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Home > Destinations > South
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Chile Adventure Land of Contrasts
Explore the Andes mountains and the remote wildland of Patagonia on this active, lodge-based natural history exploration of Chile. Accompanied by exceptional local guides you have plenty of opportunities for day hikes, wildlife observation and spectacular photography, including trip add-ons in Chile and Argentina.
Read an article from the San Francisco Chronicle on Torres del Paine National Park
DAY 1 : SANTIAGO
Early morning airport reception and transfer to the Plaza San Francisco, an elegant and well-appointed hotel in the heart of Santiago. In the afternoon take a historic tour of Santiago including the Presidential Palace once the National Mint and thus called "La Moneda," the historic main square or "Plaza de Armas," the Cathedral, the National History Museum, and "Casa Colorado" the historic residence of the Governor. Continue on to Santa Lucia the hill upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. Overnight at the Plaza San Francisco.
DAY 2 : PUNTA ARENAS - SENO OTWAY PENGUIN RESERVE
Transfer out for early flight to Punta Arenas on the Straits of Magellan in the frigid Antarctic waters of Tierra del Fuego. Late afternoon visit to the nesting colony of Magellanic Penguins at Seno Otway (October through March). The reserve is supported by the World Wildlife Fund and staffed by renowned scientists from all over the world. There are well-marked trails and blinds for visitors to observe these quirky creatures nesting and caring for their young in their natural habitat. Return to Punta Arenas to overnight at Hotel Cabo de Hornos or similar. [B]
DAY 3 : TORRES DEL PAINE
Enjoy a free morning in Punta Arenas. Travel north through the vast Patagonian Steppe of Tierra del Fuego, following the coastal route along the Straits of Magellan. We stop en route at the Estancia El Palenque where we help with preparation of the Quincho, a traditional Chilean gaucho barbeque. Drive to the luxurious Patagonia Camp for overnight. [BLD]
DAY 4 : LAGO DEL TORO
We begin our exploration of Torres del Paine National Park on a pleasant half day hike on an isolated trail to the Salto del Toro waterfall of glacial waters from Lago Pehoe pouring into Lago del Toro. After lunch we trek to the little known Laguna Bonita where the snow-capped peaks and beech forests are reflected in the calm, blue waters. Dinner and overnight Patagonia Camp. [BLD] Note: It is possible to ride part way up this trail by horseback to be arranged and paid for at the hotel directly the day before.
DAY 5 : LOS CUERNOS
Today we venture into some of the most scenic areas in and around the Park. We start our day at Mirador del Toro, a lookout point with a spectacular view of Lago del Toro and the Paine Massif. Driving to the western side of the park, we make an easy-going walk through beech forests and over flat glacial deposits on the shore of Lake Grey full of icebergs that are broken off from the giant glacier at the headwaters. We drive past herds of wild guanaco to Salto Grande, the largest falls in the park and walk to the Mirador Cuernos for a close-up view of the black-striped spires of the Cuernos, or Horns of Paine. Dinner and overnight Patagonia Camp. [BLD]
Patagonia Camp: This luxury seasonal tented camp is designed and operated to minimize environmental impact on Patagonia's Pampas. All 18 spacious yurts featuring ensuite bathrooms and private terraces overlooking Lago del Toro and the Torres del Paine range are connected by a raised boardwalk to protect the fragile terrain. Sip a Pisco Sour at the lakefront bar and enjoy a glass of Chilean wine with gourmet meals served in the shared dining room.
DAY 6 : LAGUNA AZUL - LOS TORRES
An all-day hike (6 mi/8 hours) to Valle Ascencio takes us to the base of the famous Torres del Paine (9400ft), 3 granite monoliths rising from a glacial lake, remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice over the millennia. If weather is poor with no visibility, we will hike across typical pampa or steppe terrain and the beech forest at Laguna Azul among herds of guanacos, foxes, Black-necked swan, Andean geese, and Chilean flamingos. The final night will feature a festive farewell asado Patagonian lamb barbecue. Overnight Patagonia Camp. [BLD]
DAY 7 : PUNTA ARENAS - PUERTO VARAS
Early in the morning board the vehicle back to Punta Arenas crossing the park at the eastern gateway. Arrive in the airport of Punta Arenas on time to catch the late afternoon flight to Puerto Montt. Transfer in to the charming city of Puerto Varas founded by German settlers in the last century. Drive among avenues of beautiful yards and well-kept gardens to your water front hotel overlooking Lake Llanquihue and the imposing Osorno Volcano looming in the horizon. Enjoy a welcome sunset reception and dinner with Chilean wine and hor d'oeuvres at the lovely Kingfisher Lodge with our local host. Overnight at Hotel Cabanas del Lago or similar. [BLD]
DAY 8 : ALERCE ANDINO NATIONAL PARK
Drive southbound along the Carretera Austral (Austral Highway ) passing through the typical coastal villages of Chamiza and Coihuin, devoted to fishing and gathering of Gracilaria Alga (seaweed used for fertilizer). Upon entering Alerce Andino National Park, the ranger will welcome you before beginning an easy walk to Sargazos Lagoon, surrounded by a virgin larch forest. Lunch will be served in a cottage located next door to the park. Your guide will help you choose the different paths ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Overnight at Hotel Cabanas del Lago or similar. [BL]
DAY 9 : PETROHUE FALLS AND OSORNO VOLCANO HIKE
Morning departure to Petrohue Falls, a gleaming succession of blue rapids against a backdrop of mountains. After a peaceful walk return to Ensenada for lunch. Enter Vicente Perez Rosales National Park and trek through the native forest to Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) in the ancient forests of Coigues among the foothills of the volcano. Hike up the volcano to the La Burbuja Crater for a panoramic view of the Petrohue Valley. After visiting the ski center it is a 45 minute gentle walk to the Osorno Glacier and one of the most breathtaking views in the area. Overnight at Hotel Cabanas del Lago. [BL]
DAY 10 : OPTIONAL PETROHUE RIVER RAFTING - SANTIAGO
(Half day including snack. Class III-IV, moderately easy, no experience necessary) This morning you can choose to participate in a fun, exciting and easy rafting trip on one of the most beautiful rivers in South America. After a safety briefing and equipment fitting by the guide you will have a chance to test your paddling skills as a group during initial practice trials. Once we begin our descent down this swift river, its one exciting rapid after another for about one and a half hours. You will be exhilerated and refreshed by the crystal clear waters of this river amidst a natural setting of native forests and snow-capped volcanoes. At the end, a hot chocolate will be served before returning to your hotel. If you are not interested in rafting you can relax at the hotel or ride mountain bikes provided to hotel guests free of charge. Transfer to Puerto Montt airport for outbound flight to Santiago. Depending on your arrival into Santiago and your departure from Chile to the USA, you may be able to connect in time for your international departure to the USA. Otherwise, transfer in to overnight in Santiago for next day departure. [B]
DAY 11 : SANTIAGO - US RETURN
Hotel check-out and transfer to the airport for your return to the US [B] Note: You can easily use one or two more days in the Lakes District for additional activities such as the famous Lakes District Crossing, horseback riding, mountain biking, a great day tour or overnight sea kayaking excursion in Chiloe, or you can actually climb the Osorno Volcano with crampons and ice axe.
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 10 | Grade: I (click for grades definition) | 2009 Price: From $5195 per person. Land cost based on Group Size | Single Supplement: $1000 (click for info) | *Price is based upon a minimum of 2 persons. Private departures upon request. Minimum 2 passengers. | | | 2010 Price: From $5195 per person. Land cost based on Group Size | Single Supplement: $1000 (click for info) | *Price is based upon a minimum of 2 persons. Private departures upon request. Minimum 2 passengers. | | | | | 2009 Departure Dates | 2010 Departure Dates | | | Oct 12 - Oct 22, 2009
Nov 9 - Nov 19, 2009
Dec 21 - Dec 31, 2009
(Twice monthly) | Jan 18 - Jan 28, 2010
Feb 15 - Feb 25, 2010
Mar 15 - Mar 25, 2010
(Twice monthly) |
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| | | Included: Services as specified in the itinerary above include accommodations; local in-country flights, English-speaking expert guides and excursions; park fees, airport-hotel transfers, land and boat transportation; meals as specified [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner], services of in-bound land operator for airline reconfirmation and tour operations, and Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. | | | Not Included: Services unless specified in the itinerary above such as international air transportation and airport taxes; tips and gratuities; optional or suggested services that are on your own; insurance of any kind; personal expenses; extra beverages and alcoholic drinks; medical costs; and hospitalization and evacuation and any other extra expenses due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond control. It is recommended to carry about $300-$500 extra cash (must be in local currency or US dollars cash, not travelers checks nor credit cards) to cover any fees, taxes, tips and meals not included in your itinerary. Meals, souvenirs and other local and personal expenses not specified in the above itinerary are also not included.
In general, all meals are included at mountain lodges. Continental breakfasts are usually included at hotels in major cities. All other meals are not included unless otherwise specified in your itinerary. Always carry enough change for airport departure taxes ($18 international and around $5 local, as well as a special $131 fee for American citizens to enter Chile). Advance visas are not required for US citizens.
| | | Trip Notes: Price is based on a minimum of 2 persons on Monday arrival into Santiago. The itinerary is scheduled to coincide with local excursions on specific days of the week. The trip can be booked on alternate days or on a completely private basis at the same price for a group of 4 or more adults traveling together. Otherwise, alternate departure days for 2-3 persons require private services at extra cost. Hotels designated in the itinerary are our preferred accommodations. Specific hotels for each departure are subject to availability, but comparable alternative accommodations are available throughout the itinerary.
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