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You are already traveling in Torres del Paine
and want to ride for a few days between different estancias - this is the
perfect getaway for you. Ride and explore the park and surrounding areas on 5
riding days. The first two nights are at an estancia
next to the Laguna Verde, with breathtaking vistas
all around. Then we travel on to the Serano River,
where we will spend the next two nights at a nice
hotel on the river. The last two nights are at the Estancia Tercera Barranca. The estancia
is situated in a remote setting east of Laguna Azul. The staff of the estancias
will take excellent care of you. Organic meat
and produce, home baked breads and pastries, fresh
jams and preserves made with fruit from the garden
and lots of tasty Chilean cooking.
 IT-CHRT03
Rates
include
6 nights accommodation; 5 riding days;
breakfast and lunch every day; dinner in homestays,
hotels and estancias; Lamb Asado; English speaking
and local guides; baqueanos who care for horses; use
of saddle bags; entrance fees to park and penguin
colony.
7 days/ 6 nights $
2,300
Single +$350
based on 3+ riders
+ $200 pp for 2 riders only
2008 Dates:
any time from mid
October to March
Meeting: Puerto Natales
Airport:
Punta Arenas
Transfer: from Punta
Arenas included
Level:
Low intermediate +
Horses:
Criollos
Tack:
Chilean (similar to Western)
Min/Max Riders:
3-10
Itinerary
Day 1 Morning collection from airport
continue in comfortable transfer vehicle across the
Patagonian Steppe where you will have your first
opportunity to see some of the unusual plant and
animal life that exists in this area. After a
short stop in Puerto Natales we will continue in a
vehicle along this stunning drive skirting the rocky
shores of this turquoise lake with the fabulous
peaks standing watch behind. As we drive the final
section through an ancient southern beech forest, we
will see the traditional red roofs of estancia Lazo
come into view. Our base for 2 nights, this very
comfortable converted Estancia situated beside
Laguna Verde offers splendid views, great food and
comfortable accommodation. The lake shore is a
great place to stroll spotting the wild geese and
ducks bobbing in the water. Dinner will be in the
restaurant offering an excellent variety of local
foods and wine. Dinner included (excluding
wine/drinks). Drive approx. 6.5 hours
Day 2 Today we will be meeting our horses
and the dedicated baqueanos who care for them.
After assigning horses to riders, we will have a
safety check and short familiarization with western
riding before packing our saddle bags with cameras,
waterproofs, and our picnic lunch and setting off
around the shores of this pretty lake through
ancient southern beech forests towards the Sierra
del Toro. We will then make a steep ascent through
forests to climb right up on top of this mountain.
The last section of the ride will often be through
snow as we stop to marvel at the views of the entire
Park below us. Afternoon return to our stunning
Estancia Lazo. Hours in the saddle: 3-4.
Day 3 After a wholesome breakfast and
packing up we will be starting our ride eastwards
towards the heart of the Park. The morning ride is
very pretty as we wind our way through valleys
passing a number of lakes and stunning lookouts.
Plenty of time to take photos before we ascend to a
lookout with fabulous views of the pampas and
waterways below. After stopping to let the horses
rest we will tighten our girths before making a
dramatic descent of the Sierra del Toro to the
pampas below. Lunch will be taken in the valley and
we will have a chance to visit the Park Headquarters
to look at their relief map of the Park. We will
step up the pace in the afternoon and enjoy an
exciting canter across the flat pampas towards the
emerald green waters of the Serrano River. Our
accommodation will be in one of the hotels built
beside this river. Dinner in restaurant included
(excluding wine/drinks). Hours in saddle: 3-4.
Day 4 Today we saddle up for the fast
pampas ride to Grey Lake. Our view will be
dominated by the huge granite peaks of the massif as
we ride out along the Grey River to the largest
Glacier in the park, Glacier Grey. After crossing
the swinging footbridge, we will take a walk down to
Grey Beach for a memorable view of the Glacier and
huge icebergs floating in the grey waters of this
lake. For those who are interested there’s an
optional boat ride across this iceberg-choked lake
towards the face of this spectacular Glacier (this
boat is very weather reliant and costs $75 per
person for the three hour boat ride). If the
boat isn’t running or for those clients who prefer
to stay ashore, there’s plenty of opportunities for
hiking, taking pictures or walking the short
distance to Hosteria Lago Grey to enjoy some
fireside pisco sours. After this exciting day we’ll
rejoin our horses for a lovely long canter across
the pampas to our hotel at the Serrano River.
Hours in the saddle: approx 5..
Day 5 Today we will be setting off on one of
the longest rides of the trip initially started as
an experiment but now one of our most popular rides
which none of our itineraries would be complete
without. The Paine Massif will unfold in front of
us as we cross widely diverse scenery on our journey
across the heart of the park. Mountain peaks
dominate the horizon and we pass numerous lakes of
startling colours with rivers tumbling through
tranquil green valleys. Herds of guanacos will be
seen and flocks of birds accompany us on our rides
through the forests. Wild flowers and orchids are
nestled amongst the trees and line the trails.
Truly a fantastic and memorable ride. Finally, our
trail will take us eastwards to cross the Rio de las
Chinas on our route out to the land belonging to
Estancia Tercera Barranca. We will be basing
ourselves here for 2 nights and can relax in the
lovely living room with splendid views of the Towers
while dinner is prepared. Dinner included (except
wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 7 – 8.
Day 6 After saddling up we will set off on
our exciting ride west towards the Torres and Lago
Paine. Just before Laguna Azul we head north
towards Laguna Stokes where a large natural vega or
pasture exists. This area attracts wild criollos
from the surrounding hills to graze in the summer.
There will be many excellent photo opportunities on
this route as we pass through forests, pastures and
the lake where Lady Florence Dixie first camped
having sighted the Towers. Afternoon return to
Estancia Tercera. Dinner included (excluding
wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 5-6.
Day 7 After a leisurely breakfast of coffee
and home made cakes/bread we will transfer to Punta
Arenas via Puerto Natales. We will have time in
Natales to shop for souvenirs or postcards and there
is a wide choice of restaurants and cafes in which
to enjoy lunch. We will arrive at Punta Arenas
airport or hotel at approximately 5 pm. Transfer
time: 4 hours.
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