Patagonia Quick Start Guide-Chile
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PATAGONIA QUICK START GUIDE the professional travel guide to Patagonia Patagonia Explore the Untamed “Patagonia is home to me. And every time I set foot at the never ending pampas or the magnificent glaciers, it feels like traveling back to the beginning of it all. Everything of today’s fast-moving world is gone. All that is left is the blue mountains and the turquoise waters, the lush meadows and the roaring of the winds. And before you know it, the crack of the glaciers, the sensation of freedom and that unappeased desire to explore, will make you realize how beautiful nature is. This is, without a doubt, a place like no other, nestled at the end of the world.” Mario Muzzio Regional Managing Director - A&K South America Abercrombie & Kent Argentina At A&K Argentina, we believe that our guests look for honest advice, excellent service and unforgettable experiences, to return home having been pampered while experiencing all this extraordinarily varied and beautiful country has to offer. Our years of experience hosting A&K guests, and our on-the- ground team enables us to create unique programs to suit each of our guests’ preferences: adventure, culture, wine and gourmet, and especially off the beaten track. Abercrombie & Kent Chile A&K Chile has been in operation since 2001, in Santiago. Currently, our team comprises 39 full-time experts and semi- permanent staff throughout the country. One of our principal goals is to ensure once-in-a-lifetime experiences for every guest. Our facilities allow them to discover a higher level of service from the very second they step off the plane, to the moment they return home. Upon arrival, guests are granted a metaphorical gold pass, which guarantees exclusive access to unique and exciting activities. Your Key Contacts in Argentina & Chile Mario Muzzio Verónica Curtis Brigitte Lämmle Regional Managing Director Country Manager Country Manager A&K South America A&K Argentina A&K Chile Mario was born and raised in Buenos Raised amongst Gauchos on an Estancia, Brigitte was born in Germany and Aires and has already enjoyed 25 and having back packed around Europe started her travel career in 2001. years in our fascinating industry. This, and Africa, what Verónica enjoys most Now, with over 17 years of experience combined with his passion and energy, when traveling is experiencing the locals in the field, which includes working made it clear that Mario should be trusted with the regional daily life. for local and luxury DMCs, Brigitte has come to A&K, role, in which he has already fulfilled and exceeded Verónica has worked for over 20 years now, arranging tailor- bringing with her a deep passion for travel and for Chile in expectations. With his regional expertise and innovative made trips throughout Argentina and sharing all the things particular. She fell in love with this charming country and vision, Mario is ensuring the continuation of the company’s this amazingly beautiful and politically confusing country has has a desire to share her feelings with the world! leading position in the luxury travel industry. to offer. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Abercrombie & Kent Keep Exploring PATAGONIA WHY PATAGONIA? Patagonia is a vast region shared by Argentina and Chile and is a place that, for centuries, has amazed both locals and guests alike with its immense glaciers, blue lakes, snow- capped mountains and endemic fauna. Patagonia is very much unspoilt and so extensive that even today, there are still places where no person has set foot. A visit with A&K to this tranquil part of the world promises close encounters with nature, complemented by the best lodges and cruises, all in total comfort and style. RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES FLY FISHING TREKKING Patagonia is a well-known destination for fly fishing. Lovers of the One of the best ways to experience Patagonia’s breathtaking and sport need not leave their passion at home thanks to our specially- diverse sceneries is by trekking! Be it in the company of the blueish created tours and experiences. Instead, they can delve right in and backdrops of Torres del Paine or Bariloche, in the world’s capital continue their hobby in one of the most barren and beautiful places of trekking- El Chalten, or trekking to a higher level -literally- on on earth. a glacier, trekking is surely a recommendation! The world’s most beautiful places are those you get to go by foot. OUTDOOR SPORTS WILDLIFE WATCHING Patagonia is certainly not a destination for staying indoors. This true sanctuary for wildlife offers an opportunity of close Despite the best facilities, amenities and accommodation in our encounters with endemic animals in an environment of freedom, recommended hotels, we are in no doubt that guests will want to adventure and mutual respect. Some of the species that call this get out and about as soon as possible. Kayaking, horseback riding, place home include guanacos, pumas, condors, deer, penguins, trekking and hiking are just a short list of activities available. whales, orcas, Patagonian swans and woodpeckers. MUST SEES TORRES DEL PAINE PERITO MORENO GLACIER Known for its jagged peaks, the electric-blue icebergs that detatch One of the world’s few advancing glaciers, it grinds its way down the from immense glaciers and golden pampas (lowlands) that shelter range into an arm of the enormous Lago Argentino. Roughly every rare wildlife such as guanacos, a relative of the llama. The three three years the glacier cuts off the flow of water into the lake, causing granite ‘towers’ from which the park takes its name and the horn- great accumulation of pressure, which eventually breaks the glacier’s shaped peaks (Cuernos del Paine) are some of its most iconic sites. characteristic arch. AUSTRAL ROAD RIGHT WHALES IN PENINSULA VALDES South of Puerto Varas, the population thins and the vegetation Due to its calm waters, every year between June and November, thickens. This region, known as the “Austral Road”, runs through Peninsula Valdes becomes one of Earth’s largest natural nurseries. Coyhaique to Villa O’Higgins (latitude 48°-49°). On the way It is during this time the southern right whales arrive in search of guests will see some of the best fly fishing lodges, one of the world’s the best place to mate and give birth. The early morning start, top rivers for rafting and awe-inspiring glaciers. drive to Puerto Piramides and boat trip are worth every second to experience this fascinating encounter. BEST TIME TO GO SUMMER AUTUMN In the southern hemisphere, December to March is the warmest In Autumn it starts to get cold, with cool days and a good possibility time of year but it is also the time when Patagonia’s infamous winds of rain. However the foliage is beautiful, there are fewer crowds, are at their strongest and the peak season when the crowds are and great opportunities to see the wildlife. Autumn is perfect for busiest. It is, however, the best time to go on longer treks or explore photographers who will love the color contrasts between the blue off the beaten track. lakes and the warmth of the yellow and red falling leaves. WINTER SPRING Winter in Patagonia is perfect for those who enjoy exploring the You can expect it to be warm during the day although nights can great outdoors in all its forms, seeing dynamic landscapes covered be chilly, with strong winds. Some of the advantages of visiting in snow and ice, and having a space almost entirely to themselves. It Patagonia in spring are fewer crowds, more convenient prices, and is also the beginning of the right whale season. the opportunity to examine plants and wildlife. Additionally, in the north, this is the best season for whale watching and to see penguins, sea lions and sea elephants. December 21 - March 21 March 21 - June 21 June 21 - September 21 September 21 - December 21 Abercrombie & Kent Keep Exploring PATAGONIA 146 km 2h15 South-Patagonia Crossings 213 km 3h20 60 km 1h00 Pacific Atlantic Ocean Ocean 272 km 3h20 20 km Days 4-5 304 km Days 3-4 108 km Days 1-2 78 km Days 2-3 Abercrombie & Kent Our Favorite Hotels PATAGONIA in the Argentine Patagonia BARILOCHE LLAO LLAO RESORT, GOLF-SPA This is a destination that charms everyone who visits it, not just Llao Llao Resort, Golf-Spa sits within the Nahuel Huapi National because of the scenic lakes and picturesque mountains that Park, framed by lakes, woods and Andean peaks. It is considered an compose it, but also because of the wide array of activities on offer. architectural masterpiece for its setting, design and the integration with From hiking, kayaking or snowboarding outdoors, to tasting some of the natural surroundings. Guests can enjoy exclusive services, such as: the region’s finest chocolate or beer in the cosy and colourful, fairy- top restaurants, an 18-hole golf course and an on-site spa. The resort tale villages, Bariloche is simply a dream come true!. comprises 205 rooms across the Bustillo main building and the Lago- Moreno wing. All this, along with the conference and convention rooms, business center, marina, two heated swimming pools and an exquisite lobby bar, will make your Llao Llao experience unforgettable. PENINSULA VALDES BAHIA BUSTAMANTE LODGE Located in the Atlantic Patagonian semi desertic steppe, Peninsula Described by The New York Times as “Argentina’s Secret (and Private) Valdes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is well known for being answer to The Galapagos” Bahia Bustamante Lodge is a remote & a paradise for the 2-legged visitors, and the marine locals: exclusive property by the sea in Patagonia.