CHILE: FROM ATACAMA TO PATAGONIA FEBRUARY 18 - MARCH 2, 2019 TRIP SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS Walking tours of some of Chile's most beautiful and historical cities including Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, and Puerto Natales. Hiking throughout the regions dizzying array of geological features, from deserts and geysers to volcanoes and ancient forests. Immersing ourselves in local culture and customs. Experiencing the vast range of Chilean cuisine. Phone: 877-439-4042 Outside the US: 410-435-1965 Fax: 410-435-3084 Email: info@goodadventure.com
TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Feb 18 - Mar 2, 2019 Location: Chile Cost: $4,995.00 Activities: Multisport Arrive: Monday, February 18th, at 6:00pm at the Hotel Fundador, Santiago, Chile. Depart: Saturday, March 2nd, at the Santiago Airport. We will be arriving at the Airport mid afternoon, after which you are free to leave any time. TRIP OVERVIEW Chile is a country of startling contrasts and extreme beauty. On this trip we will immerse ourselves in this country's rich and historic culture by visiting a variety of colorful cities, villages, and points of interest. We'll hike through a stunning array of geological formations, from lunar landscapes to ancient forests. We'll take an opportunity to visit terraced farmlands, handicraft markets, and local sea food markets. We'll also enjoy three days in the Torres del Paine National Park. Encompassing a vast variety of local flora, fauna, and stunning geological features, this park has earned a reputation as one of the most spectacular places on Earth. Throughout this trip we'll savor the variety of Chilean cuisine and the people who live here. RATING This trip is designed for active women in good physical condition who want to combine walking and hiking with immersion in the sights, smells, culture, and cuisine of Chile. While the mileage is not high, some of our walks are at higher elevations with steep inclines. Rating: 1 [2] 3 4 5 A rating of 2 is suitable for any woman who regularly walks at a brisk pace 3 to 4 days a week for 35-45 minutes. These trips typically involve 3 to 5 hours of daily activity. WHAT'S INCLUDED A local guide and an AGC guide (If there are fewer than 7 on the trip, there will not be an AGC guide) 12 nights double occupancy lodging Meals as specified on the itinerary National Park entrance fees Airport transfers at the beginning and end of the trip, regardless of which day you arrive Ground transfers in a private bus All activities on the itinerary except for those specified as optional Not included: Transportation to Santiago or flights within Chile, airport taxes, alcoholic beverages, gratuities. We will arrange the internal flights and you can expect an additional cost of about $400.
OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 FEBRUARY 18, MONDAY Welcome to Chile, a country of startling contrasts and extreme beauty with attractions ranging from the towering volcanic peaks of the Andes to the ancient forests of the Lake District. We'll be arriving throughout the day at the Santiago Airport. From here you'll be transferred to Hotel Fundador, our home for the next two nights. We have an optional city tour of Santiago on the morning of the 18th, for those who've arrived in Santiago early, culminating in a visit to the summit of Cerro San Cristobal. Here we enjoy a birds-eye view of Santiago, the Andean Mountains, and the Maipo-Valley, the best viewpoint of the city! Otherwise, our trip officially begins in the lobby at 6:00PM. After greetings and introductions, we'll get to know one another over a dinner of delicious Chilean cuisine and discuss our upcoming adventures. We'll make it an early night to be fresh for tomorrow's adventure. D DAY 2 FEBRUARY 19, TUESDAY This morning we visit the World Heritage city of Valparaiso, Chile's oldest port and only about 1.5 hours away from Santiago. The city's many hills are covered in multi-colored houses, creating a spectacular panorama which can be enjoyed from a number of vantage points atop the hills. Walking the streets of Valparaiso becomes a great adventure as we encounter the residents of several neighborhoods and soak up the quirky and bohemian atmosphere, something different from anywhere else in Chile. We'll visit the former residence of poet and national treasure, Pablo Neruda, called La Sebastiana, and afterwards we'll have lunch in one of the typical restaurants situated in the port area. From Valparaiso we will continue along the coast for about another 20 minutes to the beautiful beaches of Vina del Mar, named the Garden City for its many parks and green spaces. After soaking in the modern and contrasting surrounds of Vina del Mar, we will return to Santiago in the afternoon. Walking: approx. 6 miles (4-5 hours). Hotel Fundador (www.hotelfundador.cl). B, L, D
DAY 3 FEBRUARY 20, WEDNESDAY We take a morning flight to Calama in Northern Chile, where we will catch a 1.5 hour shuttle ride to San Pedro de Atacama, our base for the next three nights as we explore the region of the Atacama desert. En route there are spectacular views of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountains). The rest of the morning is free to spend at your leisure, go shopping, and interact with the locals. In the afternoon we'll hike in the Cornizas and Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley). This bizarre lunar landscape is set ablaze with color at sunset, the strange rock formations framed by the Lincancabur Volcano. We'll stay until the sun goes down to enjoy the array of colors. Walking: approx. 3 miles (3 hours) reaching a maximum altitude of 2,500 meters. Hotel Don Tomas or similar (www.dontomas.cl). B, D DAY 4 FEBRUARY 21, THURSDAY Today we will be exploring the region near San Pedro de Atacama, with several opportunities to stop and take a walk. Our first stop will be the village of Socaire. The village is noteworthy for its peculiar architecture using rough stonework and for the local reliance on age-old methods of planting terraced fields of crops. We then continue on to reach the majestic silence of the Miscanti and Miniques highland lagoons. The two volcanoes of the same names are visible in the background; the twin lagoons are a deep blue, each framed by a white salt crust which creates a memorable contrast to the yellow highland grass all around. At our next stop we visit Salar de Atacama, a salt lake of huge proportions covered by a thick layer of snow-white salt crystals as far as the eye can see. The salt pan is home to several flamingo species. These beautiful birds and other species can be observed in their natural habitat at the Salar de Atacama's Chaxa Lagoon, which is part of the Reserva Nacional de los Flamencos. After the excursion we will return to San Pedro. Walking: approx. 3 miles, in altitude and warm temperatures. Hotel Don Tomas or similar. B, L, D DAY 5 FEBRUARY 22, FRIDAY In order to experience the El Tatio Geyers, we'll have to get up very early so we can arrive at the geyser field in time for sunrise! The fountains that shoot up to 33 feet high occur when the morning sun melts the nightly ice caps that form over the hot springs. The sun's first rays reflect an array of colors as they mix with boiling jets coming from the geysers to create strong contrasts of steam and light. Around midday we'll head back to San Pedro for some free time to recover from the early start and altitude. The afternoon is free to explore and to visit Le Paige Museum. If the sky is clear, and the moon is not full, there will also be an opportunity to participate in an optional astronomy tour. Hotel Don Tomas or similar. B, D
DAY 6 FEBRUARY 23, SATURDAY This is a long travelling day that will likely require an early start as we will have a 1.5 hour drive from San Pedro de Atacama to Calama for an early flight to Santiago, and then from Santiago to Puerto Montt in the Lake District region. From here we have a 30 minute drive to Puerto Varas on the shores of Lago Llanquihue where the Volcan Calbuco and Osorno lay in the background. During the afternoon we will have an opportunity to explore local customs and participate in a cooking class! Then it's on to our hotel where we can relax for the evening and explore the local dining options in this charming lakeside town. Hotel El Greco or similar (www.hotelelgreco.cl). B, L DAY 7 FEBRUARY 24, SUNDAY Today we explore the Lake District. We drive along the shore of Lago Llanquihue and enjoy breathtaking views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. We will ascend to 4430 feet altitude from where we can appreciate the colors of the sky and lake blending in together. There will be a short hike near the crater as well as the Solitario hike across the last lava flow in 1869. This will put us at the entrance of Saltos del Petrohue where cooling lava from the Osorno Volcano formed a series of rapids and waterfalls. Together they form an impressive sculpture of extruded volcanic rock shaped by thousands of years of river flow. The lake is surrounded by high mountains and the lower slopes are thickly forested. As we pull away from the landing and the source of the river Petrohue, the view is quickly stolen away by the tremendous size and proximity of snow-capped Osorno Volcano behind us. Walking: approx. 3.5 miles, moderate. Hotel El Greco or similar. B, L, D DAY 8 FEBRUARY 25, MONDAY Today we will visit Alerce Andino National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This 97,000 acre park is home to the alerce (fitzroya cupressoides), which is often compared to the sequoia for its thick diameter and height. The alerces are Protected Chilean Natural Monuments that can grow up to 150 feet tall and 13 feet wide. We will enjoy an amazing hike among these venerable giants that can live more than 3,000 years, making them the second-oldest tree after the American bristlecone pine. This park has an amazing temperate forest, a unique environment which has no similarity to Chile's other National Parks. Walking: approx. 3 hours. Hotel El Greco or similar. B, L, D
DAY 9 FEBRUARY 26, TUESDAY After breakfast and packing up, we take a sightseeing tour of the city of Puerto Montt founded in 1853 by German colonists on the site of an indigenous Mapuche community. Downtown we'll take time to walk about the main squares and historical monuments. Afterwards we'll visit Port Angelmo where there is a large handicraft market and a seafood market, brimming with salmon and trout. In the afternoon we'll head to the airport, about a half hours drive, to board a flight to Punta Arenas - the southernmost city of Chile. From here we'll drive about three hours to Puerto Natales where we will spend the night and start the Patagonia part of our adventure. Hotel If Patagonia or similar. (www.hotelifpatagonia.com/es). B, D DAY 10 FEBRUARY 27, WEDNESDAY This morning we drive into Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most spectacular national parks in the world. It has a huge variety of plant and animal species which, together with its snow-capped mountain peaks, cascading rivers and waterfalls, glaciers and mirrored lakes, have earned it a reputation as one of the most spectacular places on earth. This is a busy day of traveling and walking, including unforgettable views of the Towers and the Torres Massif from the Cuernos viewpoint and Salto Grande waterfall. In addition to being introduced to the flora and fauna of the region, we will visit Laguna Azul for more breath taking views. Here we will be staying at Pampa Lodge (https://www.pampalodgepatagonia.com). B, L, D DAY 11 FEBRUARY 28, THURSDAY Another day in Torres del Paine National Park, this time to explore the Western highlights including Lake Grey. This deep lake, fed by the glacier of the same name, is filled with icebergs which have splashed down from the massive ice flow. From the hotel, we'll drive to a spot south of the lake then start a short hike by crossing a suspension bridge over the Pingo River. From here the path leads through a Lenga forest typical of the area, and continues onward to the tip of the narrow peninsula at the lake's southern end. This viewpoint offers a spectacular view of the lake with its icebergs, the tongue of Grey Glacier at the far northern end, and the snow-covered mountain peaks soaring above. On the way back we will stop at the Visitors' Center to see an exposition of the origin and history of the park. Pampa Lodge. B, L, D
DAY 12 MARCH 1, FRIDAY Today we return to Puerto Natales by zodiac! This excursion involves boarding zodiacs to travel down Rio Serrano. The river ends at the Fjord Ultima Esperanza where we will transfer to a boat before approaching the spectacular Balmaceda Glacier, flowing out from the eastern side of Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. We aim to arrive at our accommodation in Puerto Natales around 5:30PM. In the evening we will gather for a delicious final meal together, taking time to laugh and reminisce about our shared journey. Hotel If Patagonia. B, L, D DAY 13 MARCH 2, SATURDAY Sadly, it is time to say goodbye to Chile and to one another. Today we travel south across the barren Pampa of Patagonia, an impressive 3 hour road trip as we journey to Punta Arenas Airport where we will fly back to Santiago and catch our flights back home. We will arrive back in Santiago airport in late afternoon in time to catch evening flights home. ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE We will be providing transfer from the Santiago Airport to Hotel Fundador regardless of what day you arrive. An optional city tour of Santiago will begin from the hotel lobby at 10:00AM. Otherwise, please plan on being at the Santiago Airport no later than 4:00PM to catch a shuttle at 5:00PM, as the trip will officially start in the lobby of Hotel Fundador at 6:00PM. If you would like to arrive earlier than the 25th to have more time to explore Santiago, we are happy to make pre-trip room arrangements for you at Hotel Fundador. Further information will be provided in the PreDeparture and you will have an option to request pre-trip rooms 5 months before the trip start. If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Phillip, Scan East West Travel, at barbara@scaneastwest.com or call 206-209-5831. ACCOMMODATIONS We will be staying in locally owned hotels in Santiago, San Pedro de Atacama, Puerto Varas, Puerto Natales and the Torres del Paine National Park, as specified in the daily itinerary. All rooms are double occupancy (unless you request a single supplement) and have en suite bathrooms.
WEATHER Chile stretches over 2,700 miles along the southwestern coast of South America, and weather will differ based on region and altitude. Generally, however, Chile has year-round mild or warm weather. February and March have average high temperatures of greater than 80 degrees. Even in these warmer months however, evenings can still be chilly, averaging a full 32 degrees cooler than the average high. TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use 20-0016 as your location number on the Get A Quote page.
PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR 1 pair lightweight waterproof hiking shoes or boots 1 pair comfortable shoes for general use 2-3 pairs of hiking socks (wool or synthetic equivalent: Thorlo, Smartwool, Darn Tough) CLOTHING: 2-3 pair of comfortable synthetic long (3/4) pants for hiking - zip-offs work well 1-2 pair shorts (lightweight and quick drying) 3-4 synthetic or lightweight merino wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts 1 long-sleeved, lightweight shirts for sun/bug protection (button up front is recommended) 1 lightweight long underwear top and bottom silk, wool or synthetic equivalent 1 medium-weight top layer: wool shirt/pull-over or synthetic equivalent. A lightweight fleece fullover or a fleece vest works well for this layer 1 warm down/fleece jacket 1 rain jacket/poncho and rain pants - waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex not a lightweight plastic poncho Underwear/nightwear 1 warm wool or fleece hat 1 pair wool, Capilene, or Polartec gloves 1 wide-brimmed hat baseball style hat for protection from the sun/rain 1 2 changes of casual clothes to wear at end of day EQUIPMENT/ESSENTIALS Passport and a photocopy of your passport 1 daypack (see notes on packing list for recommended capacity) Capability to waterproof your backpack. Either a rain cover or a heavy-duty plastic bag to line your pack. 1-liter water carrying capacity (water bottle or hydration system) Sunscreen and lip block with SPF of at least 15 Sunglasses (100% UV blocking) /w retention strap 1 2 bandanas/buff Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) Headlamp/small flashlight Tupperware-like container for sandwich/lunch Travel alarm/watch with alarm TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 Personal first aid/patch kit - Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, Compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, any personal medications Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide. OPTIONAL (not required, personal preference) 2 pair synthetic, lightweight liner socks (optional -- not everyone uses sock liners) Pair of trekking poles Favorite snack(s) Book/ journalpencil/pen Camera and film/memory card Extra batteries/charger Short gaiters 10 ft light cord and 4-6 clothespins, detergent Binoculars (lots of wildlife viewing potential) Swim suit Waterproof gloves
NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. At the same time, you must be able to carry your own luggage, sometimes up and down stairs. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 1 liter of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, lightweight gloves, warm hat and personal items such as camera,etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 24-30 Liters (1450-1850 cubic inches) with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry and/or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of the items listed above. Note: Fanny-packs and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots or trail shoes are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! All active wear should be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Your wind/rain pants should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are optional for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions: http://blog.adventuresingoodcompany.com/blog-women-travel/bid/154714/trekking-poles-for-hiking-trips-the-4-mostcommon-questions. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea Notes on packing/luggage: Please keep luggage between 30-40 pounds. You must be able to comfortably handle your own luggage, keeping in mind that some hotels may not have elevators and we all know that heavy luggage and no elevator is not a good mix! We recommend using a small to medium size duffel with wheels or a medium size soft sided suitcase with wheels.