SOUTHERN CHILE ISLANDS AND LAKES EXPEDITION Traverse spectacular landscapes and discover a cultural-rich land of myths and legends

Transcription

1 SOUTHERN CHILE ISLANDS AND LAKES EXPEDITION Traverse spectacular landscapes and discover a cultural-rich land of myths and legends

2 EXPLORE LANDSCAPES IN A LAND ROVER 11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS Discover the spectacular landscapes of Chile on an exceptional South America Overland Small Group Journey. The Southern Chile Islands & Lakes Expedition, an exclusive set departure journey, offers a fantastic way to explore the iconic destinations of this vibrant country. The vehicle used for these intrepid small group journeys are the Land Rover Discovery 4 or Discovery Sport, perfect to use in an urban context, for long highway journeys and, of course, in an off-road scenario. Delight in special access to signature experiences, exclusive to &Beyond guests, and discover the extraordinary with your specialist guide. EMBARK ON A SPELL-BINDING ADVENTURE Truly the ultimately sublime small group journey, this fun filled set departure offers an unrivalled opportunity to explore Chile s most iconic destinations in stunning exclusivity. Solely created with privacy, authenticity and flexibility in mind, this extraordinary itinerary caters for intimate groups and offers special access to a series of unique experiences that are exclusive to &Beyond guests. Your journey kicks off in Santiago, Chile s dynamic capital, with an exploration of the city s barrios. This off-the-beaten-path tour will provide a uniquely entertaining insight into the origins of the city and its expansion over the course of the last 200 years. Your journey then takes you to Chiloé, a magical world abundant with lush nature and a singular culture. Explore this intriguing island with its colourful wooden churches, 16 of which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The next leg of your adventure takes you to the Chilean Lake District. This region technically begins once you have crossed the Bío-Bío River, some 500 km (310 mi) south of the Chilean capital. The magnificent natural environment surrounding the southern city of Puerto Varas, embodying mountains, lakes, forests and national parks that make this Chilean destination a major drawcard. Your journey culminates at &Beyond Vira Vira, situated just outside Pucón. Coined the Adventure Capital of Chile, this area offers a plethora of outdoor activities such as rafting, trekking, skiing, kayaking, fly-fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Adventure activities aside, Vira Vira also offers the opportunity to embark on captivating cultural excursions, gaining insight into the Mapuche people, and relishing delicious varieties of cheese at the lodge s cheese factory. You can also unwind with soothing wellness treatments, yoga sessions or an indulgent dip in a bubbling hot tub under the night sky.

3 EXPLORE LANDSCAPES IN A LAND ROVER What makes the Southern Chile Islands & Lakes Expedition special? Small groups of just 4 to 10 guests, which means plenty of flexibility and privacy Guided throughout by Gary James, a sought-after Chile specialist and an English speaking guide 2 guests per vehicle (families of 3 to 4 can be accommodated in the same vehicle at a special rate) Luxury 4 4 Land Rover Discovery 4 and/or Discovery Sports vehicles with two guests plus guide Set departure dates coincide with autumn and spring (snow-capped mountains, lush, colourful flora and vibrant culture) Tuck into local gourmet meals and delicious home-cooked fare Explore the modern, sprawling, vibrant metropolis of Santiago Embark on a series of tailor-made adventures in the Chiloé Archipelago, which include cultural excursions, horseback riding, cycling and hiking Marvel at Lake Llanquihue, where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the snowcapped volcanoes of Osorno and Calbuco Enjoy a series of intrepid adventure activities in the Lakes Region PERFECT FOR: First-time travellers to Chile Adventure seekers Small groups of friends or families Individual travellers

4 AT A GLANCE PACIFIC OCEAN Concepcion Valparaiso Santiago 1 Mendoza WINE COUNTRY CHILE A N D E S M O U N T A I N S LAKE DISTRICT Temuco 4 Pucón ARGENTINA 01 to 11 April 2019 or 01 to 11 October Days / 10 Nights Specialist guide: Gary James Minimum guests: 4 Maximum guests: 10 PUMALÍN PARK Puerto Varas 3 Puerto Montt 2 Chiloé Island San Martin de Los Andes San Carlos de Bariloche Puerto Madryn Esquel Trelew SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES nights, The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel, Santiago Explore Santiago s buzzing urban areas, embellished with splashes of colour. Revel in the city s thriving barrios, neighbourhoods with a unique personality. Discover icons of the city s downtown areas including Cerro Santa Lucía, the hill upon which the city was founded in 1541, the Plaza de Armas, and the bustling downtown markets. Delve into the residential areas of Providencia and Ñuñoa, the cosmopolitan financial districts of Las Condes and Vitacura, and finally La Dehesa, where the city reaches the foothills of the Andes. 3 nights, Tierra Chiloé, Chiloé Island Embark on glorious hikes to cascading waterfalls, meander through ancient alerce groves and marvel at expansive glaciers. See the traditional colourful palafitos (stilt houses) of the island s capital, and visit markets downtown brimming with local produce. Explore the Catholic church of San Francisco, declared a National Monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet a farmer and listen to fascinating stories about her life around a Chiloé bonfire. Wind your way through an evergreen path to Lake Huillinco and spend the morning surfing, sailing, fishing and enjoying a variety of water sports. 4 Discover German heritage at Frutillar and Nueva Braunau, and strap on your walking boots for scenic hikes through Alerce Andino National Park and Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. 3 nights, &Beyond Vira Vira, Pucón Enjoy a spectacular array of curated cultural activities and outdoor excursions. Tailor-make your own exciting adventure as you select from a range of 39 inspiring experiences. Guests can enjoy myriad exploits, hosted by knowledgeable and engaging guides, including trekking in the national parks; horseback riding in the cordilleras; scenic helicopter flights over the Villarrica Volcano; skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or snowmobiling in winter. The list is seemingly endless with fly fishing, mountain biking, and a variety of water sports. All excursions are specifically tailored according to your interests and fitness levels. 3 2 nights, Hotel AWA, Puerto Varas Enjoy an exciting range of captivating water sports activities at Lake Llanquihue including kayaking, sailing and stand-up paddle. Enjoy rafting down the Petrohué River and delve into thrilling adventures such as hiking, skiing, canyoneering and rock climbing. Feel the breeze in your hair with exciting horseriding excursions through lush native forests and wetlands. Don your apron for a gastronomic experience, shopping for fresh ingredients and preparing a delectable meal. Explore the archaeological site of Monte Verde, an ancient human settlement and tour the Lahuen Ñadi Natural Monument, a lush nature sanctuary.

5 SIGNATURE TRADEMARKS ICONIC DESTINATIONS This extraordinary 11-day journey boasts sublime, hand-picked accommodation, situated in some of Chile s most iconic regions, world-famous for their startling beauty and exquisite terrain. Each luxury accommodation option has been selected to offer an authentic experience. -- Santiago -- Chiloé Island -- Puerto Varas -- Pucón SPECIALIST GUIDE - IN OUR HANDS FROM BEGINNING TO END From the moment you embark on your exciting fun-filled journey, to the moment you leave, &Beyond will be at your side throughout your adventure. Additionally, our wealth of expertise found in our specialist guides, ground logistics teams and over 2000 &Beyonders means that you ll experience a journey unlike any other! MEET YOUR SPECIALIST GUIDE Gary James Born in the United Kingdom, Gary James has lived in Chile since He is passionate about South America, and has travelled extensively throughout the continent, citing Argentina, Peru, and Brazil as his favourite countries outside of Chile. He loves the urban adventures of Santiago, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires. Food and drink experiences rank highly too, particularly wine tasting in Argentina s Mendoza region and the dazzling cuisine of Lima. In terms of combinations, it has to be Chile and Argentina, so similar geographically, but worlds apart in terms of the character of their people and their cuisine, which makes for a fascinating experience. When Gary is not leading intrepid expeditions across the South American continent, he is out exploring new areas in and around Santiago or in a heated room practicing Bikram yoga. EXCLUSIVE TRANSPORTATION Meander through the breath-taking landscapes of Chile in a Land Rover Discovery 4 or Discovery Sports vehicle. These comfortable, 7 full-size seaters boast GPS and WIFI, and offer panoramic views, leather upholstery, a phone charger, and top-notch off-road capabilities (all terrain response, hill descent control, wading capabilities and permanent all-wheel drive).

6 EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY 2 nights, The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel Santiago, Chile On arrival at Santiago s International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a member of the &Beyond team who will drive you to the Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel. Situated in the bohemian district of Lastarria, this hotel embraces the artistic heart of this iconic neighbourhood, blending the early 20th century style of its surroundings with a touch of neoclassical French architecture. The interior of the hotel is a tribute to the grand palaces of long-ago, with tasteful touches, rich wood, supple leather and soft lighting giving a warm and welcoming glow to each of its 62 rooms, as well as the Singular Suite. Spend your time exploring the modern, sprawling, vibrant metropolis of Santiago. Savour there varied barrios, each with a unique character, history, and identity of its own.

7 EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY 3 nights, Tierra Chiloé Chiloé Island, Chile The spectacular Tierra Chiloé is tucked away amidst the breathtaking surrounds of the Chiloé Archipelago, in Chile s Lake District region. Here, on an island surrounded by azure waters and charming picturesque fishing villages, guests can take in the world-class architecture of the hotel, which combines traditional Chiloé craftsmanship with modern designs. Embark on a series of tailor-made adventures, which include cultural excursions, horseback riding, cycling and hiking in the company of bilingual guides. Tierra Chiloé s luxurious boat, the Williche, offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the inland waters. After a successful day of sightseeing, unwind in the soul-soothing spa or tuck into distinctively Chiloé-inspired mouth-watering menus.

8 EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY 2 nights, Hotel AWA Puerto Varas, Chile Perched along the sparkling shoreline of Lake Llanquihue, just outside of popular Puerto Varas, is Hotel AWA. Unwind in spacious rooms that boast floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase views of the lake and nearby volcanoes. This magnificent family-created retreat is set on a flourishing 20 hectare estate. Flanked by a private beach and marina, Hotel AWA offers sublime lakeshore living, with access to a plethora of excursions that range from fishing and birdwatching to volcano climbs, ziplining, kayaking, and rafting. Be sure to embark on a cultural adventure that highlights the region s local and German settler heritage.

9 EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY 3 nights, &Beyond Vira Vira Pucón, Chile The next leg of your journey takes you to &Beyond Vira Vira. Situated along the banks of the Liucura River, this stunning, sprawling 22 hectare estate includes natural lagoons, flowing rivers and sensational views of the Villarrica Volcano. These luxurious grounds boast both a magnificent lodge and Hacienda with beautifully appointed suites and villas. A modern working farm, organic vegetable garden and state-of-the-art cheese factory complete the estate. Freshly grown produce is sourced from the farm and used to create award-winning Chileaninspired menus. Feeling intrepid? This area offers myriad outdoor activities such as rafting, trekking, skiing, kayaking, scenic helicopter flights, fly-fishing and more hosted by knowledgeable and engaging guides. The list is seemingly endless. All excursions are specifically tailored according to your interests and fitness levels.

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