About Torres del Paine Estancias

  • Estancias and gaucho life became ingrained in Patagonian culture following the arrival of the first settlers who came to the area from Tierra del Fuego over a century ago to expand their network of self-sufficient cattle ranches
  • The estancias (working farms) that border the Torres del Paine National Park are included in many of the multi-day horse riding trips and also make excellent bases from which to journey through the park on guided wildlife trips
  • Estancias on the Antonio Varas Peninsula offer completely different yet equally dramatic types of scenery to Torres del Paine, and are great for bird watching, horse riding and authentic gaucho experiences
  • As many of the estancias offer a bed and breakfast option, they also work well as an interesting overnight stop on a self-drive itinerary in the park
  • If you are looking to experience and learn a little about the history, culture and harsh realities of day-to-day life in Patagonia, then a stay on one of these working farms could be just the ticket

Estancias of Torres del Paine

Estancia Cerro Guido

Estancia Cerro Guido is the biggest in Torres del Paine with 101,000 hectares of land. This working estancia has the peace and comfort of a hotel, but with the character of a traditional estancia. You will sleep in houses that display their heritage of the Chilean farmers who once lived in them. A beautiful location on the border of the national park, where you can enjoy horse-riding, a Patagonian barbecue or simply explore the grounds of the estancia.

Estancias in Torres del Paine

Estancia Lazo (Hosteria Mirador del Payne)

***NOT CURRENTLY OPEN TO GUESTS***

Estancia Lazo is situated just on the border of the national park and is part of a huge cattle ranch dating from the last century currently with 13,000 hectares. It boasts magnificent views over the Laguna Verde as well as the Paine Massif. The rooms are simple yet comfortable and the main estancia house and dining-room-come-bar are great to relax in after a day riding in the park. 

Estancia Lazo

Estancia Lazo, Torres del Paine

Estancia Tercera Barranca

This is a family-run working estancia with breathtaking views of the famous granite towers and eastern side of the Paine Massif. It continues to function as a sheep farm, while many species specific to the region can be spotted among it's 6,500 hectares. Its seven rooms are all in the converted farmhouse and may be simple but are perfectly comfortable. 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, the most notable being the incredible horse riding excursions.

Estancias in Torres del Paine

Estancia Las Chinas

A recently converted old-fashioned ranch house, Las Chinas acts as an annex to the Cerro Guido lodge. It can host up to 14 people in four rooms of two to four bunk beds (extra beds can be added) and has four shared bathrooms with hot water and modern facilities. The real adventure begins outside in the Las Chinas valley, where you can explore the surroundings right from the estancia. After your Torres del Paine trek, this is the perfect place to do a bit of exploring and rest your legs in front of the fireplace.

Las Chinas horse riding

Horse riding from Estancia Las Chinas, Torres del Paine

Estancia Laguna Sofia

When it comes to horse riding, this cosy guest house has a huge amount to offer. With over 5000 hectares, there are numerous stunning landscapes to explore, and as it only sleeps eight people, you really will feel like you're escaping the beaten track. In a beautiful spot on the shore of Lake Sofia, near a lovely waterfall, this is a very comfortable place to relax with a Pisco Sour after your day on horseback in the national park.

lagunasofia
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Luke says

There are still some proper, working estancias in the park, like Cerro Guido. It's got 100 years plus of history and you're sitting with the pampas all around and the Paine massif lit up by the sunset and you feel so much a part of the place.

Luke Errington Founder, Swoop Patagonia

Estancias of Antonio Varas Peninsula

Estancia La Peninsula

Across the Ultima Esperanza Fjord lies the quiet Antonio Varas Peninsula, a little-explored wilderness with a beautiful working estancia. You won't find the crowds of Torres del Paine here; the boat over to the peninsula only carries 16 people, once a day. While only accessible by boat, it is really just a stones throw from Puerto Natales. Explore the 19,000 hectares around the estancia, immerse yourself in gaucho culture with the horse rides and sheep-shearing demonstrations, or jump in the estancia's land rover for spectacular views of this remote peninsula.

landscape around estancia la peninsula

Estancia Bahía Esperanza

Staying at Estancia Bahía Esperanza gives one the sense that there is always more to explore. Within and beyond the 5,600 acres of the ranch, there are endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and bird watching, as well as a boat trip which sails through the Southern Ice Field. A novelty surrounds the setting and access to the estancia, limited to a private crossing of the Ultima Esperanza fjord, and yet the atmosphere, interior and size (accommodating a maximum of nine guests) creates a particularly homely feel. 

Estancias in Torres del Paine

Estancia Mercedes

Return from a day rounding up cattle in the countryside, as the Gaucho have been doing at the estancia since 1916, to traditional rooms with wood stoves and family meals made with home-grown food. The estancia offers one double and one quadruple room, both with an additional bed available, and a shared bathroom. There is a commitment to consuming sustainably – electric is produced by wind while any organic waste is composted for the land. Located one hour from Puerto Natales, the journey involves a short boat ride and then a drive/shuttle through the remote Patagonian roads.

Estancias in Torres del Paine

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Torres del Paine Hotels

Torres del Paine National Park has a large range of accommodation to choose from. Stay at a refugios or campsites for a fun and traditional trek experience. Escape to a luxury lodge for tranquillity and incredible views across the park or gaze up at the stars from your yurt/dome.

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