The Patagonia of the baqueanos
Long before Torres del Paine became a national park, the area was sheep-farming estancia country. The baqueanos, riders who knew every river, every pass and every shelter in the territory, crossed these plains and valleys at the foot of the Paine massif on horseback. That tradition is still alive: on the estancias around the park, work is still done on horseback, with saddles covered in sheepskin pellones, sheepdogs and mate at the end of the day.
Exploring Torres del Paine on horseback lets you see the landscape differently. You move faster than on foot, cross rivers and pampa where the hiking trails do not go and, above all, you get a better sense of the region's ranching history, which is as much a part of Magallanes' identity as the Torres themselves.
Types of rides
Options vary a lot depending on the operator and the season, but they can generally be grouped like this:
- Half-day ride, 2 to 4 hours, on estancia land or areas close to the park. This is the option for people who have never ridden or have little experience.
- Full-day ride, with lunch along the way, through valleys, pampa and lakeshores. It usually calls for some experience, since you spend many hours in the saddle and sometimes gallop.
- Ride combined with a hike: some outings cover part of the way on horseback and then continue on foot, for example towards the Chileno sector on the route to the base of the Torres.
- Multi-day trips with baqueanos, sleeping in camps or estancia outposts, through little-visited areas in and around the park. These are for experienced riders in good physical shape.
Rides inside the park follow authorised routes with licensed providers; you cannot turn up with your own horse and ride around freely.
Riding level required
No experience is needed for a short ride: the baqueanos choose calm horses, explain the basics before setting off and go at a walk. For full-day or multi-day outings, you should be comfortable at the trot and canter and used to spending many hours in the saddle. Many operators have a weight limit and a minimum age for the horses' welfare and the riders' safety; ask when booking and be honest about your level, because the horse you are given depends on it.
Best time to go
The main season runs from October to April. In December and January the days are very long, with light until late, and temperatures are the most pleasant of the year, though it is rarely warm. Spring (October and November) brings flowers and few people on the trails; autumn (March and April) turns the lenga and ñire forests red and yellow. In winter many estancias reduce or suspend their rides.
The main feature of the weather is the wind. In spring and summer very strong gusts are common, and you feel them especially on the open pampa. The baqueanos know these conditions well and adjust the route or timing when necessary.
What to wear and bring
- Comfortable, hard-wearing long trousers that do not chafe on the inside of the legs.
- Closed shoes with a small heel or boots; avoid trainers with very wide soles, which can get stuck in the stirrup.
- A waterproof, windproof jacket with a warm layer underneath.
- A hat that is well secured or has a cord, gloves and a neck gaiter.
- Sunglasses with a strap and high-factor sunscreen: radiation in Magallanes is high even when it is cloudy.
- A small, well-fitted backpack with water and something to eat.
Many operators provide a helmet and, in some cases, chaps or gaiters. Confirm beforehand.
Wildlife along the way
On horseback it is easy to get close to wildlife without scaring it off. Guanacos are seen almost everywhere, and rheas cross the pampa in groups. Condors soar over the hills, and in some areas there are foxes and upland geese. Pumas live in the area, but seeing one is uncommon and depends on luck and the sector.
Getting there
The gateway to Torres del Paine is Puerto Natales, about two hours' drive from the park. Puerto Natales is reached by bus or car from Punta Arenas, a journey of about three hours, or by direct flight in high season. Many rides include transfers from Natales or from the park's lodgings.
To enter the park you need a ticket bought online at pasesparques.cl. Since May 2026 there are single-day and multi-day tickets; check which option suits you before travelling. If the ride is on an estancia outside the park, a park ticket may not be needed; ask the operator.
Park rules
Torres del Paine has suffered serious fires caused by visitors, and the rules on fire are strict: lighting fires outside designated areas is prohibited, and smoking on the trails is not allowed. Stick to authorised routes, do not feed the animals and take your rubbish back with you.
Local guides and rides on Trekonda
On Trekonda you can browse the horseback rides in Torres del Paine and the local guides in Torres del Paine, and message them directly, with no intermediary commission. Ask about the actual time in the saddle, the level required, the number of riders per baqueano, the gear provided and what happens if the wind forces a change of plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go riding if I have never been on a horse?
Yes, on short half-day outings. The baqueanos assign calm horses and go at a walk.
When is the best time to ride in Torres del Paine?
From October to April. December and January have the longest days; October, November and March are usually quieter.
Do the rides go into the national park?
Some do, on authorised routes; others take place on neighbouring estancias with views of the Paine massif. Check the route of each horseback ride in Torres del Paine before booking.
What happens if it is very windy?
The baqueano may shorten the ride, change the route or postpone it. It is a safety decision for riders and horses.