Wonders of Chile & Patagonia
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April 18th - April 25th, 2024
This is one of our most exciting adventures in style! The epic journey begins in the world-renowned capital of Santiago where we enjoy the culture, food, and energy of the bustling city among the mountains. After a taste of life in the city, we're off to one of the most monstrous yet beautiful landscapes in the world: Patagonia! Unforgettable hikes with endless photo opportunities will be the norm throughout this adventure and activities are available for all fitness levels!
E-mail us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
Chile
"Here, you can feel like you're on the edge of the earth, the middle of nowhere, or a bustling city teeming with humanity - Chile is packed with mind-boggling possibilities." - Frommer's
Santiago: City of Island Hills (2 Nights)
"Surprising, cosmopolitan, energetic, sophisticated, and worldly, Santiago is a city of syncopated cultural currents, madhouse parties, expansive museums, and top-flight restaurants. No wonder 40% of Chileans call the leafy capital city home." - Lonely Planet
* Explore the Capital (Privately Guided Tour): Discover the highlights of Sanitago, the country’s most important cultural, cosmopolitan, and artistic hub:
* Cerro San Cristobal & Cerro Santa Lucía: Emblematic urban parks located in the heart of the city. Ride the funicular to the top for the best panoramic views & photos (included).
* Plaza de Armas square: A meeting place for Santiago’s diverse and multicultural expressions.
* Parque Forestal: Take in the fresh air of this park which runs parallel to the Mapocho River with a variety of tree species offering a refreshing break from the urban agitation of the city’s center.
* Bellavista Neighborhood: Experience Santiago’s bohemian neighborhood, with some of the best bars and restaurants in the city.
Patagonia (5 Nights)
"On South America’s southern frontier, nature grows wild, barren, and beautiful. Spaces are large, as are the silences that fill them. For the newly arrived, such emptiness can be as impressive as the sight of Patagonia’s jagged peaks, pristine rivers, and dusty backwater oases. In its enormous scale, Patagonia offers a wealth of potential experiences and landscapes." - Lonely Planet
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Patagonia Camp
Patagonia Camp is a project that was born among a group of Chilean nature-loving enthusiasts, who accomplished multiple expeditions and scoutings between mountains, canals, and fjords. With the idea of giving luxurious outdoor experiences to visitors, they decided to install an innovative concept in Torres del Paine, the first in South America. Our devotion lies in living a connected experience with nature through all of our senses while staying in a luxury yurt with the full comfort of a boutique lodge.
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards voted Patagonia Camp #16 of the top 20 resorts in South America. These awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as “the best of the best of travel.”
Experience the Camp
The Yurts: These circular tents were originally used for thousands of years in Mongolia by the nomads in the steppes of Central
Asia. With their light-colored cloths, the Yurts of Patagonia Camp allow maximizing the amount of light and heat from the sun with all the comfort one finds in any hotel room: central heating, ensuite bathroom, neutral and biodegradable amenities, and fine decorations with handcraft furniture and textiles.
* Circular Skylight: Located in the middle of the ceiling, this design highlight allowed the Mongols to drive out the smoke from their bonfires. At camp, we enjoy them for stargazing throughout the night and observing the singular clouds of the Patagonian sky during the day.
Restaurant & Bar: Move your senses with flavors that will awaken emotions and accompany the moment with incomparable views of the mountains, lakes, and forests. With large windows and views towards Lake Toro and the Paine Massif, enjoy the flavors of our kitchen highlighting all the Chilean elements that are proper to our gastronomic culture, along with a gourmet touch by our chef. Not to mention the open bar throughout our stay!
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Torres Del Paine
"Soaring almost vertically above the Patagonian steppe, the granite pillars of Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine) dominate the landscape of South America's finest national park. Part of Unesco's Biosphere Reserve system since 1978, this 699-sq-mile (1810-
sq-km) park is, however, much more than its one greatest hit. Its diversity of landscapes range from teal and azure lakes to emerald forests, roaring rivers and that one big, radiant blue glacier. Guanacos roam the vast open steppe, while Andean condors soar alongside looming peaks." - Lonely Planet
*Adventures in Wonderland: Each day we embark on amazing walks and hikes around this landscape of sharp-edged mountains, glaciers, and their vibrant turquoise lakes. Below is a sample of the hikes and adventures we'll choose from each day. *All are optional, included, and cater to different fitness levels including beginners! See the daily itinerary for difficulty, length, elevation gain, and more details.
- Base of the Towers Trek: A rewarding & deservedly famous trek to the base of the iconic "Towers" of Torres Del Paine. Panoramic views of lakes and valleys greet us along the way until we penetrate the ancient Lenga tree forest. Here we'll approach the Torres glacier moraine before breaking through the forest and arriving at the base of the towers! Behold and photograph the three granite giants right in front of us!
- Mirador Los Cuernos Trek: This trek is perfect to experience the beauty of the park's two iconic mountains: Las Torres and Los Cuernos del Paine. The hike starts alongside beautiful rivers and lakes with ever-present native flora and fauna. Upon reaching the first rock plateau we will enjoy the whimsical line drawn by
the Cuernos del Paine, and their characteristic two-color hue created by sedimentary rock and granite. Continue on toward the famous Salto Grande Waterfall, with its impressive cascade and strong current that connects two turquoise glacier lakes. Alas, we go through an area of burnt tree trunks to reach the lookout to observe up close the mythical Paine Horns. Get those cameras ready!
- Mirador Condor Trek: The hike to the Cóndor viewpoint is another privileged trek in terms of views. The trail begins at Lake Pehoé which will fascinate our eyes and cameras with its distinctive turquoise color. Along the way appreciate some of the local vegetation such as Nothofagus trees, the area's micro-wildlife, and the beautiful soaring condors. At the top, enjoy an amazing panoramic view of Lake Nordenskjold, Los Cuernos del Paine, Valle del Francés, and the Patagonian Andes.
- Optional Glacier Boat Trip: Wander through a forest of Lenga beech trees to reach the shores of Grey Lake where our boat is waiting. This is without a doubt one of the most captivating experiences in Torres del Paine. The ride allows us to appreciate the stunning confluence of lush vegetation, mountains, icebergs, and the enormous Gray Glacier. Witness and photograph her ancient, gigantic ice walls radiating an endless range of blue hues at our cameras! | Additional cost applies, see daily itinerary for price and sign up details.
Price: $3,949.00
Single Supplement: $645.00
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Optional Upgrade: Deluxe Yurt w/ Private Jacuzzi
*With a spectacular location surrounded by native trees, witness unique sunsets from your own private jacuzzi. The Deluxe Yurt comes with an ensuite bathroom, a private terrace with views of the lake and Paine massif, and an outdoor jacuzzi to relax after a day full of adventures. Enjoy the tranquility of raw nature, secluded and in the middle of a native forest in one of the most pristine places in the world, Torres del Paine.
Upgrade Supplement:
Double Occupancy/Sharing: $295.00 per person
Single Occupancy: $590.00 per person
Cancellation Policy & Refunds
*There is a $100.00 administrative fee for all cancellations. Cancellations made 140 days (November 30th, 2023) or more prior to trip departure date are fully refundable except for the $100 fee. Cancellations less than 140 days (December 1st, 2023) prior to the trip departure date will receive no refund of the full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. Credit card fees and paypal processing fees cannot be refunded. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price. Travel insurance strongly encouraged (ask us about policy options). *Hotels subject to change based on availability
COVID Cancellation Policy – Local Planet Travel Services OR Guest may cancel this reservation if the USA or country(s) we are visiting mandates a country-wide closure due to COVID. If this happens, you would receive a full refund. If guest chooses, the funds can remain on file and be applied for any future tour with PhotoFly Travel Club. *Please note bank merchant service fees when using a credit card are non-refundable.
MANDATORY VACCINE REQUIREMENT: The safety of all our guests is a top priority regardless of where our adventures take us. All travelers are required to have an approved COVID-19 vaccination to participate in this tour. Travelers that meet this mandatory requirement can join our adventures after 14 days have elapsed since their final dose. Proof of vaccination must be provided by emailing a copy of the participant's COVID-19 vaccination card to joinus@photoflytravel.com upon sign-up. *Guests who are not vaccinated for medical reasons are exempt from this mandatory vaccine policy with proof from a certified medical professional.
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Local Planet Travel
325 Rocky Slope Road, Suite 104-240
Greenville, SC 29607
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Santiago --> Punta Arenas INCLUDED