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An
adventure in magnificence and style in Patagonia
In Chilean Patagonia, a magical region of long forgotten pioneering
and civilization, nature is still virgin, and the heart of this land
- Torres del Paine National Park - exemplifies this indescribable
scenery. There, the llamas and ñandus (type of small ostrich)
live in peace together with flocks of flamingoes, glaciers and emerald
lakes, peaks of unusual shapes, waterfalls, and shining valleys await
the down of civilization for the spellbound visitors. |
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| ORIGEN
& IDEA |
explora
was founded in 1989 by a group of friends who shared a passion
for exploring remote, mythical places. Not satisfied with simply visiting
a destination to have a good time, they sought to discover something
meaningful about other people and new worlds.
It is this perspective that enables travelers to explore new environments
in a relaxed atmosphere; in the company of others who share this outlook
explora's expeditions are designed to recreate the mystique
of exploration that sent many intrepid travelers into the unknown
during the age of discovery. We take into account the ecological sensitivities
of our time, providing guests with the unforgettable experience of
enjoying the untouched beauty of the natural and cultural environment
of remote areas, while sustaining their fragility. These preservation
measures include contemplative activities like bird watching, photography,
trekking, and horseback riding. We do not allow smoking, nor do we
use vehicles that intrude upon the tranquility of the environment,
like speedboats or motorcycles.
Our trips are not adventures; no goals are set and there is no competition.
explora believes that travelling should be a search for the unexpected--not
knowing what lies beyond the horizon, but anticipating hidden pleasures.
The emphasis here is on freedom--freedom to have fun alone, or freedom
to change one's mind and be in company with others who share the same
interests. Even the weather does not mandate when or where we go;
every day has its own merits. To avoid unnecessary risk, explora
has developed a very thorough system of well-trained and seasoned
guides who are equipped to deal with any situation.
After a day of hiking or riding to the remote sites of the region,
a beautiful retreat awaits at the Hotel Salto Chico. We designed
the hotel to conform to explora's mandate to interact with
nature without intruding. The small, gracious building supports its
environment, enhancing the beauty of the site. Inside, guests are
insulated from the ruggedness of the outside and can observe the surrounding
landscape from the warmth and security of the hotel. The accommodations
are refined, providing the essentials while avoiding the superfluous
and focusing more on comfort than on indulgence. . |
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| HOTEL
SALTO CHICO |
| A Hotel
bringing man and nature together... Pehoe, by the lakeside, in a privileged
location, Explora has built the Hotel Salto Chico, chosen for its
beauty, equipped for explorations and full of life. There are choices
for everyone, couples or families, groups or singles. |
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Services
& Facilities
Amenities include a general store, library, video game room, open-air
Jacuzzis, saunas, a gymnasium (complete with massages), heated swimming
pool, and private dock, in addition to:
- Assigned lockers for each room, located at the entrance of the hotel,
for the safekeeping of all exploration gear.
- Restaurant and bar room service.
- In-room telephones with national and international direct dial service.
(Fax service is also available.)
- A satellite dish for communication access to Chile and the world.
- Meeting rooms to accommodate up to 60 people.
- Radio communication with all exploration vehicles.
- Laundry service.
- Babysitting service |
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Facilities:
Furniture is hand made with different types of the finest local woods.
The hotel facilities include fax, telephone, radio and television
receiving international channels. For outside recreation there are
facilities for open air Jacuzzis, saunas, swimming pool and of course
own dock, and all comforts of a hotel at the highest level. |
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| EXPLORATIONS:
A DAILY CHOICE (ALL YEAR AROUND) |
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Each exploration is designed for persons of normal physical condition
and is classified according to duration and fitness requirements.
Five explorations are offered each day, and our experienced guides
can suggest those best suited to the interests and the exertion
level of each guest. The expeditions include lunch and are limited
to ten guests, plus the guide.
Note: It is recommended that the following items be brought
on the treks: a parka or waterproof windbreaker, waterproof trousers
(long underwear or thermal underwear is advisable in some cases),
high quality hiking boots (leather or waterproof fabric), comfortable
gloves, a hat to protect from the wind, sunglasses with fasteners,
lip protection, sneakers, a camera and/or video camera.
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| DIFFERENT
LEVELS: |
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EASY
1. Hike to the Peninsula of Lago de Grey (Short half day)
5. Excursion to the north of the park, with stop at Laguna Azul and
Barbecue at the Quincho (Full day)
6. Hike to Mirador de Nordenskjold (Short half day)
7. Hike to Mirador del Toro (Short half day)
13. Archeological Hike between Guarderia Sarmiento and Guarderia Laguna
Amarga (Full day)
14. Hike to Lago Sarmiento (Half day) |
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MEDIUM
3. Horseback Riding to Laguna Verde (Full day)
4. Hike to Las Alturas Del Toro (Short half day)
8. Hike through Las Cornisas (Short half day)
10. Hike to the Glaciar del Valle del Frances (Full day)
15. Horseback Riding to Refugio Pehoe (Half day)
16. Horseback riding on the Quincho (Half day)
17. Hike to Laguna Azul (Half day) |
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DIFFICULT
2. Hike to Glaciar de Grey (Full day)
9. Hike to Laguna Verde (Full day)
11. Horseback riding around the Granite Circus of Valles Del Frances
(Full day)
12. Hike to the Base of the Towers of Torres Del Paine National Park
(Short half day) |
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| Note:
explora reserves the right to alter, change, or omit part of the explorations
itinerary, without prior notice, whether necessary or advisable for
the well-being of its guests. |
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| ABOUT
WEATHER |
| One
of the surprises in the Torres del Paine National Park is the weather.
Being close to the sea, it is quite temperate with many sunny days.
The changes in atmosphere and variations of light are quite remarkable.
Rainfall is low (700 mm per year) and evenly distributed throughout
the year. Fresh westerly breezes are usual in summer with occasional
storms in the winter and bright sunny days. When it snows, the pumas
come down from the mountains to the plains. It is the time of spectacular
displays of fauna; the mule handlers gather around the fire to tell
their tales. The spring heralds the fertility season for the fauna
and flora, whilst the summer signals vitality and enthusiasm. Finally,
autumn is the photographer's paradise. Nature is vibrant and accessible
in the extreme south of Chile every day of the year. |
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| Important:
During low season April 1stto August 31st. 2003 applies the Promotional
Programs. Please ask for them. |
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| Name of Trip |
"INITIATION TO PATAGONIA"
|
"HEART OF PATAGONIA"
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| Program |
4 NIGHTS
3 days of explo.
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7 NIGHTS
6 days of explorations
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| Room Type |
Single
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Double
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Single
|
Double
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| Rio Paine |
2.028
|
1.560
|
3.590
|
2.740
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SALTO CHICO
(view Salt Chico) |
2.636
|
1.866
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4.690
|
3.282
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| CORDILLERA PAINE (With Jacuzzi) |
3.020
|
2.060
|
5.390
|
3.640
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| SUITE EXPLORADORES (view of Macizo del
Paine) |
4.272
|
2.688
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7.660
|
4.778
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| Child up to 12 years old in extra bed |
400
|
800
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| Up to 20 years old (double, triple,
or quadruple) |
800
|
1.600
|
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|
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| Name of Trip |
"INITIATION TO PATAGONIA"
|
"HEART OF PATAGONIA"
|
| Program |
4 NIGHTS
3 days of explo.
|
7 NIGHTS
6 days of explorations
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| Room Type |
Single
|
Double
|
Single
|
Double
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| Rio Paine |
2.350
|
1.810
|
4.225
|
3.225
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SALTO CHICO
(view Salt Chico) |
3.060
|
2.170
|
5.515
|
3.860
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| CORDILLERA PAINE (With Jacuzzi) |
3.510
|
2.390
|
6.340
|
4.280
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| SUITE EXPLORADORES (view of Macizo del
Paine) |
4.935
|
3.110
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9.010
|
5.560
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| Child up to 12 years old in extra bed |
400
|
800
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| Up to 20 years old (double, triple,
or quadruple) |
800
|
1.600
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Rates in US Dollars |
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INITIAL DATE
|
| January |
4
|
8
|
12
|
16
|
20
|
24
|
28
|
|
| February |
1
|
5
|
9
|
13
|
17
|
21
|
25
|
|
| March |
1
|
5
|
9
|
13
|
17
|
21
|
25
|
29
|
| April |
2
|
6
|
10
|
14
|
18
|
22
|
26
|
30
|
| May |
4
|
8
|
12
|
16
|
20
|
24
|
28
|
|
| June |
1
|
5
|
9
|
13
|
17
|
21
|
25
|
29
|
| July |
3
|
7
|
11
|
15
|
19
|
23
|
27
|
31
|
| August |
4
|
8
|
12
|
16
|
20
|
24
|
28
|
|
| September |
1
|
5
|
9
|
13
|
17
|
21
|
25
|
29
|
| October |
3
|
7
|
11
|
15
|
19
|
23
|
27
|
31
|
| November |
4
|
8
|
12
|
16
|
20
|
24
|
28
|
|
| December |
2
|
6
|
10
|
14
|
18
|
22
|
28
|
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INCLUDED :
- Transfer Punta Arenas airport/Hotel Salto Chico (departure from
Punta Arenas between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. according to arrival flights
from Santiago) and Hotel Salto Chico/Punta Arenas airport (departure
between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.)
- Accommodations and full board (3 meals per day, bar)
- Daily explorations in the area of Parque Nacional Torres del
Paine, with bilingual guides, equipment, boats, horses, vehicles
and food (groups no longer than 10 per guide).
- Rates and programs are subject to change without prior notice.
- Rates do not include air transportation, tax, alcoholic beverages,
tips, or food not included in the daily menus.
- Family Rates: are per person. Family rates are not applicable
on single rooms. Rates for youngsters accompanying their parents
are subject to availability.
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| Transfer
time schedules are subject to change without prior notice. |
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Reservations & Cancellations
- 30% of the reservation total value must be paid at the time
of confirmation. The remainder is due 30 days before arrival at
explora.
- Changes to confirmed reservations will be subject to approval
and room availability of and are accepted only before 30 days
prior to arrival to explora.
- The following penalties shall be applied to cancellations:
- 60-30 days prior to arrival: US$200 per room.
- 29-10 days prior to arrival: 30% of total reservation value.
- 9-0 days prior to arrival: 100% of total reservation value.
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