Patagonian Ranch

7 days, 6 nights

Day 1
We suggest you take the early flight Santiago ­ Punta Arenas (4 hours), flying over Los Andes and observing incredible views of the Patagonian Ice Fields. Upon your arrival to Punta Arenas, considered the most southern city on the continent, a private transfer will be waiting to drive you to Torres del Paine National Park. As we leave the airport we will be able to see the Straights of Magellan and the mystic Tierra del Fuego. During a 2hour trip we will drive through open pampas and huge ranches (estancias), and chances are we will be able to observe one of the most typical animals in this area, the ñandu, (rare South American ostrich). Then we will head north, arriving in Puerto Natales, located on the Sound of Last Hope, a typical fishing town surrounded by mountains. Then we will follow an unpaved road heading to Las Chinas Valley staying overnight at Estancia Cerro Guido. The Estancia is one of the last remaining establishments that still retain many of the typical characteristics of the period when The Sociedad Explotadora of Tierra del Fuego was functioning. The Estancia has 60.000 hectares and about 50.000 sheep. The Villages has a beautiful view of the Paine Massif and has preserved all the typical buildings including the lodge, main house, administration office, workers houses, kitchen, bakery, school, carpentry workshop, and forge, dairy, stable and sheep sharing shed. During the afternoon we are going to do a short ride around the ranch with amazing views of the Torres.
(5 hours by private transfer) (LD) (Night at Lodge Cerro Guido***)

Day 2
We will start early in the morning in order to select the mounts and horses suitable for each passenger. The land changes as we head into the valley, crossing mountains through narrow paths used by the baqueanos (local cowboys). We will visit three estancias where we will enjoy the hospitality of the local people, and possibly even the flight of a condor. After a few hours ride through open spaces called pampas, we will start to see the mystical Torres Del Paine. We will cross the famous Zamora River with an impressive view of Torres Del Paine. We will stay overnight at another local ranch, Estancia Las Chinas.
(67 hours, slow riding, trotting and cantering) (BBLBBQ) (Night at Estancia Las Chinas)

Day 3
Once our gear is loaded up and ready to be transported we will begin our ride through narrow valleys and along rivers, catching unusual glimpses of the Paine Mountains. These are overwhelming views, for their haunting and contrasting beauty. We will camp inside the valley, at the border with Argentina. While dinner is being prepared we will enjoy an excellent Pisco Sour, the favorite Chilean drink, made from pisco, liquor fermented from Muscatel type grapes, and mixed with lemon juice, sugar and ice.
(810 hours slow riding, trotting and cantering) (BBLD) (Night by tent)

Day 4
Today we will explore the valley and its capricious formations, ascending a hill to observe the impressive view of the Southern Ice Field with its many glaciers. Weather permitting we will head to the Argentinean border, before descending along a different path through Nothofagus forests. We set up our campsite for another overnight.
(5 hours, slow riding, trotting and galloping) (BBLD) (Night by tent) (B BLD) (Night at Posada Serrano)

Day 5
Early morning we will begin our way back to "civilization" through a different sloping trail, crossing through lenga and ñirres forests to the so called "dead path" through which we will arrive at the Zamora River, we will be able to see some baqueanos with their cattle or maybe even a group of wild horses. Our lunch stop will be at one of the many estancias whose land we cross on the way to our destination. Hospitality is legendary in these parts and it is rare for passing riders not be offered some form of hospitality by the estancieros. Hopefully we will find some local baqueanos willing to share their traditional mate session with us. We spend the night in a cozy farm house ending with a typical lamb barbecue.
(78 hours, slow riding, trotting and cantering) (BBLBBQ) (Night at Estancia Tercera Barranca)

Day 6
Today we will ride from the working estancia Tercera Barranca to a small town of Cerro Castillo situated 40km from the entrance to the park and 60km from Puerto Natales. A fantastic ride across farmland and open pampas with some unique and interesting stops on the way. Rivers will be crossed and there will be plenty of opportunity for long exhilarating canters on this prairie land just made for riding! Our lunch stop will be at one of the many estancias whose land we cross on the way to our destination. Hospitality is legendary in these parts and it is rare for passing riders not be offered some form of hospitality by the estancieros. During late afternoon we will see a small hotel surrounded by the customary layer of trees offering protection from the wind. This villa built by settlers to Tierra del Fuego at the beginning of the century will be our home for the night. Once home to one of the most important and influential estancieros in the region it offers comfortable accommodation and an excellent restaurant offering a variety of typical local foods and international cuisine. The fireside bar is an excellent place to enjoy a pisco sour
(8 hours riding, trotting and cantering) (BBLD) (Night at EstanciaHosteria Pioneros)

Day 7
We will take a private transfer to Punta Arenas, including a brief stop at the Milodón Cave, where remains of this prehistoric animal were found.
(5 hours by transfer, 350 kms.)(BL)


INCLUDED
All the private transportation indicated in the schedule
All the horses, saddles and pack horses on the excursion
Helmets, leather chaps, leather gloves, saddle bags, dry bags
All meals indicated in the schedule (B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, Lunch, D: dinner, BBQ: barbecue)
Four nights at Local Estancias
Two nights at Chile Nativo Camp
Entrance fee to Milodon Cave Monument
Guide (English Spanish languages), plus a baqueano (local cowboy)


NOT INCLUDED
Flight to Santiago, Chile
Internal Flight Santiago ­Punta Arenas
Any additional nights
Medical expenses
Insurance of any kind
Personal expenses
Sleeping bags and mattress
Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks at Estancias / hosterias


Rates per person
2 passengers: us $ 1.995
3 a 4 passengers: us$ $ $ 1.695
5 a 6 passengers: us$ 1.595
7 a 8 passengers: us$ 1.495