Torres del Paine ride, Chile

Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for the Torres del Paine Ride

This eight day  ride combines excellent riding opportunities on well schooled horses and comfortable accommodation full of history within the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park, which offers open pampa, wooded valleys, and breathtaking views of the towering mountains, the turquoise lakes and the rolling glaciers…

Day 1: On arrival at Punta Arenas airport you will be met by your guide who will accompany you during the transfer to Puerto Bories and Bories House, situated on the banks of the Ultima Esperanza sound. In the afternoon you will have the option to take a short ride or visit the local museum, “Frigorifico Puerto Bories”

Day 2: Early this morning you will be transferred to Estancia Puerto Consuelo and you will set off riding across the pampa to the Milodon cave which Capt Eberhard discovered in 1895. The name “Milodon” was given after the remains of a giant sloth dating back 10,000 years ago was found there by Eberhard. You will continue the ride to Laguna Sofia, through ancient Lenga forests and open valleys until we reach a Condor lookout point on the cliffs of Laguna Sofia. After lunch you will be transferred to the travellers inn Tres Pasos, which used to be frequented by the Noble prize poet Gabriela Minstral.

Day 3: Today you will set off from the travellers inn Tres Pasos and ride through beautiful countryside until you arrive at a small farming settlement Cerro Castillo. This ride will take you around lagoons, through woodland valleys and up to a lookout point to see the Torres del Paine National Park. Tonight you will stay at Hotel El Pionero. This house used to be the home of an English gentleman Mr Saunders whom was one of the managers who worked for the company “Explotadora de Tierra del Fuego 1893 –1943”.

Day 4: From the farming settlement Cerro Castillo you will set off on a challenging days ride across the pampa to estancia Cerro Guido on the Eastern border of the Torres del Paine National Park. This is a long, but rewarding day’s ride. This evening will be spent at Cerro Guido at the beautifully restored farm house with its privileged views of the Towers of Paine.

Day 5: Today you will have a wonderful ride to the outpost Las Chinas, which is on the same estancia as Cerro Guido. You will ride through mountain passes and along high ridges that will enable you to see spectacular views of the towers, Sarmiento lake and the impressive Baguales mountain range. This evening will be spent at this homely house Las Chinas in a remote and pristine corner of Patagonia.

Day 6: Today you will have a spectacular ride across the awesome National Park Torres del Paine, navigating winding mountain passes, with incredible views of the turquoise lakes and lagoons and the magnificent Horns of the park, this is one of highlights of the trip. The evening will be spent at hotel Rio Serrano which has breathtaking views of the horns!

Day 7: This morning’s ride will take you across flat open “pampa” with the spectacular horns as your backdrop. You will arrive at glacier Grey by lunch time and you will have lunch on the beach.  This afternoon’s ride will take you back to hotel Rio Serrano for the night.

Day 8: Today you will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for your flight home.

Notes:

The price is inclusive of 7 nights accommodation (based on twin share), all transfers, starting from Punta Arenas airport, all meals and beverages with meals, all equipment, bilingual guide and all entrance fees.

The price does not include international or domestic airfares, items of a personal nature, gratuities, etc.

Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic’s terms and conditions, a copy of which is enclosed with your booking form.

Wild and Exotic factsheet on riding in Torres del Paine

Our trips allow you to explore pristine wilderness areas of Patagonia and enjoy the comfort of traditional estancias in the region. We have programmes with a set amount of days and fixed departure dates, along with trips that can be built into a longer stay. The services that are included in each specific trip are outlined with each respective programme. We can also offer tailor made trips for those of you who want to design your own itinerary. We have several estancias that offer comfortable accommodation and from which you can do the following daily activities, horse riding, trekking, fishing, kayaking or even ice hiking. A tailor made trip will always be subject to availability.

Accommodation: During our trips you will be staying in traditional estancias or estancia houses that have been converted into hotels. The prices quoted within each programme are based on double (twin share) accommodation. The designation of the rooms for each person will be determined by sex, age or personal preference. Those who do not wish to share rooms have the option of single accommodation for an additional fee (subject to availability). If you are planning to arrive a day or two before the start of the trip we are more than happy to recommend or make hotel reservations in Santiago or Punta Arenas on your behalf. Note on your booking form the check in and out dates together with your budget range and we will match your requirements with a suitable hotel.

Age Limit: For our trips that extend more than one day we require you to be between 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 will request riders over 70 to complete a medical/suitability questionnaire before their booking is confirmed. We ask all of our clients to read and sign a declaration form before starting the trip that states that they participate in the days activities at their own risk and that we do not hold any responsibility for any accident or injury that may occur during the day. In case of minors we ask the guardian to sign the contract on their behalf.

Climate: Patagonia is renowned for its' extreme climate changes, expect to experience four seasons within a matter of 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 Patagonia will treat its guests, we ask that you 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.

Documentation: Chile holds few restrictions for travellers, although you should consult your Chilean embassy for visa details. Passports must have 6 months validity and must always be carried on your person.

Flights: We are able to reserve your internal flights whilst in South America - When filling in your booking form make sure to fill in your dates when you wish to fly and the city you wish to depart from and your destination. We recommend that you organize your arrival date in Punta Arenas for at least one or two days before the beginning of your intended programme, allowing you time to rest after the lengthy journey. At the trip end, your departure flight should be scheduled for the day following the last day, as our arrival time in Punta Arenas is normally late afternoon.

Group Sizes: Our trips operate with a minimum of two and a maximum of eight clients. In the event that the minimum number has not been reached we reserve the right to either cancel the departure or offer a smaller group a different date. Groups can be organized that exceed our maximum restriction and an additional guide will be allocated.

Health: You should ensure that you are up to date with jabs for the following: typhoid; tetanus; hepatitis A & B; polio. Full information for travellers is available from ‘MASTA' (Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad).  http://www.masta.org/

Horses: The horses are Chilean Criollo and vary in size with the majority being between 14.2 and 16 hands.  They are well schooled, strong, fit, willing and sure-footed. Horses are allocated to suit your level of riding experience. Each day before departure the horses are thoroughly checked for any signs of fatigue or injuries, when necessary the horse will be changed. Saddling up and the horses general welfare is the responsibility of the baqueanos. You will not be expected to help look after your horse unless this is something you specifically required. It's worth noting, we are the only horse riding specialists in Patagonia that use our own horses during our trips.

In case of illness or accident: You should be aware that our trips take you into pristine wilderness areas with a distance of a 6 hour drive from the nearest trauma care facility although there is a hospital in Puerto Natales, about 3 hours driving, with 24 hour medical assistance that can deal with minor injuries and illnesses. In the rare event of there being an accident or broken bone, you would have to be taken out of the area (probably on a horse) to join transport for the long drive. Helicopters are available for emergencies but these cannot fly during high winds. If you have any medical problem or disability which may affect your trip, you must advise us in writing at the time of booking giving full details. If we feel unable to properly accommodate your particular needs, we must reserve the right to decline your booking. You will be asked to provide emergency contact numbers at the time of booking. 

Meals: During our trips all meals are prepared using organic ingredients. Local meat or fish complimented with a fresh salad or vegetables are the dishes most typically offered. Delicious local puddings, freshly ground coffee and herbal teas are always included with the evening meals. Good quality wines are available during meal times on the longer trips. If you have a special dietary requirement or food allergy then you must confirm that this can be catered for prior to booking.

Pace: The pace of the ride will be determined by the level of experience within the group and the distance and type of terrain we need to cover on a certain day. Distances vary with each programme, for the longer trips expect to ride up to 32kms per day. All our programmes are accompanied by an experienced horse guide and a local baqueano whom know the local weather patterns, terrain and the routes suitable to travel by horse. The pace is moderate - fast (lots of trotting and long canters) during the longer trips.

Photographs: We are always interested in seeing photographs of your trip those also which may include yourself. The best ones sometimes will be featured, appropriately credited, within our website, a future brochure or any other form of publicity we chose to do to promote our trips.

Riding Experience: Stated within each of our programmes is the required level of riding experience needed to participate in a trip. 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 travelling here. A few tough one hour lessons with lots of trotting immediately before travelling would be a good idea. For the programmes that do not require previous riding experience we will provide each client with a short class of instruction enabling you to feel secure whilst riding. Whilst riding you must always comply with the instructions of your guide, if for reasons such as behaviour, ability or health they feel you could endanger yourself or the rest of the group they hold the right to ask you to dismount.

Safety Equipment: For the safety and security on each of our trips we always carry VHF radios which have long distance frequencies that have contact with our centre of operation, the estancias, hotels and the emergency services in the case of an accident. With all our trips we provide our clients with riding hard hats and chaps. For those participating with a longer trip we recommend you bring your own riding helmet for safety and comfort.

Tack: The tack used on the horses will be determined by the rider's level of experience or preference. We offer a choice of either Chilean, Western or English tack.

Team: Estancia Travel is operated by its owners whom both have extensive knowledge in the equestrian field and the areas you visit, they work together with a team of local staff that ensures each trip runs smoothly. Whilst riding, you will always be escorted by a local baquenao and guide.

Tips / Gratuities: At the end of the trip it is customary for each client to contribute towards a tip for the baqueanos who have travelled with us.  The normal amount given by each client is between $25 and $50 for the trip although of course it is up to you to decide on how much you would like to give.  This is presented by one of the group to the head baqueano at the end of the trip.  In addition, where the leader or assistant is not one of the company owners then a tip would be appreciated. 

Transfers: All transfers indicated within our programmes will be carried out using a private chauffer driven vehicle. Times can not be specified as transfer schedules will vary according to each individual group.

Travel Insurance: It is a condition of booking, that you take out appropriate travel insurance for your trip and that this includes cover for personal injuries, medical expenses (including repatriation in the event of an accident or illness) and delay or cancellation of your trip. You should check that riding or trekking / kayaking are not under the list of exclusions for the policy. We also strongly advise that you take out cover for any loss or damage to baggage and personal effects.

Water: The water in Chile and the place we visit is clean and pure. 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 bourne diseases such as guiardia).  If however you do not feel confident in drinking this, we would recommend you bring iodine drops (and the taste inhibitors that are sold with them) for your personal supplies or bottles of mineral water at your own expense.

Weight Limit: 105 kilos