Trip Summary and Packing List

CHILE: FROM ATACAMA TO PATAGONIA
FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 9, 2017
TRIP SUMMARY
HIGHLIGHTS
Walking tours of some of Chile's most beautiful and historical cities including Valparaiso, Vina del
Mar, and Puerto Natales * Hiking throughout the regions dizzying array of geological features, from
deserts and geysers to volcanoes and ancient forests * Immersing ourselves in local culture and
customs * Experiencing the vast range of Chilean cuisine
Phone: 877-439-4042
Outside the US: 410-435-1965
Fax: 410-435-3084
Email: [email protected]
TRIP AT A GLANCE
Dates:
Location:
Cost:
Activities:
Arrive:
Depart:
Feb 25 - Mar 9, 2017
Chile
$3,395.00
Hiking, sight-seeing, cultural exploration
Saturday, February 25th, at the Hotel Fundador lobby, Santiago, Chile. We have an
optional city tour at 12:00 noon. Our trip officially begins in the lobby at 3:00PM.
Sunday, March 9th, at the Santiago Airport. We will be arriving at the Airport mid
afternoon, after which you are free to leave any time.
TRIP OVERVIEW
Chile is a country of startling contrasts and extreme beauty. On this trip we will immerse ourselves
in this country's rich and historic culture by visiting a variety of colorful cities, villages, and points of
interest. We'll hike through a stunning array of geological formations, from lunar landscapes to
ancient forests. We'll take an opportunity to visit terraced farmlands, handicraft markets, and local
sea food markets. We'll also enjoy three days in the Torres del Paine National Park. Encompassing a
vast variety of local flora, fauna, and stunning geological features, this park has earned a reputation
as one of the most spectacular places on Earth. Throughout this trip we'll savor the variety of Chilean
cuisine and the people who live here.
RATING
This trip is designed for active women in good physical condition who want to combine walking and
hiking with immersion in the sights, smells, culture, and cuisine of Chile. While the mileage is not
high, some of our walks are at higher elevations with steep inclines. Rating: 1 [2] 3 4 5.
A rating of 2 is suitable for any woman who regularly walks at a brisk pace 3 to 4 days a week for 35
- 45 minutes. These trips typically involve 3 to 5 hours of daily activity.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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A local guide and an Adventures in Good Company guide
12 nights double occupancy lodging
Meals as specified on the itinerary
National Park entrance fees
Airport transfer for those arriving the first day
Ground transfers in a private bus
All activities on the itinerary except for those specified as optional
Not included: Transportation to Santiago or flights within Chile, airport taxes, alcoholic beverages,
gratuities. We will arrange the internal flights and you can expect an additional cost of about $400.
OUR ITINERARY
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day
may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group
interests.
DAY 1
FEBRUARY 25, SATURDAY
Welcome to Chile, a country of startling contrasts and extreme beauty
with attractions ranging from the towering volcanic peaks of the Andes
to the ancient forests of the Lake District. We'll be arriving throughout
the day at the Santiago Airport. From here you'll be transferred to Hotel
Fundador, our home for the next two nights. We have an optional city
tour of Santiago beginning at 2:00PM and ending with a visit to the
summit of Cerro San Cristobal, providing us with a birds-eye view of
Santiago, the Andean Mountains, and the Maipo-Valley, the best
viewpoint of the city! Otherwise, our trip officially begins in the lobby at
6:00PM. After greetings and introductions, we'll get to know one another
over a dinner of delicious Chilean cuisine and discuss our upcoming
adventures. We'll make it an early night to be fresh for tomorrow's
adventure. D
DAY 2
FEBRUARY 26, SUNDAY
This morning we visit the World Heritage city of Valparaiso, Chile's oldest
port and only about 1.5 hours away from Santiago. The city's many hills
are covered in multi-colored houses, creating a spectacular panorama
which can be enjoyed from a number of vantage points atop the hills.
Walking the streets of Valparaiso becomes a great adventure as we
encounter the residents of several neighborhoods and soak up the quirky
and bohemian atmosphere. We'll visit the former residence of poet and
national treasure, Pablo Neruda, and have lunch in one of the port. We
then continue along the coast for to the beautiful beaches of Vina del
Mar, named the Garden City for its many parks and green spaces. After
soaking in the modern and contrasting surrounds of Vina del Mar, we will
return to Santiago in the afternoon. Walking: approx. 6 miles (4-5 hours).
Hotel Fundador. B,L,D
DAY 3
FEBRUARY 27, MONDAY
We take a morning flight to Calama in Northern Chile, where we will catch
a 1.5 hour shuttle ride to San Pedro de Atacama, our base for the next
three nights as we explore the region of the Atacama desert. En route
there are spectacular views of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountains).
The rest of the morning is free to spend at your leisure, go shopping, and
interact with the locals. In the afternoon we'll hike in the Cornizas and
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley). This bizarre lunar landscape is set ablaze
with color at sunset, the strange rock formations framed by the
Lincancabur Volcano. We'll stay until the sun goes down to enjoy the
array of colors. Walking: approx. 3 miles (3 hours) reaching a maximum
altitude of 2,500 meters. Hotel Don Tomas or similar (www.dontomas.cl).
B,D
DAY 4
FEBRUARY 28, TUESDAY
Today we will be exploring the region near San Pedro de Atacama, with
several opportunities to stop and take a walk. Our first stop will be the
village of Socaire. The village is noteworthy for its peculiar architecture
using rough stonework and for the local reliance on age-old methods of
planting terraced fields of crops. We then continue on to reach the
majestic silence of the Miscanti and Miniques highland lagoons. The two
volcanoes of the same names are visible in the background; the twin
lagoons are a deep blue, each framed by a white salt crust which creates
a memorable contrast to the yellow highland grass all around. At our next
stop we visit Salar de Atacama, a salt lake of huge proportions covered
by a thick layer of snow-white salt crystals as far as the eye can see. The
salt pan is home to several flamingo species. These beautiful birds and
other species can be observed in their natural habitat at the Salar de
Atacama's Chaxa Lagoon, which is part of the Reserva Nacional de los
Flamencos. After the excursion we will return to San Pedro. Walking:
approx. 3 miles, in altitude and warm temperatures. Hotel Don Tomas or
similar. B,L
DAY 5
MARCH 1, WEDNESDAY
In order to experience the El Tatio Geyers, we'll have to get up very early
so we can arrive at the geyser field in time for sunrise! The fountains that
shoot up to 33 feet high occur when the morning sun melts the nightly
ice caps that form over the hot springs. The sun's first rays reflect an array
of colors as they mix with boiling jets coming from the geysers to create
strong contrasts of steam and light. Around midday we'll head back to
San Pedro for some free time to recover from the early start and altitude.
The afternoon is free to explore and to visit Le Paige Museum. If the sky
is clear, and the moon is not full, there will also be an opportunity to
participate in an optional astronomy tour. Hotel Don Tomas or similar. B
DAY 6
MARCH 2, THURSDAY
This is a long travelling day that will likely require an early start as we will
have a 1.5 hour drive from San Pedro de Atacama to Calama for an early
flight to Santiago, and then from Santiago to Puerto Montt in the Lake
District region. From here we have a 30 minute drive to Puerto Varas on
the shores of Lago Llanquihue where the Volcan Calbuco and Osorno lay
in the background. During the afternoon we will have an opportunity to
explore local customs and participate in a cooking class! Then it's on to
our hotel where we can relax for the evening and explore the local dining
options in this charming lakeside town. Hotel El Greco or similar
(www.hotelelgreco.cl). B,D
DAY 7
MARCH 3, FRIDAY
Today we explore the Lake District. We drive along the shore of Lago
Llanquihue and enjoy breathtaking views of the Osorno and Calbuco
volcanoes. We will ascend to 4430 feet altitude from where we can
appreciate the colors of the sky and lake blending in together. There will
be a short hike near the crater as well as the Solitario hike across the last
lava flow in 1869. This will put us at the entrance of Saltos del Petrohue
where cooling lava from the Osorno Volcano formed a series of rapids
and waterfalls. Together they form an impressive sculpture of extruded
volcanic rock shaped by thousands of years of river flow. We board a
small typical wooden boat for a short cruise of Lago Todos los Santos (All
Saints Lake). The lake is surrounded by high mountains and the lower
slopes are thickly forested. As we pull away from the landing and the
source of the river Petrohue, the view is quickly stolen away by the
tremendous size and proximity of snow-capped Osorno Volcano behind
us. Walking: approx. 3.5 miles, moderate. Hotel El Greco or similar. B,L
DAY 8
MARCH 4, SATURDAY
Today we will visit Alerce Andino National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere
Reserve. This 97,000 acre park is home to the alerce (fitzroya
cupressoides), which is often compared to the sequoia for it's thick
diameter and height. The alerces are Protected Chilean Natural
Monuments that can grow up to 150 feet tall and 13 feet wide. We will
enjoy an amazing hike among these venerable giants that can live more
than 3,000 years, making them the second-oldest tree after the American
bristlecone pine. This park has an amazing temperate forest, a unique
environment which has no similarity to Chile's other National Parks.
Walking: approx. 3 hours. Hotel El Greco or similar. B.L,D
DAY 9
MARCH 5, SUNDAY
After breakfast and packing up, we take a sightseeing tour of the city of
Puerto Montt founded in 1853 by German colonists on the site of an
indigenous Mapuche community. Downtown we'll take time to walk
about the main squares and historical monuments. Afterwards we'll visit
Port Angelmo where there is a large handicraft market and a seafood
market, brimming with salmon and trout. In the afternoon we'll head to
the airport, about a half hours drive, to board a flight to Punta Arenas the southernmost city of Chile. From here we'll drive about three hours
to Puerto Natales where we will spend the night and start the Patagonia
part of our adventure. Hotel If Patagonia or similar.
(www.hotelifpatagonia.com/es). B,D
DAY 10
MARCH 6, MONDAY
This morning we drive into Torres del Paine National Park, one of the
most spectacular national parks in the world. It has a huge variety of plant
and animal species which, together with it's snow-capped mountain
peaks, cascading rivers and waterfalls, glaciers and mirrored lakes, have
earned it a reputation as one of the most spectacular places on earth.
This is a busy day of traveling and walking, including unforgettable views
of the Towers and the Torres Massif from the Cuernos viewpoint and
Salto Grande waterfall. In addition to being introduced to the flora and
fauna of the region, we will visit Laguna Azul for more breath taking
views. Hotel Mirador del Payne or Cabanas del Paine
(www.hoteldelpaine.com). B,D
DAY 11
MARCH 7, TUESDAY
Another day in Torres del Paine National Park, this time to explore the
Western highlights including Lake Grey. This deep lake, fed by the glacier
of the same name, is filled with icebergs which have splashed down from
the massive ice flow. From the hotel, we'll drive to a spot south of the
lake then start a short hike by crossing a suspension bridge over the Pingo
River. From here the path leads through a Lenga forest typical of the area,
and continues onward to the tip of the narrow peninsula at the lake's
southern end. This viewpoint offers a spectacular view of the lake with
its icebergs, the tongue of Grey Glacier at the far northern end, and the
snow-covered mountain peaks soaring above. On the way back we will
stop at the Visitors' Center to see an exposition of the origin and history
of the park. Hotel Mirador del Payne or Cabas del Paine. B.L,D
DAY 12
MARCH 8, WEDNESDAY
For those who choose, there is the optional possibility of returning to
Puerto Natales by zodiac (approximately $175 per person). This excursion
involves boarding zodiacs to travel down Rio Serrano. The river ends at
the Fjord Ultima Esperanza where we will transfer to a boat before
approaching the spectacular Balmaceda Glacier, flowing out from the
eastern side of Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. We aim to arrive at our
accommodation in Puerto Natales around 5:30PM. For anyone not
wanting to take the optional river route, the leader will accompany you
on visits to other areas of Torres del Paine including a visit to Milodon
Cave. In the evening we will meet up in Puerto Natales where we will
gather for a delicious final meal together, taking time to laugh and
reminisce about our shared journey. Hotel Gusinde or similar
(www.martingusinde.com/en/). B,L.D
DAY 13
MARCH 9, THURSDAY
Sadly, it is time to say goodbye to Chile and to one another. Today we
travel south across the barren Pampa of Patagonia, an impressive 3 hour
road trip as we journey to Punta Arenas Airport where we will fly back to
Santiago and catch our flights back home. We will arrive back in Santiago
airport at approximately 2:30PM.
ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION
GETTING THERE
We will be providing transfer from the Santiago Airport to Hotel Fundador regardless of what day you arrive. An optional
city tour of Santiago will begin from the hotel lobby at 2:00PM. Otherwise, please plan on being at the Santiago Airport
no later than 4:00PM to catch the last group shuttle at 5:00PM, as the trip will officially start in the lobby of Hotel Fundador
at 6:00PM. If you would like to arrive earlier than the 25th to have more time to explore Santiago, we are happy to make
pre-trip room arrangements for you at Hotel Fundador. Room rates are approximately $130 per night for a single, and $70
per night for a shared double.
If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Sara Schuitemaker at
[email protected] or call 800/727-2157
ACCOMMODATIONS
We will be staying in locally owned hotels in Santiago, San Pedro de Atacama, Puerto Varas, Puerto Natales and the Torres
del Paine National Park, as specified in the daily itinerary. All rooms are double occupancy (unless you request a single
supplement) and have ensuite bathrooms.
WEATHER
March is the end of summer and beginning of fall in Chile. The weather will vary substantially as we move around the
country. Santiago has a Mediterranean climate with dry warm summers and mild winters. Late February and early March
are characterized by essentially constant daily high temperatures, with daily highs averaging around 80 – 85 degrees F.
The Atacama Desert has more pronounced temperature variation because it is both at high altitude and very dry, with
daytime highs typically in the mid-70s with nighttime temperatures dropping to the 40s. Temperatures in Patagonia will
be both cooler (low 40s at night to mid-50s during the day) and frequently lives up to it’s reputation as being windy with
the potential for rain anytime.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU
NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen
emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration
information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and
expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage.
You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use 20-0016 as your location number on the
Get A Quote page.
PACKING LIST
FOOTWEAR
__ 1 pair lightweight waterproof hiking shoes or boots.
__ 1 pair comfortable shoes to wear when we’re not hiking: athletic shoes or other
__ 2 - 3 pair Hiking socks: wool or synthetic equivalent (Thorlo, Smartwool, Ultrex, or Teko)
__ 2 pair thin liner socks: silk or synthetic equivalent (optional -- not everyone uses sock liners)
CLOTHING:
__ 2 pair lightweight, quick-drying hiking pants (supplex/nylon/blend). Zip offs are a good option.
__ 1 - 2 pair shorts: nylon shorts are comfortable and easy to wash (unnecessary if you use zip-offs)
__ 3 - 4 short sleeve tops for hiking and warmer days (at least 1 should be made of non-cotton material)
__ 2 long-sleeved, lightweight shirts for sun protection (button up front is recommended)
__ 2 pair lightweight long underwear top and bottoms
__ 1 medium-weight top layer: wool shirt/pull-over or synthetic equivalent (“expedition-weight” Capilene or
microfleece) OR 1 vest, fleece, down or synthetic
__ 1 warm down/fleece jacket
__ 1 rain parka and rain pants: a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex is important. Partial or full length leg
zippers are great for easily putting your pants on over your shoes or boots.
__ 1 warm hat (wool or fleece.)
__ 1 pair lightweight gloves
__ 1 wide-brimmed hat or billed cap for rain and sun
__ Underwear/nightwear
__ 1 - 2 outfits of casual clothing for city touring and for going out to dinner (pants, long-sleeved shirt, etc.)
EQUIPMENT/ESSENTIALS
__ 1 daypack (see ‘notes on packing list for size recommendations)
__ 1 pack cover or large plastic bag to line backpack for waterproofing
ESSENTIALS
__ Passport and a photocopy of your passport
__ Sunscreen and lip block with SPF of at least 15
__ Bandanna
__ Sunglasses (100% UV blocking) and retention strap
__ Headlamp/small flashlight
__ 1-liter water carrying capacity (water bottle or hydration system)
__ Travel alarm/watch with alarm
TOILETRIES (small everything)
__ Toothbrush, small toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo, moist towelettes, sanitary supplies and a zip- lock
plastic bag, contact lens paraphernalia
__ Personal “patch kit”/ medications. (See ‘notes on packing list’ for recommendations)
Please Note: Individuals allergic to insect stings must bring an epi-pen.
OPTIONAL (not required, personal preference)
__ Small journal and pen
__ Camera and film/memory card
__ Book or small game
__ Ear plugs (for a good night’s sleep)
__ Short gaiters
__ Pair of trekking poles (optional)
__ Favorite snack(s)
__ Extra batteries/charger
NOTES ON PACKING
Please note: If you are not familiar with any of the terms used as explanation regarding the equipment or clothing
required for this trip or would like help with any item listed please let us know. We are available to answer your
questions and/or send more information to assist in determining appropriate equipment and clothing for your trip.
Daypacks: You will need a daypack that is large enough to hold the following items: 1 – 2 liters of water, rain gear,
lunch/snacks (for the day), warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), lightweight gloves, warm hat and any other desired
personal items such as camera, journal, etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 1800 and 2400 cubic
inches and preferably with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps and ‘lifters’. Please note: A fanny-pack is not large enough
to hold all of the items you will need for the day.
Pack Cover: These are waterproof, usually elasticized covers designed to go over your daypack and keep both the pack
and its contents dry in case of inclement weather. Pack covers are sized. If you are purchasing a pack cover be sure to
either take your pack with you or know the size cover you need. Many daypacks do come with built in pack covers. An
alternative is to use a heavy-duty, plastic bag to line your pack.
Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy hiking boots are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new
boots, break them in by wearing them as much as possible and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general
trekking/hiking there are many choices in both materials and styles of boots. Your choice will depend on the environment
you will be hiking as well as your personal preferences and physical condition of your feet and ankles. Boots can be made
of leather, nubuck leather, synthetic materials or a combination and come in low, mid or ankle cut styles. For this trip we
recommend low/mid-height, lightweight hiking boots/shoes with Vibram or Vibram type soles. Please note: If you have
weaker ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury consider either the mid-height or the ankle height boots. More
information regarding choosing a hiking boot is available upon request.
 Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. (Even boots billed as ‘waterproof’ still need to be treated
with a waterproofing product – it’s the interior lining that is actually the ‘waterproof’ part of the boot, not the
exterior.)
Personal First Aid Kit: We recommend bringing a small first aid kit with the following items: blister and/or foot remedies
for blisters, hot spots, etc. (band aids/compeed/moleskin/personal choice), personal prescription medications, over the
counter medications for common ailments (respiratory/colds, stomach issues, sore muscles/joints). Your AGC guide will
have a first aid kit as well but if you already know what works for you it’s best to have that with you rather than experiment
on a trip.
Clothing: All clothing for active wear should be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool
blends. COTTON is fine for city-wear but not for your active wear. The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen
for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of
insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick layer of clothing.
Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex,
HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that
it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It
should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the
hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Lastly, the wind/rain pants. They should be comfortable, allow
enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?).
Hydration: It is very important to your safety and enjoyment to have an independent ability for accessing your water to
facilitate drinking frequently. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to
use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as an MSR, CamelBak or Platypus type bladder system. These systems are simply
collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. These fit inside/outside your pack with the hose
positioned over your shoulder where you can access your water without the use of your hands. Bladder bags
traditionally come in 1, 2, and 3 Liter sizes. We recommend a 2 Liter size.
Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are optional for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your
balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. In addition they help conserve your
energy by transferring some of the work to your arms and chest. If you are not familiar with trekking poles we have
written a blog spot that addresses the most commonly asked questions about trekking poles. You can find that at:
http://blog.adventuresingoodcompany.com/blog-women-travel/bid/154714/Trekking-poles-for-hiking-trips-the-4-mostcommon-questions
If you will be purchasing trekking poles for your trip please make sure they meet the following guidelines:
1. Height of the poles can be adjusted
2. They have an upright (as opposed to cane-like) handle
3. Have wrist straps that can be adjusted.
 For a detailed description of considerations when purchasing a pair of trekking poles please see:
http://blog.adventuresingoodcompany.com/blog-women-travel/bid/153280/Choosing-Trekking-Poles-for-yourNext-Hiking-Trip
Please note: If bringing trekking poles you will need to take them apart completely (most will come apart into 3
pieces) and transport them in your checked luggage.
Notes on packing/luggage:
 Please keep luggage between 30 - 40 pounds. You must be able to comfortably handle your own luggage, keeping
in mind that some hotels may not have elevators and we all know that heavy luggage and no elevator is not a good
mix!
 We recommend using a small to medium size duffel with wheels or a medium size soft sided suitcase with wheels.