El Clan La Chimenea

Chile End to End

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18 days (Santiago)

Destinations visited: Chile, Santiago, World

Grading:

Adventure touring level

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Moderate to Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling or rafting in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include spending successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 6000m. These trips may often be over three weeks in duration. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8kgs (and in some cases a full pack) and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions.
Suggested preparation: One hour of aerobic type exercise, four to five times a week for three to six months prior to departure. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is also recommended.

Entry Mtn/Exploratory Treks

These adventures are classed as expeditions. They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is preferable but not essential and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary. Terrain will involve low angle snow slopes. Ropes may be used during treks for glacier travel and steeper sections of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic mountaineering instruction is given by our mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Intermediate Mtn Expedition

Participants should be competent and self sufficient in the outdoors and have experience in multi day trekking at altitude. Prior experience on an entry level mountaineering expedition is highly recommended. The terrain will involve low to moderate angle snow slopes and traveling on crevassed glaciers. Experience using ice axe and crampons is preferred but not essential.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Advanced Mtn Expedition

These are our most challenging expeditions. Clients must have prior mountaineering experience. Most are participatory expeditions & involve load carrying, setting up of camps, cooking and campcraft. Altitude is generally greater than 6500m. Some of these expeditions also involve “technical” climbing and are for experienced alpine climbers / mountaineers only. Technical expeditions involve steep climbing at high altitude (including rock climbing). Participation on one of these expeditions is subject to acceptance by one of our high altitude mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

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The ultimate Chilean journey from Torres del Paine to the Atacama Desert

Join our dramatic journey that explores central Chile, Torres del Paine, the Chilean Fjords, the Lakes District and the Atacama Desert. In Chile's capital we visit the sites, a winery on the Andean foothills and experience the coastal twin cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. Flying south to Punta Arenas, the gateway to Chile's Patagonia, we meander the trails to the base of the majestic Torres del Paine from our comfortable and cosy hosteria. Our journey continues with a stunning cruise north along Chile's west coast with its glacier-studded fjords and majestic peaks. For the nature lover, this opens up opportunities to see the multitude of wildlife found in these waters including penguins, dolphins, seabirds and sea lions. From the port town of Puerto Montt we explore the Lake District before flying north to the driest place on earth, the Atacama Desert. Here we experience the desert landscape and geysers at El Tatio, set beneath a spectacular volcanic backdrop.

Highlights

Sampling local wines in Chile's vineyards
Cities of Santiago and Vina del Mar
View the magnificent granite spires of Torres del Paine
Lakes district of Patagonia
Explore the Atacama Desert

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Santiago

If you are arriving on the group flight you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel. Otherwise, make your own way from the airport (refer pre-departure information for instructions) to the group hotel. The rest of the day is for rest and personal exploration of this buzzing city (pick up a tourist map from your hotel foyer). An arrival briefing will be held in the hotel before dinner.

Day 2 City tour of Santiago and Viña Concha y Toro

This morning we enjoy an opportunity to see Santiago and take in the sights of this bustling Chilean city with a half day guided city tour. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to visit the famous vineyards of Viña Concha y Toro and do some touring and wine tasting before heading back to our accommodation for the evening.

Day 3 Valparaiso and Viña del Mar

Today we depart to Valparaiso, set on the beautiful azure Pacific coast. Our guides will enlighten us about Valparaiso’s historical past and present, as Chile’s largest and most important sea port. We will then visit Viña del Mar and spend the day exploring this coastal city before heading back to our accommodation in Santiago for the evening.

Day 4 Fly to Punta Arenas

Transfer to Santiago airport for the 4 hour flight to Punta Arenas. You will be met on arrival at Punta Arenas airport and transferred to our hotel.

Day 5 Drive to Torres del Paine National Park

We head north to Puerto Natales (about a 4 hour drive, and after a short visit, continue towards Torres del Paine National Park. Tonight will be spent in a comfortable hosteria (lodge) just on the boundary of the National Park.

Days 6-7 Day walks Torres del Paine National Park

When we first see the great granite pinnacles of Paine it is worth remembering that the Andes is the youngest chain of mountains in the world. One can imagine the great pressures and movements of the earth that created these spectacular peaks. The walking we do will depend on your level of fitness, bearing in mind that many of the highlights of this park, including the base of the towers, require a 6-8 hour walk (round trip). There are other walks we can choose which are easier and provide excellent views of the park. The whole experience of walking in the Torres del Paine National Park will leave you awe-inspired by the wonderful scenery. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 8 Boat to Puerto Natales via Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers

We begin today on a zodiac along the Rio Serrano, leaving behind the glacial blue lakes and perhaps passing herds of guanaco and rhea as the towering peaks recede. On reaching the Esperanza Fiord, we join a larger boat to view Balmaceda glacier, and perhaps spot seals and the abundant bird life for which this area is renowned. Our stop tonight is at the fishing village of Puerto Natales situated on the Ultima Esperanza Fiord. Overnight in hotel.

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Day 9 Free day in Puerto Natales, board boat in the evening

You are free today to explore Puerto Natales with its thriving cafes, restaurants and sights surrounded by local culture and mountains. In the evening you will board our ferry that will be commencing our cruise the next morning.

Days 10-12 On board boat to Puerto Montt, visiting fjords and glaciers en-route

After our trek in Torres del Paine, you might think things cannot continue to be as impressive. Well upon boarding the ferry “Magallanes” at Puerto Natales, we will be rewarded by a fabulous journey through the fjords and channels of Western Chile during the summer months when the days are long and nights are short. From the ferry, we will be spectators of a wild landscape where the evergreen forests, glaciers and mountains with eternal snows meet the sea. A voyage accompanied by seals and dolphins, passing close to national parks with untouched mountain masses and of visiting places such as Puerto Edén, where the heritage of the aboriginal forefathers can still be recognized. The friendly staff on-board will prevent useful information and keep you abreast of developments during the journey. The majority of the cruise is through fjords and channels where the sea conditions are generally calm, however for one night the journey heads out into open water, where the conditions can sometimes be quite rough. This ship is a ferry which is reasonably comfortable but quite basic. Please do not expect deluxe accommodation. We include as standard the AA class category with private bath and window (4 berths per cabin - twin upgrades are available for additional cost). Some of the highlights of the journey include: Última Esperanza Fjord, Sarmiento Channel, White Channel, Glacier Amalia Sightseeing (November to March), Puerto Edén, Messier Channel, San Pedro lighthouse, Sailing out to sea in the evening into the Golfo de Penas, Ana Pink Bay, Pulluche Channel with abundant vegetation, seal colony and cormorants, Brieva Strait and Peñón Blanco, Sailing past Melinka, Corcovado Gulf and Ancud Gulf Route from Puerto Natales to Puerto Montt. Key: 1. Puerto Montt 2. Castro 3. Chaiten 4. Puerto Chacabuco 5. Coyhaique 6. Laguna San Rafael 7. Cochrane 8. Puerto Eden 9. Puerto Natales 10. Punta Arenas

Day 13 Arrive Puerto Montt and drive to Petrohue

This morning we arrive in Puerto Montt the end of our voyage and after a leisurely breakfast we will drive to Petrohue.

Day 14 Day walk at Volcan Osorno

After breakfast we begin a relaxed daywalk to Volcan Osorno. We start off following the beach, skirting Lake Llanquihue, with superb views to the volcanoes of Llanquihue and Calbuco. We then enter the National park Perez Rosales and on to the Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon). This gorgeous body of water gets its emerald colour from minerals and algae. Next we begin an ascent towards the foot of Osorno Volcano and then start winding down through typical Andean woodlands with terrific views of the river valleys of Petrohue and the Sierra Santo Domingo range. In the late afternoon we return to our lodgings for a well deserved rest and evening meal.

Day 15 Transfer to Puerto Montt and fly to Calama, transfer to San Pedro de Atacama

Drive to Puerto Montt and fly to Santiago arriving at Calama airport where we will commence the 95km drive to San Pedro de Atacama (2400m/7484ft). San Pedro de Atacama is considered the archeological capital of Chile. It was the main center of the Atacama culture and was formerly named El Oasis for the rare desert springs nearby that have supported life here since the 11th century. Today, San Pedro is a delightful colonial town connected by small narrow streets. In the late afternoon we’ll take an excursion to the Valley of the Moon which reveals a fantastic moonlike landscape that forms part of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range). Because of the lack of humidity, there is no life here, rendering it into one of the most inhospitable places on the planet. However, at sunset the play of light creates a sublime scene that we plan to experience during our scheduled visit. Return to San Pedro de Atacama and overnight.

Day 16 San Pedro de Atacama surrounds

After breakfast we head downtown for a guided tour which includes the church and archaeological museum, boasting an important anthropological collection of the Atacama culture. We also visit Quitor a native fortress before heading to the archaeological village of Tulor. We head south toward the Atacama saltpan to enjoy Lake Chaxas, a favorite nesting place of the unique pink flamingo. The view is breathtaking. We continue onwards to Socaire, whose inhabitants herd their animal and cultivate their beautiful terraced fields at an altitude of more than 3,200 metres. We ascend higher to 4,000 metres to admire the Miscanti and Meñiques lakes in an unforgettable setting of high volcanoes. Heading back to San Pedro, there will be time to stop en-route to visit the village of Toconao, one of the many Indian villages in the Atacama Desert that has been built using liparita stones from a nearby quarry. Life in these villages follows the old traditional ways. Finally, the fertile Jerez canyon completes the day before returning to our hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 17 El Tatio Geysers

This morning we depart at dawn to ensure we are at the high geyser field at El Tatio (4300m) on daybreak to witness the geysers as they produce explosive vents of steam that reach up to 8 metres in height. In the early morning light it is quite a mystical scene. After this impressive start to the day we continue with an easy guided walking tour around the geothermal fields to watch how these spectacular jets of steam shoot up. We will return through the Andes Mountain Range with an impressive view of Putama Volcano and Tocorpuri Mountains where native flora can be appreciated. We visit Machuca village before returning to our hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 18 Trip concludes

After breakfast our trip concludes in San Pedro where you will be transferred to the Calama airport.

Additional Information

Inclusions

17 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 12 dinners
10 nights twin share accommodation in 3-4 star hotels & 3 nights in comfortable hosteria
experienced English speaking local guides in each area for groups of 2 - 7 people
English speaking national guide throughout the entire tour for groups of 8 or more people
4 nights on boat in AA class category with private bath and window (4 berths per cabin - twin upgrades are available for additional cost)
all transfers on non private bus
excursions, sightseeing entry fees and wine tour
boat from Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales, park fees
private transportation and group leader throughout for 8 people+; private transportation with local guide for 6-7 people; non private transportation with local guide for 2-5 people

Summary

13 nights hotels/hosterias
4 nights boat

Trip Main Activities

Adventure Touring
Day Walking
Cruising

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

What You Carry

In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.

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