|
2-Day
Horseback Riding Trip to Glacier Gueikie and Glacier
Navigation |
|
Day 1
At 08:00, we meet at Torres del Paine National Park Administration,
where we take a short transfer to the Serrano River sector.
Here we pass out waterproof jackets and life vests, to
begin descending the Serrano River on semi-rigid boats
to Estancia Anita.
On the way, we will make a short stop at Salto Serrano
(a geologic depression that makes for strong water rapids).
This obliges us to leave the boat and take a short walk
of five minutes, where we pass the rapid and board another
boat to continue with our trip. During the voyage, we
enjoy the flora and fauna along the river with a permanent
view of the Paine Massif and Glacier Tyndall.
When we arrive to Estancia Anita, the horses will be saddled
up and waiting for us to ride to Lake Gueikie. Because
of its geographic isolation, this glacier is still a secret
to most, and it is one of the most beautiful in the region!
We visit the three most impressive lookout points, taking
time to snap unforgettable photos. At Lake Gueikie, we
seek out a good place to have lunch on the beach alongside
enormous icebergs. We will also have the opportunity to
ride alongside the glaciers and capture amazing and 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 unique corner
of the Torres del Paine National Park.
Upon our return to the estancia, alongside the Serrano
River, we join the Guerrero family, the estancia owners,
for an excellent asado (beef barbecue typical of the region).
Tonight’s accommodation is in camp with outdoor bathrooms
and no showers.
Day 2
In the morning after a good breakfast we continue sailing
down the Serrano River. We stop at Hostería Monte
Balmaceda for a hot drink, and then we continue to the
Serrano Glacier, gateway to Bernardo O'Higgins National
Park, one of the biggest parks in Chile. Here we walk
to the viewpoint of the Serrano Glacier, where we hopefully
observe ice blocks calving and splashing into the lagoon
below.
We return to the port by 13:15 hours, where we board the
21 de Mayo boat and begin to navigate through the Última
Esperanza Fjord en route to Puerto Natales. During this
voyage we will observe the Balmaceda Glacier, which pours
into the sea from the summit of Mount Balmaceda.
In the middle of the fjord we stop for 1.5 hours for a
Patagonian lamb barbecue at Estancia Perales. We then
continue sailing through the fjord, arriving to Puerto
Natales around 16:00 hours. You will then be transferred
to your hotel.
|
|
|
|
Start:
Administration NP (CONAF) |
|
End:
Puerto Natales |
|
Difficulty:
Low |
|
Season:
October - April |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options |
It is possible to start this program from
Puerto Natales. (Additional costs apply.)
Kayak: On day 2, it is possible to change
the Serrano River navigation from semi-rigid boats to kayaking
(the leg from Estancia Anita to Puerto Toro). Previous kayaking
experience is not necessary. Paddling time is approximately
2.5 hours. (Additional cost.)
You can do this program in the reverse direction (Additional
cost), starting with the navigation and ending at
Torres del Paine Administration. In this variation, it is
not possible to paddle upriver in kayak, but it is possible
to change the navigation on the Serrano River on day 2 for
a horseback ride to Torres del Paine. Please ask us for the
detailed itinerary.
|
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, which
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Equipamiento |
|
Sun
hat or visor |
|
Warm
clothes |
|
Waterproof
clothing (pants and jacket) |
|
A
complete change of clothes |
|
Cap
or wool hat |
|
Gloves |
|
|
Sunscreen |
|
Appropriate
walking shoes |
|
3
pairs of socks |
|
Fleece
jacket |
|
Sunglasses
(optional) |
|
Long
underwear (top and bottom) |
|
|
Services |
Included |
|
Transfer from Torres del Paine Administration
to the Serrano sector. |
|
Bilingual guide (Spanish / English), with WFR training, VHF
radio and first aid kit. |
|
Horseback ride to Glacier Gueikie and Estancia
Anita (approximately 8 hours). |
|
Individual equipment: gaiters and helmet. |
|
1 night lodging in camp (with outdoor bathrooms, without showers). |
|
Sleeping bag. |
|
Food service:
All included, four meal services a day (breakfast,
lunch, snack, dinner). |
|
|
Drinks: mineral water, juice,
coffee, tea, pisco sour with ancient glacier
ice.
|
|
2 navigation trips on the Serrano River: From
the Serrano sector to Estancia Anita to Puerto
Toro. |
|
Entrance fees for Bernardo O’Higgins National
Park. |
|
Navigation
to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. |
|
Transfer from
Puerto Bories to Puerto Natales. |
|
Asado (typical Chilean barbecue) at Estancia Perales
(drinks not included). |
|
|
|
|
|
Not
Included |
|
Drinks
during the lunch on at Estancia Perales. |
|
|
Groups |
Groups have a maximum of 6 persons.
It is possible to exceed this maximum for tour operator or
family groups.
|
|
|