RATES PER PERSON
- 2 riders USD$ 3.595
- 3 riders USD$ 3.395
- 4-8 riders USD$ 2.795
- Single supplement USD$ 200
|
 |
|
 |
|
| DEPARTURE DATES |
|
| Set a date and share the group |
|
|
|
|
| TRIP LENGTH |
|
| 8 Days/7 Nights |
|
|
|
|
| START / FINISH |
|
Punta Arenas (PUQ), Chile  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Day 1 We recommend you take the early flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas (4 hours), flying over the Andes and observing incredible views of the Patagonian Ice Fields. Upon your arrival in Punta Arenas, the most southern city on the continent, a private transfer will be waiting to take you to Estancia Las Chinas. (Chile Nativo will offer a pick-up from the airport at 2:50 PM, corresponding with LAN airline, Flight # LA285, or at 02.30 PM from your hotel in town). (Flight numbers and times subject to change)
As we leave the airport we can see the Straits of Magellan and the mystical Tierra del Fuego. During our five hour drive, we cross open pampas passing huge ranches (estancias) and with luck we will be able to see one of the most typical animals in this area, the ñandu, (a rare South American ostrich). We pass by Puerto Natales, located on the Sound of Last Hope, a small fishing town surrounded by mountains. From there we will follow an unpaved road to Las Chinas Valley. Our final destination is Estancia Tercera Barranca, a typical example of an estancia in the region, with an amazing view of the famous Towers del Paine granite peaks.
(5 hours by private transfer) (D) (Night at Estancia Tercera Barranca)
Day 2 Early morning, and after a country style breakfast, we meet our baqueano (local cowboy), who is going to join us for the next days of riding. We choose our horses and start a round trip ride to the Sierra Contreras Mountain Range. Our baqueano leads us through a typical Patagonian landscape, a vast terrain call “Pampa”, at the foot of the Sierra Contreras mountain range. Here we have the chance to observe Guanaco herds, and maybe a few Rheas. Our trail becomes steep as we head to the top of the Sierra, with a magnificent view of the Las Chinas Valley with the famous Torres Del Paine granite peaks in the background. After enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch we return to our cozy ranch-house. In the evening we will gather in front of the fireplace, with a Pisco sour in hand (Chilean brandy made from Muscatel grapes).
(5 hours slow riding, trotting and cantering) (B-BL-D) (Night at Estancia Tercera Barranca).
Day 3 Today we will ride south from Estancia Tercera Barranca crossing the valley. The first couple of hours will be across the Patagonian steppe, which is found on flatlands and plateaus with semi-arid, cold climates and an annual precipitation of up to 400 mm. After 5 hours riding we will reach Laguna Azul, which is located at the limit of Torres del Paine National park and with spectacular view of the Towers. From here we take a private transfer all the way to the administration of the park, where we will camp for the next days at the shore of the Serrano River, with amazing views of “Los Cuernos”.
(5 hours slow riding, trotting and cantering, 45 minutes by private transfer) (B-BL-D) (Night at Camping Serrano).
Day 4 After a good breakfast at the campsite we will start our day by riding to Grey Lake look at point. We cross huge pampas that give us the opportunity to canter as much as we want! Once we reach the Grey River, we follow a narrow path with incredible views of the mountains; until we arrive to a splendid view of the lake Pehoe with its particular turquoise colored waters. From here we follow a rugged trail leading to a look-out point of Lake Grey, often full of icebergs, which have broken off from the Grey Glacier, part of the southern ice field which is the third largest reserve of fresh water in the world. Our lunch will be in front of this magnificent view. We come back to our camp on the same trail, enjoying the opportunity for more cantering through the pampas.
(7 hours walking, trotting and cantering) (B-BL-D) (Night at Camping Serrano).
Day 5 This day we pack up camp and head south, crossing the Serrano River to arrive at Aniceto Astorga’s farmhouse. At Anicento’s we’ll choose our new horses to begin a ride to an unexplored valley at the border of Torres Del Paine National Park. We cross several rivers and go through a landscape filled with lakes and wetlands, constantly being surprised by the changing views of the Paine massif and the last glaciers of the Southern Ice Field. We’ll spend the night here after setting up camp on the shores of Lake Brush, and enjoy a well deserve lamb barbecue Patagonian style.
(10 minutes transfer, 4 hours walking and trotting) (B-BL-BBQ) (Night at Lake Brush Campsite) (No showers available).
Day 6 After a good breakfast we continue to Bernardo O´Higgins national park. This trail takes us through humid forests, similar to those of the austral canals, following the Serrano River until it empties into the Sound of Last Hope, where we spend the night in the Hostería Balmaceda with an amazing view of the Serrano glacier.
(5 hours, walking) (B-BL-D) (Night at Hostería Balmaceda).
Day 7We’ll begin the day by crossing the river into the Seno de Ultima Esperanza, facing the imposing Serrano glacier at the foot of the Balmaceda Mountain (2148m). Here we make a short easy walk up to the glacier. We’ll then take a boat, “the cutter, 21 de Mayo” navigating via glaciers and canals on our way down to Puerto Natales, to spend the night in a hotel after a goodbye dinner.
(10 minutes by zodiac, 45 min walk, 3 hours by boat) (B-BL) (Night at Weskar Lodge or similar).
Day 8 We will take a private transfer to Punta Arenas. (Clients should take the flight at 01:45 PM, from LAN airline, flight LA#287 (Flight numbers and times subject to change), arriving to Santiago at 06:10 PM), if you decide to stay the night in Punta Arenas; we will drop you at your hotel.
(2 ½ hours by transfer) (B)
REGARDING THE SCHEDULE
The schedules indicated above are subject to change due to weather conditions or unexpected circumstances beyond our control, but we will try our best to keep them unaltered.
|
|
| Estancia Las Chinas |
|
A simple ranch house recently converted into a cozy guest house as an annex to the Lodge Cerro Guido. Each room has 2-4 bunk beds with warm down comfortors. Shared baths have hot water and modern facilities. Relax next to the fireplace or walk around the ranch taking in the views of Las Chinas Valley, one of the most pristine valleys in the area.
|
........................................
| Hostería Balmaceda |
|
The perfect place for resting, adventure and observation. There are 16 rooms with private bath and a dining room with grill. This is all surrounded by a beautiful landscape and a magnificent view of the Serrano glacier and the Balmaceda Mountain.
|
........................................
| Weskar Patagonian Lodge |
|
This cozy family run lodge is ideally located on the Sound of Last hope, with magnificent views of several mountain ranges and just a 15-minute walk from the main square.
Weskar is a warm and friendly hotel and restaurant with decorations based on ethnic concepts and ecological guidelines.
|
........................................
| Camping Chile Nativo |
|
Our clients sleep in 4-season tents, North Face VE 25 (3 person capacity) or similar, based on twin-share occupancy. We use a Mountain Hardwear domo-dining tent when the group is over 6 passengers and only in certain areas.
|
........................................
|
| INCLUDED |
-All the private transportation indicated in the schedule
-All the horses, saddles and pack horses during the excursion
-Helmets, leather chaps, leather gloves, saddle bags, dry bags
-All meals indicated in the schedule (B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, L: Lunch, D: dinner , BBQ: barbecue)
-Two nights at Estancia Tercera Barranca (Twin/double with private bathroom)
-Entrance fee to Torres de Paine National Park
-Three nights at Chile Nativo Camp (Base on twin share tents) (North Face VE 25)
-One night at Hosteria Balmaceda (Twin standard room)
-Navigation between Monte Balmaceda to Puerto Natales
-Entrance fee to Bernardo O’Higgins National Park
-One night at Weskar Lodge or similar in Puerto Natales (Twin Standard room)
-Guide (English-Spanish languages), plus a baqueano (local cowboy)
........................................
|
| NOT INCLUDED |
-Flight to Santiago, Chile
-Internal Flight Santiago - Punta Arenas
-Any additional nights
-Medical expenses
-Insurance of any kind
-Personal expenses
-Sleeping bags and mattress
-Lunch on Day 1 & 8
-Dinner on day 7
-Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.
-Gratuities for Guide, Baqueano & driver.
........................................
|
| WEATHER |
Chilean Patagonia is famous for its unpredictable weather. Because of the possibility of experiencing all four seasons in one day, it is important to be prepared for anything. The wind is the main factor prevailing during spring and summer, sometimes reaching over 100 kms/hour. Summer temperatures (December-March) fluctuate between 4°C (39°F) and 15°C (59°F), dropping to temperatures below 0°C during the night, and sometimes reaching up to 25°C (77°F). During the months of October and April, the temperatures can be cooler. There is also a higher probability of stable weather during these months and less wind.
........................................
|
|
| Exelentes profissionais |
| |
Quero em nome do nosso grupo agradecer o atendimento e o profissionalismo com que você preparou tudo e a atenção do Cristian e do Ivan ; exelentes profissionais.
Todos sem exceção, adoraram os passeios.
Espero que possamos repetí-lo em breve no próximo ano. Talvez você tenha alguma sugestão semelhante, nos mesmos moldes.Se tiver, por favor nos envie.Se me permitir uma sugestão, gostaria de fazê-la , isto é , podermos ajudar na cozinha; e até fazermos alguns pratos.
É que no nosso grupo 2 pessoas gostam de cozinhar ( apesar das refeições estarem irrepreensíveis;congratule o cozinheiro) , é que temos prazer em cozinhar,principalmente na situação em que estávamos em Las Chinas.
|
| |
| Hilton Porto |
 |
| November, 2009 |
| ........................................ |
|
| |
| Mother Nature’s best work...Patagonia |
| |
|
Patagonia has a grand beauty, a magical quality that stole away the part of my brain reserved for thoughts of the greatest place on earth. The only disappointment with my visit is that it was MUCH too short. I would be content to explore the enchantment of this harsh and beautiful land through all the seasons. If you are a person that likes to be entertained by the unpredictable challenges of nature, and to spend time responding to the glory of watching the day go by in a spectacular display of Mother Nature’s best work...Patagonia is the place for you. I could spend a lifetime without boredom watching the days roll by in Las Chinas Valley. My few short days in Patagonia were like a tiny taste of my favorite food after a long hike, temptation without fulfillment. I must go back someday.
Chile Nativo has got it right. From the early stages of research and planning my trip, I recognized that the staff was professional, knowledgeable, and excited to allow the wayward traveler an opportunity to glimpse the life and land of Patagonia. Their respect for the environment, wildlife, local lifestyles, and history of the
region is obvious. Their respect for the traveler is also apparent. (They demonstrated the flexibility to accommodate our small group of 3 people, all with different interests. THAT is an accomplishment!)
I could not be more impressed by the efforts of a travel company anywhere in the world!
I send many thanks to all the staff at Chile Nativo for your thoughtful considerations of our needs. I appreciate your patience with my many questions. Thank you for waiting for me when I wandered down a path in the woods and found a beach, a lake, and a magnificent iceberg. The experience captured me, and I could have stayed all day… sorry you had to wait! Thank you for the brief introduction to a true wonder of the world called Patagonia. Thank you for your efforts to observe and preserve a most precious piece of the world. Thank you for the opportunity to visit Las Chinas Valley, which might very well be the most perfect place to ride horses that I will ever see in this lifetime. Thank you for being available to a first time visitor to Patagonia.
I left a piece of my heart in Patagonia; the rest wants to go back and learn more about the lifestyles of local people, the geology and biology of the area, the politics and preservation efforts of Torres del Paine. Best of luck, and “good times” to everyone at Chile Nativo. I will recommend your company to anyone and everyone who hopes to visit Patagonia!
|
| |
| Nancy Tuttle |
 |
| December 2008 |
| ........................................ |
|
| |
| Estancias, Glaciers & Pisco Sours! |
| |
|
Travelling as a group of 6 friends of varying horse-riding abilities, we highly enjoyed our week in Patagonia. Chile-Nativo made arrangements which accommodated all speeds and included, for some, a day off the horses for those who needed a break from the saddle. Our horses were wonderful; tough and hardy but very responsive with admirable stamina and endurance.
The baquenos were friendly and helpful, the tack comfortable and the horses well cared for. We were also pleased to spot deer, fox, skunk, condors, guanaco and nandu amongst the wildlife - if not the elusive puma! The organisation and logistics were on spot, the food and drinks were delicious and, of course, the scenery was fantastic. The variety of landscapes we rode over left us with marvellous memories of the rolling hills on the estancias, rugged icy mountain peaks, glaciers and rocky forested hills.
Although we never caught a salmon at Brush Lake our lamb BBQ was superb and the location magnificent. Our Zodiac ride to the Serrano glacier and penguin spotting trip rounded off the trip nicely and left us very sad to have to leave. A highly recommendable holiday, we felt very well looked after by our guides.
|
| |
| Kotska Wallace |
 |
| November 2007 |
| ........................................ |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Fast Track W (3D/2N)
