UNDISCOVERED PATAGONIA. A Great Walks Journey EXCLUSIVE ESC ORT ED JOURNEY. JUST 8 P LACES AVAILABLE

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1 EXCLUSIVE ESC ORT ED JOURNEY. JUST 8 P LACES AVAILABLE A Great Walks Journey We ve been nominated as Australia s Best Travel Agency in the 2017 National Travel Industry Awards (single location) UNDISCOVERED PATAGONIA CARRETERA AUSTRAL MARBLE CAVES VALLE CHACABUCO TORTEL EL CHALTEN EL CALAFATE 17 DAYS, 2-18 NOVEMBER, 2017 $8,280 PER PERSON FORWARDTRAVEL.COM.AU 1

2 THE ULTIMATE PATAGONIA ADVENTURE..off the beaten path and into its wild, remote secret heart 16 DAYS Take time to be thankful in Valle Chacabuco VALLE CHACABUCO Patagonia, the legendary land of wilderness, fierce winds, and hardy gauchos, easily lives up to the allure of its iconic name. Come with me far away from the beaten path to Amazing Aysen, the undiscovered heart of Patagonia. I ve been exploring Patagonia for 17 years, and think Aysen is it s hidden gem; untouched by tourism and an absolute paradise for travellers who embrace the outdoors. Here you ll find immense forests, and mysterious fjords and channels, woven within a tangled land of islands. jagged mountains and giant glaciers, reaching up to the Northern and Southern Icefields. Hike, raft, climb, float, ride, cycle, camp and fly; it is all included, and ready to surprise and delight you. The Carretera Austral is revered by explorers globally and considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Along the mainly gravel route we ll discover small villages, incredible natural areas and an array of interesting people. I think of it like living inside a postcard, where each and every single view is worthy of a photograph. This is my Ultimate Patagonia Journey - 17 years in the making. Hidden from tourists, along winding raods with few signposts, it s a place to engage with the locals and let them share its secrets. Ride with a pioneering gaucho, glide through caves of marble, barbeque with settler families, and hike with passionate guides. Immerse yourself in the sublime Chacabuco Valley, an amazing gift to the world fuelled by the passion of visionary travellers, and join me for a spectacular day as we hike above the Great Glacier, and literally put ourselves in the picture above. This is a slow journey to allow time to really explore, paying homage to the Gaucho saying, he who rushes, wastes time. I really hope you will join me. PUT YOURSELF IN THIS PICTURE AT GREAT GLACIER, VILLA OHIGGINS THE NEF AND BAKER CONFLUENCE ROSE IN PARQUE PATAGONIA 2 NOV: BALMACEDA RIO SIMPSON We meet our guides at Balmaceda airport and drive to Coyhaique for lunch. This afternoon we ll visit the beautiful Simpson Natural Reserve to stretch our legs and start breathing in the fresh air. Tonight we ll dine at the famous Dali restaurant. DAY 2: CERRO CASTILLO RIO TRANQUILLO Early start south to Villa Cerro Castillo, where the mountain peak really does look like a natural castle. The tiny village at the base of the mountain is home to descendents of the original pioneers who settled here over 100 years ago. The indigenous Tehuelches were here long before that though. Not far from town is the Paredón de las Manos, a 35m rock over hang, where they left their hand prints 5,000 years ago. You can choose the 6hr trek, by horse and foot, to the glacial lagoon, or take a shorter walk to one of the most famous peaks in Aysen. We say goodbye to bitumen and continue on the Carretera Austral through the Ibañéz River Valley to Rio Tranquillo, a small town (population 500) on the shores of Lake General Carrera. DAY 3: ICE TREKKING ON EXPLORADES GLACIER As we drive 52km west we ll notice the scenery change from shrubs and meadows to landscapes increasingly green and lush, and soon we re in the middle of impenetrable forests. We ll hike through the forest, maneuvering over the boulders to reach the ice where we ll put on the crampons and be immersed in a quiet world of blue, green and white. We ll explore some of the ice caves and walk through the crevasses, touching ice that is tens of thousands of years old. Those who don t want to ice trek can do a full day navigation to the San Rafael Glacier, Aysen s largest Glacier. Return to Rio Tranquillo. DAY 4, MARBLE CAVES AND PUERTO BERTAND A peninsula of solid marble, 300 million years old, has been slowly eroded by waves creating a labyrinth of marble caverns. Entering the caves we ll be surrounded by the marble. The clear water of the lake, and light filtering in from the outer world, creates a spectacle of colour and contrasts. Floating within these immense walls of marble is one of the most surreal travel experiences there is, and you can choose to explore by kayak or small boat. Back on the road we have our first sighting of The Baker river, one of the most beautiful in the world, and the longest in Chile. We ll take a gentle hike to the confluence of Baker and Nef river, and hear about the proposed dam which would have destroyed the landscape. Reaching Puerto Bertrand you can choose your adventure. Horse ridie with a pioneering local gaucho, takie a canopy ride over the Baker River, or relax in a hot tub on the river bank. Afterwards we drive the short distance to Parque Patagonia and arrive at Estancia Chacabuco for dinner and our 3 night stay. Upon arrival at the lodge, we ll be welcomed with a quick orientation to the park. Walk around the park headquarters area, and perhaps take a quick stroll on the La Vega Trail, which begins right behind the Lodge. Here you could spy your first guanacos, the curious South American camelid that roam the grasslands. Maybe enjoy a cocktail in the afternoon sun on the terrace before we have dinner in the Restaurant El Rincón Gaucho. DAY 5. PARQUE PATAGONIA. An amazing result of the passion and vision of Kris and Doug Tompkins. This future National Park was once an overgrazed sheep and cattle ranch that now protects an abundance of Patagonian steppe grasslands, glaciated peaks, and rebounding wildlife. The iconic walk is the Lagunas Atlas Trail. If you are feeling fit and ready this could be your day. After a hearty breakfast challenge yourself on the spectacular 23km hike. Starting from the Lodge, you ll hike up toward the summit of Mount Tamanguito before winding around stunning alpine lakes with dramatic views of the valley. It was named one of Patagonia s best five treks and continues to offer visitors an incredibly rewarding challenge. Once you return, you could savour a cocktail and curl up with a book before a delicious dinner at the restaurant. There are other options as well, including rafting on the Baker river, kayaking and fly fishing. RIO SIMPSON CERRO CASTILLO ICE TREKKING MARBLE CAVES FLY OVER ICE FIELD VALLE CHACABUCO CALETA TORTEL GREAT GLACIER HIKE TO ARGENTINA FORWARDTRAVEL.COM.AU 3

3 GAUCHO ENDANGERED HUEMELS CALETA TORTEL WALKING TO ARGENTINA LAGUNA LOS TRES HIKE, EL CHALTEN DAY 5. PARQUE PATAGONIA. The suggestion today is touring the Chacabuco Valley and hike the Lago Chico Loop. Experience the dramatic transformation in ecosystems as we drive east to the border with Argentina. In less than two hours, we ll be looking across the vast expanse of the Argentine Patagonian steppe. Along the way, stop to count flamingos, black-necked swans, and myriad other bird species that reside within the park. On our return, we ll take a detour to hike the crowd-pleasing Lago Chico trail, a 12- km loop in the eastern sector of the park. We ll appreciate the big views of Mount San Lorenzo, Patagonia s second-highest peak, and the massive Lago Cochrane. For those interested in a shorter hike, a tenminute stroll from the parking lot brings you to an excellent lookout over the lake. For dinner, gather around the parrilla (grill) in the restaurant for a traditional asado (BBQ) and buffet alongside staff and other guests. DAY 7. CALETA TORTEL On the world s most scenic road, Caleta Tortel stands out for not having any. 7.5km of raised walkways connect the village, and invite visitors to take a stroll through the various sites of this picturesque place declared a national monument due to its architecture and lifestyle. This quaint fishing village is conveniently located at the mouth of the Baker River and between the Northern and Southern Patagonian Ice Fields. The surrounding geography is rugged, formed by a number of islands, fjords, channels and estuaries only linked by road in 2003 to the rest of Chile. We ll hike above the village and take a boat to Isla Muerta and find one of Patagonia s great mysteries. DAY 8. VILLA O HIGGINS: END OF THE ROAD Our final drive takes us to the end of the Carretera Austral, at Villa O Higgins, bordering Argentina and gateway to the Southern Icefield. We ll celebrate our journey with a scenic flight over the Icefields which we have been following for the last week. To soar above them provides an amazing perspective and finally the realisation of the vastness of the World s largest hold of fresh water outside of the polar regions. After our flight we ll arrive at our fabulous lodge, Robinson Crusoe, Deep Patagonia,where we have time for activities before dinner. DAY 9 VILLA O HIGGINS Plenty of options to explore today with mountain biking, hiking, and fly fishing available. We ll cruise to Great Glacier and those who wish to put themselves in the picture at the top of page 2, will stay at Calendario Mansilla for the night. Anyone who is not doing the hike will return to the comfort of the lodge. DAY 10. CANDELARIO MANSILLA Today we ll all meet at Calendario Mansilla for our final night in Chile before another huge highlight of our trip; our crossing to Argentina. DAY 11 CROSSING TO ARGENTINA For all adventure seekers and nature lovers completing the crossing from Chile to Argentina at O Higgins is a must. The scenery is superlative, and the landscape is stunning with turquoise blues and emerald greens. We ll be driven 17km to the border and then walk the final 5km to Lago Del Desierto. There are amazing view points as we pass glaciers and mountains. A small ferry takes us to the southern shore, where we will be met and taken to El Chalten, for a well earned rest. DAY 12. EL CHALTEN One of Patagonia s most scenic trails, the 17km Laguna Los Tres hike rises through the forest for stunning views of Fitz Roy. The spectacular trek is the number one priority here. To maximise the hike we ll get a lift to the trail head 17km from Chalten and then slowly walk back to town. Start our hike through the forest with glimpses of the mystical Mount Fitz Roy; admiring lagoons of different shades of blue, imposing glaciers and campgrounds visited by famous international climbers. Eager hikers can add the detour across the moraine to the lagoon from Poincenot Camp, while others relax over a picnic lunch. We then start the descent to El Chalten, stopping at the beautiful Laguna Capri for more photos. Arriving in El Chalten may be quickly followed with a local beverage at the microbrewery. DAY 13. EL CHALTEN To is free to explore as you wish. DAY 14. EL CALAFATE This morning we ll take the bus 3hrs south to the charming town of El Calafate. Our hotel on the lake shore offers free bikes, perfect for exploring the lake and village. DAY 16. PERITO MORENO GLACIER Experience the majestic icy expanse of the Perito Moreno Glacier today and get a close up perspective of the fantastic formation with a boat ride on the glacial lagoon. We ll then have plenty of time to wander the boardwalks on its Northern side to try and take it all in. I alway allow plenty of time to sit and watch in the Rumble Zone; the glacier s most active area, where even seemingly small pieces crash like thunder to the water below. DAY 17. ONWARD TRAVEL Our wonderful journey ends after breakfast. You could take the bus to Chile and join our W Trek in Torres del Paine to complete a stunning journey. Ask us for details. CONSERVACION PATAGONICA Patagonia is one of the wildest places left on Earth, where there s a chance to protect ecosystems at scale and demonstrate how conservation can benefit communities. Conservacion Patagonica, a non-profit company was founded in 2000, to protect Patagonia s wildlands and ecosystems. Since then, Conservacion Patagonica has focused on building new national parks in Chile and Argentina s southernmost region, Patagonia. Their aim is to save and restore wildlands and wildlife, inspire care for the natural world, and generate healthy economic opportunities for local communities. As founder, Kris Tompkins tells it, We conserve the places we love and care about. Kris had heard about the conservation potential of the Chacabuco Valley, but not until she visited the area did she see the urgent need to rewild and securely protect this critical area. As she remembers, when I drove through the Chacabuco Valley for the first time, I saw the extra-high guanaco fences designed to keep these first-rate jumpers out of the best bottom grasslands, which were reserved for the cattle on the estancia. My eyes glazed over looking out on the tens of thousands of sheep grazing the bunch grasses up and down the valley. The grasses looked patchy and dead. Nothing left for wildlife. Previously one of the most biologically rich areas of Patagonia, the Chacabuco Valley was a sea of sheep and cattle. Not a guanaco to be found among them. The vision for Patagonia National Park emerged soon after this visit: the future park would restore damaged grasslands, protect the entire 650,000-acre area, develop durable and inspiring public access infrastructure, and spark a local economy based on conservation, not unsustainable sheep ranching. Conservacion Patagonica began collaborating with the Chilean government, building a talented on-the-ground team, and launching numerous initiatives to establish an enduring park. In 2004, they purchased the 178,000-acre Estancia Valle Chacabuco and set about tranforming it by selling off livestock, taking down fences, restoring grasslands and forests, and developing species-specific restoration programs. Now they have opened the park to the public so we can all benefit from their amazing efforts. Now, thanks to the workers, volunteers, and generous donors, Conservacion Patagonica has managed the unthinkable: crossing the halfway mark towards the creation of Patagonia National Park. Rose has been follwing Kris, and her late husband, Doug for many years and is thrilled to bring you to this amazing place. It is truly a testament to the power of interested travellers, who travel to discover, explore and, where possible, improve. Our visit here will be an incredible highlight, and hopefully an inspiration THE LODGE AT VALLE CHACABUCO Inspired by iconic national park lodges from around the world, the Lodge at Valle Chacabuco s detailed woodwork and original photography of local culture and nature provide a uniquely Patagonian experience. The central living and dining room are the ideal setting for resting after a day of travel, hiking, or exploration. Drink regional wine at the living room bar and enjoy views of looming Mount Tamanguito to the south through expansive paned windows. Nestle into overstuffed sofas, lounge by the fire, or venture to the patio by night to view an endless spread of stars. The Lodge s respect for the land and commitment to the environment is central to the guest experience. Complementing its surroundings, the Lodge is built from stone quarried in the Chacabuco Valley. Its high beams and floors come from recycled and refurbished wood, and its lush grounds welcome frequent and personal wildlife encounters. ROBINSON CRUSOE LODGE - VILLA O HIGGINS The Robinson Crusoe Deep Patagonian Lodge is located at the very end of the Carretera Austral. Set in the heart of Deep Patagonia, it is also the main access route to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the final gateway to Argentina. The lodge in Villa O Higgins is a stand out offering, and a perfect culmination of our Chilan journey. The lodge was inspired by the legend of the cultured, adventurous Robinson Crusoe, and built with the idea of conserving his mystique and brotherly spirit. Spaces have been designed especially for contemplation and the architecture is reminiscent of the great Patagonian barns. Be invited to allow your senses to be recreated amid nature at its purest, experiencing a return to freedom. The lodge s different areas make your stay comfortable and rewarding. One is the glass area that allows you to feel the wind and the rain sitting by soft cushions. Another is the loft where you can review maps of the area, as well as books and videos of interest, or you can enjoy the warmth of home along, read a good book while trying a good Chilean wine. Outside the lodge are inviting Hot Tubs so you can relax with a bubbling bath, admiring the beauty of a starry night as a reward for a long day filled with great experiences. The interior decoration is simple and elegant, with touches of local colour that form part of our style. Comfortable beds and blankets ensure a warm rest in rooms that are fully insulated and electrically heated, so you are far removed from the cold, rain and wind outside FORWARDTRAVEL.COM.AU 5

4 PRICING $8,280 per person twin share Single supplement not available as space is very limited. Ask us about it NOVEMBER SEASON (DATES) START: BALMACEDA, CHILE FINISH: EL CALAFATE, ARGENTINA FLIGHTS FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED: Our experience tells us everyone wants something different with flights so we don t include them so we can talk with you about the best options. Airfares from Syd/Mel start at $2,650pp Economy and $6,840 Business. Ask for other cities TRIP INCLUSIONS: Rose Toohey as your Journey Leader Drive along the southern Carretera Austral, one of the world s most scenic roads. Fantastic English speaking guide and driver. Flight over the Northern icefield. The best local guides for activities Your choice of activities throughout The best accommodation in each area. All meals and activities in Chile Flexible itinerary 3 nights in Chacabuco Valley, staying in The Lodge. Local encounters and out of the way experiences LIMITED TO JUST 8 PLACES NOT INCLUDED: Flights Beverages Tips (suggested tipping kitty of USD100pp) Personal expenses HOTELS FEATURED: COYHAIQUE CINCO RÍOS RIO TRANQUILLO EL PUESTO CHACABUCO THE LODGE CALETA TORTEL ENTRE HIELOS VILLA OHIGGINS ROBINSON CRUSOE AND HOME STAY EL CHALTEN DESTINO SUR EL CALAFATE SIERRA NEVADA TO BOOK: Please call , or enquiries@forwardtravel.com.au with any questions. You can hold a spot on this journey for 7 days. A $1,500 per person deposit is due then along with a completed booking for and copy of the information page of you passport. Adequate travel insurance is essential. Please ask us for a quote. ABOUT AYSEN Aysén is the third largest of Chile s 15 provinces by area, but the smallest by population: there are fewer than 2.5 people per square km. Geographically isolated on all sides by mountains, fjords, and ocean, Aysén was the last place in South America that settlers arrived. The development of the Carretera Austral, the rugged highway that runs north to south through the region that opened to traffic in 1988, made transportation to and within Aysén easier, but it still remains one of the most isolated and remote parts of Chile. Which is exactly why it so special. GETTING THERE There are daily flights from Santiago and Puerto Montt to the Balmaceda Airport, located 57 km southeast of Coyhaique, more or less in the centre of the region. Flight time from Santiago is approximately 3hrs. FOOD AND DRINK Mate, pronounced 'martay' is the traditional brew of Patagonia. People drink it all over the region, and it s a definite that at some point they ll invite you to join in. There is also a growing number of artisan beers, all exquisite and made with 100% pure water of Patagonia. The regional gastronomy offers freshness, purity, high levels of organic foods and low levels of pollution; delivering unique tastes, special ingredients and great meals. Beef, lamb and fish re some of the most common foods. A Patagonia Asado, which involves a whole lamb slow-roasted over the coals of a barbecue pit is not just a meal, more an occasion and feast, served with breads, herb sauce, potatoes, salads and, of course, red wine. CLIMATE Aysén is classified as a cool oceanic climate with low temperatures, abundant rainfall and strong winds. There are 4 distinct climate zones. Coastal areas to the west have a cool temperate climate with annual rainfall reaching 4,000mm, with Winter being the wettest months. Annual temperatures range between 8 to 19C with January being the warmest month. PERITO MORENO GLACIER TERMS & CONDITIONS OF BOOKING Please read carefully these Terms and Conditions. If you are unsure of any matter, or have any questions please call us. OUR CONTRACT: These terms and conditions are important. You need to carefully read and understand them. These conditions constitute a legally binding contract between Forward Travel and you. 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However, if things do not go as planned we need to tell you what we are not liable for: - Anything that happens before you commence travel booked with us. - The amount of sunshine, wind or rain on your travels. - Any poor photography because you didn t read the manual - The amount of wildlife you see. - Any recommendations for goods or services you purchase or accept while away. - Illnesses, accidents or medical emergencies. - Unexpected delays to transport, even if resulting in missing a connection or a tour. (We do recommend buffer days before important event(s). - Inconvenience or disappointment at laws, culture and standards of service and behaviour in any country/ies you may visit; - Changes our operators reasonably make to your itinerary as needed due to better manage your trip. - Weight gains from indulging in the local food and wine - Any kind of injury, loss, damage, misadventure and/or damage or loss of any property. 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5 FORWARDTRAVEL.COM.AU This journey is just one of the many fabulous dishes on the Forward Travel menu. Here are some other delicious destinations to tantalise your travel buds. Talk to us today about expertly planning you another exciting journey to savour. THE FORWARD MENU More journeys to savour Journeys to savour NEPAL AND HIMALAYAS NEPAL INDIA TIBET BHUTAN SEE OUR NEW ESCORTED JOURNEYS CALL THE KITCHEN: thekitchen@forwardtravel.com.au FORWARD TRAVEL Level 2, 15 Randle Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia Toll free: Ph: (02) Fx: (02) FORWARDTRAVEL.COM.AU 8 Forward Travel ABN: