Chile Holidays: Horseback Riding in Patagonia - Torres del Paine

The town of Puerto Natales, located on the shore of an inland cove, is the entry to Torres Del Paine. The weather in the park is notoriously variable, but with a little patience, you are virtually assured a glimpse of the dramatic granite torres (towers) and cuernos (horns) for which the park is named. But Torres Del Paine is not just scenery; the pampa is home to the graceful guanaco and the speedy nandu (a South American variety of ostrich), while high above circles the magnificent Condor. Well-marked trails and an extensive system of shelters and campsites allow riders to see the iceberg-studded lakes and eerie forests of the park.

DAY 1: (Monday)
Reception at Punta Arenas airport and 5-hour drive to Camp Las Torres inside Torres del Paine National Park. We make a short stop in Puerto Natales to have lunch, and visit the Milodon's Cave, where we see the remains of a giant prehistoric sloth who once lived there. In summer time, the sun sets around 11PM, giving us plenty of light to enjoy the stupendous landscape and the craggy mountains while entering the park. Overnight in Las Torres Eco-Camp (D).

DAY 2:
We meet the "baqueano", the local guide specialised in running cattle herds, and get ready to ride. Ride to lake Grey over the Grey Peninsula onwards Mirador Lago Grey (lookout point) to have a splendid view over the distant Grey Glacier. This glacier together with Dickson, and Perito Moreno (in Argentina) empties the giant South Patagonic Icefield into inland lakes. After lunch, drive back, pass La Administracion, and take a short ride (2hrs round trip) up to Mirador Pehoe to admire the most spectacular sight (weather permitting) over the Paine massif. Once at the shores of lake Pehoe ride softly to Salto Grande, a giant fall which pours the waters of lake Nordenskjold into lake Pehoe, and gain another splendid view (weather permitting) over Paine Grande and Los Cuernos craggy mountain arising dramatically across the lake. At 6PM board the catamaran that sails the turquoise lake Pehoe. Overnight at Pehoe Camp (B L D).

DAY 3:
Ride to Mirador Grey (3hrs round trip) or beyond approaching the towering walls of Grey glacier, which empties the giant South Patagonic Ice field into the lake. The view is very impressive at this point with numerous giant icebergs drifting across the waters. Depending on the participant's physical conditions and on the weather, we may proceed (3 hrs. Round trip) to the foot of the glacier to gain the most outstanding view. Return to Pehoe Camp to overnight (B L D).

DAY 4:
Today the riding goes over 8 km (2,5-3,5 hrs) up to Campamento Italiano and continue next with a round trip to Campamento Britanico (12 km, 3-4 hrs) at the bottom of El Frances Valley. The track between Camp Pehoe and Camp Italiano makes its way north through rugged terrain of mixed grassland and light forest, passing two small lakes, and continues by the south-east slopes of Cerro Paine to meet river Frances and Camp Italiano. >From here, we follow the river upstream passing Camp Frances, below Glaciar Frances, and keep going until it reaches a small hut built by some British climbing expedition. This magnificent setting is surrounded by high peaks on all sides being especially spectacular the Cuernos del Paine. Once we are back at Camp Italiano we proceed riding (1hr) by the shore of lake Nordenskjold until reaching Refugio Los Cuernos for overnight (B L D).

DAY 5:
This is the longest stretch (18 km, 7hrs) starting at Refugio Cuernos and ending at Refugio Las Torres. The trail continues under the Cuernos (horns) of the Paine massif. The trip ends at Las Torres Eco-Camp where we overnight (B L D).

DAY 6:
Today, the riding (10 km, 8 hrs round-trip) takes us to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine. From here admire the most typical sight of the Paine Towers (weather permitting). The famous Torres del Paine (2.900m/9.400ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Once back at Las Torres refuge, enjoy a typical lamb barbecue cooked in the Patagonian way and celebrate the last day achievements. Overnight camping at Las Torres Eco-Camp (B L).

DAY 7:
An early departure ensures we reach Punta Arenas in time for your flight back to Santiago (B).

DAY 0: (Sunday)
Reception at Punta Arenas airport and transfer to Puerto Natales. Overnight in 3 or 4 star hotel.

DAY 1:
Early morning, we board the catamaran that sails us through Ultima Esperanza Fjord and bring us to the Serrano and Balmaceda Glaciers. We lunch at Monte Balmaceda Lodge, looking out over the glaciers. Around 3 pm, we embark zodiac boats and sail the tranquil Serrano River to the Rio Serrano Waterfalls. We disembark to enjoy a walk around the falls before continuing our upstream journey to the Eco-Camp at Torres Del Paine National Park where we join the group (B L D).

Rated: Moderate
No need to say that riding more than three consecutive days demands certain fitness and adaptation to the saddle. In general, most of the route is over quite flat terrain with some hilly stretches. There are options for galloping, but only as optional.

The 7 day itinerary (as described above) leaves every Monday from November 2001 to April 2002. The 5 days shorter version leaves every Wednesday. However, we strongly recommend the 7 day journey as the first and last day are almost dedicated to transportation from/to Punta Arenas (5 to 7 hours driving...and impossible to avoid this)

We strongly recommend booking this journey between October and mid December or March to April, when the amount of trekkers in the park is less. After all, riders and trekkers share the trails and we want to avoid the December-February crowds that would slow the ride too much. Included: Lodging in refuge (1 to 2 nights), in double tents (1 to 2 nights) or at the Eco-Camp in first class heated tents (3 nights), meals as specified, transport, experienced bilingual trekking guides, packhorses or vehicles to carry personal and common equipment, camping equipment, park entrance fees, horses and complete horse customs and gear, experienced guides, park entrance fees

Not included: Other meals, flight from/to Punta Arenas

Horseback Riding in Patagonia

"Chile"