Travel: Patagonia's soul-stirring landscapes

Gaucho sheep.Photo credit: Debbie Stone

Welcome to Torres del Paine National Park.Photo credit: Debbie Stone

Written by Debbie Stone
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From Los Alamos Daily Post

I swore to myself that I would never ride another horse like I had ridden in the past. From experience, I know that horses and I don't get along well.Usually I'm told that If you are riding a gentle mare, the “gentle” mare will persistently bite another horse. Always munching on grassy smorgasbords, hesitating and turning when crossing shallow rivers. And heading in the opposite direction, my favorite unexpectedly left at a trot and left the rest Everyone in the group (and mostly me too!) in the dust.

So you may be wondering what I was doing riding another “gentle” mare, this time in Patagonia. All locations. After saying no to the horseback riding tour many times, I finally went for it. Our head guide at Estancia Cerro Guido convinced us to give it a try.he guaranteed me the pace Slowly the horse will become obedient (yes, I've heard this before!). The most important thing, This tour will provide me with another way to experience this sublime landscape, Understand how horses and Patagonia are culturally and historically intertwined.group It consisted of my husband and I, the head guide, and one of the estancia gauchos.Cowboys. ”

At first, I was very nervous when riding my horse Lola. I'm sure she sensed that too. Suddenly. But after a while I realized that she was content to do nothing and chase other horses. It bothered them, they responded well to my occasional use of the rein, and they never stopped eating. I was finally able to relax and truly appreciate my wonderful surroundings.

During the ride, we stopped at a gaucho shelter and joined in some traditional drinking buddies. Join the gauchos as you learn about Patagonia's gaucho culture. These “cowboys” An iconic character of the Chilean countryside.They gather sheep and cattle and train sheep Dogs play an important role, helping to shear sheep, repair fences, and protect natural grasslands. I protect livestock and take care of horses. They are incredibly skilled riders. Horse Whisperer has an almost telepathic connection with animals.

Estancia Cerro Guido borders the eastern side of Torres del Paine National Park in the south. Chilean Patagonia. At approximately 250,000 acres, this ranch is Estancia's largest ranch. within the area.

The park's name refers to the three tall rock towers that make up the world's most famous site. area. These towers are highly distinctive 8,000-foot granite peaks that stand as sentinels to the world. The Paine Massif is a branch of the Andes Mountains. Torres means tower in Spanish and Paine means tower. For blue.

Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO biosphere reserve with an area of more than 500,000 acres. acre. This park is a world-class attraction and is often described as one of the most breathtakingly beautiful. Beautiful corners of the earth. It boasts stunning scenery and natural beauty that attracts avid hikers. Enthusiasts and photographers from all over the world.

Guests at Estancia Cerro Guido can choose between an all-inclusive package or an all-inclusive package.Comprehensive private package. Both offer full board and open bar admission. National parks, numerous excursions (shared or private depending on package), and shared or private transportation from Puerto Natales (within 2 hours) or Punta Arenas (within 5 hours) time).

The ranch has 12 guesthouses, designed in an authentic British style. It has all the comforts you would expect from a luxury hotel.decoration is modest Elegance with classic furniture, stunning feather beds, organic amenities and plenty of space. Yet it's cozy and comfortable.

Inside the guesthouse are two charming parlors, also in British style.Full use by guests Relax in these rooms, view historic photos, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Cookie tin!

The main house has a restaurant, bar and common seating area. There is a reception desk. A wall of windows faces the famous Torres del His Paine.daily meals It's so special to see such beautiful views and it's magical when the sun goes down. sky and peaks It is full of colors that resemble a painting that changes every moment. And if I happened to wake up at sunrise, The colors are even more dramatic.

When it comes to food, you won't go hungry at Estancia.Fresh and seasonal The produce comes from the ranch's on-site garden.Breakfast is a freshly baked buffet style. You can order miscellaneous goods, fruits, cheese, meat, yogurt, eggs, etc. For lunch and dinner, guests can choose from: Salads, soups, main dishes such as hake, chicken, shrimp, risotto, pasta, steaks, beef stew etc. A traditional lamb roast BBQ may also be held. Dessert is the heart –A variety of amazingly luxurious sweets. The service is warm and attentive. property.

Tours and excursions are Estancia's mainstay.This ranch boasts a vast area. We offer a menu of activities for our guests, from short hikes to full-day treks.The most classic hike is the base De las Torres or Towers Base is 13 miles round trip and takes approximately 8 miles. It will take 10 hours to complete. If such trekking is not for you, know that there are many trails suitable for trekking. Range of levels and abilities.You don't have to be a super hiker to enjoy and appreciate this privileged destination.

Estancia also offers land park tours, conservation safaris, and cultural and historical tours. horseback riding trips, fly fishing trips, etc.All activities are led by knowledgeable staff Familiar with Patagonia's landscape, history, and wildlife. Clearly passionate about this fascinating place.

As you explore the area on these tours, you'll get a feel for the vastness of Torres del. Paine National Park and its surroundings. It's an awe-inspiring and diverse terrain that never changes.The sky at the end. Whether you're hiking, horseback riding, or taking another tour, you'll be treated to the ultimate in hospitality. Snow-capped mountains, forests, lakes of all colors of blue, rushing rivers, waterfalls, Glaciers, vast pampas, and of course, wildlife in their natural habitat.

Torres del Paine National Park is home to guanacos, pumas, foxes, rheas, condors, flamingos, Armadillos and other creatures. Guanacos are in the same family as llamas and camels. There are many alpacas here. They are usually seen grazing on grasslands in small herds. Females and young, and one dominant male.

These graceful animals are faster than other Patagonians and can run over 35 miles per hour. Animals other than pumas. When he senses danger, one of his guanacos gives a sharp warning. He shouts to signal the herd, and the herd scurries away.Guanacos can also jump and have been known to leap Climb over a fence about 7 feet high.I've seen this happen several times, and it's An impressive feat!

Pumas are the main predators of guanacos in Patagonia. However, although pumas are faster and more capable, A sprinter can run at 50 miles per hour, but cannot maintain that speed for long.that Explains why this animal usually stalks and pounces on its prey rather than chasing it under.

During our stay, we saw countless guanacos, but unfortunately we never saw a puma.in spite of There are many opportunities to spot them during wildlife safaris, park tours, and hikes. Despite our adventures, these creatures remained elusive and out of sight.our guide talks about us I have seen animals in small family groups, especially at dawn and dusk.However, the Of course, like all wild animals, mountain lions have their own plans, and they reminded us that it's only because of humans. A chance for people to see them.

During our visit, in addition to large flocks of guanacos, we also saw armadillos, gray foxes, flamingos, rheas, and condors. The Rhea is identified as a Darwin or lower Rhea and looks like a small ostrich.This bird is Although he cannot fly, he is known as an excellent runner. When the female lays eggs, She departs and the male protects the eggs and raises the chicks.Strong paternal instinct Power!

It would be hard to miss the majestic Andean condor.As the world's largest flying bird, its weight is They weigh over 30 pounds, have a body length of 4 feet, and a wingspan of 11 feet. Due to its weight, Condors need wind and heat to lift their huge bodies into the air. If you look at one, it's They usually tower high above mountain peaks and valleys, keeping a sharp eye on the watch. Scavenger style carrion.

If you would like to learn more about the estancia itself, all guests are welcome to participate in historical and cultural events. Tour of the property. You can hear how this place was founded over a century ago and who held the keys to it. Players were involved in its establishment and growth. it is, Patagonia's cattle and sheep industry and mountaineering legends.

The tour also takes guests to various areas of the property, including the stables, orchard, and gardens. Garden, greenhouse, shearing shed.If you're lucky, you might even have a chance to meet sheep. Shear the wool and learn how the wool is processed and spun into products for sale. moreover, You may be able to watch a sheepdog drive sheep out of a barn or observe a herd of sheep. Gauchos work skillfully with animals. These smart dogs are their faithful companions.

This tour not only gives you a closer look at the estancia, but also gives you an understanding of it. Discover Patagonia's cultural heritage, people's way of life, and rich traditions. Define its essence.

www.estanciacerroguido.com/en/

www.pura-aventura.com

The scenery is diverse.Photo credit: Debbie Stone