EXPLORING WILD CHILE: OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN PATAGONIA

Transcription

1 EXPLORING WILD CHILE: OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN PATAGONIA

2 Itinerary Overview This adventure explores the northern and southern ends of Chilean Patagonia: beginning in Chile s Yellowstone - Patagonia Conservation- in the Aysen Region and culminating amidst the stellar peaks of Torres del Paine National Park, in the south. This active hiking itinerary takes travelers deep into the privately owned Patagonia Park, where we stay at a rustic mountain lodge and hike freely along the countless surrounding trails. Finally we fly south to the end of the world to one of the most spectacular hiking areas in the world- Torres del Paine National Park. Here, we amble among the mountain peaks on undulating trails that contour past turquoise lakes, waterfalls, hanging glaciers, and the pampas where guanaco roam and condors soar. Optional hikes to high base camps and lookouts afford spectacular views of sheer rock walls, calving glaciers, and chances to observe rock climbers. Leave land behind and take to the Serrano River to depart from Torres del Paine on a 4-day/3-night kayaking adventure trip. Paddle past the remote Tyndall and Balmaceda glaciers, imposing mountains and secret fjords that most travelers to Torres del Paine never encounter. After two nights split between a tented camp and a cozy mountain lodge, enter Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, where we trade our kayaks for a catamaran for a final ride across the Last Hope Fjord to Puerto Natales, keeping an eye out for austral dolphins and sea lions. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTELS MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 SANTIAGO Castillo Rojo Arrival. Santiago City tour 2 COYHAIQUE PARQUE PATAGONIA PARQUE PATAGONIA PARQUE PATAGONIA 6 COYHAIQUE Nomades Hotel Boutique The Lodge at Valle Chacabuco The Lodge at Valle Chacabuco The Lodge at Valle Chacabuco Nomades Hotel Boutique 7 PUERTO VARAS Hotel Puelche B 8 TORRES DEL PAINE 9 TORRES DEL PAINE 10 TORRES DEL PAINE 11 TORRES DEL PAINE EcoCamp Patagonia EcoCamp Patagonia EcoCamp Patagonia EcoCamp Patagonia B B B B B BD BLD BLD BLD 12 TYNDALL CAMP Camping BLD 13 MOUNT BALMACEDA Balmaceda Mountain Lodge BLD Fly to Balmaceda and transfer to Nomades Hotel Boutique in Coyhaique Transfer into Parque Patagonia Hiking in Parque Patagonia Hiking in Parque Patagonia Transfer to Coyhaique Morning at leisure. Evening flight to Puerto Montt. Fly to Punta Arenas. Transfer to EcoCamp Torres del Paine National Park Hiking Torres del Paine National Park Hiking Torres del Paine National Park Hiking Drive to Serrano River. Paddling to Tyndall Camp Paddle Serrano River to Balmaceda Mountain. -2-

3 14 PUERTO NATALES Hotel Indigo BLD 15 DEPARTURE B Paddle Balmaceda Glacier. Catamaran to Puerto Natales Transfer to PUQ airport for flight to SCL and international departure. -3-

4 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVE IN SANTIAGO Arrival in Santiago [Flight]. Morning airport reception and transfer to the boutique Hotel Castillo Rojo.. 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 Overnight at the Castillo Rojo. NOTE: Please advise if you would like restaurant recommendations or reservations for the evening. DAY 2: SANTIAGO-COYHAIQUE Private transfer from the hotel to Santiago airport to take a flight to Balmaceda [Flight]. Reception at the airport, located 54 km from Coyhaique, the capital of the Aysen region. Overnight in Coyhaique at Nomades Hotel Boutique. [B] DAY 3: PARQUE PATAGONIA This morning your driver* will meet you at your hotel and escort you out to Parque Patagonia. Patagonia Park is a global destination for adventurers looking to experience one of the world s last wild places. Located in the remote region of Aysén in southern Chile, the journey to Patagonia Park can be an adventure in itself. Travel up on the Carretera Austral (Route 7), a winding, unpaved 1,200-mile stretch of road leading from the northern city of Puerto Montt south to Villa O Higgins. The ride boasts quintessential sights and sounds of Patagonia, weaving past steep riparian forests and opening to views of the turquoise Baker River and the marble caves of Lake General Carrera. Completed in 2000, the road, like the park, is fresh on the map. Overnight at the Lodge at Valle Chacabuco [B]** * Please note that there is not a guide, only a driver (the driver may only be Spanish speaking). **Please note that lunch and dinners are not included in the rate and will have to be purchased directly at the lodge. -4-

5 DAYS 4&5: HIKING AT PARQUE PATAGONIA Enjoy the next two full days exploring this remote Andean paradise. For hikes in the park, you are welcome to either explore any of these routes yourself or hire a professional guide (to book a guide, please visit the office upon arrival- a guide is not included in the package price). Hike Options: Walk to La Confluencia Duration: 3 hours One of our favorite spots, the confluence of the Baker and Chacabuco Rivers lies very close to the park s western entrance. Drive to the crossroads of the main park road and the Carretera Austral, find a spot to park, and head down to the nice beach at the confluence. There s a path that starts slightly north of the crossroads, but if you don t find it, you can just head down the hill. The walk down is approximately 45 minutes. This is a great place to swim and relax. Walk the La Vega Trail Duration: 2 hours For a pleasant walk, head out the La Vega trail, which starts behind the lodge. The trail winds through the valley before arriving at the Westwinds Campground, the first main campground of the park. You ll pass the greenhouse and the historic Valle Chacabuco cemetery, which contains the graves of several past residents (human and animal) of this area. You can return by the same trail, or take the road that leads to the campground. Round trip is approximately 7km (4.5 miles). Hike the Lago Chico Loop Duration: half day In the eastern sector of the Chacabuco Valley, the Lago Chico area has spectacular views of Lago Cochrane and Mount San Lorenzo. Drive up the valley approximately 45km (28 miles) until you reach the second road on the right (south) side of the road. Take this road up the hill to a parking area (under construction), approximately 7km (4.5 miles). From there, head out on the 12km (7.5 mile) loop trail around Lago Chico or enjoy a shorter stroll to a scenic overlook. Hike the Lagunas Altas Trail Duration: full day The 23km (14 mile) Lagunas Altas Trail starts at the Westwinds Campground, just a short walk from the lodge. The trail climbs up the hill, close to Tamanguito Peak, before winding around numerous alpine lakes and returning to the park headquarters. The trail is marked with rebar poles, and trail maps are available at the office. Allow at least six to eight hours to complete this route, and bring a picnic, water, warm layers, and sun -5-

6 protection. Hike the Avilés Trail Duration: full day Drive up the valley to the Stone House Campground (25k/15.5 miles, about half an hour). Park and cross the Berkley Footbridge across the Chacabuco River, and look for the marked trail taking off behind the house. Walk up the valley to a hanging footbridge over the Aviles River, cross the river, and return on the other side, crossing the Aviles River close to the end of the hike. This trail connects the Chacabuco Valley to the Jeinimeni Reserve to the north. 16km (10 miles) total. Continued overnights at the Lodge at Valle Chacabuco. [B]* *Please note that lunch and dinners are not included in the rate and will have to be purchased directly at the lodge. DAY 6: PARQUE PATAGONIA-COYHAIQUE Today your driver *will pick you up at the lodge and transfer you back to Coyhaique where you will overnight at Nomadas Hotel Boutique. [B] * Please note that there is not a guide, only a driver (the driver may only be Spanish speaking) DAY 7: COYHAIQUE-PUERTO VARAS Enjoy the morning at your own leisure to explore Coyhaique and its surroundings. In the evening catch your 1 hour (approx) flight to Puerto Montt [Flight]. Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel in Puerto Varas. Overnight at Hotel Puelche. [B] DAY 8: PUERTO VARAS-PUNTA ARENAS Transfer out for morning flight to Punta Arenas and then drive north through the vast Patagonian pampa to Puerto Natales, following the coastal route along the Straits of Magellan in Tierra del Fuego (256km/160 miles/3 hrs). After lunch in Puerto Natales, continue into Torres del Paine National Park (246 km/153 miles/ 2 hrs). Arrive for dinner and overnight under the southern constellations at Ecocamp Patagonia in a Suite Dome, located within Torres del Paine National Park. [BLD] *Standard Domes with shared bathroom facilities also available for a lower price. Please inquire for details. -6-

7 DAYS 9-11: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK TREKKING Explorations in and around the park vary according to the day of the week and interests and abilities of individual guests. Each day there is an easy excursion by car with walking and light hiking, and a second option that is designed for more active hikers. Most excursions are full day although some are half-day allowing for exploration and relaxed time in the vicinity of the camp. Easy outings include a drive to Laguna Azul Lake with a warmer microclimate and walk among ancient beech forests with opportunities for spotting diverse bird life, particularly the Magellanic Woodpecker. Another walk over flat terrain across the "Ruta de la Fauna" at Lake Sarmiento affords easy observation of guanacos and the panoramic views of the Paine massif especially the Cuernos, or Horns of Paine. More challenging all day hikes include an ascent to the base of the Torres del Paine massif, and another is crossing Lake Pehoe by boat and hiking the French Valley into the heart of the Park. In lieu of hiking, travelers can also elect a nontechnical mountain bike trip through the park along Laguna Azul, offered three times per week. Return each day for dinner and overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia. [BLD] EcoCamp Patagonia Outings Schedule LEVEL MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY Western Western Hike along Lake EASY Laguna Azul and Fauna Trail + BBQ Lakes, Grey Glacier Navigation Hike Inge Lagoon & Los Cuernos Pass Laguna Azul and Fauna Trail + BBQ Lakes, Grey Glacier Navigation Inge Lagoon & Los Cuernos Pass Shore hike + Botanical Safari ACTIVE BIKING Trek Tower Base Cycle to Laguna Azul +Patagonian BBQ Western Lakes. Hike Pingo Trail Navigation on Lake Pehoe and Hike along French Valley Trek Towers Base Cycling to Laguna Azul + Patagonian BBQ Western Lakes. Hike Pingo Trail Navigation on Lake Pehoe and Hike along French Valley Hike to Seron Cycling tour to Seron TUESDAY AND FRIDAY -7-

8 Easy: Drive & Walk Western Lakes, Boat across Grey Glacier Full day visit to Salto Grande, Nordenskjold Lake Trail, and Grey Lake Beach. Grey Glacier navigation. Walking: 2 hours, 5 km / 3 miles Boat crossing Grey Lake: 2 hours Active: Drive & Walk Western Lakes, Pingo Trail Full day visit to Salto Grande, Nordenskjold Lake Trail and Grey Lake Beach. Then steep hike up Pingo Trail Hiking: 5 hours, 5km / 3 miles MONDAY AND THURSDAY Easy: Walk Laguna Azul and Fauna Trails Full day visit to Laguna Azul, walk to the lookout point through Lenga forests, see guanaco herds, flora and fauna. Walking: 3 hours, 4 km / 2.5 miles. Active: Trek Towers Base Full day trek up the Ascencio Valley to the base of the Towers. Hiking: 10 hrs, 21 km /13 miles. WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY Easy: Hike Inge Lagoon and Cuernos Pass Splendid views of Park s central lakes and Horns of Paine. Walking: 4 hrs, 8 km / 5 miles Active: Boat across Pehoe Lake, Trek French Valley Trek in the heart of the Paine Massif. Walking: 6 hrs, 11 km / 7 miles SUNDAY Easy: Botanical Walk Easy walk in the EcoCamp vicinity. Walking: 3 hours, 1 mile. Active: Puesto Seron Active trekking through the Massif south-east border. Hiking 8 hours, 11 miles. Optional Activities (not included) - Visit Hostería Las Torres Spa & Massage - Horseback riding CYCLING OPTIONS Cycling to Laguna Azul + Patagonian BBQ After breakfast drive to Estancia Laguna Amarga, next to the ranger station where you entered the park. Hop on your mountain bikes & pedal away towards the Laguna Azul campsite, approximately 20 km (12 miles) to the north east. Along unpaved roads and dirt paths, cycle past an array of fauna on the Patagonian plains including guanacos and ostrich-like ñandús (plus maybe the occasional puma print!), as you head up north towards the cascading Paine waterfall. Pause and admire the view then continue your journey up towards Laguna Azul. Upon arrival at Laguna Azul you re treated to a classic Patagonian barbecue, prepared by a local Patagonian chef in the EcoCamp s cozy asado area on the lakeshore. Once you ve feasted and rested there s time to explore the surroundings and climb to the nearby sightseeing point with a panoramic view of the lagoon and the Torres in the distance. The cycle ride back to Ecocamp is optional - anyone who is happily tired after the journey and barbecue is welcome to travel back in the support van (accompanying the group at all times on the outward journey). Back at EcoCamp the cyclists reunite with their Safari hiking counterparts to enjoy the evening aperitif. Cycling tour to Seron After a hearty breakfast get outfitted with your bike and begin the journey northwards towards Seron campsite at the north eastern corner of the Paine massif. This first section of the Paine circuit is over undulating terrain leading through beautiful Lenga forests, with views of Laguna Azul and Sierra Masle. As this sector of the park is quieter and less visited than the central and western sectors you ll hopefully encounter animals roaming around in the vegetation. After an approximate 15 km cycle (9 miles), passing through the picturesque Encantado valley, reach Seron campsite and enjoy your box lunch and the views before heading back to EcoCamp for the evening aperitif. -8-

9 DAY 12: KAYAKING SERRANO RIVER You ll be collected at the EcoCamp in the morning and depart by vehicle across the park, headed for the Serrano Camp on the southwest edge of Torres del Paine, where the Serrano River begins winding towards the Pacific ocean. After being outfitted with equipment and receiving a thorough safety briefing, launch the kayaks to begin paddling down the Serrano River, passing through spectacular mountain scenery. After about four hours, portage the kayaks to avoid a waterfall then continue downstream past vibrant river banks covered with Lenga forests. Near the mouth of the Tyndall River, disembark, set up camp and enjoy dinner by the campfire. Overnight in tented camping accommodations. [BLD] NOTE: The 4 day-3 night kayaking can be exchanged for a 4 day-3 night luxury cruise of the fjords around Punta Arenas. Cruise dates are fixed and will be quoted separately. DAY 13: KAYAKING SOUTHERN ICE FIELDS AND GLACIERS After a hearty breakfast, continue your kayaking journey by launching into the glacially fed waters of the Tyndall River. Today you pass by the massive face of the Tyndall Glacier, one of the largest in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. With an ice face dating back to more than 12,000 years ago, you ll have plenty of time to observe the majesty of the glacier and paddle among the ice bergs before the current gently pulls you back to the Rio Serrano. Stop at Estancia Pekin Guerro for lunch then continue paddling for approximately three hours, through scenic Patagonian fjords overlooked by beautiful Mount Balmaceda. At the foot of the mountain, your cozy lodge awaits. Overnight at Balmaceda Mountain Lodge. [BLD] -9-

10 DAY 14: BALMACEDA GLACIER & LAST HOPE FJORD Morning kayak trip to view Balmaceda Glacier. Located in Bernardo O Higgins National Park, this hanging glacier is situated at over 6,500 up the mountain and calves massive icebergs into La Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope) Fjord. The Balmaceda Glacier is only accessible via water so most visitors to Patagonia never lay eyes on this spectacular arm of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. After the spectacle of the glacier, you paddle to the main dock of Bernardo O Higgins National park where you trade your kayaks for a catamaran ride across the Last Hope Fjord to Puerto Natales. Along with Patagonia s famously strong winds, austral dolphins, sea lions and a variety of water birds often accompany this open-water crossing. Upon arrival at Puerto Natales, your driver will escort you from the dock to the Indigo Hotel* for overnight. Dinner is on your own at one of the restaurants in town. [BL] *Please ask us about upgrade options to The Singular hotel and consider staying at this luxury property for a couple extra days at the end of the world. DAY 15: DEPART PATAGONIA FOR SANTIAGO Morning at leisure. Afternoon private transfer to the Punta Arenas airport in time to make your flight to Santiago. In Santiago, remain in transit as you check-in for your international departure flight in the evening. [B] END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. PRICING: TBD INCLUDED SERVICES All accommodations as indicated English-speaking certified naturalist guides 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; Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International air transportation Airport taxes 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 BOUTIQUE CASTILLO ROJO The Red Castle Hotel is located prominently at the center of Plaza Mori in the heart of Bellavista, a neighborhood famous for live music, theater, fine restaurants and exciting nightlife. The hotel is located one block from the Pablo Neruda House, Patio Bellavista and the Funicular to the summit of San Cristobal Hill. The iconic Red Castle was originally built in 1923 and was long known as a meeting place for locals and visitors. In 2013, it was lovingly re-imagined as a boutique hotel, with original furniture from the home, restored fireplaces and woodwork, and light fixtures and design elements true to the style of the 1920s. Castillo Rojo also offers modern comforts and luxuries, including 19 individually climatecontrolled guest rooms, a wine bar, and two exciting restaurants: La Petanque an award winning french brasserie, and Cabildo which will open in October. Take a walk back in time and experience the elegant style of 1920s Santiago. Have a glass of wine on the romantic terrace overlooking Plaza Mori, enjoy breakfast in our sunny garden or relax with a coffee on the plaza and watch the exciting world of Bellavista go by. NOMADES HOTEL BOUTIQUE Nómades combines refined infrastructure with maximum hotel comfort and personalized attention in a privileged location, as it is situated on the banks of the River Coyhaique only a few blocks from the center of the city. All rooms and suits look out over the river with huge windows that allow the majesty of the mountain views inside. THE LODGE AT VALLE CHACABUCO The six-room stone Lodge at Valle Chacabuco is both rustic and elegant. Inspired by national park lodges from around the world, the lodge is a blend of old and new. Staying true to the historic estancia style, its largely hand crafted antique furniture, original photography, and a wood fireplace 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 Chilean wine from 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 sky of stars. -11-

12 HOTEL PUELCHE, PUERTO VARAS On the shores of Lago Llanquihue surrounded by views of the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes, Hotel Puelche offers 21 rooms with décor including wood and stone, and large windows allowing for plenty of light. The hotel is located just a few blocks from downtown, giving guests access to both the lake and all of the great local shops and activities. ECOCAMP PATAGONIA, TORRES DEL PAINE The deluxe and fully sustainable EcoCamp is a complex of geodesic dome tents built on, and connected by, board walks, all designed to minimize its impact. Located inside Torres del Paine National Park with a panoramic view of the iconic tower peaks, the low-impact, deluxe dome tent facility is designed and operated to minimize environmental impact centrally located in the heart of one of the world's most spectacular and popular hiking regions. In contrast to traditional amenities of lodges constructed outside the national park boundary with less enviornmental constraints (ie. septic tank, diesel generators, daily linen changes, etc.), EcoCamp is managed to conseve water and reduce energy consumption. Guests are accommodated in three styles of tents. Wildland travelers are predominantly assigned tothe deluxe spacious 300 ft² Geodestic Suite Dome tents with double or twin beds, low-emission wood burning stove, sitting area, private terrace and en suite bathroom with hot water showers and composting toilets. Suite Dome Loft tents are two-story providing quat accommodations for families or friends to share. Built to provide a barrier against wind and cold, guests are close to nature gazing out the large windows to vast views and starry night skies. Participants on our Paine Base Camp Trek use Superior Dome tents slightly smaller but with heat, en-suite bath and windows. Guests congregate in public spaces inside an enormous 30' tent connected to several other domes providing common living area, dining room, lounge with bar and kitchen. All inclusive of meals and guided excursions, visitors choose from two different hikes of varying desgrees offered daily, easy and more challenging, among the granite spires, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes and habitat for exotic flora and fauna including guanaco, rhea (ostrich), condor, penguin, fox, and Austral birds. Two different mountain biking trips are also offered 3x each week along undulating trails past lake shores and through lenga forests. HOTEL INDIGO PATAGONIA Hotel Indigo Patagonia stands out among the other Patagonia hotels because of its avant-garde design influenced by the subtle nature at the worlds end. Its ample windows allow light to enter and illuminate the cozy spaces throughout the hotel as you watch the intense gray and white clouds move across the sky. It is the ideal point to begin your excursions to the Torres del Paine. -12-

13 OPTIONAL LUXURY OPTIONS: SINGULAR PATAGONIA HOTEL The Singular Patagonia Hotel is located in the restored Bories Cold-Storage Plant. Built in 1915 in true post-victorian industrial style, this industrial plant was fully operational for nearly seven decades, generating employment and contributing to the population growth in the Patagonia region. It was declared National Historic Landmark in 1996 by the Government of Chile. This heritage has been restored by The Singular Hotels preserving the architectural and cultural legacy by transforming them into a luxury hotel. Its ideally located for exploring the Chilean Patagonian landscape. A team of expert guides will host expeditions to the most interesting places in Patagonia. These will be made through fjords, mountains, glaciers, farms and forest. Guests can choose different activities: horseback riding, trekking, kayaks, bird watching among many others. The hotel has a complete spa with therapies that blend the best of the original roots of Patagonia with the modern techniques of wellness. Heated pool, indoor and outdoor, it s the perfect rest after a day of incredible expeditions. The mix of native and international cuisine, will provide a unique dining experience. At the bar you will find the time to talk about the different experiences of the day or planning the next day sharing the best wines of Chile. M/V VIA AUSTRALIS & M/V STELLA AUSTRALIS Built in 2005 and 2010 respectively, the Via Australis (136 pax in 64 cabins) Stella Australis (210 pax in 100 cabins) feature comfortable cabins all with panoramic windows, private baths, individual climate controls, and safety box. All cabins are 161 sq ft and feature either 1 large double bed or 2 lower twin beds. Two comfortable lounges accommodate naturalist talks and gatherings, while the spacious open air terrace on the uppermost Darwin deck presents the spectacular Patagonian scenery in all its splendor. The vessels also accommodate an infirmary, gift shop, game room and library and the Stella features a gym. The vessels were built according to SOLAS 2005 and MARPOL 73/78 updated standards for worldwide oceanic navigation. The International Maritime Organization has issued their Safety Management Certification, guaranteeing international safety standards as well as high standards of environmental protection. Mare Australis features echo sounder, radar, GPS and integration with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. There are emergency generators, fire stations, smoke detectors in each cabin and a sprinkler fire suppression system throughout the ships. -13-

14 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:* $1,200 per person *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at , send an to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. 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. -14-