South America ~ Chile ~ Patagonia

Torres del Paine National Park is home to some of the world’s most dramatic scenery. The granite towers of the Paine Massif dominate the surrounding Patagonian plains and grey blue glaciers flow down from the southern ice cap, cutting their way through immense mountains before crumbling into turquoise lakes. Waterfalls tumble from granite cliffs and condors soar over the snow capped peaks as the haunting cry of guanaco echoes on the rolling hills. The open grassland and wild valleys that shelter between the craggy mountains are ideal for horses and make a superb setting for long canters against an extraordinary backdrop..

Set date trips are for 10 nights with two similar itineraries, either camping in the National Park or staying in local estancias, hosterias and farmsteads. Rides are run between November and March. 10 night itineraries include 7 days riding using camps or local estancia accommodation. Itineraries adapted for private family groups, trips that combine riding, walking and kayaking and one base stays can also be arranged on request.

Summary

Horses and Riding

Riding: 4-7 hours a day.

Horses: locally bred Criollo and Chilean cross.

Pace: moderate and varied, with good open going for long canters.

Riding ability: suitable for intermediate to experienced riders.

Weight limit: 95kg (15 stone).

Accommodation: 3* camping or simple estancias and lodges (2 options).

Group size: maximum 12.

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The horses are medium build cross breeds, generally Chilean Horse crosses or Criollo mix. Some have Percheron blood. They are bred locally on the surrounding Estancias for working cattle and sheep and most range from about 14.2hh to 16hh. They are good natured and a sensible, responsive and enjoyable ride. Saddles are Chilean style with a comfortable sheepskin on top. The horses are trained western style and are used to neck reining. Groups are normally limited to a maximum of 12 guests.

Hours: There is generally 4 to 6 hours riding a day, riding from camp to camp or estancia to estancia, with breaks for rests and lunch.

Pace and experience required: To take part in these rides you should have a reasonable amount of previous riding experience and a reasonably good level of general fitness. You should be comfortable and in control on a well schooled horse at a walk, trot and canter and used to riding in open country. Experienced riders will have fun, well paced riding over good terrain. The horses include sensible, steady schoolmasters so less experienced riders who are fit and adventurous, can also participate. The pace is varied with opportunities for good long canters most days.

Accommodation on the rides varies with the itinerary. The first and last night on both camping and estancia rides is usually at the Hotel Rey Don Felipe in Punta Arenas. Then most other nights on camping rides are spent in tough, weather proof dome tents in private camps, moved ahead of riders. Sometimes camps are set up in or near one of the National Park's appointed camping areas where there may be showers (not always hot!). On Estancia Rides other nights are at family run estancias (farms), either working estancias in comfortable guest rooms, or at estancias that have been converted to small hotels. Rooms are generally twin bedded with private bathroom although bathrooms are shared on some nights.

Rates 2010-11

Camping Rides:
USD 3185
Single supplement USD 300

Estancia Rides:
USD 3950 per person
Single supplement USD 800

(singles at Estancias cannot always be guaranteed every night).

Rates assume 4 or more riders and include - all riding, guiding and equipment, 10 nights twin/shared accommodation, most meals (see individual itineraries), some drinks/wine on Camping Rides, Park fees, vehicle transfers at set times with the group from Punta Arenas to the start of the ride and back.

Rates exclude - flights to Chile/Punta Arenas, drinks, some meals (see individual itineraries), personal medical insurance (compulsory), any visa fees and personal items such as tips etc.

Prices are quoted in US dollars as the ride prices in Chile are set in this currency. Payments to us can of course be made in pounds sterling if you wish and we can give you a sterling rate at the time of booking.

Dates 2010-11

Camping Rides:
5th to 15th November 2010
6th to 16th December 2010
23rd December 2010 to 2nd January 2011
9th to 19th February 2011
14th to 24th March 2011

Estancia Rides:
1st to 11th November 2010
23rd November to 3rd December 2010
7th to 17th December 2010
23rd December 2010 to 2nd January 2011
29th January to 8th February 2011
24th February to 6th March 2011
29th March to 6th April 2011 (special horse moving ride)

Blue Ice Trail:
(special combined itinerary walking, kayaking & riding):
24th November to 4th December 2010
24th December 2010 to 3rd January 2011
17th to 27th January 2011
7th to 17th February 2011
9th to 19th March 2011
Please enquire for rates & itinerary

Season

November to April

The meeting point for the rides is Punta Arenas at the southern tip of Chilean Patagonia. You will need to fly to Santiago, Chile's capital, then take an internal flight to Punta Arenas. There are several flights from London to Santiago, generally departing in the evening and arriving Santiago mid morning the next day (e.g. the Chilean airline Lan Chile flies via Madrid). There are 3 or 4 flights a day between Santiago and Punta Arenas. For flights from London budget around £850 economy return (varies with the airline, season and availability).

Estancia Ride

Day 1	Arrive Punta Arenas. Overnight Hotel Rey Don Felipe in Punta Arenas.
Day 2	Set off driving north, stopping in Puerto Natales for lunch. Continue on to Estancia Tres Pasos. Meet the horses for an afternoon ride. Return to Tres Pasos for dinner and the night.
Day 3	Breakfast and ride north west to the outpost town of Cerro Castillo. About 6 hours riding stopping for a picnic on the way. Dinner and overnight at Hosteria El Pionero in Cerro Castillo.
Day 4	Today's ride takes you north towards the La Cumbre mountain range which makes a natural barrier between Chile and Argentina. Stop for a picnic then ride on to Estancia Tercera Barranca for dinner and the night.
Day 5	Ride out from Tercera Barranca to Laguna Azul and then north to Laguna Stokes, an area where the wild criollo horses often come to graze and where Lady Florence Dixie first camped having sighted the Torres del Paine. A picnic lunch and then ride back to Estancia Tercera Barranca for dinner and night.
Day 6	The ride today takes you to the heart of the National Park, with dramatic views of the Paine Massif at every turn. You will stop at the Park admin centre for a brief visit then ride on across open pampa, good for long canters, to the Serrano River. Dinner and night at Cabanas del Paine.
Day 7	Breakfast and ride to the Mirador de los Hielos (Iceberg lookout) with dramatic views of Lago and Glacier Grey, the largest glacier in the park. A picnic lunch with plenty of time to admire the view. Return to Cabanas del Paine for dinner and the night.
Day 8	Set off riding towards Sierra del Toro. A dramatic ascent takes you high into this range and the views at the top of the National Park with its numerous rivers, lakes and glaciers laid out before you are well worth the climb. Ride on to Estancia Lazo for dinner and night.
Day 9	Another ride high into the Sierra del Toro to the remote Puesto Toro, a beautifully situated shepherds hut. A picnic lunch then ride back, with panoramic views of the park, to Estancia Lazo for dinner and night.
Day 10	Depart in the morning and transfer back to Punta Arenas, visiting the Penguin colony on Skyring sound en-route, and arriving late afternoon. Night at a hotel in Punta Arenas.
Day 11	Breakfast and depart.
	Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and if you have any questions.