RIDE WORLD WIDE Chile, Patagonia Torres del Paine 2018-2019 Riding Trip Information Sheet These trips explore the spectacular terrain of Torres del Paine National Park in southern Patagonia. The scenery in this area is undoubtedly some of the wildest and most breathtaking in the world, with huge granite spires, blue glaciers flowing down from the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap, turquoise lakes and forests of southern beech trees. Due to its remoteness, accommodation in the area is fairly limited and access often necessitates long hours in a vehicle on bumpy and often dusty roads. Those participating in the rides need to be prepared for this and for the weather which is notoriously unstable and can change quickly! However, for most, the journey and vagaries of the weather are more than compensated for by the wonderful riding country. Dates Rides are offered from set dates and include 8 days riding with nights spent in guesthouses and estancias. 5 day itineraries, private rides and tailormade itineraries can be arranged on request for groups of 2 or more throughout the season (October to March). Please see the departure dates below and contact Ride World Wide to discuss your plans and availability. The Horses The horses used for the rides are bred locally on the surrounding estancias for working with cattle and sheep. They are cross breeds, usually Chilean horse or Criollo mix, and are of a medium build. With some Percheron blood, they are a little taller than the local horses of northern Chile, most range from about 14.2hh to 16hh. They are generally a good-natured, sensible, forward going and responsive ride. All the horses are used to neck reining and are ridden in Chilean tack - huaso saddles with large comfortable sheepskins built in (although sometimes covered in leather). Bridles have English style snaffle bits or traditional Chilean style with a long shank.
[2] Riding There is generally between 5 and 9 hours riding on each riding day on these trips, covering 20 to 40 kms. This is broken up with rest stops and a long break for lunch. There is also usually time for walks, photography or to simply relax with a book and admire the spectacular views. Itineraries generally include at least one change of horses part way through and riders have the opportunity of trying different mounts. Trips are usually run for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 riders (sometimes 10 for private groups). The usual weight limit is 15 stone / 95 kgs (if you are close to this / a little bit over please check with us) and usual age limit, over 12 and under 70 yrs. Riders outside these ages limits may be accepted by prior arrangement as long as riding ability and fitness allow (older riders may require a medical certificate). Tourists are required to wear hard hats when riding in the National Park. Pace The pace on the rides varies with the terrain but overall it is moderate and well balanced. The going in much of the National Park is quite grassy and soft and Patagonia's tremendous open spaces allow plenty of opportunities for fast riding - long exhilarating canters on the open plains and along the flat bottomed valleys that run amongst the Paine Massif. At other times, the pace is slower as you weave your way through forests of southern beech, wade across glacial rivers, climb mountain passes to admire views over vast expanses of blue and white ice below and ride along the lake shores. Riding Experience The rides are best suited to reasonably competent riders who are secure in the saddle and comfortable on a horse in open country at all paces. They are aimed at those with a reasonable amount of riding experience, however there is a good selection of well mannered, steady but forward going horses to suit riders of different abilities and, as well as enjoyable, responsive horses for the experienced rider, there are steady, reliable mounts for those who have limited experience, but are confident and fit. Due to the fairly long riding hours, every participant (particularly those with limited riding experience) should be riding fit and if you do not ride much at home, we recommend you accustom yourself to the time spent in the saddle with regular training before you go. Terrain The terrain in the area changes during every ride, varying from vast rolling grassy plains, to steep wooded valleys. High snow-clad mountains and huge glaciers sweep down through the beech forest and spill out into numerous blue-grey lakes and always, as a dramatic back drop, is the great Paine Massif which you will see from many different angles. Wildlife There are over one hundred species of birds in the Paine area including the giant Condor, flamingos, ibis, black necked swans, rheas and austral parrots. Guanaco (the wild version of the Llama) and fox number among the twenty five species of mammal and, with the Paine reserve about the most likely place in South America to catch a glimpse of puma (though even here you have to be very lucky), there is plenty in the area for the wildlife enthusiast.
[3] Accommodation Accommodation on the rides varies with the itinerary. The first night of the set date Estancia Ride is spent in Puerto Natales, usually at the Hostal El Establo which is modern and comfortable, built in the style of a stable, it has 5 double rooms each with its own en-suite bathroom. Other nights are spent at comfortable family run estancias (farms), either working estancias that offer family style guest rooms or estancias that have been fully converted for guests, or in small hotels. Most are beautifully located with marvelous views. Rooms are generally twin bedded with private bathroom (in some cases bathrooms may be shared). Note: Hotels & Estancias within the National Park are not used to catering for guests during the day so if you decide to take a day off riding on the Estancia Ride (which is possible) special arrangement need to be requested. Meals Meals are wholesome, generous and surprisingly varied bearing in mind the remoteness of the area and that all supplies have to be transported into the Park especially. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included each day when on the ride. Dinner in Puerto Natales on the first night is at a local restaurant and you can sample locally caught centolla (king crab) or other seafood. Days usually start with an ample breakfast - perhaps a choice of cereal, toast or bread, ham and / or cheese, with fruit juice and coffee and / or tea. Sometimes a cooked breakfast might be offered. A packed saddle bag lunch is carried with you to eat en-route, picnic style, when out riding. This usually consists of bread, cheeses, ham or salami, sometimes homemade soup, with fruit and chocolate to finish. Dinner arrangements vary with the accommodation. When staying at a private estancias, your main dish might be chicken, lamb or fresh fish with a vegetarian option available. On other nights there may be a buffet style dinner with a few different dishes or a 'menu', typically a choice of a soup or salad starter, a main course of fish, beef or chicken with a variety of salads and vegetables and a pudding / fruit. Drinks / wine are not included but you can buy wine, beer and other drinks at the estancias / hosterias. Food overall is good and varied and your guides will do their best to cater for any particular dietary requests as long as prior notice is given. You should be aware however, that because of the remoteness of the area, much depends on availability of supplies, which have to be brought in from the nearest town. Menus may vary depending on what is on offer there at the time and fresh fruit and vegetables can be hard to get or supplies limited.
[4] Weather The weather in Patagonia is notoriously variable and although it is often milder in the Park than in the surrounding regions, you need to be prepared for weather and temperatures which can change rapidly, sometimes freezing at night, rising to about 20-25 C on a still, cloudless day, then dropping suddenly again. The wind can often be extremely strong, it is possible to experience all four seasons in a day and rain is quite possible at any time, generally in blustery showers, so come prepared! What to bring We will send you a clothing list with suggestions of what to bring when you book. DATES AND PRICES (Valid to April 2019) Please note that due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, ride rates are quoted in USD. The sterling price will be the equivalent sterling rate using the USD / sterling exchange rate in force when you book/pay. Please enquire for autumn dates. Estancia Ride 2018-2019 2nd to 11th October 2018 2nd to 11th January 2019 19th to 28th October 2018 19th to 28th January 2019 7th to 16th November 2018 2nd to 11th February 2019 19th to 28th December 2018 19th to 28th February 2019 19th to 28th March 2019 Rates per person 6-8 riders USD 5899, 4-5 riders USD 6299, 2-3 riders USD 6799 Single supplement USD 990 These Rates INCLUDE - All riding, guiding and equipment, 9 nights twin accommodation, all meals (excluding wine/drinks) from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 10, Park fees, the services of an English speaking guide and baqueanos who care for the horses, use of saddle bags, boat trip from Puerto Natales to Balmeceda, transfers by vehicle with the group at set times from / to Punta Arenas airport on first and last day. Rates EXCLUDE - Flights to Chile and onward travel to Punta Arenas, airport taxes, airport transfers, wine and other drinks throughout, personal insurance (which you must have), any visa fees and local gratuities (see note on tipping below). cont. over
[5] Single room Rates assume twin shared accommodation though it is possible to guarantee a single room by paying the supplement (see above). Please enquire when you book if you would like a single room and we can check if one is available - there are only limited rooms so this is not always possible. The single supplement on Camping Rides covers the hotel night in Puerto Natales as well as extra camping fees payable to the Park authorities. Tipping - A tip for the Chilean staff who ride with you will be appreciated. As a guide the average per rider is about US$ 60 to $100, divided among the staff. Flights and travel information The starting point for these rides is the beautifully situated town of Puerto Natales, a fishing port on Last Hope Sound. You will need to fly to Santiago, the capital of Chile, and then take an internal flight, either to Puerto Natales (flights are only once or twice a week), or to Punta Arenas at the southern tip of Chilean Patagonia. British Airways have direct flights from London to Santiago, and Iberia, Latam and Aerolineas Argentinas all fly London to Santiago via Madrid. You can also fly with a combination of British Airways and Latam to Santiago, via Sao Paolo or Miami. There are internal flights between Santiago to Puerto Natales, which is ideal, but currently they only operate twice a week, so these do not always fall on the start date. However, there are 3 or 4 flights a day between Santiago and Punta Arenas. Flights will cost from about 800 to 1200 Economy return, depending on the airline and season. Please call us for more flight information or if you would like a fare quote. Our ATOL number for flight bookings is 6213. If you fly to Punta Arenas you will then need to transfer to Puerto Natales. There will be one pre-arranged private mini-bus transfer at 15.00 on the first day, and also a set transfer back to Punta Arenas to arrive by 12.30 on the last day - these transfers are included in the price. If you need a transfer outside these times then there is a public bus, running regularly from the airport between 08.00 and 20.00 - or you can take a taxi. The transfer takes 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours. We can book the bus (or taxis) in advance on request (bus ticket price approx USD 15 each way; taxi fare on request, approx. USD 240 per car each way).
[6] Itinerary The following is an example of the 10 day Estancia Ride although please note that it is only an example and the route and day by day itinerary may be varied by your guide if weather, other local conditions or participants' riding experience requires. Example itinerary - Estancia Ride Day 1 Own arrangements to arrive Punta Arenas before 15.00 (or to arrive Puerto Natales). You will be met driven to Hostal El Establo in Puerto Natales. Time to settle in and in the evening meet your guide for dinner with the group and a trip briefing. Night at Hostal El Establo. (D) Day 2 Breakfast, then leaving luggage and taking only enough for one night s stay (the main luggage will meet you at Rio Serrano), transfer about 20 minutes to Estancia Consuelo where you meet your first Criollo horses. This estancia is home to the Eberhard family who have a long history in "Magallanes" (as the XII Region of Chile is known). Mount up and set off riding, following the fjord and into the mountains with fabulous views of Last Hope Sound. Stop for a picnic then continue riding to the road head where meet the vehicle and transfer about 15 minutes on the gravel road to beautifully situated Estancia Perales. A welcoming dinner and time to relax on the shores of Last Hope Sound. Night at Estancia Perales (about 5 hours riding). (B,L,D). Day 3 After breakfast, say goodbye to Estancia Perales and board the boat which sails to up Last Hope Sound. This stunning voyage takes you past the Balmaceda Glacier before docking at the Serrano Glacier and entering the Bernardo O Higgins National Park, the largest National Park in Chile and one of the largest in the world (over three million hectares). With access only by water, over the mountains or the Southern Patagonian ice field, the area remains a remote and pristine corner of the planet and contains the third largest mass of ice on earth after Antarctica and Greenland, so the climate is understandably extreme. Disembark and enjoy views which combine old forests of evergreen and deciduous southern beech, fire bushes and cypresses - a contrast to the snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Then a short boat trip (usually by Zodiac) across the bay to meet the horses. Lunch and set off on a beautiful ride through thick forests passing pristine rivers and streams in the shadow of the Chacabuco and Balmaceda range of mountains. A fairly slow but long ride today gives you the chance to get used to the horses whilst enjoying the dazzling scenery en route to Torres del Paine National Park. Towards the end of the ride, ford the Nutria River and come out on to the pampas approaching Cabanas del Paine (or similar), Rio Serrano where the night is spent. This comfortable hotel has great views of the Paine Massif and charming rooms (around 8-9 hours riding). (B,L,D). Day 4 For early risers, the hotel s situation offers some of the best sunrises in all of Patagonia. After breakfast set off on a ride that can be quite fast across the pampas towards Grey Lake with the view, as you ride along Grey River to Grey Glacier, dominated by the jagged, granite peaks of the Paine massif. Stop for a picnic lunch then ride on to arrive at Grey Lake. Tie up the horses and walk out across the swinging footbridge through the forest to Grey Beach, where the pebble shore of the lake forms a stunning contrast to the blue of the icebergs that have sheared off the nearby glacier. Grey Glacier is quite simply a wonder of nature. Measuring 28 km in length and covering a total surface area of 270 square km with its frozen walls of crystalline ice towering almost 35 metres high, it never ceases to impress. Those taking the cruise across the lake (see below) will meet the boat here. For others, after a walk along the beach return to the horses and ride back to Cabanas del Paine (or similar) for dinner and night (about 6 hours riding). (B,L,D).
[7] Day 4 cont. *Note: The Glacier itself is 17 kilometers from the Grey beach, so for those who would like to get up closer to the face of the glacier, it is possible to arrange a trip out onto the lake in the Grey II boat. This is an optional excursion that takes about 3 hours; cost is approximately US$140 per person and those riders wishing to do this will return to the hotel by vehicle not by horse (so the day will include about 3 hours riding). Please ask if you would like to do this. Day 5 After breakfast ride east towards the heart of the Park and the Paine Massif mountain range. The views are dramatic and beautiful and the ride skirts the southern edge of the mountains on a rarely trodden path passing azure and turquoise lakes with the granite mountain peaks as a backdrop. After a picnic lunch in one of the pretty valleys, continue east on the soft pampas of the Patagonian steppe. A chance for some good canters as the light fades and shadows lengthen until you arrive at Porteria Amarga, where you leave the horses and transfer the last few kilometres by vehicle to the night s destination, the intimate and authentic Estancia Tercera Barranca. Typical of the estancias of the area, Estancia Tercera Barranca is a working sheep ranch of around 6,454 hectares, situated in an enviable position on the Park border with fantastic views of the granite mountains and the Paine Massif. It has a lovely intimate feel, with only 7 guest rooms in the ranch house (all with private bathroom). There is a comfortable living area with log fire where you can read and relax before dinner, usually served in the adjacent wooden "quincho", and also a hot tub to soak away an aches! (about 7-8 hours riding). (B,L,D). Day 6 Ride out north-west from Estancia Tercera, heading towards the border with Argentina. The area is full of guanacos and the hills ring with their alarm calls as you ride by. There will be chances for canters until reaching the uninhabited Estancia Gemitas. After a short break at Gemitas you ride on, following the valley downstream to reach the dramatic Las Chinas waterfall where you stop for lunch. After lunch cross Las Chinas river and, passing by the Estancia Laguna Azul, return to Tercera Baranca. Dinner and second night at Estancia Tercera Barranca (about 5-6 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 7 Breakfast and a drive of about 20 mins to Estancia Cerro Guido, a large working estancia with over 110,000 hectares and 37,000 sheep as well as plenty of cattle and horses. After settling in to your room, make your way to the stables to meet new horses. From the estancia you set off riding into the hills, traversing the Guido mountain itself along a track called Paso Guitarra. There are numerous guanaco in these hills and also wonderful views of the range called the Sierra Baguales ( bagual translates as feral, usually referring to horses or cattle which have gone wild). The Baguales mountains are a stark contrast to the rolling landscape of the pampas below. After stopping for a picnic lunch you continue riding to an Indian burial site. Although no artefacts remain at the site itself, back at the estancia you will be able to see photos and also learn about the dinosaur fossils that have recently been found close-by. Return to the estancia for a welcome dinner and comfortable beds (about 5 to 6 hours riding) (B,L,D)
[8] Day 8 Breakfast and then another full day ride, today heading south Estancia Entre Lagos. This is beautiful open country, grassy meadows and wild pampas that are ideal for long canters - with the wind in your hair, a smile on your face and the impressive Paine mountains as a backdrop, a chance to experience the sheer joy that is riding in Patagonia! After a leisurely picnic lunch, continue riding, climbing to a viewpoint with stops to photograph the blue waters of Lake Sarmiento and the Paine Massif behind it. Ride back to Estancia Cerro Guido for a second night. Enjoy a pisco sour next to a roaring fire, with a chance to reflect on the ride so far (about 7 to 8 hours riding - though a shorter loop is possible if the group prefers) (B,L,D) Day 9 After breakfast saddle up for the last day of riding, heading towards the Sierra Baguales where they form the border with Argentina. You pass the lovely, but deserted Estancia Las Flores where you will see the only original adobe building left in the area. Stop for a picnic lunch where you let the horses graze in a beautiful valley, with a good chance of seeing condors soaring above you. In the afternoon continue riding to Vega Nash, a wide expanse of open pampa, where there will be opportunities for good canters. From here you complete the circuit and arrive back at Estancia Cerro Guido, where a delicious Patagonian asado will be cooking. Dinner and night at Estancia Cerro Guido (about 7 to 8 hours riding - though a shorter loop is possible if the group prefers). (B,L,D)
[9] Day 10 Transfer to Puerto Natales, arriving at about 10.00, then onward transfer to Punta Arenas airport to arrive 12.30. Own arrangements for onward journey. (B) General visa and health information (NB this is a brief outline - further information will be sent to you if you make a confirmed booking.) Visas If you hold a full British Passport and are visiting Chile for less than three months you do not need to arrange a visa in advance BUT you should always check up to date requirements. Health Chile is one of the safest countries healthwise in South America. No jabs are required as a condition of entry although the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London recommend that you ensure you are up to date with Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Typhoid. If you are not up to date with these you should visit your GP or a travel clinic about 4 weeks before departure. If you plan to visit other rural areas before or after the ride you should get further advice - Hepatitis B, TB and Rabies jabs may also be recommended. (DRAFT 11/10/2018)