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Come and discover the mysteries of South America’s ancient civilisations. Explore the striking contrasts of its unique landscapes. Embark your journeys through deserts, past lakes and volcanoes along rivers and to thousand year old glaciers. Give yourself over to the total relaxation of remote island paradises. If you are looking for a once in a life time experience, with a higly qualified travel company that can fulfil your every need and desire, travel with us: we will create a made to measure adventure to the end of the world – the adventure that until now you have only dreamed of. Our staff are great explorers who spend their time looking for unique and well-hidden destinations, people and places that remain out of the reach of the average traveller.
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Because we specialise in a small number of destinations in a part of the world we know and love, it means we have an expertise that other companies simply cannot match. Go beyond the usual holiday; abandon your safe routine; allow yourself to live. Your Best Way to Discover South America and Polynesia. Exploring Chile - Travel & Dreams
4
You may never walk on the surface of Mars, but Exploring Chile can take you to see the dreamlike landscapes of the Atacama Desert where you will feel like you have traveled to another planet. Discover the culture of the Atacama; marvel at the emerald green lagoons on the plateau; relax at the Puritama hot springs; admire a romantic sunset at the Valle de la Luna; free yourself and feel the magical silence of the desert; stand in awe of the “Salar de Uyuni,� one of the largest salt flats in the
world; be thrilled by the beauty of the pink flamingoes. Come and visit the atmosphere of the unique town of San Pedro de Atacama where you will experience this beautiful, preserved colonial town center with a charming plaza and a simple, yet marvelous XVIth century church. The Atacama Desert is a special destination for a unique and exciting voyage. With Exploring Chile you will discover the Atacama Desert in style, and reach exclusive destinations that you can only visit with us.
Franco Barbagallo Š Geysers del Tatio
ATACAMA DESERT
Š Franco Barbagallo
6
© Cris Berger
CENTRAL ZONE Exploring Chile creates the perfect vacation in the central zone, from the quintessential city tour of Santiago to the famous Maipo wine valley. Private flights for passengers that are short on time and those who want to visit the Colchagua Valley and the port of Valparaiso can be arranged for the same day. You can enjoy country barbeques in Chilean houses while savoring the flavors of the country’s best wines. Do you want to eat in the finest restaurants and experience the best that Santiago’s nightlife can offer? Learn to dance “Cueca” (Chile’s national dance), visit the Mercado Central (Central Market), or eat at a “picada” where all the locals eat. You can visit the most impressionable museums and the best crafts shows, ski on the slopes of the colossal Andes (seasonal), or rent a private chauffeured vehicle to truly experience the splendor of this region. If you want to experience the essence and soul of our people, travel with Exploring Chile.
8
LAKE DISTRICT (CHILOE) This region is the acclaimed for it being home of the Mapuche Indians and the most alluring and concealed National Parks in Chile. Here you will see volcanoes, lakes, rivers to fly fish in, and organized Mapuche communities that will receive you with the best of their culture and traditions. Come and appreciate the history of this great region where Exploring Chile will take you to the Island of Chiloé to discover its XVIIIth and XIXth century churches, of which
16 have been declared World Heritage sites. You will understand why the National Geographic Magazine included Chiloé in its list of the world’s best islands, for its landscape, heritage, and its natural beauties, and also why it has not yet been invaded by mass tourism. Come and enjoy a “curanto” of delicious oysters, while listening to the legend of the “Trauco”, admiring its stilt houses and its local celebrations.
Cris Berger Š Torres del Paine
10
PATAGONIA
Delight and admire the illustrious region of Patagonia, a mysterious land that has inspired writers such as Bruce Chatwin, Luis Sepúlveda and Francisco Coloane, among many others. Do you want to experience Patagonia in person? Exploring Chile offers you the possibility of touring Patagonia by kayak, horseback, and/or fantastic trekking journeys in such emblematic places as the Fitz Roy or the Cerro Torre. Do you want to sail through the famous Cape Horn? Exploring Chile can also take you to visit colonies of Magellan penguins or to villages lost in time, where descendants of the Yagan or Kaweskar Indians can still be found. Maybe you just want to lose yourself in the pleasure of relaxing in some boutique hotel or visit the most alluring places of the legendary Torres de Paine National Park. Here you can relish the local cuisine with local, handcrafted beers and “cordero al palo” (lamb on-a-stick) barbeques. Whatever your dreams of Patagonia may be, Exploring Chile will make them become realities.
Franco Barbagallo Š Skorpios III - Glaciar Pio XI
12
CRUISES IN PATAGONIA Have you dreamt of taking a cruise to South America’s remote and distant frontier? Exploring Chile can arrange a cruise that can satisfy all your cruising needs in this part of the world. Starting from the impressive “Cruce de los Lagos” (Journey over the lakes) that crosses the Andes Mountains from Bariloche to Puerto Varas, and continuing on to the Australis Cruise ship that tours the astounding Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego. You can take the most traditional navigation by boat from Puerto Montt en route to the breathtaking San Rafael
Glacier. Next you can discover Patagonia’s most mystifying and hidden sections by helicopter. Have you ever tried Heliskiing? Here at Exploring Chile, we can make that happen. While on your voyage savor the flavor of gourmet food along pristine areas of Patagonia. Do you want to travel to Chiloé Island by boat and discover its intimacy and wonder? Leave the cruising arrangements to the experts where we can create customized itineraries that help make your next trip to Patagonia a dream come true.
Š Franco Barbagallo
14
© Franco Barbagallo
EASTER ISLAND Here you can explore one of the most remote islands in the world. It is a land of legends and home of the colossal and mysterious moais. This island is a paradise for archaeology lovers. We offer you trekking and horseback riding lasting two or more days that will take you to discover unique corners of the island that typical tourists do not reach. You will be able to sleep in caverns that the ancient island dwellers used as refuges in tribal wars, which are still considered sacred places. You will be able to sail around Easter Island on a sailboat to see Rapa Nui from another perspective. Taste the exquisite tuna fish or its famous “empanadas” and experience first-hand the famous Tapati, a festival held once a year where all the Easter Islanders dress in costumes and compete, recalling the ancient birdman ceremony. Dive into warm and crystalline waters with a visibility of up to 60 meters for an incredible and unforgettable scuba dive. This trip can be organized as a fly & drive with a car rental and hotel reservation. Our hotel partners range from family hostels to luxury hotels. IORANA!
Š Franco Barbagallo
16 Here at Exploring Chile we know and supersede the expectations of our clients. We completely adapt and create itineraries for travelers with little time and who want to take luxury vacations in the most fascinating and marvelous places of South America and Polynesia. Journeys that combine outdoor and relaxing activities, gourmet dinners at spectacular locations, wine tasting in the best bodegas of the region accompanied by expert sommeliers, accommodations in the most spectacular and exclusive hotels, and access to special places and events. We can organize private flights, business trips for executives, and programs for families where we place special emphasis on making the older as well as the younger happy. If you are seeking an unforgettable experience or a romantic getaway to impress your girlfriend or wife with impeccable taste, come and experience the luxury of Exploring Chile: Travel & Dreams.
LUXURY TRAVEL © Casas Del Bosque
18
ANTARTICA There is no other region in the world that is so movingly different than “The Last Frontier.” It is a desert buried under the immaculate whiteness of snow and ice. It is also the windiest, coldest, and of course, the least inhabited continent on Earth. The search for the Antarctic was the last great adventure of the world-exploring era. Exploring Chile invites you to explore and feel “The White Silence” in this diverse and remarkable part of the planet. Exploring Chile can take you to Antarctica on flights leaving from Punta Arenas or by cruise ship.
20
PERU
© crisberger.com
Exploring Chile can even enchant you in the mysticism of Machu Picchu located in Cuzco, the magical capital of the Inca Empire; the enigmatic Nazca Lines; the Cañon del Colca; and Lake Titicaca. The experience of being able to behold these wonders is reason enough to visit Peru. Peru is perfect for lovers of archeology, ancient civilizations, foreign cuisines, South American culture, and its colors, roots, and people. Here you can enjoy exploring the overwhelming nature of biodiversity’s world capital, Puerto Maldonado, which offers some of the best views of wildlife in the Amazon River basin.
Š Franco Barbagallo
22
GALAPAGOS
The uneven geography of the Galapagos Islands is nothing like the picture-perfect islands that one expects to find in the tropics. Galapagos does not stand out for its luxury hotels or for its spas, and yet it is one of the most exclusive destinations on the planet. The reason for its popularity is for its isolation. At almost fifteen hundred kilometers from the coast of Ecuador which has given rise, after thousands of years, to a unique combination of land and ocean ecosystems where, as Darwin was the first to show, many species have evolved differently, even with notable differences between one island and another.
24
POLYNESIA
Maupiti, Huahine, Tetiaroa, Tahaa, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Tikehau, Raiatea are comprised of 118 islands grouped in 5 archipelagoes. This is a dream destination for a romantic getaway, to celebrate an anniversary, or to sail on board a catamaran or a yacht over luxurious turquoise-blue waters. You will embark upon an exquisite voyage that allows you to wake up every day on a different island, see the sunset from a deck with a glass of champagne in hand. This is an adventure not to be missed. Picture yourself diving into waters seen out of a movie and swim with millions of small colored fish. Once in your lifetime you have to sleep in an overwater bungalow with the love of your life, taste the “poisson cru� in a typical caravan, lose yourself in the magical pleasure of sleeping under a palm tree, visiting a black pearl farm and understanding why the artist Paul Gauguin fell in love with the sweet air of Polynesia.
David Kirkland © GIE TAHITI TOURISME
26
UNIQUE HOTELS
INDIGO PATAGONIA
HOTEL RUGEND
Indigo is a blend of the modern architecture of renowned chilean architect Sebastian Irarrรกzaval, and the strong passion for Patagonia of its three ownersoperators - chilean , spanish and french respectively. The rooms are distributed
Rugendas has what you need to enjoy your visit to Chile and your stay in Santiago. An exclusive location and all the comfort that guests are looking for. At Rugendas you will enjoy a five star service at a 4 star price.
around a huge central space, itself divided by an impressive vertical curtain made of eucalyptus. A system of bridges, ramps and staircases allows an intriguingly human circulation within the hotel.
Exploring Chile can help you stay in exclusive and luxurious hotels. These hotels, whose architecture is in harmony with nature, have received awards from the best travel magazines in the world. They offer more than simple accommodations, but rather an unforgettable experience with adventures and discursions in the middle of an overwhelming natural environment. All of these hotels share the vision to offer services of the highest quality to their guests. We present you with 3 hotels that we have selected for our travel catalog:
NDAS This warm hotel offers an awarded restaurant, a brand new fitness area, kindness, amazing bedding, and the most important for today´s travelers: immediate assistance for your needs.
AWASI ATACAMA The unique Hotel Awasi, located in San Pedro de Atacama has been presented the Best Boutique Hotel in Latin America Award for the past two years. They create memorable travel experiences by providing local cuisine and excursions, along with serene lodging. Their 8
suites assure intimacy and comfort. Each room is at least 50 m2 and is assigned a private jeep and guide allowing guests to plan their various excursions according to their individual interests, objectives, and physical conditions in this rich, natural and cultural area.
28 world; be thrilled by the beauty of the pink flamingoes. Come and visit the atmosphere of the unique town of San Pedro de Atacama where you will experience this beautiful, preserved colonial town center with a charming plaza and a simple, yet marvelous XVIth century church. The Atacama Desert is a special destination for a unique and exciting voyage. With Exploring Chile you will discover the Atacama Desert in style, and reach exclusive destinations that you can only visit with us.
ATACAMA DESERT Franco Barbagallo © Geysers del Tatio
4
You may never walk on the surface of Mars, but Exploring Chile can take you to see the dreamlike landscapes of the Atacama Desert where you will feel like you have traveled to another planet. Discover the culture of the Atacama; marvel at the emerald green lagoons on the plateau; relax at the Puritama hot springs; admire a romantic sunset at the Valle de la Luna; free yourself and feel the magical silence of the desert; stand in awe of the “Salar de Uyuni,” one of the largest salt flats in the
4
CENTRAL ZONE
6
LAKE DISTRICT (CHILOE)
8
PATAGONIA
10
CRUISES IN PATAGONIA
12
EASTER ISLAND
14
© Cris Berger
6
ATACAMA DESERT
CENTRAL ZONE © Franco Barbagallo
Exploring Chile creates the perfect vacation in the central zone, from the quintessential city tour of Santiago to the famous Maipo wine valley. Private flights for passengers that are short on time and those who want to visit the Colchagua Valley and the port of Valparaiso can be arranged for the same day. You can enjoy country barbeques in Chilean houses while savoring the flavors of the country’s best wines. Do you want to eat in the finest restaurants and experience the best that Santiago’s nightlife can offer? Learn to dance “Cueca” (Chile’s national dance), visit the Mercado Central (Central Market), or eat at a “picada” where all the locals eat. You can visit the most impressionable museums and the best crafts shows, ski on the slopes of the colossal Andes (seasonal), or rent a private chauffeured vehicle to truly experience the splendor of this region. If you want to experience the essence and soul of our people, travel with Exploring Chile.
8
LAKE DISTRICT (CHILOE) This region is the acclaimed for it being home of the Mapuche Indians and the most alluring and concealed National Parks in Chile. Here you will see volcanoes, lakes, rivers to fly fish in, and organized Mapuche communities that will receive you with the best of their culture and traditions. Come and appreciate the history of this great region where Exploring Chile will take you to the Island of Chiloé to discover its XVIIIth and XIXth century churches, of which
16 have been declared World Heritage sites. You will understand why the National Geographic Magazine included Chiloé in its list of the world’s best islands, for its landscape, heritage, and its natural beauties, and also why it has not yet been invaded by mass tourism. Come and enjoy a “curanto” of delicious oysters, while listening to the legend of the “Trauco”, admiring its stilt houses and its local celebrations.
Cris Berger © Torres del Paine
10
PATAGONIA
Delight and admire the illustrious region of Patagonia, a mysterious land that has inspired writers such as Bruce Chatwin, Luis Sepúlveda and Francisco Coloane, among many others. Do you want to experience Patagonia in person? Exploring Chile offers you the possibility of touring Patagonia by kayak, horseback, and/or fantastic trekking journeys in such emblematic places as the Fitz Roy or the Cerro Torre. Do you want to sail through the famous Cape Horn? Exploring Chile can also take you to visit colonies of Magellan penguins or to villages lost in time, where descendants of the Yagan or Kaweskar Indians can still be found. Maybe you just want to lose yourself in the pleasure of relaxing in some boutique hotel or visit the most alluring places of the legendary Torres de Paine National Park. Here you can relish the local cuisine with local, handcrafted beers and “cordero al palo” (lamb on-a-stick) barbeques. Whatever your dreams of Patagonia may be, Exploring Chile will make them become realities.
12
CRUISES IN PATAGONIA Glacier. Next you can discover Patagonia’s most mystifying and hidden sections by helicopter. Have you ever tried Heliskiing? Here at Exploring Chile, we can make that happen. While on your voyage savor the flavor of gourmet food along pristine areas of Patagonia. Do you want to travel to Chiloé Island by boat and discover its intimacy and wonder? Leave the cruising arrangements to the experts where we can create customized itineraries that help make your next trip to Patagonia a dream come true.
Franco Barbagallo © Skorpios III - Glaciar Pio XI
Have you dreamt of taking a cruise to South America’s remote and distant frontier? Exploring Chile can arrange a cruise that can satisfy all your cruising needs in this part of the world. Starting from the impressive “Cruce de los Lagos” (Journey over the lakes) that crosses the Andes Mountains from Bariloche to Puerto Varas, and continuing on to the Australis Cruise ship that tours the astounding Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego. You can take the most traditional navigation by boat from Puerto Montt en route to the breathtaking San Rafael
© Franco Barbagallo
14
EASTER ISLAND © Franco Barbagallo
Here you can explore one of the most remote islands in the world. It is a land of legends and home of the colossal and mysterious moais. This island is a paradise for archaeology lovers. We offer you trekking and horseback riding lasting two or more days that will take you to discover unique corners of the island that typical tourists do not reach. You will be able to sleep in caverns that the ancient island dwellers used as refuges in tribal wars, which are still considered sacred places. You will be able to sail around Easter Island on a sailboat to see Rapa Nui from another perspective. Taste the exquisite tuna fish or its famous “empanadas” and experience first-hand the famous Tapati, a festival held once a year where all the Easter Islanders dress in costumes and compete, recalling the ancient birdman ceremony. Dive into warm and crystalline waters with a visibility of up to 60 meters for an incredible and unforgettable scuba dive. This trip can be organized as a fly & drive with a car rental and hotel reservation. Our hotel partners range from family hostels to luxury hotels. IORANA!
16
ANTARTICA
18
PERU
20
GALAPAGOS
22
POLYNESIA
24
UNIQUE HOTELS
26
© Casas Del Bosque
© Franco Barbagallo
18
LUXURYTRAVEL Here at Exploring Chile we know and supersede the expectations of our clients. We completely adapt and create itineraries for travelers with little time and who want to take luxury vacations in the most fascinating and marvelous places of South America and Polynesia. Journeys that combine outdoor and relaxing activities, gourmet dinners at spectacular locations, wine tasting in the best bodegas of the region accompanied by expert sommeliers, accommodations in the most spectacular and exclusive hotels, and access to special places and events. We can organize private flights, business trips for executives, and programs for families where we place special emphasis on making the older as well as the younger happy. If you are seeking an unforgettable experience or a romantic getaway to impress your girlfriend or wife with impeccable taste, come and experience the luxury of Exploring Chile: Travel & Dreams.
LUXURY TRAVEL
16
ANTARTICA There is no other region in the world that is so movingly different than “The Last Frontier.” It is a desert buried under the immaculate whiteness of snow and ice. It is also the windiest, coldest, and of course, the least inhabited continent on Earth. The search for the Antarctic was the last great adventure of the world-exploring era. Exploring Chile invites you to explore and feel “The White Silence” in this diverse and remarkable part of the planet. Exploring Chile can take you to Antarctica on flights leaving from Punta Arenas or by cruise ship.
20
PERU
© crisberger.com
Exploring Chile can even enchant you in the mysticism of Machu Picchu located in Cuzco, the magical capital of the Inca Empire; the enigmatic Nazca Lines; the Cañon del Colca; and Lake Titicaca. The experience of being able to behold these wonders is reason enough to visit Peru. Peru is perfect for lovers of archeology, ancient civilizations, foreign cuisines, South American culture, and its colors, roots, and people. Here you can enjoy exploring the overwhelming nature of biodiversity’s world capital, Puerto Maldonado, which offers some of the best views of wildlife in the Amazon River basin.
© Franco Barbagallo
22
GALAPAGOS The uneven geography of the Galapagos Islands is nothing like the picture-perfect islands that one expects to find in the tropics. Galapagos does not stand out for its luxury hotels or for its spas, and yet it is one of the most exclusive destinations on the planet. The reason for its popularity is for its isolation. At almost fifteen hundred kilometers from the coast of Ecuador which has given rise, after thousands of years, to a unique combination of land and ocean ecosystems where, as Darwin was the first to show, many species have evolved differently, even with notable differences between one island and another.
David Kirkland © GIE TAHITI TOURISME
24
POLYNESIA
Maupiti, Huahine, Tetiaroa, Tahaa, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Tikehau, Raiatea are comprised of 118 islands grouped in 5 archipelagoes. This is a dream destination for a romantic getaway, to celebrate an anniversary, or to sail on board a catamaran or a yacht over luxurious turquoise-blue waters. You will embark upon an exquisite voyage that allows you to wake up every day on a different island, see the sunset from a deck with a glass of champagne in hand. This is an adventure not to be missed. Picture yourself diving into waters seen out of a movie and swim with millions of small colored fish. Once in your lifetime you have to sleep in an overwater bungalow with the love of your life, taste the “poisson cru” in a typical caravan, lose yourself in the magical pleasure of sleeping under a palm tree, visiting a black pearl farm and understanding why the artist Paul Gauguin fell in love with the sweet air of Polynesia.
26
UNIQUE HOTELS
Exploring Chile can help you stay in exclusive and luxurious hotels. These hotels, whose architecture is in harmony with nature, have received awards from the best travel magazines in the world. They offer more than simple accommodations, but rather an unforgettable experience with adventures and discursions in the middle of an overwhelming natural environment. All of these hotels share the vision to offer services of the highest quality to their guests. We present you with 3 hotels that we have selected for our travel catalog:
INDIGO PATAGONIA
HOTEL RUGENDAS
AWASI ATACAMA
Indigo is a blend of the modern architecture of renowned chilean architect Sebastian Irarrázaval, and the strong passion for Patagonia of its three owners-operators - chilean , spanish and french respectively. The rooms are distributed around a huge central space, itself divided by an impressive vertical curtain made of eucalyptus. A system of bridges, ramps adn staircases allows an intriguingly human circulation within the hotel.
Rugendas has what you need to enjoy your visit to Chile and your stay in Santiago. An exclusive location and all the comfort that guests are looking for. At Rugendas you will enjoy a five star service at a 4 star price. This warm hotel offers an awarded restaurant, a brand new fitness area, kindness, amazing bedding, and the most important for today´s travelers: immediate assistance for your needs.
The unique Hotel Awasi, located in San Pedro de Atacama has been presented the Best Boutique Hotel in Latin America Award for the past two years. They create memorable travel experiences by providing local cuisine and excursions, along with serene lodging. Their 8 suites assure intimacy and comfort. Each room is at least 50 m2 and is assigned a private jeep and guide allowing guests to plan their various excursions according to their individual interests, objectives, and physical conditions in this rich, natural and cultural area.
30
32 Enrique Foster Sur 76 A - Las Condes- Santiago - Chile Tel: + 56 2 981 1209 Fax : + 56 2 981 9771 sales@exploringchile.cl info@exploringchile.com www.exploringchile.com