BEST OF PATAGONIA Luxur y & Wildlife
DESIGNED BY JOURNEYSMITHS
WELCOME What do a polar bear, a mountain gorilla, a Bengal tiger and a desert elephant have in common? They are awesome creatures, few in number, living in places that are spectacular, wild and fragile. I marvel that we live in an age when we can even come close to creatures like these, in the world’s remotest places. And that we can stay in exclusive comfort, in the company of expert guides. And that by travelling we can contribute to these animals’ survival.
I have built a team of Journeysmiths with the ability to match your dreams and aspirations to their knowledge and experience of the world’s extraordinary places. The outcome is a holiday of a lifetime every time you travel. Our holidays go beyond “tailormade” — they are uniquely crafted and arranged and we simply adore what we do.
LAURA BURDETT-MUNNS MANAGING DIRECTOR
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WHO ARE JOURNEYSMITHS? Choosing the right company to arrange your holiday to our world’s most complex and remote locations is vitally important. Like mankind, Journeysmiths’ roots are in Africa. 33 years ago John Burdett and Warwick Hoffman, the original Journeysmiths, founded Africa Exclusive. They were, and still are fired by a passion to show clients the wild world they love, in privacy and comfort. Today, driven by that same passion, Journeysmiths arranges the finest possible holidays to amazing places across five continents for our international clientele. Each trip is expertly arranged to exactly meet each client’s requirements and interests. We are proud of our exceptional level of service, which we believe sets us apart from other holiday companies.
AFRICA EXCLUSIVE
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WHY JOURNEYSMITHS?
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We have over 33 years experience
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We listen carefully, each client is unique
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Our holidays are beautifully engineered
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We are committed to positive impact travel
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We are passionate about quality
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Our clients have a dedicated expert consultant
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We are fastidious about those tiny details
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Our prices are fair
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HELPING OUT We are passionate about protecting the world’s most fragile environments. When you travel with us you are contributing to the protection of wildlife and the environment in partnership with local communities. As well as carefully selecting our partners around the world we also give 5% of our net profit each year to supporting charities and conservation efforts in the places we work.
FINANCIAL SECURITY You have complete financial security when you book with Journeysmiths. We are fully bonded and licenced under the Civil Aviation Authority’s ATOL scheme, licence number ATOL 2883 (Journeysmiths is a trading name of Africa Exclusive Ltd). This covers all clients who book their international flights from the UK and holiday arrangements through us. If you are arranging your own flights or you are not departing from the UK you are also protected by a separate insurance policy that we voluntarily maintain with Travel and General Insurance Services. This is called a Total Payment Protection Policy (TOPP) and the policy number is AELI/topp/23/17.
AFRICA EXCLUSIVE
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TRAVEL WELL Travel to the world’s fragile places should benefit the habitats, wildlife and people who live there. We call this ‘travelling well’ and it is a feature of every safari we arrange. It may seem counterintuitive that visiting a place could protect it, but staying at the right place can do just that. We actively favour safari lodges which work in partnership with local communities to conserve wildlife. We also support charities and NGOs working in our destinations. We are fortunate enough to enjoy the incredible biodiversity this planet has to offer. We believe it is our responsibility to preserve it for future generations.
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In the 33 year life of Journeysmiths, Africa's human population has doubled. The future of vulnerable species and iconic landscapes can only be assured by a mutually beneficial partnership between Africa's people and wildlife. l au r a b u r d e t t - m u n n s m a n ag i n g d i r e c to r
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AFRICA EXCLUSIVE
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THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF YOUR TRIP 33 years ago we encountered Africa and fell in love with its awesome beauty. Ever since, we’ve been spreading the word, sharing our passion so that you too can experience the best of our world. In the best possible way. This means matching your individuality to a unique blend of places and experiences that fulfil your dreams and extend your horizons. It also means fighting to protect these fragile places. The way we do this is simple but effective:
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We work with people who share our values
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We make it easy for you to see the positive impacts of your holiday
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We encourage you to get involved
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We donate a minimum of 5% of net profit to charity each year
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Our planet’s remote places and wildlife are under constant threat from poaching, encroachment and climate change. We favour lodges which actively conserve the land and its wildlife. This requires dynamic partnerships with local communities which leads to them benefiting significantly from wildlife conservation. We include details of initiatives run by each property you will visit in your travel itinerary, so that you can see the positive impact of your stay. Our team would also be delighted to discuss ways you can get more involved.
To help protect the amazing places we send our clients to; we donate 5% of our net profits each to charitable conservation projects within Africa. We also work alongside charities that are dedicated to protecting endangered species, providing environmental education to local children and ensuring human-wildlife coexistence is sustained.
AFRICA EXCLUSIVE
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AT A GLANCE...
DATE
SERVICE
ROUTE & PROPERTY
DURATION
CLASS / ROOM TYPE
DAY 1
ROAD TRANSFER
BUENOS AIRES AIRPORT TO FOUR SEASONS
APPROX. 30 MINUTES
PRIVATE
FOUR SEASONS
1 NIGHT
CITY VIEW ROOM
APPROX. 15 MINUTES
PRIVATE
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 2
ROAD TRANSFER
FOUR SEASON TO AEROPARQUE JORGE NEWBERRY
AR1864
AEROPARQUE JORGE NEWBERRY TO TRELEW
APPROX. 2 HOURS
ECONOMY
ROAD TRANSFER
TRELEW AIRPORT TO ESTANCIA RINCON CHICO
APPROX. 2 HOURS, 30 MINUTES
PRIVATE
ESTANCIA RINCON CHICO
3 NIGHTS
STANDARD ROOM
ROAD TRANSFER
ESTANCIA RINCON CHICO TO TRELEW AIRPORT
APPROX. 2 HOURS, 30 MINUTES
PRIVATE
AR2868
TRELEW TO EL CALAFATE
APPROX. 3 HOURS
ECONOMY
ROAD TRANSFER
EL CALAFATE TO EOLO PATAGONIA
APPROX. 50 MINUTES
PRIVATE
EOLO PATAGONIA
3 NIGHTS
PREMIUM SUITE
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 5
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 6
ACTIVITY
PERITO MORENO GLACIER TOUR
FULL DAY
SHARED
DAY 8
ROAD TRANSFER
EOLO PATAGONIA TO SINGULAR PATAGONIA
APPROX. 4 HOURS
PRIVATE
SINGULAR PATAGONIA
2 NIGHTS
SINGULAR KING
SINGULAR PATAGONIA TO AWASI PATAGONIA
APPROX. 2 HOURS, 30 MINUTES
PRIVATE
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 10
ROAD TRANSFER
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AT A GLANCE...
DATE
SERVICE
ROUTE & PROPERTY
DURATION
CLASS / ROOM TYPE
AWASI PATAGONIA
6 NIGHTS
VILLA
ROAD TRANSFER
AWASI PATAGONIA TO PUNTA ARENAS AIRPORT
APPROX. 3 HOURS
PRIVATE
LA0292
PUNTA ARENAS TO SANTIAGO
APPROX. 3 HOURS, 15 MINUTES
ECONOMY CLASS
HOLIDAY INN SANTIAGO AIRPORT
1 NIGHT
STANDARD ROOM
SANTIAGO TO CALAMA
APPROX. 2 HOURS
ECONOMY CLASS
NAYARA ALTO ATACAMA
4 NIGHTS
CARTARPE ROOM
CALAMA TO SANTIAGO
APPROX. 2 HOURS
ECONOMY CLASS
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 16
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 17
LA0354
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 21
LA0343
“Just to say a huge thanks for arranging our latest trip. It was absolutely amazing. All of the accommodation was top class and, as we’ve come to expect the attention to detail with all the transfers, excursions and other arrangements were perfect.” GODDARD FAMILY
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ITINERARY IN DETAIL
DAY 1 JOURNEY
Private road transfer Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport to Recoleta
ACCOMMODATION
Four Seasons Hotel City View Room One Night
INCLUSIONS
Breakfast
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Buenos Aires is an elegant and cosmopolitan city with a European flavour and friendly atmosphere, where fashionable suburbs including Olivos and San Isidoro make way for bustling markets and cafes. There is a very active cultural and social life, special themes being the tango, three sports at their best (soccer, polo and horse racing), Argentine beef ENQUIRE NOW
and excellent wines. There are many monuments, museums, art galleries and a wonderful opera house, as well as good shopping and excellent restaurants. The city is flanked by the Rio de la Plata, the world’s largest estuary, and the lowlands of the Pampas.
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The Four Seasons Buenos Aires is in the exclusive La Recoleta district and was built in the early 20th century as a French mansion. Its age-old charm is complemented perfectly by modern amenities and exemplary customer service, making this one of the best places to stay in the city. Many of the hotel’s 97 rooms and 49 luxury suites are located in the tower and so have superb views across Buenos Aires. The traditional décor and furnishings take their inspiration from France, and include mahogany furniture and leather headboards. This is the only hotel in Recoleta with a heated outdoor swimming pool; there is also a fitness centre, spa, and even a boutique perfumery, Fueguia 1833, where you can create your own signature scent.
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In the afternoon you will explore the highlights of the city with a local private guide. This tour kicks off in one of the city’s most significant spots: Plaza de Mayo square, the political heart of the city laid out by Don Juan de Garay in 1580 during the second founding of Buenos Aires. Continue to San Telmo neighbourhood, with its cobbled streets, where the original porteños (Buenos Aires residents) settled in the early days. After a short drive south, stop off at picturesque La Boca, the colourful working-class port neighbourhood, and walk along Caminito Street, where local artists display their artwork to the tune of tango performed on the street. Pass through Puerto Madero and see this regenerated area
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where redbrick warehouses have been transformed into trendy restaurants and bars before finishing the tour in Recoleta and its renowned cemetery to glimpse stunning mausoleums, the final resting place for many of Argentina’s key characters. An evening of dinner paired with an intimate music and dance show awaits at Gala Tango in San Telmo. A unique venue thanks to its architecture and décor that evokes the 1930s, this tango dinner show offers up an unforgettable experience. Every table at this intimate setting has a clear view of the dancers, so every step and expression are noted. A live five-piece orchestra draws you into the magical world of tango, the bandoneón (concertina) standing out for its melodic yet mournful sounds.
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DAYS 2 TO 4 JOURNEY
Private road transfer to airport Depart Aeroparque Jorge Newbery airport to Trelew Road transfer Trelew Airport to Peninsula Valdes
ACCOMMODATION
Estancia Rincon Chico Standard Room Three nights
INCLUSIONS
All meals and ranch activities; guided walks, mountain biking, beach visits, horse-riding, birdwatching
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The Peninsula Valdes juts into the South Atlantic and is one of the most important wildlife areas in Argentina, mainly as a breeding ground for southern right whales, elephant seals, sea lions and Magellan penguins. It is also the only place on the Patagonian coast where Killer Whales can be seen feeding and developing their most incredible hunting technique.
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The penguin colony holds a population of 15,000 birds while the whales are usually present between June and December. There are estimated to be around 40,000 elephant seals along the coastline, making it the only colony approaching this size outside Antarctica. During the month of November, two-thirds of the animals strewn about along the pebbled shoreline are yearlings and juveniles which have come to land for the forty-day moult until midDecember. 19
On your journey across the peninsula you are most likely to sight the indigenous fauna along the way: Guanacos at their best, Darwin’s rhea (South American ostrich), and maras (Patagonian hare) loping across the countryside, as well as the elegant Crested Tinamou, the Hairy Armadillo and its smaller relative, the Patagonia pichi armadillo. You traverse huge sheep ranches which occupy most of the Peninsula’s interior, salt pits and lagoons dotted with pink flamingos, until you reach the coast.
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The Estancia Rincon Chico is located on the far eastern edge of the Peninsula, on the Patagonian Sea and is owned by descendants of the original pioneer families from the 19th century. It is still a functioning sheep ranch, having continued the traditions of merino wool production throughout the years. Opening for guests in 2001, the main building was constructed in the style of an old English house, complete with large deck and surrounding gallery. There are just eight comfortable rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. There is a large living room with extensive library of books about the flora and fauna of the Peninsula, dining room, and wine bar. All are furnished with antique furniture owned by the family.
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As well as learning about the history of the buildings, the area and the sheep farming business, all guests will be able to take advantage of this privileged position by visiting various locations around the peninsula with professional biologist guides and seeing the unusual and unique flora and fauna. You can enjoy shorts walks, longer hikes, horse-riding, mountain
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biking, bird-watching, star-gazing and visits to the various beach that make up the estancia. Additional activities on the Peninsula include whale and dolphin watching, visiting the penguin colonies, snorkeling and scuba diving with sea lions, kayaking, and exploring the scenic vistas the cliff-lined coastline has to offer (at an additional cost).
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CONSERVATION For over 20 years, Estancia Rincon Chico have been supporting conservation projects along Peninsula Valdes, one of the richest marine areas on earth. Through their foundation, Conservaciόn Penίnsula Valdés, they work alongside big names including the BBC and National Geographic to address issues including human wildlife conflict, the promotion of sustainable farming practices and rewilding natural environments. Income generated from Estancia Rincon Chico is invested to support the work of Conservaciόn Penίnsula Valdés.
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DAYS 5 TO 7 JOURNEY
Private road transfer to airport Depart Trelew airport to El Calafate Private road transfer to lodge
ACCOMMODATION
EOLO Patagonia Premium Suite Three Nights
INCLUSIONS
All meals, soft drinks, and shared lodge activities: guided treks, mountain biking and birdwatching. Activities outside of the property are available at additional cost
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Located in Argentina’s southern Patagonian province of Santa Cruz, El Calafate is the gateway to one of the country’s most unforgettable sites: Los Glaciares National Park. Situated by the turquoise waters of Lake Argentino and surrounded by snowy peaks this is the idyllic starting point for journeys to view the huge blue-ice glaciers of Perito Moreno and Upsala as they cut through the forested countryside. Watch huge slabs of ice creak and groan as they calve and crash into the waters below, sending powerful waves to the shoreline. ENQUIRE NOW
Having grown from small beginnings as a frontier town El Calafate is also where you can witness the old traditions of farming and ranching, by visiting one of several sheep ‘estancias’ in the area, where old-time gauchos still work. Sheep raising is an important industry in Patagonia never more evident than during the shearing season between October and January.
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EOLO is a stunning Relais & Chateaux accredited hotel set on 3,000 hectares of private land amidst towering and seemingly endless wilderness several miles outside El Calafate in the La Anita Valley. Looking north you can see Lago Argentino, to the west the peak of Mount Frias and in the distance some way to the south are the peaks of the renowned Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile. The property is a fully restored and refurbished country house that echoes the style of traditional Argentinian estancias but with every modern amenity and a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities. There are twelve superior rooms, three premium rooms and two corner rooms all with en-suite bathrooms and superb views. There is a fabulous spa, an indoor pool and sauna pool and a high-quality restaurant serving Argentine specialities and fine wines from the Andean foothills.
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EOLO’s private land is easy to explore from the lodge in a number of ways. You can take walks ranging from gentle strolls to more strenuous hikes, self-guided or in the company of guides from the lodge, perhaps even combining with a spot of bird-watching. Mountain bike or horse-ride through the valley, or for those less inclined to active pursuits, explore the same amazing terrain from the comfort of a 4x4 vehicle. On the slopes and forests of Cerro Frias you can even try the five 1500ft long sections of zip-line, a unique activity for the area.
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Further afield, and at additional cost, there are a number of exciting ways to discover Patagonia. There are hundreds of glaciers which wind majestically through snow-covered hills and mountains, many discharging into lakes which are often of deep blue colour with floating ice and birdlife making this one of the worlds most spectacular accessible glacial regions. You can enjoy guided hikes on some of these glaciers, take boat trips on the lakes, or even brave the cold waters in a kayak.
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On Day 6 you will be taken on a full day guided tour to the fascinating landscape of the Perito Moreno glacier. The glacier is an impressive natural wonder and due to its extension and height (over 60m), it has become world famous for its easy access, continuous advance and the loud loosening of huge icebergs. Explore glacier streams, small lagoons, gullies, crevasses and plenty of ice formations. Learn about the different flora, fauna and general glaciology of the region. In the afternoon you will take to the water by kayak. Departing from “De los Témpanos” beach you will glide along the glistening water to the front of the glacier, only 600 meters away from one of its main walls. As the huge ice mass towers over you you’ll capture the moment as a lifelong memory.
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ENVIRONMENT EOLO have a coveted ecoqualis seal which recognises their efforts to minimise their carbon footprint. Ecoqualis help the hotel define, manage, and develop solutions that embed sustainability into their operations.
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DAYS 8 AND 9 JOURNEY
Private road transfer from EOLO to Singular Patagonia
ACCOMMODATION
The Singular Patagonia Singular King Two Nights
INCLUSIONS
All meals, local drinks and daily excursions (two half day or one full day) with bilingual guides to be selected from The Singular Excursion menu.
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Torres del Paine National Park is approximately 598,000 acres and is set in the imposing Paine mountain range. The region, declared a biospheric reserve by UNESCO, is considered to be among the most beautiful in world and this is due to the unique formation of mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes and waterfalls making it perfect country for trekking, horse riding and scenic drives. ENQUIRE NOW
There are 105 different species of birds to be found in this area, including flamingos, eagles and swans and also 25 species of mammal, including armadillos and the famous guanacos.
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The Singular Patagonia is a unique historic destination, a national heritage site at the end of the world. It lies on the shore of the Señoret Channel at the end of Ultima Esperanza Sound, a prime location for exploring the remote Torres del Paine National Park. Rooms and suites at the hotel look out across the water: the Patagonian fjords are enthralling at any time of day. The generously sized rooms are simple in their style, but the designer furniture adds a hint of luxury and compliments the wood and other natural materials. Beds are king-size and the large bathrooms include separate walk-in showers and substantial bathtubs.
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The Singular has three gourmet restaurants as well as a well-stocked bar. Buffet breakfasts are served at Desayunador, El Asador is set within a preserved 19th century interior, and in Restaurant Executive Chef Laurent Pasqualetto fuses the best of French and Chilean cuisines.
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Excursions from The Singular make the most of the great outdoors. Kayaking on the Eberhard Fjord you’ll visit historic locations such as the Island of
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the Dead, and also see Chilean birdlife up close. The condor and Chilean flamingo are particularly impressive.
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We recommend combining kayaking with a halfday trek to the summit of Mount Benitez to watch the majestic flight of the condor all around you. There are also excellent opportunities of mountain biking around Puerto Consuelo, horseback riding through the Laguna Sofia Valley, and fly fishing for Atlantic salmon amidst the ice floes.
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ENVIRONMENT The Singular Patagonia is a certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) hotel. Their owners at the Opal Collection believe and act upon the belief that they are responsible stewards of the environment. In doing so, they constantly seek to reduce their carbon footprint, endeavour to increase their energy efficiency and reduce their water consumption. With this in mind, the Singular Patagonia was constructed with an eye toward creating a sustainabilityminded luxury hotel.
The Opal Collection has two private reserves (totaling over 37,000 acres) specifically created to help maintain the habitat of the local flora and fauna. In addition to providing an expansive playground for indigenous plants and animals, these reserves also help to ensure guests can enjoy the beauty of the Patagonia for generations to come.
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DAYS 10 TO 15 JOURNEY
Private road transfer from The Singular Hotel to Awasi Patagonia
ACCOMMODATION
Awasi Patagonia Villa Six Nights
INCLUSIONS
All meals, local drinks (don’t miss the exquisite selection of Chilean wines), private transfers and 4x4 activities and private guide to design the excursion that best suits your preferences and interests. You may choose between full-day excursions with lunch included (from 4 to 6 hrs.) or two half-day excursions (between 2 and 5 hrs.) returning to have lunch at Awasi between both excursions.
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Awasi Patagonia is a beautiful lodge located within sight of the famous ‘horns’ of the Torres del Paine National Park. This is one of the most spectacular scenic areas of Latin America dominated by the towering peaks of the southernmost reaches of the ENQUIRE NOW
Andes Mountains. Below these lie beautiful lakes and the rough grassland of southern Patagonia where you find llamas, flocks of flamingos and condors.
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The hotel is perfectly equipped as a base for those who wish to explore this area in comfort and style. All of the buildings are constructed and decorated throughout with locally procured wood, allowing the main areas and villas to blend into the incomparable natural landscape.
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There are 12 en-suite villas complete with open air hot tubs, large comfortable living room with fireplace and huge windows to allow you to take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
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A Relais & Chateaux accredited property the cuisine is excellent and the service is exemplary. Awasi also has a number of highly expert guides who take you on a variety of hikes, riding and
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drives to explore Torres del Paine National Park and one should stay here for at least three days to begin to appreciate the diversity and beauty of the region.
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During your stay you will spend three days with and expert puma tracking team. The puma trackers are both local people and Chilean people from other parts of Chile who are dedicated to the Patagonia wildlife. They have studied their day to day life and along with the Awasi guides, using hidden cameras and other methods to study their behaviour. Puma tracking usually takes place at sunrise or sunset to coincide with the times of day when Torres del Paine’s pumas are most active. Tracking is done both by vehicle and on foot therefore certain levels of physical fitness are required, as well as a calm disposition, as you will need to cross the open Steppe – sometimes at a fast pace – to get the best views of these beautiful creatures.
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CONSERVATION Located on the border of the Torres Awasi Patagonia del Paine National Park, Awasi Patagonia noticed that the park itself is a fantastic refuge for many native species including puma, condor, guanacos and many others. However, when these animals leave the protected borders of the national park, they are exposed to several dangers. Awasi decided to act upon this and have created a natural corridor, thus expanding the protected area creating an even greater habitable environment within which the species of Patagonia can roam freely. By leasing adjacent sheep farms and working together with neighbouring estancias, they have helped restore the natural habitat of native species, and now between 9 and 12 pumas roam an area that was once devoid of wildlife.
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ENVIRONMENT Awasi Patagonia protects approximately 340 hectares of native woodland in Iguazú and Patagonia. These areas absorb over 10,000 tonnes of CO2 every year. Their efforts to protect the natural beauty of these regions not long offsets the emissions generated by their three lodges and those generated by their guests that travel to and from the properties but also protects habitats of plant and animal species that make Chile so unique.
COMMUNITY Awasi protects its neighbouring communities by aiding the preservation of their rich cultural histories. They fund a weekly art workshop at their local school which previously lacked an art teacher for the children. During these workshops, they arrange for a range of artists to participate (illustrators, theatre teachers and more) to give the children tools for self-expression.
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DAY 16 JOURNEY
Private road transfer from Awasi Patagonia to Punta Arenas airport Flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago
ACCOMMODATION
Holiday Inn Santiago Airport Standard Room One Night
INCLUSIONS
Breakfast
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The comfortable 4-star Holiday Inn is ideally situated as an overnight airport hotel on the ground of Santiago International airport, just a short walk from the terminals. Modern hotel facilities include a health and fitness centre and indoor swimming pools. Meals are taken in the Grill ENQUIRE NOW
restaurant while there is also a cocktail bar to relax in. Guestrooms and suites are fully equipped with King or Queen sized beds and en-suite bathroom and feature air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibar, safe, cable TV, tea and coffee maker.
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DAYS 17 TO 20 JOURNEY
Flight from Santiago to Calama
ACCOMMODATION
Nayara Alto Atacama Cartarpe Room Four Nights
INCLUSIONS
All meals with wine, selected alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Daily excursions inclusing either two half day or one full day excursion in small groups with English speaking guide and picnic. Use of all hotel facilities.
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The Atacama Desert is a spectacularly colourful region of great canyons, spouting geysers, salt lakes and towering snow-capped volcanoes in the heart of northern Chile. Much of the Atacama lies between 8,000 and 13,000ft above sea level so temperatures are moderate and a brilliant sun illuminates bright yellows, blues and silvers, and other colours which dominate the landscape. ENQUIRE NOW
Visitors to the Atacama can enjoy a wide range of natural phenomena including the mighty geysers of El Tatio which spout steam hundreds of feet into the sky, but only during the morning. The Valley of the Moon is best visited at sunset when the moonlight reflects of millions of salt crystals, illuminating this vast wind sculpted series of rock formations.
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There are great salt lakes and others where the water appears green and you see flamingos, llamas and vicuna and other creatures which have managed to adapt to the very dry landscapes. The history of the region goes back beyond 3,000 years and there are interesting archaeological remains and mummified people who have been preserved in the absolutely dry climate.
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Alto Atacama Hotel is located just outside San Pedro de Atacama by the “lunar” ruins of the old Pukara de Quitor fortress. This is an appropriately scenic and atmospheric spot as the small hotel is constructed under a vast cliff with views of the world’s driest desert all around you.
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This delightful luxury boutique hotel has forty-two very comfortable rooms all air-conditioned with en-suite bathroom and flat screen TV and internet access. It is an ideal base in which to explore these fascinating desert regions with your private guide. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming with impeccable service and a superb blend of local and international cuisine is on offer, expertly prepared by the executive chef.
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Alto offers its guests over thirty different types of activity, each of which is guided by its expert resident, multi-lingual guides. You can choose whichever combination of activities you would prefer, including drives to all parts of this diverse area, walking and mountain biking.
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San Pedro de Atacama boasts some of the world’s clearest skies and is, therefore, one of the best places to practice astronomy – the peaceful location of Alto offers ample opportunity to observe the skies at night in the company of expert astronomers.
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ENVIRONMENT The hotel kitchens are driven by the mission to offer sustainable and healthy food that uses local and seasonally available products while supporting local farmers and producers. The aim is to get to “zero kilometers” of distance between produce and kitchen.
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CONSERVATION The Llama is a South American member of the camel family, closely related to the alpaca, guanaco and vicuna. They are very social domestic animals, and the legend goes that they were bred during or before the Inca Civilisation as a beast of burden. The hotel has a large Corral where the Llamas spend the day grazing on grass and delighting guests.
COMMUNITY Alto Atacama is known in the area as being a stable place to work, and most of the hotel’s team comes from the neighbouring towns. Nayaro gives yearly scholarships to young people to finish high school, both in the area or other places in Chile.
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DAY 21 JOURNEY
Flight Calama to Santiago International flight home booked under own arrangements
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FURTHER INFORMATION
Inclusions: — Accommodation as detailed — Internal Domestic Flights (Economy Class) — Road transfers as indicated — Meals as listed — Lodge activities as listed — Pre-payable park/reserve fees Exclusions: — International Flights — Any items not detailed in the travel itinerary — Tips
Notes: All the photos contained in this itinerary are illustrative of the lodges, transport and sights you will see on your holiday. Please note however that we cannot guarantee that you will see all the animals and birds shown as these are wild creatures and not under our control. Equally where specific food or drink, or furniture/furnishings are shown, these may not be identical to those you will experience.Please note inclusions are subject to change at the discretion of the property. If flights have been included within your booking then unless provisionally held for you, these are subject to change and any increases in fares at the time of booking will be passed on. Similarly, if booking a trip inclusive of flights more than 11 months in advance we will try to give as accurate an indicative cost as possible, but exact flight costs will need to be obtained once flight fares become available and as such, any variance will be reflected in your final balance. The nature of our holidays means that they may not be suitable for people with reduced mobility. If you have reduced mobility or any specific medical requirements, please ensure that you discuss these with your travel designer prior to booking your holiday.
© Journeysmiths
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JOURNEYSMITHS 18 Mobbs Miller House Christchurch Road Northampton NN1 5LL T: +44 (0) 1604 628979 | +1-866-871-3829 E: enquiries@journeysmiths.co.uk www.journeysmiths.co.uk
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