RIDE WORLD WIDE Southern Chile, Patagonia 2013-2-14 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 limited and access 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 rigours of camping, or staying in simple estancias / hosterias, in a region where the weather is unstable and can change quickly! However, the journey and the vagaries of the weather are more than compensated for by the wonderful riding country. Rides are accompanied by experienced Chilean guides, all speak fluent English and are knowledgeable, safety conscious and proud to share this wonderful country with fellow riders. Dates Trips are generally for 10 days or 5 days and include 8 or 4 full days riding. They are run from fixed dates between October and March each year, with itineraries that include different accommodation options available. Private rides can be arranged on request for groups of 2 or more. 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, generally crosses of 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, though most range from about 14.2hh to 15.2hh. They are good-natured and are a safe, forward going, responsive and enjoyable ride. All the horses are used to neck reining and are ridden in Chilean tack - huaso saddles with large comfortable sheepskins built in. Most bridles have English style snaffle bits.
[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 and a siesta. There is also usually plenty of time for walks, photography or to simply relax with a book and admire the spectacular views. The itineraries planned sometimes include a change of horses part way through and riders have the opportunity of trying different mounts. Trips are usually run for a minimum of 2 riders and a maximum of 8 riders. There is a weight limit of 15 stone / 95 kgs (if you are close to this / a little bit over please check with us) and usually an age limit of over 12 and under 70. Riders outside this age limit can be accepted by prior arrangement as long as riding ability and fitness allow (older riders may require a medical certificate). 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 with 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, steady, reliable horses are available for those who are rusty or have limited experience, but who are confident and fit. Every participant (particularly those with limited riding experience) will enjoy the trip much more if they are riding fit as the hours are quite long and if you do not ride regularly 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 the ride and varies 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 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, there is plenty in the area for the wildlife enthusiast.
[3] Accommodation Accommodation on the rides varies with the itinerary. On Gaucho & Glacier Camping Rides the first night is spent at the family run Hostal Amerindia in Puerto Natales with most other nights spent under canvas, using tough, wind / weather proof three man dome tents for two people (single tents can be arranged at a supplement), with sleeping bags (which you need to take yourself). The last night is in bunkhouse accommodation at a refugio. The luggage, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats and other equipment, is moved by vehicle. On most trips riders tend to set up their own tents, although the guide and helpers are available to help if required. Sometimes camps are true 'wilderness' camps with no washing facilities laid on and on other days they are set up in, or near, one of the National Park's appointed camping areas where there may be showers - usually with hot water, although this can never be guaranteed! There may also be a simple refugio (a basic hut) available for shelter if the wind is very strong. The camp sites are all beautifully situated and are carefully chosen for their setting and solitude. When private camps are set up away from the nominated areas, they will be by a lake or stream and on these nights, rivers and lakes are used for washing - and there may also be a chance to swim for the brave! On the 10 night Estancia Rides the first night is spent at the Hotel If in Puerto Natales - other nights on both 10 and 5 night Estancia Rides are spent mainly 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. All are beautifully located and most have marvellous views. Rooms are generally twin bedded with private bathroom, although sometimes bathrooms may be shared. 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. Both Camping and Estancia Rides include breakfast, lunch and dinner each day when on the ride. Dinner in Puerto Natales on the first night is not included. Days usually start with an ample breakfast with a choice of cereal, toast or bread, perhaps ham and / or cheese, with fruit juice and coffee and / or tea. Sometimes a cooked breakfast might be offered. A packed saddle bag lunch of sandwiches (which you make up yourself in the morning from a variety of fillings - tuna, cheese, salami, ham etc.), biscuits, fruit is carried with you to eat en-route, picnic style, when out riding. Dinner when camping is usually two or three courses prepared for you and either eaten around the camp fire, in the dining tent or quincho with a roaring fire. It might be a dish of fresh local salmon or other fish, pasta or a Chilean steak cooked over the fire and washed down with local wine. Salad is usually served with dinner, and wine (in generous, though not necessarily unlimited, quantities!) is included on Camping Rides. On Estancia Rides arrangements for dinner vary with the accommodation. When staying at a private estancia, you will generally eat with the family who own the property and your main dish might be chicken, lamb or fresh fish with a vegetarian option available. On other nights you will eat at your hosteria or refugio restaurant where there is usually a reasonable '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 (usually fruit). Drinks / wine are not included but you can buy wine, beer and other drinks at the estancias / hosterias and prices are reasonable. The 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 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. Gaucho & Glacier Camping Ride 2013-14 2013 2014 2nd to 11th October 2nd to 11th January 23rd to 27th October 23rd to 27th January 2nd to 11th November 2nd to 11th February 23rd to 27th November 23rd to 27th February 2nd to 11th December 2nd to 11th March 23rd to 27th December 23rd to 27th March Rates per person 10 days: 5-8 riders USD 3699, 4 riders USD 3999, 3 riders USD 4399, 2 riders USD 4999 Single supplement USD 450 5 days: 4-8 riders USD 2199, 3 riders USD 2499, 2 riders USD 2799 Single supplement USD 225 These rates INCLUDE - All riding, guiding and equipment, 9 / 4 nights twin camping accommodation, camping equipment (other than sleeping bags and sleeping mats), and one nights hotel accommodation in Puerto Natales, all meals (except dinner on the first night), wine with dinner, Park and camp fees, the services of an English speaking guide, baqueanos who care for the horses, boat trip from Puerto Natales to Balmeceda for the start of the ride and road transfer back to Puerto Natales on the last day. These rates EXCLUDE - Flights to Chile / travel to Puerto Natales, airport taxes, airport transfers, meals in Puerto Natales (except breakfast), any extra drinks en route, personal insurance (which you must have), any visa fees, hire of sleeping bags or mats if required, local gratuities (see note on tipping below).
[5] Estancia Ride 2013-14 2013 2014 9th to 13th October 9th to 13th January 19th to 28th October 19th to 28th January 9th to 13th November 9th to 13th February 19th to 28th November 19th to 28th February 9th to 13th December 9th to 13th March 19th to 28th December 19th to 28th March Rates per person 10 days: 6-8 riders USD 4299, 4-5 riders USD 4499, 3 riders USD 4999, 2 riders USD 5299 Single supplement USD 840 5 days: 4-8 riders USD 2799, 2-3 riders USD 3199 Single supplement USD 420 These Rates INCLUDE - All riding, guiding and equipment, 9 / 4 nights twin accommodation, all meals (excluding wine/drinks) on the ride (except dinner in Puerto Natales), Park fees, the services of an English speaking guide and baqueanos who care for the horses, use of saddle bags, transfers by vehicle with the group at set times from Puerto Natales to the start of the ride and back. These rates EXCLUDE - Flights to Chile / travel to Puerto Natales, airport taxes, airport transfers, dinner in Puerto Natales, wine and other drinks, personal insurance (which you must have), any visa fees and local gratuities (see note on tipping below). 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 this 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.
[6] Tipping - A tip for the Chilean staff on your riding trip will be appreciated and the average per rider is about USD 60, divided among the staff. Flights and travel information for all rides You will need to fly to Santiago, the capital of Chile, and then take an internal flight to Punta Arenas at the southern tip of Chilean Patagonia, the meeting point for the rides. At present there are no direct flights between London and Santiago but Iberia, Lan Chile and Aerolineas Argentinas, all fly to Santiago via Madrid. You can also fly with a combination of British Airways and Lan Chile to Santiago, via Sao Paolo or Miami. There are 3 or 4 internal flights a day between Santiago and Punta Arenas. Flights will cost from about 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. On arrival in Punta Arenas you will need to take the public bus to Puerto Natales. There run regularly from the airport and we can book these in advance on request (price approx USD 10 each way). There is a regular daily service between 08.00 and 20.00 and the journey takes about 2 ½ hours.
[7] Itineraries The following are example itineraries for the 10 day Camping and Estancia rides planned (please enquire for 5 day itineraries). Please note that they are only examples and the route and daily itinerary may be varied by your guides if weather conditions or participants' riding experience requires. Example Itinerary - 10 day Gauchos and Glaciers Ride Day 1 Arrive in Puerto Natales and make your own way to Hostel Amerindia. In the evening meet your guide for dinner with the group and for the trip briefing (dinner not included). Night in the Hostel Amerindia. Day 2 After breakfast at the hotel, you will taken to quay to board the boat which sails from Puerto Natales to Balmaceda. This stunning voyage on Last Hope Sound 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, or over the mountains or the Southern Patagonian ice field, this 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 the 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 trip in a Zodiac (motor dinghy) 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 ride today gives you the chance to get used to the horses, and enjoy the dazzling scenery on route to Torres del Paine National Park. Towards the end of the ride you ford the Nutria river, then cross the pampas and on to camp. The campsite belongs to the Astorga family who were the first settlers in Río Serrano, nearly 50 years ago. Still farming some sheep and cattle the Astorga family continue to work in the traditional manner. Enjoy a glass of Pisco Sour before dinner in camp. (8 to 9 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 3 For early risers, the camp also offers some of the best sunrises in all of Patagonia. After breakfast set off on a fast ride across the pampas towards Grey Lake. As you ride along Grey River to Grey Glacier, the view is dominated by the jagged, granite peaks of the Paine massif. Arrive at Grey Lake, tie up the horses and walk out across the swinging footbridge through the forest to Grey Beach, where the sandy shores form 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. After a walk along the beach, and a picnic lunch, return to the horses for a fast ride back to the Serrano River camp for dinner and the night. (5 to 6 hours riding). (B,L,D) *Note for those who would like to get up closer to the face of this marvel of ice, we can arrange a trip out onto the lake in the Grey II boat. This is an optional excursion available at the cost of approximately US$96 per person.
[8] Day 4 After breakfast pack up camp and ride eastwards towards the heart of the park and the Paine Massif mountain range. The views are dramatic and beautiful. 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 taken in one of the pretty valleys you continue east on the beautiful soft pampas of the Patagonian steppe. Your destination is Estancia Laguna Amarga which has spectacular views of the Towers of Paine. (7 to 8 hours riding). Dinner a night in camp. (B,L,D) Day 5 Pack up camp and load the pack horses before setting off towards the Torres and Lago Paine. After skirting Laguna Azul, head north towards Laguna Stokes where a large natural vega or pasture attracts wild criollos from the surrounding hills to graze in the summer. With any luck you may get to see these horses and there will be many excellent photo opportunities on this route as you pass through forests, pastures and the lake where Lady Florence Dixie camped having first sighted the Towers in the late 1800's. Eventually you arrive at a remote campsite with beautiful mountain views, soft flower filled meadows and the mirror clear waters of Lago Paine close by. No showers. (5 to 6 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 6 Breakfast and set of riding to Lake and Glacier Dickson. Dickson is one of the more remote and rarely visited glaciers in the park due to its inaccessibility. The ride takes you past the northerly peaks of the Paine chain where one of the peaks is topped by a black, craggy rock in the shape of a Tehuelche Indian Face whose headband is decorated with snowdrifts even in summer. The trail then heads north, passing ancient southern beech forests and scattered lakes before reaching the viewpoint above this beautiful lake and glacier, a magical picnic spot. In the afternoon, ride back to the campsite at Lago Paine for dinner and the night (no showers). (6 to 7 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 7 After breakfast, you say goodbye to the horses from Río Serrano and change to new, fresh horses from Estancia Tercera Barranca, then strike and ride towards Laguna Azul. The trail takes you across pampas, through meadows of flowers, past lakes and to the River Paine. You may see foxes, upland geese, magellanic woodpeckers, hares and a plethora of flora. Riding up Sierra Masle with a view of the Torres del Paine Massif, you eventually arrive at the beautiful Laguna Azul, where the views are breathtaking. After lunch the ride continues, following Río Las Chinas towards the final destination of Estancia Tercera Barranca. This is a working sheep ranch extending to some 6,454 hectares. It is typical of the estancias in the area and situated in an enviable position on the park border, offering fantastic views of the granite mountains and the Paine Massif. Dinner and the night in camp. (6 hours riding). (B,L,D)
[9] Day 8 After breakfast the group will be transferred to the remote Estancia 3R. Close to the Argentinean border this estancia is positioned deep within the Sierra Baguales, so called for the wild horses that roam in this area. Ride into these mystical mountains where the guanacos make their strange alarm calls. The destination is the Tetas de las Chinas, a strange rock formation high up in the hills. It is possible that you may see the wild horses - they are curious and if they come over to the group you can ride alongside these beautiful creatures. Ride back to the Estancia 3R to enjoy tea with the hospitable couple who manage the estancia, before the transfer back to Estancia Tercera Barranca for dinner and the night in camp. (6 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 9 After breakfast say goodbye to the horses and the gauchos at Estancia Tercera Barranca before an early transfer to Laguna Sophia and the refugio which will be your shelter for the last night. Meet your new horses for the last day of riding. A full day in the saddle takes you to a gaucho hut in Vega Señoret. First ride around Laguna Sophia, bordering the Sierra Señoret, with great views of the surrounding mountains. Once you arrive at Vega Señoret you will see your last views of the Torres del Paine mountains from Cerro Ventana (Window Hill). At lunch time stop to rest the horses and have a picnic at the gaucho hut, a small 'puesto' located in the middle of the valley where gauchos stay during the summer time to look after their cattle. Depending on the time available, and the weather, you may continue for a further hour and half to a condor area, where you may find yourself riding at the same altitude as the condors are flying. Return to the refugio at Laguna Sophia where a typical Patagonian asado dinner will be cooking. A last night under the stars drinking "vino tinto" from a typical bota (a leather pouch used to carry wine). (6 to 7 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 10 Transfer to Puerto Natales, arriving at about 11.00. Own arrangements for your onward journey / travel (B)
[10] Example itinerary - 10 day Estancia Ride Day 1 Arrive Puerto Natales and make your own way to the Hotel If. In the evening meet your guide and the group for dinner and for the trip briefing (dinner not included). Night in Hotel If. Day 2 In the morning leave your luggage, taking only enough for one night s stay, and transfer for about 20 minutes to Puerto Consuelo to meet your criollo horses. This estancia is still the home of the Eberhard family who have a long history in "Magallanes" (as the XII Region of Chile is known). Set off riding, following the fjords until you arrive at Estancia Perales. A welcoming dinner and time to relax on the shores of Last Hope Sound. Night at Estancia Perales. (7 hours riding). (B,L,D wine/drinks not included). Day 3 After breakfast, say goodbye to Estancia Perales and board the boat which sails to Balmaceda. This stunning voyage on Last Hope Sound 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, or over the mountains or the Southern Patagonian ice field, this 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 the views which combine old forests of evergreen and deciduous southern beech, fire bushes and cypresses - a contrast to the snow capped peaks and glaciers. Meet the horses and then after lunch 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 ride today gives you the chance to get used to the horses, and enjoy the dazzling scenery on route to Torres del Paine National Park. Towards the end of the ride you ford the Nutria river, then cross the pampas and on Hotel Rio Serrano. This hotel is only a few years old and offers very comfortable rooms and great views of the Paine Massif. There is a large living / dining area with log fires, a comfortable bar and good restaurant. (7 to 8 hours riding). (B,L,D wine/drinks not included). Day 4 For early risers, the hotels situation offers some of the best sunrises in all of Patagonia. After breakfast set off on a fast ride across the pampas towards Grey Lake. As you ride along Grey River to Grey Glacier, the view is dominated by the jagged, granite peaks of the Paine massif. Arrive at Grey Lake, tie up the horses and walk out across the swinging footbridge through the forest to Grey Beach, where the sandy shores form 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. After a walk along the beach, and a picnic lunch, return to the horses for a fast ride back to Hotel Rio Serrano for dinner and the night. (6 to 7 hours riding). (B,L,D, wine/drinks not included). *Note for those who would like to get up closer to the face of this marvel of ice, we can arrange a trip out onto the lake in the Grey II boat. This is an optional excursion available at the cost of approximately US$96 per person.
[11] Day 6 Today s ride takes you west towards the peaks of Torres del Paine. Set off towards the deep blue waters of Laguna Azul, riding through native forests and grassy flower-filled meadows. Then head south crossing the area known as Cañadon Macho with vega nañdu normally inhabited by large breeding groups of both guanaco and nañdu (or southern rhea - the ostrich like bird of south America). At the "Cascada Paine" you will stop and dismount, walking a short way to this pretty waterfall where glacial waters thunder over the rocks on their journey through the park. Ride on past Estancia Laguna Amarga and the salt encrusted shores of Laguna Amarga (Bitter Lake) with its emerald green waters. A picnic lunch and the ride returns by a different route to Estancia Tercera Barranca for a second night. (5 to 6 hours riding). (B,L,D wine/drinks not included). Day 7 Breakfast and a short drive to the end of "ruta 9" and a mystical area known as La Cumbre (The Summit) at a height of 850m. Your destination is Estancia 3R situated in the heart of Sierra Baguales, a wild mountain chain that extends from the north eastern limit of Torres del Paine penetrating the border with Argentina. The name of the mountains, baguales translates as feral - a domesticated animal gone wild - in this case horses. The distinctive peaks of basalt are cathedral-like in their form and the area is famous for its marine and land fossils. Here you will meet new horses for the day and ride out into these grand peaks climbing up high towards the Tetas Las Chinas where, with luck, you will spot the famous wild horse herds of Sierra Baguales. After a few hours riding, return to the estancia house for tea with your charming hosts before driving back to Estancia Tercera Barranca for dinner and the night. (6 to 7 hours riding). (B,L,D wine/drinks not included). Day 8 The ride today heads south to the outpost town of Cerro Castillo. This is a beautiful open country, crossing grassy meadows and wild pampas. The great spaces offer opportunities for several long canters - with the wind in your hair, a smile on your face, and the impressive Paine mountains as a backdrop you will experience the sheer joy that is riding in Patagonia! After a leisurely picnic lunch you continue riding, and finally the welcome sight of Cerro Castillo comes into view. Say goodbye to the horses and transfer to Laguna Sophia (approx. 30 minutes). This comfortable country house, situated next to Laguna Sophia, with its huge roaring fire and big soft sofas invites you to relax and reflect on you re the ride so far. The stream which comes from the mountains powers a turbine providing electricity 24 hours a day and a welcome hot shower! (8 to 9 hours riding) (B,L,D wine/drinks not included). Day 9 After breakfast saddle up for your last day of riding. A full day in the saddle takes you to a gaucho hut in Vega Señoret. First ride around Laguna Sophia, bordering the Sierra Señoret, with great views of the surrounding mountains. Once you arrive at Vega Señoret you will see your last views of the Torres del Paine mountains from Cerro Ventana (Window Hill). At lunch time stop to rest the horses and have a picnic at the gaucho hut, a small 'puesto' located in the middle of the valley where gauchos stay during the summer time to look after their cattle. cont. over
[12] Day 9 cont. Depending on the time available, and the weather, you may continue for a further hour and half to a condor area, where you may find yourself riding at the same altitude as the condors are flying. Return to the house at Laguna Sophia where a typical Patagonian asado dinner will be cooking. A last night under the stars drinking "vino tinto" from a typical bota (a leather pouch used to carry wine). (6 to 7 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 10 Transfer to Puerto Natales, arriving at about 11.00. Own arrangements for your onward journey / travel (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 06/06/13)