Chile’s Patagonia was explored, founded and traversed by horse. So it seems only fitting for a visitor to discover this unruly and dramatic country by horse, riding shoulder-to-shoulder with the true Patagonian cowboy – the Baqueano (bac-e-ano). This ride leads you through Torres del Paine, Chile’s most prized national park. It’s 180,000 hectares of diverse scenery and wild landscapes 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 horses used on this ride are the Criollo breed. I have the utmost respect and admiration for these caballos. They are extremely willing, stocky and tough as old boots. The breed is one of the oldest registered horse breeds of South America and is known for its 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 their trust is earned, they will become a loyal friend.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:Criollo, Criollo x German Warmblood and Criollo x Arabian.
- Pace:Whatever your heart desires! There will be periods of walking due to the terrain, but plenty of trotting and cantering as well.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 95kg / 210lbs.
- Type of tack:Traditional Chilean tack - metal or wood-framed saddles onto which layered felt, sheepskin and leather are placed.
- Seasons:October through to March.
- Group size:A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 guests.
- Time in Saddle:Between 5-8 hours in the saddle each day.
- Riding Ability:Strong intermediate to advanced. This is a fast-paced ride with some very long riding days. Fitness and experience are important. Not suitable for beginner riders. Not sure what your riding experience is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Accommodation:Comfortable estancia accommodation.
- Ride Length:10 days, 9 nights with 8 full days riding *there is also a shorter 5 day, 4 night itinerary with 3.5 days of riding on offer as well.
- Inclusions:
The price includes transfers to and from Puerto Natales (10 day ride only), accommodation, meals and riding.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include international or domestic flights, or travel insurance (compulsory).
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!Departing | Finishing | Total | ||||
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February 2, 2021 | February 11, 2021 |
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March 2, 2021 | March 11, 2021 |
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5 day, 4 night riding itineraries are available upon request *These rides are not scheduled and can be suited to individual date requests. Please note: a minimum 2 guests are required for a departure to be confirmed. |
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PRICING STRUCTURE
The ride price will reduce based on the number of riders booked on each departure. For 10-day estancia rides, the pricing structure is as follows:
$6999 USD per person for 2-3 riders; $6599 USD per person for 4-5 riders; and $5999 USD per person for 6-8 riders
*A single supplement is available at $990 USD for guests not wishing to twin share.
For 5-day estancia rides, the pricing structure is as follows:
$4199 USD per person for 2-3 riders; $3799 USD per person for 4-5 riders; and $3599 USD per person for 6-8 riders
*A single supplement is available at $490 USD for guests not wishing to twin share.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes transfers to and from Puerto Natales (10 day ride only), accommodation, meals and riding.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international or domestic flights, travel insurance (compulsory), or staff gratuities.
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments. Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN USD?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Transfer Information
What our valued Globetrotters say about the Estancia Ride

Katrina Lee
‘Torres del Paine was amazing! I loved it! Beautiful scenery all day every day. Being and feeling like you were on the edge of the earth was just amazing. The horses were fabulous – I wanted to take them home. So calm, smart and strong. It was great being able to go on such long rides, and galloping across the Patagonian pampas was just amazing, with the guanacos making their alarm calls and condors flying overhead. Having delicious packed lunches (with fabulous soup and Baileys) was just great after working up an appetite. The estancias were amazing as well. Some of them were the nicest places I have ever stayed, with the most incredible scenery to wake up to (and breakfast as well)! The group was just amazing as well. I did think that anybody who would want to ride for 10 days in Patagonia must be pretty cool, and I was right!’

Megan & Josie Laver
“We had a wonderful time. The horses were great, the scenery amazing and each day different than the last. Just when we thought what could possibly top that, there was another incredible vista.”

Hilary and Peter Ford
“We just had such fun, we were very lucky with a) the weather, b) Kris our guide, who was an absolute delight, c) some fab experiences with condors and the gaucho grabbing an armadillo and d) great company, lots of laughs and vino tinto!”

Pauline Cushing
‘The Gauchos were brilliant and Kris our guide was wonderful – so knowledgeable of the area, and he really looked after all of us.”

Andy Eberle
“The holiday has been the best one of all my holidays so far. I like the type of horses, they were in very good condition. Everybody was friendly and helpful.”
STORIES FROM THE SADDLE
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Meet a Globetrotter: Megan Laver
Megan Laver seems to have the Globetrotting bug, first completing our ride through Mongolia, followed by the Torres ...
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A Day Spent In Santiago
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Horse breed: Criollo
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Meet a Globetrotter: Bernadette Kelly
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Looking the Part in South America: the Poncho
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Packing for Mountain Rides
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Horse People: Chile’s Baqueano
The man’s face is worn and tanned like a well-loved leather boot. He sits deep in his ...
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