Rates and Dates for 2008
Rates include:
Six nights accommodation based on twin share throughout (in hotels, hosterias and estancias – see full itinerary for more details on the type of accommodation); five days riding; all transfers to and from Punta Arenas and whilst in park (see designated flight info above); breakfast and lunch every day; dinner in homestays, hotels and estancias (excluding wine - see full itinerary); Lamb Asado; English speaking and local guides; baqueanos who care for horses; waterproof stuff sacks for trip; use of saddle bags; entrance fees to park and penguin colony.
Packages and Options
Click here for updated current rates.
| A | 2008 | 7 days Estancias, AP | 7d / 6n | $2300 |
| small group supplement 2 only | $200 |
| Group discount 7+ | ($120) |
| Single supplement | $350 |
| Optional boat ride | $75 |
Gratuity:
Transfer Option:
|
2008
|
Transfer from the airport in Punta Arenas included
|
Tour Dates
Check here for more details.
| A |
2008
|
10/15
- 03/31
|
7d / 6n
|
3
/12
|
Reserve
|
|
Rates do not include:
Flights, airport taxes, meals/accommodation in Punta Arenas; lunches on Day 1 and Day 7; local gratuities ($50 recommended).
Day 1 Morning collection from airport continue in comfortable transfer vehicle across the Patagonian Steppe where you will have your first opportunity to see some of the unusual plant and animal life that exists in this area. After a short stop in Puerto Natales we will continue in a vehicle along this stunning drive skirting the rocky shores of this turquoise lake with the fabulous peaks standing watch behind. As we drive the final section through an ancient southern beech forest, we will see the traditional red roofs of estancia Lazo come into view. Our base for 2 nights, this very comfortable converted Estancia situated beside Laguna Verde offers splendid views, great food and comfortable accommodation. The lake shore is a great place to stroll spotting the wild geese and ducks bobbing in the water. Dinner will be in the restaurant offering an excellent variety of local foods and wine. Dinner included (excluding wine/drinks). Drive approx. 6.5 hours
Day 2 Today we will be meeting our horses and the dedicated baqueanos who care for them. After assigning horses to riders, we will have a safety check and short familiarization with western riding before packing our saddle bags with cameras, waterproofs, and our picnic lunch and setting off around the shores of this pretty lake through ancient southern beech forests towards the Sierra del Toro. We will then make a steep ascent through forests to climb right up on top of this mountain. The last section of the ride will often be through snow as we stop to marvel at the views of the entire Park below us. Afternoon return to our stunning Estancia Lazo. Hours in the saddle: 3-4.
Day 3 After a wholesome breakfast and packing up we will be starting our ride eastwards towards the heart of the Park. The morning ride is very pretty as we wind our way through valleys passing a number of lakes and stunning lookouts. Plenty of time to take photos before we ascend to a lookout with fabulous views of the pampas and waterways below. After stopping to let the horses rest we will tighten our girths before making a dramatic 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 map of the Park. We will step up the pace in the afternoon and enjoy an exciting canter across the flat pampas towards the emerald green waters of the Serrano River. Our accommodation will be in one of the hotels built beside this river. Dinner in restaurant included (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in saddle: 3-4.
Day 4 Today we saddle up for the fast pampas ride to Grey Lake. Our view will be dominated by the huge granite peaks of the massif as we ride out along the Grey River to the largest Glacier in the park, Glacier Grey. After crossing the swinging footbridge, we will take a walk down to Grey Beach for a memorable view of the Glacier and huge icebergs floating in the grey waters of this lake. For those who are interested there’s an optional boat ride across this iceberg-choked lake towards the face of this spectacular Glacier (this boat is very weather reliant and costs $75 per person for the three hour boat ride). If the boat isn’t running or for those clients who prefer to stay ashore, there’s plenty of opportunities for hiking, taking pictures or walking the short distance to Hosteria Lago Grey to enjoy some fireside pisco sours. After this exciting day we’ll rejoin our horses for a lovely long canter across the pampas to our hotel at the Serrano River. Hours in the saddle: approx 5..
Day 5 Today we will be setting off on one of the longest rides of the trip initially started as an experiment but now one of our most popular rides which none of our itineraries would be complete without. The Paine Massif will unfold in front of us as we cross widely diverse scenery on our journey across the heart of the park. Mountain peaks dominate the horizon and we pass numerous lakes of startling colours with rivers tumbling through tranquil green valleys. Herds of guanacos will be seen and flocks of birds accompany us on our rides through the forests. Wild flowers and orchids are nestled amongst the trees and line the trails. Truly a fantastic and memorable ride. Finally, our trail will take us eastwards to cross the Rio de las Chinas on our route out to the land belonging to Estancia Tercera Barranca. We will be basing ourselves here for 2 nights and can relax in the lovely living room with splendid views of the Towers while dinner is prepared. Dinner included (except wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 7 – 8.
Day 6 After saddling up we will set off on our exciting ride west towards the Torres and Lago Paine. Just before Laguna Azul we head north towards Laguna Stokes where a large natural vega or pasture exists. This area attracts wild criollos from the surrounding hills to graze in the summer. There will be many excellent photo opportunities on this route as we pass through forests, pastures and the lake where Lady Florence Dixie first camped having sighted the Towers. Afternoon return to Estancia Tercera. Dinner included (excluding wine/drinks). Hours in the saddle: 5-6.
Day 7 After a leisurely breakfast of coffee and home made cakes/bread we will transfer to Punta Arenas via Puerto Natales. We will have time in Natales to shop for souvenirs or postcards and there is a wide choice of restaurants and cafes in which to enjoy lunch. We will arrive at Punta Arenas airport or hotel at approximately 5 pm. Transfer time: 4 hours.
Meeting:
Punta Arenas
Airport:
Puntas Arenas
Transfer:
Punta Arenas
Passport and Visa Requirements: PassportsPassport valid for at least six months required by nationals referred to in the chart.Passport NotePassports issued to children must contain a photo and state the nationality.VisasNot require.
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This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Passports issued to children must contain a photo and state the nationality.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of Greece for up to 60 days and nationals of Romania for up to 30 days.
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey on the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding required travel documents for onward destination and not leaving the airport transit lounge.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
2. Nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA entering Chile for touristic purposes will be charged a processing fee payable on arrival and in cash only. For nationals of Australia, the fee is US$56; for nationals of Canada, the fee is US$132; and for nationals of the USA, the fee is US$100 .
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No/1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |