WT18 catalog single pgs

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FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR LATIN AMERICA TRIPS, VISIT 125
From the stunning Atacama, the driest desert
in the world, to mystical Chiloé Island and
the soaring granite towers of Paine National
Park, our north-to-south journey brings you
to the most fascinating landscapes, habitats,
and cultures in Chile. We’ll hike the high
desert landscapes of the Atacama, with its
hot springs, sparkling salt flats, and turquoise
lagoons, discover the deep temperate
rainforests and wild Pacific beaches of the
Chiloé archipelago, and in Patagonia,
we explore famed Paine National Park for
breathtaking hikes in a granite and glacier
wonderland. Along the way, we’ll taste the
cuisines and wines of each region, meet
artisans, share a meal with a local family,
and discover the cultural heart of Chile.
Days 1-3 Atacama Desert / San Pedro de
Atacama Our hikes in the spellbinding
moonscapes of the Atacama Desert bring us
through the Valle de la Luna, with an unforgettable
sunset in this realm of strange rock formations
and pink-streaked mountains. We head up to
the Puritama mineral spring, with time for a
soak, and across the vast Salar de Atacama,
where crystalline blue lagoons attract three
different species of flamingos. One evening, we
enjoy dinner hosted by an Atacama family.
Days 4-7 Puerto Varas / Volcán Osorno /
Chiloé Island Chile’s Lake District is renowned
for its lush farmlands, lakes, and snow-capped
volcanoes. We hike to a magnificent lookout
point on snow-capped Volcán Osorno (8,701'),
with its perfect symmetrical cone. Heading to
Chiloé Island, we discover a culture with
myths and legends rooted in the traditions of
the native Mapuche people. Here we enjoy great
birding (including two species of penguins),
hike on golden beaches and in rainforests, learn
about the blend of indigenous and European
culture, and savor a curanto, Chile’s traditional
feast slow-roasted in an earthen pit.
Days 8-12 Patagonia / Paine National Park
The striking granite towers of the Paine Massif
are the icon of Paine National Park, a UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve of dazzling peaks, glaciers, rivers,
and lakes. Our hiking adventures bring us into
the classic Valle Frances, one of the most beautiful
natural settings on the planet, for amazing views
of Nordenskjold Lake and the Paine glaciers, and
through the native forests of the Ascencio Valley
right to the foot of these near-vertical monoliths.
Depart on Day 12 via Punta Arenas.
We bring you to Patagonia’s Paine National Park, mystical Chiloé Island, and
the immense Atacama Desert on this great Chile adventure.
THE ATACAMA DESERT, CHILOÉ ISLAND, AND PATAGONIA
HARRY LICHTMAN
HIGHLIGHTS
• Explore the wild landscapes of the
Atacama Desert
• Enjoy fascinating Chiloé Island, with its
lush rainforests and ancient culture—
voted Best Place to Visit by Travel +
Leisure
• Experience the best trails in Paine
National Park, with hikes to the foot of
Paine Grande and into the Valle Frances
• Discover Chilean culture, enjoy dinner
with a local family, savor Chilean feasts
including a traditional Patagonia 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
Dec 3-14, 2017 Nov 26-Dec 10*
Mar 5-16, 2018 Mar 4-15, 2019
*Special Event, see page 16
TRIP COST
FALL 2017 / SPRING 2018
$6995 (10-15 members)
$7495 (7-9 members)
Single supplement: $1125
Internal airfare: $580 (subject to change)
TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3+ 4 5 6 7
10 hiking days on moderate to steep trails,
2-7 hours a day, altitudes in the Atacama
between 8,000-13,100 feet