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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
In Preparation/Clients’ suitability for the trip etc.
Patagonia is a beautiful, wild and unpredictable part of our planet.
For lovers of the outdoors who are used to coping with the challenges of
travelling in remote areas (and who have a keen sense of adventure and a
flexible attitude) the rewards are plentiful and memorable. Their
companion and guide is an experienced Adventures leader who is
accompanied by Chilean horsemen known locally as baquianos. With groups
over a certain size, he will also have an assistant who helps out with
cooking, guiding etc. The horses are willing, sure-footed and strong –
the best we can find. Meals whilst camping and in hotels/estancias will
be wholesome and varied and are prepared for guests. The leader will
ensure the trip runs smoothly and will ensure that clients’ enjoyment,
personal safety and scenic rewards are the tops! On camping rides, guests
typically set up their own tents. Other things worthy of a mention are
that the roads can be loooong, bumpy and dusty, the weather can be
notoriously unkind and the riding days are sometimes long. Clients should
be prepared for these events in order to benefit fully from the fantastic
riding, wild and untamed scenery and amazing life experiences that a trip
of this nature offers. Please feel free to discuss any ‘suitability’
issues with us at any time.
Arriving:
We suggest that clients arrive in Punta Arenas one or two days before
departure. This will give them a chance to relax prior to meeting the
group for dinner the night before we start the trip. At the trip end,
clients should arrange their flights for the day following the last day of
the trip as we do not normally arrive in Punta Arenas until about 6 p.m.
All our trips run for a specified number of days. Trips start on Day 1
when we collect clients from their chosen hotel in Punta Arenas. We
recommend the Hotel Condor de Plata which is clean, comfortable and
reasonably priced at approx. US$60 for a twin room. Alternatively, there
is the Hotel Plaza, a little more expensive at around $85 per night for a
twin room. For something a bit more sumptuous there are a number of top
level hotels at around $200 per night. We are happy to advise on
accommodation in Punta Arenas and to make any reservations on behalf of
our clients. In some cases, The Plaza for example, we will ask for the
client’s credit card number to secure the booking.
All our trips are guided from start to finish by an experienced
Adventures leader. He/she will be joined on trips by baquianos (Chilean
horsemen) and for groups over a certain size, an assistant who helps with
preparing meals and other camp chores.
Horses:
The horses are Criollo-cross and vary in size with the majority being
between 14.0 and 15.2 hands. They are strong, fit, willing and
sure-footed. We are able to provide good horses for both experienced
riders and for riders who are more novice or a bit ‘rusty’. The pace of
the ride will be adjusted to suit the majority of riders but as we always
travel with more than one riding guide, there is great deal of flexibility
and riders soon find their own pace for the trip. Riders are not
responsible for grooming or tack.
Climate:
Torres del Paine has a milder and drier microclimate than the surrounding
areas of Patagonia because of some unique geological features. The
weather however is famously unpredictable and it is possible to experience
four seasons in the course of a few hours! Average daily temperatures
vary but in summer one can expect 10 - 20 degrees celsius with the
occasional hot day of 25 degrees. Temperatures can drop to zero at night
and high winds are common in this area. Although you can never be sure of
how Paine will treat its guests, we ask that clients are prepared (both
mentally and physically) for unpredictable and sometimes challenging
weather conditions and that you pack accordingly. Good waterproofs (top
to toe) are essential.
Group Sizes:
We operate our trips with a minimum of four and a maximum of twelve
clients. In the event that the minimum number has not been reached we
reserve the right to either cancel the departure or offer a smaller group
of one or two clients a different date. Please note that we have run
trips for two clients and will continue to do this wherever possible.
Pace of Ride:
Moderate - Fast. The pace is largely dictated by the terrain and the
distance we need to travel on a certain day but where possible there is a
lot of trotting and cantering. Distances vary between 20 and 40
kilometres in a day.
Riding Experience:
We prefer riders to be reasonably confident at walk, trot and canter. We
can provide willing, freegoing horses to experienced riders who like to go
at a faster pace and in addition the horses are extremely kind to the more
novice riders. All riders (but especially the novices) would benefit from
getting ‘riding fit’ before coming here. A few tough one hour lessons
with lots of trotting immediately before travelling would be a good
idea.
Weight Limit:
210 Pounds.
Age Limit:
18 - 70 years unless by prior arrangement. We will accept children over
10 as long as they have the stamina and attitude to complete a trip of
this nature. We would prefer them to be a confident rider.
Non-Riders:
For non-riding partners, we can arrange a hiking trip which follows a
similar route taken by the riders. This will be guided where necessary
(with occasional vehicle assistance to enable him/her to make up the
distance) and the hiker will meet the riding group at the end of each day
(with one or two slight deviations). Price according to the number of
non-riders in the group. Please ask for details and prices.
Tack:
The tack is Chilean and comprises of metal framed saddles onto which is
layered felt, sheepskin and leather. Rope, rawhide and leather form the
bridles, girths, straps etc. The saddles provide adequate comfort for the
long days riding and the stirrups consist of a leather cup through which
the foot cannot pass. Most of the horses are ridden in simple snaffles.
Halters are worn throughout the ride with rope tied around the horse’s
neck to tie up at lunch stops/rest stops etc.
Water:
During the trip we use local water supplies from rivers, streams and
lakes. Clients should bring a water bottle to fill for their personal
daily drinking supply. Two ‘half litre’ bottles seem to work better than
one ‘one litre’ bottle as these fit more easier into pockets (saddle bags
are provided but one needs to dismount to access these). Water is always
available at camp and there are further rivers and streams to replenish
supplies en route. This water is clean and pure and is about as close to
the source as is possible. We have never had any problems with any client
drinking this water (there are no communities in the park to contaminate
the water and there are no tropical water bourne diseases such as
guiardia). If however a client does not feel confident in drinking this,
we would recommend they bring iodine drops (and the taste inhibitors that
are sold with them) for their personal supplies as it is impossible to
carry any alternative source of water on the pack horses.
Equipment:
A full kitlist is attached to this note. On all our trips guests are
required to bring a sleeping bag (on Estancia Ride these are for the
refugios) and for our camping trips they should also bring a mat. The
sleeping bag should be 3 or 4 season and should be carried in an effective
stuff sack. We can rent sleeping bags and mats to guests and you should
indicate this at the time of booking. For those clients renting a
sleeping bag, we recommend you bring a sleeping bag inner (available in
silk, cotton and fleece) for your comfort and hygiene.
Waterproof stuff sacks are supplied to each client for the duration of the
trip. This enables their belongings to be packed comfortable, safely and
drily onto the pack horses. The capacity of these bags is 3,200 cubic
inches and is sufficient for the demands of the trip. Excess luggage not
required for the trip can be stored either at the client’s hotel in Punta
Arenas or with us in Puerto Natales.
Transfer Times:
On the morning of collection from Punta Arenas the transfer time to the
penguins is around one hour. After everyone has had enough time observing
the penguins, taking photographs etc, we will continue our journey on to
Puerto Natales (around 3 hours). A one hour lunch stop is made in Puerto
Natales before continuing on to our first night’s camping in the park (2
hours). The reverse of this is the case on our final day (without the
penguins). For the Estancia Ride, this is reversed with the penguins
being visited on the return journey.
Tips/Gratuities:
At the end of the trip it is customary for each client to contribute
towards a tip for the baquianos who have travelled with us. The normal
amount given by each client is between $25 and $50 for the trip although
of course it is up to the client to decide on how much they would like to
give. This is presented by one of the group to the head baquiano at the
end of the trip. In addition, where the leader or assistant is not one of
the company owners (i.e. Alec or Lian) then a tip would be appreciated.
Accommodation and Meals:
Camping:
We use comfortable 3-man tents which are roomy, comfortable and able to
withstand the sometimes high winds in the area. Accommodation is based on
twin-share. If clients require single accommodation, we will make an
extra charge of (£140/$200) per person although agents should await final
booking numbers as its possible a single person may have their own tent in
any case.
Some of the camping will be true ‘wilderness’ style camping with the only
washing facilities being in a river or lake. Showers are available during
four out of the nine nights on the Glacier Ride.
All meals are included. Wine is also included (generous though
necessarily limited supplies!)
Guests typically set up their own tents.
Estancia Ride:
We use both working and converted estancias and the former offer a family
stay environment with clean and comfortable facilities. They are all
beautifully located with amazing views. Cattle and sheep are farmed and
horses will be seen in a working environment. Facilities may be shared.
In order to ensure a visit to the beautiful Dickson Valley we will use the
Park refugio (mountain lodge) where accommodation is of a simple
standard. The refugio itself is constructed of wood and is in a stunning
setting. The atmosphere is convivial and comfortable and dining is ‘group
style’. Whilst we endeavour to provide twin share accommodation, there
may be times that guests are required to share with one or two other
people.
In converted estancias and hosterias such as at Laguna Verde and the
cabins at Serrano the accommodation is comfortable twin share with en
suite facilities.
Breakfast and lunch is included daily. Dinner in refugios and some
estancias is also included. Dinner in hotels/hosterias is generally not
included and neither is alcohol or drinks consumed at dinner. See full
itin. for further details.
Food
Camping Trip:
Meals are varied and wholesome and include fresh salmon and local fish,
pasta, chicken, beef, lamb and some local Chilean meals. Fresh salad is
served every night. Local wine is served with dinner and all meals are
prepared for guests. Packed lunches are prepared by the clients at
breakfast and are carried with us in saddle bags. These consist of
sandwiches (e.g. tuna, cheese, ham, peanut butter, salami), fresh fruit,
trail mix, chocolate, biscuits, snacks etc. Clients are responsible for
looking after their lunch boxes.
Breakfast is normally hot and cold cereals, toast, jams, marmalade,
coffee, tea and juice. At times a cooked breakfast is served.
Vegetarians can be well catered for and clients should indicate their
requirements at the time of booking.
A dining tent is carried for eating meals and cooking although sometimes
we choose to eat in a camp ‘shelter’ or around the campfire (weather
obviously permitting)!
Where possible, vehicle support is arranged. Supplies of bread, salad and
fresh fruit are replenished and there is an opportunity for clients to
swap clothes or retrieve further supplies from their bags.
On arrival at the campsite, wine and canapes are served giving riders
ample time to relax while the evening meal is being prepared.
Estancia Ride:
Meals will be eaten in the restaurant or with the family. Food will
consist of lamb, beef, chicken or salmon with fresh vegetables and rice or
potatoes. Wine and beer is available at a reasonable cost (in hotels).
Wine is included in estancias. Lunches will be prepared by clients at
breakfast and packed in our saddle bags and will consist of sandwiches
(tuna, cheese, salami, ham, peanut butter etc), fresh fruit, nuts and
snacks and biscuits/chocolate. Clients are required to look after their
own lunch boxes.
The restaurants in the Refugios offer a lively atmosphere and wholesome
food. Vegetarian options are also available.
Breakfast will include toast, coffee, cereal, ham/cheese, bread rolls and
juice.
For budgeting purposes clients should allow an average dinner price (in
hotels) of $25 - $30 per head including wine.
RECOMMENDED KIT LIST
Please find below a
recommended clothing list for our riding trips in Patagonia. From our
experience, this list will be adequate to cope with the demands of
travelling in Patagonia. The Patagonian climate is famously unpredictable
and weather changes in an instant. Temperatures vary between 10 and 20
degrees during the day but at night it can drop to zero. The wind can be
very strong so windproof clothing is especially important. Gortex is a
good option for keeping out both wind and rain or some clients like to
wear the long Australian stock coats which offer excellent waterproofing
from top to bottom.
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Sleeping Bag (four-season)
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Thermorest Pad (inflatable comfort and well insulated - camping trips
only)
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2 Pairs of riding trousers (or jeans with chaps)
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T-shirts and long sleeved tops (cotton polo necks are good for layering)
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Underwear and personal items
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1 Pair of insulating and quick-drying gloves for riding
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Riding helmet (riders not wishing to wear a hard hat do so at their
own risk)
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Some riders wear their helmets with a pull-over cover (available from
Hatrick Ltd - 01381 620615) to protect against sun
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1 Wool cap or other warm hat
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5 Pairs of socks (including a couple of knee-high socks for riding)
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2 Bandannas or scarves
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Women: Jogbra or other suitable support for women
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Comfortable footwear for general walking and travelling (well broken-in)
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Riding boots (well broken in) or ankle-high multi-purpose ride/walk
boots which work well when worn with half-chaps and can comfortably be
worn for walking too
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Waterproof/windproof (gortex or other suitable fabric) jacket with hood
and no leaks!
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Waterproof pants (essential and preferably those with ‘under foot’
stirrup to stop them riding up the leg)
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Set of thermals for cold nights
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Wool sweater or fleece
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Fleece Jacket or waistcoat
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Sun hat or visor
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Minimum 1 Litre water bottle or two half-litre bottles
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Camera with plenty of film and spare battery
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Waterproof camera bag (or bring plastic bags to cover when in saddle
bags i.e. Ziplocks)
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Torch with spare batteries (Maglite or similar)
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Sunglasses (preferably with neck string)
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Sunscreen and lipsalve
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Insect repellent
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Small towel
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Personal Toiletries (empty film canisters are good for storing shampoo
etc)
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Swimsuit (for occasional cold dips on hot days)
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Personal medication etc (ladies should bring tampons as they are
impossible to find in the park)
Useful items
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Spanish phrasebook or dictionary
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Travel alarm clock
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Swiss army knife
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Any ‘special’ or herbal teabags that are essential to one’s well being!
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Small camping pillow
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Fleece, silk or cotton sleeping bag inner (recommended if renting a
sleeping bag)
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‘Wetones’ or similar travel wipes
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Tissues
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Tracksuit pants or comfortable walking trousers for optional hikes and
relaxing at camp/hotel
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Reading material
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