Mediterranean Chile

(4 days / 3 nights)

On this journey we will enjoy botanizing in one of the areas with one of the highest degree of plant endemism of the world. We will contemplate the overwhelming contrast of the vegetation existing between the Pacific coast, the central Valley and the Andean Range and will be delighted by the striking beauty of these unique landscapes. We will botanize among acacia plains, high Andean bogs and the contrasting plant communities found on the hillsides and gullies of the Andes. On this program we will enjoy of the great array of endemic plants. A botanical tour in the warm central Chile constitutes a highly commendable choice for your fall or winter holiday schedule.

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

Visit to
Farellones & Yerba Loca Nature Reserve

Today we will travel northeast of Santiago in search of an array of endemic species such as the Quisco (Echinopsis chilensis), an imposing cactus species, endemic to central Chile. We will also look for a number of other beautiful species and with highly restricted range such as Calceolaria, Mutisia, Shizanthus or Tropeolum.
Hotel Leonardo da Vinci, Santiago (4*).



Hostería de Huasco, Huasco (3*).

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Full day at
El Yeso Reservoir

We will be transferred today to the magnificent Andes, to some spots located above 8,000 feet (2,500 meters). The Yeso Reservoir have numerous gullies which hold an impressive plant diversity. Our target will be highly local species such as Añañuca (Phycellia bicolor) as we visit a number of Andean habitats including scree slopes and bogs.

Hotel Leonardo da Vinci, Santiago (4*).

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Full day at
La Campana Biosfere Reserve

This magnificent Biosphere Reserve holds a wealth of species with conservation problems and very local in distribution. A demanding walk will lead us to see an assemblage of characteristic plants of the Mediterranean zone. From the beautiful Chilean Palm (Jubaea chilensis) to the miniature Bipinula Orchid (Bippinula plumosa), this lovely setting will gently reveal us its floristic secrets.

Hostería El Copihue, Olmué (4*).

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Drive to Santiago
Los Molles

During the morning we will visit the lovely locality of Los Molles, which holds a marvelous selection of endemic plants including the endangered Puya venusta and the striking blooming of the coastal Alstroemeria pellegrina. We will be transferred to Santiago arriving to Santiago by noon.

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Extensions

Mediterranean Chile, botanizing from the Pacific coast to the Andes, can be combined with the following optional extensions:

. Chilean Patagonia (9 days / 8 nights), the ultimate botanical program to the southernmost tip of South America.
. Araucaria Forests (5 days / 4 nights), impressive volcanoes and the ancient Monkey Puzzle and Alerce forests of Chile's Lake District.

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

Dates & Prices

This program is operated as a custom trip (flexible option which runs on a date you choose giving you more privacy) and is available upon request for individuals or small private groups.

Main Trip:4 days / 3 nights
Meet/Depart:Santiago, Chile.
Group Size:Trips are guaranteed to depart with a minimum of 2 participants.

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.


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.