EXPOMIN 2010 PRE & POST TOURS

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "EXPOMIN 2010 PRE & POST TOURS"

Clement Alexander
6 years ago
Views:

1 EXPOMIN 2010 PRE & POST TOURS

2 Chile: General Information CLIMATE As a result of its extension and topography, Chile has all climates. In the north is the desert, very warm and dry throughout the year, without rains. The coast presents an annual average temperature of 18 C, whereas in the plateau the average temperature fluctuates between 10 C and - 5 C at night. The central region is tempered. December, January and February are the driest and warmest months, with temperatures that surpass 30 C. The coldest period is the winter that goes from June to August, where the valleys are always green due to the irrigation of a great amount of small rivers that flow from the Mountain Range of the Andes. In the south the climate is cold in winter (April to September), with small climatic variations during the day and the night, which is remarkably calm during the summer. In Patagonia the climate is variable, determined by its latitude, which corresponds to a region of less influence of the sun, marked by the strong sea influence that regulates the temperature and by the strong winds that blow from the South Pacific. On Easter Island, the climate is marine subtropical. June and August are the months of lowest temperature with an average of 18 C. February is the warmest month of the year with an average of 24 C. It frequently presents tropical rains being May the rainiest month. The island is very luminous and multiple rainbows usually take place. SEASONS Spring (September 21 to December20) Summer (December 21 to March20) Fall (March 21 to June 20) Winter (June 21 to September 20)

3 Chile: General Information TIME CHANGE From the second Saturday of October to the second Saturday of March, Chile has 4 hours earlier that in central Europe and the same hour than in Miami. During the rest of the year, 6 hours earlier that in central Europe and 1 hour earlier than in Miami. VISAS Although it is always advisable to collect information about the obtaining of visas previous to a trip, when arrival to Chile all passengers must pass through the international police check and present their identification documents (either an Identification Card or passport) and the visa stamp (depending on the country where you are coming from) When entering Chile the international police give tourists a Tourist card (Tarjeta de Tourismo), a non-transferable and personal document, which lasts for 90 days and can be extended for a further 90 days. Tourists must hand in the tourist card when they leave the country. The extension of this card can be requested in Regional Intendancies, in the Foreign Office. RECIPROCITY TAXES All passengers with Passports from Australia, Canada, United States and Mexico must pay a reciprocity tax before going through International Police. Australia U$ 61 Canada U$ 132 United States U$ 131 Mexico U$ 23 Enquires by telephone (56 2)

4 Chile: General Information CUSTOMS FORMALITIES Passengers have the right to enter with free of customs duties and taxes- merchandise that makes up travel luggage, travel items ( suitcases, bags, personal effects), clothing items, ornaments, electrical toiletry appliances, items for personal use ( alarm clock, camera, portable type writer and calculator), appropriate for the use and normal needs of a person. Objects exclusively used for the practice of their profession or trade, as long as they are used, portable, for manual use, simply made, that do not need to be installed for their normal use and correspond to the profession or trade of the traveller. A quantity that does not exceed, per adult ( over 18 years of age), 400 cigarettes, 500 grams of pipe tobacco, 50 cigars, 2,5 litres of alcoholic beverage. Excluded from the concept of luggage are: Household furniture, Household goods, crockery, linen and paintings, Musical instruments, Apparatus, electrical or electronic appliances, and their spare part, office equipment. SANITARY FORMALITIES On entering the country, you must declare the following: Milk, butter, cream and cheese. Fruit, vegetables and fresh vegetables. Meat of any kind, cured meats, sausages. Seeds, grains, Nuts and fruit dried or dehydrated. Fruit, ornamental, and forestry plants or parts of them: branches, sticks, bulbs and others. Flowers, dried flowers and garden plants. Soil. Wood and bark. Insects, snails and others. Bacteria and fungus for scientific investigation. Bees, honey and beeswax. Animal semen, biological products and veterinarian medicines. Small animals and pets (dogs, cats, others). Birds. Live species, products or sub-products of these, made from wild fauna. It is important to bear in mind: To make a sworn statement that is untrue is a crime and is punishable by law, with a minor prison sentence of a minimum of 61 days to a maximum of 3 years; declining to fill out the form will be penalized with a fine.

5 Chile: General Information HEALTH Vaccines are not necessary. It is suggested to be precautious with the water you drink, raw vegetables and seafood. Some problems as mountain sickness can be experienced in the plateau. The best prevention for these symptoms is a gradual exposure to height, light food, a lot of liquid and, if necessary, some type of medicine available in pharmacies for these problems. The private system of medical attention (clinica), is within the international standards, also payable through medical insurances acquired abroad. CURRENCY The official currency is Peso. Coins of $1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 are in circulation; Bills are of $ 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and The currency exchange has been relatively stable during the past few years, fluctuating between $ 500 and $600 for 1 American dollar. In the airport the exchange houses operate the 24 hrs. From Monday to Sunday. In the main commercial centers the exchange houses operate even on Sundays. Banks also exchange currency only from Monday through Friday from 09:00 to 14:00. It is advisable not to exchange with people in the street. All the credit cards are accepted, Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American Express. In remote places like Patagonia, payments with credit card are not always accepted. Traveler's checks in dollars are accepted everywhere in the country. In case of loss of the credit card, contact Visa MasterCard Tel / Diners and American Express Automatic Teller machines: They are easy to find, generally in the banking and exchange areas, they can also be found in Gas stations, pharmacies, malls and supermarkets. Tourists can use an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) if it has the Cirrus or Plus logo, these also show that the ATM is bilingual. The ATM s only dispense money in national currency.

6 Chile: General Information TRANSPORT Air Transport: Modern commercial airlines offer daily flights to the main cities of the country. Interurbans Buses: In Santiago there are 4 bus terminals that serve national and international destinations. They run daily and it is possible to choose economic services or more costly services, which are more direct and more comfortable. Ask about the different classes: clásico (classic), semi-cama(semi-reclining seat), executive, cama (fully-reclining seat) and premium. Tur Bus Station Terminal: Av. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 3750, Metro Universidad de Santiago (line 1). Phone: (56) Santiago Bus Station Terminal: Av. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 3850, Metro Estación Central (line 1). Phone: (56) Los Héroes Terminal: Tucapel Jiménez 21, Metro Los Héroes (línea 1). Phone: (56) San Borja Terminal Northern Terminal: San Borja 184, Metro Estación Central (line 1). Phone: (56) Metro: It has 85 stations, covers a surface of 84,4 kilometers, the Metro stations are distributed in 5 lines that run across the City from east to West and North to South. Opening hours are from 6:30 to 23:00 Monday to Friday, 6:30 to 23:00 Saturdays and Sundays and Holiday 8:30 to 22:30. During the day different fares are charged, depending on The time you wish to use it. Urban Buses: In Santiago the main mode of public transport is the Transantiago. Which covers entire journey not just individual legs of journeys. There is an electronic card system which can be purchased in any metro station, and recharged when necessary Tarjeta BIP ( BIP Card). Taxi Service: Can be found at any time of the day and can be recognized by their black and yellow color. All have taximeters and you should pay only what is indicated on the taximeter at the end of the journey. IMPORTANT: When you arrive in our country ask at the counter in the airport the costs of journeys to avoid being charged excessively. Car rental: The requirements for the leasing of cars are: valid Driver s License, be older than 25 years and a credit card.

7 Chile: General Information GETTING AROUND Highways: The main highway is the Pan-American which stretches from Arica to Chiloe in Chile. There are also other highways that cross to neighboring countries, in excellent conditions. In the city of Puerto Montt the Austral Highway begins which joins the austral region, with its fjords and canals, to the Villa O Higgins locality. This road is km long, passing through the scenery and the almost virgin landscape, is a real adventure, which brings you to Chilean Patagonia. Border passes: The country has 66 border passes in operation throughout the country, the most important are: Chacalluta in Arica, which joins Chile and Peru; Los Libertadores in Argentina in the central zone and also Cardenal Samore also in Argentina, in the southern province of Osorno. Maximum speed limit: On the highways the maximum speed limit is 120km/ph, on the secondary roads 80km/ph and in cities 60 km/ph. There are speed checks by radar and camera; above all there are permanent police checks by Carabineros or civil police (in their impeccable green uniforms), who are very strict. Never doubt in turning to a carabinero (policeman) if you have any problems, but do not try to resolve any misdemeanor on your part in any way other than the correct procedure. FUEL There are service stations along the Pan-American Highway and in cities along the country s main roads. The vast majority have mini markets, fast food services, bathrooms, ATM s

8 SAFETY In Chile there are 2 types of police. Carabineros de Chile (Chilean Police) is a militarized police force, dressed in a green uniform, they are in charge of keeping order and interior public security within the national territory. Policia de Investigaciones (Investigative Police) are the civil police in Chile in charge of the scientific and technical investigation of crime. Only members of the police force can ask you for you ID documents and passport. In the case of the investigative police (who do not use a uniform) always ask them to show you their identity badge. Emergency Numbers Carabineros 133 / Investigations 134 Fire Service 132 / Ambulance 131 COMMUNICATIONS Public telephones operate with coins of $100 or phone cards, which are on sale in the newsstands. SHOPPING HOURS Commerce opening hours are between 09:00 and 10:00 in the morning until 20:00 hrs. The shopping malls and supermarkets are open from 10:00 until 21:00 hrs. including weekends TECHNICAL PARAMETERS Electricity 220 V, 50 HERTZ (like in Europe) Chile: General Information

9 Chile: General Information HOLIDAYS IN CHILE New Year (1 January). Easter (late March or early April). Labor Day (1 May). Iquique Naval Combat (21 May). Saint Peter and Saint Paul (29 June). Assumption of Mary (15 August). Day of the national unity (the first Monday of September). Independence Days (18 and 19 September) Columbus Day (12 October). All Saints Day (1 November). Immaculate Conception (8 December). Christmas (25 December). MEALS AND DRINKS In all the cities, excellent restaurants with great variety of dishes of national and international cuisine can be found. The Chilean cuisine that is recommended is the barbecue (based on beef), the typical empanadas, (mass stuffed with ground meat, ground onion, olives and boiled egg), Chicken cazuela (Chicken broth with potatoes, pumpkin, corn and green beans), pastel de choclo (corn and very similar to a tamale). Within traditionally Chilean plates on the basis of fish and seafood, nothing better than a caldillo de congrio or a chupe de loco. One of typical dishes of the South zone of the country is the traditional Curanto (a mixture of fish, seafood, potatoes and different types of meat, beef and pork), that is cooked in a pot of clay in a hole in the ground. Finally, the production of fruit in Chile exceeds the one of any tropical country. The traditional drink in Chile is the Pisco Sour, made from pisco (grape liquor), lemon, ice and sugar. The Chilean wines are known world-wide, specially the Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The usual gratuity in restaurants is 10%.

10 Chile: General Information CULTURAL SANTIAGO The cultural life is complemented with specialized exhibitions, museums with extensive collections and relics that show the history of the country, in addition to the American culture. (All museums are closed on Mondays). The Municipal Theater, is a symbol of the cultural life of Santiago, where between April and November, famous operas, ballet and concerts are performed. SANTIAGO AT NIGHT The Bellavista district, placing together a series of elegant restaurants of different denominations, in addition to art galleries and outdoors theaters. This it is the sector where one of the house-museum of the famous Literature Nobel prize awarded poet, Pablo Neruda is located. For visitors, a variety of restaurants can be found on Isidora Goyenechea street, El Bosque Avenue, Borde Rio and for the younger, the outdoors coffee-bars of Plaza Ñuñoa CLOTHES In summer, light clothes are recommended and a light jacket for those who visit the North or the South of country. In Patagonia, it is always advisable to wear woolen clothes, light jacket and comfortable shoes to walk. In Santiago, to go out to eat to any restaurant, the use of jacket and tie is generally recommended. For more informal restaurants, casual outfit. TURIST INFORMATION The National Tourist Service SERNATUR - counter in Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, telephone Is open Monday to Sunday from to SERNATUR office in Santiago: Calle Providencia 1550, Manuel Montt metro station. Open: Monday to Friday, from 9.00 to 18.00, Saturday 9.00 to Telephone numbers: /

11 San Pedro de Atacama Mountain ranges, volcanes, petroglyphs, geysers, salt flats, altiplanic lagoons, hot springs and pre-hispanic culture.

12 San Pedro de Atacama Access Daily flights from Santiago to Calama (2 hours 30 minutes). Calama San Pedro 66 miles, (1.30hrs)

13 San Pedro de Atacama Climate Autumn (March- May 74 F) Winter (June August 72 F) Spring (Sept- Nov 74ºF). Summer (Dec Feb 81 F). Night average all year round between 36 F and 43 F

14 San Pedro de Atacama Program San Pedro de Atacama 4 Days /3 Nights CTS WB 5001 Day 1 Calama - San Pedro de Atacama Welcome at Calama airport and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. During the afternoon, passengers can choose daily guided excursions from the following menu. Lodging in San Pedro. Day 2 San Pedro de Atacama Breakfast. Day to discover the High Plains on one of the chosen excursions from the menu. Lodging. Day 3 San Pedro de Atacama Breakfast. Day to discover the High Plains on one of the chosen excursions from the menu. Lodging. Day 4 San Pedro de Atacama - Calama Breakfast. Transfer to the airport in Calama, to take flight back to Santiago.

VillageHalf day Half Day Green Lagoon ( Bolivia) Half Day Sejar Lagoon Half Day Moon Valley - Salt Mountain Range Half

15 San Pedro de Atacama Menu of guided Excursions Tatio Geysers Puritama Hot Springs Full Day High Plains Lagoons Miscanti Meñiques Full Day Centinelas of la Pakana Aguas Calientes Saltbed Full Day Atacama Saltbed Chaxa Lagoon Toconao VillageHalf day Half Day Green Lagoon ( Bolivia) Half Day Sejar Lagoon Half Day Moon Valley - Salt Mountain Range Half Day Archaeological Tour (P. Le Paige Museum - Pukara Quitor Tulor) Half Day Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs Arco Iris Ravine Half Day

16 San Pedro de Atacama CTS-WB 5001 (4 Days / 3 Nights) Starting any day of the week // Breakfast Included Jan 01, 2010 Apr 30, 2010 HOTELS SINGLE DOUBLE TRIPLE ALTIPLANICO HOSTERIA SAN PEDRO (SUP.) KIMAL CASA DON TOMAS GUEST HOUSE Starting any day of the week // Full Board included Jan 01, 2010 Apr 30, 2010 HOTELS SINGLE DOUBLE TRIPLE ALTIPLANICO HOSTERIA SAN PEDRO (SUP) KIMAL CASA DON TOMAS GUEST HOUSE

17 Santiago Capital of Chile, located in the central Valley, sorrounded by the Andean Mountain range and valleys where renowed wines are produced. See rates for lodging in the Hotel s page

18 Santiago Access All international flights arrive at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez, serving the city of Santiago, located a 25 km. ( 35 minutes) from downton. Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, 120 km. By vehicle 1.45 hrs.

19 Santiago Climate Otoño (March May, 68ºF) nvierno (June August, 58ºF) Primavera (September November, 71ºF). Verano (December - February, 86ºF). See rates for lodging in the Hotel s page

20 Easter Island One of the most isolated islands in the word. An extraordinary collection of archaeological sites, including iconic moais. The perfect combination of nature and culture

21 Easter Island Access Flights from Santiago to Rapa Nui (5 hours). Flights from Papeete to Rapa Nui (5 hours).

22 Easter Island Climate Autumn Mar May 68 F Winter Jun Aug 60ºF Spring Sep - Nov 68 F Summer Dec Feb 72ºF

23 4 Days 3 Nights CTS WB 5011 Easter island Program Day 1 Easter Island Upon arrival at Mataveri airport, welcome and transfer to your hotel. Lodging. Day 2 Easter Island Breakfast. Full day excursion visiting the archaeological centre of Akahanga, the Rano Raraku quarry where all the existing Moais were sculpted, with over 300 Moais in different stages of their completion, Ahu Tongariki, with its archaeological ruins of once the largest platform on the island until washed away by a tidal wave in 1969, Te Pito Kura, Ahu Ngau Ngau, including picnic lunch on Anakena Beach with its crystal-clear emerald-green waters. Lodging Day 3 Easter Island Breakfast. During the morning, visit to Rano Kau volcano, (1,6 km in diameter), the ceremonial village of Orongo with the largest concentration of Petroglyphs with images of Tangata Manu, the birdman, gods Make Make and Komari, fertility symbols and Vinapu. Time off for lunch. In the afternoon, sightseeing tour of Ahu Akivi, site of the seven Moais overlooking the sea, the Caves of Ana Tepahu, among the largest on the island and Pun-a-Pau quarries on the slopes of a volcano and where the reddish topknots were sculpted. Return to the hotel. Lodging. Day 4 Easter Island Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.

24 Easter Island CTS-WB 5011 (4 Days / 3 Nights) Jan 01, 2010 Dec 31, 2010 HOTELS SINGLE DOUBLE TRIPLE OTAI STD TAHATAI SUP IORANA SUP UPON REQUEST

25 The Lakes District A region known for its spectacular landscape of deep blue lakes, forests, deep blue mountain lakes, sports and traditional folklore, handicrafts and legends.

26 The Lakes District Access Daily Flights From Santiago to Puerto Montt (1:40 hrs) Buses, daily departures from Santiago to Puerto Montt o Puerto Varas (631 miles 12 hrs.)

27 The Lakes District Climate Autumn (March May 55ºF). Winter (June August 42 ºF). Spring (Sep Nov 52 ºF). Summer (Dec - Feb 65ºF).

28 The Lakes District Program The Best of Lakes and Volcanoes 7 Days / 6 Nights CTS WB 9008 Day 1 Santiago Welcome at the airport and transfer to your selected hotel. Lodging. Day 2 Santiago Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take flight to Puerto Montt. Upon arrival in Puerto Montt, transfer from the airport to your selected hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Lodging. Day 3 Puerto Varas Frutillar Breakfast. City tour of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, going on to the beautiful town of Frutillar, located on the banks of Lake Llanquihue. Lunch included. Return to the hotel. Lodging. Day 4 Puerto Varas Chiloe Island Ancud. Breakfast. Full day excursion to Chiloe Island, ferry crossing of the Chacao Channel, continuing by road to the town of Ancud founded in Lunch included. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Lodging.

29 The Lakes District Program The Best of Lakes and Volcanoes 7 Days / 6 Nights CTS WB 9008 Day 5 Puerto Varas Petrohué- Osorno Volcano Ski and Mountain Center Breakfast.Depending on weather conditions, there is a departure to a full day tour to the Osorno Volcano Ski and Mountain Center and to the Petrohué River Falls in the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park to get to the Todos los Santos Lake, also known as the Emerald Lake because of the green-blue color of its water. Lunch included. At night, we suggest going out to taste the regional cuisine in some of the many restaurants of the promenade or visiting the casino. Lodging. Day 6 Puerto Varas - Santiago Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take flight back to Santiago. Upon arrival, transfer to your selected hotel. Lodging. Day 7 Santiago Breakfast. Transfer from the hotel to the airport.

30 The Lakes District CTS WB 9008 (7 Days / 6 Nights) Dec 01, 2009 Apr 30, 2010 HOTELS SINGLE DOUBLE TRIPLE THE RITZ CARLTON / CUMBRES PATAGONICAS SHERATON TOWER / CUMBRES PATAGONICAS GRAND HYATT / MELIA PATAGONIA PLAZA EL BOSQUE / MELIA PATAGONIA INTERCONTINENTAL / MELIA PATAGONIA MARRIOTT / MELIA PATAGONIA RADISSON / MELIA PATAGONIA SHERATON SANTIAGO / SOLACE CROWNE PLAZA / SOLACE KENNEDY / SOLACE PLAZA SAN FRANCISCO / CABAÑAS DEL LAGO REGAL PACIFIC / CABAÑAS DEL LAGO HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS / CABAÑAS DEL LAGO FOUR POINTS / CABAÑAS DEL LAGO NERUDA / CABAÑAS DEL LAGO

31 The Lakes District CTS WB 9008 (7 Days / 6 Nights) Dec 01, 2009 Apr 30, 2010 HOTELES SINGLE DOBLE TRIPLE N.H. HOTELES / CABAÑAS DEL LAGO FUNDADOR / CABAÑAS DEL LAGO NOVOTEL / CABAÑAS DEL LAGO TORREMAYOR / BELLAVISTA GALERIAS / BELLAVISTA PROVIDENCIA / BELLAVISTA EUROTEL EL BOSQUE / SOLACE PANAMERICANO / SOLACE ATTON LAS CONDES / SOLACE DIEGO DE VELAZQUEZ / COLONOS EXPRESS PRINCIPADO / COLONOS EXPRESS MAJESTIC / COLONOS EXPRESS

32 Last border of the world, imposing snowdrifts in a dismantled coast of deep fiords, channels and rough mountains. Virgin and indomitable land of surprising beauty Chilean Patagonia

33 Chilean Patagonia Access Daily Flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas (4 hrs.). Deluxe transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales (254 km. 3 hrs.). Deluxe transfer from Punta Arenas to the National Park Torres del Paine (403 km. 6 hrs.).

34 Chilean Patagonia Climate Autumn Mar - May 16ºC Winter Jun - Aug 13 ºC Spring Sep Nov 19 ºC Summer Dec - Feb 23ºC

35 Chilean Patagonia Program Flash trip to Southern Patagonia 4 Days 3 Nights. CTS WB 5042 Day 1 Punta Arenas Puerto Natales Upon arrival to the airport, transfer to the bus terminal in Punta Arenas to board a regular bus to Puerto Natales. (Bus ticket included). After a 2 ½ hr ride, you will arrive to Puerto Natales Upon arrival transfer to your selected hotel. Lodging. Day 2 Puerto Natales Serrano and Balmaceda Glaciers Breakfast. At 8 o'clock, it is boarding time at Puerto Natales pier for a full day excursion sailing towards the Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers. At approximately 4:30 p.m., return to the pier. Lodging ** Daily Navigation during the months of September through March. From April to September only on Sundays and depending on weather conditions Day 3 Puerto Natales Torres del Paine National Park Breakfast. In the morning, departure from the hotel, for a full day tour to the Torres del Paine National Park. Lunch included. In the evening, return to the hotel. Lodging. Day 4 Puerto Natales Punta Arenas Breakfast. Transfer to bus terminal in order to take a regular bus to Punta Arenas airport

Chilean Patagonia Program Sep 15, 2009 Apr 30, 2010 HOTELS SINGLE DOUBLE TRIPLE COSTA AUSTRALIS 1088

36 Chilean Patagonia Program Sep 15, 2009 Apr 30, 2010 HOTELS SINGLE DOUBLE TRIPLE COSTA AUSTRALIS WESKAR INDIGO SALTOS DEL PAINE SUPP TKT PTN / FTE

37 CHILE

Valparaíso City Climate: Access:

Valparaíso City Climate: Access: Tours Viña del Mar City One of the most important social centres for summer vacations in South America, located only 120 km from Santiago in a incredibly naturally beautiful rocky coast. The central zone