Excursions from Estancia Cerro Guido

This classic Patagonian hike challenges backpackers from around the world. You will leave the hotel early to head to Torres del Paine National Park, where you will begin your hike approaching the Paine Massif and facing the first major 2 km climb into the Ascencio Valley. Continue through the valley, passing Campamento Chileno and gradually ascending through a Lenga forest until you reach the foot of the glacial moraine. The final, most challenging hour of steep climbing over rocky terrain takes you to one of Patagonia's most iconic landscapes: the three granite towers.

Full-day | 10hrs, 12.4 miles (20km) | Difficulty: High | Elevation Gain: 1,314m

An exciting challenge for athletic hikers to climb the highest peak in the Sierra Contreras and the mountain of the estancia's namesake. Standing at 1,270 meters above sea level, you'll discover an exceptional panorama and a valuable archaeological monument, the Chenque—a large burial mound erected by the extinct Aonikenk people. You will leave right from the hotel, hiking steadily uphill through open fields to the foot of the Sierra Contreras. From there, begin a strenuous climb up the steep, pathless rocky slope to a plateau rewarding you with magnificent views of Sierra Baguales, before continuing a more gradual climb to the summit for a spectacular 360-degree view.

Full-day | 8hrs, 10.6 miles (17km) | Difficulty: High | Elevation Gain: 1,000m

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As one of the estancia's most iconic landscapes, the mystical Sierra Baguales forms the natural border between Chile and Argentina. For this adventure, you will head toward Puesto Las Flores to begin a steep, off-trail ascent through hills covered in coirón to the base of the mountain range. A series of small lagoons, striking peaks, and herds of guanacos accompany you as you approach Cerro Ciudadela. The descent takes you through wide valleys where you can still spot herds of baguales, the wild horses that give this remote mountain range its name.

Full-day | 10hrs, 8.7 miles (14km) | Difficulty: High | Elevation Gain: 756m

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Adventure enthusiasts looking to go off the beaten path will love this hike. You will leave the hotel by car for a 40-minute drive to the wild and less-explored Las Chinas Valley. Your hike takes you through open fields, following the Las Chinas River to the valley's only forest of native Lenga and Ñirre trees. From there, you will begin a strenuous, off-trail ascent over uneven terrain to a surprising viewpoint that rewards your efforts with spectacular mineral environments and unique rock formations alongside views of Torres del Paine.

Half-day | 5hrs, 7.5 miles (12km) | Difficulty: High | Elevation Gain: 650m

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On this excursion, you will hike from the hotel up to the Bosquecito viewpoint for fantastic views of the countryside surrounding the estancia. The path follows a beautiful tree-lined stream and climbs steadily until you reach the viewpoint which is located on the summit of a hill. From here you will have beautiful panoramas of the ranch, the Torres del Paine and Lake Sarmiento. During the walk you could also spot the typical fauna of Patagonia such as guanacos, rheas and foxes.

As this trail is marked with red stakes, it can be easily done on your own.

Half-day | 3hrs, 4.7 miles (7.5km) | Difficulty: Medium | Elevation Gain: 400m

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Shorter but demanding, this excursion is a condensed version of the full-day hike to the Sierra Baguales. You will visit the Las Flores post close to the Argentine border for a short but steep ascent to a viewpoint right in front of the Tridente and Ciudadela hills, some of the most imposing peaks in the range. You will also take in views of the wide pampa extending to the east before beginning your descent back through one of the valleys.

Half-day | 3hrs, 3.1 miles (5km) | Difficulty: Medium | Elevation Gain: 250m

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Located within Torres del Paine National Park, Lake Sarmiento is the largest body of water in the reserve and borders the estancia to the east. Your hike takes place near the base of the Sierra del Toro, where you will descend slowly through the steppe to reach the southeast shore for great views of the Paine Massif. There, you can appreciate thrombolites—the unique calcium carbonate deposits characteristic of the lake—before returning via a short, slightly steep climb.

Half-day | 2.5hrs, 3.1 miles (5km) | Difficulty: Low | Elevation Gain: 90m

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Available in either the morning or afternoon, this activity teaches you about the daily operations of the Cerro Guido Conservation Foundation. You will visit some of the designated conservation areas within the estancia to appreciate the fauna of the Patagonian steppe firsthand. Through binocular observation and checking camera traps, you will get a close look at the field research being conducted daily on the region's top predator, the puma.

Half-day | 5hrs | Difficulty: Low

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This excursion offers a closer look at the heart of the estancia and how it promotes the coexistence of cattle ranching and wildlife conservation. You will travel in 4x4 vehicles to the Condorera sector, equipped with binoculars and field guides. Along the way, you will explore the foundation's project by tracking wildlife movements, reviewing camera trap footage, and learning about the key role livestock guardian dogs play in protection efforts.

Half-day | 3.5hrs | Difficulty: Low

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Designed for experienced riders looking for excitement and natural beauty, this is the longest and fastest ride available. You will ride out toward the lower part of the ranch across plains and meadows heading to the Las Flores sector, where the Sierra Baguales becomes increasingly imposing. After a picnic lunch, you will return through the upper part of the estancia with the Paine Massif in sight, enjoying long stretches perfectly suited for trotting and galloping.

Full-day | 6hrs, 20.5 miles (33km) | Difficulty: Advanced (Expert riders only)

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Featuring varied landscapes and terrains, this ride begins with a climb from the stable to the high part of Sierra Contreras before heading to the Segunda Barranca sector—an old ranch that is now part of Cerro Guido. Continuing west, you will slowly enter a native Nothofagus forest. Following a picnic lunch, your return journey takes you through open pampas accompanied by local wildlife and the stunning backdrop of Torres del Paine.

Full-day | 6hrs, 15.5 miles (25km) | Difficulty: Advanced (Expert riders only)

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Head toward the lower sector of the estancia, crossing the pampa toward Puesto Marcou, an old livestock settlement offering distant views of Sierra Baguales. You will continue up the slope of Sierra Contreras and return through the high sector of the ranch with Torres del Paine tracking along the horizon. This ride covers diverse terrains where you can trot, gallop, and fully enjoy the natural environment.

Half-day | 3.5hrs, 10 miles (16km) | Difficulty: Medium (Previous experience required)

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This ride takes you through the immensity of the Patagonian steppe as you head toward the lower part of the estancia to Laguna Los Flamencos, a privileged spot for bird watching where you can spot flamingos, ducks, geese, and rheas. Surrounded by the Sierra del Cazador, Sierra Baguales, and the Paine Massif, this tour invites riders with experience to practice trotting and galloping across the pampa.

Half-day | 2.5hrs, 8.7 miles (14km) | Difficulty: Medium (Previous experience required)

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A must for beginner riders or those wanting to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the estancia. Leaving from the stable to the high part of the property, you will ride across a gentle plain with the majestic Torres del Paine always in sight. You will border a native forest of Lenga and Ñirre trees on the way up, and return through meadows and open fields where it is common to spot guanacos, rheas, foxes, horses, and sheep.

Half-day | 2.5hrs, 8 miles (13km) | Difficulty: Low (No experience required)

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Designed for the whole family, this easy and pleasant tour allows you to appreciate the nature close to the ranch. You will go on a walk through the fields surrounding the stable, where you can see classic estancia animals like sheep and horses alongside native wildlife like guanacos, all framed by open views of the vast Patagonian steppe.

Half-day | 2.5hrs, 4.7 miles (7.5km) | Difficulty: Low (No experience required)

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This overland excursion takes you along paths running through the Torres del Paine National Park. From views of the Southern Ice Field to the pampas and its fauna, you will explore the diverse landscapes that this biosphere reserve offers. From the estancia you will head towards Lago del Toro to the south of the National Park, from where you will have a great panoramic view of mountains, forests, lakes and glaciers. Enter the park through the Serrano River entrance and continue towards the Pingo River area for a short walk to Lake Grey. From there continue to Lake Pehoé to have lunch, then visit Salto Grande. In the afternoon you will tour the eastern area of the park, passing the viewpoint of Lake Nördenskjold and Lake Sarmiento, to finish at Cascada Paine and start your return to Cerro Guido from Laguna Amarga.

Full-day | 10hrs | Difficulty: Low

This overland journey combines the landscapes of Estancia Cerro Guido with the northeastern sector of Torres del Paine National Park, taking advantage of close proximity to visit less-explored areas and classic viewpoints. The excursion mixes scenic driving with easy hikes, showing you the Las Chinas Valley—famous for paleontological findings—with views of Sierra Baguales. You will approach the park via the Laguna Azul sector for lunch, and spend the afternoon touring an area known for abundant wildlife, passing Cañadón Macho and Cascada Paine. 

Full-day | 10hrs | Difficulty: Low

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Drive through cattle fields to Puesto Sarmiento, an iconic location on the shores of Lake Sarmiento bordering Torres del Paine National Park. You will learn about the 1930s German aviator Gunther Plüschow, who used the estancia as a gateway for his explorations and the lake as a base for his seaplane. During your visit to the historic post, you will uncover the life of this adventurer and enjoy a walk along the lakeshore.

Half-day | 3.5hrs | Difficulty: Low

Take advantage of Cerro Guido's e-bikes as you head towards the enchanting outpost in the Las Chinas Valley. Starting from this picturesque point, you will pedal through the vast expanse of the steppe, catching glimpses of diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The route takes you deep into the wilderness across gentle slopes and winding trails until you reach the red outpost—a tranquil sanctuary nestled within a forested hillside that offers a peaceful moment of respite.

Half-day | 1.5hrs, 12.5 miles (12km) | Difficulty: Low

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Following an introduction to the history of Patagonia's first hunter-gatherers, you will set out to explore the pampas to understand how these early groups moved and inhabited archaeological sites found right on the estancia. On the ground, you will learn firsthand about the most recent historical studies and discoveries made by Cerro Guido's active team of archaeologists.

Half-day | 4hrs | Difficulty: Low

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This guided tour invites you to discover an authentic Patagonian estancia founded over 100 years ago, where original buildings are preserved alongside a traditional lifestyle. After a historical introduction to regional livestock farming, you will walk through the vegetable garden, greenhouse, manor house, and historic shearing shed. In the shearing shed, you can witness traditional shearing and learn about the wool grading process firsthand (seasonal only).

Half-day | 3.5hrs | Difficulty: Low

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Crystalline rivers descending directly from glaciers and mountains make this area one of the most pristine fly fishing destinations in the world. Specialised fishing guides evaluate the best sport fishing spots daily across the estancia's waters, including the renowned Las Chinas and Baguales Rivers. Equipped with top-quality gear, you will spend a full day casting for brown and rainbow trout, Atlantic and Chinook salmon, and unique native species.

Note: This excursion is not included in the all-inclusive package and costs USD $550 per person for two people, or USD $810 if you’re on your own. Fishing equipment is included. 

Full-day | 8hrs | Difficulty: Low | Minimum age: 10 years old

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