10 DAYS

Transcription

10 DAYS
PATAGONIA EXTREMES10 DAYS
Northern & Southern
Patagonian territory
Outdoor Sports
Native Flora & Fauna
sightings
Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve
and Torres del Paine
Montaña Mágica Lodge &
Ecocamp Patagonia
TREKKING & EXPEDITIONS
BY HUILO HUILO
CHILEAN PATAGONIA EXTREMES
Discovering the Northern and Southern Patagonia landscapes
Program Details:
Code: PX 01
Season: November to March
Regular departures: Every Wednesday on request
Physical level: Medium to High
Trip style: Outdoor Sports / Multi Activity
Main Attractions
Temperate Rain Forest of Northern Patagonia
- Torres del Paine N.P. in Southern Patagonia
- Class III-IV rapids on the Fuy River, Canopy, Trekking and Mountain Bike
- Kayaking on Grey Lake, Trekking to Towers Base.
- Montaña Mágica Lodge (or Nothofagus Hotel) & EcoCamp Patagonia
-
Summarized Itinerary
Day 1: Transportation to Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve. Visit Huilo Huilo fall
Day 2: Trekking Andean Lakes Trail, Mountain Bike
Day 3: Rafting on Fuy river & Canopy in the temperate rainforest
Day 4: Transfer to Puerto Montt airport, fly to Punta Arenas. Overnight at Punta Arenas
Day 5: Transfer to Torres del Paine N.P.
Day 6: Cycling to Laguna Azul
Day 7: Kayak and boat trip to Grey Glacier
Day 8: Patagonia horse riding trip
Day 9: Trek Tower Base
Day 10: Leave Torres del Paine NP
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Huilo Huilo: the Patagonian adventure begins
Transportation from airport to Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, Chile
The journey begins at the airport; our driver will pick you up and drive you directly to Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve!
After a long journey we finish the day with a nice dinner at the hotel, to get ready to start the adventure on the next day.
Overnight at Montaña Mágica Lodge.
Day 2: Trekking the Andean Lakes Trail and Mountain Bike
Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, Chile
A hearty breakfast awaits for us! Afterwards take a 4x4 vehicle to the northern area of the Reserve, where the Andean
Lagoons Trail is located, enjoying one of the most beautiful section of this 3-day trail. On this hike (10 km/6mi) you will cross
through beautiful forests, rivers, and around lagoons of volcanic origin. After stopping for lunch in middle of nature, we
reach a point on the trail where mountain bikes will be waiting for you to continue descending along a country road in the
woods (6km/4mi). Upon finishing a 4x4 vehicle will take you back to the hotel. Overnight at Montaña Mágica Lodge.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 3: Rafting on Fuy river & Canopy XL
Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, Chile
After breakfast, gear up for your next adventure! After our experienced whitewater guide will provide the Safety
instructions. Start paddling on the turquoise rapids of this wonderful class III-IV river. The adrenaline-producing, down-river
descent through a beautiful valley of native forest, on one of the best rafting rivers in Chile, will take approximately one
hour and ten minutes.
We return to the hotel for lunch and a short rest at Nothofagus Restaurant. In the evening, we have our last activity of the
day: the Canopy XL tour. A 4x4 vehicle will take us to the Huilo Huilo Portal, near the Huilo Huilo Falls, to pick up and
familiarize ourselves with the specialized equipment that we will use in this activity. The Canopy XL, or “Flight of the
Condor” is unique and adrenaline-prodicer. At 90 meters above the ground and on five, 500 meter ziplines, we see the
Patagonian temperate rain forest from the tree-tops, with wonderful views of over 700 meters. It is, without a doubt, a
unique and unforgettable experience. In the evening, we recommend that you visit the Lawenko Spa or enjoy a tasty
beer at our very own Petermann Brewery. Finally, enjoy your last dinner in the Reserve. Overnight at Montaña Mágica
Lodge.
Day 4: Adiós Northern Patagonia, Hola Southern Patagonia!
Transportation from Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve to Puerto Montt airport.
After a restful night, have breakfast and begin the ride to Puerto Montt airport to catch your flight to Punta Arenas.
At Punta Arenas airport a van will pick you up and drive to your accommodation in this city full of history. Don’t miss the
chance to stroll around downtown, visit the square and kiss the “Native’s foot” that way you can make sure you will return
to this part of the world. Overnight 3* hotel in Punta Arenas.
Day 5: Welcome to Torres del Paine!
Torres del Paine NP, Chile
After breakfast at the hotel, during the morning a transfer will pick you up from your hotel in Punta Arenas and drive you to
EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. During this ride we will stop in Puerto
Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza", where we will enjoy lunch. Second stop will be at
Cueva de Milodón, a massive prehistoric cave where the remains of a giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890’s.
The scenic ride features impressive landscapes and wildlife. At the end of the day you will reach your accommodation:
Ecocamp Patagonia, is the world’s 1st geodesic dome accommodation, nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National
Park. Sunset is usually around 11 pm during summer months, meaning that there will still be enough daylight for you to
admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon once you arrive. Overnight at
EcoCamp Patagonia.
Day 6: Cycling to Laguna Azul
Torres del Paine NP
After breakfast, we will drive to Estancia Laguna Amarga, hop on our mountain bikes and pedal away towards the Laguna
Azul campsite, located approximately 20 km to the north east. We will cycle past an array of fauna on the Patagonian
plains, including: guanacos and ostrich-like Ñandús (plus maybe the occasional puma print!) as we head north past the
cascading Paine waterfall where we will pause to admire the stunning views. We will continue our journey heading past a
small canyon in the middle of the Patagonian wilderness before heading towards Laguna Azul. Upon our arrival at Laguna
Azul, we will enjoy lunch or box lunch. Once we have feasted and rested, we will have some time to explore the
surroundings and climb to a nearby sightseeing point with a panoramic view of the lagoon and the Torres in the distance.
The cycle ride back to Ecocamp is optional - anyone who is tired after the journey and lunch, is welcome to travel back in
the support van (accompanying the group at all times on the outward journey). Back at EcoCamp the cyclists reunite with
their Safari hiking counterparts to enjoy the evening aperitif. Overnight at Ecocamp Patagonia
Day 7: Kayak and boat trip to Grey Glacier
Torres del Paine NP
After breakfast at EcoCamp, we will head off at 9am to Grey Lake in the western sector of the park, about a two hour
drive away. We cross the glaciar lake in a boat, during which you will get to enjoy views of the Paine massif in addition
to the impressive glacier which forms part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Near the glacier we leave our boat
and spend our day kayaking on the Grey Lake! But before we jump into our kayaking gear (neoprene suit, waterproofjacket, gloves, life jacket, spray skirt and boots) and get into our group kayaks, we will have a safety briefing. Then we
paddle out into the lake and head towards the eastern face of the glacier! Navigating our way in between gigantic
floating icebergs, eventually we come almost face-to-face with the mightly wall of the glacier itself. Your guide will offer
you a snack and hot drink to replenish your energies, while you admire the immensity of the iceberg and its myriad
shades of blue. Then we take the boat back passing the glaciar, before we board the van returning to EcoCamp for
our evening aperitif and meal. Overnight at Ecocamp Patagonia
Day 8: Patagonia Horse Riding
Southern Patagonia
One of the best ways to enjoy all that Patagonia has to offer is by riding through it on horseback. This excursion
departs at 9:30am, after we have had a hearty breakfast at EcoCamp. We will admire the most spectacular parts of
Paine hill with a full day of horseback riding. Venturing through forest and crossing streams, all the while surrounded by
amazing greenery. There are 5 different prairies along this trip and experienced riders are welcome to gallop through
these parts at their leisure. If you visit in February, you will be able see the Encantado valley. Lunch will be served at the
Seron campsite, where we will enjoy a spectacular view, featuring parts of las Torres, Mount Admiral Nieto, the Blue
lagoon and the Paine river. Depending on our group we can decide to stay out riding past 4:00pm or choose to
head back early to EcoCamp and enjoy an evening cocktail. If you are a horseback riding fanatic this is the perfect
adventure for you! If this excursion is cancelled because of climate conditions, it will be replaced by the trek to French
Valley. Overnight at Ecocamp Patagonia
Day 9: Trek Towers Base
Torres del Paine NP
We will walk from the campsite towards Hostería Las Torres before ascending to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's
eastern face. Mountain ridges, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. Our big
challenge comes in the form of the steep moraine, a huge mass of boulders which will lead us to that iconic baseview of the Towers - Three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of
glacial ice. After a tough uphill climb, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us, with the
glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view and our
picnic, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp for a well-deserved
dinner. Overnight at Ecocamp Patagonia
Day 10: Departure Day
Torres del Paine NP, Chile
We will board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas on time to
catch the evening flight to Santiago.
Accommodation
Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve – Montaña Mágica Lodge - Standard Room
(10 m²/108 ft²) Emerging from between the southern Andes is the Magic Mountain, a volcano from whose peak a stunning waterfall
makes its way down. It serves as a reminder of the majesty of Mother Nature. Come and share in the magic of being part of a real life
fairy tale in this charming location buried in the middle of the native forest.
Torres del Paine - EcoCamp Patagonia Standard Dome
(Shared bathroom, 10 m²/108 ft²) EcoCamp Standard domes were the world's first lodge accommodation in geodesic shape. They
are resistant to the strong Patagonian winds, and come equipped with two single beds (doubles on request), cozy fleece blankets
and feather quilts. There are windows in the ceiling for stargazing.
*Standard domes include shared bathrooms which are large, comfortable and gender divided.
Rates and Conditions
Code: PX 01
Season: November to March
Regular departures: Every Wednesday upon request (Minimum 2 passengers to depart)
Rates
For more information about our season rates, program upgrades and transfer options send your questions to:
[email protected]
Includes
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•
•
•
•
•
•
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•
3 nights at Montaña Mágica Lodge.
1 night at 3* Hotel in Punta Arenas (Hotel Rey Don Felipe or similar)
4 nights at Ecocamp Patagonia
Transportation and activities as detailed in itinerary
Bilingual English/Spanish guide (Guide ratio 1:12. Max group size: 12 people.)
Meals and beverages as detailed in the program
Park fees for Cueva del Milodón and Torres del Paine National Park. Boat ticket for crossing Grey Lake.
Use of Lawenko SPA at Huilo Huilo: warm/cold pools, dry/wet sauna and relaxation room with infrared light.
Gear and equipment necessary for each activity (Rafting/Kayak: dry suit, helmet, life jacket, neoprene boots/Canopy: harness,
helmet / Mountain Bike: helmet, gloves / Horseback riding: Helmet.
Meals
Not Included:
Day 1: Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Breakfast, Box lunch en route
Day 6: Breakfast, box lunch on route and dinner
Day 7: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Breakfast, Lunch or box lunch en route.
-
Activities and Excursions not mentioned in the program.
Food and beverages not mentioned in the program.
Bringing US$ in cash for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs is suggested.
Massages and/or SPA treatments at Huilo Huilo.
Items of personal use.
Tips for hotel staff and guides.
Airfares (International / domestic)
Travel Insurance. (Personal insurance policy recommended for this program)
Starting/Ending Points of Program
Pick-up locations
-
Puerto Montt airport / Puerto Varas city
Temuco airport / Temuco city
Pucón
San Martín de Los Andes, Argentina (Centrally located accommodations)
Drop-off locations
- Puerto Montt airport (to connect with flight to Punta Arenas)
- Punta Arenas
- El Calafate, Argentina
Please contact our reservations department to obtain more information about our arrival/departure schedules at the locations
mentioned above.
Itinerary Modifications
The climate in Chilean Patagonia tends to be erratic and changing, even more so in areas bordering the mountain range, where
the Biological Reserve is located. In case that the climate, or other exterior factor, forces us to change the itinerary of all
programs, the company reserves the right to change the activities without a discount or additional cost. We have several other
activities to offer if such events do occur. This way we make sure that you get the most out of your stay here in the reserve.
Transport (See details IN/OUT in the Regular Transfer section)
The program includes regular IN/OUT transfers and transport to all guided tours included in the program.
All transportation specified in the program is done on 4x4 Jeeps and Pick-Up Trucks, each one with room for 6 people: 4
passengers, a guide and a driver. All our vehicles are equipped and prepared to fulfill our itinerary in the safest manner.
REGULAR TRANSFER (important)
The program includes a regular transfer service to arrive at or leave the reserve (IN/OUT). The service has schedules and
destinations established according to flights coming into the airports at Temuco and Puerto Montt, which is why it’s important to
consider this information before programming your flights.
Temuco
I"nerary(TemucotoHuiloHuilo)
Pick-Up
(aprox.)
Addi2onalservicefor
Fridaysandlong
weekends:
Temuco´sairport
13:00
20:30
Temuco,Towncenter
Pucón
14:00
15:45
-
ArrivalTimeattheReserve
17:45
00:00
Pick-Up
(aprox.)
I"nerary(HuiloHuilotoTemuco)
Addi2onalservicefor
Fridaysandlong
weekends:
HuiloHuiloBiologicalReserve
12:15
-
Pucón
14:15
-
Temuco,towncenter
16:00
-
Temuco´sairport
16:15
-
Puerto Montt
I"nerary(Pto.Mon7toHuiloHuilo)
Pick-Up
(aprox.)
Addi2onalservicefor
Fridaysandlong
weekends:
I"nerary(HuiloHuilotoPto.Mon7)
PuertoVaras
-
PuertoMonR´sairport
15:00
-
HuiloHuiloBiologicalReserve
PuertoVaras
21:00
-
ArrivalTimeattheReserve
16:30
01:00
Punta Arenas
I"nerary
(PuntaArenastoEcoCamp)
PuntaArena´sHotels
El Calafate
Pick-Up
(aprox.)
10:15
I"nerary
(EcoCamptoPuntaArenas)
EcoCampPatagonia
PuntaArena´sAirport
PuntaArenas´sairport
Addi2onalservicefor
Fridaysandlong
weekends:
10:00
14:00
11:00
12:00
PuertoMonR´sairport
Pick-Up
(aprox.)
11:30
PuntaArena´sHotels
Pick-Up
(aprox.)
Pick-Up
I"nerary(ElCalafatetoEcoCamp) (aprox.)
ElCalafate´sHotels
11:00
14:00
14:30
ArrivaltoEcoCamp
Pick-Up
I"nerary(EcoCamptoElCalafate)
(aprox.)
7:00
19:00
EcoCampDeparture
7:30
ArrivaltoElCalafate
14:30
Pick up zone is limit for downtown hotels in Punta Arenas (Zona Franca /North to Parque Maria Behety /South). Pick up o Drop off for hotels outside of
this zone, are available on demand and extra cost.
Transfers to Start / Finish in El Calafate, Argentina
Inter-provincial Public Bus (tickets included in program price)*:
•
•
Calafate to Torres del Paine: Pick up at 7am at downtown hotel in El Calafate. Transfer to bus terminal to board public bus to Puerto Natales (5 hrs).
Arrive 2pm in Puerto Natales in time for lunch. Transfer to EcoCamp arriving 7pm approximately.
Torres del Paine to Calafate: Leave EcoCamp at 7am, transfer to Cerro Castillo border crossing to catch public bus to Calafate. Transfer from
Calafate terminal to downtown hotel. Transfers to Calafate Airport have an additional cost.
*On Dec, 25th and Jan, 1st. only semi-private transfers from/to Argentina are available and additional costs apply.
REGULAR TRANSFER (additional information)
San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
To plan this service from San Martin de los Andes, Argentina, please contact the reservation department directly.
Terms of service
-Latest deadline for coordinating transfers: up to 72 hours before guest arrival.
-Transfer with a Spanish-speaking driver; if the guest wishes to add an English-speaking guide please
contact your booking agent.
-The driver will identify him or herself with a sign with the guests’ names.
-Doesn’t require minimum number of passengers.
-Huilo Huilo isn’t responsible for cancellations, flight delays or guests who were tardy arriving at their pick-up points.
-Any transfer before or after the established schedule must be obtained privately.
Climate
Northern Patagonia
The Patagonian temperate rain forest is located in Chilean territory, between latitude 38 ° 30'S to 55 ° 30'S, west of
the Andes. It is characterized by its abundant rainfall throughout the year and its warmer summers (hot days reaching
30 degrees Celsius). This rainy weather is the product of moisture carried by anticyclonic winds from the South
Pacific, which are condensed by the cold coastal Humboldt Current. Upon entering the continent, this humidity falls
as rain on the Andes, and dissipates when colliding with dry winds from the Argentinian Patagonian steppes.
Southern Patagonia
In Torres del Paine in spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rains and
possibly snow. Autumn can also be unpredictable and winter is bitterly cold. Even in summer (December to March),
cold strong winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfall are not uncommon. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF
(24ºC max, 2ºC min). Rest assured, however, that just as quickly as the weather turns nasty, it can become pleasantly
warm. Night-time temperatures will most likely range from –1°C to -5°C (30s and 40s ºF) depending on the weather.
Suggested clothing and equipment
Chilean Patagonia is full of contrasts, and the weather is not the exception. Strong winds, heavy rain, hot and sunny days, combined
with dry days and other more humid might occur along your stay. The changes of temperature between day and night forces us to
dress in layers for the outdoor activities. This variable weather determines the biodiversity of this world’s southernmost region and
compels us to prepare our suitcase the best as possible to enjoy the adventure. Next is a list of the suggested equipment to make
your travel experience more enjoyable at the Patagonia Extremes!
Recommended clothing
Base layer
- Long and/or short sleeve shirt and legging of synthetic material, merino wool or other breathable and quick drying fabric. (Is not
recommended to wear cotton clothing as base layer, because as it’s close to the skin and once wet will be harder to get dry)
- Synthetic socks (optional)
Second layer
- Light trekking pants.
- Fleece or wool socks (optional)
- Fleece jacket or cotton sweatshirt.
Optional layer (between the second and third layer. Especially for cold or snowy days)
- Softshell jacket
Third layer
- Pants and/or jacket: thermal, water-resistant and breathable. (To keep you warm and dry).
Other important recommended clothing
-
Shorts
Swim-suit
Changing clothes for the journey.
Pair of cozy shoes (sneakers) to change.
Towel (ideal quick dry)
Sun hat or jockey.
Windbreak jacket
Wool hat and/or fleece scarf or buff.
Gloves.
Shoes
Trekking shoes. (Must be comfortable, light and slip-resistant. Waterproof or gore-tex)
Other ítems to bring
-
Sun glasses
Sun screen
Bottle or hydration system (ideal 700 ml or 1 lt)
Small trekking bag pack (minimum 10 lt)
Head torch
Camera (and enough batteries for the trip)
Penknife
Physical Demand
The Chilean Patagonia Extremes Program combines different disciplines and outdoor sports such as mountain biking,
trekking, rafting, Ziplines/canopy. Kayaking and horseback riding. Trekking portions of the program requires the greatest
physical effort. Trekking activities (10 km) and mountain bike (6 kilometers) are performed on rocky terrain with steep
slopes up and down, by trail or road in the middle the forest. The rafting activity is active and challenging, on category
III / IV rapids (minimum age 13 years old). The team constantly paddles to correct direction, and navigation time is
approximately 2 hours, throughout the entirety of which you will have contact with water. The ziplines/canopy activity
requires no particular physical condition except a maximum weight of 100 kilos (220 lb.) to perform the activity. Minimum
age required 18 years old. Physical fitness and health is required for the entire program. If you have any special
conditions that could be an impediment, consult before making your booking to avoid inconveniences.
In Torres del Paine, those used to hiking on weekends or doing regular cycling or jogging etc should have no problem
but some warm up hikes prior to the trip would be recommendable in any case. Horse riding and kayaking do not
require advanced abilities. Participants should be 12 years of age or older.
Do Not Forget!
It is very important to come prepared for winter and summer in all trips. It is important to bring a comfortable backpack
for trekking (minimum 10 liters), trekking shoes, windbreaker, parka, comfortable to walking shorts, swimsuit, camera,
headlamp, sunscreen, sunglasses, enough spare clothes in case of rain, hat, and / or bandana.
It is also important to bring cash in case you would like to buy souvenirs. Many of the services offered at the hotel
accept credit/debit cards; however there are no ATMs from which to withdraw money, so make sure to bring some cash
in case you want to shop at a local artisanal store.
www.huilohuilo.com