CUSTOM CHILE & ARGENTINA: Santiago Patagonia Lake District Atacama Desert Mendoza s Wine Country A CLIENT-APPROVED Adventure This is an outline of a journey taken by a couple that travelled February, 2014. Highlights included two regions of Chilean Patagonia, Chile s Atacama Desert, and Mendoza in Argentina s wine district. Private touring was included throughout. Most accommodation was on a full board basis and included meals and activities as described. If people like hiking, wine and great food, Chile is the place to go. Horseback riding is great; we went 4 times for 2 hours each. We canoed along a river in the lake district, hiked along the coast and went to a fishing village. A hike, lamb barbecue and horseback ride is not to be missed in Patagonia. The Casablanca Valley was also a highlight. It was a very memorable trip and we thank CA. This trip exceeded expectations. Questions? Please contact Civilized Adventures Adventure Travel Specialist Geordie McDonald who handled all the arrangements for this journey: geordie@civilizedadv.com, or any of our experienced travel specialists: info@civilizedadv.com Please note: to protect our hours of research, we do not include names for suggested hotels here. Tours listed are those chosen by past clients and they may not be your first choice. Please consider this to be a starting point: allow us to customize a proposal for you that will showcase your own interests. Day 1 Arrive Santiago Land in Santiago where you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Settle in for your three night stay. In this program, our clients stayed in a charming four story hotel that resembles a Parisian town house. It stands amid embassies and private mansions on a quiet street off the bustling Avenue Providencia. It is only a 15 minute stroll to Santiago s colonial heart for shopping, or a short cab ride to the upscale Vitacura and Las Condes restaurants for dinner. Free Wi Fi is offered, and there is a restaurant and a complimentary midnight snack bar. Santiago, 3 nights Day 2 Santiago B After breakfast you will be met by your local guide for your walking tour of the city. Santiago is a cosmopolitan city that has collected a series of architectural treasures that compel you to walk through it slowly, discovering splendid buildings. Immerse yourself in the life of the city with a ride on the Metro to Plaza de la Constitución and La Moneda Presidential Palace, the seat of the Government. The Plaza is surrounded by buildings erected in the 1930s. www.civilizedadv.com / 1 800 688 1804 / info@civilizedadv.com 1
Continue through the downtown streets passing by the Court of Justice, former National Congress, old Customs House (now the Pre Columbian Art Museum) and reach the Plaza de Armas. Here you have the Metropolitan Cathedral, City Hall, the Central Post Office and the National Historical Museum. Other highlights include the main pedestrian street of the city, Paseo Ahumada, the Stock Exchange, and San Francisco Church and Monastery, the oldest architectonic monument preserved in Chile. After the tour you will be returned to the hotel by your guide. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure. Day 3 Santiago: Winelands B, L Explore some of Chile's best wine valleys with your driver and guide. Casablanca is one of the most emblematic valleys on Chile's wine circuit and provides an enticing mix of some of the country's finest whites like Loma Larga wines. Discover Loma Larga s peaceful vineyard and its beautiful old parks before an exclusive wines tasting in the country house. Then continue to the San Antonio valley, Chile's newest and smallest wine region and home to several new vineyards, such as Matetic vineyard. The Matetic family owns the entire Rosario Valley Estate which has a luxurious but rustic looking guesthouse at one end and an impressive, high tech bodega at the other. Enjoy a private wine tasting as well as an exquisite lunch at the winery's restaurant, before returning to Santiago. Day 4 Santiago to Patagonia B, L, D Your guide will meet you in the lobby and you ll transfer to the Santiago airport for your flight to Punta Arenas (4 hours 20 minute flight). In Punta Arenas you will be met by a representative who will assist you with your luggage before escorting you to the lodge s check in area. You will be greeted by the lodge staff and then transferred the 390km to the lodge itself, with a stop enroute for lunch. Where you stay in Torres del Paine can be a highlight of your trip on top of the amazing mountain scenery. One option is to stay at an eco camp which is inside the park. This is a more rustic experience although all your comforts are certainly taken care of and the experience is well received by our clients. In this case, our clients stayed in the park s top lodge, set on the shores of Lake Pehoé, and offering 5 star comfort in a truly remote region. The hotel s design creates an aura of simplicity while showcasing the unfathomable beauty of the natural environment. It features refined comfort for total relaxation. Activities offered are renowned for their variety and exclusiveness. Torres del Paine, 4 nights Day 5, 6 & 7 Patagonia 3B, 3L, 3D Every evening, join the lodge guides in the bar/living room area of the hotel. They will explain all of the planned explorations available for the next day and help you choose the best Patagonia travel exploration for you according www.civilizedadv.com / 1 800 688 1804 / info@civilizedadv.com 2
to your interests and abilities. The maximum group size is 8 travelers, along with a bilingual lodge guide. Treks and Patagonia horseback rides will help you to discover the landscapes and wildlife of this singular place, as well as the unique way of life of its human inhabitants, the gauchos. There are multiple half day and full day treks and horseback excursions to choose from. Day 8 North Patagonia/Lake District B, D An early start this morning will take you from the lodge for your journey back to the Punta Arenas airport for your flight to Puerto Montt, the gateway to the Lake District. (Flight is approx. 2 hours) On arrival your private guide and driver await for your 1 hour and 10 minute drive to your stunning retreat overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Upon arrival refreshments will be served as you are welcomed to the resort. After settling into your suite you will have your meal in the clubhouse restaurant, including a selection of Reserve and Grand Reserve wines. We recommend a stay in an eco luxury retreat set on a private preserve that comprises more than eight thousand pristine acres of millenary forests and six miles of imposing South Pacific coast. A Relais & Chateaux property, this property has an ideal mix of nature and culture based activities. Your stay includes: full board, reserve/grand reserve wines, rack liquors, guided activities, one spa treatment per person, and laundry service. (Note: at time of posting this Approved program to our website, this property was undergoing a refurbishment) Day 9 & 10 North Patagonia/Lake District 2B, 2L, 2D Your guides will keep you informed each day of the adventures to come, helping you to decide which one fits your interests. There is a wide range of activities to choose from during your stay: interpretive hikes, bird watching, horseback riding (extra cost), whale watching, photography, farm and culinary tours, kayaking, fishing and heritage/cultural tours. Or, you may just want to relax and enjoy the views. Day 11 North Patagonia/Lake District to Santiago B Your last morning may be the perfect time to pamper yourself with a private breakfast in your villa. Let the chef surprise you with a delicious breakfast in your villa, ocean front. You have time for a morning excursion but rest assured that everything is taken care of and you will arrive to the airport right on time for your flight to Santiago (1 1/2 hour flight). You will be met in the arrivals hall by your guide who will assist with your luggage and escort you to your vehicle for your transfer to your hotel for the evening. Santiago, 1 night Day 12 Santiago to Atacama Desert B,L,D After breakfast you will be returned to the airport for your flight to Calama and the Atacama Desert region (~2 hour flight). www.civilizedadv.com / 1 800 688 1804 / info@civilizedadv.com 3
You will be met at the Calama airport by your Lodge guide who will escort you on the 2 hour transfer to San Pedro de Atacama and your accommodation for the next 3 nights. Set at the north end of the Atacama salt field, the adobe town of San Pedro de Atacama is known as the archaeological capital of Chile. Our chosen property offers one of the top experiences in the region. It is uniquely designed for relaxation and rest. The ample spaces and open aired living rooms let guests enjoy the hotel at ease. There are 8 cottages with thatched roofs that shade the hotel in the daylight and at night candles make it possible to admire the brilliant Atacama sky. Atacama desert, 3 nights Day 13 & 14 Atacama Desert 2B,2L,2D Activities offered by the lodge are tailor made outings (most lodges in the area offer a variety of programs). The excursions are private, exclusive, and are programmed according to your preferences and pace. Your private guide will help you to plan your trips and will accompany you during your stay. You can choose full or half day trips. Choose from easy strolls or intense treks for the more adventurous, horse back riding, bicycle rides, visits to archaeological sites and salt flats, Altiplano lagoons or villages hidden among the deep valleys. You can get up at dawn to go and see the geysers and relax in the thermal pools; bird watching or evening astronomic tours with local guides. San Pedro de Atacama is located at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level. Explorations are planned to enable your body to gradually become accustomed to the altitude. Excursions can take you to heights of between 4,000 meters and 4,500 meters above sea level. As a high altitude desert, expect warm to hot days and cool nights where an extra layer may be welcome. Early morning excursions can also require that extra layer. Day 15 Atacama Desert to Mendoza, Argentina B,D You will be escorted back to the Calama airport for your flight to Mendoza, via Santiago (fly about 2 hrs to Santiago and 1 hour Santiago to Mendoza). Note: if you are short on time, this would be a logical ending point for your journey. On arrival in Mendoza you will be met by staff from your Lodge who will transfer you to the lodge for the next 3 nights. Stay at a winery surrounded by the natural beauty of Mendoza which is an idyllic wine growing region at the foot of the Andes. Your Lodge: all rooms face west with spectacular views of the Andes Mountain Range, amazing sunsets and a starry sky at night. Each room boasts a king bed, large private deck, spa style bathroom with a dual vanity, separate shower and a vintage soaking tub. In addition all rooms have outdoor showers, a private plunge pool and wood burning fireplaces. www.civilizedadv.com / 1 800 688 1804 / info@civilizedadv.com 4
Included with your stay: daily breakfast, lunch each day (in the vineyards, inside a winery or restaurant), visits to the wineries in the area (list available), dinner each day (a la carte menu at 6 restaurants in Mendoza), one hour massage per person and an optional day of sports (rafting, biking, 18 holes of golf, horseback riding in the Andes and sightseeing/cultural tours). Day 16 & 17 Mendoza 2B,2L,2D During your stay you can enjoy all the activities offered by the lodge. All your meals are included at the lodge or other Mendoza restaurants for dinner (excluding alcohol). All the activities are led by qualified English speaking guides. Day 18 Mendoza to Santiago B Today the Lodge staff will transfer you back to the Mendoza airport for your return to Santiago and your final night in South America, unless it is possible to arrange connecting flights for you. (Or, you may choose to continue on to other regions in Argentina, such as Bariloche or Buenos Aires). On arrival you will again be met by our representative to assist with your luggage and Customs & Immigration. You will then be taken to your hotel and the remainder of the evening is at your leisure. Stay in one of Santiago s top hotels. This sophisticated retreat in the heart of El Golf, one of Santiago s most prestigious neighborhoods, delivers unforgettable experiences like soothing spa services at the hotel s rooftop Health and Fitness Center or exquisite dining at one of four distinctive restaurants all complemented by impeccable service. Included in your stay: upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), full breakfast, $100 US food & beverage credit and late check out (subject to availability). Be sure to request the late check out for the next day as your transfer will only pick you up at 4:40pm. Day 19 Depart Santiago to Canada B A leisurely final day at your hotel will be followed by a transfer to the Santiago Airport and your overnight flight to Canada. www.civilizedadv.com / 1 800 688 1804 / info@civilizedadv.com 5
Trip cost: This deluxe and comprehensive program cost approximately US$ 18,000 per person (2014 pricing). Please remember, this reflects the hotels and touring selected by our clients. A program like this can be customized to suit your interests and expectations. Trip cost includes: All transfers with private vehicle, driver, and in most cases accompanying guide Accommodation as listed in 5 star luxury properties Excursions/Touring as listed Internal South America flights Torres del Paine, Patagonia: Transfers, accommodation, full board including drinks, daily explorations with guides and equipment, on a shared basis with other guests Puerto Montt, Patagonia: Transfers, accommodation, full board with drinks (including reserve/grand reserve wines), guided activities, spa treatment and laundry Atacama: Transfers, accommodation, full board including drinks and private excursions with the lodge s private vehicle and local guides Mendoza: Transfers, accommodation, all meals (excluding alcohol), winery visits, day of sport activities, one hour massage, fitness centre/pool access, Ritz Carlton Santiago: Accommodation with breakfast, $100 US food & beverage credit and late check out (subject to availability) Meals and drinks as listed Park fees Comprehensive welcome package Accommodation taxes, the applicable Tourism Levies and all relevant Value Added Tax (VAT) or Government Sales Tax (GST). Trip cost excludes: International flights Meals not specified Beverages with meals unless specified Airport departure taxes Reciprocity fees (Visa fees) for Chile and Argentina Travel insurance Items of a personal nature New Government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control Gratuities to local staff ADVISORY: We strive to deliver a quality Civilized Adventure. Travellers must understand that they are visiting developing countries and must be prepared to deal with unusual occurrences, local inadequacies, and unpredictable events. If you are flexible, curious about new people, places and environments, and have a positive attitude, we welcome your participation. This type of travel is rewarding if you can embrace the inherent challenges. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that you get the most out of your travel experience. www.civilizedadv.com / 1 800 688 1804 / info@civilizedadv.com 6