TORRES DEL PAINE ADVENTURER - Leisure trip in Grand Patagonia

INTRODUCTION

Torres del Paine Adventurer | 4 to 8 days | Trip Code TDP04

Trip Highlights

• A comprehensive visit to Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia's premier wildlife and hiking destination.

• A vast array of excursions including  horse riding journeys and unique hikes in pristine corners of the park.

• Great hiking opportunities suitable to different skill levels varying from very easy to moderate.

• Superb accommodation in one of the great lodges in the park, Hotel Las Torres.

• Fascinating wildlife including Andean condors and guanacos, Chilean flamingoes, foxes and rheas.

• Meet the locals! Enjoy of great visit to a typical gaucho farm 'Estancia Cerro Negro'; the experience will include several agro-tourism activities such as sheep-shearing and dog-herding demonstration and a Patagonian barbecue.

Trips are guaranteed to depart with no minimum of participants. Excursions in the park has a maximum of 8 participants.

The Difference of Traveling with Fantástico Sur Expeditions:

• Great accommodation, superb dinning cuisine and memorable picnic lunches.

• Spacious vehicles that ensure a window seat to each trip participant.

• Each of our trips have a maximum of 8 participants.

• Each vehicle and driver we use has been authorized by the Chilean Transportation Authority.

• The service and expertise of a professional local naturalist leader, who will look after every logistical aspect of “your” holiday.

Torres del Paine Adventurer can be combined with one of the following optional extensions:

• King Penguins of Tierra del Fuego (2 days), a unique journey to discover the 'Lords of Patagonia';

• Expedition cruise to Tierra del Fuego & Cape Horn (4 to 5 days), discover the wildlife and landscapes of the world's end.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Torres del Paine Adventurer | 4 to 8 days | Trip Code TDP04

This is only a suggested itinerary. While in the park, you will have a large variety of excursions, with over 25 alternatives to choose from every day; participants will have the opportunity to decide the next day's trip with the advice of your guide. Many of the outings are very different to what is ordinarily offered in the park by other tour operators. Interesting archaeological areas visited on 4x4 vehicles, private trails that climb to the base of mountain glaciers and the more subtle yet profound walks in the southern beech Nothofagus forests, will provide an in-depth view of the impressive Patagonia's wilderness. Exceptional nature photography, fascinating walks varying from very easy to strenuous (according to your own pace), excursions in private vehicle, boat trip (optional), great naturalist guides plus superb accommodation and food...what could be better?.

Day 1 • Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park

There are two set departure times each day of the week: 10am and 3pm. You will be picked up at Punta Arenas airport or at your hotel downtown.

Hotel Las Torres, Torres del Paine (4*). (L,D)(G).

Day 2 • Exploring Torres del Paine | Visit to Grey Lake

Today we will visit Lake Grey to enjoy the dramatic sight of its southern shore dominated by stunning icebergs. This is certainly one of the highlights of the day; we will be marveled by seen the contrasting mosaic of towering mountains, glaciers, wetlands, steppes and forests.

Hotel Las Torres, Torres del Paine (4*). (B,L,D)(G).

Day 3 • Exploring Torres del Paine | Walk to tower's Base or to Nordenskjöld Lake

Today we will walk from our hotel to the base of the Torres del Paine mountains. As we follow the trail we will pass through the most stunning scenery imaginable. After crossing a glacial moraine we will arrive at a location that affords incredible views of the towering pinnacles of Las Torres del Paine. While visiting the valleys we will be given a geological interpretation of the origins of the dramatic backdrop of Torres del Paine, one of the finest natural spectacles in Patagonia.

Hotel Las Torres, Torres del Paine (4*). (B,L,D)(G).

Day 4 • Laguna Azul | Transfer to Punta Arenas

During the morning we will continue our exploration in different areas of the park. A sensational vista from Laguna Azul on the eastern side of the park will be a superb grande finale to this exciting journey of discovery among the natural wonders of the "end of the world". Later, we will be transferred to Punta Arenas where our trip ends.

There are two set departure times each day of the week: 05.30am and 12.30pm. You will be drop off at Punta Arenas airport or at your hotel downtown.

If you want to continue towards El Calafate (Argentina), a transfer will leave the hotel at 7am.

(B)(G).

Codes: B=Breakfast; L=Lunch/Box-lunch; D=Dinner; G=Guide; *=Hotel Category.

MAP

Torres del Paine Adventurer | 4 to 8 days | Trip Code TDP04

DATES & RATES

Torres del Paine Adventurer | 4 to 8 days | Trip Code TDP04

2010 | 2011 Dates:

Available from 1 September 2010 through 31 August 2011.

Meet/Depart: Daily departures from Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales, Chile.

Optional transfers to/from El Calafate, Argentina (please inquire).

Rates for Custom departures (you choose the date):

NOTE: The above prices are per person in US$, based on double occupancy.

2009 Dates:

Available year-round, daily departures; 4, 5 and 8-day programs. Meet | Depart: Punta Arenas, Chile.

Rates for custom departures (you choose the date!):

Trips are guaranteed to depart with no minimum of participants. Excursions in the park has a maximum of 8 participants.

Do you want us to arrange your flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas?

Domestic flights Santiago – Punta Arenas – Santiago (approximately US$ 300-350 per person).

Duration of the flight: 3 hours (direct) / 4 hours (with a stop-over in Puerto Montt).

What the trip includes/excludes

The above price is per person in US$, based on double occupancy.

Single supplement will be added if single accommodations are requested.

The trip price includes: Punta Arenas - Torres del Paine - Punta Arenas transfer, entry fees to Torres del Paine National Park, all meals, open bar, accommodation in superior rooms, Spa services (with 35% discount), limited Internet, guide, vehicle transfers within the park and room service.

The trip price excludes: Tipping, travel insurance, premium wines and licors, à la carte dishes, lodging and meals in Punta Arenas, telephone calls and anything else of a purely personal nature.

Tour Registration: To book this tour, please complete the online registration form and pay a deposit of US$ 500 per person. Full payment of the tour fee is due 90 days prior to tour departure.

Cancellation Policy: Notice of cancellation can only be accepted IN WRITING from the person who signed the booking form and takes effect on the day such noticed is received by us.

Refunds are made according to the following schedule:

If cancellation is made 120 days or more before departure date, the deposit less US$ 200 is refundable.

If cancellation is made between 120 and 60 days before departure, the deposit is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the fee will be refunded.

If cancellation is made fewer than 60 days before departure date, no refund is available.

This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre-trip and post trip extensions, as well as any transfers from one tour to another. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself.

HOTEL LAS TORRES

Torres del Paine Adventurer | 4 to 8 days | Trip Code TDP04

Hotel Las Torres, Torres del Paine

This charmingly rustic hotel provides a comfortable base from which to explore the park’s towering mountains, turquoise lakes, glaciers, ice fields and steppes. Las Torres is located 75 miles (120 kilometers) from the town of Puerto Natales and 230 miles (375 kilometers) from the larger city of Punta Arenas.

Each of the hotel’s many windows look out over the expansive steppe or snow-capped mountains surrounding it, including the trio of towers that gave the park its name. The hotel features 57 rooms, several sitting areas, two restaurants and a bar. The interpretive center located by the hotel’s reception desk lays out information about the rock formations and wildlife you may encounter on your excursions. In addition, the spa next door offers you the chance to unwind and rejuvenate after you return from your adventures.

The rooms of the hotel provide a cozy atmosphere, being the perfect setting to relax and enjoy after a long days excursion. Central heating, box spring beds, telephones and private bathrooms in a rustic yet elegant decoration provide the ideal ambience in our superior rooms for resting and preparing the next days activities. Several services are available in the relaxing environment of your room, with a simple call you have the possibility of enjoying massages, food, wine and drinks.

The breath-taking mountain surroundings of Las Torres The breath-taking mountain surroundings of Las Torres

Surrounded by towering peaks, rolling hills and forests Surrounded by towering peaks, rolling hills and forests

Fantastic views from spacious and comfortable lounges Fantastic views from spacious and comfortable lounges

The cozy and nicely decorated rooms The cozy and nicely decorated rooms

The cozy and nicely decorated rooms The cozy and nicely decorated rooms

Local, healthy and organic food Local, healthy and organic food

View from the restaurant View from the restaurant

The main restaurant The main restaurant

The lounges are great places to read, planning or just relax The lounges are great places to read, planning or just relax

Main access to the hotel Main access to the hotel

A bar with a very special view A bar with a very special view

The cozy and nicely decorated roomsThe cozy and nicely decorated rooms

SLIDE SHOW

Torres del Paine Adventurer | 4 to 8 days | Trip Code TDP04

Check out our set of images from recent trips to Torres del Paine.