Chilean Patagonia Trails
Patagonia / Torres del Paine Chile: (IT-CHRT09)
URL: https://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/chile_patagonia_trails.aspx
Introduction
Patagonia / Torres del Paine
Chile
Ride across the beautiful wilderness of the Chilean Patagonia!
This riding adventure lets you explore some of the most remote corners of Patagonia so that you can feel close to nature. During this tour, you will also learn more about the gaucho lifestyle and go on a beautiful boat excursion to see the Grey Glacier!
Accomodation
Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.
Description
Accommodations include a mix of authentic estancias as well as comfortable and modern hotels.
10-day Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Baguales Glamping
Night 3 & 4: Estancia Cerro Guido
Night 5 & 6: Rio Serrano Hotel
Night 7:Hotel in Puerto Natales
Nights 8 & 9: La Barrosa
7-day Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Baguales Glamping
Night 3: Estancia Cerro Guido
Night 4: Cabanas Laguna Azul
Night 5 & 6: Rio Serrano Hotel
Baguales Glamping
You are accommodated in private domes with ensuite bathroom and central heating. The rooms are simple but comfortable and offer great views on the surrounding landscape.
Estancia Cerro Guido
For almost a decade, the old constructions of Cerro Guido were restored and redesigned to accommodate the guests who came to the Estancia. This historic estancia offers tastefully decorated rooms with comfortable beds and private bathrooms. There is free Wi-Fi access in public areas and laundry facilities are available for a small fee.
Cabanas Laguna Azul
You spend the night in a lovely cabin.
Rio Serrano Hotel
This modern hotel offers cozy bedrooms with a view of the surrounding mountains. Each room features a phone, a safe and private facilities. Wi-Fi is available at this property.
Guests can also decide to go for a swim in the indoor pool.
Hotel in Puerto Natales
La Barrosa
This cabin is surrounded by the wilderness. It has 2 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom.
Single Supplement
Solo travelers must pay a single supplement fee.
Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
A beer or soft drink is included with your lunch.
At dinner, some wine is also included.
Dietary Restrictions
Special diets can be catered for on our trips with prior notice.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
Riding
Horses
The horses are all Criollo Crosses, which vary in size with the majority being around 165cm tall. They are strong, fit, and sure-footed.
Tack
The tack is Chilean and comfortable and comprises metal framed saddles onto which are layered felt, sheepskin and leather. Rope, rawhide and leather form the bridles.
Safety
The guides may give you specific instructions for dealing with horses and the environment and you must always follow their guidance. The guides retain the right to deny you the opportunity to ride or be around the horses if they feel it is unsafe or that you have misrepresented your horse riding ability. The guide does not owe you any compensation in this situation as you are responsible for sharing accurate information about the rider’s fitness and ability when booking so that the operator is able to accurately assess that the trip is appropriate for each rider.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you have or arrange adequate insurance cover for personal liability, medical and holiday cancellation. When obtaining travel insurance, you must ensure that the insurer is aware of the type and destination of travel and any activities which you plan to undertake. Horse riding holidays can be considered high risk and may not be included in the standard terms of your current travel insurance. Please ensure that you are fully covered, in particular with regard to the maximum cancellation amount, and that you provide details of your insurer and policy number for our records.
If you do not arrange the aforementioned cover, we may refuse your booking or cancel your holiday. In any event, we will not be held responsible for any expenses, loss or damage you incur as a result of your failure to comply with this clause or the requirements of your travel insurance policy. Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on holiday. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular needs.
Itinerary
Sample Itinerary: 7-day program - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
Transfer (approximately 2 hours) from Puerto Natales airport to Estancia Cerro Guido, where you will learn more about the gaucho lifestyle. Then, transfer to your accommodation, in the Sierra Baguales, a place surrounded by rolling hills and towering mountains located in the Northern side of Torres del Paine, right next to the border with Argentina.
A Calafate sour, (typical Patagonian drink) will be waiting for us at our arrival.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Baguales Glamping
Day 2: Sierra Baguales Ride
After breakfast, we go on our first ride in Sierra Baguales, exploring the untamed, breathtaking landscape. We will stop for lunch in an old Puesto, a place where the gauchos (Patagonian cowboys) live.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Baguales Glamping
Day 3: Ride to Estancia Cerro Guido
Today, we ride to Estancia Cerro Guido. We take our lunch and enjoy a siesta in an authentic working estancia, close to the famous Torres del Paine National Park.
Riding approx. 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Estancia Cerro Guido
Day 4: Laguna Azul Ride
Full day horseback ride to Laguna Azul, with lunch stop on the way. There is an opportunity to see some wild horses!
Asado de cordero (Lamb barbecue) scheduled for dinner with some pisco sour! We’ll spend the night in a cozy house with view on the mountains.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Cabanas Laguna Azul
Day 5: Riding from Laguna Azul to Rio Serrano
This is one of our longest day! We ride from Laguna Azul to Rio Serrano, covering about 50km passing along the Lago Sarmiento. After leaving our horses in a paddock, we are transferred to a hotel for dinner and overnight.
Riding approx. 9 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rio Serrano Hotel
Day 6: Ride to Lago Grey & Boat Ride
Our destination for the day is Lago Grey where we’ll have the opportunity to take a boat to Grey Glacier (3 hours) to admire the ice field. We will also enjoy a scenic 45 minute hike to get to the boat.
After our boat excursion, transfer back to the hotel.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rio Serrano Hotel
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the Airport.
Breakfast included
Sample Itinerary: 10-day program - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
Transfer (approximately 2 hours) from Puerto Natales airport to Estancia Cerro Guido, where you will learn more about the gaucho lifestyle. Then, transfer to your accommodation, in the Sierra Baguales, a place surrounded by rolling hills and towering mountains located in the Northern side of Torres del Paine, right next to the border with Argentina.
A Calafate sour, (typical Patagonian drink) will be waiting for us at our arrival.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Baguales Glamping
Day 2: Sierra Baguales Ride
After breakfast, we go on our first ride in Sierra Baguales, exploring the untamed, breathtaking landscape. We will stop for lunch in an old Puesto, a place where the gauchos (Patagonian cowboys) live.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Baguales Glamping
Day 3: Ride to Estancia Cerro Guido
Today, we ride to Estancia Cerro Guido. We take our lunch and enjoy a siesta in an authentic working estancia, close to the famous Torres del Paine National Park.
Riding approx. 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Estancia Cerro Guido
Day 4: Waterfall Ride
This morning, we ride to the waterfall Salto Las Chinas, where we will have lunch before heading to Laguna Azul. On the way to our accommodation, we will cross the Rio Las Chinas.
Tonight, we enjoy a typical Asado de cordero (lamb barbecue).
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Estancia Cerro Guido
Day 5: Riding from Laguna Azul to Rio Serrano
This is one of our longest day! We ride from Laguna Azul to Rio Serrano, covering about 50km passing along the Lago Sarmiento. After leaving our horses in a paddock, we are transferred to a hotel for dinner and overnight.
Riding approx. 9 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rio Serrano Hotel
Day 6: Ride to Lago Grey & Boat Ride
Our destination for the day is Lago Grey where we’ll have the opportunity to take a boat to Grey Glacier (3 hours) to admire the ice field. We will also enjoy a scenic 45 minute hike to get to the boat.
After our boat excursion, transfer back to the hotel.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Rio Serrano Hotel
Day 7: Puerto Natales
This morning, we are transferred to Puerto Natales. After checking into our hotel, we have some free time to go shopping and discover this little town.
The most adventurous can choose to go on a stand up paddle tour (extra fee).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel
Day 8: Pampa Ride
We go by boat to Estancia La Peninsula. After some coffee we go for a ride! We will be riding through the native forests and the pampa, chasing amazing views and riding along beaches.
We will spend the night at a nice house in the middle of nowhere.
Riding approx. hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at La Barrosa
Day 9: Nature & History Ride
We spend the entire day riding and exploring. We will also have the opportunity to explore some fascinating archaeological sites.
Riding approx. hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at La Barrosa
Day 10: Departure
We ride back to Estancia La Peninsula where the boat is waiting for us to go back to Puerto Natales.
Then, transfer to the Airport.
Breakfast included
Rates and Dates for Chilean Patagonia Trails
Rates include:
Accommodations, All meals, Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee, Boat Trip to Grey Glacier, Airport transfers & Riding according to program
Packages and Options
| Group discount (3 pax), pp | ($790) |
| Group discount (4 pax), pp | ($1200) |
| Group discount (5 pax), pp | ($1500) |
| Group discount (6 pax), pp | ($1700) |
| B | 2023 | 10-day tour - Price TBD | $0 |
Minimum Deposit: ~$30.00 per person
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
|
2023
|
Transfers included from/to Puerto Natales Airport
|
|
| A |
2023
|
10/24
- 10/30
|
7d / 6n
|
7-day trip
|
2
/6
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2023
|
11/29
- 12/05
|
7d / 6n
|
7-day trip
|
2
/6
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2023
|
11/29
- 12/08
|
10d / 9n
|
10-day tour - Price TBD
|
2
/6
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2023
|
12/12
- 12/21
|
10d / 9n
|
10-day tour - Price TBD
|
2
/6
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2023
|
12/12
- 12/18
|
7d / 6n
|
7-day trip
|
2
/6
|
Reserve
|
|
Dates Note:
These tours need to be booked at least 3 months in advance
Rates do not include:
Drinks, Gratuities & medical and travel insurance (mandatory)
Other Info
Meeting: Estancia Cerro Guido
Airport: Puerto Natales
Transfer: Puerto Natales Airport
Climate:
Puerto Natales area
|
Month
|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
Average High Temperature (°F)
|
61
|
60
|
58
|
52
|
45
|
41
|
41
|
43
|
49
|
53
|
55
|
58
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°F)
|
51
|
49
|
47
|
41
|
36
|
33
|
32
|
33
|
39
|
44
|
46
|
50
|
|
Average High Temperature (°C)
|
16
|
16
|
15
|
11
|
7
|
5
|
5
|
6
|
10
|
12
|
13
|
15
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°C)
|
11
|
10
|
8
|
5
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
4
|
6
|
8
|
10
|
Source: NOAA
Seasons
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 during the time we run our trips (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.
Special note – strong winds
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. The weather can be notoriously unkind, wet, cloudy and closed-in (a pain for visibility). It can also be extremely windy (and people often get blown off their feet literally and parked vehicles over-turned in very extreme wind). Luckily it doesn’t tend to stay too wet for too long but clients need to be prepared for the conditions both physically and mentally. Good waterproofs (top to toe) are essential.
What To Bring:
General
- A few lightweight, easily washable items (layering is always best)
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Midweight fleece or wool pants
- Long-sleeved shirts or tees for layering
- T-shirts
- Underwear and personal items (for women we recommend a good sports bra for riding)
- Wool cap or other warm hat (choose one that can be used under your riding helmet)
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Comfortable footwear for general walking
- Wool sweater or fleece
- Sun hat or visor that can be worn with your riding hat
- Water bottle (one litre bottle or a Camel-bak)
- Camera, spare batteries and a spare memory card
- Waterproof camera bag
- Flashlight/torch with spare batteries (Maglite or similar)
- Sunglasses (preferably with a neck string)
- Sunscreen and lip salve
- Insect repellent
- Small towel
- Personal toiletries
- Any personal medication
- Riding trousers (Half or full chaps can be provided if required)
- Pair of insulating and quick-drying riding gloves
- Riding helmet: We strongly recommend riders bring their own BHS/ISO approved hard hat. Hard hats save lives and can prevent serious head injury. Riders who do not wear a helmet do so at their own risk and will be asked to sign a waiver.
- Socks (including knee-high pairs for riding)
- Riding boots (well broken in) or ankle-high multi-purpose boots which work well when worn with half chaps and can comfortably be worn for walking too
- Waterproof and windproof jacket (Gortex or other suitable fabric) with a hood and no leaks. Some clients wear long Australian stock coats. No plastic ponchos please!
- Waterproof trousers (make sure they have an under-foot stirrup to stop them riding up the leg)
- Riders should also bring spare plastic bags/ziplock bags for storing non-waterproof items such as cameras, binoculars etc in the saddle bags. These are made of tough hessian and will not repel heavy rain.
Useful items
- Spanish phrasebook or dictionary
- Travel alarm clock
- Swiss army knife
- Wet Ones or similar travel wipes
- Tissues
- Tracksuit trousers or comfortable walking trousers for optional hikes and for relaxing
- Reading material
- Electrical adapter (Chile uses a 2-pin, 220 volt outlet)
- Spare contact lenses or glasses if necessary
- Small binoculars
- Swimsuit (for the hardy and also Estancia Tercera Barranca have a hot tub!)
- Ear plugs for light sleepers
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