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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 Jose Nogueira or similar. [B]
DAY 3 : MILODON CAVE AND TORRES DEL PAINE
Free morning to explore the southernmost city in Chile and largest Chilean settlement in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Consider visiting one of the museums depicting settlement of this harsh region. Transfer (5 hrs) to Torres del Paine National Park watching for guanaco, ostrich, black-necked swan, flamingo and condor along the way. Visit the enormous Milodon Cave that once sheltered a giant prehistoric sloth. Dinner and overnight at Hosteria Las Torres, a grand, log-constructed estancia (farm) at the base of the mountain with excellent service and delicious cuisine. [BLD]
DAY 4 : TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
We drive 25km/ 16miles to the eastern side of the park to the area of Laguna Azul that enjoys a warmer microclimate. Here we walk for about 2hrs among ancient beech forests with opportunities for spotting diverse birds, particularly the Magellanic Woodpecker. On a clear day it is possible to gain a distant view of the Paine Towers rising above the blue lagoon. The famous Torres del Paine (2.900m/9.400ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After the walk we take a break for a light box lunch. Evening will be for walking another 2hrs over flat terrain across the so called "Ruta de la Fauna" at Lake Sarmiento. This trail offers observation of "guanacos" (Llama Guanacoe) and a broad view over the Paine massif. Drive back to Hosteria Las Torres (or similar) for dinner and overnight. (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 : TORRES DEL PAINE
Cross to the western side of the Park, stopping at secluded lagoons for short walks and bird watching. Our drive ends at Lago Pehoe, where we begin hiking on guanaco trails through Patagonian steppe to the spectacular Salto Grande waterfall. The trail reaches Lago Nordenskjold and further along you find spectacular views of the black striped spires of the Cuernos, or Horns of Paine (1-1.5 hrs roundtrip). Weather permitting, walk back to the shores of the Lago Pehoe (3 hours) and cross the emerald-colored lake to reach Mirador Grey. Sail back to Pudeto pier then drive south to the shores of Grey Lake. Dinner and overnight at Hosteria Grey or similar. [BLD]
DAY 6 : GREY GLACIER
Enjoy an easy-going morning at the hosteria with a splendid view over the lake and massive icebergs broken off the giant glacier at the headwaters. Walk through beech forests and over flat glacial deposits forming the Grey Peninsula to a spectacular lookout point over the lake. This afternoon is spent on a scenic boat trip (weather permitting) out on the iceberg-chocked lake, approaching the towering walls of Grey Glacier. Dinner and overnight at Hosteria Grey. [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 Ensenada, a very large family home converted into a lovely, boutique hotel in the forest centrally located in the area of outdoor activities. [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) | 2008 Price: From $4195 per person. Land cost based on Group Size | Group Size | 2 | 3-4 | 5-6 | Per person price | $4695 | $4395 | $4195 |
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| Single Supplement: $825 (click for info) | *2007-8 season prices begin with Oct 1, 2007 departure. Local airfares are subject to change until purchased. Prices are based on group departure, private departures are available for additional cost. Holiday departures $200 per person supplement. | | | | | 2008 Departure Dates | | | (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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