Open to alumni UBC and friends PATAGONIA A NATURAL WONDERLAND AT THE END OF THE WORLD NOVEMBER 18 30, 2018 Patagonia has retained the mystique of the frontier. It is a place of great icefields and soaring snow-capped peaks headlined by the Torres del Paine National Park and the Perito Moreno glacier. Discover these awe-inspiring landscapes during your choice of easy to challenging walks and treks. As you walk from our bases in Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia, see spiky peaks veiled in clouds, endless steppes where solitary Guanacos keep watch from hilltops, electric-blue lakes, and the two great icefields remnants of the last ice age which spill out of the Andes as impressive glaciers. Your adventure begins in cosmopolitan Argentina for a guided exploration of Buenos Aires and its alluring confluence of French, Italian and Latin character. A flight south to brings you to the uttermost part of the earth, as described by English travel writer Bruce Chatwin. Here in Argentine Patagonia s El Calafate area, the dynamic Perito Moreno glacier looms over massive Lake Argentino, and frequently sends fractured chunks of ice into the lake s turquoise waters. Continue to Chilean Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park. During each day here, take a scenic walk or challenging trek past Lake Grey, Pingo River, or the Passage of the Winds, which leads to epic Base Torres with a view of the iconic three granite towers of Torres del Paine. The journey concludes in Chile s revitalized capital, Santiago where a newfound stability is making it one of the most attractive cities in South America for residents and visitors. Expert trekking guides work with your Tour Manager to ensure a safe, educational, and inspiring adventure at the End of the World. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS BY:
Torres del Paine WHY ALUMNI UBC TRAVEL CLUB? Hiking among the granite spires of Torres del Paine Watching glaciers calving into sapphire lakes Scanning alpine ridges for Guanacos and condors Cruising the turquoise waters of Lake Argentino Hiking towards a 360 lookout over lakes, glaciers, and mountains ARGENTINA Santiago Buenos Aires CHILE Torres del Paine N.P. El Calafate Punta Arenas STUDY LEADER To be determined.
DETAILED ITINERARY Sunday, Nov. 18: Meet in Buenos Aires Arrive in Buenos Aires where a local representative provides a transfer to our hotel in the heart of the city. Meet other participants this afternoon for a briefing and neighborhood walk. This evening, celebrate our arrival in Argentina with dinner and a tango performance. Meals: Dinner Overnight: NH Tango Hotel, Buenos Aires Monday, Nov. 19: Buenos Aires day tour Today, take in the elegant turn-of-the-century districts that earned Buenos Aires the soubriquet of the Paris of South America. Start with the fashionable Recoleta area and the Plaza de Mayo Square, then visit the modern Puerto Madero district a successful waterfront restoration project. In the charming cobbled alleys and colonial architecture of San Telmo, discover the stories that make up the rich tapestry of the history of Buenos Aires and enjoy the colourful markets of La Boca. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Overnight: NH Tango Hotel, Buenos Aires Tuesday, Nov. 20: Fly to El Calafate / Hike to Laguna Nimez A three-hour flight takes us south to embark into Argentine Patagonia. Stay for four nights in El Calafate named for the berry that, once eaten, guarantees your return to the town. This is where the Santa Cruz plateau meets the Andes a place that can also be described as the gateway to the glaciers. An easy hike out to Laguna Nimez for a beautiful Patagonian sunset gets us in shape for the next days adventures. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Spegazzini Glacier, Argentina Wednesday, Nov. 21: Trek to Perito Moreno Glacier This stunning mass of ice spans almost 200 square kilometers part of an ice field that is the third largest reserve of fresh water in the world. Its sheer front looms 60 metres above emerald green water. Approach the glacier by boat across the Rico Arm and enjoy breathtaking views of the its front wall, while getting close enough to feel the glacier breathing cold air on your face. Mountain guides meet us here and help us on with crampons before beginning a moderate level hike through the fascination landscape of the glaciers: streams, lagoons, crevasses, and ice formations of the most incredible hues. Several walking paths allow you to observe the glacier from different vantage points; you ll likely witness huge chunks of the ice mass calving and crashing into the water. Thursday, Nov. 22: Ice Glaciers cruise Discover the stunning landscapes of Lake Argentino on a sixhour cruise today. From Punta Bandera, sail through the Boca Del Diablo to the Upsala Channel for spectacular views of the Upsala Glacier the largest in South America, and a stunning expanse of untouched beauty. The glacier is known for the extensive calving of ice at its foot. Nearby, see the behemoth Spegazzini Glacier 17 kilometers long, towering some 125 metres above the surface, and extending another 130 metres below it to the lake bottom. Sail past exquisitely-shaped blue and white icebergs in one of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Keep your cameras at the ready you won t want to miss a minute of this scenery! Friday, Nov. 23: Trek to Lago Roca and Cerro Cristal Set out by vehicle along the road of the estancias traveling from the steppe westward to the Andean-Patagonian forest. Along the way, spot impressive bird life including eagles, condors, and caranchos. This is also a great place to observe the haughty Guanaco camel-like mammal native to South America. Hike up to Cerro Cristal a moderate difficulty hike that is approximately a 6-hour round trip. Ascending the trail, marvel at fantastic views of Lago Argentino, Lago Roca, and the Perito Moreno Glacier. Saturday, Nov. 24: Transfer to Chilean Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park Our route today takes us across the Patagonian steppe from north to south, crossing the border into Chile at Cancha Carrera. Once in the Torres del Paine National Park, we drive to various trailheads from where you can take easylevel hikes to the most beautiful viewpoints. Stop at Laguna Amarga a stunning turquoise-coloured lake as well as Lake Nordenskjold, and the impressive Salto Grande waterfall. The Hosteria Pehoe lookout point has the ultimate sunset views.
Sunday, Nov. 25: Torres del Paine: Trek to Ferrier Viewpoint Today s trek (medium difficulty, approx. 5-hour round-trip) to the Ferrier Viewpoint takes you through a fairy-tale forest with its fascinating diversity of austral trees. The landscapes are more and more impressive as you ascend to the lookout with a view that is simply unreal. The 360 view of sky, lakes, glaciers, and mountains is stunning. For a different experience, consider the alternative trek to Condor Point (easy difficulty; approx. 2-hour round-trip). At its viewpoint overlooking the Paine River and Lake Pehoe, condors are regularly seen. Guanaco on Lake Pehoe Wednesday, Nov. 28: Fly to Santiago This morning, we drive (five hours) to Punta Arenas at the southern tip of Chile, on the Ruta del Fin del Mundo (the road to the end of the earth) an appropriate finale to your exploration of Patagonia. It s a great ride and you re likely to see small groups of Guanacos and Rheas (a large, ostrich-like bird) along the way. The flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago is four-and-a-half hours, bringing us into the Chilean capital in the early evening. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: NH Ciudad de Santiago, Santiago Thursday, Nov. 29: Santiago day tour Get to know Santiago during a guided tour. Visit the Plaza de Armas with the Cathedral, Town Hall, and Post Office. La Chascona the museum/home of Pablo Neruda is in Bellavista the bohemian center of Santiago. Ascend San Cristobal Hill for a dazzling panoramic view. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring independently. We recommend visiting the recently opened Baha I Temple, designed by Canadian architect Siamak Hariri, or the impressive collection of artifacts at the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: NH Ciudad de Santiago, Santiago Santiago Monday, Nov. 26: Torres del Paine: Trek to Base Torres Tackle one of the most famous hikes of the Paine trails. The trek to Base Torres is demanding (high difficulty, approx. 8-hour round-trip), but rewards you with the imposing view of the iconic three granite towers of Torres del Paine. The route climbs for an hour along the Ascencio River, reaching the Passage of the Winds ; from here, it s another 30 minutes to the Chilean Camp for a break. Ascend through the forest for 90 minutes, with incredible views of the crevices, fractures, and granite intrusions. The last hour is the most challenging as the trail zig zags up a moraine. The fantastic landscape of the Towers opens up from the summit of the trail the perfect spot to contemplate the vast and inspiring site. The descent follows the same route. For a less demanding alternative, take the Lago Grey boat excursion for dramatic views of hanging glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. Tuesday, Nov. 27: Torres del Paine: Trek to Pingo River Enjoy the sound of the Pingo River as you hike (medium difficulty, approx. 4-hour round trip) along its bank. Connect with nature in a very real way along this quiet hike, enjoying the view of unspoiled waterfalls. We might see salmon descending here. This afternoon includes an easy walk (approx. 2-hour round trip), which takes you through the Maggelanian lenga tree forest to Lake Grey to see the ice floes coming off the glacier, as well as a final view of spectacular Grey Glacier. Friday, Nov. 30: Depart Santiago The day is at leisure before your transfer to the airport for homeward-bound flights. Meals: Breakfast Note: The itinerary and accommodation described here are subject to change due to logistical arrangements and to take advantage of local events.
Perito Moreno Glacier TOUR DETAILS Tour Cost (per person): US$6495 Taxes and Gratuities: US$325 Single Supplement: Approx. US$1295 If you are travelling on your own and would like to share accommodation, we would be happy to try to match you with a suitable roommate. If we are unable to do so, the single cost applies. Group Size: Limited to 18 participants What s Included: Internal flights (Buenos Aires to El Calafate and Punta Arenas to Santiago) Accommodations based on double occupancy in listed hotels or similar Transportation in comfortable vans and mini buses All activities as listed, including entrance fees Airport transfers (arrival and departure) Meals as indicated in the itinerary Services of English-speaking professional drivers Services of English-speaking local guides Services of your Tour Manager Gratuities (as indicated above) Taxes (as indicated above) Not Included: Roundtrip airfare from your home Meals not indicated in the itinerary Alcoholic beverages, coffee, and tea Cancellation / Interruption and Medical Insurance Items of a personal nature Additional arrangements required due to any emergency Excess baggage charges Any item not mentioned in Included Features above Payment Details: A non-refundable deposit of US$500 per person is required to reserve a space on this tour. A payment of US$1000 per person is required 6 months prior to departure. Final payment is due at least 90 days prior to departure. HOW TO BOOK Please contact Worldwide Quest. 1-800-387-1483
WHAT TO EXPECT Joining Instructions All travellers arriving on the start date of the tour, November 18, are met on arrival and transferred to the group hotel. This transfer is included in the cost of the tour. When you book pretrip arrangements including flight and accommodations with Worldwide Quest, your transfer from the airport to our group hotel on arrival is also included. If you are making your own pre-trip arrangements, this transfer can be provided at additional cost. The tour concludes with a single complimentary transfer from the hotel to the airport on November 30. Please contact us to verify timing of this transfer prior to making any flight arrangements. Level of Activity: Moderate to Challenging The trails that we use in our explorations of the parks and reserves are usually well marked and easy to follow. Many do, however, follow the contours of the hills, valleys or cliffs and a few have steep inclines. The trails have to be traversed carefully but are accessible to anyone who has normal walking ability and stamina. Walks are available at the moderate and challenging levels of activity. Sturdy hiking or boots are strongly advised. We recommend a trekking pole for extra stability. If you have any concerns about being able to participate on this trip, please contact our office for further information and advice. Accommodation We have selected comfortable hotels with all amenities, including private washroom facilities. Transportation We have selected comfortable hotels with allamenities, including private washroom facilities. Weather Even during the southern summer, weather is unpredictable in Patagonia. Come prepared for essentially all possible weather conditions, including sun, cloud, rain, and snow sometimes all in a single day. Depending on the specific region and altitude, daytime highs typically reach a maximum of 15 C (59 F), with morning lows averaging around 5 C (41 F). Strong winds can be expected, especially on exposed ridges and mountain passes. Travel Documents You will require a passport for your trip to Argentina and Chile. Please make sure it is valid for six months after the date of your return home. Canadian and American passport holders do not require a tourist visa to visit Chile if visiting for fewer than 90 days. ADDITIONAL INFO Terms and Conditions For additional information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form, the current brochure or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # 2667946). Cancellation Policy All payments are non-refundable, however you may transfer your initial deposit for any land tour to another tour 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. Initial deposits for cruises are non-refundable and non-transferable. Your second payment and your final payment are nonrefundable and non-transferable. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are nonrefundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing. Travel Insurance We urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip or should the tour not be operable per our terms and conditions. We will offer you Manulife insurance coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory on all our tours. TRAVEL WITH ALUMNI UBC It s your travel experience. Indulge your curiosity as we take you to unique places you ve always dreamed about. UBC experts and knowledgeable local hosts provide context. That allows you to develop a deep connection to the people you meet and the cultures, cuisines and landscapes you re exploring. Best value in educational travel Meaningful local experiences Thoughtful itineraries See our complete list of tours at: WorldwideQuest.com/alumniUBC TICO#: 2667946 The University of British Columbia Alumni Association will not be responsible for the financing, the arranging, or the conducting of these tours. They assume no liability or responsibility for damages or financial loss to person howsoever arising from the negligence, omission or otherwise of travel services arranged through Worldwide Quest International. Refer to the General Terms and Conditions established by Worldwide Quest International with respect to participating in this tour.