Day 1: Santiago de Chile

Upon arrival at the international airport in Santiago, our guide will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel in Santiago. After check in and some time to relax, we will explore the Chilean capital in the afternoon, including a visit to the Plaza de Armas and the local market. Overnight in Santiago.

Day 2: From Santiago to the Lake District

After breakfast we will drive to the airport to board our one-hour flight to Temuco. This city is known as the capital of the Araucania Region, home to the indigenous Mapuche. After a short tour around the city, which includes the colorful fruit and vegetable market, we will drive to the resort town of Pucón, which was founded by German immigrants in the 19th century. Due to its picturesque setting on the shore of Lake Villarrica, the imposing Villarrica Volcano and the surrounding national parks, Pucón attracts visitors from all over the world. In the afternoon we will take a gentle walk and visit the falls of Caburga. We will have dinner and stay overnight close to Pucón. (B, D)

Day 3: Hiking in Huerquehue National Park & Hot Springs

After breakfast we will go on our first full day excursion, into one of the oldest and most beautiful national parks in Chile: Huerquehue. A short drive will take us to the starting point of our hike, from where we will enjoy a nice halfday hike in the national park. Walking through a dense native forest of Coigue, Lenga and Araucaria trees, we will have good views of the smoking Villarrica Volcano and the extinguished Choshuenco Volcano during our hike. After two hours, we will arrive at three pristine lagoons, hidden among immense Araucaria trees at 1100 meters/3.609 feet above sea level. After our hike we will have time for a relaxing bath in one of the natural hot springs outside the national park. Overnight and dinner close to Pucón. (B, BL,D)

Day 4: Crossing the Andes to San Martín de los Andes (Argentina)

Today we will experience the natural contrasts between the Chilean and Argentinean slopes of the Andes. Crossing the mountains at 1,207 m / 3,960 ft, the countryside will change dramatically. Green rolling farmland and lush native forests in the Villarrica National Park will be replaced by the dry but very colorful Pampa of the Lanín National Park. The immense 3,747 m / 12,293 ft high Lanín Volcano will be a constant point of reference during the trip. On the pass we will drive through a spectacular forest of ancient Araucaria trees growing at the base of the volcano. In the afternoon we will reach San Martín de Los Andes situated at 700 m / 2,297 ft on Lake Lacar. Overnight in the center of San Martín de Los Andes. (B, BL)

Day 5: Crossing 3 National Parks to Hot Springs at Puyehue (Chile)

Today we will first travel through the two famous national parks Lanín and Nahuel Huapi in Argentina during our scenic drive through the Seven Lake District. Next, we will cross the Andes at an altitude of 1,308 m / 4,291 ft back into Chile. The famous Hotel & Hot Springs Puyehue in the Puyehue National Park on the border with Argentina will be our accommodation for the night. (B)

Day 6: From Puyehue National Park to Vicente Pérez Rosales N.P.

We will drive around the Lake Llanquihue today, which is the third biggest in South America. On our way to the Hotel Petrohué in the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, we will stop in Frutillar, a charming town on the banks of the lake, celebrated for its architecture of the 19th century homes of the German immigrants. We will continue driving around the Lake Llanquihue accompanied by constant views of the perfectly cone-shaped Osorno Volcano. Dinner and overnight in the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park on the shores of Lake Todos los Santos. (B, D)

Day 7: Hiking in Vicente Pérez Rosales N.P.

We will discover Chile's oldest national park today and hike on the Paso de la Desolacion that will take us to Cerro La Picada at an altitude of 1710 m / 5.610 ft. During the ascent we will enjoy fantastic views of Lake Todos Los Santos and the volcanoes Osorno, Tronador, Calbuco and Puntiagudo. We will also have the opportunity to observe local trees and wildlife. The descent takes us to Playa Larga, where a swim in the lake will be a refreshing reward. Dinner and overnight in the national park. (B,BL, D)

Day 8: Flight from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas

Early transfer to the airport in Puerto Montt, the flight will leave at around 10:00 a.m. After 2½ hours we will arrive in Punta Arenas,the southernmost town of the continent. It will be our starting point for our tour into the heart of Patagonia. Upon arrival, we will drive into town for a short city tour, which will include views of the famous Strait of Magellan that separates the continent from the island Tierra del Fuego. On our drive to the hotel, we will stop at the Penguin colony at the Otway Sound. The visit will be well worth your while as you will not only see the colony of Magallan penguins but may also spot other animals such as the Patagonian fox, ñand´s (South American ostrich)and condors. We will spend the night at an estancia. (B, D)

Day 9: Torres del Paine National Park

After breakfast we will make our way to one of the most spectacular national parks in the world, Torres del Paine. We will pass through the typical Pampa steppes of the Magellan Region scattered with various old estancias (sheep farms). Before we will arrive at the internationally renowned Torres del Paine National Park in the late afternoon, we will visit the Milodón Cave where scientists have discovered the remains of a giant sloth. Overnight at a hostería in the park. (B)

Day 10: Hiking in Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park is without doubt a must-see for every traveler in Chile. It is one of the most beautiful and awesome places in South America. Our full day excursion will include visits to Lago Grey with its imposing glacier, the Salto Grande ("big waterfall"), Salto Chico and the administration center. Short hiking excursions will allow us to observe various kinds of animals: guanacos, flamingos, ñandús, condors, among others. A filling picnic lunch will be served on our way. Overnight in the park. (B,BL)

Day 11: Crossing the Patagonian Steppe to El Calafate (Argentina)

After breakfast we will drive to the border village and estancia Cerro Castillo. We will cross into Argentina and continue on through a deserted Patagonian landscape until we arrive at the town of El Calafate on the shores of the immense Lake Argentina. Overnight in or close to El Calafate. (B)

Day 12: Los Glaciares National Park

On a full day excursion into the Los Glaciares National Park, we will have the opportunity to see many incredible sights and spectacular scenery. A visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier will be the highlight of our day. This glacier with its 60 m / 197 ft wall of ice is one of the few in the world that are still growing. Approaching as close as possible, we will take our time to observe it from all angles. After a nice picnic with great views of the glacier we will go on a hike in the national park. We will also be able to organize an optional short hike on the glacier with an expert local guide. Return to El Calafate in the afternoon and overnight at the hotel. (B, BL)

Day 13: From El Calafate to Puerto Natales (Chile)

Crossing the flat and widespread Pampa, we will start our trip back to Chile and enjoy a nice picnic on the way. Occasionally, we may see guanacos, ñandús or even flamingos. Arrival at Puerto Natales on the shores of Ultima Esperanza Fjord ("Last Hope Fjord"). We will stay in Puerto Natales over night. (B)

Day 14: Flight back to Santiago de Chile

Drive to the airport in Punta Arenas and flight back to Santiago (approx. 4 hours). Transfer to our hotel in Santiago and overnight. (B)

Day 15: Departure

Transfer to the international airport in Santiago and end of our tour through Patagonia. (B)

Rates for 2010/2011

The following flights must be booked in conjunction with this package: Santiago - Temuco on Day 2, Puerto Montt - Punta Arenas on Day 8 and Punta Arenas - Santiago on Day 14.

Inner-chilean flight rates: with all taxes and fuel surcharge included; USD 450,- per person

Included:

14 overnights with breakfast (sometimes rustic National Park Lodges), 5 lunch boxes and 5 dinner, transfers and excursions with driver and English speaking guide from / to Santiago de Chile, entrance fees.

Not Included

Domestic flights (can be purchased at additional cost - see flight package above), airport taxes, meals no mentioned, wine, beer or liquor during meals, travel insurance of any kind, tips or gratuities, porter, expenses of a personal nature.

Rates may vary due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Notes:

• This itinerary operates as a fixed departure pool service and is scheduled to depart on the dates mentioned above.
• Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of four participants.
• Maximum number of participants is 12.
• This is a nature adventure which includes numerous hikes and walks - however, they are not strenuous treks. Average fitness level is required to make the most of this itinerary.
• Many National Parks are off the main roads, and not often paved. Road conditions can be affected by the weather.
• Depending on the size of the group we will use minivans or small buses.
• Reservation deadline is 60 days prior to departure.

VERY IMPORTANT: DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS IS 60 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. IF THERE ARE LESS THAN 5 PAX IN THE GROUP WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THE PROGRAM.

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

Hotels and Lodges used for this Itinerary

Hotel Torremayor**** Hotel Torremayor, a contemporary style hotel, is located in one of the best neighborhoods of Santiago. Its location near Los Leones subway station gives easy access to the commercial and financial center. The hotel features 80 fully equipped rooms with cable TV, safe deposit box, air conditioning, telephone and mini bar. There is an executive floor as well; in this area there are 6 rooms with PC and Internet access. It also features an international restaurant with Italian specialties.

Hotel Landhaus San Sebastián*** This small Inn, or "Landhaus" in German, is located 30-minutes by car from Pucón. It is close to the Lake and Waterfalls of Caburga and Huerquehue National Park. The setting is beautiful – with 56 acre / 23 ha of pristine nature on the doorstep. The Landhaus, owned by a young German family, provides personal service and homemade food. They have standard bedrooms and two suites available for guests, all with private bath and central heating. The surrounding countryside invites guests to explore the park's trails on horseback, or hiking. Rafting is aanother available option.

Hotel Le Chatelet*** Le Chatelet is one of the best hotels in San Martin. Centrally located and built in the local style of this part of Patagonia, it is a homely family run hotel with good services. The hotel features 32 rooms, all of which are well equipped with cable TV, stereo, telephone, room service and central heating. Additional facilities include an outdoor pool, sauna, gym, library, internet access and private parking.

Hotel Petrohué**** Hotel Petrohué is located within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, between the towering silhuette of Volcano Osorno and the blue-green waters of Todos Los Santos Lake. Built entirely of wood and stone, the hotel has the ambiance of an Alpine chalet that found its way to Chilean Patagonia. It features 13 rooms with views of the lake, volcano or river. General facilities include: room service, parking, bar, coffee shop and restaurant, pool, sauna and gym, meeting and conference halls, central heating, storage, laundry service as well as activities such as Trekking, Canyoning, Rafting and Fly Fishing.

Estancia Rio Verde Estancia Rio Verde, located on the shore of Skyring Sound, is part of an old “estancia”, dating from the late 1800 (most of the original buildings are still there). It features 9 rooms in a familiar and relaxed atmosphere, designed in the style of the estancia in its old days with private bathroom, central heating, and some even have big old bathtubs. The general facilities include a restaurant, a pub reminding of an old ship as well as a warm and comfortable sitting room with fire place. The ranch organizes daily activities, like Horse-back Riding, Sheep and Cattle Gathering ,lamb marking and Shear-ing. |

Hostería Mirador del Paine*** Mirador del Paine is part of a cattle farm, which dates to the late XIX Century. It is situated outside the park, some 52 km / 32 mi from the Sarmiento National Park entrance. The Hostería offers wonderful views of Laguna Verde and the Paine mountains. This hostería was built in the style of the old estancia, respecting the Patagonian architecture. It is equipped with 20 simple, but comfortable guest rooms, all of them with private bathroom and central heating. General facilities include: dining room connected to the living room with a fireplace and bar in the main house, parking, laundry service and safe deposit box upon request.

Hostería Sierra Nevada*** Hostería Sierra Nevada, located five blocks from the shopping center in front of Bahía Redonda, features 20 comfortable rooms with spectacular view over the Lake "Lago Argentino". The hotel's general facilities include snack bar, telephone, fax, internet access, TV lounge as well as laundry service. For recreation, the hotel offers a big garden, game room and a reading lounge.

Hotel Costaustralis**** Located on the ocean shoreline in the charming town of Puerto Natales, Hotel Costaustralis has a great view of Ultima Esperanza Fjord. The architectural style combines modern and traditional features. The result is a pleasant and peaceful place in southern Patagonia. There are 74 comfortable and stylish rooms, all equipped with private bathrooms, safe deposit box, telephone and cable TV. Hotel services include: restaurant, bar, games room, fax and Internet access, room service, laundry, money exchange and souvenir shop.