Explore the backcountry of the Torres del Paine region of Patagonia! Each day, you will travel with your expert, gaucho guide, through little known forests, valleys and mountains that surround the Torres del Paine National Park. This trip is the perfect combination of wilderness camping (upgrade to hotel is available) and estancia stay, allowing riders to go deeper into areas known only by gauchos and landowners. 


ITINERARY


Day 1:
You will be transferred from the Punta Arenas Airport to the Estancia which is located on a quiet corner of Lake Sofia. You may choose to hike through the Nothofagus trees twisted from the wind or test your skills as a gaucho by throwing a few lassos. At the end of the day you will enjoy the delicacies prepared by the local chef, while dining beside the tumbling waterfall, seen from the dining room.

Day 2:
The ride will begin at the shore of the lake and then journey along an ascending forest trail to an ancient volcanic hillside. You will visit the immense Milodón Cave, which is surrounded by rolling hills, great glaciers and gorgeous views of Last Hope Sound. After lunch, you will ride up a narrow mountain, overlooking Laguna Sofía. Once you reach the top of the hillside, you will be overlooking the Torres del Paine – National Park, and the grand Siñoret grassland. The ride will continue, across the grassland, until you reach the Siñoret Puesto. Your riding group will sit around the antique wood burning stove and sip mate. Sleep in camp or hotel upgrade at Puesto Siñoret.

Day 3:
Arise early this morning to enjoy the crackle of the wood burning stove in the puesto, and sip coffee or máte. After breakfast, your horse will descend the Cerro Campana, passing through deep forests, and a special place called ¨The Window¨, which is a natural opening in the rocks, creating a beautiful window out to the green valley below and the adjacent mountain ranges.  You then will ride through lush pastures and streams, crossing herds of horses and cattle. Camping or hotel upgrade at Rio Tres Pasos. 


Day 4:
The pace quickens to trots and canters along the winding Las Chinas River. Your destination is the Estancia Dos Elianas, which is an 8,000 hectare (16,000 acre) working sheep ranch, in the Torres del Paine region. The owners of the estancia Christian and Lorena, will help to make you comfortable in the estancia´s main house, before preparing an exquisite, Chilean meal. You may choose to wander through the large barns and paddocks, or relax in the wonderful quincho (bbq room), investigating the photos and artisan tack that decorate the walls. Sleep in the Guest House.

Day 5:
After a great night’s sleep, you will enjoy the most delicious breakfast in the region: handmade sopapillas, jams, and dulce de leche, farm fresh eggs, bread and coffee, tea and máte. Then the ride heads east towards Chinese River.  After you crossed the river, you will follow the shoreline as it snakes through the large valley at the foot of the Sierra Baguales. As you look into the distance you will see across the flat pampas into Argentina!  Riding along the river, you will pass through several estancias, having the opportunity to meet the local workers and possibly stop for a rejuvenating tea. before continuing to Estancia Cerro Guido. The ride will hang their hats for the evening in the enormous Estancia and enjoy a delicious glass of wine before dinner.


Day 6:
You will through the Sierra Baguales, which within their deep valleys and high mountain passes, hold secrets of centuries past. After a very unique, final day of riding, you will enjoy the comforts of a cozy lodge, in the center of a wide and colorful valley.

Day 7:
After you say goodbye to trusty horse, a private vehicle will take you to a full day of exploring the Torres del Paine National Park. Photo opportunities abound as we travel through the gorgeous, world famous Park and UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The Park is dotted with hundreds of lakes, each with it’s own unique color. Above, the incredible mountain range unfolds before us, as each curve in the road reveals a new perspective on the hanging glaciers, granite monoliths, snaking rivers, and glacial valleys. Marvel at the icebergs that rest on the shore, and peer across the milky water, to the massive ice face at the end of the lake. If you so wish, you make take a boat ride to the face of the glacier, with advance reservation. Your adventure will end with a group dinner with traditional Patagonian Asado of roasted lamb, potatoes, regional salads, breads, wine and delicious dessert. 

Day 8: 
Morning transfer to airport in Punta Arenas
 

DETAILS:

Dates: January 14-24, February 18-25, March 10-17, April 14-21, October 13-20, November 17-24, December 8-15 (Dates on request for groups of 4 or more)
Meeting Place: Punta Arenas Airport
Riding days: 6
Daily Riding Hours: 6
Riding ability: Advanced, navigate steep hillsides and rivers, jump across small banks
Group size: 2-12
Horses: Criollo
Saddles: Chilean with sheepskin covers
Hotel/s: Camp tents, estancia guest rooms or 4**** lodges
Non-riding activities: hiking, fishing, bird watching
Price: $2,125 per person, Upgrade campsite to hotel: $360, Upgrade hotel room: Upon request
**$140 Entrance visa for U.S. Citizens required at first airport of landing

Includes: 7 nights’ lodging, all meals, camping fees, transfer to and from airport, horse, guide
Not included: airfare, sleeping bags (can be rented locally)