Chilean Patagonia

(9 days / 8 nights)

To discover the Patagonian flora constitutes the backbone of this, one of our newest nature programs. We have selected the places with the highest and more representative plant and landscape diversity of Patagonia, including the southernmost habitats of the Americas such as Deciduous and Evergreen Nothofagus forests, pre-Andean scrub with mesophytic and xerophytic characteristics, the windswept Patagonian Steppes and the Andean Desert. Through this program, we will be amazed by finding endemic species of the genus Adesmia, Alstroemeria, Gavilea, Nassauvia, Primula or Senecio. From the species to the landscapes, this botanical tour has been designed to allow plant enthusiasts to achieve an intimate experience with Patagonian nature.

I write on behalf of Anne and myself to thank you for your part in creating a magnificent holiday, one of the best we have ever had. That really is high praise as we have been privileged to travel a great deal.

 

- Prof P & A Grubb, UK
Chile trip Nov 2006


Drive to Torres del Paine National Park

Our first encounter with this stunning place will lead us to find striking species such as various Lady's Slippers of the genus Calceolaria including C. biflora and C. uniflora. We will visit low-growing patches of Antarctic Beech (Nothofagus antarctica) and arid sectors with the presence of the endemic shrub Paramela (Adesmia boronoides). We will find a very interesting array of species.

Hostería Las Torres, Torres del Paine (4*).

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TORRES DEL PAINE
Patagonian Steppes

Along this journey we will discover highly representative species of the Patagonian steppes. We will try to find, among several others, the tiny Patagonian Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria patagonica) or the conspicuous Oxalis (Oxalis enneaphylla), both of which having very restricted range. Also along this hike we will enjoy of seeing the abundance of wildlife including Andean Condors, camel-like Guanacos and Southern Grey Foxes.

Hostería Las Torres, Torres del Paine (4*).

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TORRES DEL PAINE
Mesophytic Scrub

Today we will travel across vegetation formations with the highest plant diversity of the whole region of Magallanes, in southern Chile. This is the Pre-Andean Mesophytic Scrub. Extensive shrubby areas hold stunning species such as the Chilean Fire-Bush (Embothrium coccineum) or the fragrant Escallonia (Escallonia rubra). Here we will be delighted in trying to find the most beautiful array of orchids of the region including Chloraea magellanica, Codonorchis lessonii and Gavilea littoralis. The grandeur of the scenery around this vegetation community will transform this day in one of the most sublime of our whole expedition to this magnificent Biosphere Reserve.

Hostería Las Torres, Torres del Paine (4*).

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TORRES DEL PAINE
Magellanic Deciduous Forest

The Magellanic Deciduous forest is a tree community dominated by a remarkable and tall tree, the Lenga (Nothofagus pumilio). This vegetation formation contains numerous floristic elements including herbs, shrubs, trees and epiphytic plants. We will try to find species such as Senecio smithii, Chiliotrichium difusum or Valeriana (Valeriana lapathifolia).

Hostería Las Torres, Torres del Paine (4*).

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DRIVE TO PUNTA ARENAS

Today we will return to Punta Arenas, situated on the Brunswick Peninsula. After our arrival, we will investigate some localities south of the city and along the coast of the Straits of Magellan, which will be a truly interesting experience as we will be able to discover several species present in the wet shrubbery and deciduous forests.

Hostal Terrasur, Punta Arenas (3*)
Available upgrade Hotel Cabo de Hornos, Punta Arenas (4*).

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SAN JUAN BAY
PARILLAR NATURE RESERVE

We will go in search of truly botanical targets such as Sundew (Drosera uniflora), Geum parviflorum, Sea Cabbage (Senecio candidans) and the local and endangered King's Orchid (Gavilea kingii). We will appreciate this highly restricted assemblage of species, only praised by truly "botanical" souls.

Hostal Terrasur, Punta Arenas (3*)
Available upgrade Hotel Cabo de Hornos, Punta Arenas (4*).

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FLIGHT TO
Navarino Island

This spectacular journey will allow us to discover the floristic and vegetational diversity of one of the southernmost spots on the Americas. We will survey evergreen forests, Sphagnum peat bogs, coastal shrubbery and the Andean steppes, the latter above the timberline, having the opportunity to study a number of highly specialized plants including Gavilea australis, Hamadrya (Hamadryas magellanica), Nasauvia (Nassauvia lattisima) or Magellanic Primula (Primula magellanica). Join us on this exploration journey to enjoy the specialist flora of one of the remote corners on Earth.

Hostal Coirón, Puerto Williams (3*)
Available upgrade Hotel Lakutaia, Puerto Williams (4*).

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Flight to Punta ARenas

Today we will take our flight back to Punta Arenas, where our trip ends.

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Extensions

Chilean Patagonia, the Ultimate Botanical Tour, can be combined with the following optional extensions:

. Mediterranean Chile (4 days / 3 nights). Discover the richness of endemic plants of Central Chile, from the Andes' mountaintops to the sea level.
.Araucaria Forests(5 days / 4 nights), impressive volcanoes and the ancient Monkey Puzzle and Alerce forests of Chile's Lake District.

Ask for your discount if you combine two or more botanical programs.

Dates & Prices

This program is operated as both a scheduled departure (leaving on a set date; this is a more affordable option) and a custom trip (flexible option which runs on a date you choose giving you more privacy).

 

Main Trip:9 days / 8 nights
Meet/Depart:Punta Arenas, Chile
Depart: Puerto Montt, Chile.
Group Size:Trips are guaranteed to depart with a minimum of 2 participants.

Trip A: Fri Oct 24 - Sat Nov 1, 2008
Trip B: Fri Nov 14 - Sat 22, 2008
Trip C: Fri Nov 28 - Sat Dec 6, 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.
Upgrade Hotels Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams (TBA, based on double occupancy; excludes dinner).

The trip price includes:
All accommodations, meals and guide services as stated in the itinerary, private ground transportation during the tour, flights Punta Arenas - Puerto Williams, and park entrance fees.

The trip price excludes:
Domestic flights (Santiago - Punta Arenas), tipping, travel insurance, entrance tax to Chile, excess baggage charges, private excursions, 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 Punta Arenas?
Domestic flights Santiago - Punta Arenas - Santiago (approximately US$ XXX-XXX / £ XXX-XXX per person).
Duration of the flight: Santiago - Punta Arenas (c. 4 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.