Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

130 / 144

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL 130
Our wonderfully varied journey brings us through the striking colors and
textures of Chile’s surreal landscapes, including the austere Atacama Desert.
PHOTO: FABIO LAMANNA
M&G THERIN-WEISE
HIGHLIGHTS
• Explore the evocative landscapes of the
Atacama Desert
• Enchanting Chiloé Island, with its lush
rainforests and spiritual culture—voted
Best Place to Visit by Travel + Leisure
• Hike to the famed Torres del Paine, to the
foot of Cerro Paine Grande, and alongside
the French and Serrano glaciers
• Cooking lesson in Patagonian cuisine,
share a meal with a local family, dine on
traditional feasts including an asado
DETAILS
• 12-day trip begins in San Pedro de
Atacama and ends in Punta Arenas
• 11 nights hotels and lodges
• All meals included
DATES
Nov 27-Dec 8, 2016
Mar 19-30, 2017
Dec 3-14
Mar 5-16, 2018
TRIP COST
FALL 2016 / SPRING 2017
$6895 (13-15 members)
$7295 (10-12 members)
$7695 (7-9 members)
Single supplement: $910
Internal airfare: $460 (subject to change)
TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3+ 4 5 6 7
10 hiking days on moderate to steep trails,
2-5 hours a day, altitudes in the Atacama
between 8,000-12,000 feet
From the Atacama Desert, the driest place
on earth, to mystical Chiloé Island and the
soaring peaks of Torres del Paine National
Park, Chile offers a phenomenal range of
landscapes and thrilling adventures that
we’ve combined on this exciting journey.
We’ll hike among glittering salt flats and
flocks of flamingoes in the Atacama, and
explore the mystical forests of Chiloé Island.
Way down south, we’ll enter Paine National
Park by Zodiac to hike spectacular trails in
this glacier-carved realm. Sharing a meal
with an Atacameñan family, savoring a
traditional curanto feast and rich Chilean
wines—this is a journey into the extraordinary
landscapes and the cultural heart of Chile.
Days 1-3 San Pedro de Atacama Our hikes in
the legendary Atacama Desert bring us through
the Valle de la Luna for a sunset view of
astonishing moonscapes, to a natural hot
spring for a delightful soak, and to the Salar de
Atacama to explore a flamingo reserve and the
crystalline blue lagoons of the altiplano, with an
option to hike amid stunning red rock formations
in the Valle de La Muerte.
Days 4-7 Lake District / Chiloé Island Our
walk through a forest of ancient alerce trees
ends with by an asado (barbecue) at a local farm.
On Chiloé Island, we’ll enjoy great birdwatching
including two species of penguins, hike along
golden beaches and through temperate rainforests,
and tuck into a traditional curanto, a Chilean
feast cooked in an earthen pit.
Days 8-12 Patagonia / Torres del Paine
National Park In Puerto Natales, learn to prepare
distinctive Chilean Patagonian cuisine, such as
smoked trout ceviche—accompanied by a glass
of Chilean wine, of course! Take in amazing
views of the Balmaceda Glacier and the great
Paine Massif as we head into Paine National
Park by boat along the Río Serrano, stopping for
a hike to the glacier. Our hikes here lead into
stunning Valle Frances and to the foot of Cerro
Paine Grande, the highest peak of the range, and
to the giant granite monoliths of the Torres del
Paine. Depart on Day 12 via Punta Arenas.