PATAGONIA IN AUTUMN CLASSIC ITINERARY 18-28 MARCH 2020 Ignacio Palacios Tony Hewitt 1
PATAGONIA IN AUTUMN Patagonia is a sparsely populated region located at the southern end of South America. Shared by Argentina and Chile, it is the land of wonders and certainly, a photographer s paradise. The mountains, glaciers and lakes in Patagonia are also some of the most beautiful in the world. Patagonia offers the photographer remarkably clean air that provides saturated colours of lush vegetation, especially during the autumn season. 2 3
PATAGONIA IN AUTUMN Chilean Patagonia is an amazing area of unlimited and unspoiled nature. Torres del Paine is a national park known for its soaring mountains, electric-blue icebergs that cleave from glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and golden pampas (lowlands) that shelter rare wildlife such as guanacos, pumas and condors. The three granite towers from which the park takes its name and the horn-shaped peaks called Cuernos del Paine are some of its most iconic sites. 4 5
LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK Fitz Roy is the highest spire in a compact range of granite (granodiorite) peaks in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, that remains among the most technically challenging mountains to climb on Earth and it can be seen from El Chaltén. The word Chaltén comes from a Tehuelche word meaning smoking mountain, due to a cloud that usually forms around its peak. 6 7
PERITO MORENO GLACIER ARGENTINA Perito Moreno is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes system shared with Chile. This ice field is the world s third largest reserve of fresh water after Antarctica and Greenland. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that is growing. It is very famous because of its dynamic changes, which produces a cyclic phenomenon of forward and backward movement, with spectacular ice falls from its front walls. 8 9
EL CHALTÉN GLACIERS NATIONAL PARK ARGENTINA The postcard-perfect landscapes of El Chaltén have named this little town as the trekking capital of Argentina. It is a hiking paradise and the trails around Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre are incredibly scenic. It is a network of world-class trails that will take you to breath-taking lookouts and especially in autumn, the colors of this National Park are just amazing. 10 11
PATAGONIA IN AUTUMN I often wonder how my images can be influenced by how I feel inside. I am sure that the connection I feel for a landscape has an influence on what and how I capture an image and the final touch I give it when I am editing it at home. Joining the classic itinerary tour will give you the opportunity to discover some of the most remarkable landscapes in the Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia. Prepare to be amazed at incredible glaciers, rugged mountain peaks and dramatic skies where lenticular clouds are often seen. In this itinerary will cover all the iconic locations for photography at the right times of day with the best light, but we will also enjoy the culture of the region. Ignacio Palacios has travelled the region countless times, and you will learn about its history and its customs. Patagonia is famous for its great food as well, and we will enjoy the finest local meals such as its delicious empanadas and its most famous sweet (alfajores / dulce de leche). 12 Mt Fitz Roy 13
ITINERARY I seem to have a particular love affair with Patagonia. It is an unpredictable landscape; the weather changes very quickly, wind, rain, snow, barren, exposed it is one of the most challenging landscapes I have ever seen and photographed. DAY 1-18 March - Arrive Punta Arenas Meeting point: Hotel Rey Don Felipe. http://www.hotelreydonfelipe.com/ DAY 2-19 March - Punta Arenas to Torres Del Paine National Park Drive to Torres del Paine National Park. On the way to the National Park we will stop for refreshments at a traditional Hosteria on the Rubens river. We will stop at some scenic points on the way to Torres del Paine National Park. If time and weather permit we will also stop to photograph Torres del Paine s wildlife including guanacos, cara caras, condors and eagles. We will spend two nights at Hotel las Torres. DAY 3-20 March - Torres Del Paine National Park - Photography around Laguna Sarmiento, Laguna Amarga, Laguna Azul and Cascada Paine Sunrise shot. In this part of the park pumas can often be seen. It is not guaranteed but we will do some short walks and drive around the locations where they can usually be found (at sunset). Hotel Las Torres. DAY 4-21 March - Torres Del Paine National Park, around Pehoe Lake Drive to hotel Rio Serrano. Sunrise shot. During the day, we will photograph around Pehoe Lake for beautiful views of Pehoe Lake and the Horns. We will also visit Salto Grande and visit Nordenskjöld lake / Mirador Cuernos. We will spend 2 nights at Hotel Rio Serrano, a beautiful hotel where we will stay in superior rooms with views to Torres del Paine s horns. Hotel Rio Serrano. 14 Mountain Lion 15
ITINERARY CONTINUED DAY 5-22 March - Torres Del Paine National Park, Grey Lake and Grey Glacier Boat trip around Refugio Grey. There are opportunities to photograph the glacier, from the boat. At around sunset we will look for more wildlife and pumas. Hotel Rio Serrano. DAY 6-23 March - Torres Del Paine National Park to El Calafate Drive to El Calafate in Argentina. On the way, the views are spectacular, and we will stop to photograph whenever possible. Hotel Alto Calafate. DAY 7-24 March - El Calafate to Parque Nacional los Glaciares, Perito Moreno Early in the morning, we will head to Parque Nacional los Glaciares to see the impressive Perito Moreno glacier. This will be an unforgettable experience. Hotel Alto Calafate. DAY 8-25 March - El Chaltén, Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy Drive to El Chaltén and if it is clear we will stop to photograph Mt Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. El Chaltén is the starting point to explore Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy granite peaks. On the way we will stop at Viedma Lake. Hotel Destino Sur. DAY 9-26 March - El Chaltén, trekking from El Pilar to Poincenot campsite (Fitz Roy) In the morning we will walk for 20-30 minutes to Los Condores lookout for our first views and photographs of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre at sunrise. After breakfast, we will drive on a trail to El Pilar (45 mins) and from where we will trek to Poinceinot campsite (about 3½ hours) with spectacular views on the way to Piedras Blancas Glacier Lookout and Mt Fitz Roy. We will camp and, weather permitting, we will have the opportunity to photograph the Fitz Roy massif at sunset. Sleeping at Ponceinot campsite. Difficulty: Moderate Length (km): 9km Time: 3.5-4 hours. 16 Paine Horns 17
ITINERARY CONTINUED Some landscapes such as Perito Moreno are so well known that it is difficult to move away from what other have done. Looking at someone else s work is very inspiring but it can also be a limitation to our creativity. I think as photographers we need to think laterally at times DAY 10-27 March - Poincenot to D Agostini (Thorwood) campsite Sunrise shot from Ponceinot campsite (or climb to Laguna de los Tres if the previous day the weather wasn t good). After breakfast we will start our walk to Thorwood Campsite (Cerro Torre). If it is clear we will be able to enjoy beautiful views of Mt Fitz Roy along the way. Walk along Lagunas Madre and Laguna Hija, Cerro Torre. Sunset shot at Cerro Torre if it is clear (otherwise walk to Maestri Lookout). Sleeping at Thorwood Campsite (near Poincenot). Difficulty: Easy, pretty much flat with some ups and downs. Length: 11km. Time: 5-6 hours. DAY 11-28 March - Return to El Calafate If the weather is good, we will walk up to Maestri Lookout (about 1hr) to photograph Torre Glacier. Then trek back to El Chaltén (2hrs). After breakfast drive to El Calafate. End of trip. Transfers to hotel or to airport as required. Transfers back to Punta Arenas are also an option. 18 Cerro Torre 19
ITINERARY CONTINUED El Chaltén is best known for being the gateway to Mt. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres, two of the most rugged and impressive peaks in the Patagonian Andes. Traveling across its plains, forests, rivers, glaciers and mountainous formations, you will experience the diversity and uniqueness of its flora and fauna. Camera skills We will assist you out in the field with the camera skills needed to capture those incredible moments. Regardless of your level and your camera equipment, you will improve your skills as a photographer and you will learn the craft with an expert team. Post-processing During the workshop, we will have the opportunity to process and enhance your images using Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One and other editing software. If the weather is good, we will be out in the nature photographing but there are always opportunities to sit down and work on your images when we are in the hotel. Critique sessions The purpose of critiques is to offer one s impression of a photo. During sessions, you will have professional views of your work with a constructive evaluation to include feedback, suggestions and tips. Photography is an art and therefore critiques can often feel personal, but it is often a great learning exercise to have your images reviewed by some professional photographers. Level of photography All levels of photographers are welcome. We will be providing instruction on all aspects of image capture and post processing and it does not really matter whether you are a beginner or an expert photographer. We welcome all levels of photographers using equipment from mobile phones & tablets, compact cameras to digital SLR cameras. Physical requirements Our guides will take us to a range of different locations by mini vans, most of which involve some short walks. Sometimes, we may take longer walks, but all excursions are optional and if you are tired, you can always sleep in and relax in the hotel. 20 Grey Glacier 21
ITINERARY CONTINUED Accommodation Anchored in a completely paradisiac location, Hotel Alto Calafate will give you the opportunity to live a unique experience of tranquillity and to experience full contact with the surrounding natural environment. Built following the typical Patagonic architecture, inside you will find a warm and cozy environment where wooden, iron and leather details predominate. Hotel Las Torres Patagonia is one of the most outstanding in the region and still maintains the principles of its founders: to share the warmth of the people and customs of Patagonia. Hotel Alto Calafate Hotel Las Torres 22 23
ITINERARY CONTINUED Hotel Rio Serrano Accommodation The hotel owes its name to the winding Serrano River, which originates in the waters of the Toro Lake and flows into the Ultima Esperanza Inlet. Its privileged location in front of the Torres del Paine, surrounded by a wonderful natural environment, provides the perfect combination of design, quality and comfort, respecting the balance with its surroundings. Destino Sur Hotel opens its doors to those who want to discover the adventure and mountains of El Chaltén. Offering the highest standards of quality in a beautiful location. Hotel Destino Sur 24 25
THE TEAM Some locations take a bit of time to get to know. When I arrive to a new place, it is exciting and there is always a temptation to shoot straight away, but I feel it takes a few days to settle and start making more thoughtful images. However I also try to make a point of noting what grabs me immediately and this is usually what puts me in the path of creating something different, something unique. 26 IGNACIO PALACIOS Ignacio Palacios is a Spanish/ Australian travel photographer based on Planet Earth that stops in Sydney from time to time. He is best known for his travel, landscapes and fine art photography. His previous background was in engineering and management consultant for various companies in wind and renewable energies. Although he has been a part time photographer since 1998, he became a full time professional photographer in 2012 following the footsteps of three generations of photographers in his family. Ignacio has traveled around the world since 1998, gathering an extensive collection of images of people, places, wildlife and landscapes across more than 80 countries in five different continents. He is one of the world s few full-time professional photographers/guides and he has led tours to Patagonia, the Altiplano, the Atacama Desert, Galapagos, Spain, Norway, Finland, and Iceland since 2013. Ignacio writes and provides images to numerous magazines and publications around the world, such as Luminous Landscape and Lonely Planet books and guides. He has received Australian and International awards and has been finalist and highly commended in some prestigious competitions such as the NSW AIPP Epson Awards, BBC Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer, National Geographic Travel Contest, Australian Geographic Photographer of the Year, Travel Photography or the Year, IPA, Head On, Eyes on Asia and the International Loupe awards. In 2014 he was awarded with a LUX Gold in Spain (the most prestigious professional photography award in his country). www.iptravelphotography.com.au TONY HEWITT Tony is a Grand Master of Photography of the prestigious Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP). He is an Honorary Fellow of the AIPP and a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography. Tony is a Grand Master of Photography of the prestigious Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP). He is an Honorary Fellow of the AIPP and a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography. Tony s career highlights feature over 200 state, and international photography awards. In September 2013 Tony was awarded the prestigious title of Canon AIPP Australian Professional Photographer of the Year, and in the same year received the New Zealand Overseas Photographer of the Year, the Australian Landscape Photographer of the Year and the Western Australian Landscape Photographer of the Year. Tony was also invited to be a Core Artist at the 2013 Ballaratt International Foto Biennale. He was Western Australian Professional Photographer of the Year 2004 and also in 1994. He has exhibited both within Australia and Overseas, and has been invited to judge both nationally and internationally since 1995. With a passion for people, places and pictures, and an instinctive sense of the moment, Tony brings a unique combination of creative skills, award winning photographic vision and simple creativity. Something from nothing is a common theme behind images such as those in his Concrete Series, and his Portrait images often look to present the person, within the context of their environment, in simple but revealing ways. In some more recent explorations Tony has enjoyed capturing Abstract Landscapes, and Altered Landscapes, which seek to illustrate the hand of man and its impact on his surroundings. Tony s career highlights feature over 200 state, and international photography awards. In September 2013 Tony was awarded the prestigious title of Canon AIPP Australian Professional Photographer of the Year. Paine Horns 27
TERMS AND CONDITIONS WORKSHOP DATES AND PRICES Tour dates: 18 28 March 2020 The tour commences in Punta Arenas (Chile) and ends in El Calafate (Argentina) Cost is US$9,990 per person, twin share Optional single supplement US$1,990 Maximum 14 participants A deposit of US$2,000 is required when you book the workshop Terms of payment A deposit of US$2,000 must be paid to secure your place. The deposit is non-refundable unless you can sell your place to someone else. You will get refunded if the tour did not go ahead The Registration Form must be filled in and signed by each participant at the time of paying the first deposit. Participation will be declined otherwise. The remaining balance must be paid on or before 31 October 2019 Bookings will be accepted strictly in the order they are received Important: the workshop requires a minimum of 6 participants to run so please don t book your flights until this has been confirmed. Note: the workshop is quoted in US$. To calculate the rate in AU$, the currency exchange rate will be obtained from the Westpac website at the time of transferring the deposit and balance (https://www.westpac. com.au/personal-banking/ services/currency-converter/). If you are located outside Australia, I accept payments in US$ through PayPal only. What s included Full 11 days in Argentina and Chile with all land content All meals, transportation and accommodation in Argentina and Chile Four/Five stars hotels and 2 nights camping (tents and sleeping bags provided) All excursions All photographic tuition and workshop materials for the duration of the tour. What s not included Airfares from Australia/US and other international destinations Travel and cancellation insurance with emergency evacuation is mandatory as a condition of booking Chilean and Argentinean Visas Camera/equipment insurance Optional personal activities Alcohol consumption and extra beverages Tips to the local guides along the way Porters/Assistants They have a cost of $200/day if required in El Chalten Overnight accommodation prior to and following the tour Any other personal expenses. Cancellation Policy A written notice of any cancellation must be received by you at which time the following cancellation fees will apply: If cancelled between 1 November 2019 and end of January 2020, 50% of the workshop cost will be refunded If cancelled between 1 February 2020 and before departure, a fee equal to 100% of the workshop cost will be payable Failure to pay by the due dates will be considered a cancellation of the booking and fees paid will be nonrefundable Bookings made after 31 October 2019 must be paid in full No refunds will be made for unused portions of the workshop. The photography workshop is sold as a package Cancellation fees are not transferable. Camera gear There is really no limit to what camera gear you take but we always recommend to travel light! Check with your airline about weight restrictions. Whatever level of camera equipment you have, we will help to ensure you get the most out of it. Fitness and health considerations Patagonia is a remote environment and the climate can be harsh. Some level of fitness is required to reach the campsites in Parque Nacional los Glaciares (Cerro Torre/Fitz Roy). The workshop has been planned within the ability of average people in good health conditions but if you have concerns about your own capabilities or health please check with your doctor before booking a place. We recommend that you do some walking every day to get fit for the trip. Porters will be available at an additional fee. By signing the Registration Form, you guarantee that to the best of your knowledge, you do not have any physical or other disability that could create a risk for you or other tour participants. Once a booking has been accepted by IP Travel Photography, medical circumstances will not be accepted as an exemption to the Cancellation Policy above. When you fill the Registration Form, please indicate any health issues, allergies or dietary requirements. IP Travel Photography does not assume any responsibility or liability for medical care or special dietary requirements. If a participant becomes ill during the workshop, IP Travel Photography reserves the right to continue the tour for the benefit of the rest of the participants. IP Travel Photography will make every effort to assist you whilst trying to minimize disruption of the workshop for other participants. Visas Chilean Visa: Australians must pay it at the airport. You don t have to pay again when we reenter Chile. Argentinean Visa: You don t need to get a Visa. For the latest information about Visas, please check with your consulate/embassy regarding Chilean and Argentinian VISAS. Rights IP Travel Photography reserves the right to: Substitute hotels/ accommodation Make changes in the itinerary or transport if required due to changes in airline schedules, or when necessary Cancel the workshop prior to departure, in which case a full refund of all payments received will be given. If such event occurred, IP Travel Photography will not be responsible for any other expenses such as nonrefundable air fares, visa fees and other related expenses. The responsibility for such bookings lies with the participant. As such, IP Travel Photography recommends participants to purchase a travel protection insurance prior to paying the first deposit. Run the photography workshop without the guest photographer if the group size is less than 6 participants Substitute the tour leader and guest photographer as originally specified, in which case this substitution will not entitle the participant to a refund Accept or refuse any person as a participant in the workshop Change the price of the workshop due to adverse currency exchange fluctuations, airline schedule changes, fuel and tax price charges. Liability The operation of the workshop is at the sole discretion of Ignacio Palacios and Tony Hewitt, having in mind the wellbeing and interests of all participants and the safe and sensible operation of the program as specified within this itinerary. IP Travel Photography does not accept any liability for the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise of third party providers. IP Travel Photography disclaims liability for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or trouble caused by force majeure or any other event which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on IP Travel Photography s part. IP Travel Photography IP Travel Photography is an ASIC business name with Australian Business Number 16578586693 and registered in Australia under the Business Names Registration Act 2011. IP Travel Photography (Ignacio Palacios) will guide and provide photography tuition to all participants during the tour. IP Travel Photography is not a travel agent or travel service provider. 28 29
CHECKLIST We will see lots of guanacos around Torres del Paine. The guanaco is an animal native to the arid, mountainous regions of South America and the puma is its main natural predator. Camera equipment DSLR or Medium Format (check your baggage allowance with your airline/travel agent) Tripod with quick release plate Standard zoom, wide angle and telephoto lenses Battery and chargers Shutter cable release Polarising filter and ND filters Laptop computer with Photoshop and Lightroom and/or Capture One External backup drives and memory cards for storage. We recommend to shrink-wrap your baggage at your departure airport. Ensure your telephoto lenses are packed in protective packs designed for such lenses. We also recommend that you pack your camera equipment as your hand luggage as much as possible so that if the checked-in baggage is lost or delayed at least you can start photographing as soon as you arrive. Note: Please contact me if you want to discuss equipment for this trip. What to bring, clothing and other It can get pretty chilly in Patagonia so please follow our recommendations in clothing. Hiking boots (well-worn in) Hiking poles Water bottle or camel pack Sunglasses (mandatory to walk near/on glaciers) Hat, gloves (thin and thick), sunscreen, insect repellent Waterproof trousers Raincoat and waterproof jacket Wind jacket and jumper Head torch Alarm clock. Note: Tents and sleeping bags will be provided but of course you are always welcomed to bring your own sleeping bag and/or inner sheet. It can get pretty chilly in Patagonia so please follow our recommendations in clothing. IP Travel Photography reserves the right to cancel this workshop. In the event of this happening, all payments received will be refunded but participants shall have no further claim against IP Travel Photography arising from such cancellation. Any such refund will not include payments for any bookings for other services made in addition to the itinerary outlined above. The responsibility for such bookings lies with the participant. As such, IP Travel Photography recommends participants to purchase a travel protection insurance prior to paying the first deposit. To reserve your place for 2020 or to make an enquiry, please email iptravelphotography@gmail.com 30 Base of the Towers 31
TESTIMONIALS The March 2014 Patagonia workshop was an excellent way for me to get to some of the best photographic locations in Patagonia. Secondly, the workshop enabled me to capture great landscapes and associated flora and fauna images. Thirdly, it enabled me to learn and increase my technical and creative skills in photography with subject matter experts. The workshop s facilitators provided ongoing advice, support and ideas that challenged my way of thinking when photographing as well as providing me an almost encyclopaedic reference of new and relevant information to develop my photographic knowledge and skills. An enjoyable and very educational trip! Craig Patagonia tour March 2014 If you are looking for a wonderful photographic adventure led by the internationally renowned photographers Ignacio Palacios and Peter Eastway, this is the trip to do. The southern part of South America with its huge variety of scenery can be a photographer s paradise: desert-like plains, snow-capped mountains, stunning glaciers and glacial lakes all crying out to be photographed. And with the support and helpful comments from people like Ignacio and Peter photographers at the top of their profession this was indeed a workshop not be missed. A terrific experience thank you! John and Jenny T. Patagonia tour March 2014 In April 2015 I was very fortunate to experience the wilds of Patagonia Patagonia in autumn is extraordinary. An environment which is often lashed by winds up to 150kph treated us kindly. We were treated to perfect autumn weather were clearly visible as we stood before the magnificence of these amazing natural structures. And on our visits to Grey Glacier and Perito Moreno we had near perfect conditions a rarity, especially for Perito Moreno, which is only clear on five days of every year. This brilliant photography tour was led by Ignacio Palacios and Canon Master, Richard I Anson. I cannot express my gratitude enough to both for their absolute professionalism, generosity in terms of their time and willingness to share their expertise and for making this such a fun and exciting experience. Clara Patagonia tour April 2015 This was a fantastic photography tour and adventure, one of the best I have experienced. What a treat to have the guidance of two travel photographers, Ignacio Palacios and Richard I Anson. Their different approaches to capturing images and post processing provided a rich learning environment and prompted useful discussions and personal reflection. The 14 day itinerary was designed to maximize optimal lighting conditions for sunrise and sunset which in Patagonia in April is breathtaking. We were very fortunate to enjoy excellent weather which made us smile broadly. Lower tourist numbers at that time of the year made travel in general easier and gave us more time for a pisco sour or two. Getting up close and personal with magnificent glaciers, staying in a refugio, waiting for early light to hit Torres del Paine, long hikes amidst the colours of autumn in El Chaltén and marveling at the most magic cloud formations were just a few of the highlights. Lou Patagonia tour April 2015 32 Paine Grande and Condors 33
34 35
36 37
38 39
TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE FOR 2020 OR TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY, PLEASE EMAIL IPTRAVELPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM 40 2018 IP Travel Photography www.iptravelphotography.com.au