Asado fire and gauchos on an estancia dating from 1906

100,000 hectares of Patagonian steppe near Torres del Paine

The Living Gaucho Heritage in the Vast Steppes of Patagonia

Torres del Paine, Chile

5 days (4 nights)

Private tour for 1 or more people

Private Lodge Program in Patagonia | 5 days / 4 nights | for 2 or more guests; for 1 guest upon request | Season: October through March | English- and Spanish-speaking guides

When the Patagonian summer bathes the steppe in golden light, this vast landscape reveals its most generous side: long days, quiet nights, and a way of life that has followed the rhythm of the wind, wool, and open spaces for over a hundred years. A Estancia is a Patagonian ranch. This one is among the largest and oldest in the region, a historic Boutique Wildlife Lodge on the edge of the Torres del Paine National Park. You’ll spend four nights immersed in gaucho heritage, wild wildlife, and golden evening light. The focus is on a nature conservation project that exists only here: the peaceful coexistence of sheep farming and Puma.

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The ranch dates back to 1906 and was redesigned as a boutique wildlife lodge in 2022. It spans approximately 107,000 hectares, where sheep are still raised today. The main house, built in the British-Patagonian style, the old sheep shearing sheds, the cattle pens, and the gaucho village all date back to the pioneering era of Patagonian sheep farming. Today, it is Chile’s first hotel to be certified according to the global Wildlife-Friendly Standard.

On the full-day Conservation Safari, you’ll follow the tracks of pumas with experienced trackers, check camera traps, and see how livestock guard dogs make the coexistence of herds and predators possible. The region is considered part of a biological corridor with one of the highest puma densities in the world; guanacos, rheas, foxes, and circling condors accompany the game drives through the vast steppe, and with a little luck, a puma might even make an appearance.

Each day follows its own rhythm: a cultural tour of a sheep shearing operation and a gaucho village, a full day at Pumaspur, a horseback ride with the gauchos along old cattle-driving trails, and, to round things off, a choice between a hike in the fossil-rich Sierra Baguales and an excursion to Torres del Paine National Park. In the evenings, the Quincho El Ruedo gathers guests around the open fire; on select evenings, they enjoy the traditional Asado de Cordero al Palo. With just 21 rooms in three historic houses, full board, and guides whose families have been connected to the estancia for generations, the stay remains intimate and undisturbed.

Feel free to combine this program with a pre- or post-tour activity: Near Puerto Natales, on the Última Esperanza Fjord, the Cueva del Milodón is well worth a visit—a cave where the remains of an extinct giant sloth were discovered. If you’d like to see more glaciers, cross the border to El Calafate to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. Feel free to contact us—we’ll be happy to put together a customized pre- or post-tour itinerary for you.

Stephanie Gräf

Stephanie Gräf

Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in personalized and exciting trips around the globe.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

Good to know

Arrival and Departure: Upon request, we can handle all your travel arrangements, from long-haul flights and domestic flights to local transfers. The nearest airports are Puerto Natales (about 100 kilometers) and Punta Arenas (about 330 kilometers).

Entry Requirements: German citizens must have a valid passport. You can find the latest travel and safety advisories from the Federal Foreign Office for Chile. Regulations may vary for other nationalities. Please feel free to contact us.

Climate: During the Patagonian summer, from October through March, temperatures usually range from 14 to 20 degrees. This is also the windiest time of year, and the weather can feel like several different seasons in a single day. We recommend wearing weather-resistant clothing in layers, a windproof jacket, and sturdy shoes.

Type of trip: Private lodge program for two or more guests; also available for one guest upon request (private program for an additional fee), with daily guided excursions. Dates can be chosen freely during the summer season from October through March; the daily itinerary is adjusted on-site based on weather conditions.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The largest and oldest estancia in the region —over 100,000 hectares of Patagonian steppe and a heritage dating back to 1906, located right next to Torres del Paine National Park.
  • Colonial Main House and Gaucho Village – The original buildings from the pioneer era tell the story of the first settlers’ arrival.
  • Conservation Safari at Pumaspur – A full day with the estancia’s trackers, among camera traps, guanacos, and circling condors.
  • Horseback Riding with the Gauchos – Ride through the open steppe on Patagonian Criollo horses, even if you have no riding experience.
  • Asado de Cordero al Palo – Patagonian lamb cooked over an open fire at Quincho El Ruedo, accompanied by wine and songs on select evenings.
  • Sierra Baguales or Torres del Paine —Choose between a hike through a mountain valley rich in fossils or the rarely visited northeastern sector of the national park.
  • Guides with Deep Roots – Your guides come from families that have been connected to the region for generations.

route

Map of the Torres del Paine Travel Region in Patagonia

itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival at the Estancia

From your very first breath of the crisp summer air, you’ll feel the vastness of Patagonia. Across the open steppe, the view stretches all the way to the Torres del Paine, which served as a landmark for the first settlers. At lunch, the estancia serves seasonal cuisine made with local ingredients, just as the workers here once did.

In the afternoon, the cultural tour takes you to the heart of the estancia: the main house, built in the British-Patagonian style, the historic sheep shearing sheds, the cattle pens, and the stables. You’ll learn how wool from here was shipped all over the world and how closely the histories of settlers, gauchos, and indigenous communities are intertwined.

In the evening, you’ll meet the gauchos at Quincho El Ruedo. Over mate and the local specialty candola—a warm, spiced wine blend—they’ll tell you about a time when life here was marked by hardship, solidarity, and pride, before the sun sets over the plains in warm hues.

The Estancia's historic main house with a garden in the summer
Sheep from the estancia graze in front of the towers of Torres del Paine

Day 2 | Conservation Safari on Pumaspur

After the breakfast buffet, with a view of the steppe coming to life, you’ll set out with the conservation team on a full-day conservation safari. Where vast herds of sheep once grazed, the focus today is on protecting the puma —the symbolic animal of Patagonia and once a foe of cattle ranchers. You’ll follow fresh tracks, observe guanacos, rheas, foxes, and condors, and witness how a historic conflict has evolved into a model of coexistence between livestock and wildlife.

At noon, you’ll return to the estancia for lunch, followed by more game drives in the golden light in the afternoon. The day concludes with an outdoor dinner: by the campfire, under the vast sky, surrounded by the silence and grandeur of Patagonia, just as the gauchos have known it for generations.

Day 3 | In the Saddle with the Gauchos

The morning is all about the horses. On the half-day Caravana horseback ride, you’ll ride side by side with the gauchos along historic cattle-driving trails and experience Patagonia’s centuries-old equestrian culture firsthand. The horses, the cattle corrals, and the open steppe are all part of the same history that once united pioneers and gauchos.

After lunch at the estancia, the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish—whether in the bar area overlooking the vast steppe or exploring the historic buildings. In the evening, a fire blazes in the Quincho El Ruedo: Guests visiting on Wednesdays or Saturdays can enjoy the Asado de Cordero al Palo, Patagonian lamb slowly cooked over an open flame, accompanied by wine, stories, and songs.

Two gauchos ride through the summer steppe of Patagonia
The table mountains of the Sierra Baguales rising above the vast pampas

Day 4 | Sierra Baguales or Torres del Paine

Today, choose your full-day adventure. The Sierra Baguales is not only geologically remarkable but also steeped in myth: fossils tell of prehistoric times, rugged mountains speak of the eternal interplay of the elements, and for the gauchos, the Sierra was long considered a mysterious frontier. Alternatively, an excursion off the beaten path will take you to the northeastern side of Torres del Paine National Park, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views, wildlife sightings, and historic trails.

Along the way, a box lunch—just like the ones cattle drivers used to carry on their long journeys—provides sustenance. In the evening, a quiet, regionally inspired dinner provides an opportunity to chat and reflect on the day’s experiences.

Day 5 | Farewell to the Steppe

One last time, the morning sun bathes the plains in clear light. As you say goodbye, a stroll across the grounds takes you past places steeped in history, and you realize that the estancia is more than just a place to stay. You’ll take with you memories of stories told by the fire, of the vastness of the steppe, and of a light that never quite fades here.

The Torres del Paine in the golden evening light above the estancia
Full board as specified in the itinerary.

Accommodations for your trip

The Historic Estancia · Torres del Paine

The Estancia's historic main house in the golden evening light

This boutique wildlife lodge is an authentic estancia —still in operation today—located on the northeastern edge of Torres del Paine National Park, just about a 40-minute drive from the Laguna Amarga park entrance and approximately 100 kilometers from Puerto Natales. Unlike on a group tour, no bus will pick you up here in the morning: you’ll travel in a small group with your own guides who know the area well, and you’ll customize your itinerary. This ensures that your stay remains exclusive and personal.

The 21 rooms are spread across three historic buildings, including the main house, which dates back to the 1920s. They are furnished with classic furniture and warm textiles, and each features a private bathroom with organic toiletries, central heating, and a view of the gardens. Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and common areas.

At the restaurant, the food comes straight from the property’s own huerta—the organic garden—to the table; at Quincho El Ruedo, the traditional gathering place for gauchos, Magellanic lamb roasts on a spit over the fire.

activities

Nature Conservation & Wildlife

A puma in the Patagonian steppe

You'll work with the guides on site to put together your itinerary from this catalog; the selection depends on the season, weather, and availability.

The focus is on protecting the puma and exploring how livestock farming and the wilderness can coexist. Accompanied by the conservation team, you’ll get closer to the animals of the steppe and their tracks than you could ever hope to on your own. While we can’t promise that a puma will make an appearance, with a little luck and the trackers’ expertise, you might just encounter one of these elusive hunters.

  • During the Conservation Experience, you’ll spend half a day exploring the protected areas with binoculars and camera traps, gaining firsthand insight into how the foundation’s researchers track the pumas. The tour lasts about five hours and has no special requirements.
  • The wildlife tour takes you by SUV to the Condorera sector, where livestock guard dogs watch over the animals and the team observes and maps the wildlife. It takes about three and a half hours and is manageable for everyone.
  • Those who want to delve deeper can spend a full day with the trackers on the all-day Conservation Experience, visit Casa Puma, and join the game drives in the Sierra del Toro as the evening sun paints the steppe. The tour lasts about ten hours and is not physically demanding.
Horseback Riding with the Gauchos

Gauchos drive a flock of sheep on horseback across the Patagonian steppe

Riding on the backs of Patagonian Criollo horses and accompanied by experienced gauchos, you’ll follow old cattle-driving trails through the open steppe. There’s a ride to suit every skill level, from a leisurely walk to a long gallop.

  • At the Macizo Paine Lookout, even beginners can enjoy a half-day horseback ride across gentle plains, with the three Paine Towers always in view. About 13 kilometers in two and a half hours—no riding experience required.
  • The Caravana takes the whole family on a leisurely half-day ride through the fields surrounding the stud farm, past sheep and grazing guanacos. About 7.5 kilometers in two and a half hours—suitable for children and beginners as well.
  • Those who are comfortable in the saddle can ride at Puesto Marcou at a trot and a gallop to an old cattle station with a sweeping view of the Sierra Baguales. About 16 kilometers in three and a half hours.
  • The ride to Laguna Tegualda takes you through the vast pampas to a lagoon where flamingos rest. It’s about 14 kilometers in two and a half hours, and requires some riding experience.
  • The Segunda Barranca is a challenging day-long ride through sparse Nothofagus forest and open pampas that puts even experienced riders to the test. About 25 kilometers in six hours.
  • The longest and fastest ride is at Las Flores, a long day’s ride with the Sierra Baguales as a constant backdrop. About 33 kilometers in six hours, for experienced riders.
hiking

Hiking group in the Patagonian mountains

The steppe reveals itself most vividly on foot, from short walks to long mountain hikes. Many trails lead off the beaten path, and you’ll often spend the entire day out on your own with your guide.

  • The trail to Laguna Sarmiento ends at the shore of the largest lake in the national park, where bizarre thrombolites rise out of the water, built up over thousands of years by tiny organisms. About 5 kilometers in two and a half hours; an easy walk.
  • From the estate, follow the stream lined with lenga trees at the Bosquecito lookout point until you reach a wide view of the plain. About 7.5 kilometers in three hours; some physical fitness is required.
  • The Mirador Sierra Baguales trail is short but steep, leading up to the Tridente and Ciudadela rock spires. About 5 kilometers in three hours; moderate difficulty.
  • The hike into the Río Las Chinas valley is more challenging; there, fossils and unusual rock formations tell the story of a distant past, and Chile’s first dinosaur was once discovered there. About 12 kilometers in roughly five hours, for experienced hikers.
  • The Sierra Baguales, on the border with Argentina, is a long day’s hike for experienced hikers, amid fossilized evidence of Earth’s history and wild horses. About 14 kilometers in ten hours.
  • At 1,270 meters, Chenque is the highest peak in the Sierra Contreras, crowned by an Aonikenk burial mound. About 17 kilometers in eight hours—a challenging day.
  • The classic hike is the trek to the base of the three granite towers of Torres del Paine. It’s about 20 kilometers and takes ten hours, including park admission, and is physically demanding.
Overland in an SUV

Off-Road Tour Through the Patagonian Steppe

When the trails become too long for extended hikes, the off-road vehicle will take you deep into the plains surrounding the estancia and to remote corners of the national park.

  • The drive to Puesto Sarmiento on Lake Sarmiento takes you to the spot where German aviator Gunther Plüschow had his base in the 1930s to survey Patagonia from the air. It takes about three and a half hours, traveling comfortably by car.
  • The northeastern sector of Torres del Paine is rarely visited and features the Las Chinas Valley, the deep-blue Laguna Azul, and the Cascada Paine waterfall. A full-day tour, mostly by SUV.
  • The long hike through Torres del Paine leads from Lake Grey, past Lake Pehoé, to the Salto Grande waterfall. It takes a full day and includes park admission.
E-bike

Cycling Through the Patagonian Steppe on an E-Bike

You glide silently on your e-bike toward Puesto Rojo through the open steppe into the valley of the Río Las Chinas until the bright red Puesto comes into view. The roughly twelve kilometers are covered in an hour and a half with no effort at all.

Culture

A gaucho wearing a hat stands in front of his flock of sheep in Patagonia

On the half-day cultural tour of the estancia, you’ll stroll through the historic estate, past the original, well-preserved buildings, through the organic garden and greenhouse, to the manor house and the old sheep shearing shed, where sheep are still sheared during the season. Over the course of about three and a half hours, every corner tells a piece of pioneer history.

Archaeology

Rock Formations and Archaeological Finds in Patagonia

In the Palique region, spend half a day following in the footsteps of Patagonia’s first hunters and gatherers and visit archaeological sites that offer a glimpse into their lives thousands of years ago. About four hours; no special requirements.

Fly Fishing

A crystal-clear river for fly fishing in Patagonia

Accompanied by experienced guides, you’ll spend a full day fly fishing on the clear Las Chinas and Baguales rivers, casting your line for trout and salmon. About eight hours of fun for anyone who loves fishing. Available for an additional fee and not included in the program.

Dates & Prices

Request your trip here!

Prices per person for 4 nights, Classic Room, full board, open bar, private transfers, daily private excursions as per the itinerary, bilingual tour guide September 1 – October 31, 2026 Nov. 1 – Dec. 19, 2026
Jan. 11 – Mar. 31, 2027
Dec. 20, 2026 – Jan. 10, 2027
single occupancy 5.896 € 8.247 € 9.480 €
double occupancy 4.624 € 6.474 € 7.514 €
triple occupancy 4.624 € 6.474 € 7.514 €
Children (ages 5–12) 3.314 € 4.740 € 5.434 €

Information

Included services:

  • Four nights at a historic estancia
  • Full board with a breakfast buffet, lunch (either a sit-down meal or a boxed lunch), and dinner
  • Guided excursions as listed in the program, including the full-day Conservation Safari
  • Local Transfers
  • Equipment for Horseback Riding Trips
  • Entrance to Torres del Paine National Park as part of the park tour
  • Guides in English and Spanish
  • A donation of 35 U.S. dollars per person per night to the Estancia's Nature Conservation Foundation

Not included:

  • Travel to and from the Estancia (upon request, we can handle all your travel arrangements for you)
  • tips
  • Laundry service and personal expenses

Important:

  • We recommend arriving one to two days before the trip begins to allow for any flight or baggage delays.
  • Travel health insurance with unlimited coverage is mandatory, and proof of coverage must be provided.
  • The trip takes you to remote areas without access to advanced medical facilities. People with life-threatening conditions or who require daily medical care cannot participate.
  • The guides speak English and Spanish. There are no plans to provide a German-speaking guide.
  • This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
  • The program requires a minimum of two guests; the excursions are adjusted daily based on weather conditions and availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Estancia Cerro Guido?

The nearest airports are Puerto Natales (about 100 kilometers) and Punta Arenas (about 330 kilometers), both with connections via Santiago de Chile. Transfers between the airport and the estancia are included in the program. International travel to and from the destination is not included in the price; upon request, we can handle all flight and travel arrangements for you.

Do I need a visa for Chile?

German citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits; a valid passport is sufficient. You can find the latest travel and safety advisories from the Federal Foreign Office for Chile. Regulations may vary for other nationalities. Please feel free to contact us.

When is the best time to visit the Estancia?

The summer program runs from October through March. During these months, the days are long, the weather is mild, and the steppe is bathed in golden light. Unlike in winter, horseback riding excursions with the gauchos are also a regular part of the program in summer. You can choose your dates freely within the season, and the daily itinerary is adjusted on-site to suit the weather conditions.

What animals can I see at the estancia?

Cerro Guido is located in a biological corridor that the estancia describes as the region with the world’s highest puma density. On the Conservation Safari, you’ll follow puma tracks with the help of trackers. Guanakos, rheas, foxes, and condors are also frequently spotted, as are flamingos in the lagoons. While sightings in the wild can never be guaranteed, the trained conservation team significantly increases your chances of seeing wildlife.

How challenging is the program?

The excursions are moderate and suitable for guests with a normal level of fitness. The Caravana horseback ride takes you along old cattle trails on calm Criollo horses and is accessible even without riding experience. Hikes, such as those in the Sierra Baguales, and the game drives on the Conservation Safari can be adapted to your pace. The trip takes you to a remote region; guests with severe mobility limitations cannot participate.

In what language are the tours conducted?

The Estancia’s guides will accompany you in English and Spanish. German-speaking tour guides are not provided. We would be happy to provide you with detailed information in German in advance regarding the itinerary and activities planned for your stay.

Is this trip suitable for solo travelers?

Yes. The program can be booked for as few as two guests, and the excursions take place in small groups, so you’ll naturally get to know the other travelers. A separate rate is available for single occupancy. Please feel free to contact us—we’ll find the right solution for you.

Can I extend my stay or combine it with other destinations?

We’d be happy to. In the region, we recommend visiting the Cueva del Milodón near Puerto Natales, staying at the historic cold storage facility in Puerto Bories, or taking a side trip across the border to El Calafate to see the Perito Moreno Glacier. You can also combine this with a visit to the Atacama Desert or Easter Island. Please feel free to contact us—we’ll be happy to put together a customized itinerary for your pre- or post-tour activities.

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