Transfer Option:

Day1: Welcome to Patagonia! After breakfast in your hotel, you will meet your guide in the lobby at 8:00am and begin the three hour drive to the port town of Puerto Natales. Catch a glimpse of the famously historical Straights of Magellan as we head North across smooth plains. We will make a stop at the pinguinera where you may see and walk through colonies of cute and inquisitive burrowing Magellanic penguins, before continuing on to our next stop in Puerto Natales. We will lunch in this quaint town where you will have time to look for any last minute items before loading back into the auto and heading to our first nights camp at Estancia Dos Marias.

Dos Marias is a working estancia which borders the Torres del Paine National Park and together with the park, shares the immense and breathtaking Lake Toro. As we arrive in the afternoon, you will be greeted warmly by the ranch owners themselves who have offered to share with us their traditions, and use of their land. You will also meet the gaucho who will guide you into wild and secluded areas on horseback for the remainder of the trip. While a home cooked meal is being prepared and time permitting, you will be fitted to your horse and will become comfortable in the saddle during a short warm-up ride around the grounds.

You may also choose to grab a fishing pole and make the short walk to the river that carves through the estancia for a relaxing sunset fish before dinner. La Cumbre River and Las Chinas River join together to form the wide, flat and fast flowing river that curves through a long valley at Estancia Dos Marias. Here you will find plenty of Brown Trout, sea run trout, and occasionally Chinook Salmon. The fish here feed on algae, smaller fish and insects. You may also walk down to the immense Toro Lake where on a calm day you may wade out into the clear blue water and cast for Brown Trout.

Day 2: After a hearty, farm style breakfast in the ranch kitchen, we will grab our cameras and head out to the corral where the people of Dos Marias will delight us with their skills on horseback by giving a series of demonstrations. We may get to watch the ovejeros (sheep dogs) round up a group of sheep and move them around the estancia in a tight circle, or perhaps they will demonstrate their ability to walk along the backs of the sheep while they are grouped together, nipping at their ears to encourage them to move. We will also watch gauchos in typical dress practice their skills penning and rounding up cattle using the Patagonian technique.You will be free to test your abilities at a variety of activities which include sheep shearing, herding or penning. Or, elect to grab a traditional pole or fly rod and make the short walk to the winding river that carves through the estancia where you will test your skills against athletic rainbow trout.

After a relaxing picnic with our new friends, we will mount up and go for a refreshing ride around the estancia with invigorating trots and canters through pastures speckled with sheep and horses. We will also ride down to the banks of the enormous Lake Toro and stare out across its crystalline blue waters before returning to the warmly lit ranch house for our supper. We will sleep once again at Estancia Dos Marias. Time in the saddle: 3+ hours

Day 3: We will rise early this morning to break down our camp and say goodbye to our gracious hosts at Dos Marias. We will then begin a stunning tour of the Torres del Paine National Park by van. You will be left breathless as we carve between milky aquamarine, and sparkling topaz glacial lakes that rest at the base of towering snow capped peaks. We may spot the incredible condor (with a wing span of nine feet) flamingos, guanacos, rhea or the elusive puma among other wildlife.

We will stop to have lunch on the black sand beach of Grey Lake, a glacial lake that reaches down from the immense Grey Glacier (the largest glacier in the Southern Ice Field) and watch ice bergs bobbing in the milky water while we try to catch a glimpse of the enormous face of ice. Or you may opt to get a closer view of the glacier by means of a small boat which travels extremely close to the towering mountain of ice. You will be awestruck by its’ gem like color and smoothness as it reflects the sun, and perfect the moment with an iceberg chilled pisco sour or whisky served by the friendly crew.

Time allowing, we may stop and fish in the world renowned Serrano River with its deep, smooth waters and large population of healthy Brown Trout. The Serrano River is a world class fishing locale, with spectacular vistas and a perfect geographic location, connecting the sea to inland rivers and lakes and other tributaries of the Torres del Paine National Park. It is deep and fast flowing, but has plenty of sharp, deep curves and swirling eddies in which to cast your rod. In many places, you can see the sandy bottom with Brown Trout, Chinook salmon, sea run trout, silver salmon and king salmon.

After a full day of gorgeous views and continuous photo opportunities, we will reunite with our horses and gaucho at our camp on Estancia Cardenas. This estancia lies in the perfect position between the stunning Torres and the unique Baguales Mountains, and is known throughout the region for breeding excellent quality Anglo-Arabians. Our campsite (which is less than one km from the Argentinean border) is located at the juncture of two cool, tumbling rivers where we can relax with our feet up fireside and listen to the glorious sounds of rushing water while our meal is being prepared.

Day 4: After another healthy and delicious breakfast, we will pack up camp and begin our days ride in the direction of the mythical Baguales Mountains. We will trot and canter across grassy, flat meadows spotted with sheep and horses before we arrive at the base of the mountains. This is the highest mountain range in the area and so thus is the natural division between Argentina and Chile, as the Andes Mountains are in the North. The Baguales Mountains are legendary in that they were feared and worshiped by the native Patagonians who thought the spirits of their gods resided there and took shape in the bizarre and twisted formations along the spine of the mountain. When Spanish horses arrived to the area in the 16th century they became feral in the Baquales Mountains and lived for many years without any contact with humans. The ancestors of these horses are alive today, in the Criollo breed and in the horses of Criollo Expeditions. Occasionally you may still spot wild herds high in the mountains that cross back and forth between Chile and Argentina.

We will be following the path of Patagonia’s first tourist, the Englishwoman, Lady Florence Dixie who traveled with Baqueano Zamora the gaucho who eventually came to an agreement with the natives, and was able to cross their land to bring the feral herds down from the steep and rocky peaks.

We will stop to rest and have lunch on the banks of a cold and refreshing subterranean stream at the base of the mountains before continuing on down our winding path alongside the Baguales River.

Finally we will reach our campsite at Estancia La Cumbre, once the summer home of your guide, at the base of the Baquales. At one time, the proprietor of this estancia raised beautiful, strong Criollos high in the mountains which he trained and sold to the Chilean military at the beginning of every summer. Take an evening stroll to the top of a surrounding hill, or cast your rod into the Baguales River where you are sure to have some luck with the small but vigorous Rainbow Trout that reside in its rocky depths. The Baquales River flows from high in the Baquales Mountains and narrows at the point of our encampment at Estancia Cardenas. Here will find some average sized rainbows, fit from swimming upstream from Lake Toro. Time in the saddle: 4 hours

Day 5: We will wake early on this morning to share a mate or a fresh cup of coffee or tea, before mounting our horses and heading up and into the Baquales Mountains and eventually to the Chilean/ Argentinean border. As we ride higher and higher you will enjoy stunning views across colorful valleys to the Torres del Paine National Park and the ice fields beyond. You will get the unique birds-eye-view of the territories you recently crossed on horseback and will begin to realize the immensity of the open terrain. Keep an eye out for interesting fossils, petrified objects and crystals as you cross this ancient mountainside.

We will stop to give our horses a rest and for lunch on the banks of a deep, spring fed lake that was carefully and lovingly stocked with trout by the proprietor of Estancia La Cumbre 30 years earlier. The minerals in this lake are so rich, that these trout have changed to a reddish pigmentation. This lake is the best fishing locale that we have to offer. In areas with tall vegetation you may see the fish rising to the surface to snag smaller fish. This lake is fed by a subterranean spring as well a mountain river and is very deep. It is found at the bottom of at abrupt hill on steppe. The fish here feed on caracoles, algae, insects and other microscopic food sources and are healthy and grow to a large size.

After our lunch we will ride to the top of the Baguales Mountains and the Chilean/ Argentinean border, where you will see far into both countries and will notice the “division of the waters” or the runoff water that makes it’s long decent from glacial origins before arriving at Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. You may also have the opportunity to spot herds of magnificent wild horses in their natural habitat. If we do not disturb them, we may watch them for awhile and decipher the language and dynamics of the herd, picking out the Alpha Mare and catching a glimpse of the strong and furious stallion as the sun glints off his wild eyes. Satisfied and inspired, we will return back down the mountainside to retell tails of the days adventure over a delectable meal and savory Chilean wine. Camping is streamside at Estancia La Cumbre. Time in the saddle: 4-5 hours

Day 6: On this day we will pack our lunches and our camp and mount up for a beautiful ride across Mars Valley. We will start by forging to the opposite side of the River Baguales, where we will begin our ride across a beautiful valley dotted with herds of playful guanaco. We may hunt for the giant condor feather or an abandoned ñandu (similar to an ostrich) egg as we ride merrily along.

Next we will arrive at the red sand expanses of Mars Valley and begin our descent into an adjacent canyon. Marvel at the diversity of the region as you ride deeper and deeper into colorful green and burgundy rock walls. This is an area of porous rock where there are many caves and caverns used as homes by the elusive puma. Try to spot chunks of camouflaged petrified wood as we reach the bottom and ride freely on the sandy earth.

We will pass by the occasional milky emerald lake and small pond as we delight in the sound of hoofs on the sand. We will stop for lunch in the canyon floor before ascending to a lookout point at the top of a natural landmark called Tetas las Chinas. From here you will marvel once more at the diversity of terrain as flat valleys stretch out to the horizon, and are interrupted by mammoth mountains covered in icy layers, that are pushed up from the earth below. After a fulfilling day we will return to our last campsite at Estancia Las Chinas where we may continue discussing the natural history of the region over a fresh and healthy meal. You may also choose to fish once again, the bubbling surface of the Baguales River for Rainbow Trout. At this point of the Baguales River rushes over a rocky bed, creating many shallow pools with groups of Brown Trout.
Time in the saddle: 4-6 hours

Day 7: We will awake early to enjoy a hand prepared breakfast before packing our camp and lunches for our last ride of the excursion. On this day we will freely explore the beautiful Estancia Las Leonas and enjoy gallops through the vibrant valley that lay directly between two mountain ranges we visited during our trip. We will then return to Las Leonas and say goodbye to our magnificent horses that have carried us the length of our journey, before meeting the transfer that we take us back to Puerto Natales. After a welcomed shower and change of clothes at your hotel, we will gather one last time at a private quicho (Patagonian style barbeque pit) to relive our adventure and discuss further travel plans, over a fresh and delicious asado and world class Chilean wines.

Day 8: You will have the morning of this day to explore Puerto Natales and find the perfect memorabilia from your trip before meeting your transfer back to Punta Arenas or if you prefer you can take the shuttle over to El Calafate in Aergentina

Patagonian weather conditions are completely unpredictable. Expect anything from sunshine to sleet in the same day. We will be passing through several different microclimates where weather will stabilize, but we recommend layering clothing and bringing a rain jacket and pants.

Accomodations
6 nights camping and 1 night in hotel in Puerto Natales.

Meals
Meals are prepared by hand using fresh, organically grown ingredients. Salads are served with every dinner as well as fresh breads A limited amount of wine is available at dinner. 

Breakfast usually consists of coffee, tea, cocoa, a variety of cereals, jams, toast, sliced meats and cheeses and sometimes eggs or a main plate.

Lunches are prepared by your guide and are usually a different type of sandwich each day, cookie/ biscuit, fruit, juice or other drink, trail mix, crackers/ chips and chocolate.

Vegetarians are happily accommodated and must give notice at the time of booking.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Passports issued to children must contain a photo and state the nationality.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of Greece for up to 60 days and nationals of Romania for up to 30 days.
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey on the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding required travel documents for onward destination and not leaving the airport transit lounge.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
2. Nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA entering Chile for touristic purposes will be charged a processing fee payable on arrival and in cash only. For nationals of  Australia, the fee is US$56; for nationals of Canada, the fee is US$132; and for nationals of the USA, the fee is US$100 .