Horseback riding in Chile - GLACIER CAMPING RIDE

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Horseback Riding in Chile
GLACIER CAMPING RIDE


 


 

Here is a chance to visit on horseback the extreme southern tip of Patagonia near the Straits of Magellan. The ride traverses the amazing Torres del Paine The wide open plains of southern Patagona offer some wonderful terrain for fast paced gallops with wonderful views of the snow capped mountains towering above. Riders have a close look at ranch life in this remote part of the world which is inhabited by penguins, rheas and guanacos. It is a land of rivers, lakes and grassy pampas. The area has fascinated explorers from the time of Magellan. There is no better way to visit this wild place than riding a good horse.
 A Personal Review of GLACIER CAMPING RIDE

Itinerary
Day 1:Upon arrival at the Punta Arenas airport take a taxi to the Hotel Rey Don Felipe. Join your guide and fellow adventurers at 7:30 PM for dinner at local restaurant. The taxi transfer and dinner tonight are at your own expense.
Day 2:Morning collection from the hotel in Punta Arenas after breakfast. A drive an hour and a half from Punta Arenas brings guests to the Seno Otway penguin colony where the Magellanic penguin is found. Known as the jackass penguin for its characteristic braying sounds, these penguins are naturally curious and tame and are a joy to watch. After ample time to photograph the penguins, begin the scenic drive across the Patagonian Steppe where riders have the first glimpses of the unusual plant and animal life that exists in this area. After a short lunch stop in Puerto Natales we will continue on to our campsite situated close to a working estancia on the edges of the beautiful Laguna Verde. Enjoy a stroll down to the lakeside and marvel at the variety of birdlife and spectacular views of the Horns while dinner is prepared. No showers tonight. Transfer time approximately 6.5 hours.
Day 3:After breakfast meet the horses and the charismatic baqueanos who care for them. After the assignment of horses, there is a quick safety check and short familiarization ride. Pack the saddle bags with cameras, waterproofs, and a picnic lunch before setting off around the shores of this beautiful lake through ancient southern beech forests towards the Sierra del Toro. Stop to marvel at the views of the entire Park below before start the steep descent of the Sierra del Toro to the pampas below. Lunch will be taken in the valley and we will have a chance to visit the Park Headquarters to look at their relief maps of the park. Enjoy the faster pace as you head toward the campsite beside the Serrano River. River-chilled wine and snacks are available while dinner is prepared. Showers available. Riding time about 4-4.5 hours.
Day 4:Today saddle up for the fast ride to Mirador de los Hielos (iceberg lookout). This is open pampas riding at its best as there will be lots of opportunities for long canters as you ride toward the huge granite peaks of the Paine Massif along the Grey River towards the largest Glacier in the park, Glacier Grey. Arrive at a lookout with dramatic views of the iceberg choked waters of Grey Lake. After plenty of time to rest, take photos and enjoy your incredible lunch perch, head back to the campsite at the Serrano River. Showers available. Riding time about 5-6 hours.
Day 5:Today enjoy beautiful trails in the heart of the park. This trail also known as the “up and over” crosses a variety of changing landscapes. Ride through verdant green valleys and southern beech forests passing turquoise lakes and crossing wide open plains. Watch
magnificent condors hovering high above mountain peaks whilst down on the plains herds of guanaco scatter upon approach. Cross over 30 kilometres of this amazing country dominated by the Paine Horns and Towers after which the park is named. Finally, after a truly memorable ride, the waters of Laguna Azul come into view. The destination is a pretty campsite on the banks of the azure waters of Laguna Azul. Enjoy hot showers, fire pits and great views of the Towers. Riding time about 7-8 hours.
Day 6:After packing up camp and loading the packhorses, set off on an exciting ride towards the Torres and Lago Paine. The route starts with the flower lined trails around the lake before heading out through soft valleys and dry river beds westwards toward the Dickson Valley with stunning views of the Paine massif. Remote camp will be made riverside at Lago Paine. No showers tonight. Riding time about 5 hours.
Day 7:After breakfast ride out to Lake and Glacier Dickson. Dickson is one of the more remote and rarely visited glaciers in the park due to its inaccessibility. Ride past the northerly peaks of the Pain chain where one of the peaks is topped by a black, craggy rock in the shape of a Tuhuelche Indian face and the headband is created by snowdrifts. Head north passing by forests and scattered lakes before reaching the lunch spot above this beautiful lake and glacier. In the afternoon ride back to Lago Paine. No showers tonight. Riding time 6-7 hours.
Day 8:Today continue eastwards towards the La Cumbre mountain range and the land belonging to Estancia Tercera via a different route. Ride through forests, flower filled meadows and southern beech forests. There will be lots of opportunities for long canters before once again riding onto the wide open pampas that surround the estancia. Your destination is the wooden refugio nesteled in a small valley with views of the Towers and with a very remote and charming Patagonian feel. Hot showers and accommodation in bunk beds in the refugio. Riding time about 7-8 hours.
Day 9:After enjoying breakfast with one of the best views in the world set off on an exciting and unique adventure into the hills and forests of the Sierra Contreras. Your destination is the waterfall known as Cascada Zamora. Receiving almost no visitors it is likely that we will have the entire place to ourselves to relax and enjoy this magnificent spot. After lunch, ride out to a remote “puesto mercado” high over the pampas with views of Las Chinas Valley and the Sierra Baguales in the distance. Return to our camp at “puesto Tercera” for dinner and overnight. Hot showers. Riding time about 4-5 hours.
Day 10:Camp is packed up after breakfast and you are returned to Punta Arenas late afternoon. A stop for lunch is made in Puerto Natales, which offers a chance to shop for souvenirs. You will be returned to Hotel Rey Don Felipe in Punta Arenas about 6:00 PM. Transfer time 5 hours.
Day 11:Taxi (at your own expense) to the airport in time for your departing flight or onward journey.
THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.
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Pricing and Dates
Meeting PointPunta Arenas
Length of Ride11 days, 10 nights and 8 days riding.
Riding Ability Strong Intermediate Intermediate
Group SizeMinimum-2 Maximum-12
Riding Per Day5-6 hours
Pacemoderate
TackChilean
HorsesCriollo cross
Weight Limit210 lbs
2010 DatesNov 5-15; Dec 6-16; Dec 23-Jan 2, 2011
2010 Price$3,445 for 2-3 riders
$3,195 for 4+ riders
Single Supplement$300
2011 DatesJan 16-26; Feb 9-19; Mar 14-24
2011 Price $3,445 for 2-3 riders
$3,195 for 4+ riders
Single Supplement$ 300


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