Chile - Torres del Paine National Park
7 day Horseback Trek

Join us for horseback trekking in Patagonia. A unique horse riding experience in and near the world famous Torres del Paine National Park with such sights as Grey Glacier and the spectacular towering mountains of Paine. 

The park is a spectacular place to ride horses.  Created in 1959 and declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978. The name "Paine" may have been derived from a Tehuelche Indian word meaning "blue", but then others say it was taken from the name of an early settler in the region.

Patagonia is vast and wild and riding has been part of the culture since the European colonialists first arrived. Here, working horsemen are called "baqueanos" and they work cattle herds or sheep farms. The ranches are called “estancias” and they are as huge as this endless land. This ride will take us close to Torres del Paine's most celebrated places.

We have committed to bring some benefits to the farmers that have lived around Torres del Paine for some 30 years and previously were not enjoying being involved in the economical development of the national park. Learn all about the baqueanos lifestyle through our multi-lingual riding guide as they are keen to share their entire life which is riding the “pampa” terrain and running cattle herds in this often hostile area. We have worked with these “baqueanos” for two years now and want to make them part of your riding experience. They are quite unchanged and the life-style is much the way it has always been. Other benefit is that by riding on their lands you will get to spectacular spots such as glaciers that are inaccessible for most visitors. You will be riding their best horses, the same ones they trust everyday for their demanding activities.

When to go:  We strongly recommend to take this trip in either late October to mid December or March & April when the number of trekkers in the park is lower. Most of the trails are shared by horse riders and trekkers and we want to avoid the crowds of December & February, but we offer this trip from early October through to late April.

Special Note: In February 2005 a big fire damaged a large area of the Eastern side of Torres del Paine National Park, in the areas of Laguna Azul and Lago Paine.  Almost 10% of the national park was affected by the fire. In order to allow the regeneration we are avoiding these areas at present.

Trip Ref: CAB031
Departures: Private arrangements only, no fixed departures
Best Period: Oct - mid Dec & Mar - Apr.
Terrain: Most of the route is quite flat with various hilly stretches. There are opportunities for galloping your horse (optional).
Highest Point: 1460 m above sea level.
Activity: Horse Riding
Distances: About 115km/ 72 miles of riding
Difficulty: Moderate, with options to make easier or harder on some sections. Horse riding more than three consecutive days demands certain fitness and conditioning to the saddle. Anyone over 18 (or 12 - 17 if accompanied) is welcome as long as he/she is conditioned to riding over similar periods in mountainous terrain.
Ground Transport: Public & Private.
Accommodation: Book early and stay in the Ecocamp - otherwise it is in refugios (Bunkhouse / Hostel) (both are subject to availability).

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 Santiago - Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine N.P. We meet at the airport in Punta Arenas and then we board the regular bus and later in private transport we head towards Lago Amarga (371 km / 232 miles / 5 hrs). Puerto Natales is a small town and the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park (pronounced TOR-ehs del PIE-nay). Overnight in Torres del Paine either in our EcoCamp or a refugio (both are subject to availability). A briefing by the guide over dinner.  (L, D).

Day 2 Lago Amarga Torres del Paine. First thing in the morning we drive towards the western side of Torres del Paine National Park (60 km / 37 miles / 1.5 hrs) with good views of the Towers with a glacial lake in the foreground, and eventually we meet our Baquerno guide near the River Serrano.  This stretch will be an excellent chance to warm up, to get accustomed to the Chilean saddles, to canter and to get to know your group. Box-lunch is served en route. The trail crosses small rivers, dense beech forest and sandy river banks with plenty of open space to gallop. The objective of this mornings journey is Lago Geike, the western limit of Torres del Paine NP. At this point we leave the horses and cross Rio Serrano by motor boat. We are now guests of Mr. Guerrero who greets us at his house, as we share with some “Mate herb”, a genuine ritual in Patagonia. Around 3-4PM we ride the last stretch of the day, 13 km/ 8 miles (2-3hrs) which is fast on the first part and rugged at the end. The night will find us enjoying a hearty barbecue at the “Baqueanos Post” under a deep dense beech forest where we camp. Overnight in mountain quality tents with sleeping bags. 40 km / 25 miles riding. (B, L, D). 

Note: In case of bad weather, delays or because the guide decides to slow the rhythm as to fit in with the riders we might consider spending the night at a mountain refuge next to Rio Serrano. Sleeping is in bunk beds with your sleeping bag and blankets in double or quadruple rooms.

Day 3 Lago Geike. After a hearty breakfast we ride just 15 minutes to the Lake Geike look out point. A spectacular vista unfolds in front of our eyes. A crystal clear lake dotted of giant icebergs that drift with the wind. The backstage is the sparkling white tongue of glacier Geike that spills the South Patagonic Icefield into the Pacific through lake Geike and Rio Serrano. The lake is surrounded by virgin forests and mountains, with occasional small springs and waterfalls seen as we make our way through the green forests. On one side we have Torres del Paine NP and at the other side Bernardo O´Higgins National Park. We will spend about 5 hours riding and exploring the area. This is complete wilderness and we may have some hazardous encounters such as “Toros Ariscos” (wild bulls), rushing waters that may be impassable even on horseback, land slides, wet rocks, etc so we must stay alert, flexible and willing to get off and walk the horse over muddy terrain. Return to our camp for dinner and overnight. 18 - 25 km riding, slow peace.  (B, L, D)

Day 4 Paso Los Cuernos. We leave the campsite while our staff deal with the tents and we ride 13 km/ 8 miles (2 hrs) back to the Rio Serrano. We share one more “Mate” with our hosts, then we cross the river by boat and meet another set of horses. We make our way riding 26 km /16 miles (5 hrs) back to Torres del Paine at the western entrance by Rio Serrano. Weather permitting we can extend our riding time along the river bank. The ride ends at Serrano Pedestrian Bridge where we are driven to Posada Serrano, located next to Torres del Paine Park Administration, for dinner and overnight in our EcoCamp or a refugio (both are subject to availability) 40 km/ 25 miles riding, mixed pace. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Paso La Feria. We meet the horses at Baqueano Zamora stables and ride for about 6 km / 4 miles eastwards with splendid views over the Paine massive. We enter Paso La Feria and ride over an undulating stretch of some 28 km / 17 miles that passes many lagoons and lake Sarmiento. The trail features a constant broad view over the Paine massif with frequent spotting of condors, huanaco herds and puma tracks. The puma (Chilean cougar) often make home along the shore of Lake Sarmiento where shelters are normally carved into the calcium-carbonate soil that surrounds the lake. The ride ends at the road next to Laguna Amarga (Torres del Paine Eastern Gateway) from where we are picked up and driven to Estancia Torres where we enjoy dinner and overnight at another EcoCamp or refugio (subject to availability). 34 km/ 21 miles - mixed pace. (B, L, D).

Day 6 Valle Ascencio. From the EcoCamp / refugio we ride for about 1.5 hours (6 km) at a slow peace over the steep trail that leads to Refugio Chileno. This stretch may get crowded sometimes so we will start early. From here we walk (30-45min) under lush beech forests up to the moraine that pours over river Asencio. The trail ahead turns into a steeper boulder littered (25 minutes each way) that ends up at a glacial lagoon, which is the most popular lookout point (weather permitting) to the Torres del Paine granite monoliths (2,900 m).  We return to the river where we enjoy a snack and descend to the plateau where we will continue the ride.

Today we ask the riders to take an alternative form of transport and walk up to Las Torres look out point. We know some riders like to stay on horseback but we are know the view will be worth every foot step. Unfortunately the trails in this section are very narrow and the national park managers have wisely forbidden the use of horses. Your understanding will help preserve this beautiful spot. Alternatively if you do not want to walk up to the look out point, we can arrange a route elsewhere for you to ride, as an alternative.  We must know well in advance, at the time of booking, if you strongly object to walking and want the alternative ride in another location.

Late in the evening we come back to the EcoCamp or refugio for our farewell dinner, today it will consist of typical Patagonia lamb barbecue in the open air (weather permitting). Overnight at the EcoCamp or refugio (subject to availability). (B, L, D).

Day 7 Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas - Santiago. An early departure on the regular bus ensures that we reach Punta Arenas (254 kms) before lunchtime. Free time to wander. Later, we deliver you to the airport of Punta Arenas in time to catch your flight back to Santiago. (B).

feedback some of our previous guests     Email for current price & Availability

Price Indication per person to April 2008: 

2 or 3 in the group - GBP 1215 / AUD 2856 / CAD 2478 / USD 2195

4 to 8 in the group - GBP 1176 / AUD 2763 / CAD 2398 / USD 2165

9 to 12 in the group - GBP 1165 / AUD 2737 / CAD 2388 / USD 2125

The base currency is the US Dollar and payment in any currency may result in an adjustment for exchange movements. Please obtain an updated quotation prior to making a booking.

You can book as an individual, but we need a minimum of 2 for the trip to proceed at these prices. The maximum number in the group is 12. Late bookings (within 60 days) may incur a surcharge and the prime accommodation we normally offer may not be available. Ideally you should book at least 6 months in advance.

What is included
Accommodation as detailed. English speaking guide plus local guide / horseman. All meals as detailed by the code (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner). All ground transport - from/to Punta Arenas Airport and at all times in between. Horse and all tack. Portage of your gear on pack-horses. All park fees.

What is not included
Riding hat (please bring your own). International or internal airfares (but we are happy to quote you - see below) and airport taxes etc. Sleeping bags. Personal extras and special request purchases. Drinks other than tea / coffee as served with the meals. Visa fees (if required), vaccination costs, personal clothing and all items of a personal nature. Medical treatment, emergency & evacuation costs. Personal Travel Insurance.

Visas
A visa is not required for UK and US passport holders.

Internal Airfare
As a guide, the airfare for Santiago - Punta Arenas - Santiago should be in the range GBP140 - GBP250 / USD200 - USD450 for economy class return ticket. 

Travel Insurance (UK Residents only)
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. We only recommend the policies issued by the British Mountaineering Council  www.thebmc.co.uk   We are unable to advise residents of other countries about insurance as insurances are always peculiar to each country. You must buy your insurance from a company based in your country of residence.