The Patagonia Trail Ride, Chile
“Galloping at the End of the World”
Day by day:
* Description below is an example of the program. The itinerary can be different during your travel week.We will do everything possible to follow the indicated itinerary, although spot changes can occur due to unforeseen circumstances. Rides are subject to change depending on weather, location, accommodation and difficulty of terrain In the unlikely event that this happens on your trip, we ask you flexibility and understanding. This is a sporty and adventurous vacation!
Day 1 : Pick up Puerto Natales, transfer to Hotel. Night in Natales
Hotel Vendaval or similar (briefing). (Dinner included)
Arrival in Puerto Natales. you will be welcomed at the airport by your guide. A private shuttle take you Leaving the airport you will see the scenery of the Last Hope sea with the amazing Patagonia mountain range . Puerto Natales, is a typical fishing village surrounded by mountains.
Day 2 : Navigation, drop off at Balmaceda Cabins, ride to Lake Brush, wild camp. (B-BL-D)
In the morning we take the Cutter 21 de Mayo, in Puerto Natales. Its an expedition boat that will take us through glaciers and icy rivers to Balmaceda Location. In Balmaceda we are going to start our ride to the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. The trail penetrates through humid forests, similar to those of the austral canals, following the Serrano River. We are going to set up camp and spend the night on the shores of Lake Brush, a farmer cattle post. (5 hours in the saddle) . Night at Lake Brush Campsite.(water available but no showers).
Day 3 : Ride to Riverside Camp (B-BL-D)
We leave our campsite early in the morning. We will cross rivers, lakes and wetlands and as we move in this constant approach to the impressive Cuernos del Paine mountain. We will spend the night in a confortable Domo tent, on the shores of the Serrano River, (5 hours in the saddle) + 10 minutes by private transfer.
Day 4 : Round-trip ride to Mirador Grey - night at Riverside
(optional half day ride + navigation to the front of the wall glacier Grey) (B-BL-D)
After a good breakfast in our camp, we will start the ride towards the glacier. We will cross huge pampas giving us great chances for canters! Once we reach the Grey River, we follow its course through a narrow trail. Arriving at the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoe you will have plenty of photographic opportunities. From here we begin a steep trail to the viewpoint of Lago Grey with its impressive glacier of the same name which is part of the Southern Ice Field, the third largest reserve of ice in the world. (350 kilometers long) With this breathtaking view we enjoy a picnic and then begin our return trough the wilderness, taking advantage of the many pampas to enjoy a good gallop. (7 hours in the saddle). Night at Campsite Serrano.
We will do everything possible to follow the indicated itinerary, although spot changes can occur due to unforeseen circumstances. Rides are subject to change depending on weather, location and difficulty of terrain In the unlikely event that this happens on your trip, we ask you flexibility and understanding. This is a sporty and adventurous vacation!
Day 5 : Ride to Estancia Tercera Barranca (long day) (B-BL-D)
All your senses will be stimulated by the beautiful scenery, the rich colors of the lakes, the rivers, glaciers and mountains of Torres del Paine National Park. With out doubt this will be a long day. We will ride through the pampa, ponds, meadows, forests and along mountain trails. We realize that all this is a living dream as from the saddle we appreciate one of the most pristine and beautiful places on earth. After a few hours riding we have a break for lunch and then continue our journey to the Tercera Barranca Lodge, (7 hours or more in the saddle) + 30 minutes by private transfer. Night at Tercera Barranca Lodge.
Day 6 : Round-trip ride to Salto Las Chinas - night at Tercera (B-BL-D)
After an early and hearty breakfast, we saddle the horses and ride in the direction toward the Laguna Azul (blue lagoon) and cascada or waterfall Las Chinas. During the riding, we will permanently have the mighty Torres del Paine in the scenery. The canters here will be giving you a feeling of freedom that few places in the world can give you. After a few hours in the saddle we reach the Cascada Las Chinas where we stop for lunch. After lunch at the waterfall, we head back to the ranch crossing marvelous landscapes. At the farm we enjoy a good Pisco Sour and a Patagonian style roasted lamb. (6-7 hours in the saddle). Night at the farm Estancia Barranca.
Day 7 : Ride to estancia Lazo - Transfer to Natales - Night in Natales Hotel Vendaval or similar (B-BL)
Last day of horseback riding in this impressive Patagonian setting. We will ride in the middle of lakes, forests, steppes ans tundras. With a fabolous view of the “Cuernos del Paine” massif until reach estancia Lazo. From here we will transfer to Puerto Natales where we will spend the night at the hotel.
Day 8 : Hotel and Transfer to Puerto Natales airport
Transfer to airport early in the morning. End of our services.
A Little bit of history
When navigator explorer Magellan in 1520 sailed as the first European along the coast of southern Argentina and Chile and went ashore, he and his crew discovered huge "Patones" or footprints on the beach. Moments later they saw real giants; 2 meter tall Indians! These were indeed giants in comparison with the then small Spaniards (average 1,55m). Patones which means big feet, immediately became the name for the region. Later it was given the name Patagonia or "land of big feet.
Staying longer in Chile after the trail ride:
Talk to us to see how you could extend your holiday.
