2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Chile from Top to Bottom THE ATACAMA DESERT, CHILOÉ ISLAND, AND PATAGONIA

HIGHLIGHTS • Explore the wild landscapes of the Atacama Desert • Discover fascinating Chiloé Island, with its lush rainforests and ancient Mapuche culture • Experience the best trails in Torres del Paine National Park, including a hike to the base of the famed granite towers • Enjoy dinner with a local family, savor Chilean feasts including a traditional Patagonian asado DETAILS • 12-day trip begins in San Pedro de Atacama and ends in Punta Arenas • 11 nights hotels and lodges • All meals included except 2 dinners DATES Nov 26-Dec 9, 2018* Feb 15-26, 2020 Mar 4-15, 2019 Mar 22-Apr 2

We bring you to the desert realm of the Atacama, the wild Chiloé archipelago, and Patagonia’s spectacular Torres del Paine National Park. PHOTO: NICOLE ABBOTT

Exploring from the Atacama Desert to mystical Chiloé Island and the soaring granite towers of

Torres del Paine National Park, we make a north- to-south arc through a fascinating array of Chilean landscapes and cultures. We’ll hike the high Atacama amid sparkling salt flats, cardon cactus, and flamingo- thronged lakes, and in

“Truly outstanding from start to finish. Such a varied itinerary, surprises along the way, incredible food, meeting local families, and fantastic hikes!” Michael M., Madison NJ

Nov 26-Dec 7 * Special Event

species of flamingo. The stargazing here is extraordinary! One evening, we enjoy dinner hosted by a local Atacama family. Days 4-7 Puerto Varas / Volcán Osorno / Chiloé Island Snow-capped Volcán Osorno (8,701'), with its symmetrical cone, rises like an apparition from turquoise Lake Llanquihue. We hike to a magnificent lookout on this peak, then head to Chiloé Island to discover myths and legends rooted in the traditions of Chile’s native Mapuche people. Here we enjoy great birding (including two species of penguin), hike on golden beaches and in ancient rainforests, see the island’s World Heritage wooden churches, and savor a traditional curanto feast slow-roasted in an earthen pit. Days 8-12 Patagonia / Torres del Paine National Park The striking granite towers of the Paine Massif are the icon of Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of stone carved by ice—a true wonderland of eye-popping scenery. We’ve selected the “best of the best” hikes here, including an exhilarating ramble up the Valle Ascencio to the ethereal green lake that lies right at the base of Paine’s sheer towers. Depart on Day 12 via Punta Arenas.

TRIP COST FALL 2018 / SPRING 2019 $7295 (11-15 members) $7795 (6-10 members) Single supplement: $1250

Internal airfare: $700 (subject to change) * Call for Special Event pricing and details

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

Chiloé, follow wild coastal trails to a penguin colony, through temperate forests, and to remote fishing villages. In Patagonia, we’ve chosen the best hikes among the famed “towers” of Paine National Park. Along the way, we taste the cuisines and wines of each region, meet artisans, and discover the heart of Chile. Days 1-3 Atacama Desert / San Pedro de Atacama Our hikes in the spellbinding moonscapes of the Atacama bring us through the Valle de la Luna, with an unforgettable sunset in this realm of bizarre rock formations and pink-streaked mountains. We head up to the Puritama Hot Springs, with time for a soak, and across the vast Salar de Atacama, where crystal-blue lagoons attract three different

JON ARNOLD

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL LATINAMERICA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 125