Antarctica & Chile: Mountain Circuit and Antarctic Cruise — Antarctica — Pura Aventura Active Holidays in Comfort 2008/9 online holiday brochure

chile ARGENTIN A Chile & Antarctica Patagonia Mountain Circuit and Antarctic Cruise Combine the two wilderness destinations of Patagonia and Antarctica in one incredible holiday. Enjoy the sensation of completing the Circuit of Torres del Paine - one of the world's best mountain hikes. Walking at low altitude, sleeping in a bed for all but one night and having your bags carried for you make the Circuit accessible for any reasonably keen walker. Follow this with a relaxed trip to see the amazing wildlife and silent landscapes of Antarctica. brief itinerary Punta Arenas Ushuala Pura Aventura Holiday Location Drake Passage south patagonia chile ARGENTIN A Deception Island/ Pendulum Cove King George Island Antarctic Peninsula Santiago Paradise Bay/ Cuverville Island Pleneau/ Petermann Island How active? The Torres del Paine Circuit is a nine-day fully portaged hike with some strenuous walking over varied terrain including snow, rivers, glacial end-moraine and muddy slopes. In fair weather this is a medium grade route, although in poor weather it can be hard going so you must be used to hill walking. Walking is at low altitude with the highest point just over 1,200m. In Antarctica we use 15-passenger dinghies for shore landings. These are relaxed affairs with some walking but nothing very strenuous. As you are part of a small group, the length of shore landings is not limited by park authorities. How comfortable? Enjoy one of the world's top ten treks with only one night of camping. In Torres del Paine you stay predominantly in simple communal refugios, and for the remaining time in comfortable hotels. Groups are a maximum of eight people plus your guide. In Antarctica, the M/V Antarctic Dream provides double or twin cabins. Rooms are just under 100ft2 with portholes and en suite bathrooms, although you can upgrade if you wish. Food on board is first rate and the ship also has a bar, gym, sauna and library. In Ushuaia stay in a very comfortable and friendly small hotel. Sounds perfect? For details of what's included and more information see the detailed itinerary on our website or call us for a copy. For dates and prices see the enclosed sheet. To check availability please call us on 0845 22 55 058 or email info@pura-aventura.com. Not quite right? For other amazing combinations, you could explore the Atacama & Patagonia on foot at a relaxed pace before boarding your Antarctic Cruise (p25) or combine the Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (p26). � Day 1 Fly to Chile. � Day 2 Relaxed tour of Santiago. � Day 3 Travel south along the spine of the Andes to Patagonia. � Day 4 Start walking with views of mountains, lakes, meadows and rivers. � Day 5 Walk in the wilderness; sleep soundly in your refugio lodge. � Day 6 Walk through woods and forests. � Day 7 Cross the highest point of the Circuit. � Day 8 Afternoon glacier walk. � Day 9 Walk with views back over the glacier and the turquoise lakes ahead. � Day 10 Walk in the shadow of mountains. � Day 11 Walk past lakes to a beautiful valley. � Day 12 Hike to the granite towers. � Day 13 Travel south to the world's most southerly city. � Days 14-15 Explore Ushuaia. � Day 16 Board your boat and set sail. � Days 17-18 Cross Drake's Passage; look out for orcas and humpback whales. � Day 19 Land on King George Island; see elephant seals and penguins. � Day 20 Set foot on Antarctica. � Day 21 Sail south through a narrow iceberg filled passage; walk amongst elephant seals. � Day 22 Explore the face of huge glaciers. � Day 23 Sail to an active volcano; swim in warm waters surrounded by ice and snow. � Days 24-25 Return journey. Relax and talk over your experiences. � Day 26 Disembark and travel home. � Day 27 Arrive back. WhY Pura 24 ? Our founders met in Torres del Paine - one was even a park guard there. Our guides know the Circuit inside-out and treat it respectfully. As an associate member of IAATO, we are committed to following procedures and guidelines that ensure appropriate, safe and environmentally sound travel to the Antarctic. Find out more online at www.pura-aventura.com

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