THE SOUTHERN CONE:

CHILE & ARGENTINA EXPEDITION

Chile and Argentina, though quite distinct, each hold as much interest for the adventurer and natural history enthusiast as for the cultural aficionado. Highlights of your trip include unbelievably scenic hiking on Perito Moreno glacier (perhaps the world's most beautiful glacier); a private tango lesson in Buenos Aires; hiking, bicycling, rafting and/or horseback riding in the stunningly beautiful Lake District; taking a cooking workshop or arts and crafts tour in sophisticated Buenos Aires; superb winetasting at a renowned Chilean vineyard; a cultural excursion to historical Chiloe; and a scenic cruise (with hiking) across the Chile/Argentina border on Lakes Llanquihue, Todos Los Santos and Nahuel Huapi.

NEI also offers popular side trips to Iguacu Falls, Torres del Paine National Park and Peninsula Valdez.

Note: All included adventures are elective and low-intensity.

I T I N E R A R Y

Note: We will gladly customize an itinerary to meet your preferences.

Evening departure from the U.S. to Santiago, arriving the morning of Day 2. You will be met and privately transferred to your hotel, where you may rest after your international flight. In the afternoon, enjoy a private tour of Santiago, a cosmopolitan city with a delightful blend of Spanish and Peruvian influences. Today’s tour will include visits to the Museo de la Merced, Presidential Palace, Plaza de Armas, Cathedral and Santa Lucia Hill. Santiago Park Plaza or Plaza El Bosque - 5 stars

Note: You may upgrade to the ultra deluxe Ritz Carlton or Grand Hyatt.

Today you will cross picturesque countryside to reach Valparaiso, an attractive port city with many hills and twisting streets. Follow the Chilean Riviera a short way to Vina del Mar, “The Garden City”, known for its abundance of flowers, parks, beautiful beaches and casino. You will then visit a vineyard in Casablanca Valley to learn about wine production and to taste superb wine. This evening, enjoy an authentic Chilean folkloric show and dinner. Santiago Park Plaza or Plaza El Bosque (B,L,D)

Following a morning flight to Puerto Montt, you will spend the next three days exploring Chile’s Lake District. This region, called the “South American Switzerland”, is world-renowned for its snow-capped volcanoes, glittering emerald lakes, imposing waterfalls, deep woodland meadows, and navigable blue rivers.

Today, you may elect to do one of two “soft” adventures. You may take a photographic hiking safari on Osorno volcano, from which you will enjoy wonderful panoramic views of surrounding volcanoes and of Lake Llanquihue. Alternatively, you may go on an easy whitewater rafting or floating trip on the emerald-colored waters of Rio Petrohue, passing through scenic Valdivian forest and a series of black basaltic lava formations. Optional dinner and supplemental lecture at the Kingfisher Lodge, hosted by a local resident. Hotel Melia - 5 stars (B,L)

Note: You may also stay at the 5 star Yan Kee Way Lodge. If you prefer a cultural excursion, you may enjoy a walking tour of Bajo Frutillar, a beautiful town situated on Lake Llanquihue.

Today you will cross the Chacoa channel by ferry to tour Chiloe Island. The islanders of Chiloe were the last supporters of the Spanish Crown on the entire continent, not surrendering until 1826. Aside from its very picturesque scenery, the island is notable for its palafitos (wooden houses on stilts), quaint fishing villages, colorful market, the 18th century (fort) Fuerte San Antonio, and the Archaeology and Mythology Museum. You will visit the villages of Ancud and Castro.

Alternatively, you may elect to go on a scenic, low-intensity horseback riding excursion near Ensenada. Ride through an abundantly-flowered forest to the Salto de Piedras lookout point, from which you will see turquoise-colored waterfalls, as well as the snow-capped Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Hotel Melia (B,L)

Today, you’ll take a wonderful trip by boat and bus across and around four lakes of unsurpassed beauty — Llanquihue, Todos Los Santos, Frias and Nahuel Huapi. You will be met and privately transferred to the spectacularly beautiful Llao Llao peninsula. (Theodore Roosevelt once commented that Todos Los Santos was the most beautiful lake he had ever seen!) You’ll pass through lush green countryside, accented by an almost overwhelming profusion of yellow and red flowers, on your way to the lovely Petrohue Falls. Throughout, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the snow-capped Osorno and Tronador volcanoes. Your lake crossing ends in Bariloche, a delightful lakeside town nestled in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Llao Llao Resort - Lake View Room - 4 1/2 stars (B,L)

Today you’ll have a choice of two soft adventures. First, you may travel to a beautiful area of Nahuel Huapi National Park for an exciting, low-intensity whitewater rafting trip (class 2-3 rapids) down the Rio Manso. Scenery is spectacular and the excursion is very safe. Observe the park’s rich wildlife, including river otters, condors, woodpeckers, deer, foxes, mountain lions and cats. Also enjoy impressive views of Tronador volcano (11,722 ft.).

Your second option is to take a very scenic drive (Small Circuit) through Nahuel Huapi National Park, skirting Lake Nahuel Huapi and proceeding on to Llao Llao peninsula. You’ll then ascend through a forest of evergreen coihue trees for wonderful views of Lake Moreno, Victoria Island, and several snowcapped Andean peaks, including Tronador. Then take a chairlift (elective) to the summit of Campanario Hill for panoramic views. Llao Llao Resort (B,L)

Your first soft adventure option today is to go on an easy horseback riding excursion along the very picturesque western steppes of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Escorted by a guide, you’ll also traverse portions of the beautiful Jones ranch, still owned by the pioneering American family who arrived here at the turn of the century. Midway through your ride, enjoy an “asado criollo”, or Argentine barbecue. The horses are easy-to-ride and very well-maintained. Total time on horse: 2 1/2 hours.

Your second option is to visit the Tronador Volcano region via an exceptionally scenic road that parallels the entire length of Gutierrez and Mascardi lakes. Macardi is known as the “seven-colored lake.” At Tronador, you will explore Ventisquero Negro, or the Black Glacier, a mass of ice descending directly from Mount Tronador. A day of tremendous scenery. Llao Llao Resort (B,L)

Note: If time allows, you might consider adding two nights to explore the incredibly scenic Villa La Angostura region which also offers upscale accommodations (Relais at Chateau), kayaking, bicycling, horseback riding and hiking. Call for more information.

Private airport transfer for your flight to Calafate. You will be met and privately transferred to your deluxe hotel. Originally settled by British and Australian farmers, the entire area has a unique ambiance and diverse wildlife. Calafate, situated on the shores of Lago Argentino, is the gateway to Glaciers National Park. Free time to explore on your own. Imago Hotel & Spa - 5 stars (B)

Note: You may upgrade to Los Notros for a surcharge. All meals are included at Los Notros.

Your boat launch to Perito Moreno glacier will offer panoramic and close-up views of the 180 foot high, 3 mile wide, and 20 mile long glacier. Perito Moreno is considered by many to be the most beautiful glacier in the world. Upon reaching the glacier, you will then embark on a phenomenally scenic and easy glacier trek (2 hours; you will be given crampons). Periodically, you will hear the thunderous sound of 100 foot stalactites breaking apart from the glacier and plunging into the lake, pushing huge waves toward shore.

Following the mini trek, you¹ll be taken to a series of boardwalks and viewpoints overlooking the north face of the Perito Moreno glacier. Enjoy stunning views of mountains, forest, and Lago Argentino. Imago Hotel & Spa (B, L)

This morning you will be transferred to the tiny port of Puerto Bandera, where you will board a comfortable modern catamaran for cruise on Lago Argentino.  You'll cruise past icebergs of different shapes and colors to the 100-foot high Upsala glacier.  Covering an area of 500 square kilometers, Upsala is the largest glacier in South America.  You'll then proceed along the Spegazzini arm of the lake to the Estancia Cristina, which is surrounded by towering ice-capped mountains and glowing ice-blue bergs.  Established in 1918 and originally dedicated to sheep breeding (25,000 species), this Estancia is only accessible by boat and has, therefore, remained one of the most pristine places in Patagonia.  Upon arrival at the Estancia, you will have a choice of two activities. 

Imago Hotel & Spa (B, L)

Note: You may extend your stay in Patagonia by visiting Mount Fitzroy and/or staying at Hosteria Helsingfors.

Morning flight to Buenos Aires and transfer to hotel. Known as the “Paris of South America”, Buenos Aires is a marvelous city with wide boulevards, large parks, sidewalk cafes, tango parlors, and ornate buildings with roccoco and baroque decorations.

This afternoon, enjoy a private tour of Buenos Aires, led by a spirited university professor who will use four of BA’s special parks and plazas to introduce you to Argentina’s history, culture and people. Loi Suites Recoleta - 5 stars (B)

This morning you may choose from several activities -- an Argentine cooking workshop, an art tour, a literary walking tour or a bicycling excursion. The cooking workshop, taught by a renowned Argentine chef, will teach you how to cook several Argentine specialties, which you will then savor with fine Argentine wine. The modern and colonial art tour will visit the Malba museum, a silver artist in San Telmo and Fernandez Blanco museum. The literary walking tour examines the works of Borges or Julio Cortazar, visiting places that appear in these authors’ novels. The bicycling tour will take you through the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve and other scenic and safe areas of the city

This afternoon you may enjoy a private tango lesson with an accomplished instructor, an "Evita" walking tour or an educational wine-tasting session.

This evening, enjoy dinner and a Tango show at an authentic Argentine tango house. Loi Suites Recoleta (B, D)

Note: Another option is to visit an authentic 19th century estancia, where you may experience the gaucho lifestyle, including a gaucho riding demonstration, a delicious “asado” meal (barbecue), horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.

Free time in Buenos Aires on day 14. Private airport transfer for your evening flight to the U.S. You will arrive home on day 15. (B)

(Extensions can be arranged to Iguacu Falls, Peninsula Valdez, and Torres del Paine National Park)

Land Cost Includes:
o All accommodations for 12 nights in 5 star hotels (9 nights) and 4 star hotels (3 nights)
o Most meals (22) as indicated
o All local guide services
o All tours and entrance fees
o All soft adventures
o All vehicle transportation and airport transfers
o Porterage

2008 Land Cost (per person; valid thru March 31st): $ 5,680 (check) or $5,855 (credit card)
Trip Length: 15 days
Deposit: $ 400
Single Supplement from: $ 1,300
Trip Grade: Easy
Accommodations: mainly Deluxe hotels*
Internal airfare (approx): $825 per person

International airfare (approx): $750 (from Miami)

* Hotel upgrades or downgrades available.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Trip Grade: Easy. Emphasis is on "off the beaten track" experience. All included adventures are elective and low-intensity. Adventures include hiking; whitewater rafting; horseback riding; boat excursions; and some long driving days. Traveler may substitute cultural excursions for soft adventures. Accommodations are in first class lodges and hotels. The expedition travels into remote areas and some discomfort may result from the elements, cultural differences, rough roads and schedule changes.

Land Cost Includes: All vehicle transportation and transfers as stated in the itinerary; accommodations for 12 nights mainly in deluxe hotels (9 nights) and first class hotels (3 nights), based on double occupancy of twin-bedded room 22 meals as indicated in itinerary; entrance/park fees; service and handling charges; all elective adventures; instruction and leadership.

Land Cost Does Not Include: Airfares (quoted separately); meals not indicated in itinerary; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; laundry, passports, personal insurance, other personal items; airport departure taxes; hotel nights en route or return.

Accommodations: Accommodations are based on double occupancy (where available) in first class hotels and lodges. Singles who sign up will be paired with a roommate. If none is available, there will be a single supplement charge.

Reservations and Payments: A deposit of $400 with the completed reservation form will ensure you a place on this expedition provided the maximum enrollment has not already been reached. Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 travelers. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellations and Refunds: The initial deposit for the expedition is refundable up to 90 days before departure, less a $200 handling fee. Any cancellation occuring between 60 and 89 days will result in a cancellation penalty of $400 (the full deposit) based on nonrecoverable deposits and expenses. Any cancellation occuring between 30 and 59 days will result in a cancellation penalty of 50% of the trip cost. Unless a suitable replacement can be found, there will be no refunds for any cancellation within 29 days of departure. There are no refunds for any unused meals, accommodations or other expedition activities. In certain cases, the cancellation policies of NEI's subcontractors will supercede NEI's policy.

Insurance: Trip cancellation, accident and baggage insurance are recommended and will be offered to all participants. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised; this will protect you in the case of cancellation due to personal or family illness.

Responsibility: Nature Expeditions International is responsible for conducting this expedition as outlined in the published itinerary. It reserves the right, however, to cancel the expedition should it become affected by conditions beyond the company’s control. In such an event, NEI will return all monies paid to it by the affected participants as full and final settlement.

NEI also reserves the right to substitute other lodging during the expedition or to change the expedition leader(s), itinerary, or travel arrangements if the staff believes it is in the best interest of all participants. In addition, NEI may decline to accept or retain any member or prospective member of an announced expedition. Full refund for the unused portion of the expedition will be paid to the affected participant in such an event.

Airline Clause: All arrangements for airline transportation are made by the respective airlines, which companies shall not have or incur any responsibility or liability to any person taking an expedition except their liability as common carriers. Nor shall such carriers be or be held responsible for any act, omission, or event occurring after the passenger has disembarked from the conveyance. The usual passage contract in use by the carrier, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between said carrier and the passenger. All rates are based on tariffs currently or those tariffs to be placed in effect and are subject to adjustment in the event of changes therein. The air transportation services of any IATA/ARC member may be used.

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