How far in advance should I book Estancia Mercedes: Sheep Shearing, Horseback Riding or Trekking?

We accept bookings up to 2 days in advance, subject to availability. Therefore, we recommend booking as early as possible to secure your spot.

Visitantes descansan en un banco de madera junto a los caballos tras la cabalgata

Jinete a caballo recorre la costa de Bahía Grissel junto a un perro y caballos sueltos en Estancia Mercedes

Grupo de turistas celebra con los brazos en alto frente a una cascada en Estancia Mercedes

Estancia Mercedes: Sheep Shearing, Horseback Riding or Trekking

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The Estancia Mercedes tour is a 9-hour experience in southern Patagonia, offering horseback riding, hiking, or sheep shearing. The tour includes one activity of your choice: horseback riding to Bahía Mercedes, hiking along the Mercedes River to a waterfall surrounded by lenga trees, or taking part in traditional Magellanic sheep shearing. Both horseback riding and hiking are easy and suitable for beginners, while sheep shearing requires no prior experience. Each option includes a visit with a local ranching family, a campfire, and a picnic featuring local products and meat from livestock raised in the area.

Duration:

9 hours

Times:

09:00 am to 07:00 pm

Minimum of passengers:

2 personas

Meeting Point:

Av. Pedro Montt 520, Puerto Natales

Price:

CLP$ 256.000 per person.

Duration:

9 hours.

Times:

09:00 am to 07:00 pm

Minimum of passengers:

Departure from 2 passengers.

Meeting Point:

Av. Pedro Montt 520, Puerto Natales.

Included:

Navigation
Private transportation
Spanish-speaking guide
Picnic

Not included:

Pickup at your accommodation (urban area)

Restrictions:

Not allowed for people with reduced mobility

Weather:

Subject to weather conditions

Cancellation and rescheduling policy:

If you cancel your booking up to 3 days before the activity starts, you will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid to book. If you cancel with less notice, no refund will be issued.

What to bring:

Comfortable clothing
Warm clothing
Closed toe shoes
Trekking shoes
Beanie

Description

At Estancia Mercedes, you can choose from three unique ways to experience Southern Patagonia: ride on horseback to Mercedes Bay, hike along the Mercedes River to a hidden waterfall in a lenga forest, or learn about the traditional sheep-shearing practices of the Magallanes region.

The Mercedes Bay Horseback Ride takes you through landscapes where forest meets sea. Along the way, you'll discover vibrant colors, coastal birdlife, and snow-capped mountains surrounding the bay. You'll stop in a forest clearing to enjoy a campfire and share a moment in nature.

The Mercedes River Trek explores the Patagonian forest within the estancia. Following an easy trail alongside the river, you'll learn about local flora and the area's natural history from your guide. The route ends at a waterfall where you'll have time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the surroundings.

With the Patagonian Sheep Shearing Experience, you'll discover one of the region's most important traditional industries. Learn about its history and practical significance, including why shearing is essential for the health and well-being of sheep. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to shear a sheep and shear part of its wool if you’d like. This activity is completely optional.

All experiences include time with local estancia families, a campfire, and a picnic featuring regional products and locally raised meat. Both the horseback ride and trek are suitable for beginners, while the sheep-shearing experience requires no previous knowledge or experience.

Three paths, one authentic Patagonia. Choose yours and book your experience at Estancia Mercedes.

Important notes

Transportation to the estancia includes approximately a 12-minute boat crossing from Puerto Natales followed by a 1-hour drive across the Antonio Varas Peninsula.
Return times may change due to weather conditions. We recommend planning your departure from Puerto Natales at least 3 hours after the estimated return time, or ideally on the following day.

You can choose between the following options:

Tour for non-residents in Chile

Private departures for closed groups.
Price:
- Adult: CLP$ 256.000 per person.
- Minor ( age 9 to 13): CLP$ 128.000 per person.
- Child (age 6 to 8): CLP$ 89.600 per person.
- Infant (age 0 to 5, without a seat, on an adult's lap): for free.

Tour for residents in Chile

Shared group departures with promotional pricing for domestic travelers.
Price:
- Adult: CLP$ 154.000 per person.
- Minor (age 9 to 13): CLP$ 77.000 per person.
- Child (age 6 to 8): CLP$ 53.900 per person.
- Infant (age 0 to 5, without a seat, on an adult's lap): for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

To book Estancia Mercedes: Sheep Shearing, Horseback Riding or Trekking, you must choose the date and follow the steps on the website. You can add more tours to your cart before confirming your booking.
We accept bookings up to 2 days in advance, subject to availability. Therefore, we recommend booking as early as possible to secure your spot.

See all activities in Puerto Natales