2018/19 PATAGONIA TREK GUIDElos glaciares | torres del paine

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START EXPLORINGPATAGONIA’S REGIONS AND GATEWAYS 4

OUR TREKKING STYLE 5

PATAGONIA DISCOVERY TREK 6

TORRES DEL PAINE EXPLORER 7

DESTINATION CALENDAR AND INCLUSIONS 8

START PLANNING 9

TERMS & CONDITIONS 10

PatagoniaTrek to glaciers thunder-calving into mirrored lakes. Photograph shimmering granite spires piercing azure skies. Be mesmerised by gauchos and guanacos drifting like clouds across grassy steppes.

In Argentina, visit Los Glaciares National Park, where the continental ice cap sheds glaciers into vast lakes. Venture through beech forests to the base camp of Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy.

In Chile, feast on king crab in Puerto Natales, then trek to pale blue glacier lakes and the stunning granite spires of Torres del Paine National Park. After walking up to six or seven hours a day, you relax in comfortable lodges and hotels, and schedule in time to shop for handmade chocolates or dulce de leche in wonderfully-scenic towns like El Chaltén and El Calafate.

And since you’ve already travelled to the ends of the Earth, why not combine your trek with an adjoining Antarctica expedition, for the ultimate adventure?

Left: The flow of the Salto Grande waterfall offers the perfect melodic backdrop whilst trekking through world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park; Jamie Lafferty.

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PATAGONIA'S WILDLIFE

Guanaco Condor Chilean FlamingoEagleGrey Fox

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Boat CruiseTown VisitsGlaciersDaily Treks & Walks

World-renowned National Parks

LOS GLACIARES & TORRES DEL PAINE

WHEN WE TRAVEL

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug S

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Chile

Argentina

WHERE WE GO

Atlantic Ocean

Pacific Ocean

Patagonia sprawls across the border of southern Chile and Argentina, a wild, natural region that rangesfrom the solitude of vast pampas, or steppes, to jagged ice-capped peaks of the Andes. We offer various itinerary options for you to experience the best of Patagonia, including renowned spectacular Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine National Parks.

PATAGONIA’S REGIONS & GATEWAYS

PUNTA ARENASLively Patagonia and Antarctica gateway, 3 hours' drive from Puerto Natales.

EL CHALTÉNColourful village near trails to Cerro Torre and Mt Fitz Roy.

TORRES DEL PAINE NPVisit climbers' basecamp beneath soaring peaks. Photograph guanacos on pampas.

LOS GLACIARES NPHome to the frequently-calving Perito Moreno glacier and stunning peaks.

EL CALAFATEPerfect starting or finishing town with easy access to Los Glaciares National Park.

PUERTO NATALESBoutique beers, cafés, and gateway to Torres del Paine National Park.

El Calafate to Punta ArenasEl Calafate to El Calafate Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas

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MEET OUR PATAGONIA EXPERTLelia knows Patagonia. She lives and breathes it. Lelia was born and raised in Buenos Aires, studied tourism, geography and hotel management before becoming an interpretive guide and naturalist in Patagonia. For the past 10 years, her view has been of the Perito Moreno Glacier in Southern Patagonia. On our itineraries, she teams up with qualified local guides for treks through Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine National Parks. Lelia loves working outdoors and sharing her passion for her native South America, and will make you feel and live Patagonia from start to finish.

EXPEDITION LEADER

ARGENTINACHILE

South Pacific Ocean

South Atlantic Ocean

El Chaltén; Jamie LaffertyLos Glaciares National Park; Jamie Lafferty

El Calafate; Michael BaynesPuerto Natales; Dirk Selderyk

DAY TREKS & WALKSFrom a four-hour stroll along the boardwalksoverlooking the oft-calving Perito Moreno Glacier,to treks to Mt Fitz Roy base camp and Cerro TorreLagoon; each day offers a differing walking experience. In Torres del Paine we walk up the Ascencio Valley to view the Paine Massif and take shorter walks in search of birds, wildlife and cave paintings. Walks will be calibrated to the group’s fitness, with many of the region’s highlights requiring a 6 to 7-hour, round-trip walk – well worth the effort. The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy your trek!

We make it possible to trek into some of South America’s wildest, most spectacular mountains and returnto extremely comfortable lodging each night. Our walks are tailored to the fitness of the group and areaccompanied by a naturalist to interpret what we see. Sometimes it’s okay to be spoiled!

OUR TREKKING STYLE

LODGE STYLEFrom boutique hotels to exquisite trekkers’ lodges,you’ll be delighted by our choice of Patagonianaccommodation. Each night you relax in the perfectbase camp for exploring the destination, whetherit be slipping out for handmade chocolates in El Calafate, a stroll along the waterfront of PuertoNatales or to photograph the glaciers of Torres delPaine National Park. Talented chefs provide deliciousmeals, many made from local produce. All offerwarm, inviting lounges where trekking tales can berecounted and new friends made.

j Easy-paced trekking adventures in Torres del Paine NP; Jamie Laffertyk Patagonia's most famous lake ‘Laguna de los Tres' in Los Glaciares NP; Lelia Cataldi

l Time to relax in our comfortable Patagonian lodge; Jamie Laffertym Chinstrap penguins in Antarctica; Tania Giorgetta

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14 guests maximum per trek

ADD ANTARCTICA FOR THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE!Is trekking in Patagonia the perfect preparation for your Antarctic expedition, or the best way to extend the thrill? The choice is up to you, but either way you’ll be making the most of your journey in South America. Combine your trek and an adjoining Antarctica expedition and SAVE UP TO 20% on the price of both trips! Conditions apply.

More info at auroraexpeditions.com.au/trekandcruise

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TREK EXPERIENCES

Watch ice calve from Perito Moreno’s 5km glacier front

Taste delectable, handmade chocolate in El Calafate

Trek to history-laden Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre base camps in Los Glaciares National Park

Be mesmerised as condors and eagles soar in the breeze above the Patagonian ice field

Cruise to Balmaceda Glacier for spectacular views followed by a Zodiac ride to Torres del Paine National Park

Rise early for a sunrise walk to the base of the three ‘Towers of Paine’

Search out melodious streams, native orchids and fairy-tale beech forests in bloom along hidden nature trails

Watch charismatic guanacos on the Patagonian steppes.

From sunlight-dappled beech forests to granite spires piercing the ice cap, boat trips revealing hidden glaciers to the rifle-shot birth of icebergs, summer in Patagonia offers a potpourri of sensory delights. Enjoy Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine National Parks by day, and a warm, dry bed at night. Birdlife, guanacos and chocolate, this trek satisfies on every level.

10 DAYS • LOS GLACIARES & TORRES DEL PAINE

Reach new heights on

this carefully paced trekking

adventure

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

DAY 1 Arrive El Calafate and overnight

DAY 2Drive to Los Glaciares National Park. Visit Perito Moreno Glacier. OvernightEl Chaltén

DAYS 3-4Los Glaciares National Park: Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre treks

DAY 5Cross Argentina-Chile border to Puerto Natales

DAY 6Cruise Balmaceda Glacier. Zodiac ride along Serrano River to Torres del Paine National Park

DAYS 7-8Torres del Paine National Park: treks to Cuernos viewpoint, Las Torres base camp and more

DAY 9Drive to Punta Arenas. Overnight Punta Arenas

DAY 10 Finish Punta Arenas

Itinerary is a guide only. Some departures operate in reverse, others start and finish in El Calafate.

DEPARTURE POINTS & DATES

From: El Calafate To: Punta Arenas

19 Dec ‘18 28 Dec ‘18 PTG2520 Feb ‘19 01 Mar ‘19 PTG30

From: Punta Arenas To: El Calafate

08 Jan ‘19 17 Jan ‘19 PTG2710 Mar ‘19 19 Mar ‘19 PTG32

From: El Calafate To: El Calafate

17 Jan ‘19 26 Jan ‘19 PTG2809 Feb ‘19 18 Feb ‘19 PTG29

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More info at auroraexpeditions.com.au

From US$4,600 pp

jWaiting for the ‘crack!’ at the Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares NP; Michael BayneskOur experienced guide directs trekkers in Los Glaciares NP; Jamie Lafferty

TREK EXPERIENCES

Trek the renowned ‘W’ trail to the soaring granite ‘Towers of Paine’ on our new trekking adventure. Although the‘Towers’ dominate, you’ll enjoy azure glacial lakes, emerald beech forests and roaring mountain streams as well as ostrich-like rheas, condors, flamingos and guanacos. You will also visit the French Valley and Villa Serrano.

10 DAYS • TORRES DEL PAINE & PUNTA ARENAS

Trek the exquisite Ascencio Valley on the ‘W’ trail to the soaring granite ‘Towers of Paine’

Thrill to close views of the Balmaceda Glacier and a refreshing Zodiac cruise on the Serrano River

Ponder distant glacial thunder and a 360° mountain panorama as reward for ascending to the French Valley

Delight in unexpectedly close encounters with charismatic, light of hoof (and often unafraid of people) guanacos

Listen to the leaf-rustle of Antarctic beech and lenga trees in Patagonia’s atmospheric Nothofagus forests

Wonder at the surprising Chilean pink flamingos, just one of many waterbird and wader species

Sit mesmerised by sparkling Lago Nordenskjöld or the many other azure lakes and milky tarns

Enjoy fresh king crab in the Patagonian Channel’s Puerto Natales, where gauchos, sailors and mountaineers meet.

Sally G., Patagonia Discovery Trek, February 2017

DEPARTURE POINTS & DATES

From: Punta Arenas To: Punta Arenas

30 Dec ‘18 08 Jan ‘19 TOR01

01 Mar ‘19 10 Mar ‘19 TOR02

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Lelia knows her job well, remains calm and pleasant at all times, and

she’s a lovely person and an exceptionally competent guide.

l Breathtaking turquoise Lago Nordenskjöld in Torres del Paine NP; Jamie LaffertymTrekkers make their way to the ‘Towers of Paine’; Jamie Laffertyn Friendly guanacos peacefully roam the pampas of Patagonia

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

DAY 1 Arrive Punta Arenas and overnight

DAY 2Drive to Puerto Natales. Afternoon at leisure

DAY 3Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers; Last Hope Fjord and Serrano River Zodiac cruise and South of Torres del Paine NP

DAYS 4-5Villa Serano and South of Torres del Paine NP; treks to Los Cuernos del Paine & Paine Grande Mountain

DAYS 6-8

North of Torres del Paine NP: treks along the ‘W’ trail to the ’Three Towers’; Paine River, Nordenskjöld and Sarmiento Lake

DAY 9Drive to Punta Arenas. OvernightPunta Arenas

DAY 10 Finish Punta Arenas

Itinerary is a guide only.

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From US$4,600 pp

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NEW itinerary in 2018/19

More info at auroraexpeditions.com.au

2018/19 DESTINATION CALENDARTo help you plan your adventure, refer to the destination calendars below featuring each of our itineraries including dates, start and finish ports/cities, duration, optional adventure activities and starting price.

PATAGONIA − Los Glaciares & Torres del Paine National Parks

YEAR EXPEDITIONS CODE DAYS DATES START − FINISH FROM PRICE PAGE

2018 Patagonia Discovery Trek PTG25 10 19 Dec 28 Dec FTE PUQ US$4,600 6

2018/19 NEW! Torres del Paine Explorer TOR01 10 30 Dec 08 Jan PUQ PUQ US$4,600 7

2019 Patagonia Discovery Trek PTG27 10 08 Jan 17 Jan PUQ FTE US$4,600 7

2019 Patagonia Discovery Trek PTG28 10 17 Jan 26 Jan FTE FTE US$4,600 6

2019 Patagonia Discovery Trek PTG29 10 09 Feb 18 Feb FTE FTE US$4,600 6

2019 Patagonia Discovery Trek PTG30 10 20 Feb 01 Mar FTE PUQ US$4,600 6

2019 NEW! Torres del Paine Explorer TOR02 10 01 Mar 10 Mar PUQ PUQ US$4,600 7

2019 Patagonia Discovery Trek PTG32 10 10 Mar 19 Mar PUQ FTE US$4,600 7

KEY: FTE El Calafate, PUQ Punta Arenas

*Conditions apply. Combine with Antarctica & save up to 20%!*

YOUR EXPEDITION INCLUSIONS Comprehensive pre-departure information

9 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 7 dinners

Good quality hotel and lodge accommodation throughout

Private transport

All guide fees and National Park entrance costs

English speaking local guides

Trip accompanied by Aurora Expeditions naturalist.

Please note: inclusions may vary between expeditions. Personal items such as bar charges, internet, laundry, gratuities and ship shop purchases are not included in the cost of your expedition.

jEnjoy the view of Torres del Paine; Jamie LaffertykAutumn in the Fitz Roy Mountains

lThe famous Perito Moreno GalciermEach day offers a different view, Torres del Paine; Michael Baynes

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Combine with Antarctica & save up to 20%!*

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START PLANNINGFor more than two decades, our dedicated and friendly team have helped make dreams reality. Whether you’re a solo traveller looking to share a cabin or have questions about wildlife, our team are experts in the destinations we visit and are available to help you find the itinerary best suited to your needs and desire.

Talk to our Expedition Experts and start planning. Call +61 2 9252 1033, or email info@auroraexpeditions.com.au

READY TO BOOK? Contact our team to check your preferred expedition availability. Once confirmed, a deposit of $2,500 (in expedition currency) per person, per trip, and a signed booking form is due within seven (7) days. The final balance and personal forms are due 90 days prior to your expedition departure date.

Contact us for a booking form, or download one at auroraexpeditions.com.au/howtobook

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As a fully-serviced travel agency, we take pride in creating tailor-made itineraries for our passengers who want to extend the adventure. Flights, guided tours, accommodation and transfers; we’ll organise your dream trip from start to finish with the best operators in the industry. Just tell us what you’d like to see and do!

Visit auroraexpeditions.com.au/travelservices, or contact us to start planning your adventure.

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For Trade EnquiriesEmail agents@auroraexpeditions.com.au,

visit auroraexpeditions.com.au/agents, or contact us on the above phone number.

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Prior to booking, please refer to Aurora Expeditions' website for the most up-to-date terms and conditions.  In some cases our brochures are printed 18 to 24 months prior to departure, and

therefore some terms and conditions may have been altered or changed after the printing of this brochure.

Visit auroraexpeditions.com.au/terms-and-conditions

Aurora Expeditions

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Visit auroraexpeditions.com.au

For Trade EnquiriesEmail agents@auroraexpeditions.com.au,

visit auroraexpeditions.com.au/agents, or contact us on the above phone number.

2017