Ride horseback along the Glacier Trail on a sure-footed Chilean Criollo.  Sip mate with a gaucho, and revel in the hospitality of a true Patagonian working ranch.  The estancia will  treat you to a lamb bbq, known as an asado, Chilean wine and you will take home many fond memories. A land of extremes, Patagonia’s landscape is dominated by glaciers, granite spires, valleys, rolling hills and remarkable forests; all of which we will experience while riding 4-6 hours per day. This riding adventure will be unforgettable!

Highlights:

• An adventure, not a vacation!
• Hotels throughout trip, one night camping.
• Visit the Magellan penguin colony on Otway Sound.
• Fantastic scenery.
• See the southern ice field and Glacier Grey.
• Learn about abundant the ecology and history of Patagonia.
• Small group size, no more than 8.

Day 1 Upon your afternoon arrival to Punta Arenas, considered the most southern city on the continent, a private transfer and guide will be waiting for you in the airport. As we leave the airport we will see the Strait of Magellan and the island Tierra del Fuego. During the three-hour drive to Puerto Natales we will cross open pampas and catch our first sighting of the lesser rhea and of guanacos before arriving at Puerto Natales. From Natales, a remote fishing town on the shores of Last Hope Sound and the gateway town to the Torres del Paine National Park, we will follow an unpaved road into the park and to the Estancia Lazo where we will stay the night and enjoy a welcome barbecue.
(5 hours by private transfer, 370 kms) (L-BBQ)

Day 2 After saddling our horses the ride begins through a native deciduous beech forest, going around small lagoons with incredible views of the Paine Massif and the surrounding areas. After crossing the shores of Laguna Verde, named for its green-turquoise waters, we will enter Torres del Paine National Park. At the trail's high point we will have stunning picture taking opportunities of the Paine River emptying into Lago Toro, the largest lake in the region. From here we will begin our descent to the park headquarters where we will spend the night.
(4-5 hours, slow riding, trotting and cantering) (B-BL-D)

Day 3 Our day starts by riding to Lago Grey. We will cross vast pampas and a bridge spanning the mighty Grey River. While eating a picnic lunch on the shores of Lago Grey we will enjoy splendid views of icebergs that have broken off from the Glacier Grey. Glacier Grey is one finger of five glaciers that enter the park. After lunch we well cross the lake by boat, which will bring us to the edge of the ice field. Our return journey offers views of Paine Grande with its impressive ice mushrooms. We will spend the evening back at our hotel.
(4-5 hours slow riding, trotting and cantering, 45 minutes walk, 3 hours by boat and 30 minutes by transfer) (B-BL-D)

Day 4 After breakfast we will walk to the administration area of the park where our horses will be waiting. Our day’s ride includes lakes and valleys, trails and incredible views. We will have a picnic lunch on the shores of Lago Sarmiento and then continue on to the east entrance of the park. From here we will take a photo safari via our private transfer back to hotel.
(One hour photo safari by private transfer, 5-6 hours slow riding, trotting and galloping) (B-BL-D)

Day 5 Today we will take horses into the seldom explored valleys between the Torres del Paine and Bernardo O'Higgins National Parks. Our trail takes us through humid forests, similar to the austral channels, as well as through rivers, lakes and swampy zones. Along our route will be inspiring views of the Tyndall glacier, one of the most remote glaciers of the Southern Ice Field. We will have a picnic lunch along a river next to an old historic cattle barrack. Then we’ll continue into the valley, arriving at the Serrano River where a boat will take us across the river to the only privately owned estancia situated between the two national parks. We’ll spend the night here after setting up camp on the shores of Lake Brush.
(10 minutes transfer, 4 hours walking and trotting) (B-BL-BBQ)

Day 6 After a good breakfast we continue to Bernardo O´Higgins National Park. This trail takes us through humid forests, similar to those of the austral canals, following the Serrano River until it empties into the Sound of Last Hope, where we spend the night in the Hostería Balmaceda with an amazing view of the Serrano glacier.
(5 hours, walking) (B-BL-D)

Day 7 Our day begins traveling down the Serrano River in a motorboat to the mouth of Last Hope Sound. The sound is situated at the base of the impressive Serrano Glacier and Balmaceda Mountain (2148 m). From here we will take a short walk to explore the glacier. We will then board the Cutter 21 de Mayo and sail in the waters of Last Hope Sound to the town of Puerto Natales where we well spend the night in a hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner.
(10 minutes by zodiac, 45 minute walk, 3 hours by boat) (B-BL-D)

Day 8 A private transfer will take you to Punta Arenas where you can catch your afternoon flight to Santiago to begin a trip extension or where you will board the international flight to complete your journey home.
(3 hours by transfer, 250 kms) (B)

Extend your stay or start your trip with a few days in Chile’s fertile heartland. Let us know what vineyard interests you or let us chose our favorites for you.

Highlights:

• Santiago and Valparaiso city tours.
• Visit the Humboldt penguin colony on the Pacific coast.
• Coastal hike along a secluded beach.
• Sample Chilean vineyards.

Day 1 Arrive Santiago, Chile where you will be met by a Bella Treks guide and taken directly to your hotel to check in before heading out on an afternoon city tour. Dinner on own.

Day 2 Visit two unique and fine Chilean vineyards in the Maipo Valley. Spend the night at a historic mansion within the Santa Rita vineyard.

Day 3 Walking tour of the Chile’s historic seaport town, Valparaiso. Late afternoon on own to explore or rest up for a nightlife tour through Valparaiso’s famous bohemian bodegas, enjoying live tango and boleros.

Day 4 Drive north to visit Vina del Mar, a lovely coastal town. Stop at the Humboldt Penguin colony and stretch your legs walking along the coast on a hand built stone path to the tucked away village of Zapallar where we stay the night. Evening at leisure and dinner at the highly recommended seafood restaurant, El Chiringuito.

Day 5 Depart for home, or extend your adventure!