Gretchen Traut: Jonathan Burnham:

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2 Meet Your Guides Gretchen Traut: Having mapped out this epic adventure last October, Gretchen very much looks forward to sharing these remote and life altering destinations in the extremes of Chile's mind-blowing landscape, with passionate and adventurous travelers aiming to challenge themselves and take part in this one-in-a-lifetime expedition! Gretchen has lived, studied and worked in Thailand, Argentina, Switzerland, Spain and the US and has traveled extensively throughout Europe, South America and Asia. Her heart, and second home, is in South America where she has been living on and off for the past nine years. Whether it be in Patagonia, the Andean highlands, the Amazon or the Pacific Northwest, she enjoys rock climbing, trekking, hiking, cycling, trail running, kayaking, and just about anything outdoors! Jonathan Burnham: Jonathan's passion for adventure travel has taken him far from home many times as a professional guide and adventure photographer. He's guided trips throughout North America and abroad, as well has having his photography published in various travel magazines like AFAR. He's always seeking opportunities to share the deeper experiences that define the 'Wild Style' of travel and photography has been at the forefront for him. Jonathan will be joining the trip to document our adventures and also to assist in the logistics having already completed the W Trek last year. Jonathan is also an avid snowboarder, climber, backpacker, mountain biker, kayaker, wake boarder, surfer and pretty much anything he can jump.

3 Itinerary Overview Celebrate Wildland Adventures 30-year anniversary on our wildest and most active adventure yet! Join South America Program Director Gretchen Traut and Marketing Director Jonathan Burnham on an adventurous tour of Chile this October. Climb volcanoes at high altitude, mountain bike through canyons, and embark on epic nature treks on this once-in-a-lifetime journey! Our adventure kicks off in an otherworldly landscape in the high Andes of northern Chile, where we'll travel among salt lakes, hot springs, volcanoes, and lush oases in the Atacama, the world s highest and driest desert. Here, red snow-capped volcanoes merge with pastel-colored desert expanses interrupted only by the outlines of the hills, salt formations, and giant dunes. Summit two of Atacama's most famous peaks, hike among the sand dunes and bizarre rock formations of the Valley of the Moon, mountain bike on desert trails through red-rock canyons, walk among the ruins of ancient pre-columbian villages, watch the daily eruption of the Tatio geysers, and photograph the ever-changing colors of the amazing scenery! At night, observe some of the clearest and most brilliant night skies in the Southern Hemisphere. In the bustling metropolis of Santiago, Chile s capital, get to know the city as you pedal around its famous markets and museums. Meet with a local chef for a special foodie tour that will introduce you to the fresh, local flavors of Chile s best regional dishes paired with delicious Carménère, Malbec, and Pisco, an iconic South American brandy. Heading south to Patagonia, we hike into the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, one of the most spectacular trekking areas in the world. Carrying a day pack with clothing and personal items, hike among spectacular mountain peaks past turquoise lakes, waterfalls, hanging glaciers, and alpine meadows where camel-like guanaco roam. Additional optional hikes to high base camps and lookouts afford spectacular views of sheer rock walls, calving glaciers, and soaring condors. Sleep in spacious domed tents at Las Torres EcoCamp and spend a night in a rustic, shared bunk-style mountain refugio equipped with a wood stove, wine, and camaraderie with hikers from around the world! DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTELS MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 SUN, OCTOBER 16 ATACAMA Terrantai D 2 MON, OCTOBER 17 ATACAMA Terrantai BL 3 TUES, OCTOBER 18 ATACAMA Terrantai BL 4 WEDS, OCTOBER 19 ATACAMA Terrantai BL Arrival in Santiago. Explore San Pedro de Atacama. Welcome dinner. Morning hike to Puritama Hot Springs. Afternoon hike through Moon Valley Hike along Rio Blanco + Visit Geysers. Afternoon cycling through the Devil s Throat Canyon. Toco Volcano Climb (18,645 ft). Evening at leisure. -3-

4 5 THURS, OCTOBER 20 ATACAMA Terrantai BL Lascar Volcano climb (18,346 ft) OR mountain biking to Salt Flats 6 FRI, OCTOBER 21 SANTIAGO The Singular Santiago B Fly to Santiago. Afternoon city biking tour. 7 SAT, OCTOBER 22 SANTIAGO The Singular Santiago BL Santiago foodie adventure 8 SUN, OCTOBER 23 TORRES DEL PAINE EcoCamp Patagonia BLD Fly to Punta Arenas, drive to Las Torres EcoCamp 9 MON, OCTOBER 24 TORRES DEL PAINE Refugio Paine Grande BLD Valle Francis 10 TUES, OCTOBER 25 TORRES DEL PAINE EcoCamp Patagonia BLD Glacier Grey Lookout Trail 11 WEDS, OCTOBER 26 TORRES DEL PAINE EcoCamp Patagonia BLD Las Torres Trail, Valle Ascencio 12 THURS, OCTOBER 27 DEPARTURE BL Fly home via Santiago or on to your next destination. -4-

5 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVAL Total Hiking Mileage: 0 Highest Elevation: 7,900 ft Arrive in Santiago and catch a 2-hour flight to the Atacama Desert, where you ll be met by a local guide and driver and escorted into the remote, high-desert town of San Pedro de Atacama, our base camp for a full range of adventurous activities over the coming days (Drive time 2 hours). After checking in to the hotel, explore the sleepy town of San Pedro and relax. Though the Atacama region is home to the driest desert on earth, people have been living here for thousands of years. The town of San Pedro de Atacama is often used as a jumping-off point for day tours and adventure activities in the area, but it s worth a visit in its own right. With a colonial-style adobe church, the R. P. Gustavo Le Paige archeological museum, shops, and cafes, San Pedro is a doorway to the Atacama s human history. Dinner at a local restaurant, where we ll get to know each other and discuss our upcoming Atacama excursions. Overnight at Hotel Terrantai. [D] DAY 2: PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS + MOON VALLEY Total Hiking Mileage: 5.5 miles Highest Elevation: 11,400 ft Head out to the mouth of a canyon where we ll begin our initial hike (3 miles) to the natural hot springs of Puritama. Following a local trail surrounded by desert vegetation and enormous ancient cacti, arrive at the pools by midday. Puritama features multiple warm baths connected by wooden footbridges, a waterfall, a sauna, and changing facilities. The hot springs waters, flowing up from a nearby underground source at a temperature of about 90 degrees, are rich in minerals that are thought to be beneficial to sufferers of rheumatism as well as being perfect for relaxation! Nosh on a picnic lunch and drive back to San Pedro. This evening, a 15-minute drive takes us to a viewpoint looking out over the majestic Cordillera de la Sal. From here, take a moderate hike (2.5 miles) along a narrow trail over a gully before walking along a small sand dune to cross into the Kari canyon (8,530 ft), an old, dry riverbed boasting beautiful rocks, grottos, and caverns. Witness one of the world's most beautiful sunsets over the Moon Valley, intensified by the warm colors of the sand dunes stretching out in the horizon. Dinner at your leisure in town. Overnight at Hotel Terrantai. [BL] -5-

6 DAY 3: RIO BLANCO + CYCLING THROUGH DEVILS THROAT GORGE Total Hiking Mileage: 6 miles Total Cycling Mileage: miles Highest Elevation: 14,175 ft Kick off the day with a stellar acclimatization hike that follows the Rio Blanco. Along this ancient mining trail, reach 13,000 feet, where rare high-altitude yareta plants grow. Passing pastel-colored volcanoes on the horizon and witnessing wild camel-like vicuña, arrive at the edge of Los Tatios Geyser National Park. The park s high-altitude geyser field is home to over 80 active geysers, a veritable witch s cauldron of spurting steam and bubbling mud. Picnic lunch at the end of our hike. After a quick change of clothes or shower, gear up with mountain bikes and pedal off to the narrow Devil s Throat Gorge! Zoom through nearly ten miles of rich orange clay canyon, complete with numerous caves and intriguing rock formations. Return to San Pedro to regain our strength for tomorrow s exciting first volcano summit. Overnight at Hotel Terrantai. [BL] DAY 4: TOCO VOLCANO CLIMB Total Hiking Mileage: 2 miles Highest Elevation: 18,645 ft Elevation gain:2,000 ft Today we make our first ascent to the roof of the Andes. Drive approximately 1.5 hours to the start of our climb (16,500 ft). With views of NASA's ALMA observatory to the south, the Bolivian Altiplano to the north, and the Atacama Salt Flat to the west, we ll gradually make our way to the summit of Cerro Toco. At summit, take in the sweeping, glorious views of the surrounding Mars-like landscapes at 18,654 feet. Rest and rehydrate before we begin our descent. Pass the afternoon at your leisure in San Pedro*. Overnight at Hotel Terrantai. [BL] *NOTE: for those wishing to rock climb, there are several great sport route areas nearby. Though we cannot formally arrange this, we are happy to show travelers where these areas are. Travelers engaging in rock climbing are assuming their own risk and are not Wildland Adventures responsibility. -6-

7 DAY 5: LASCAR VOLCANO CLIMB OR CYCLING TO THE SALT FLATS Total Hiking Mileage: 4 miles Highest Elevation: 18,346 ft Elevation gain:2,346 ft Choose your own adventure! Opt for another summit, climbing Lascar Volcano (strenuous), or cycling out to the massive Atacama salt flats (moderate). Lascar Volcano: Lascar Volcano, Chile's most active volcano, is the perfect destination for mountaineers! Leaving the hotel at 7,870 feet, travel 60 miles south, passing Laguna Lejía. Arrive at an altitude of approximately 16,000 feet to begin a 2-mile, 1900-foot climb up the south face of the volcano to reach the 18,346-foot summit. Observe the volcano's active smoke vents and multiple craters as you survey the breathtaking panoramic view of the Salar de Atacama and Laguna Lejía. Gradual descent along the same trail, where we ll meet our van to return to the hotel. Cycling: Leave the village in the early morning to pedal to the Atacama Salt Flats. 10 miles into the ride, pause for a dip in the salt water at pristine Cejas Lagoon. Drive to Tambillo and the National Flamingo reserve, rife with lush Tamarugo trees. After lunch in Toconao, ride to a village in the heart of the Talabre Gorge. From here, it s all downhill (in a literal sense) to the edge of the Salar de Atacama. Witness a spectacular sunset, surrounded by pink flamingoes, before heading back to San Pedro. 30 miles total cycling. Overnight at Hotel Terrantai. [BL] DAY 6: SANTIAGO Total Cycling Mileage: 5 miles Depart for Calama for a flight to Santiago. Airport reception and transfer to the luxurious, boutique Singular Santiago Hotel in the Lastarria neighborhood. Freshen up and unpack in the hotel before heading to Parque Bustamante to kick off a Santiago bike adventure. Experience a city that has undergone major cultural changes in the last 15 years, becoming one of the world s capitals. Bike around a myriad of parks and traditional neighborhoods that highlight Santiago s blend of the old, the new, and unique architecture, cuisine, history, and culture. Pedal along the Mapocho River and bike through the linear parks that make up Santiago s backbone, exploring this city that embraces change while honoring the traditions and difficulties of its past. Santiago is a city of contrasts and nooks and crannies, inviting you to wander around corners, encountering the buildings and elements of local city life that have endured from the past even as the skyscrapers of Sanhattan soar. The unassuming charm of Santiago s old parks and buildings is an invigorating contrast to the bustling activity of the commercial districts, while the simplicity of the barrios exposes the soul of a fascinating city that s waiting to be discovered. Overnight at The Singular Santiago. [B] -7-

8 DAY 7: SANTIAGO FOODIE ADVENTURE Our culinary journey commences downtown at La Vega, a renowned market famous with locals who crowd the stalls from dawn until early afternoon each day. After exploring the market maze and admiring the variety of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, spices, and meats for sale, buy ingredients for the evening s menu that we ll prepare with our chef-guide. Cross over the bridge to the other side of the Mapocho river and head to nearby Mercado Central, a fresh fish market popular with locals and tourists alike that features wonderful architecture. Experience the flavor of local life and see where the city-center dwellers come to purchase fish for classic meals like machas a la parmesana (razor clams with parmesan) or reineta a la manteca (buttered bream). We ll select the final ingredients for our tasty Chilean meal here before driving uptown to the chef's house. Upon arrival, we ll prepare our meal in the chef's specially designed kitchen. The menu will consist of an olive oil tasting (Chile is world-renowned for its olive oils), a starter like ceviche, and our choice of main course. While ingredients are simmering away, we ll sip Chilean cocktails and talk with the chef about the ingredients, their provenance, and their relationship to Chilean culture. Sample delicious appetizers with an aperitif and then sit down to the main meal to reap the fruits of our labor! We ll pair our meal with wine and finish things off with coffee and a typical Chilean dessert. Satisfied from our downtown exploration, home-cooked food, and superb Chilean wine, drive back to the hotel to rest. Explore Santiago at your leisure in the evening. Overnight at The Singular Santiago. [BL] DAY 8: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK Transfer for a morning flight to Punta Arenas, Patagonia. Airport reception and travel north through the vast Patagonian "pampa, following the coastal route along the Straits of Magellan in Tierra del Fuego, to Puerto Natales (256km/160 miles/3 hrs). After lunch in Puerto Natales, continue to Torres del Paine National Park (246 km/153 miles/ 2 hrs), stopping at the Milodon Cave, where the remains of a giant prehistoric sloth were discovered. Arrive at the EcoCamp, located in the heart of the National Park, and dine under the southern constellations. Overnight in Standard Domes at EcoCamp Patagonia in Standard Domes. [BLD] -8-

9 The famous W route: Hiking distances, approximate duration and altitudes for next three days. DAY Trail Name Valle del Frances Mirador Grey Las Torres Starting point EcoCamp Refugio Paine Grande EcoCamp Patagonia Finishing Point Refugio Paine Grande Mirador Grey EcoCamp Patagonia Approx trekking time 10 hrs 4 hrs 10 hrs Distance mi/25 km 7 mi/11 km 14 mi/23 km 2250 ft 800 ft 3000 ft Max altitude point 686 mts 244 mts 914 mts DAY 9: VALLE FRANCIS Hiking:10 hours/12 miles Trek along the shores of beautiful Lago Nordenskjold to reach Campamento Italiano. Follow Rio Frances to Mirador del Frances and cross a hanging bridge to an awe-inspiring cirque (glacial valley) high in the Paine Range with breathtaking views of the Frances Glacier and the lakes below. Return to Campamento Italiano, where we ll hike through the undulating terrain of grassland and forest. Overnight at Refugio Paine Grande near Pehoe Lake. Overnight at the refugio. [BLD] *Note: The excursion to French Valley varies throughout the season depending on the catamaran connecting Pudeto and Refugio Pehoe; From October 1st to November 15th and from March 16th through April, the navigation operates only once a day. Thus, the hike will be limited and will only reach Italian campsite, or if hiking quickly, to Mirador del Frances. DAY 10: GREY LAKE LOOKOUT TRAIL Hiking: 4 hours/7 miles Hike from Refugio Paine Grande to the northern end of Lago Grey. In the forests along the lake, keep you eyes peeled for the impressive Magellanic woodpecker. After a picnic lunch, board a boat to cross the sparkling lake to Grey Glacier, where we ll observe the many faces of this actively calving glacier. At the end of the navigation, return to EcoCamp Patagonia in Standard Domes (30-45 minutes by van) for dinner and overnight. [BLD] *Note: Occasionally the weather may not permit sailing across the lake. During the shoulder season (October and April) the sailing might be cancelled if the required minimum of 10 passengers isn't reached. In this case, we ll trek up to the sightseeing point offering a spectacular view of the glacier, then return on foot to Paine Grande and take a catamaran to Pudeto s dock and drive back to Ecocamp. DAY 11: LAS TORRES TRAIL, VALLE ASCENCIO Hiking: 10 hours/14 miles This challenging, all-day hike ascends steeply up to Valle Ascencio to the base of an impressive granite massif where the iconic Towers of Paine rise from a glacial lake. The famous peaks of Las Torres (2,900m/9,400ft) consist of three granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice, wind, and rain over millennia. Weather -9-

10 permitting, lunch above the turquoise glacial lake at the base of the Towers. Descend to overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia in Standard Domes. [BLD] DAY 8: PUNTA ARENAS SANTIAGO- DEPARTURE Early in the morning board the vehicle back to Punta Arenas in time to catch our late afternoon flight back to Santiago. Continue in transit to catch our international flight home or to your next destination*. [B] *NOTE: If the international flight schedules do not match with the internal flight schedules, we can arrange accommodations in Santiago at an additional cost upon request. END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. PRICING: PRICING BASED ON 6 TRAVELERS BASED ON 8 TRAVELERS BASED 10 TRAVELERS Land Cost Per Person $5,730 $5,260 $4,980 Subtotal $5,730 $5,260 $4,980 TOTAL $5,730 $5,260 $4,980 Single supplement: $1,650 INCLUDED SERVICES Lodging and tented accommodations Two Wildland escorts English-speaking certified naturalist guides Sleeping bags Cycling gear Guided tours and excursions Airport-hotel transfers and land transportation Meals as specified [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Services of in-bound land operator offices for airline reconfirmation; and tour operations and Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International air transportation; Round-trip air Santiago-Punta Arenas Round-trip air Santiago-Calama Tips and gratuities Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above -10-

11 Accommodations HOTEL TERRANTAI, ATACAMA DESERT Hotel Terrantai, located in San Pedro and praised for its architectural design, captures the atmosphere of the Atacama Desert. Local raw materials like stone, adobe, straw, and cactus plant give the hotel s cool, comfortable, and stylish facilities a traditional feel. Wifi-enabled rooms face either the oasis-like courtyard or the small and intimate dining room. THE SINGULAR, SANTIAGO Built to blend seamlessly into the neighborhood of Lastarria, The Singular Santiago combines the style of early 20th century buildings with neoclassical French architectural touches. The result is a striking addition to the Santiago cityscape that embraces the artistic heritage of the neighborhood while adding a cutting-edge modernity as an innovative homage to the city s history and culture. The Lastarria neighborhood is the epicenter of Santiago s art scene: Walk just a few minutes, and you ll discover some of the finest visual and performance art Chile has to offer at The Museum of Fine Arts, The Museum of Visual Arts, the Gabriela Mistral Center, and more. ECOCAMP PATAGONIA, TORRES DEL PAINE Similar in design to well-known permanent tented camps in Africa, EcoCamp Patagonia is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park within view of the famous Torres. The lowimpact, comfortable dome tent facility is designed and operated to minimize environmental impact, and was nationally recognized in 2012 as the most sustainable tourism operation in Chile by the Federation of Tourism Businesses. In contrast to traditional lodges constructed in unprotected areas outside the national park boundary that have septic plumbing, diesel generators, and daily linen changes, EcoCamp s facilities make it easy for guests to participate in conservation through the use of less water, minimizing use of limited solar energy for electricity, employing composting toilets, regulating temperature based exclusively on insulation (and low-emission wood burning stoves in suite domes), and reducing waste. Accommodations vary from standard domes (16' wide and 7' high set on a raised wooden platform) to deluxe 12 high suite dome lofts capable of housing four travelers that are outfitted with a low-emission wood-burning stove, sitting area, private terrace, en suite bathroom with hot water showers, and composting toilets. Public spaces include a cozy shared bathhouse for use by standard dome guests, an enormous 30' tent, and several other connected domes that form a common living area, dining room, and a lounge with bar and kitchen. -11-

12 At EcoCamp, take guided hikes of varying lengths among the granite spires, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes and the spectacular landscape of the park, a habitat for exotic flora and fauna like guanaco, rhea, condor, penguin, fox, and flamingo. Two different mountain biking trips, offered three times weekly, follow undulating trails past lake shores and through lenga forest. REFUGIO PAINE GRANDE Rooms at Refugio Paine Grande feature wonderful views of Lake Pehoe and Paine Grande. Up to 60 guests reside at Refugio Paine Grande, with 3 bunk beds to a room along with shared bathrooms featuring hot water showers. The Lodge offers reading rooms, lounges, a dining room for about 120 people, a bar, and a mini-market. -12-

13 Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $1,000 per person PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $ days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions. -13-