Overview
Explorers and horse lovers will find their bliss with four days of horseback riding, great food, excellent views and encounters with glaciers, lakes and waterfalls. Staying at country-style Patagonian estancias and comfy campsites, this 4-day adventure is a wonderful trekking alternative for those who prefer life in the saddle. Spend your nights in two different charming estancias (ranches) and our Riverside Camp on the shores of the Serrano River in Torres del Paine.
Trip Highlights
• Stay at Two Authentic Patagonian Estancias
• Enjoy Four Full Days of Horseback Riding
• Navigate Up-Close to Grey Glacier
• See the Famous Three Towers
• Enjoy Our Secluded Riverside Camp
• Admire Pristine Wilderness
• See Lakes, Rivers, Icebergs & Mountain Peaks
• Observe Andean Condors, Magellanic Woodpeckers, & Austral Parakeets
DOWNLOAD YOUR MAPS:
• TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK MAP
• MAGALLANES & ANTARCTIC REGION
DOWNLOAD YOUR PACK LIST:
• PATAGONIAN ESTANCIAS PACK LIST (ENGLISH)
Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer from Puerto Natales & One Way Ride to Tercera Barranca
- 2 Hour Private Transfer
- 7 Hour Slow Riding, Trotting and Cantering, 34 km / 21.1 mi
- Night at Tercera Barranca (B-BL-D)
In the morning, we’ll set off by private transfer to Estancia Lazo, a 13,000 hectare (32,123 acres) cattle ranch founded over a century ago and still operating today beneath striking views of the Paine Massif on the shores of Laguna Verde. Here we meet our horses that will be waiting to begin the ride to Tercera Barranca.
We will enjoy a 7-hour slow ride with trotting and cantering to a beautiful and quiet estancia where we will rest for the evening.
Along the way, we will have views of the Towers in the distance and opportunities to see the diverse Patagonia landscapes and local fauna including guanacos and ñandus.
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Day 2
Round trip ride to Salto Las Chinas Waterfall
- 7-8 Hours Walking, Trotting and Galloping, 28 km / 17.4 mi
- Night at Estancia Tercera Barranca (B-BL-BBQ)
Our destination today is the Salto Las Chinas waterfall on the east side of Torres del Paine National Park, a route taken more than a century ago by Lady Florence Dixie – and whose 1880 account of traveling Patagonia is still iconic.
We’ll ride across pampas and plateaus and likely see condors matching our speed as they soar the skies above us.
We’ll stop for lunch at the waterfall before making our way back to the ranch via the same trail.
Our evening will be spent beside the fire, with Pisco sours and a Patagonian lamb barbecue (BBQ confirmed with a min. of 8 people).
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Day 3
One-way ride to Serrano River area
- 6-7 Hours Slow Riding, Trotting and Cantering, 49 km / 30.4 mi
- Night at Chile Nativo Riverside Camp (B-BL-D)
Today’s ride winds through native beech forests and around small lagoons.
Splendid views will continually follow us – though you’ll find a particularly excellent picture-taking opportunity at today’s highest point, where we’ll observe how the Paine River fuses with the agua waters of Toro Lake, the largest in the region.
From here, we’ll start the descent towards your home away from home for the next two nights: our own Chile Nativo Riverside Campsite.
Rest peacefully in quiet deluxe lotus belle tents on the shores of the Serrano River beneath an impressive view of the formidable black granite peaks of Los Cuernos.
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Day 4
One-way ride to Grey Lake, Up-close cruise to Grey Glacier & Return to Puerto Natales
- 4-5 Hours Slow Riding, Trotting and Cantering, 17 km / 10.5 mi
- 3 hours by boat
- 2 Hour Transfer
A morning ride across huge pampas and a suspension bridge over the Grey River takes us to Grey Lake’s superb viewpoint.
From here we’ll see the numerous floating icebergs that have calved from Grey Glacier and been whittled into fantastic shapes by the sun and wind.
We’ll have lunch at this lookout point, then set off on a short hike through a beech forest and along the beach of the Grey Lake. While hiking, be sure to listen out for the woodpeckers and Austral parakeets that call this forest home! Our 3 hour round-trip cruise along Grey Lake weaves around blue-hued icebergs and stops right in front of Grey Glacier’s massive facade.
Here, we’ll stay for a while to take pictures, observe the glacier’s intricate colors and icy textures – and maybe even see ice chunks calving.
As we make our way back, watch out for the wind-sculpted “ice mushrooms” atop Paine Grande. Ashore once again, a transfer will take us back to Puerto Natales.
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INCLUDED
- All the private transportation indicated in the schedule
- Horses, saddles and pack horses
- Helmets, chaps, gloves, saddle bags, dry bags
- All meals indicated in the schedule (B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, L: Lunch, D: dinner, BBQ: barbecue)
- Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park
- Two nights at Estancia Tercera Barranca (Cozy ranch house with private rooms & private bathrooms)
- One night at Chile Nativo Riverside Camp (Double Lotus Belle Tents)
- Welcome Drink at Riverside Camp (PiscoSour, Glass of Wine, Beer, Sparkling Champagne)
- Round-Trip Boat Navigation to Grey Glacier
- Guide (English-Spanish), Driver and Baqueano (local cowboy)
NOT INCLUDED
- Any international or domestic flights
- Any additional night
- Medical expenses
- Travel insurance (insurance for air medical rescue service - first aid and/or evacuation - included
- Personal expenses
- Lunch on Days 1 & 6
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the Estancias / Hotels
- Additional alcoholic beverages at Riverside Camp
- Gratuities for Guide, Baqueano and Driver.
Lodgings
Estancia Tercera Barranca
A family run 6,500 hectare working estancia just outside the Torres del Paine National Park. It has a remote setting and excellent views of the Towers to the west and a warm, friendly, cozy atmosphere.
Accommodation is in the rustic but comfortable guest house with a small garden adjacent to the main house. There is a lovely fireplace in the gallery/living area which has comfy seating and huge windows allowing fantastic views. Good, home cooked food, homemade bread and jams, tasty Chilean specialities and excellent BBQs and Pisco sours!
Riverside Camp
Far away from the crowded park refugios and campsites, Chile Nativo Riverside Camp is our fully supported base camp located in Torres del Paine National Park. This area is ideal for families and special groups setting off to the park or for those looking for an alternative and unique outdoor experience.
Dates & Prices
Program prices are determined on the final number of confirmed guests in a group. The per person price lowers as more guests join the group. Chile Nativo operates with a maximum of 8 guests per departure which allows for a high level of individualized service and an unforgettable personalized experience.
PRICES FOR SEASON 2023/2024: (valid until April 2024)
2-3 Riders Total in Group: Ask a trip specialist
4-8 Riders Total in Group: USD$ 3.995 per person
Single supplement: Ask a trip specialist
FAQ's
Q: Where do I keep my luggage that I won´t need during my trek while I am riding in the park?
A: The majority of the hotels and hostels will store luggage for their guests who are staying with them prior to and after their travels in the park. If not, we will happily store your luggage securely in our office until the end of your program. During your ride, your backpack and other luggage or equipment needed for the daily rides and activities will be transported in a private, secure vehicle. Each day your group will have guided vehicle support along the way.
Q: What equipment is included in this program? Do I need to bring any of my own riding gear?
A: This program includes all the necessary gear and tack needed for this 6 day ride and expedition. Professional riding helmets, leather chaps, leather gloves, saddle, saddle bags, & dry bags are all included. Prior to beginning your first day´s itinerary, you will stop by our office along with your guide to be fitted comfortably for your gear.
Q: Are there restrooms and showers in the Riverside Camp?
A: Yes – there are 2 restrooms and 2 showers per gender in the bath house located in the camp. Hot water is available during the generator’s schedule which functions 08:00 – 23:00. We recommend that you shower at night since your mornings you will be starting early for your days´ excursion.
Q: What is the Riverside Camp like?
A: Chile Nativo Riverside Campsite is our own private home base located within Torres del Paine National Park. Perfect for families or groups, ours is a fully-equipped campsite located on the shores of the Serrano River, away from the buzz of crowded Refugios and campsites. We run all operations in-house, meaning we’re free to work with our own trusted staff, source local products, select the best creature comforts and control all the moving parts that make up an outdoor travel experience. Our double deluxe tents are located on raised platforms, protected against the bracing Patagonian elements. Inside, you’ll find double-height mattresses, cozy down covers and heaters that can be operated during the evening to ensure a warm night’s rest. Permanent, separate male and female bathrooms with hot showers are just a short walk from the tents (please note that electricity and hot water in the campsite runs from 8 AM to 0:00 hrs). Meals are abundant, delicious and shared in a dedicated dining lodge with views of the Paine Massif’s changing colors and spacious room to lounge, relax, and enjoy great company. Our buffet breakfasts, design-your-own packed lunches and chef-prepared three-course dinners are a nourishing mix of local delicacies and high-energy foods to fuel our days’ adventures. Vegans, vegetarians and guests with other dietary needs are more than catered for with a range of alternative milks, gluten free breads, vegan cheeses and soy products. And of course, beer, Chilean wine and Pisco sours mark the perfect end to a day’s trekking. Our own concierge is always onsite to answer questions and to ensure that your stay is as comfortable as possible. With factors such as generators, mosquitos and chilly nights in the mix, our concierge is there to advise when to close mosquito nets, charge electronic devices, close your deluxe tent and turn on the heaters.
Q: Should I tip my guide? If so – how much is appropriate?
A: Tipping can be a delicate subject and many different nationalities have different tipping cultures. Tips or ‘propinas’ in Chile, are viewed as a reward for good service. When tipping, a good guide and guide assistance who does the job well, has good English and provides a great service, can expect 10 – 15 USD per person per day. It is usual to leave your driver or chauffeur a tip too. Normally around 5 USD per person. These amounts are merely a source to help you or give you a general idea of what is normal or typical. Of course, tipping is always at the discretion of the group members as to what they deem appropriate for the service they received.
Add-Ons & Upgrades
PRIVATE DEPARTURES AVAILABLE – PLEASE CONTACT A TRIP SPECIALIST TO PLAN YOUR TRIP!
Reviews
Pablo was an excellent guide and managed the need to change our itinerary with great skill. Both Pablo and Manuel, the driver and support person made the trip an excellent experience. Great experience with Chile Nativo from pre-trip coordination and during the trip. No issues with logistics and planned activities.
