Central and South America > Chile

Torres del Paine ride

Ride courageous Criollo horses on an adventurous trail ride across the incredibly scenic Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia. You will experience a extraordinary variety of landscapes and take part in an authentic gaucho adventure, staying in comfortable estancias, hotels and camps. This riding holiday in Chile is an exceptional way to experience the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Patagonia in the saddle..
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Trail Riding
10 days / 8 riding -
From £0

From the horse’s mouth

  • Torres del Paine ride
    January 2017 Sarah Eddy aged 63
    Life changing and amazing trip, perfectly organized The criollos never give up despite an occasional ragged look

Itinerary

Highlights

- Enjoy exhilarating riding on the pampas lands and across dramatic landscapes
- Ride with a Chilean gaucho, Osvaldo, born and raised in Puerto Natalas just outside of the Torres del Paine National Park.
- Discover the incredible beauty of Patagonia at the very bottom of South America : towering peaks, lakes, glaciers, forests and pampas.
- Stay in comfortable accommodation in converted traditional estancias, glamping or hotels.
- This itinerary also includes a hike and boat trip to Grey Glacier
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  • Day 1 1 : HOME - PUERTO NATALES

    Fly to Puerto Natales in Chile – flights are not included but can be booked on request. Please note that this may be an overnight flight, please take care to land on the correct day. Make sure to arrive before midday so that you arrive with plenty of time to find your bearings and visit the farm on arrival. If you cannot find suitable flights to Puerto Natales, then it is also possible to fly into Punta Arenas and take a bus to Puerto Natales from here - the bus takes about 3 hours, so please take this into account.

    Transfer (approximately 2 hours) from Puerto Natales airport to Estancia Cerro Guido, for your first taste of your gaucho adventure in Patagonia. From there you will head to your accommodation for the night Baguales Glamping – a lovely camp surrounded by rolling hills and towering mountains located in the Northern side of Torres del Paine, near the Argentinian border. A “Calafate sour” (typical Patagonian drink) will be waiting! Dinner and overnight at the exclusive Baguales Glamping in domes with private bathrooms.

  • Day 2 2 : SIERRA BAGUALES - 6 hours riding

    Full day horse ride in the Sierra Baguales exploring the untamed, breathtaking landscape of the Pampa. Lunch in an old “Puesto”, home to the Childean gaucho (Patagonian cowboy). Dinner and night at Baguales Glamping

  • Day 3 3 : ESTANCIA CERRO GUIDO - 5 hours riding

    A long ride to Estancia Cerro Guido with a break for lunch. Tonight you will be staying at an authentic working estancia, very close to the famous Torres del Paine National park. You will get to admire spectacular views and watch gauchos bring in their sheep.

  • Day 4 4: SALTO LAS CHINAS - LAGUNA AZUL - 6 hours riding

    Today’s ride is to the waterfall Salto Las Chinas, where you will have lunch and then head to Laguna Azul crossing the river Rio Las Chinas.

  • Day 5 5 : LAGUNA AZUL – RIO SERRANO - 9 hours riding

    Expect a long, arduous day in the saddle today. You will be riding from Laguna Azul to Rio Serrano, a 50-km stage along the Lago Sarmiento. Despite the challenging hours in the saddle, you will be able to enjoy wild landscapes of remote Patagonia, alternating between forests and mountains or lagoons. Lunch today is a quick stop and a picnic lunch. After leaving the horses in a paddock, you will be transferred by car to Rio Serrano Hotel for dinner and a well-deserved night’s sleep!
    Overnight at Estancia Tercera Barranca

  • Day 6 6 : RIO SERRANO – LAGO GREY – GREY GLACIER - 4 hours riding

    Today sees you ride from Rio Serrano to Lago Grey, a shorter ride before you have the opportunity to join a boat tour to Grey Glacier (3 hours) to admire the Glacier from the Southern Patagonia ice field. Please note there is a scenic 45 minute hike to get to the boat. Transfer back to the hotel for the last night of the trip.

  • Day 7 7 : PUERTO NATALES - No riding

    Breakfast, check out and transfer to Puerto Natales. Today is a free day to go shopping and discover this little coastal on foot. There is also the option to rent stand up paddles for the more adventurous!

    It is possible to stop the ride here for those who would prefer to join a shorter version of this and leave then.

  • Day 8 8 : ESTANCIA LA PENINSULA - 6 hours riding

    Boarding on the boat to Estancia La Peninsula, located on the shore just across from Puerto Natales. After a quick coffee break, it’s time to ride again! You will be riding through native forests and the Chilean pampa, chasing amazing views and riding along beaches. You will stay in a comfortable remote guesthouse, a gorgeous place to reconnect with nature.

  • Day 9 9 : PENINSULA ANTONIO VARAS - 6 hours riding

    Another full day in the saddle in Patagonia. Besides exploring the ever-changing nature of the area, you will also be able to visit some of the most fascination archaeological sites the peninsula Antonio Varas has to offer.

  • Day 10 10 : ESTANCIA LA PENINSULA – AIRPORT

    On horseback, make your way back to the main estancia, Estancia La Peninsula where the boat is waiting to take you back to Puerto Natales.

    Transfer to the airport. Please plan a flight departing in the afternoon – drop off will be around midday at the airport.

Dates & prices

Price details

No departure for this destination. Please contact our travel advisers for more information.
- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double tent/room during the ride.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 4 riders and a maximum of 6 international riders, plus guides.

- Please note: the ride will also confirm for 2-3 riders on payment of a supplement of $600/€550/$480 per person. Once the group has reached 4 people, we will remove this supplement from your invoice and refund you if you have already paid it.

- Single supplements are not possibility due to low room availability in this area and you must be prepared to share.

- Minimum age limit is 18 years old.

- Airport transfers are included form and to Puerto Natales. You should aim to arrive before midday (you may need to plan to spend a night in Santiago). On departure, you will be taken back in Puerto Natales around midday so should book an afternoon flight. If you cannot find suitable flights to Puerto Natales, then it is also possible to fly into Punta Arenas and take a bus to Puerto Natales from here - the bus takes about 3 hours, so please take this into account.

- Rider weight limit: 90 kilos, 14st1lbs.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 local horse guide
1 English speaking horse guide

Logistic

Same horse during the ride
1 support vehicle

Inland transports

Boat trip to Grey Glacier
All inland transfers described in the itinerary
Airport transfers at scheduled times

Accommodation

Double or triple room in Estancia and guesthouses during the horsetrek

Meals

Full board from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure expect for meals in Punta Arenas on the rest day

Additional equipment

Saddle bags

Extra

Park fees

Price doesn't include

Meals

Meals in Punta Arena on the rest day
Meals outside the ride
Beverages and personal extras

Transports

International flights
Airport local fees. 30$ to be paid at the aiport when flying back

Extra

Tips to local team
Small group supplement. See above.

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurances are not included. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend to take out an insurance policy as soon as your travel is booked in case of cancellation.

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement
We are currently updating our dates and prices they will be online soon. If you want details of this holiday, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Equestrian info

Horses

The horses used are Criollo mix, the majority of them being between 14-15 hands. Criollo horses are medium sized but stocky and tough. These horses are energetic and keen, sure footed and well adjusted to the tough terrain and conditions. The traditional Chilean saddles consist of a basic frame upon which layers of sheepskin are placed for comfort.

You will ride the same horse throughout the trail, except on the Peninsula.

Guide & local team

Osvaldo was born and raised in Puerto Natales right outside of Torres del Paine National Park. He has gained over 20 years of experience working and trekking in and around the National Park. He is one of very few gauchos that know the trails and terrain of this area in Patagonia. Spending time abroad in Canada and Australia he worked with horses and learned English. He then decided to return to his beloved Patagonia where he established himself as a gaucho and an outdoorsmen, and now delights in sharing his true home with international guests.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

This ride is open to intermediate and experienced riders. You should be able to ride at all paces over a variety of terrain and in open spaces. Previous experience of a multi-day trail ride is recommended.

Rider weight limit: 90kg /198 lbs / 14 stone 2 lbs

Pace

The pace is varied and includes long periods of walk when crossing mountain passes, but there are regular trots (sometimes fast) and numerous opportunities to canter and gallop across the pampas.

Tacking ability and participation

You are not expected to tack up your horse and this is all done for you by the team of baqueanos. If you wish to assist then you may do so. You may be asked to help untack at the end of the day.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You need to be physically fit for the long hours in the saddle (c. 6 hours; some longer days) and potential treks on foot. You also need to be prepared for the unpredictable weather that Patagonia is famous for. You really can experience all four seasons in one day and the wind can be incredible. You also need to be open to a new style of riding and tack. There is a short hike to reach the boat tour on day 6.
Experience riding in open spaces is an advantage. Guests who do not ride regularly are requested to get fit prior to the ride. It is of particular importance to ensure you are comfortable and balanced when riding at speed across rough terrain and open spaces.
Visiting a new country offers the opportunity to meet other cultures with different mentalities, therefore it is important to accept these differences and respect the local way of life.
Clients should be made aware that the Torres del Paine National Park is roughly a 4-6 hour drive from the nearest trauma care facility in Punta Arenas (4 hours if they are situated in the Serrano area of the Park). There is a small hospital in Puerto Natales (3 hours) with a 24-hour medical assistance that can deal with minor injuries and illnesses. In the event of there being an accident or broken bone, clients would have to be taken out of the Park (probably by horse) to the nearest vehicle for the long drive out. There is one helicopter in the park for emergencies but it cannot fly in high winds. All our leaders carry first aid kits for dealing with minor injuries and incidents. Any client with a medical condition or using medication should discuss this with us prior to travel.

Equestrian equipment

You ride in traditional Chilean tack. The guides will likely have saddle bags and can carry small items for you (such as suncream), but you will need to carry your own camera in a bumbag or coat. You can tie extra layers/coats to the back of your saddle with leather straps.

The Chilean saddles are usually metal or wood-framed with layered felt, sheepskin and leather. The stirrups are cupped so the foot cannot pass.
Most of the horses are ridden in a snaffle.

Travel info

Comfort

Estancias and country hotels with twin or triple rooms, each with private bathrooms. Each location has been selected with care and offers good to excellent standards of accommodation in remote locations.

• 2 nights at Baguales Glamping
• 1 night at Laguna Azul
• 1 night at Estancia Cerro Guido
• 2 nights in Rio Serrano Hotel
• 1 night in Puerto Natales
• 2 nights in La Barrosa

Meals

Meals are traditional and will include asado's (BBQ's) - most likely lamb. There may be fresh salmon, chicken or beef as well, together with plenty of fresh salads and vegetables.
Lunches are picnics and you make your own from foods provided at breakfast.

1 beer or soft drink is included at lunch, and wine in reasonable quantities at dinner.

Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notice.


Climate

The climate is famously unpredictable! The rides only run during the spring/summer months and so the weather should be pleasant, but you really can experience all four seasons in one day. It is often windy and this can make it feel cold. Temperatures can reach 20c on a particularly fine day, or drop as low as 5 on a cold day. The strong winds do mean that the weather can change quickly, so if it's raining in the morning it could well be sunny by lunchtime.

Tips

Tips are welcomed and customary. You should give what you feel is appropriate and what you can afford. We recommend around $100-150 per person for the whole team for the 10-day itinerary. Some of your accommodations will be exclusive to your group with your own chef and staff, and you are welcome to tip them separately.

Packing list

Head
- Helmets are mandatory and you should take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun and dust
- Warm hat

Upper body
- Thermals in case of cold weather
- Down jacket or warm coat for the cold evenings
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent (plus a spare in case one gets wet)
- Waterproof jacket - rain can be difficult to predict and it's better to be prepared.

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Waterproof over trousers
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- Thermals in case of cold weather

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Good walking boots (or hybrid walking/riding boots)
- Several pairs of warm socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Nightwear
- PJs

Other useful items
- Swimsuit - for swimming/bathing in rivers
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around camp at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
- Water bottle - 2 x 1 litre, or equivalent
- Wet wipes for when washing water isn't available

In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Swiss army knife or equivalent

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Micropur or similar water purification tablets
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel


Our Recommendations
- You should use a soft sided suitcase which can easily be transported - we recommend a large backpack or rucksack of c. 60-80 litres
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Please be aware that internal flights in Chile may have a lower luggage allowance than your international flight and you should pack according to the lowest limit.
- Carry a copy of your passport and insurance details with you.

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Did you know?

Torres del Paine national park is situated in southern Chilean Patagonia and borders Bernardo O'Higgins national park to the south and Los Glaciares national park to the north (which is in Argentina).

Pronounced Pie-nay, the word Paine means "blue" in native Tehuelche language. The Torres, or towers, refer to three distinctive granite peaks which rise out of the Paine massif (mountain range). They extend 2,500m above sea level and are flanked by the Cuernos del Paine (horns of Paine). The Paine massif, which is a spur of the Andes, dominates the park as it rises above the Patagonian steppe.

A large portion of the park is taken up by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and includes Grey Glacier, Dickson glacier and Tyndall glacier. There are also a number of lakes, including Grey Lake, Sarmiento Lake and Del Toro Lake. All are vividly coloured, mostly due to rock flour suspended in their waters.

Horse-riding trails in Torres del Paine are truly spectacular as you can venture deeper into the park than hikers and visit some of the less frequented sights.

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • Sarah Eddy aged 63 Bromma 1 trip
    January 2017
    Life changing and amazing trip, perfectly organized The criollos never give up despite an occasional ragged look
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide