The southern Patagonian Andes are one of the wildest and most spectacular corners of South America. Travelling by horseback is undoubtedly the best way to experience its savage and magnificent landscapes. A seven-day horseback safari through Chile’s remote Sierra Baguales and Torres del Paine National Park–led by wonderful gaucho Osvaldo Mella–is an invitation to adventure of the first order.
"The horses are carefully trained by Osvaldo, and are perfectly adapted to the mountainous terrain."
You’ll ride beneath enormous skies on willing, sure-footed criollo horses with first-class tack of layered felt, sheepskin and leather. The horses are carefully trained by Osvaldo, and are perfectly adapted to the mountainous terrain. The trail takes you through ancient mountains and gnarled forests, across rushing rivers and past turquoise lakes, encountering powerful winds and meeting the land’s fiercely independent but extraordinarily large-hearted people. Guanacos and condors are virtually guaranteed, and puma sightings are far from impossible.
After arriving at the fabulous Sierra Baguales Camp, your first day is dedicated to exploring the majestic surrounding landscapes and getting acquainted with your horse. The trek proper is suited to riders with some previous experience and takes place over four days. Days in the saddle vary between five and nine hours long. Along the way, you’ll stay in a combination of comfortable, authentic working estancias and an exceptional glamping operation. On shorter days, you’ll have the opportunity to experience estancia life and join the gauchos as they go about their work. Meals, generally washed down by excellent Chilean wines, are a real highlight–especially the asado barbecue at Lago Azul–and the camaraderie and story-swapping is something you’ll treasure for a very long time.
This is a truly off-the-beaten-track pioneer adventure available from November to May each year. Having crossed Torres del Paine National Park and taken in its iconic views, journey’s end is at Rio Serrano. Here you’ll jump into a boat to explore Lago Grey and the Grey Glacier, the southernmost tongue of ice tumbling down from the Southern Patagonian Ice Sheet–a final reminder of Patagonia’s magnificence before your return to civilisation.
