting of their handlers, head into the frigid waters and quite naturally swim across to the other side of the river.
Our ride takes us due south through acres of native forest passing scattered lakes and streams as we approach the abundant waters of Lago Brush. The views today are incredible - the Paine range to our north is still clearly visible as are the snow capped peaks of Mount
Balmaceda and many other notable peaks of the Bernardo OʼHiggins National Park through which we travel. Here at the lake in these pristine surroundings, there is a small lakeside puesto where in the soft, adjacent meadows we will let our horses graze and set up camp. This lake offers exceptional fishing - a chance to try your hand at fishing local style perhaps. Or take a swim in the lake. Or just put your feet up with a good book while dinner is prepared.
Night wild camping in this remote site. Facilities: None. Hours in the saddle: 5-6. All meals included (with wine at dinner)
Day 9: Ride to Balmaceda Glacier. Ride back to Lago Brush. Night wild camping.
After camp breakfast, we will be setting off on a longer ride where we follow a trail through ancient southern beech forests crossing grassy meadows as we ride close to the Serrano River with the dramatic mountains of the Chacabuco range looming up to our left. Our destination is the beautiful hanging Balmaceda Glacier which clings onto the granite walls as it tumbles down the mountainside spilling into the waters of Last Hope Sound and the very pretty Serrano Glacier with its stunning meltwater pool home to a number of floating icebergs. Once at our destination we will dismount and spend time at the glaciers with short walks in the area and a chance to explore and take photos. Lunch will be in one of the many view points.
*Note for an up close and personal experience with the glacier we are able to arrange a zodiac ride at an extra cost. To do this, we would need to be at the glacier by midday. Prices on request.
After plenty of time spent in this incredible area, we will be riding back to our lovely campsite at Lago Brush.
Night wild camping as above. Hours in the saddle: 6-7 hours. All meals included (with wine at dinner).
Day 10: Return ride to Serrano River. Transfer to Punta Arenas. Night Hotel Rey Don Felipe.
After our final breakfast in this beautiful setting we will be packing up camp, loading up the pack horses and riding back to the Serrano River where we will be saying goodbye to our horses and the baqueanos who care for them. Private transfer back to Puerto Natales for a quick lunch stop before the return transfer to Punta Arenas. On arrival into Punta Arenas you will be dropped off at the Hotel Rey Don Felipe.
Breakfast and lunch included. Hours in the saddle: 4 hours. Dinner at leisure (not included).
Day 11: Taxi on your own to the airport.Breakfast only.

Regular Itinerary (may be open again in late 2012)

Day 1 Arrival into Punta Arenas.  Please take a taxi to the Hotel Ray Don Felipe in Punta Arenas. The group leader will meet you in the hotel lobby at 7:30 PM and the group will go to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner and tour briefing. Overnight.

Torres del Paine has a milder and drier micro-climate 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. As 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!

Sleeping bags:  Rental of sleeping bags and mats.  We can rent sleeping bags and mats to clients who do not wish to bring their own and the cost of this is: $6 per day for a bag and $2 per day for a mat (adjusted rates).  Payment for this rental can be made locally.  We recommend you bring your own sleeping inner for added comfort and hygiene.

Meals:
Meals are varied and wholesome and include fresh salmon and local fish, pasta, chicken, beef, lamb and some local Chilean meals. Fresh salad is served every night. Local wine is served with dinner and all meals are prepared. Packed lunches are prepared by the clients at breakfast and are carried with us in saddle bags. These consist of sandwiches (e.g. tuna, cheese, ham, peanut butter, salami), fresh fruit, trail mix, chocolate, biscuits, snacks etc. Clients are responsible for looking after their lunch boxes. Breakfast is normally hot and cold cereals, toast, jams, marmalade, coffee, tea and juice. At times a cooked breakfast is served. Vegetarians can be well catered for and clients should indicate their requirements at the time of booking. A dining tent is carried for eating meals and cooking although sometimes we choose to eat in a camp ‘shelter’ or around the campfire (weather obviously permitting)! Where possible, vehicle support is arranged. Supplies of bread, salad and fresh fruit are replenished. On arrival at the campsite, wine and canapes are served giving clients ample time to relax while the evening meal is being prepared. 

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 long riding days. Fitness and experience are essential. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
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

Insurance Coverage: For these trips it is mandatory that you have proof of travel insurance that covers you for all activities during the tour and also covers emergency evacuation and medical treatment.

Horses:  The horses are Criollo-cross. Descendants of the Spanish Barb and Arab, the Criollo is a sturdy, sure-footed and willing ride.and vary in size with the majority being between 14.0 and 15.2 hands. They are strong, fit, willing and sure-footed. We are able to provide good horses for both experienced riders and for riders who are more novice or a bit ‘rusty’. The pace of the ride will be adjusted to suit the majority of riders but as we always travel with more than one riding guide, there is great deal of flexibility and riders soon find their own pace for the trip. Riders are not responsible for grooming or tack. 

Tack: The tack is Chilean and comprises of metal framed saddles onto which is layered felt, sheepskin and leather. Rope, rawhide and leather form the bridles, girths, straps etc. The saddles provide adequate comfort for the long days riding and the stirrups consist of a leather cup through which the foot cannot pass. Most of the horses are ridden in simple snaffles. Halters are worn throughout the ride with rope tied around the horse’s neck to tie up at lunch stops/rest stops etc. 
Saddles are western style and very comfortable

Pace of Ride: Moderate - Fast. 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.

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.

Suitability: This itinerary is suited to lovers of riding and the outdoors and those who like to get ‘off the beaten track’. In the company of our guide and Chilean horsemen, we ride into some remote areas where the only access is on foot or horse. Pack horses carry our luggage and often we see no other humans. Whilst camping in these areas we can observe the plentiful wildlife, sit and enjoy some traditional mate with the baqueanos (pronounced matay) or find a peaceful spot and just sit and relax.
The campsites on this trip have been chosen with much care and they are all very different, very special and very beautiful. Some of them are wilderness sites with no ‘facilities’ at all. For those who prefer daily hot showers and a fluffy bed, the Estancia Ride would be more suitable!

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 .