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.
Discover MoreDeep roots in Patagonia: We are ex-guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, & adventurers.
We’ve got our feet on the ground: Impartial advice, a bespoke service, and at no extra cost.
For the ends of the Earth: Sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
Estancias are perfect base for exploring the wilderness around Torres del Paine. They're traditional sheep and cattle ranches steeped in history, offering guests a slice of Patagonian gaucho culture. Explore their trails on foot or horseback by day, then sink into their rustic charms at night, where frontier views stretch out under a dome of endless stars.
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.
Riding out from an estancia
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.
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
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
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 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
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
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.
Estancia Lago Pinto
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.
Discover MoreTorres del Paine's secluded waterways are perfect for paddling through. The many lagoons, rivers and glacier-fronted lakes offer something for all kayaking abilities.
Discover MoreEnjoy day rides or longer cross country treks in the saddle, embracing Patagonia’s horseback gaucho culture under the shadow of Torres del Paine’s mile-high granite peaks.
Discover MoreTorres del Paine Torres del Paine offers enormous scope for a host of outdoor adventure activities, which can be combined to make the perfect trip for you.
Discover MoreImpartial advice and a bespoke service to make your trip perfect.
We are former guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts & adventurers.
Swoop is proud to be B Corp Certified as we know sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
We’ll make sure you have the adventure of a lifetime.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
1-855-369-7866This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Privacy policy