Beagle Channel Extension

(8 days / 7 nights)

The Atacama Desert is by far the driest of the world - in some areas the rainfall is simply nonexistent; however its abrupt coastline is constantly moistened by dense fogs coming from the Pacific Ocean, which transforms this seemingly barren area into an extraordinarily rich hotspot for endemic cacti. Join us on this superb botanical and photographic journey we have designed to discover the wealth and diversity of cacti forms. Along this unique program you might also want to explore the Andean highlands of this narrow country by joining our post-extension to San Pedro de Atacama.

Professional in all aspects from organization to superb guides, Fantástico Sur leads the pack for South American travel.

 

- Dr. Noble S. Proctor, USA
Chile trips 2004, 2005, and 2006

Flight to Navarino Island
Omora Ethno-Botanical Park

We shall take a memorable flight over the mountains and icefields of southern Tierra del Fuego that will take us to Puerto Williams, a Chilean settlement and the southernmost town in the world. After our arrival we will visit Omora Park to seek southern forest birds including Magellanic Woodpecker, White-throated Treerunner and Thorn-tailed Rayadito. Miniature forests, featuring an overwhelming diversity of lichens and mosses, await for the enthusiast nature photographer. Hotel Lakutaia, Puerto Williams (4*).



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Cerro La Bandera
Mejillones (Yamana Indian Cementery)

This morning we shall visit La Bandera Hill to obtain a stunning view of the Beagle Channel and the surrounding mountain landscape. We will be looking here for the rare White-bellied Seedsnipe, Tawny-throated and Rufous-chested Dotterel, White-throated Caracara, and Yellow-bridled Finch. During the afternoon we will visit the coast. Here, the only road on the island ends close to the Beagle Channel, directly opposite the Argentine city of Ushuaia. The settlement here comprises a small group of houses, where the pioneers settled at the beginning of the last century. Along this coastal road, we plan to make two very special stops, at Mejillones Bay and at Honda Bay. The first of these is an indigenous reserve today and includes an ancient cemetery of the original Indian inhabitants. The second location provides an opportunity to observe one of the largest archaeological sites on the island, and again some outstanding views. Hotel same as Day 1.

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Anthropological Museum
Ukika Village

During the morning we shall visit Ukika Village, residence of the descendants of the original Cape Horn inhabitants: the Yamana. Afterwards, we will return to Punta Arenas by air. Be prepared to take pictures as we cross the Beagle Channel and Tierra del Fuego. Hotel Cabo de Hornos or Hotel José Nogueira or similar, Punta Arenas (4*).

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Punta ARenas

End of the trip.

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Extensions

 

Dates & Prices

Main Trip:8 days / 7 nights.
High Andes Extension: 4 days / 3 nights.
Meet/Depart:Santiago, Chile.
Group Size:Maximum of 10 participants.

Main Trip: Sun Nov 2 - Nov 9, 2008
Post-Extension: Sun Nov 9 - Wed Nov 12, 2008

RATES:
TBA per person in double occupancy.
The above price is per person in US$, based on double occupancy.
Single supplement (TBA) will be added if single accommodations are requested or forced.

The trip price includes:
All accommodations, meals and guide services as stated in the itinerary, private ground transportation during the tour, plus park entrance fees.

The trip price excludes:
Tipping, travel insurance, à la carte dishes, snacks, drinks, laundry, telephone calls and anything else of a purely personal nature.

Do you want us to arrange your flights from Santiago to La Serena / Antofagasta to Santiago?
Domestic flights Santiago - La Serena / Antofagasta- Santiago (approximately US$ XXX-XXX / £ XXX-XXX per person).
Duration of the flight: Santiago - La Serena (c. 1 hour) / Antofagasta - Santiago (c. 2.5 hours).



TOUR REGISTRATION: To register for this tour, complete the FANTASTICO SUR registration form and return it (by fax or email) with a deposit of US$ 700 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$ 300 / £ 155 is refundable. If cancellation is made between 120 and 90 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 90 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.