Torres del Paine Horseback Riding Tour: Estancias & Glaciers

Meet the guide and fellow riders in Puerto Natales for a briefing on the route, weather, required gear, and trail safety.

The following day, drive to Puerto Bories and sail for three hours along the Ultima Esperanza Fjord, admiring Serrano Glacier beneath Mount Balmaceda, which rises to 2,148 m (7,047 ft). Back on land, saddle up for a four-hour, 12 km (7.5-mile) ride through humid forest with valley views. Follow an old baqueano trail to Lago Brush, a remote stay in Torres del Paine National Park.

Elevation Gain: 322 m (1,056 ft)
Elevation Descent: 2,148 m (7,047 ft)
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)

Note: Accommodation in Puerto Natales before the excursion is not included, but pre-tour hotel nights and transfers from Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales can be arranged.

After breakfast, ride into Torres del Paine National Park through forests of lenga, ñirre, and coigue. The trail opens onto pampa with room to gallop, crosses streams, and winds on as the Paine Massif comes into view. After 4 to 5 hours and about 15 km (9.3 miles) of trotting and galloping, arrive at a glamping camp on the banks of the Serrano River.

Settle into your deluxe tent, enjoy a welcome drink, and sit down to a freshly prepared dinner in the dining lodge.

Elevation Gain: 414 m (1,358 ft)
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)

After breakfast and a short drive to the trailhead, gallop across the pampa toward Grey Glacier, then follow the Grey River and a narrow trail up to the Grey Lake viewpoint for lunch. Return by the same trail, with another gallop across the pampa in the afternoon.

The ride covers about 33 km (20.5 miles) over 7 hours. Return to your riverside camp for dinner.

Elevation Gain: 266 m (873 ft)
Distance: 33 km (20.5 miles)

Today is a long day in the saddle, with 8 to 9 hours and about 26 km (16.2 miles) of riding.

After a short transfer to the start, take in views of the Paine River and Lake Toro, the largest lake in the province, before climbing technical, steep mountain trails that level out higher up. Pass several small lagoons on the way to Laguna Verde, on a 13,000-hectare (32,124-acre) livestock estancia with views of the Paine Massif.

Elevation Gain: 916 m (3,005 ft)
Distance: 26 km (16.2 miles)

This day is for experienced riders only. Leave Laguna Verde along the slopes of the Sierra del Toro, riding through forest and pampa with views of the Cuernos, the full Paine Massif, and the Sierra Baguales. Skirt Lake Sarmiento with Torres del Paine in view, then follow an old access path along the Las Chinas River.

After 6 to 7 hours and about 33 km (20.5 miles), arrive at a historic estancia with views of the mountains and pampa. Its puesto once housed workers of the Sociedad Explotadora de Tierra del Fuego in the mid-20th century, and the estancia has been raising sheep and cattle for more than 40 years.

End the day with a lamb barbecue dinner.

Saddle up one last time for a 5-hour, 25 km (15.5-mile) ride to Cerro Castillo. Cross the Sierra del Cazador with views of the Sierra Baguales and Paine Massif, then traverse the Patagonian pampa and climb to a high ridge that follows the border, looking out over both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia.

Finish with a final gallop, then take the 1-hour transfer back to Puerto Natales.

Note: Post-tour hotel nights and onward transfers can be arranged.