Your Trip Information

To help you prepare for this trip, we’ve gathered some useful information together! Some things, such as flights and insurance will be relevant sooner; and some things such as gear will be relevant closer to departure.

Before your trip

Passports, visas & vaccinations You’ve booked! You’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond the date of What’s next? your departure from Chile & Argentina. We also need your passport details to Within a week of booking: book your travel arrangmements. Please provide us with your passport details pay deposit, confirm your contract as swiftly as possible, ensuring that they are 100% accurate (passport name, and log into your Travel Wallet number, nationality and expiry date). Sooner rather than later: If you’re a citizen of USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most Western check passport, arrange travel European countries you won’t need a visa to enter Chile or Argentina for stays of insurance and book your flights, up to 90 days. You’ll be issued with a 90-day tourist card upon arrival - don’t lose start your training regime and get fit! this card (often a small sheet of paper) as you’ll be asked for it at some hotels Four months before your trip: and Refugio’s, and when you depart the country. If you’re a citizen of another if sending a cheque, please mail country please check with your nearest Chilean Embassy and Argentinean it now Embassy about entry requirements, and if you need any assistance let us know. Three months before your trip: For travel to Chile & Argentina we recommend getting vaccinated against full payment is due, complete Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid at least two months before your trip starts. extra items* For the most up-to-date recommendations please check with your doctor or Two months before your trip: travel clinic, and always go with their recommendations, as these can often arrange vaccinations change. There are no official vaccination requirements for entry, however if Four weeks before your trip: check you’re entering from a country that is considered to be at risk from Yellow Fever, for any missing details for your trip or when you go home afterwards, you may be required to show a certificate of Two weeks before your trip: vaccination (obtained from your doctor prior to travel). reconfirm your flights, print your final trip information* *We’ll email you reminders about these things!

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Flights

Travel Insurance International flights As an Active Adventures South America traveller, you’re The most direct international routes to and from Punta required to have travel insurance for your trip – please be Arenas, Bariloche and El Calafate, are via national capitals aware some insurance companies require insurance to Santiago and Buenos Aires. be purchased within 14 days of deposit payment (to be From Canada: Air Canada, American Airlines and Delta all eligible for Pre-existing medical cover). We recommend have connections via Toronto. a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes From Europe/UK: Latam and Iberia offer direct flights to medical cover, emergency repatriation, trip cancellation Santiago from Madrid, while Air France, Lufthansa, Varig and other travel mishaps (flight cancellations or delays, trip and Aerolineas Argentinas offer direct flights to Buenos interruption, theft or loss of luggage and personal effects). Aires from Paris, Madrid and Frankfurt. We highly recommend World Nomads as they offer From USA: Connections to Santiago and Buenos Aires are competitive travel insurance policies that suit our type of usually via Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas or travel with the minimum requirements for medical cover Chicago. and emergency repatriation, as well as trip cancellation cover. We recommend keeping all travel papers (invoices, Domestic flights receipts, police reports etc.) when you travel in case you We recommend booking your domestic connections within need them later to support an insurance claim. Argentina and Chile as part of your international fare. It’s more economical that way, and can make life a bit easier Travel agencies if your international flight is delayed. There are a couple We recommend booking your flights through our preferred of airlines available for getting between Santiago & Punta travel partner – Fuzion Travel. They’re our experienced Arenas, or El Calafate and Bariloche & Buenos Aires. Latam hand-picked experts in travel, passionate about what they Chile (www.latam.com) departs several times a day and do, and will tailor-make your flight itinerary to match your Sky Airline (www.skyairlinechile.com) offer a couple of Active Adventures tour. flights a day. Get in touch with them directly by email – active@ In Argentina, LADE (www.lade.com.ar) and Aerolineas fuziontravel.co.nz or on 1 800 TRAVEL. Let them know Argentinas (www.aerolineas.com) are also options, but be your preferred travel plans, including any stopovers or wary of tight connections on Aerolineas Argentinas as they extra nights’ accommodation, and they’ll put everything in have a reputation for flight delays. place for you. They offer a total travel solution and five star NOTE: Buenos Aires has two main airports and it’s very service that you’ll want to tell your friends about! common that domestic flights go into one and international Extra hotel accommodation flights depart from the other (like JFK and LaGuardia in We can arrange additional hotel accommodation for you New York). If this is the case with your flights, you’ll need to at one of our preferred hotels if you plan to arrive early or arrange transport and allow time for this between the two leave later than your trip end date. The best way to make a airports, and you can can prebook your transfer here. booking is to request the hotel, dates and room types you It’s really important to collect and re-check your baggage require through your Travel details Step 3 Page. when you fly through Santiago on your way to Punta Arenas, or Buenos Aires on your way to Bariloche. Your first entry point into either Chile or Argentina you will need to go through customs with your luggage, after which you can then recheck your bags for your domestic flights and continue on. Often the airlines will say your bags are checked right through to your final destination, but in our experience this is not always true!

Airline luggage We recommend packing valuable and essential items in your carry-on luggage (change of clothing, medication etc.) in case your luggage is delayed, and keeping your hiking boots at the top on your main piece of luggage – or wearing these to save weight.

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Arriving and departing Patagonia

Chile Punta Arenas airport transport The Chilean Government has a reciprocal agreement with Punta Arenas’ Pres Ibanez Airport (PUQ) is 21km/13miles Australia so for Australian passport holders, you’ll need to north of central Punta Arenas. The most economical pay US$117 on arrival. This must be paid in cash on arrival transport is the safe, reliable shuttle buses wait outside the into Santiago airport, and the one-time fee is good for the terminal to greet each flight 2,500-3,000 Pesos (~US$4-5) life of a travelers’ passport. You may pay this fee at the one-way per person. Taxis are more convenient though are airport counter (to the left of Customs) via credit card or US$ more expensive 7,000-10,000 Pesos one-way (~US$15). cash. There is no fee charged if you’re arriving into Chile El Calafate airport transport by any other means, and holders of other passports aren’t Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) is charged anything, in accordance with their agreements. 21km/13miles east of central El Calafate. If you’re planning Argentina on staying in El Calafate after your trip, your hotel can We’ll be travelling by bus from Chile to Argentina in the arrange either a shuttle bus or a private taxi to take you middle of our ‘Condor’ trip; start in Argentina for our ‘Puma’ there. trip, and return to Argentina by boat & bus in the middle of Bariloche airport transport our ‘Puma’ trip. San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC) is 13km/8miles/20 IMPORTANT You’re issued with your immigration arrivals minutes drive from central Bariloche and you can easily receipt on arrival. It’s really important to keep this safe arrange either a taxi or a minivan shuttle to get to your as you’ll need it when you depart Chile. Failure to submit hotel. A taxi will cost around AR$200 (~US$12), and you this card upon departure may result in delays until a can arrange this when you arrive, from the official taxi replacement is obtained. counter located in the arrivals hall. This can be a very quiet Customs and immigration airport, so bring sufficient cash with you as you may not be Customs and Immigration are swift and efficient in Chile able to get money from an ATM or change at the airport. and Argentina. You’ll have your passport and return air tickets checked before being issued with your 90-day tourist visa (see Visas above). Your luggage may be checked for fruit, dairy and organic products – it’s best to declare anything.

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What if there’s an emergency?

Flight delays If your flight is delayed, or you can’t travel for any reason and aren’t able to get to your pre-arranged meeting place on time, please let us know as soon as you can. Flight delays and missed connections do happen from time to time so we’re pretty accustomed to dealing with them. It’s all part of the whole travel experience, so if it does happen to you, we’ll help you get to where you need to be. You’ll need to cover any additional costs incurred by your flight delay, so keep all receipts in case you need them later to support an insurance claim. If you can, we recommend arriving earlier to be on the safe side.

Luggage delays Time in New Zealand As with flight delays, losing your luggage does happen New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) is the time zone for from time to time and we can easily help you deal with this. New Zealand, it’s 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean If your luggage doesn’t arrive with you for any reason, you’ll Time (GMT). be directed to the airport baggage claim service where the relevant details will be taken down – please provide your trip leader’s phone number as your contact number. Your Active Adventures South You’ll be given a luggage tracking number and the bags America Trip should eventually be delivered to your hotel. If your luggage Your group hasn’t arrived by the time your trip starts, give your Active We get a real variety of people on our trips and they all Adventures South America trip leader the tracking number seem to have one thing in common – a love of the outdoors! and they can ensure your luggage gets to the right place. Our group sizes range from a minimum of four people to They’ll also help you buy whatever you need until your a maximum of fourteen people, generally with a mix of luggage arrives too! singles, couples and friends. Emergency contacts Your trip leader Please call the following numbers depending on your Your trip will be operated by an Active Adventures South situation: Less than 24 hours before your trip: Your Active America trip leader, along with several local specialist Adventures South America trip leader - their details will be guides. Your trip leader will ensure you’re well informed confirmed on your Travel details Trip Summary Step 6 page about the country and region you’re in, as well as two weeks before your trip begins. ensuring everything runs smoothly - from activities and More than 24 hours before your trip: Client Services Team, accommodations to restaurants and transport. The local who’re based in New Zealand. Phone +64 27 839 6538. guides are there to help you learn more about each unique Non-emergency contacts area you visit throughout the trip. While our trip leaders are For non-emergencies, please contact our New Zealand very talented, they’re not mind readers – so if something’s office using the details below. If the office is unattended up, please let them know. (outside of New Zealand business hours), please leave a Rooming message so we can pick it up and respond as soon as we Our trip fares are based on a twin share rate (two people can. per room), so we’ll team you up with someone of the same Free phone: 1 800 661 9073 (USA, Canada & Australia) gender to share with if you’re on your own, or of course you Free phone: 0808 234 7780 (UK) can share with your travel partner. Those travelling with a Free phone: 0800 234 726 (NZ) partner will have a choice of either twin-share (one room, Worldwide: +64 3 450 0414, ext 1 two single beds) or double-share (one room, one double/ Email: [email protected] queen bed). Triple sharing is always an option if you prefer, The + symbol stands for the international prefix of the though it may not be available everywhere we stay. Just let country you’re calling from. Example: Australia: 0011; NZ:/ us know and we’ll see what we can do! UK: 00; USA: 011

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Single room option Food If you’d prefer not to share a room, we have a single While Patagonian cuisine isn’t particularly spicy or supplement option for an additional fare. If you purchase a adventurous, it makes up for any lack through the sheer single supplement, we’ll arrange for you to have your own abundance and variety of produce, seafood, wine and room throughout the trip. In certain places, single rooms meats - especially beef. aren’t available and the price of the single supplement Vegetarians should ask for un plato vegetarian (a takes this into account. vegetarian dish) or try saying ‘soy vegetariano/a’ (I’m a vegetarian) just to be on the safe side. Vegan choices may Bathrooms be limited but we’ll do our best to help find things you may Generally speaking, in most places you stay, you’ll have like. Fruit is very limited due to our locations and not always an ensuite or private bathroom attached to your bedroom. available, and breakfast meals are usually quite basic. In certain places, ie the refugio’s, there may be a large Dinner meals are often very late in the evening too as per bathroom with private cubicles which is shared by everyone the local customs. at that accommodation. When using public facilities, ask for the banos/bathroom and remember that M is for mujeres/ Vegan and Gluten-free Dietary supplements – Condor: women and H is for hombres/men! If you’re gluten-free or vegan, please bring some of your own protein bars or protein shakes with you, to get enough Dietary requirements protein during the 4-days and nights we spend hiking the If you have any particular dietary requirements, please let W-trek. The only bars we have in South America are cereal us know. We’re accustomed to working with the following and sugar based, and offer very little protein. Being gluten- diets and if you have any other dietary needs or allergies, free, vegan or vegetarian is not common in South America, let us know so we can plan in advance: so sometimes the veggie option at the 4 Refugio’s could just • omnivore (I eat red and white meat, pork, chicken, fish, be grilled vegetables and rice, and it’s hard to hike the next dairy, fruit and vegetables) day just with a simple meal like that. • no red meat (I eat chicken, fish, dairy, fruit and NOTE: For customs entry, please make sure they are still vegetables) packaged and unopened. • no pork (I eat beef, lamb, chicken and fish) Water • fishatarian (I eat fish, dairy, fruit and vegetables) Tap water in Chile & Argentina is not safe to drink, or brush • vegetarian (I eat dairy, fruit and vegetables) your teeth in, so you’ll need to use filtered water instead, • vegan (I eat fruit and vegetables, no dairy or animal which we’ll provide, and treat ice and salads with caution. products) You can also use hand sanitiser, iodine or water purification tablets if you prefer. • gluten intolerant (I can’t eat wheat, rye, barley or oats) Active Adventures is promoting ‘Travellers Against Plastic’ • lactose intolerant (I can’t eat dairy products) pledge, so to reduce single use plastic we encourage you to bring a durable water bottle to refill instead of purchasing bottled water.

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Medical issues, allergies and other information ATM/Debit cards: ATMs are available in most towns in If you have a medical issue, allergy or recent injury, please Patagonia, although the ones in smaller towns are less let us know – we’ll be sure this information gets passed on reliable – for example it’s hard to get money out of ATM’s in to your guide discreetly. If you have an allergy, please also El Chalten and El Calafate, especially in peak season and let us know whether your allergy is mild or severe (severe most ATM’s have a limit of US$200 per withdrawal also. If being an anaphylactic reaction) so we can be prepared. your card has a pin number AND a ‘Cirrus’ or ‘Plus’ symbol We love knowing about anniversaries, honeymoons and on it, you’ll be able to withdraw peruvian soles from your birthdays too! account. For safety, withdraw money during the day from ATMs inside banks. Transport Credit cards: Visa and MasterCard are most widely used Your trip fare includes all ground transport, except some except in Llancahue (Northern Patagonia) where they’ll not airport transfers and if you arrive or depart a day or two take Visa, although AMEX may also be accepted either side of the trip. When we’re not on the trails you’ll be transported in vehicles with air conditioning, seat belts and You should notify your bank you’ll be using your cards in comfy seats! Chile & Argentina before leaving home and be aware your bank may charge a fee for each foreign ATM transaction.

Money Spending money Your trip fare includes all transportation, guiding, meals and Currency activities (except any optional activities). We recommend Chile’s currency is the Chilean peso (CLP) and Argentina’s bringing around US$300-400 with you to change into currency is the Argentinean peso (ARS), however both Soles once you arrive, and have the option to withdraw countries use the dollar symbol ($) to show prices in their more if required. A meal on your day off may cost US$15- local currency. For an up-to-date currency conversion 20/mainper main course and US$8/dessert with a drink please see: www.xe.com/uc costing between US$8-9/beer, ~US$1/soft drink. If you’re Forms of payment keen to take part in an extra actvity during your free time, We recommend you bring a variety of payment options expect to pay about US$60-90 per half day activity. with you – localy currency, an ATM card, and a credit card Tipping or two. Most people do choose to tip their Active Adventures Trip Cash: Local currency can always be obtained at the airport leader at the end of an awesome trip. US$100 per person upon arrival, and a small amount is useful when you arrive. per Trip leader (and US$10 each per day for your W-trek Changing money: The best currency for exchange is the US guide if you’re going to Southern Patagonia) seems to be dollar, with the euro being increasingly accepted. If bringing the norm, however less, more or not at all is also fine too. US dollars to Peru, only bring brand new – straight off the During your Active Adventures trip, your trip leader will take printing press -good quality bills of US$20. The best place care of all included restaurants and service tips for you. to change money is at a Casa de Cambio (foreign exchange For other restaurants or services during your time in Peru, bureau), they’re faster with longer opening hours and better 5-10% is a typical gratuity amount. rates. Hotels will only change US$.

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About Patagonia

Altitude Safety Altitude isn’t really a factor in Patagonia as we only get up While Chile & Argentina are both pretty safe places, to around 1,100 metres (3,600 feet). we recommend taking the same precautions you would anywhere else - just to be on the safe side! Pickpockets Language occasionally operate in areas where visitors are found so Spanish is the main language of Chile & Argentina. English we suggest you leave any valuables you don’t need with is spoken in some hotels, airports and tourist areas but not you in the hotel safe (e.g. passports and credit cards). A everywhere, particularly not on Amantani Island where copy of your passport and any valuables you do need with they speak largely Quechua. Your Active Adventures South you should be kept in a passport wallet under your clothes America trip leader will be there to translate for you in most and a small amount of money in your pocket/purse. It’s also scenarios though it’s worth learning a few basic Spanish a good idea to take a taxi after dark rather than walking. phrases before hand! We recommend Lonely Planet’s Latin American Spanish Phrasebook, or the Quechua Phrasebook Drones if you’re really keen! Very occassionally we get requests to bring drone’s along on our trips though as they’re aerial machines. It’s fine to Flexibility fly them around your own property or in places like at the When it comes to adventure travel, life is always an beach, though they’re not permitted in public places such as adventure! Chile & Argertina are both developing nations conservation land, or over other people’s property without and we won’t tell you everything in South America runs their express permission. All of our hiking/snorkelling/biking/ like clockwork. What we can tell you is we’re experienced kayaking activities are on conservation land so this means adventure travel leaders, and we know how to keep things you wouldn’t be able to use it on any activity during your operating smoothly, even when conditions are challenging. trip. That’s why we’re here! You’ll find your trip even more It’s perfectly OK to use hand-held cameras and video enjoyable if you remember to bring flexibility, an open mind equipment at any time throughout your travels, so we and a sense of humour with you. suggest bringing a good camera along and leaving your drone at home.

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Time in Peru Weather For the majority of the trekking season, Chile and Argentina Patagonia’s seasons mirror those of the Southern are three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) - the Hemisphere, so the best time to visit is in the summer equivalent of USA Eastern Time between November and April. Late December to early March marks the Patagonian summer. Daytime WiFi temperature ranges from 70-80°F (21-26°C) in the sun. WiFi is available at some hotels if bringing a smart phone Night time temperatures in Punta Arenas range in the 40’s or iPad, though the connection can sometimes be a bit F (4-7°C) and on the trek can dip into the 30’s F (-1°C). sporadic. Internet cafes are readily available, economical Please note tempestuous weather is normal for this region (~US$0.60 per hour for high speed access), and have long in any season. With Patagonia so near to the southern opening hours, so we don’t recommend bringing a laptop Patagonian ice cap and two big oceans, you’ll likely see - although the Spanish keyboard can sometimes be a little rain, wind, a bit of snow, cold and hot weather. challenging!

Electricity Electricity is available in most places in Patagonia – even in the Refugio’s on the W-Trek. Chile & Argentina both operate on a 220V AC system, and Chile uses Type C while Argentina uses Type I, both shown here. If your country doesn’t use a 220V AC system (e.g. USA = 110V AC) you may need some kind of converter, however many appliances have inbuilt ones these days (e.g. iPods, laptops and camera chargers). If in doubt, ask at your nearest camera or electrical store before you leave home.

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Trip Notes – Condor

Starting and ending your trip

Trip start details Flight departure details Your ‘Condor’ trip starts in Punta Arenas, Chile and we’ll If you’re flying out of El Calafate Airport, you can arrange a meet you on the day your trip starts at: flight that departs any time this last day. Hotel Rey don Felipe, 6pm Extra time in Punta Arenas Please meet us in the lobby for a pre-trip briefing and our If you have extra time before your ‘Condor’ trip there is first dinner together! Hotel Rey don Felipe is located at plenty to see and do. Punta Arenas itself is fairly interesting; Armando Sanhueza 965 (phone +56-61-229-5000). there are small random museums everywhere, there are Flight arrival details statues and public artworks all over the place, the most If you’re flying in on the same day that your trip starts, we interesting cemetery I have ever seen is well worth a recommend flights arriving by 4pm.. For more information wander through, and a short hike to a popular viewpoint on booking flights, please refer above on Page 2. overlooks the city and gives a great outlook of Magellan Strait and far across to Fire Island / Tierra del Fuego. A full NOTE: It’s really important to collect and re-check your day tour over to Tierra del Fuego to see the King Penguins baggage when you fly through Santiago on your way that are nesting at Useless bay, you can arrange this with to Punta Arenas (if that is the route you are taking), go Parque Pinguino or up to a day or so prior to booking, through to customs at your first point of entry into Chile. through your hotel reception (King Penguins activities can Often the airlines will say your bags are checked right only be arranged from your hotel reception once you’re in through to Punta Arenas, but in our experience this is not Punta Arenas). always true!

Trip end details Your ‘Condor’ trip ends in El Calafate, Argentina. and we have two drop off locations for you to choose from: • El Calafate Airport, any time If you’re flying out today we’re happy to transfer you back to the airport any time that suits. • Central El Calafate, after breakfast We can drop you off anywhere in the central area

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General Information General Equipment & Gear

Fitness Trip luggage & daypack As an Activity Level 3-4 trip, you’ll need a solid level of You’ll need one piece of luggage on your ‘Condor’ trip, plus fitness for the ‘Condor’ trip. It’s one of our more adventurous a sturdy daypack for your days out on the trail. Your main trips, and typically, hikes on the ‘Condor’ trip range between piece of luggage can be anything from a backpack, to a three and six hours to complete, with longer hikes on the sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. W-trek. So get out there with a daypack on and train You’ll need a good quality trekking daypack 25-30 litres so you’ll be ready to join us! While you don’t have to be (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days on the trails. extremely fit, you should be in the habit of doing regular It must be well fitting with supportive shoulder straps, a aerobic exercise, ideally involving some up hills and down rain cover and a waist-strap. Look for a daypack with wide hills and carrying a pack! With some preparation before straps too, as these are generally the most comfortable. your trip begins, you’ll enjoy the active and outdoor nature It should be large enough for your water bottle, raincoat, of your trip all the more. Please head to our Fitness Guide fleece, camera and personal items. for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan! Hiking boots Accommodation You’ll need a good, comfortable, well worn-in pair of hiking We’ve selected the accommodation on the Condor trip for boots for your ‘Condor’ trip as you’ll use them most days. the unique character and adventuresome feel – this trip is We recommend boots with good ankle support and a solid not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Patagonia. tread/sole. Here’s a wee youtube video we’ve put together We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable B&B’s and on what boots you’ll need to bring along. lodges. Things get a little more rustic when we head to the Refugio’s during the W-trek(s) and it’s all part of a truly Rain jacket and pants amazing experience. You’ll need to carry a waterproof, windproof and breathable rain jacket and some rain pants for your ‘Condor’ trip. A Laundry poncho won’t cut the mustard! You need a jacket that’s not We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to too light (it won’t keep you dry properly and you’ll get cold), do laundry once during your Condor trip, and the best time not too heavy (or you’ll get too hot while hiking) and with a will be after your W-trek once we return to Puerto Natales. decent hood. If you don’t already own a waterproof jacket, While there maybe opportunities to do laundry elsewhere if we recommend chatting to your local outdoor retailer and need be they won’t be as convenient. Self-service laundries getting equipped. are rare, so you’ll probably need to use on-site hotel laundry services or off-site lavanderias, though we recommend Hiking poles hand-washing technical fabrics yourself. We strongly recommend bringing one or two telescopic hiking poles on your trip, or renting some from us. Poles help support your knees on ascents and descents, give greater support when carrying a trekking pack on the W-trek, and assist with balance when going over uneven terrain.

Group equipment On the kayaking segment you’ll be fitted out in modern double plastic sea kayaks, with a wetsuit, paddle jacket, life jacket, and neoprene hand covers (pogies) for warmth. We also provide dry bags for your camera, and have a full safety briefing before heading out with our experienced kayak guides. For the cycling segment you’ll be provided with a durable, frontsuspension mountain bike (with flat pedals) and a helmet for our off-road-based ride. Your specialist activity guides will have all relevant safety gear.

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Multi-day Options During your ‘Condor’ trip you need to choose from one of Refugio’s two multiday options. If you haven’t already decided on During the W-trek in Torres del Paine National Park you’ll your preferred option, please read your Condor itinerary be spending four nights in rustic mountain lodges, known and the following information and let us know right away! locally as refugio’s. Each refugio sleeps 30-50 people There’s also a minimum and maximum on each option. with shared bunk rooms of up to 6-10 people, shared We always try our best to confirm everyone’s preferred bathrooms and hot showers. You’ll have a mattress with option and they’re all fantastic, so we’re sure you’ll have an a pillow and you’ll use your sleeping bag – if you’re a light amazing time whichever one you do! You have the choice of sleeper we recommend ear plugs and an eye mask to get the following two options. a good night’s sleep, it’s all part of the adventure! Meals • Option A - W-Trek Hiking are served in the restaurant and there’s a bar that accepts pesos, dollars, euros and credit cards if you fancy a drink. • Option B - W-Trek Experience [Additional cost per The refugio’s fill up on a first come, first serve basis and person – listed in Travel details] we manage our hiking days to ensure we arrive at our Be sure to let us know your trail preference as soon as accommodation in good time to secure a bed. On occasion possible if you haven’t already done so! Also, if you’ve never though, it may be the case the refugio is full, and in this done a multiday trek before and would like some expert instance we’ll camp out for the night in this amazing advice on how to prepare for one, get in touch! location. We’ll pitch your tent near the refugio so you’ll still have full use of the facilities. Option A: W-trek Hiking NOTE: Sometimes the generators are turned off overnight The four day W-trek through Torres del Paine National therefore if you’re bringing a CPAP, it will need to be battery Park will definitely be one of the most memorable aspects operated. of your trip! This amazing trek will take you past sheer Trekking pack & Sleeping bag granite peaks, snow-clad mountains, glacial lakes and You’ll need a good quality trekking pack with well-fitting through thick Magellanic forest. While it might be a bit of shoulder and waist straps for the W-trek. Your pack should a challenge, the rewards are well and truly worth it! The have a volume of ~60 litres (3500 cubic inches), large trek is close to sea level so you won’t be dealing with any enough to fit your sleeping bag inside along with all your altitude factors. The trail is 64 kilometres (40 miles) in total multi-day gear. You’ll also need a nice warm sleeping bag length and we average around 6 hours or 16 kilometres for the W-trek, something rated down to at least ~0°C (10 miles) per day. The greatest elevation reached on the (32°F) is ideal. The refugio’s that we stay in have only basic W-trek is 1200 metres (3900 feet) at the highest point in heating facilities. You’ll only be carrying the gear needed the French Valley - you can go as high as you like. The trails for the 5 days, your excess gear and luggage will be stored are very well maintained so finding your way is never a securely for you in Puerto Natales. problem.

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Option B: W-trek Experience Water / Hydration An alternative option is to spend five days exploring the Trekking is thirsty work so you’ll likely stay better hydrated incredible Torres del Paine National Park with amazing if you’re using a bladder (ie. camelback). The streams are day trips that will take you from sheer granite peaks and 100% pure water and these are drinkable so you might snow-clad mountains, to glacial lakes and thick Magellanic also want to bring along a small nelgene water botttle for forests. You’ll spend all four nights at Nash Serrano, a this too - then you’re not always stopping to open your comfortable lodge from where you’ll head out each day to backpack along the way. explore some of the best sights this park has to offer. Each day will offer both morning and afternoon activities, hiking Rental equipment around 3-4 hours (on average) with a maximum elevation If you have your own gear you know works well, then bring gain of 700m – though every hike is flexible. You’ll walk it along! If not, we have gear available to rent [OBI Step 4 around Azul Lagoon and hike toward the French Valley, page]. If you’d like to rent something let us know at least choose to kayak Lake Grey, and climb up to some of the two weeks before your trip starts - we only load up as best viewpoints to take in the Torres del Paine mountain much gear as we need. Rental gear will be handed to you range. This option really does give you a chance to see and the night before your hike. experience it all! ‘Touching the Ice’ on Grey Glacier - Additional cost per Accommodation person. Nash Serrano is located in the small town of Serrano on On this option you’ll have the opportunity to take part in the banks of the river of the same name, surrounded by the an extra activity you’ll take a boat trip across the glacier’s beautiful nature that characterizes Patagonia and with an terminal lake, to a point at which we can access incredible impressive view of the Paine mountain range. The refugio close-up views of the glacier. Then it’s a guided hike to sleeps 16 people and is equipped with excellent facilities areas where the glacier’s retreat is strikingly clear, and up and comfortable twin or quad share rooms.Each room has to the glacier’s edge. Afterwards we’ll head back to our a private bathroom, central heating and meals are served ‘Zodiac’ boat and return to the shore. in the restaurant where there’s a bar that accepts pesos, The 3 hour package includes return boat transfers to Grey dollars, euros and credit cards if you fancy a drink. Glacier, where you’ll hike along Nunatuk Island and right to the face of the Grey Glacier. Kayak on Grey Lake [Additional cost per person – age limit is 65.] This option is very popular so we recommend pre-booking You’ll have the option to head out on Lake Grey for a if you know you’re keen. Just let us know through your OBI paddle. We’ll meet our specialist kayak guides at the inlet or email us - we put a few spaces aside for each trip and of Serrano River, and they’ll match you with a kayak and we’ll make sure one has your name on it! Pre-payment is provide all the necessary equipment for a unique way required with your trip balance. It’s worth noting this option to explore Lake Grey. No prior experience is required, can be weather dependent, so if it’s cancelled due to the everything you need is supplied, as long as you can paddle! weather, we can send your full refund home.

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Gear List - Condor

Essential Clothing Waterproof rain jacket: a breathable, rainproof and windproof unpadded Gear Note shell jacket with a hood. If you’re not sure what any of Waterproof/windproof rain pants: for keeping dry and warm while hiking. these things are, please ask at Wearing thermal underwear underneath these is best. your nearest outdoor store, or ask us. We want you to be as well Fleece/Down Jacket/Wool sweater: two to keep warm for cold days and prepared as possible for your trip. nights - especially in the refugio’s. Shirts/T-shirts: two or three, cotton or quick-dry. Long-sleeve shirts: one or two, cotton or quick-dry for insect protection. Lightweight trousers: a pair for cooler nights, higher elevations and insect Fabric Note protection. We recommend quick-drying, Shorts: one or two pairs, some cotton, some quick-dry. wicking fabrics such as Patagonia Thermal underwear: one set of top and bottom thermal/polypropylene capilene, Icebreaker merino, or underwear for cold mornings. other specially designed fabrics 3-4 pairs of Socks: good quality hiking socks, warm and casual. for this trip. If you’re not sure what a quick-dry fabric is, ask at your Casual Clothing: if you’d like to bring a nice skirt/shirt to wear out to dinner. nearest outdoor store. While you can bring some cotton, denim and Essential Luggage other non-wicking fabrics on this Main piece of luggage trip, be aware that they won’t be Day pack (plus a rain cover for your day-pack in case it’s wet). easy to wash or dry. Collapsible bag: for storing excess gear in while hiking the W-trek (stored in Puerto Natales). NOTE: Necessary if your main luggage is also your trekking backpack. Not necessary if you’re hiring our backpack.

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Essential Footwear Personal Items Hiking boots Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, tooth brush & paste, soap, facecloth, prescription medications, glasses/lenses, Trail runners/light sandals: for biking and casual wear. shaving gear, feminine hygiene products, wet wipes, Jandals/light sandals: or similar. hand sanitiser (some is provided), ziplock bags. Personal medical aid kit: for any essential items you Essential W-Trek Items know you’ll need e.g. blister treatment. Trekking backapck Camera: memory cards and batteries/charger. Small Backpack: for side hikes, must fit inside your Sun-block: SPF 15 UVA/UVB broad spectrum is trekking pack recommended. Backpack liner/cover: to keep your belongings dry inside Insect repellent: for midges in the hot weather your pack if it rains. Sleeping bag: Must be rated to at around 0ºC (32ºF) three seasons Essential documents and items Passport: in a waterproof bag. Torch/flashlight/headlamp Passport copy: please bring a photocopy of your passport. Essential Accessories Money: local currency, credit/debit cards with pin number Hiking poles: we highly recommend bringing one or two for cash withdrawals. poles with you to support your knees during the hikes. Trip Summary Step 6 page: print this out and bring it Warm hat: wool/fleece ski hat or similar. with you. It includes where to meet your group, any extra Sun hat: wide brimmed to protect you from the sun. hotel information and emergency numbers. Sunglasses: with polarizing lenses to prevent glare. Warm Gloves Recommended Items Water/Hydration bladder: 2 x 1 litre bottles - easier to fill Hiking gaiters: not essential, though great for this trip to up on the trail. keep the tops of your boots and socks dry and they add extra warmth. Swim suit/shorts: for any swimming opportunities. Travel towel: You might like to bring a travel towel for swimming. Ear plugs: recommended for light sleepers, and for use in the refugio’s. Energy snacks/drinks: snacks will be provided, you may like to bring some along too if you have special dietary needs. Reusable Coffee Cup: If you’re a keen coffee drinker. Adapter plug: depends on your home country. Plastic ziplock bags: for dirty clothes on the W-trek. Sanitary wipes: Can be handy! Reading material

The final word If there’s anything else please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at: [email protected] or head to our website for more information about South America.

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