Reasons to stay in a Torres del Paine estancia

  • Get a taste of traditional Patagonian culture among restored or working ranches that still hold true to to their gaucho roots
  • Get truly off the beaten track at a ranch tucked between the mountains, lakes and plains of Torres del Paine National Park, where the horizons seem to stretch out forever
  • Explore the empty landscapes on horseback or along hiking trails with local guides keen to share their passion for the region
  • Enjoy a taste of the pioneer spirit in a variety of styles, from cosy comfort to rustic charm
  • Disconnect completely from the outside world, far from the crowds and a working phone signal

What to expect from an estancia stay

The estancias of Torres del Paine show off some of the best wilderness in Patagonia and are working ranches that are destinations in themselves. 

Those estancias bordering Torres del Paine National Park are included in many of the multi-day horse riding trips and make excellent bases from which to explore the park. The estancias closer to Puerto Natales offer contrasting scenery and are great for bird watching and authentic gaucho experiences

Whichever you choose, you’ll have almost vast landscapes to explore by yourself.

There is much variation in levels of comfort, excursions offered and the extent to which the estancia is still a working ranch compared to focusing on tourism. 

Horse riding at Estancia Cerro Guido near Torres del Paine

Riding out from an estancia

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Swoop says

Estancias come in all shapes and sizes in Torres del Paine, from basic dorm-type accommodations to beautifully restored homes with excellent service and dining. There really is everything for all tastes.

Torres del Paine estancias

Estancia Cerro Guido

Cerro Guido is the biggest working estancia in the Torres del Paine region, covering 250,000 acres (101,000 hectares) of land. Over a century old, it offers the peace and comfort of a good hotel, but with all the rich character of a traditional Patagonian ranch.

The estancia sits in a beautiful location on the eastern border of the national park, where you can enjoy horse-riding, visits with a pioneering conservation programme helping pumas and livestock share the land, or even see where palaeontologists are digging up ancient fossils. Alternatively, just sit back and enjoy a traditional barbecue under an endless sky.

Estancia Cerro Guido and the Towers at Paine

Estancia Cerro Guido

Estancia Lazo

Estancia Lazo is situated just on the border of Torres del Paine and is part of a huge cattle ranch dating from the last century that now rus 32,000 acres (13,000 hectares). It boasts magnificent views over Laguna Verde as well as the Paine Massif.

The rooms are simple yet comfortable. The main estancia house and dining room-cum-bar are great to relax in after a day of riding in the park. 

The estancia also has a complete house for up to eight people that can be booked for exclusive stays. 

Estancia Lazo in Torres del Paine

Estancia Lazo

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Chloe says

Staying at a working estancia like Cerro Guido really puts you in touch with Patagonia’s frontier roots. When you’re sitting with the pampas all around and the Paine Massif lit up by the sunset, the enormous sense of time and space just swallows you up.

Chloe Mazille Patagonia Specialist

Estancia Tercera Barranca

This family-run working estancia treats its guests with breathtaking views of Torres del Paine’s iconic granite towers and the eastern side of the Paine Massif. The ranch continues to function as a sheep farm, running livestock across its 16,000 acres (6500 hectares).

Its seven rooms are all in the converted farmhouse and may be simple but are perfectly cosy. In the evenings you can unwind by the fireplace in the lounge or enjoy meeting other travellers by the barbecue. The hosts provide a warm friendly atmosphere, and there are varied activities on offer here, including horse riding excursions that offer the chance for some great birdwatching.

Estancia Tercera Barranca

Estancia Tercera Barranca

Estancia San Luis

Estancia San Luis, managed by the devoted Cárdenas-Oyarzún family for over 45 years, blends traditional livestock farming with the allure of Patagonian cultural tourism across its 32,00 acres (13,000 hectares).

Visitors can engage with nature via horseback riding, exploring the estate's diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, and stay at the Puesto Rio Vizcachas, a charmingly refurbished house near the Argentinian border.

This destination offers a genuine slice of Patagonian life, complete with stunning views, local cuisine, and a tranquil atmosphere made for adventure and relaxation in equal measure.

Estancia San Luis bathed in star light

Estancia San Luis

Puerto Natales estancias

Estancia La Peninsula

You know you’re escaping the crowds when your estancia begins with a trip by boat because there’s no proper road access. Estancia La Peninsula has just that – a stone’s throw and a world away from Puerto Natales in the wilderness of the Antonio Varas Peninsula.

The 47,000 acres (19 hectares) of this working sheep ranch are dominated by glacier-capped mountains and the startling reflections of the surrounding fjords. Here, you can immerse yourself in gaucho culture, saddle up yourself or jump in a Land Rover to drive to spectacular views of this remote peninsula.

For a real treat, the estancia offers adventures to La Barossa, a private cabin miles from anywhere, where you can stay in complete cosy seclusion.

Estancia La Peninsula near Puerto Natales

Estancia La Peninsula

Estancia Lago Pinto

Estancia Lago Pinto is another historic working ranch, tracing its roots back to the pioneering days of 1890. Today, under the stewardship of Pedro Pivcevic Jara, the estancia has adapted to modern demands by transitioning from sheep to cattle farming, yet it staunchly preserves the rural customs and sustainable practices of its heritage.

Guests at Estancia Lago Pinto are treated to an immersive experience of Patagonian life, from authentic barbecues and folk music, to educational tours of the greenhouses and animal enclosures, culminating in hands-on activities like sheep shearing and horseback riding through sweeping historic landscapes.

Estancias in Torres del Paine

Estancia Lago Pinto

Explore more of Torres del Paine

Hiking in Torres del Paine

Hiking in Torres del Paine

World class hiking and trekking awaits in Torres del Paine National Park. From the iconic W Trek to the park’s most hidden corners, each valley, peak and pass is a treasure.

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