BEST OF CHILE Prepared for NAME Itinerary as of DATE
Itinerary Overview As the world s longest and thinnest country, Chile is a land of contrasts. The stark Atacama Desert gives way to vibrant wine valleys and culture-rich cities before rising to the iconic spires of Patagonia at the end of the world. There are innumerable places to explore and this 12-day, active adventure gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a variety of landscapes and experience drastically different activities, cultures, and food. Stargaze in the driest desert in the world, try your hand at graffiti in the bohemian capitol of Chile, zodiac through glacier-lined fjords, and bike the hills of the agricultural paradise that makes up wine country. To see the final frontier of Chile, hop on a flight from Santiago and explore the mystical Moai that dot the tropical paradise of the most remote island in the world, Rapa Nui (Easter Island). DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTELS MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 SANTIAGO Luciano K D Arrive Santiago. Half day city tour. 2 CASABLANCA VALLEY Casona Matetic BLD Biking the Casablanca Wine Valley 3 VAL PARAISO Palacio Astoreca BL Val Paraiso City & Graffiti Tour 4 ATACAMA Casa Atacama BD Fly to Atacama. 5-6 ATACAMA Casa Atacama BLD Activities in the Atacama Desert 7 PUERTO NATALES Weskar Lodge B Fly to Southern Patagonia 8 TORRES DEL PAINE Patagonia Camp BLD Boat navigation through the fjords to Torres del Paine 9-11 TORRES DEL PAINE Patagonia Camp BLD Activities in Torres del Paine 12 DEPARTURE B Fly back to Santiago or continue on to Easter Island DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTELS MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 EASTER ISLAND Taha Tai Arrive Easter Island. 2 EASTER ISLAND Taha Tai BL North loop walking exploration 3 EASTER ISLAND Taha Tai B Ranu Kau and Orongo hike 4 DEPARTURE B Optional morning horseback ride. Transfer to the airport -2-
Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SANTIAGO Welcome to Chile! Your guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel. Shortly after settling in, embark on a tour highlighting Santiago s most important historical sites, including the downtown area surrounding the Plaza de Armas and the La Moneda Presidential Palace. Pass by the Mercado Central, one of Chile s largest fresh seafood markets and stroll by the many bustling stalls to see the tremendous variety available from Chile s bountiful sea. Visit some of the lesser-known barrios of Santiago and observe the varied styles of architecture dating back to the 19 th and early 20 th centuries. Continuing through the cobblestoned Lastarria neighborhood, walk through the Parque Forestal and pass by the Bellas Artes Museum. For a panoramic vista of the city, ascend to the top of Cerro San Cristobal Hill, 984 feet above the city. During the tour, you will have the option to visit one of Santiago s most famous museums, La Chascona. La Chascona is the former home of beloved poet and Nobel Laureate Pablo Neruda. The whimsical residence provides a snapshot into the life and mind of Neruda - filled with art, eccentric collections, and even his Nobel Prize. (Please note that Fundacion Pablo Neruda does not permit purchasing tickets in advance, nor making reservations for visits. Visitors are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is included if tickets are available.) In the evening, you will be treated to a welcome dinner at Casa Lastarria. Spread across three floors of a 19 th century home and boasting a stunning roof-top terrace, Casa Lastarria is perfectly situated to absorb the energy of bohemian Barrio Lastarria. Overnight at Luciano K [D] DAY 2: CYCLING THE CASABLANCA WINE VALLEY Distance: 18-20 miles (Support Vehicle Available) Depart Santiago s bustling metropolis for the lush and beautiful Casablanca Valley, one of the world s most famous wine growing regions. The valley s cool coastal breeze makes the climate ideal for growing Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Pinot Noir and also for comfortable cycling. After a one-hour drive from Santiago, begin your biking adventure at the winery Emiliana, a true leader in the concepts of biodynamic and organic agriculture. Emiliana s wine portfolio is backed by major national and international recognition and its wineries are certified Fair Trade and Carbon Neutral. In November 2015, Emiliana was chosen as the vineyard of the year by Wines of Chile, a trade organization representing more than 90 vineyards. Hop back on your bike and pedal to Loma Larga Vineyards. Loma Larga continuously represents the best of the Casablanca Valley, setting the bar for quality cold-climate red wines with several award winners and consistent 90+ point ratings by such prestigious publications as Robert Parker s Wine Advocate. Here, you ll enjoy a tour through the winery and a tasting followed by a lovely picnic lunch. After lunch, drive to your hotel for the night, Casona Matetic. The casona is located on the Matetic vineyard property, allowing you to spend a relaxing evening amongst the vines of the valley. Relax poolside in the lovely outdoor garden area or curl up with a book in their cozy living room complete with a fireplace, pool table and bar. Overnight at Casona Matetic. [BLD] DAY 3: VALPARAISO CITY & GRAFFITI TOUR Valparaíso, one of the first Chilean cities founded by the Spanish, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003 for its architectural and cultural significance. The colored hills are filled with both -3-
new art galleries that showcase South American artists and large-scale murals painted by famous street artists. Valparaiso is a creative hub for graffiti, street art, muralists and more. Your tour will lead you through the maze-like staircases of two of the most famous and eclectic hills, Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre. Here you can learn about the origins of graffiti and street art and see examples of its evolution on almost every wall. Paired with a local artist, you can try your own hand at graffiti. Start at the studio where you can design your art and then head back out to find the right wall on which to paint a throw-up (your street name/initials) or a character (a face, small animal, etc.). From here, make our way to a local restaurant where you ll enjoy lunch nestled in the hills. After lunch, the city tour will begin, starting in the downtown sector where you can learn about the history of Valpo and its importance in South American trade and commerce. Century-old hillside ascensores (elevators) will transport you up into the city s steep hills, where a labyrinthine maze of streets reveals brightly colored buildings, bohemian cafes and elegant restaurants, all with spectacular views of the harbor below. In addition, visit one of Pablo Neruda s three homes-turned-museums, La Sebastiana. Return to your hotel in the later afternoon and have the evening free to explore. Overnight at Palacio Astoreca. [BL] DAY 4: SANTIAGO ATACAMA DESERT Transfer to the Santiago airport in time for your flight to Calama. (flight not included) Upon arrival drive one hour to the remote, high-desert town of San Pedro de Atacama, your base camp for a full range of adventurous activities over the coming days. After checking in to the hotel, explore the sleepy town of San Pedro and relax. Though the Atacama region is home to the driest desert on earth, people have been living here for thousands of years. The town of San Pedro de Atacama is often used as a jumping-off point for day tours and adventure activities in the area, but it s worth a visit in its own right. With a colonial-style adobe church, the R. P. Gustavo Le Paige archeological museum, shops, and cafes, San Pedro is a doorway to the Atacama s human history. Overnight at Casa Atacama. [BD] DAYS 5-6: ACTIVITIES IN THE ATACAMA The Atacama is best known for its landscape and rightfully so with its vast salt planes, high volcanoes, canyons and geysers. The diversity of the landscape in the Atacama offers activities for every interest. Adventure seekers can hike the multi-colored hills, ascend volcanoes, and cycle through narrow rock canyons. Star gazers will have access to some of the clearest skies and best observatories in the world. Wildlife lovers can set out to see flamingos and vicuna. You can visit turquoise lagoons that are located over 4,000 meters in the highlands, walk through geysers, and follow green riverbeds in an area where water is a limited resource. The options are endless and you have two full days to fill with whatever appeals to you the most. Overnights at Casa Atacama. [BLD] -4-
DAY 7: ATACAMA DESERT SOUTHERN PATAGONIA Transfer from your hotel in San Pedro to the Calama airport in time for your flight to Santiago connecting to a second flight to the Southern end of Chile and Punta Arenas. (flights not included) From the Punta Arenas airport, it is a 2.5-hour drive to the small port city of Puerto Natales, the closest city to Torres del Paine National Park. Spend the rest of the evening exploring the area and relaxing at the Weskar Lodge where you will be staying for the night. [B] DAY 8: NAVIGATE THROUGH THE FJORDS TO TORRES DEL PAINE Depart Puerto Natales by boat, navigating along the Señoret Canal and exploring the fjords that weave a narrow path from Natales to the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. The trip begins by approaching the towering massif of Mount Balmaceda (2,035m). Make sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled for calving chunks of ice falling into the sound far below. Continue a short distance farther to the landing dock for the Serrano glacier. A short hike through forest and along a glacial lake will take you to a viewpoint where you can see the Serrrano glacier from just a few hundred feet away. Return to the landing dock and trade the large ship for a semi-rigid inflatable zodiac designed to navigate the narrow Serrano River. Meet the expert pilot officer in charge and after a security briefing start the river-trip stage of your journey as you head upstream along the Serrano River. There are opportunities to disembark and walk through the forest to a viewpoint known as Cerro Donoso which overlooks the Serrano river waterfall and the national park. Your end destination is Puerto Chaitén where you will be welcomed by a traditional asado served on the shore. Throughout the journey, watch for small Magellanic dolphins (better known as toninas), condors, and sea lions. After the asado, you will be met and transferred to Patagonia Camp, located just outside Torres del Paine, and your home for the next 3 nights. [BLD] DAYS 9-11: ACTIVITIES IN TORRES DEL PAINE Spend three full days exploring in Torres del Paine National Park with your Patagonia Camp guides. Each day offers a choice between easier or more active treks and excursions through the park. Hike off the beaten path within the national park to the Salto del Toro waterfall to view the rushing glacial waters of Lago Pehoe pouring into Lago del Toro. Trek to Mirador del Toro, a lookout point with a spectacular view of Lago del Toro and the Paine Massif. Drive to the western side of the park to enjoy an easy-going walk with a splendid view over the lake and massive icebergs broken off the giant glacier at the headwaters of Lago Grey. Explore beech forests and flat glacial deposits forming the Grey Peninsula on a walk to a spectacular lookout point over the lake. On a clear day, an ambitious hike (6 mi/8 hours) to Valle Ascencio takes you to the base of the impressive granite massif where the iconic Towers of Paine rise -5-
from a glacial lake. The famous Torres del Paine (9400 ) consist of 3 granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice over the millennia. Watch for guanacos, fox, puma, and many birds. One night will feature a festive asado or typical Patagonian lamb barbecue. Overnights at Patagonia Camp. [BLD] DAY 12: DEPARTURE Say goodbye to Torres del Paine and board the vehicle back to Punta Arenas in time to catch a late afternoon flight back to Santiago. Continue in transit to catch your international flight home or continue on to Easter Island. [B] EASTER ISLAND EXTENSION DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN EASTER ISLAND Fly from Santiago to Easter Island to continue your Chilean adventure. Upon arrival, you will be met at Mataveri Airport and taken to your accommodation on the Island. Considered the most remote island on Earth, Easter Island (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) sits more than 2,300 miles from Chile s coast. Its nearest neighbor is 1,240 miles to the west. This Polynesian island is filled with unexplained traditions and mystifying archaeology, including the world-famous giant stone statues called Moai. There are an estimated 1,000 Moai scattered across the island, some having been transported up to 10 miles from the volcanic quarries in which they were carved. Rolling green hills, massive volcanic craters, and pristine coastline invite travelers to explore the mysterious past and discover the Rapa Nui culture which continues to live on today. Overnight at Taha Tai. DAY 2: NORTH LOOP TREKKING Start by car and drive along the west coast until you reach the area of Ahu Tepeu. From here, start walking along the untouched northeast coast, visiting several unrestored Ahus and spotting petroglyphs before arriving at the Anakena beach. Enjoy a swim at the white-sand beach before getting picked up by your vehicle and driven back to the village. Have the afternoon free. Overnight at Taha Tai. [BL] DAY 3: RANU KAU & ORONGO TREK Visit two sites that are very important to the Rapa Nui culture today: Rano Kau and Orongo. Rano Kau is one of the three principal volcanoes that created the island. It is approximately 2.5 million years old and has the largest caldera of any volcano on the island measuring at approximately 1.6 kilometers in diameter. Inside this beautiful volcano you will see one of three crater lakes on the island. This lake is covered with a type of bulrush reed which is also found in Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. Afterward you will visit the ceremonial village of Orongo, one of the most visually spectacular sites on the island. On one side of the village you see the beautiful caldera of Rano Kau and on the other you see the ocean and the mysterious islets of Motu Nui, Motu Iti, Motu Kao Kao. These islets, in addition to the village of Orongo, held the amazing ancient Tangata Manu or Birdman Ceremonies. Overnight at Taha Tai. [B] DAY 4: DEPARTURE Optional morning horseback riding excursion to Ahu Akivi which is the only platform whose Moai look to the ocean. It s also the only platform on the island which was restored using what is believed to be the traditional way of raising the Moai, instead of using machinery. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport and board your flight back to Santiago and onward home. [B] -6-
END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. PRICING AND DATES: Click here for pricing Click here for dates *Internal airfare cost is subject to change until ticketed. Note: Travel over the Christmas and New Year holidays will incur additional supplements. INCLUDED SERVICES Accommodations as listed English-speaking certified naturalist guides Cycling gear 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; and tour operations and Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International air transportation Internal air transportation Santiago-Calama-Santiago, Santiago-Punta Arenas-Santiago, and Santiago-Mataveri-Santiago if extending to Easter Island 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 -7-
Accommodations LUCIANO K HOTEL, SANTIAGO Luciano K is a boutique hotel with 38 rooms that blend period and art deco design. On the ground floor of the hotel you'll find the entrance hall along with a bar and restaurant. The 300 square meter rooftop terrace hosts a spa, sauna, bar, and heated swimming pool, not to mention spectacular views over Parque Forestal and Alameda Avenue. All rooms are equipped with 40" satellite TV, bluetooth sound system, air conditioning, safe, minibar, and Wi-Fi. LA CASONA, CASABLANCA VALLEY La Casona at Matetic Vineyards is a traditional colonial, country home featuring seven stylish rooms. With over 100 years of history, in 2004 it was fully remodeled and beautifully decorated by the renowned Max Cummins. Each room has a private terrace overlooking the gardens or vineyards. Amenities include luxurious linens, bathrobes, and complimentary Wi-Fi, spa services and adventures horseback riding, cycling or hiking in the peaceful Rosario Valley. Visit the vineyard, explore the grounds, taste their premier wines and gourmet meals in the organic kitchen. PALACIO ASTORECA, VALPARAISO The beautiful Palacio Astoreca is located in the historical city center of Valparaiso. The hotel includes 23 rooms, a spa, a restaurant, wine cellar, bar and a library spread over two buildings. The spacious suites have king size beds and panoramic views of Valparaiso Bay. Premium rooms overlook the rolling hills of Valparaiso. All rooms have flat screen TVs, safes, mini-bars, and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. The on-site restaurant Alegre uses a variety of local products with an emphasis on seafood. CASA ATACAMA, SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA Situated in the center of San Pedro, Casa Atacama promises a high quality luxury experience while remaining focused on sustainability. This premier eco-friendly hotel includes LED high-efficiency lighting and heating both of which are connected to the hotel s system of solar panels and promotes recycling and environmentally responsible use of natural resources. La Romeria restaurant embraces the flavors of the Altiplanico surrounding and makes use of harvested produce from artisanal, organic farms. -8-
WESKAR LODGE, PUERTO NATALES Surrounded by 6,000 square meters of garden and green areas, Weskar Lodge is a unique, small hotel with impressive views of the Ultima Esperanza Fjord and Patagonian mountains. It sits on waterfront property just outside the city of Puerto Natales. The building is made of local wood, giving it a warm, rustic feel, and the rooms are comfortable and fully equipped, perfect after a day of excursions. PATAGONIA CAMP, TORRES DEL PAINE Chile s first luxury camp is designed and operated to minimize environmental impact on Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park. 18 free-standing yurts offer ensuite bathrooms and private terraces overlooking Lago del Toro and the Torres del Paine range. Enjoy first class cuisine in the shared dining room or sip on a Pisco Sour or glass of Chilean wine at the lakefront bar, all of which are connected by a raised boardwalk, to protect the fragile lands of Torres del Paine National park. TAHA TAI, EASTER ISLAND An outdoor swimming pool and bungalows surrounded by gardens can be enjoyed at the Taha Tai Hotel. In the Rapa Nui language, Taha Tai means just by the sea and this is exactly where this hotel is located. Nestled just off the coast, within walking distance to the town of Hanga Roa, a 10-minute walk from the beach, and a 5-minute drive from Mataveri International Airport, Taha Tai boasts an amazing location. Guests can also conveniently wine and dine at their on-site restaurant, which serves a variety of regional dishes. The property also has Wi-Fi in its public areas -9-
Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling 1-800-345-4453. 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:* $1,000 per person 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: $300 61-90 days: Initial deposit amount 31-60 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 1-800-345-4453 or email 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. -10-