Chile | Torres del Paine
This ride leads you through Torres del Paine, Chile's most prized national park. Its 180,000 hectares of diverse scenery and wild landscape on the edge of the southern ice fields and is one of the largest sources of temperate-zone glaciers in the world. The park was created in 1959 and was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978. Before that, it was part of a huge sheep estancia.
The type of horses used on this ride are the Criollo breed. I have the utmost respect and admiration for these caballos. They are extremely willing, stocky in shape and tough as old boots. The breed is one of the oldest registered horse breeds of South America and is known for their high threshold of discomfort, great immunity to disease and remarkable rate of recuperation. In short, direct one of these horses towards an impassable river crossing or a steep cliff climb and they will not hesitate, once the trust is earned they will become a loyal friend.
time in saddle
4 to 7 hours
riding ability
Intermediate - advanced. This is a fast paced ride with some very long riding days. Fitness and experience are important. Not suitable for beginner riders.
accommodation
basic camping for the Glacier Ride and comfortable estancia accommodation for the Estancia Ride.
group size
Minimum of 2 adults, maximum of 12
dates
GLACIER RIDE DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2012 & 2013
October 20 to 30, November 5 to 15, December 6 to 16, December 20 to 30, January 16 to 26, February 9 to 19, March 14 to 24, 2013,
March 28 to April 6, 2013
ESTANCIA RIDE DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2012 & 2013
October 20 to 30, November 23 to December 3, December 7 to 17, December 20 to December 30, January 15 to 25, January 29 to February 7, February 24 to March 5, March 10 to 20, March 29 to April 5, 2013 *horse moving ride
prices
GLACIER RIDE
$3185 US per person for eleven days, ten nights per person. Single supplement is $300US.*
ESTANCIA RIDE
$3950 US per person for eleven days, ten nights per person. SIngle supplement is $800US.*
The prices includes accommodation, transfers to and from Punta Arenas; meals and riding. The price does not include international flights or travel insurance. Prices may be subject to change.