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Estancias of Southern Patagonia

11 days Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas

Situated on the tip of South America, Patagonia is not a country but a territory. 260,000 square miles of windswept pampas riddled with innumerable lakes and fjords, snow capped mountains, icy blue glaciers and steaming rain forest straddling the southern tips of Argentina and Chile.

This ride, operated by British-born Heidi Ryan and her Chilean husband, Gustavo, starts in the historic town of Punta Arenas and journeys north from estancia to estancia through a horse riding paradise. Each trip is escorted by either Heidi or her husband (who was the show jumping and dressage champion for Chile for two consecutive years) and a local baqueano, who takes care of the horses during the trip. The ride provides you with the opportunity to experience the reality of estancia life and a chance to meet the local people, whilst enjoying fantastic scenery, great accommodation, good food, excellent wine, superb horses and truly exhilarating riding. The ride takes you away from the tourist areas of Chile and introduces you to the history and culture of the region. It takes you through pristine wilderness areas and into the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park. For wildlife lovers the ride is a constant delight. Apart from condors, eagles and parakeets, there are guanacos, foxes and elusive pumas.

With up to 8 hours a day in the saddle the ride is best suited to fit, experienced riders. The pace ranges from a gentle amble to full gallops across the Patagonian steppes.

Day 1 (D)
Arrive in Punta Arenas. Transfer on arrival to your hotel. Meet in the evening to dine with the rest of the group and discuss the forthcoming ride.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Morning tour of the historical town of Punta Arenas before transferring to Estancia Olga Teresa for a horse demonstration and lunch. During the afternoon take a short ride out and then transfer to Estancia Rio Penitente for the night.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
Day of riding from Estancia Rio Penitente, gallop across open pampas, wind through woodlands and rest for lunch by a lagoon before returning to the Estancia Rio Penitente for dinner.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
Early morning transfer to Estancia Puerto Consuelo, situated on the banks of fjord Eberhard. Ride to Milodon cave across open pampas, which gives you the opportunity for some fast riding. Stop for lunch and then continue the ride to Laguna Sofia, through ancient Lenga forests and open valleys until you reach a Condor look out point on the cliffs of Laguna Sofia. Continue on to Hotel Tres Pesos for a tradition Patagonian barbecue and overnight accommodation.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
Ride from Tres Pasos to the small farming settlement Cerro Castillo. This ride will take you around lagoons, through woodland valleys and up to a look out point to see the Torres del Paine National Park. Early afternoon arrive at Estancia El Pionero.
Day 6 (B,L,D)
Enjoy some fast riding from Estancia El Pionero across the plains to Las Chinos River. After lunch continue to Estancia Lazo on the banks of Lago Verde with spectacular views of the National Park.
Day 7 (B,L,D)
From Estancia Lazo ride up to the Toro Mountain look out point for a magnificent view of the surrounding area, before descending down the mountain path and into Torres Del Paine National Park for lunch. In the afternoon continue your ride to Lago Grey, where you can take a stroll along the beach to see Grey Glacier and the icebergs. Overnight stay in the Hosteria Lago Grey.
Day 8 (B,L,D)
Beautiful ride through the park, around the horns to Laguna Amarga. Transfer to Estancia Cerro Guido situated on the eastern border of the park, which offers spectacular views of the Towers of Paine and Sarmiento Lake.
Day 9 (B,L,D)
If you are feeling energetic take a walk to Las Torres. (Three hours to reach the base and a further two and a half hours down). Alternatively take the opportunity to relax at the spa at Estancia Las Torres and sooth away the aches from the previous few days.
Day 10 (B,L,D)
Return to Puerto Natales by boat down the Ultima Esperanza fjord, visit the Serrano glacier and have a traditional Patagonia barbecue lunch in Estancia Perales. Overnight at Indigo Puerto Natales Hotel and Spa (From January 08 accommodation will be at Weshkar Hotel).
Day 11 (B)
Late morning transfer to Punta Arenas airport.
Chile
  • Cost per Person:
  • Ride Only: £2,115 (please note there is a £150 supplement if there are less than 4 people on a departure.
  • Includes: Transfers, accommodation and meals as indicated and all riding.
  • All Inclusive: As the flight via Madrid to Santiago is very long and the connection time in Santiago for the Punta Arenas flight is tight, we would recommend that you spend at least one or two nights in Santiago. At the trip end we recommend an additional night in Punta Arenas as the scheduled time of arrival in Punta Arenas is normally late afternoon. Prices for an all-inclusive package are therefore on request.CLPUQEAESTRAV02
  • Single Supplement: None if prepared to share. £175 if unwilling to share.
  • Departure Dates: 19 Jan, 16 Mar, 23 Nov 2008, 25 Jan & 22 Mar 2009 Departures from the UK are one or two days earlier.
  • The Accommodation: Accommodation is in either traditional estancias or estancia houses that have been converted into hotels.
  • Food & Drink: All meals are prepared using organic ingredients. Local meat or fish complimented with a fresh salad or vegetables are the dishes most typically offered. Delicious local puddings, freshly ground coffee and herbal teas are always included with the evening meals. Good quality wines are served during meal times.
  • Laundry: Not available.
  • Children: Children of 10 or over are accepted providing they have sufficient riding experience, are fit enough and accompanied by an experienced adult rider.
  • Non-Riders: Not suitable.Chile