Journey to the World s End Worldwide Tour 16 Days Moderate Quito The Galápagos Lima Cusco From the bleak and barren beauty of the Atacama Desert where you experience volcanoes and salt lakes, to the very tip of the South American continent, where you ll traverse Chile and Argentina to reach the end of the world, this tour well and truly encompasses natural majesty. Starting and finishing in the dynamic and cosmopolitan cities of Santiago and Buenos Aires, this tour is a wonderful showcase for both these wonderful countries. Tour the bleak beauty of the Atacama Desert and Salt Lake Explore the majestic nature of the Torres del Paine Stand at the end of the world Marvel at the sheer scale of the Perito Moreno Glacier Watch a tango show
Journey to the World s End tour inclusions: Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges (unless a land only option is selected) All accommodation All meals Touring with guides and entrance fees All transportation and transfers English speaking National Escort Porterage Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants Safe and secure with ABTA, ATOL and IATA The only thing you may have to pay for are personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional excursions or shows, insurance of any kind, tipping, early check in or late checkout and other items not specified on the itinerary. Worldwide Tours: With these worldwide tours you can expect exactly the same Wendy Wu Tours experience. You ll get to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures of Ecuador and Peru on an excellent value group tour, whilst also getting to travel with like-minded people. This tour includes all meals, so you ll get to taste a range of delicious local foods at handpicked local restaurants or at your hotel. You will be accompanied by our dedicated and professional National Escort and local guides throughout, whose unparalleled knowledge will turn your holiday into an unforgettable experience. Moderate Tours: Journey to the World s End is a moderate tour. This means that the itinerary requires a good level of fitness. There will be time spent at altitude San Pedro de Atacama, where you will stay is at 2,407 metres but you will visit areas that are higher. You will be required, on several occasions, to climb on and off boats without assistance and spend an extended amount of time on boats in open water. There will be several days of sightseeing on foot for a period of time and in some cases for an extended period of time. Of course, our National Escort will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
Itinerary Journey to the World s End Days 1-2: Fly to Santiago Fly overnight to Santiago, Chile s energetic and cosmopolitan capital. Embark on a city tour which will allow you to experience the eclectic contrasts of the city. Starting in the downtown, pass through Santiago s oldest residential area and head along the Alameda to reach the heart of the city. Admire the Plaza de Armas and cathedral before studying the interesting architecture of the Central Market. Explore bohemian Bellavista and ascend San Cristobal Hill for views over the city and the towering Andes Mountains. Return to the hotel via the modern residential district to see the contrasting architecture. Santiago Santiago is a vibrant and cultural city set on the plains of the Andes and home to 40% of Chile s population. Split into 32 boroughs (comunas), each area has its own distinct character, yet all the streets are alive with the energy of the city. Day 3: Valparaíso and Viña del Mar Take a day trip to the coast today to visit the bohemian port town of Valparaíso and the charming garden city of Viña del Mar. It takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Valparaíso from Santiago. Return to Santiago. Valparaíso Overlooked by an imperious hillside and set on a wide bay, Valparaiso is considered to be the most captivating and unique city in Chile. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, the colourful houses are dotted across the hillside in a haphazard, disorganised fashion and the main method of getting up and down through the city is on the city s old funicular lifts. Viña del Mar In complete contrast and a mere 10-15 minute drive from Valparaiso is the relaxed beach resort of Viña del Mar. Wide tree lined boulevards make up the city and the popular beaches spread as far as the eye can see.
Day 4: Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama Transfer to the airport and fly 2 hours and 10 minutes to the northern city of Calama, from where you will drive to the desert oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, 1 hour 20 minutes drive away. Timed perfectly for sunset, drive out to Moon Valley, named for the similarities its landscapes share with earth s satellite. With lonely volcanoes populating the horizon, sit and enjoy the silence as the sun s dying rays turn the hues of the rock from orange, to red to purple. Moon Valley The Moon Valley is a vast lunar backdrop of scattered hills in the Atacama Desert. The Valley is at its most impressive at sunset and sunrise when the sunlight creates a magical series of colours from orange to purple and pink. Day 5: Salar de Atacama Spend the day exploring the otherworldly Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile. Journey for about an hour under the watchful gaze of barren mountains, passing salt lakes full of flamingos, to reach Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, which sit on the high plains at the base of two colossal volcanoes of the same names. The lagoons are astonishingly blue, whilst the salt deposits around the waters' edges are brilliantly coloured, making for a kaleidoscopic experience! Salar de Atacama The largest salt flat in Chile is an intriguing natural phenomenon. The basin was formed by evaporated water which flowed down from the Andes. There are numerous lakes within the basin, some of which are home to frolicking flocks of flamingos.
Day 6: El Tatio Geysers Rise early to travel deeper into the Atacama to visit El Tatio, which takes about 2 hours by road. Keep an eye out for the wild, llama-like vicuñas as you journey to and from San Pedro. Please note this is a very early start, departing a couple of hours before dawn and that the El Tatio geysers are at 4,320 metres altitude. El Tatio - Set within a ring of volcanoes, El Tatio is the world s third largest geyser field with about 80 lively geysers and fumaroles. The spectacle is best observed at sunrise, when the geysers are at their most active. Day 7: Punta Arenas Transfer back to Calama and fly to the town of Punta Arenas, which take about 6 hours via Santiago, which sits at the end of continental South America. Enjoy a short city tour, which will take you along the main street, the Avenida Independencia, to the viewpoint Cerro La Cruz, from where you ll be able to look out over the colourful roofs of the town, across the Straits of Magellan to the Tierra del Fuego beyond. Travel on to Puerto Natales, about 3 hours drive by gravel road, the lively, picturesque town that is the gateway to the Torres del Paine. Punta Arenas One of the Southernmost cities in the world, Punta Arenas is located on the Magellan straight between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean s. The city was used as a coaling station and stop off point for large ships until the construction of the Panama Canal in 1914. Nowadays the city is a popular connecting destination to other areas of Patagonia due to its international airport.
Day 8: Torres del Paine National Park Patagonia may be a spectacular destination in general, but it is the Torres del Paine National Park that steals the crown. Transfer for around 2 hours to the national park, to spend the day amongst this breathtaking example of resplendent nature. You will spend a reasonable amount of time in the park walking. Paths are maintained but you will be walking over rolling landscapes. Torres del Paine National Park A picturesque and staggeringly beautiful national park packed with waterfalls, lakes, glaciers and jagged peaks. The park s best known view is of the jagged granite towers from which the park takes its name. Day 9: Into Argentina Depart Puerto Natales for the Argentina border, transferring to the charming village of El Calafate, a journey that takes about 5 hours (though with border formalities this may take longer), set prettily on the shores of Lago Argentino. El Calafate A small town popular with tourists as a stop off for the Perito Moreno Glacier. The town has adapted over time to the influx of tourists and as a result the centre is now made up of souvenir shops and cafes.
Day 10: Perito Moreno Glacier Travel from El Calafate into Los Glaciares National Park, a journey of around 2 hours, an area that encompasses a vast chunk of the Patagonian Continental Ice Field. Here you will visit the 30-kilometre-long, 5-kilometre wide and 60-metre-high Perito Moreno Glacier. This juggernaut of ice is constantly in motion, moving at a speedy two metres a day. Huge chunks of ice regularly collapse with great spectacle into the lake below. It is a thrilling and majestic sight to behold. There is a visitor centre with a café and toilets at the glacier site. Transfer 20 minutes to the airport and fly to the city of Perito Moreno Glacier 80 km from El Calafate in the Los Glaciares National Park is the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier. One of Patagonia s only growing glaciers, it is 3 miles wide and an average height of 60 metres. Viewing platforms put you right in front of the glacier which keeps you entertained with fractures of ice falling into the crystal blue lagoon below. Day 11: Ushuaia Ushuaia, a 1 hour 20 minute flight. Sat on the edge of the Tierra del Fuego, facing the waters of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is considered the world s southernmost city, and has dubbed itself the End of the World. Ushuaia The southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia is considered to be the end of the civilised world in the south. The city has an active port and adventure status with skiing, hiking, sailing and scuba facilities all close to the city.
Day 12: Tierra del Fuego National Park Wander amongst Tierra del Fuego s lakes, peat bogs and rivers and admire the incredible views over the snow-capped mountains on the horizon. Continue on to Lapataia Bay passing the Green and Black lagoons. The park is located a 20-minute drive from Ushuaia. This afternoon, board a catamaran to cruise on the Beagle Channel. Gaze over the wild landscapes and spot sea lions speeding through the water and cormorants, albatrosses, skuas and petrels wheeling on the breeze. Tierra del Fuego National Park - An exposed, barren archipelago, the Tierra del Fuego is picturesque, temperamental and mysterious. The dramatic scenery gives justice to its status as the gateway to the End of the World. Day 13: Fly to Buenos Aires Transfer to the airport and fly to Buenos Aires, a 3 hour 25-minute flight, Argentina s capital and a city that irresistibly combines Latin flair and European elegance. Buenos Aires The Paris of South America, Buenos Aires is a romantic and lively city. The culture of the city is extremely diverse and the asado (barbecue) restaurants are second to none. Most importantly of all, Buenos Aires is the home of Tango and performers can be seen dancing in restaurants, bars or even on the streets.
Day 14: Buenos Aires City Tour Today s city tour starts at the heart of the city, with visits to the Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the mausoleum of General San Martin, a national hero. The tour continues into some of the city s barrios including the faded grandeur of old San Telmo, the lively and colourful La Boca, cosmopolitan Palermo and historical and affluent Recoleta, where you will visit the famous cemetery with its magnificent tombs. This city tour will involve about 5 hours sightseeing on foot at a comfortable pace. Later sit down to the ultimate Argentine experience, a dinner and tango show. Performed at one of the city s famous tango houses, savour the nostalgia and melancholy of a dance that was developed by European and African immigrants in the poorer quarters of the city. Casa Rosada On the edge of the Plaza Mayor stands the red-bricked Casa Rosada, the office of the President of Argentina. The building was in fact constructed on top of an old Spanish fort from the 16 th century and the ruins can be found in the museum within. Recoleta Cemetery Despite being a cemetery, Recoleta is one of the city s most popular sites. Exquisite murals and artistic crypts are the resting places for many of Argentina s most renowned historical names, including the internationally popular Evita, Eva Perrón. Days 15-16: Return to Ireland Transfer 30 minutes to Buenos Aires airport and fly to Ireland, arriving home the following day.
Journey to the World s End Travel Information Visas Irish passport holders currently do not require a visa to enter either Chile or Argentina. Insurance It is a condition of booking with us that you take out suitable travel insurance. You must provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number when you book with us or as soon as possible thereafter. These details will be available to your national escort should they be required. Wendy Wu Tours will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel Eating in Chile and Argentina Chilean food is a combination of Spanish and indigenous foods and flavours, as well as more recent European influences, such as Germany, Italy and France. Chile s diverse geography means that a diverse range of ingredients are available, and its colossal coastline offers plenty of seafood. Typical dishes include asado (meat roasted on the barbeque), humitas (fresh and ground corn baked in corn husks), a variety of pastels (pies) and caldillo de almejas (clam soup). Argentinian food again blends indigenous and Mediterranean influence (lots of Spanish and Italian), and also has a huge range of produce to play with. It is, of course, most famous for steak, the beef consumption here is huge, and the Argentine asado is said to define the national identity this includes a lot of lamb in the south as well as sausages, sweetbreads and beef ribs. Argentinians love to eat, and asado, pizza and pasta dishes are the most popular, whilst for a sweet treat, a pastry or cake with dulce de leche is always on offer. Oh and mate tea is drunk any time, all the time. Both Chile and Argentina are known for their wine production they are varied and delicious. A lot of international options are also available in both countries. Accommodation Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to rainforest lodges. Hotels are generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note that there is no international classification system for hotels and differences in facilities and quality may exist between Ireland and Chile and Argentina. All group tour hotels have private bathroom facilities, air conditioning, TV and telephone. If you experience any difficulty, please speak to your National Escort/Local Guide. Rest assure that all hotels used by Wendy Wu Tours are regularly inspected by our staff and our partners to ensure that standards meet your needs. Transport Coaches: Coaches with air conditioning are used on our group tours for city short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers between destinations. Roads in Chile and Argentina are generally wellmaintained, although you ll find some roads are not paved but gravel, particularly in Patagonia, but please be aware traffic and/or weather conditions may extend driving times. There may be sections of road where the surface may be comparatively bumpy but our drivers will do their utmost to lessen the impact. Planes: Internal flights are based on economy class, with reputable airlines.
Optional activities A list of optional activities and approximate costs will be provided with your final documents. These can be arranged by your guide and are paid for locally. Souvenirs There are plenty of interesting bits and pieces to buy as souvenirs in both Chile and Argentina, such as indigenous textiles in the Atacama, handicrafts and artworks, carved wood and mate tea. There will be some opportunities during your tour to pick up souvenirs. Group Size Most of our groups consist of 10 travellers or more and will be accompanied by a national escort. There will usually be no more than 30 travellers in each group. All our departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 8 travellers booked (unless cancelled due to factors beyond our control). However, at our discretion we may operate departures with a smaller group size as we try to operate advertised departures wherever it is viable to do so. Tipping Policy Tipping in both Chile and Argentina is to reward good service, however, for those working in the tourism industry, if you feel that the service you received should be rewarded, leaving a small tip is very much appreciated. For guidance, you could consider tipping your guides between $10 and $25 per person, per day and $5 for drivers, per person, per day. Porterage is included in the price of the tour, so you don t need to tip porters at your hotels if you would like to tip hotel cleaning staff, $1-$2 a day. This can also be done in local currency. Climate The weather in the Atacama Desert is as you would expect very little rain, warm temperatures during the day and cold temperatures at night. The winter months of June, July and August sees average day time temperatures of about 22 and nighttime temperatures of 4, whilst in the summer months January, February and March, daytime temperatures are at 27 and nighttime ones are around 16. The sky here is so clear the star gazing is incredible! In Patagonia the weather is unpredictable! Summer (December, January and February) is warm, sunny during the day (around 20 ) and cool at night days are also extra-long, the sun rising at 4.30am and setting at 10.30pm. In winter (June, July and August) there is snow on the mountains and low temperatures and cold rains. September sees warmer temperature but there could still be biting winds. After your booking Once you have booked with Wendy Wu Tours, you will receive a confirmation invoice followed by deposit documentation, which includes a visa application form (if applicable), and a help sheet. Your final documentation pack will be sent to you approximately 2 weeks prior to departure.
Itinerary changes It is our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, the order of events or sightseeing may change as we look to improve our tours or as local conditions dictate; in these circumstances we will make the best possible arrangements whilst maintaining the integrity of your trip. Last updated: January 2017