Horse Riding in Patagonia

  Chile

• Santiago: 
Santiago

Dates: Private Departures only

Description: In the vast and wild Patagonia riding has been part of people's culture since the colonists first arrived. Here, horsemen are called the "baqueanos" and they specialize in running cattle herds as well as in sheep farming. The ranches are called "Estancias" and they are as huge as this endless flat barren land. This ride will bring us closer to Torres del Paine most celebrated places flavored with this colonist spirit.

- 110km/ 70 miles of riding - For novice and experienced riders.

Day 1: Travel to Torres del Paine NP
Arrive Punta Arenas, early morning flight from Santiago and drive (371km/232 miles) to Torres del Paine NP stopping at Milodon Cave. Overnight at Las Torres EcoCamp (L-, D);

Day 2: To Paine National Park
Gain a general insight of the park by driving to La Administracion with excellent views and frequent spotting of guanaco herds aside the road. After a quick familiarization with Patagonean riding and outfits continue riding (18km/ 11mi) over grassy flat terrain onwards lake Pehoe with impressive sight over Paine Grande and Los Cuernos. This stretch will be an excellent chance to warm up, to get accustoms to the local saddles, to canter and to gain an impression of everyone riding skills. At the evening ride to Mirador Grey (10km/ 6mi RT) to spot the giant glacier at the distance. Overnight at Upgraded Camp Pehoe; (B, L-, D);

Day 3: In Paine National Park
(Valle Frances)
Today the ride will go over 8 kms (2,5-3,0hrs) to Camp Italiano where we cross a wild river and enter a beautiful Lenga forest where the horses are left for resting. Hereafter we hike (2hrs round trip) following the river upstream until reaching Mirador Frances at a magnificent setting surrounded by high peaks on all sides. Especially spectacular are the Cuernos del Paine. Once we are back at Camp Italiano we mount the horses again and ride back to Camp. Dinner and camping at Upgraded Camp Pehoe. (B, L-, D)

Day 4: In Paine National Park
(Paso La Feria)
First thing in the morning we board the catamaran that navigates Lake Pehoe until Pudeto (30min). From here we board a vehicle that drive us south some 10km/6miles to Paso La Feria where the horses await for us. From this point we start riding the longest stretch of the trip and the less visited of all (25km/ 16 miles approx). The trail features a constant broad view over the Paine massif with frequent spotting of condors and Puma tracks. The Puma (Chilean cougar) hides ashore of Lake Sarmiento where shelters are normally carved in the calcium-carbonate soil that surrounds the lake. The ride ends at the vehicle road from where we are picked up and driven into Estancia Torres where we enjoy dinner and overnight at Cascada EcoCamp (B, L-, D);

Day 5: In Paine National Park
(Laguna Azul & Lago Paine)
We drive to the eastern side of the park to Laguna Azul, which enjoys a warmer microclimate where sun can shine even when pouring at the park. From here we ride (36km/ 22miles) to Lago Paine with distant sight of the towers. Overnight at Cascada Eco Camp (B, L-, D);

Day 6: In Paine National Park
(Valle Ascencio)
Today the trail takes us towards the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine. From here we admire the most typical view of the Paine Towers (weather permitting).

The Torres del Paine (2.900 m) stand just north of the Cuernos peaks and consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Horses will take us up to a certain point and from there we shall hike up to reach this lookout point. Ride down to the Cascada for our farewell dinner and overnight (B, L-, D);

Day 7: Travel to Punta Arenas
Early in the morning board the vehicle back to Punta Arenas on time to catch the evening flight back to Santiago.

Cost in US$: from USD 1500

Participants Travel to Chile Independently

Post-Program Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Nepal Kingdom Foundation & Muirs Tours's Mission Statement: The Nepal Kingdom Foundation was established in 1982 to develop community spirit and preserve the culture and traditions of the Nepalese people in the UK. In 1999 the objectives were extended to include development projects in Nepal to help the needy of one of the world's poorest countries. The not-for-profit tour operation - Muirs Tours was set up in July 1999 by the Nepal Kingdom Foundation as a means of raising funds for use in projects in Nepal and the Nepalese Community in the UK. From the outset Muirs Tours planned to provide trips to other places outside of Nepal and support to other charities. It currently supports the WWF, the John Muir Trust, Tourism Concern, Survival International, the Tibetan Government in exile, the American Indian Heritage Foundation as well as the Nepal Kingdom Foundation.

Year Founded: 1982 & 1999