Glaciers of Paine on horseback

Day 1: Boat trip to Mt Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier; Lake Brush

Your day begins with a short transfer to Puerto Bories from where you take a four-hour boat trip along the Last Hope Sound and approach the imposing Serrano Glacier at the foot of Mt Balmaceda (2,148m). Here you take a short easy walk up to the glacier viewpoint.

You’ll then take a boat across the Last Hope Sound to the Serrano River to meet your horse and local gauchos. From here you’ll start riding, following the Serrano River through humid forests to Lake Brush where you'll spend the night in the Nunatak Domes.

Length of walk: 45mins

Length of horse ride: 5hrs, 12km/7.4 miles walking and trotting

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Nunatak Domes

Day 2: Ride to Serrano River; Serrano Camp

After a hearty breakfast, you'll take to the saddle once more and continue to Torres del Paine National Park through deciduous forests to Serrano Camp.

Along the way, you'll pass through some fascinating forested areas as you cross numerous creeks and rivers and at times through dense vegetation on little-travelled trails.

Northwards, the stunning view of the Torres del Paine massif will gradually come into view. You'll likely find very few other explorers on this trail which provides you with a truly memorable experience. You may have the chance to see some unique birdlife, such as the Magellanic woodpecker or the Austral parakeet.

As you continue there may be more opportunity to canter as the vegetation becomes less dense and the grasslands open up.

Your ride for the day will end at Serrano Camp where you'll settle in and enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening.

Length of ride: 6-7hrs, slow, trotting and cantering, 49km

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Serrano Camp

Day 3: Ride to Lake Grey lookout; Serrano Camp

After a good breakfast at Serrano Camp you’ll start your day by riding to Lake Grey lookout. You cross huge pampas that gives you the opportunity to canter to your heart's content. When you reach the River Grey, you'll follow a narrow path with incredible views of the mountains until you arrive at a splendid view of Lake Pehoé with its turquoise-coloured waters.

From here you follow a rugged trail leading to Lake Grey lookout. The lake is often full of icebergs, which have broken off from Glacier Grey, part of the Southern Patagonian Icefield – the third largest reserve of fresh water in the world. You'll have lunch in front of this magnificent view.

You'll return to Serrano Camp on the same trail, enjoying the opportunity for more cantering through the pampas.

Length of ride: 7hrs, walking, trotting and cantering, 17km

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Serrano Camp

Day 4: Ride to Estancia Tercera Barranca

After a good breakfast you’ll get back in the saddle and ride through Torres del Paine National Park. You’ll take it slowly as you pass numerous lakes and perfect views of the Paine Massif.

On arrival at Estancia Tercera Barranca, you’ll have plenty of time to settle in, relax and enjoy a traditional Chilean dinner.

Length of ride: 6-7hr slow riding, trotting and cantering, 28km

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Estancia Tercera Barranca

Day 5: Ride to Salto Las Chinas waterfall; Estancia Tercera Barranca

In the early morning, after a country style breakfast, you meet your baqueano who is going to join you for the next day of riding. You’ll choose your horse and start your trip. Your baqueano will lead you to the eastern side of the Torres del Paine National Park on a route taken by Lady Florence Dixie, whose 1880 account of journeying in Patagonia has taken on iconic status.

Riding across the pampas and plateaus you could see condors soaring in the skies above you. When you reach the Salto Las Chinas waterfall, you'll enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch before riding back on the same trail to the cozy Estancia Tercera Barranca.

In the evening you'll relax in front of the fireplace with a Pisco sour in hand (Chilean brandy made from Muscatel grapes).

Length of ride: 6-7hrs, slow riding, trotting and cantering, 28km

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Estancia Tercera Barranca

Day 6: Ride to Estancia Lazo; Transfer to Puerto Natales

After breakfast you’ll start your ride to Estancia Lazo. This is a working cattle ranch on the edge of the national park. You’ll set a moderate pace and gallop past magnificent views of Las Torres in the distance.

On arriving at the estancia you’ll say goodbye to your horse and take a private transfer to Puerto Natales.

Length of ride: 6-7hrs, slow riding, trotting and cantering, 34km

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch