An incredible South American adventure to Chile’s most spectacular areas. From the sublime scenery of the high Andes, with its volcanoes and ancient culture, to hiking in the mountains, lakes and glaciers of Patagonia, this is a fantastic way to spend Christmas and welcome in the New Year.
Our adventure begins in a region few people experience, spending time amongst the Aymaran Indian communities, a civilisation dating back over 10,000 years. Our route provides fantastic biking in the dramatic Altiplano and includes visits to the region’s premier National Parks of Isluga and Lauca - home of the highest lake in the world - Lago Chungara (4600m) and the impressive Salar de Surire salt lake (4200m ). Following time on the pacific coast at Arica we fly south to Puerto Montt and embark on a breathtaking cruise through beautiful fjords and island archipelagos before arriving at Puerto Natales. The tour then departs for the ‘Jewel of Patagonia’, the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park. Here we spend time hiking in its wild and spectacular scenery, visiting its lakes, glaciers and the majestic granite peaks of the Torres.
Highlights are numerous, including the hikes to Torres Viewpoint and Glacier Grey with its floating icebergs, Saltos del Paine waterfall and the Lakes of Nordenskjold and Cebolla. We conclude the tour with a visit to the penguin colony at Otway Sound, before our final night of festivities in Chile’s most southerly city, Punta Arenas. Wildlife abounds in both north and south areas of the trip and includes llama, guanaco, alpaca, flamingo and the ever impressive condor.
With the trip connecting through Santiago at the mid point, there is the option for those short of time to join us for either the northern biking section or the southern hikes and boat journey.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Flights for Santiago de Chile arriving the following day.
Day 2
Once you have cleared customs, you transfer to the domestic departure area for the scheduled flight to the Northern city of Iquique where you will arrive late afternoon. On arrival you will be met by your guide for the trip Sergio Cortez, who will then transport you the short distance to the centrally situated hotel. Sergio has been working with Skedaddle since 1995 and his knowledge of the Altiplano of the Northern Region is unrivalled.
Our next days in the Altiplano are a flexible affair and will very much depend on the progress of the group in relationship to altitude so please bare this in mind.
Day 3
After a peaceful nights sleep, you’ll be no doubt be eager to test out your bikes and start your trip. For those hiring bikes it's time to fit you for your bikes and for those bringing their own a time to unpack and re-assemble. Once this has been done there will a short time to investigate the immediate area. of Iquique as we will be leaving around lunchtime. Once bags and bikes have been loaded onto the support vehicles and head east to Huara and the starting point of our trip. En route we visit the former nitrate-mining town of Humberstone, with it’s deserted buildings, rusting locomotives and ghostly silence. A few miles on we’re met by the ‘Giant of the Atacama’, at 120 metres long the largest representation of a human figure in the world. Bidding the giant farewell we proceed to the small village of San Lorenzo de Tarapaca. Our campsite, in the most tranquil of spots, is a short distance from the village. (B,L,D)
Day 4
As with yesterday we will bike still be getting familiar with the increase in altitude and so this is a day to take things slowly and easing yourself gently into the tour. No doubt, you’ll be passed at some stage by a lone truck, overloaded with several thousand bottles of thirst quenching mineral water. Don’t be alarmed!!!, this is not a mirage sent to confuse you, but merely a sign that we are close to Chuzmisa, an Andean village famed for it’s steeply terraced sides and delicious mineral water. Help, however, is close at hand. Awaiting your arrival is a thermal bath without doubt the perfect cure for those aching muscles. Time to sit back, relax and reflect. (B,L,D)
Day 5
Following an initial transfer we set off on our third day in the Altiplano. Today's ride will take a little higher as we continue on our way to Ancuaque. Both playing an integral part in the survival of this region’s remote villages. It will be your first chance to see at close quarters the native Andean Llama and Alpaca, and yes, they do spit!!! Tonight we will stay in the Anquaque Valley. This a lovely campsite and we have the chance of some time in the rustic hot springs here. (B,L,D)
Day 6
We maintain our height today with the Altiplano levelling out. After an initial transfer we arrive at the tranquil surroundings of Coipas Salt Lake. Here we go on a ride around the lake (around 30kms ) before the ramshackle stone houses signal our arrival at the farming community of Colchane (3730m)as we head at the Bolivian frontier. Arriving is a truly memorable experience. Volcan Isluga dominates this tiny community in menacing fashion, villagers in brightly coloured ponchos crouch motionless in the fields guarding their flocks. Colchane serves as the gateway to Isluga National Park; one of the three National Parks we will visit. Tonight we will stay in a small very basic guesthouse where we will also be eating for the evening. You may also want to chance your arm at pool at the local bar - though watch our for the locals as they play a mean game!! (B,L,D)
Day 7
Leaving Cochane we head off by bike keeping the river Isluga to our left and press-on towards our next target, the Salar de Surire (4200m). Our riding finishes mid afternoon and we then transfer to Surire so as to avoid some sandy areas. From here on the scenery becomes even more breathtaking. Stretches of green pastures contrasting with the light browns and snow of the Northern Andes. The Salar de Surire (Salt Lake of Surire) the second largest salt lake in the world, is surrounded by an array of snow capped smoking volcanoes under the clearest of blue skies and home to the resident Andean flamingos and herds of wild vicunas…..fantastic! (B,L,D)
Day 8
Our campsite, right next to the thermal baths is our base for today and we spend a little down-time in these wonderful surroundings. One great option is to climb to the top of the nearby volcano, check out the giant cactus or you may just want to check out the flamingoes on the lake and write up your diary.(B,L,D)
Day 9
Back on our bikes once more, we bike around Surire lake. Whilst it may get a little sandy in places this usually is only for short sections and the ride is a delight. Lot's more wildlife opportunities and sights that will have you clicking away with your cameras. We finish the ride at the 'local' police station at the edge of the lake and once passports have been checked and Merry Christmases wished we transfer to Lago Chungara. With Guallatiri (4428m) to our east we continue our progress through the National Park of Vicuna. The sight of a section of asphalt (our first since the start) a welcome sight as we enter our third and most dramatic National Park, Lauca. Designated as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, it is the most magical of places. From the park entrance we pass past the half dozen houses / shops of Chucuyo to the picturesque village of Parinacota and Laguna de Cotacotani.
At the foot of Payachatas volcano at 4,392 metres Parinacota is the highest village in Chile and home to the Aymaran Indians and their remarkable 17th Century church with it’s strange collection of human skulls, ancient books and bizarre artefacts. We visit the church and local handicraft stalls here before heading to the emerald green waters of Lago Chungara, at 4,400 metres the world’s highest natural lake. The abundance of wildlife here is incredible and includes vicuna (a member of the llama family), whilst the lake itself provides a unique habitat for wild geese, ducks and flamingos. Again classic photo opportunities of the snow capped cone before we transfer to Putre where we will stay for the evening in a small guesthouse. Evening meal is taken in Putre itself with no doubt a few pre Christmas celebrations. (B,L,D)
Day 10
Putre (3500m) is a great place of beautifully terraced valley sides, cobbled streets, tiny canals and a central plaza it’s a photographer’s dream. Following breakfast and a wander around, we transfer to the highpoint of the road. It's now time to check carefully our brakes, fasten our helmets and set off on the downhill route that will lead us to Ponochile. What follows, from the top of Cuesta el Aquila and the Incan fortress at Copaquille is one of the most amazing descents in the world as we drop a further several thousand metres on road, through a series of mind blowing switchbacks and hairpins. Once in Ponochile we board our support vehicles once more for the short journey through the Lluta valley with its fine geoglyphs (hillside drawings), to reach sea level and Chile’s most northerly city Arica. Accommodation this evening is a wonderful hotel with swimming pool and just perfect for a few Pisco Sours ( though they are unlikely to match Sergio's !! ), relaxation and reflection. For the evening meal we head into Arica as a group to celebrate our achivements at one of the many good restaurants close to the central plaza. (B,L)
Day 11
After a farewell breakfast and calls home for those looking to 'touch base' with loved ones on pre Christmas Day and maybe one more dip in the pool, we say a fond farewell to our Northern Chilean staff and depart on a domestic flight for Puerto Montt via Santiago. The afternoon / early evening is yours to spend at leisure. You may wish to explore the heavily wooded Isla Tengo with its excellent views of the port or simply explore the numerous handicraft stalls lining the seafront and search out those all important presents...especially for yourself!!!! Evening meal and time for a slap up Christmas Meal...sorry, they'll be no Brussel Sprouts or Turkey on the menu ( thankfully ), but for those in search of tasty Chilean dishes and some of the weirdest shell-food on the planet the choice is 'eye-brow risingingly' vast! (B)
Days 12 to 14
We relax in the morning before visiting the fishing port of Angelmo, on the outskirts of the town. Here you will have the chance to sample some more Chilean seafood dishes and may even wish to try the local speciality, Parillada de Mariscos (grilled mixed seafood served from a piping hot charcoal brazier.) Boarding Navimag's flagship m/v Magallenes mid afternoon we check into our cabins and set of on our journey to Puerto Natales where we arrive three days and 1,460 kms later. The scenery on the entire journey is as excellent as it is different. Ranging from the navigation of one of the world's narrowest routes for shipping, that of Canal Kirke, to the stark beauty of the open sea, the drifting icebergs of the Hielo del Sur, to the fjord scenery in the later stages. There is also the chance to see an array of seabirds as well as dolphins, penguins, and if we are lucky enough even whales. (B,L,D)
Day 15
Regaining our land legs we arrive in Puerto Natales mid afternoon… hopefully not to wobbly from the effects of the last night 'party' and depart the short distance to our hotel. The rest of the day will be spent in Natales itself in preparation for the early morning start to Torres del Paine National Park next day. (B,L,D)
Day 16
Upon leaving Natales we transfer by minibus through a treeless Patagonian landscape to the tiny outpost of Cerro Castillo. Here at this gateway to the park, we have a brief snack stop and load up on postcards ( top selection!! ) before heading to Lago Lazo. This picturesque setting is the starting point for today’s hike as we progress through beautiful wooded sections until finally reaching our magnificent viewpoint. From here we are able to see lakes Nordenskjold and Pehoe glistening below in colours of azure, turquoise and green….a truly wonderful moment indeed!! We descend from here to Puente Weber ( Weber Bridge ) and are met once again by our transport that will take us to our campsite beside Lago Pehoe. From here ( weather providing ) for the first time the Torres and Cuernos del Paine can be seen in all their splendour. Once we have made camp, its time to build the obligatory campfire and prepare our meal for the evening. (B,L,D)
Day 17
Hoping in the minibus after breakfat, we head to the edge of Lago Gray to observe at close quarters some of the icebergs that have dislodged themselves from the Gray Glacier and come to rest at the edges of the lake itself. From the far end of the 'beach' we can wander up the headland a little further to view the icebergs from a higher vantage point. Once back at the minibus, its time for lunch. Following this, we hike to Refugio Pingo. This is an easy low level hike and once here, depending on the time we can continue alongside Rio Pingo towards Refugio Zapata. Once back at the minibus we transfer back to the campsite for more our evening meal (B,L,D)
Day 18
Catching the first catamaran of the morning we head across Lao Pehoe to Regugio Pehoe and begin our hike to the edge of Campo de Hielo Sur. This is a strenuous there and back route and for those looking to get to the very edge of the glacier don't forget that you need to be in time for the last catamaran of the day that will whisk you back to Refugio Pudeto, where the minibus will transfer you back to camp once again and ice the champers (or Chilean cider!!) to welcome in the New Year. (B,L,D)
Day 19
Once back with our transport we move to our campsite near Hosteleria Los Torres. En route, we visit the dramatic Saltos Grande. These waterfalls, the largest and most spectacular in the park are a must for any visitor. With the Torres del Paine towering high above our campsite, piercing the skies in dramatic fashion this really is a most magical of places to camp. The afternoon is spent at leisure, with a lovely option a wander to Lago Nordenskjold. Dinner at the campsite. (B,L,D)
Day 20
The Torres, are best viewed from close quarters. Immediately on leaving the campsite a well-marked trail leads us after 30 minutes to the start of the climb. Initially on fairly open scrubland, keeping the river insight below until we reach a delightful 'tolkeinesque' wooded section of lush greenery and icy mountain streams. From here it's another 30 minutes until Campo Torres and then a thirty-minute scramble over large boulder moraine until the three peaks of the Torres come into view. Superlatives exhausted and photography completed we return to the valley below at the end of what will have been a tiring yet ultimately rewarding day. We celebrate our achievements with a slap up meal at the fabulous buffet of Hosteleria Los Torres. Well done - your deserve it! (B,L)
Day 21
Today we venture to another section of the park, with our venue Laguna Azul where we will camp. On offer today is a lovely walk around the edge of the lake from where you'll be able to view the Torres from a different angle. For many this is a day of relaxation and reflection after what will have been a busy few days in the park. Evening meal is taken at our campsite on the very edge of the lake. Alternatevily should the weather have been 'hit and miss' yesterday we have the option of another crack at the Torres viewpoint. (B,L,D)
Day 22
We pack up camp for the last time and head back to Puerto Natales. On leaving the Ultima Esperanza Sound, our journey will take us to Tierra del Fuego and Southern Patagonia and indeed Chile’s most southerly city, Punta Arenas. On the way we visit the Magallanes Penguin colony at the nearby Otway Sound. Once booked into our hotel, the evening is set aside for a farewell dinner and no doubt accompany your meal with a Polar Beer, not a Polar Bear (!!) from the world's most southerly brewery. (B,L)
Day 23
We leave the Hotel for the airport and the flights to Santiago. Once here we transfer to the international terminal (just upstairs actually) for our international flights. Before leaving Punta Arenas you may wish to visit the Plaza de Armas and more importantly the statue of the explorer Magallen, with his accompanying mermaid and Fuegian Indians. According to legend those who rub the big toe of one of the Indians will, one day, return to Tierra del Fuego. (B)
Day 24
Arrival back home
The itinerary for this trip is a guide to our Patagonian Adventure, with the actual events of each day especially in the biking section of the trip varying depending on progress of the group and acclimatisation to altitude. It is important to note that with this in mind the itinerary may be subject to change in relation to this plus road and weather conditions we experience during the trip.
Regarding your time in Torres del Paine National Park, there are lots of options for these days and what we have outlined above are those hikes we feel offer a good variation and of both scenery, terrain and which are suitable for group hikes. However, other possibilities will be discussed with you during our initial time in Torres and the itinerary adapted accordingly to best suit the groups abilities and weather conditions encountered.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour dates:
11 Dec 08 - 02 Jan 09
10 Dec 09 - 01 Jan 10
Bike hire available: £120 per person.
Although the trip cost does not include flights we can provide assistance with organising these.
Price includes:
Place to place trip
6 nights hotel
1 night basic guest house
10 nights camping
3 nights cruise
90% meals provided
7 days biking
6 days hiking
3 day cruise
3 rest/transfer days
Guided and Vehicle support
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Chile
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
| Check out these similar vacation offers: |
|
|
