Glaciers of Paine on horseback

Day 1: Fly to Punta Arenas; Transfer to Puerto Natales

We recommend you take the early flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas, flying over the Andes and observing incredible views of the Patagonian Icefield. Upon your arrival in Punta Arenas a private transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Punta Arenas. As we leave the airport we can see the Straits of Magellan and the mystical Tierra del Fuego.

During our 3hr drive, we cross open pampas passing huge estancias and with luck we'll be able to see one of the most typical animals in this area, Darwin's rhea (ñandu), a rare South American ostrich.

We’ll then arrive at Puerto Natales, a small fishing town surrounded by mountains located on Last Hope Sound. We’ll check in to the hotel and join our guide for a trip briefing before enjoying dinner at the neighbouring restaurant.

Flight duration: 4hrs

Drive duration: 3hrs

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Vendeval, or similar, Puerto Natales

Day 2: Boat trip to Mt Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier; Lake Brush camp

We’ll begin with a short transfer to Puerto Bories from where we take a boat along the Last Hope Sound and approach the imposing Serrano Glacier at the foot of Mt Balmaceda (2,148m). Here we take a short easy walk up to the glacier viewpoint.

We’ll then take a boat across the Last Hope Sound to the Serrano River to meet our horses and local gauchos. From here we’ll ride for 4hrs, following the Serrano River through humid forests to Lake Brush where we’ll camp for the evening.

Length of transfer: 10mins

Length of walk: 45mins

Length of boat trip: 3hrs

Length of horse ride: 4hrs, 15km

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Lake Brush camp

Day 3: Ride to Serrano River; Serrano Camp

After breakfast we'll get back in the saddle and head towards Torres del Paine National Park.

Our ride for the day will end at the Serrano River where we'll settle in to Serrano Camp and enjoy dinner together.

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

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Serrano Camp

Day 4: Ride to Lake Grey lookout; Serrano Camp

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

From here we 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. We'll have lunch in front of this magnificent view.

We'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 5: Ride to Estancia Tercera Barranca

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

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

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

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Estancia Tercera Barranca

Day 6: Ride to Salto Las Chinas waterfall; Estancia Tercera Barranca

In the early morning, after a country style breakfast, we meet our baqueano who is going to join us for the next day of riding. We’ll choose our horses and start our trip. Our baqueano will lead us 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 we could see condors soaring in the skies above us. When we reach the Salto Las Chinas waterfall, we'll enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch before riding back on the same trail to the cozy Estancia Tercera Barranca.

In the evening we will gather 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 7: Ride to Estancia Lazo; Transfer to Puerto Natales

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

On arriving at the estancia we’ll say goodbye to our horses and take a private transfer to Puerto Natales where we’ll spend the night. We’ll enjoy a farewell dinner here together.

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

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Vendeval, or similar, Puerto Natales

Day 8: Transfer to Punta Arenas Airport

Today you’ll take a private transfer to Punta Arenas Airport for your onward flight.

Length of transfer: 2.5hrs

Meals: Breakfast