Torres del Paine Wildlife Tour, 5 Days (Ecocamp)

- All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary.
- 4 nights at EcoCamp in twin bed dome with shared Eco-toilettes. Breakfast and dinner included.
- Park fees for Cueva del Milodón and Torres del Paine National Park.
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / BL = Box Lunch / D = Dinner.
- One Cascada English speaking naturalist guide each 8 persons.

- Air fares.
- Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this kind of trips).
- Optional tipping to guides and staff.
- Items of personal nature (laundry, sodas, alcoholic beverage other than our famous pisco sour and wine offered in dinners, etc.).

Geography
North of the Magellan strait, between the Southern Andes and the Atlantic Ocean, stretches the Patagonian Pampa, a vast arid plateau covered mainly by steppe vegetation, grass and stunted trees. There are few rivers, yet numerous freshwater and saline ponds, lagoons and lakes. In summer, winds sometimes dry up these bodies of water, precipitating a water shortage for area livestock and wildlife.
At Torres del Paine National Park, located some 500km north from Punta Arenas, the landscape is crowned by the remains of a great mountain granite cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice since some 12million years ago. The highest summit is Paine Grande (3.050m/ 9.200ft), the dominating massif is Los Cuernos and the most spectacular of all are the three gigantic granite monoliths of Torres del Paine (2.900m/9.400ft). Cuernos del Paine range appears higher than it really is because its 2.670m/ 8.700ft rises directly from a plain at less than 100m above sea level.
Glacier Grey and Dixon at Torres del Paine National together with the remarkable Perito Moreno and Upsala (Argentina) are maybe the most spectacular glaciers belonging to the south Patagonic Icefield that plunges over inland lakes in the entire Patagonia. This solid ice sheet starts at latitude 48º and extends over 360km until reaching 51º at Torres del Paine.

Fauna & Flora
This seemingly desolate region offers to the visitor plenty of chances to observe the wildlife. There are beautiful lakes filled with birds, migrating flocks of geese, herds of guanacos, fields of flowers and forests of short and wind-twisted trees.
On the wide plains or Pampa large numbers of nandues (Darwin rhea), guanacos, rabbit mouse and upland goose make their home. There are also diverse “invisible” inhabitants that live well camouflaged by the grass, such as: seed snipe, oyster catcher, Chilean dotterel and Chilean plover. At the Torres del Paine National Park there are 15 species of mammals, being the most commonly seen: guanacos (Lama Guanicoe), two species of solitary foxes (Chilla and Culpeo) and the Patagonian skunk. More rarely seen are the huemul (Andean deer) and the puma (cougar). The birdlife is more prolific and abundant on the park recording more than 115 different species among blackbird, coot, dotterel, duck, finch, goose, grebe, ground-tyrant, seedsnipe, shirke-tyrant, sierra-finch, caracara, cinclodes, condor, canastero, hawk, snipe, sparrow, swan, teal, woodpecker, wren and many others.
On the pampa the vegetal life is mainly composed of strong shrubs that cover the steppe and resists extreme weather conditions, the most characteristic is the edible Calafate. Smaller bushes include the “mata verde” and the “mata barrosa”, which resemble pincushions. However, the predominant grass here is the “coiron”, or bunch grass, which lives many years and in whose shelter often grow small, delicate flowers and other fragile plants.
At Torres del Paine NP and squeezed in between the less accessible gorges there are dense forests of Lenga, Nirre and Coigue de Magallanes.

In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia transport is in minivans that normally seat from 8 to 14 persons. When we have only 2 to 4 persons we use smaller vehicles, usually 4x4, driven by the tour guide. On the regular departure trips you will share the vehicle with other Ecocamp guests joining yours or other tours. On the private departure, the vehicle will be of your use exclusively with the limitation of their use to the given itinerary and time schedules.

Private Van

What is an Ecocamp?

It's a luxury camp, of a kind never seen before in Chile and similar in concept to the famous African lodges. It is a more comfortable alternative, but above all environmentally friendly, especially in a national Park with the characteristics of Torres del Paine.

The Cascada Ecocamp has been designed with the comfort of our travelers in mind but above all stressing the importance of interfering as little as possible with the surroundings in which we have installed it. This need to protect the environment has meant that we have had to be very efficient in managing the eco-camp; this has meant that we cannot offer some of the comforts normal in unprotected areas (private bathroom with septic tank, diesel generators etc) and, on the other hand, utilizing technologies and sustainable processes but ones which demand a greater effort and more patience from our guests (less availability of water and solar energy for electricity, making compost, less waste etc). We think that the solution that we have designed for our guests, in one of the most important national parks of the southern hemisphere, is a novel alternative, efficient and in harmony with the current demands of tourism.

4 Nights Lodge

Private Bath

Chile's diverse and marvellous environment is a gift to us and we feel in need to repay nature for all what we have received. As part of our commitment to support the environment, Cascada joined The International Eco-Tourism Society (VT-USA) in 1996 and has gained background, understanding and experience to model Cascada's own operations and o serve as an example to the others.

- You must come prepare for summer and winter all together and consider al least two changes of clothes.
-One day backpack (10lts to carry your camera, glasses, rain coat, etc); -Trekking or hiking boots; -Extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet; -Waterproof jacket; -Two pairs of wool socks; -Fleece Jacket or sweater; -Shorts or comfortable loose pants; -Sun protection(glasses, hat, lip balm and screen). Optionally consider bringing long synthetic fibre "capilene" underwear for the upper and lower body that maintains temperature when wet and dries quickly.

3-5 travellers is the most typical group size plus Ecocamp staff. Maximum is 12 clients. Guide to passenger ratio: 1:8. You will have an english-speaking guide.

We offer our guests the most rewarding experience by means of travelling to a remote destination such as Chile or Argentina with the highest degree of safety. comfort and exposure to nature and culture. As part of Cascada's safety mission fulfillment we became the first outfitter in South America to provide the guides with the Wilderness First Responder degree, training wich is widely accredited in the US and Canada.

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The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, both the strong marine and the South Patagonic Ice field influence make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rains and eventually snow. Even in summer (December to march) you should come prepared to find cold- strong winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfalls. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min).

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Cascada Expediciones

Cascada Expediciones services are designed to create a worthwhile experience and deep exposure to nature and culture. Our mission can be stated as:

Create and provide quality Tourist Services, innovative and with the highest value in terms of the life experience related to it.
Promote the benefits of Nature and Wilderness in its many forms, facilitate the discovery of the primitive spirit and create a deep understanding and respect to it.
Provide the best life conditions for all the ones working at Cascada Expediciones, assuring it to become a tool for personal and professional development.

Participate actively in the larger community serving it through contributions of employment and to respect and care for the environment.
Develop and promote Tourist Services which are environmentally sustainable, to provide ecotourism.

As part of our environmental mission fulfillment we became members of The International Ecotourism Society(USA) and gained information, understanding and experience from it that have helped us to model our own operations to follow the principles of ecotourism and to serve as an example to others.

As part of our quality mission fulfillment we were the first outfitter in South America to provide its guides with the Wilderness First Responder degree, training which is widely valid and accredited within the US and Canada. Since 1996 we have been bringing experts from the Wilderness Medical Associates to train our staff as well as other local outfitters.

We live and work in Chile, so we have the experience and in-depth knowledge of the region and its people, hence the ability to design and operate great trips for you; we are passionate adventure travelers ourselves: we have traveled extensively in remote places of Chile, Argentina and the world and we'd like to show you how the adventure of a lifetime can be.

Our travel in Chile and Argentina is designed for travelers who are seeking a holiday with plenty of outdoor activity and soft or hard adventure, who enjoy discovering nature and local culture while respecting the ecology and the environment.
The trips include various levels of physical activity, from easy to strenuous.

We include, in varying degrees, activities such as hiking, trekking, camping, backcountry walking, kayaking, diving, climbing, horsebackriding, whitewater rafting and seakayaking. This brings the traveling group together, and closer to nature. There are usually plenty of wildflowers and birds to be seen on our tours, with opportunities for botanists and bird watchers to pursue their interests. Most of our tours are outside the big cities and off paved roads visiting remote places, discovering the wildlife and local cultures, with emphasis on personal experience and respect for the ecology.

Most of our trips are suitable for all ages, from teens to seniors, and solo travelers or women traveling alone will find the groups friendly and welcoming with easy integration. Moreover our ECOCAMP 'lodge' in Torres del Paine, Patagonia offers a true wilderness experience in a comfortable setup.

You have to arrive from Santiago in the first flight departing from Santiago (usually LAN 081). The trip finishes in the airport of Punta Arenas on Sunday at approx 5 PM. If going back to Santiago you have to book last flight departing from Punta Arenas (usually LAN 286). Please contact us before booking domestic flights.

Insurance:
Travel protection is essential for your peace of mind; unexpected medical emergencies or illness before or during your trip and several other contingencies could make you lose pre-paid, non-refundable trip payments. Emergency medical transport and air ambulance during your trip to a remote location might be extremely expensive and will probably not be covered by your medical health plan.
That is why it is compulsory that you purchase personal travel insurance. This insurance must cover personal accident, medical expenses, air ambulance, loss of effects, repatriation costs and all other expenses which may arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring during your trip. We also suggest you to purchase cancellation and curtailment insurance. When obtaining travel insurance, you must ensure the insurer of the type of travel to be undertaken, especially when "adventure activities" are included in your trip.
There are several insurance companies offering travel protection plans through the web. Cascada Expediciones has selected some of them for your convenience. Click here to check different alternatives.

Medical & Health:
It is mandatory that clients with medical problems make themselves known to us well before departure. The trip leader has the right to disqualify anyone, at any time, during the trip if he feels the trip member is physically incapable and/or if a trip member's continued participation will be detrimental to the individual involved or the group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.
Because of the fact that Hospital facilities for serious problems are often unavailable and evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive, it is that we assume no liability regarding provision of medical care at any time during the trip. This statement is included on the Release & Assumption of Risk form provided by our company. All passengers over 65 are requested to fill out a Medical Certificate that would entitle him/her to safely accomplish the trip he/she is applying for.


Physical and/or Technical Certificates:
These certificates are issued in addition to the general medical certificate and are asked to secure a safe accomplishment of the activities included on certain specific mountaineering and kayaking trips.

Physical Certificate:
The following programs will require the passenger to be physically qualified to be accepted on the trip. This is not a technical demand but a provision towards the physical condition of the participant and the enforcement to be accomplished during the excursion:
High Altitude Mountain Trips: Aconcagua, Ojos del Salado, Parinacota

Technical Certificate:
The following programs will require the passenger to be physically and technically qualified to be accepted on the trip. This is a provision towards the level of skills owned by the participant and the degree of technical difficulty and risk involved on the trip: Rafting River Futaleufu; Intermediate and Experts River Kayaking;

Responsibilities of Trip Members:
Trip members are responsible for understanding the conditions implied in the Trip Itinerary and selecting a trip that is appropriate to their interests and abilities. In order to assist you we grade each trip with a Trip Rating. We are also happy to discuss the trip with you, as well as provide you with names of past participants who can discuss their experience with you.; Trip members are held responsible for being in sufficient good health to undertake the trip; - for bringing appropriate clothing and equipment as advised in the equipment list; - for following normal standards of personal hygiene in order to lessen risk of traveler's diseases; - for following normal social behavior patterns with fellow trip participants; - for acting in an appropriate and respectful manner in accordance with the customs of areas visited;- for completing the itinerary as scheduled (or as adjusted in the field as necessary).
Normally the travelers will be asked to carry a day-pack containing the extra personal belongings they wish to take such as: camera, glasses, extra clothing, etc. In the 10day Patagonia trekking and Aconcagua, Plomo, Parinacota, Ojos del Salado ascents, travelers will be asked to carry their own personal items including back pack, sleeping bag, pad, daily box-lunch and others. The 10-day Patagonia trip offers the option to hire a porter. In camping trips, the cooking and the cleaning will be the responsibility of the guiding Staff and they may ask the passenger for help in setting up his/her tent;
Reasonable changes may be made in the itinerary due to weather conditions or if judged to be in the best interest and well being of the participants;

Pricing:
The price for the land portion of the trip is called Land Cost and includes:
-All accommodations in hotels, inns, mountain huts, camps and tents; -Ground transportation in private vehicles or domestic buses depending on the itinerary including reception & transfer from the nearest airport; - Meals in the field as specified in each program except for those meals in cities or towns where the travelers will feel inclined to make their own choices; -All trekking, horse-riding, diving, marine and river arrangements in the field (as specified in each program) including group equipment, permits and mules or pack horses if specified; -Entries and park fees; -Expert leadership including English speaking guides in all our fixed departures trips. The guide/participant ratio varies from 1/5 to 1/10 depending in the type of program;
Costs not included in the trip are some meals as noted in the itinerary, soft drinks and liquor, medical expenses, cost of hospitalization or evacuation, laundry, airport departure taxes, visas, international and domestic airfares, gratuities and insurance. Please refer to the trip itinerary for detailed information on what is included and not included in the Land Cost. If a trip must be extended or an itinerary modified due to weather, road conditions, lack of transportation, political or civil disputes, medical emergency or other causes beyond our control, the associated costs including any nonrecoverable costs are not included in the trip rates or refunds. In such circumstances it is your responsibility to pay directly for actual extra costs in the field (i.e. food, transport, accommodations, etc.). Obtain trip cancellation/interruption insurance!
Prices listed on our website and marketing material are subject to change since the trip dates and prices have often been published more than a year in advance. Between that time and the time of the trip's actual departure, we are occasionally faced with exceptional cost increases or currency fluctuations that we cannot absorb. We do everything we can to keep our prices the same as published.

Tier Pricing:
In order to operate small groups, some trips are priced according to the number of full-price passengers on the trip. Cascada Expediciones staff, invited passengers as travel writers, photographers or tour operators' representatives under a familiarization trip and other discounted travelers are excluded from the count for this purpose. We initially invoice you at the highest tier level price. If the price drops due to an increase in the group size, you will be refunded the difference.

Accommodation:
The prices correspond to accommodations in a share basis. If the passenger is traveling alone and there is no one with whom to share, or if he/she wishes single accommodation, then he/she will be asked to pay the Single supplement Fee listed in the Price-List. Accommodations in hotels are based on double occupancy. Accommodations in tents are based on double occupancy.
The criteria for picking out the accommodations are a mixture of comfort, security, location and local atmosphere.

Meals:
All meals on the field are included as well as all others to be taken in places such as National Parks where the travelers will not be able to purchase their own food or where we consider it is not recommendable to do so. Please refer to each trip itinerary for information on which meals are included and not included. The meals included are shown as B=breakfast, L=lunch, L-=box-lunch, D=dinner.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:
If it becomes necessary for you to cancel your trip, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by Cascada plus any additional nonrefundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and other local suppliers.
a- Cascada Land cancellation fees for regular departures: these are departures with fixed dates. Cancellation of the confirmed booking outside 30 days prior to departure entails loss of deposit, which is 20% of the total trip cost. Thereafter the following applies:
30 - 23 days 40% of total fare
22 - 14 days 60% of total fare
13 - 0 days 100% of total fare

b- Cascada Land cancellation fees for private departures: these are trips operated in a non-fixed date or as special requests. Cancellation of the confirmed booking outside 60 days prior to departure entails loss of deposit, which is 20% of the total trip cost. Thereafter the following applies:
60 - 45 days 40% of total fare
44 - 31 days 60% of total fare
30 - 0 days 100% of total fare