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To resolve the quandary of the best way to visit the "uttermost part of the earth," we have combined a stay in a spectacularly sited eco-lodge with an expedition cruise through the Chilean fjords.
Our adventure begins in Torres del Paine National Park. Here we'll stay at the EcoCamp Patagonia, possibly the finest eco-lodge in South America and the perfect wilderness base from which to explore the park. The structure was built to minimize its ecological impact, inspired by the traditional geodesic domes of the indigenous Kawesqar people. During our stay here we trek in virgin beech forests, admire colossal calving glaciers and stand at the foot of the towering granite peaks of the Torres del Paine. The dramatic landscape is crowded with glaciers, lakes, fjords, ancient forests and wildlife such as guanacos, flamingos, condors, nandus and huemules.
The second part of our tour takes place on the 128-passenger M/V Mare Australis for a four-night cruise that takes us through the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel. Built in 2002, the Mare Australis is a modern vessel specifically built for the remote environment. Cabins are on four decks and have private facilities, low beds and full panoramic windows. Onboard lectures on the wildlife, history and geography of the region complement our daily excursions.
We'll go out each day by Zodiac to observe glaciers and spot elephant seals, Magellanic penguins and cormorants. At Pia Glacier we'll have spectacular views of the entire glacier tongue. We'll sail through majestic Glacier Alley and learn about glaciers and how life begins after the retreat of the ice. At Cape Horn National Park, the last territory before Antarctica, we'll trek to the "end of the earth." At historic Wulaia Bay we walk through the beauty of the Magellanic forest more
of lengas, coihues, canelos, ferns and other native vegetation, following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, who landed here in 1833.
Our voyage ends in Ushuaia, where we disembark and bid farewell to our vessel and to the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia.
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| FACTS: |
| • | 10 days |
| • | Maximum 16 participants |
| • | Start in Punta Arenas, Chile and finish in Ushuaia, Argentina |
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| HIGHLIGHTS: |
| • | Staying in the unique domes of the EcoCamp Patagonia |
| • | Looking for elephant seals along the shores in Alberto De Agostini National Park |
| • | Viewing Magellanic penguins by zodiac |
| • | Magnificent views of Pia Glacier |
| • | Sailing through Glacier Alley |
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| ACTIVITY LEVEL: |
| • | Easy to Moderate. The trails that we use in our explorations are usually well marked and easy to follow. Many do, however, follow the contours of the hills, valleys or cliffs and a few have steep inclines. The trails are accessible to anyone who has normal walking ability and stamina. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are strongly advised. We recommend a trekking pole for extra comfort and safety. You should also be able to get in and out of boats. |
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| SHIP: Mare Australis |
| LIMIT: 128 | |
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| ITINERARY IN BRIEF: |
| Day 1: |
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Arrive in Punta Arenas |
| Day 2 - 5: |
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Torres del Paine National Park |
| Day 6: |
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Board the M/V Mare Australis |
| Day 7: |
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Chilean Fjords / Ainsworth Bay to Tuckers Islets |
| Day 8: |
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Chilean Fjords / Pia Fjord and Glacier Alley |
| Day 9: |
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Chilean Fjords / Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay |
| Day 10: |
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Disembark at Ushuaia |
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 Robin is a great naturalist and an expert tour leader, who always garners accolades from the participants on his tours. He is, currently, Director of Recreation and Environmental Development for a famous Muskoka resort. He is developing a Natural History program for a resort in British Columbia and consults on many other natural history projects. He has led many Quest tours including the Galapagos Islands, Madagascar, Antarctica, Muskoka and New Brunswick.
416-633-5666 / 1-800-387-1483
 Peru
Rainforests and Ruins
Length: 15 days
Start: Lima, Peru
Finish: Lima, Peru
 Amazon Rainforest of Brazil
Voyage to the Heart of Amazonia
Length: 12 days
Start: Manaus, Brazil
Finish: Manaus, Brazil
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