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3-Day Horseback Riding Trip to Gueikie Glacier From Torres
del Paine |
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Day 1
At 10:00 in the morning, we meet at Torres del Paine
National Park Administration, where we take a short transfer
to the home of the Astorga Family, baqueano pioneers of
the Serrano area.
During the horseback ride, we will observe a wide variety
of local birds and admire the scenic postcard-perfect
views of the Paine Massif. We wade through Rivers Otter
and Brush, which threaten to get our feet wet, with their
depth in the summer.
We also have the opportunity to visit the lookout point
of the Tyndall Glacier and Southern Patagonia Ice Field.
This is an excellent place to understand the geographic
importance of Estancia Anita, because it has the best
access to Gueikie Lake and Glacier.
The estancia belongs the Guerrero Family, owners of this
unique Chilean land located between two national parks:
Bernardo O'Higgins and Torres del Paine. Once we reach
the estancia, we leave the horses and cross the river
in a semi-rigid boat to the opposite bank, where we spend
our first night. Accommodation is in camp.
Day 2
Early in the morning, the horses will be ready and waiting
for us to ride to Lake Gueikie. Because of its geographic
isolation, the Gueikie Glacier is still a real secret
to many, not to mention being one of the most beautiful
in the region. We will visit the three most impressive
lookout points, with plenty of time to take memorable
photos.
At Lake Gueikie, we will seek out the perfect lunch spot
on the beach, beside huge icebergs. After lunch we can
ride beside the icebergs, snapping some of the most excellent,
unique photos of Patagonia. This is undoubtedly one of
the best excursions in the region, due to the impressive
glacial landscape and the feeling that we are the only
humans in this isolated corner of Torres del Paine National
Park.
When we return to the estancia along the Serrano River,
we will enjoy an excellent asado dinner (barbecue beef,
typical of the region) with the Guerrero Family. Accommodation
is in camp..
Day 3
In the morning we cross the Serrano River again, where
we mount our horses and journey back to the Serrano area.
We ride along the same trail we took the first day, with
amazing views of the Paine Massif, stopping for lunch
on the banks of the Serrano River. We also make a short
stop at Salto Serrano (a geologic depression that makes
for strong water rapids). We finish our ride at the Serrano
sector around 17.30 hours. A minibus will be waiting for
us to take us back to Torres del Paine National Park Administration.
This riding program will definitely give you a new concept
of life in Patagonia and its amazing horseback riding
trails.
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Start: Administration NP (CONAF) |
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End: Administration NP (CONAF) |
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Difficulty:
Medium |
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Season:
All year |
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More
options |
It is possible to start and finish this program
in Puerto Natales or from another point in Torres del Paine
National Park. (Additional costs apply.)
Kayak: On day 1, you can
change the horseback ride along the Serrano River to an excursion
in kayak. (The leg from the Serrano sector to Estancia Anita).
No previous kayak experience is necessary. Paddle time is
approximately 5 hours. (Additional charge.)
Serrano River Navigation: On days 1 and
3, you can change the horseback ride to a navigation on the
Serrano River. This is for those who do not wish to ride three
full days. (Additional charge.)
This program can be extended by one or more days, by adding
a fishing program at Lago Brush and a horseback ride to Glaciers
Balmaceda and Serrano.
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Requirements |
It is not necessary to have horseback riding
experience. Your guide takes the time necessary to ensure
that you learn all the most important technical aspects of
riding, all the basic security measures, the local riding
style and how to stay comfortable.
During the ride there is an area that is difficult to cross
on horseback. For your security, we will dismount and walk
for about 30-40 minutes (round trip, so we will have to do
this twice). According to the weather and humidity, the ground
may be soft. This walk is of medium difficulty, and a basic
level of fitness is necessary.
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Note |
The water supply comes from rivers and lakes in the areas
we visit. In this area of Patagonia, the water is pure and
you can drink it without problems. The guide carries a filter
and chlorine tablets for those who wish to purify the water.
Accommodation is basic, with no sanitary facilities. There
is an outdoor bathroom, typical of what you may find in the
wilderness.
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Climate
and Temperature |
Patagonia is known for its changeable weather
and high winds. Even the summers can be very cool and rainy.
Appropriately warm clothing and equipment are required.
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Equipment |
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Cap or wool hat |
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Gloves |
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Sunscreen |
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Sunglasses
(optional) |
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Services |
| Included |
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Transfer from Torres del Paine Administration
to the Serrano sector. |
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Bilingual guide (Spanish / English), with WFR
training, VHF radio and first aid kit. |
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Day 1: Horseback ride from the Serrano sector
to Estancia Anita (approximately 4-5 hours). |
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Day 2: Horseback ride from Estancia Anita to Gueikie
Glacier and back to Estancia Anita (approximately
7-8 hours). |
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Day
3: Horseback ride from Estancia Anita back to
the Serrano sector (approximately 4-5 hours).
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A horse to carry
equipment. |
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Individual equipment: gaiters
and helmet.
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2
nights camp. (outdoor bathrooms, without showers).
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Sleeping
bag. |
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Food
service: All included, four meal services a day
(breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner). |
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Drinks: mineral
water, juice, coffee, tea, Pisco sour with ancient
glacial ice. |
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Transfer
from the Serrano sector to Torres del Paine Administration. |
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| Not
included |
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Entrance fees for Torres del Paine National Park. |
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Groups |
Groups have a maximum of 6 persons.
It is possible to exceed this maximum for tour operator or
family groups.
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