Chile vacation, 17 days south to north

Planet

This is a tailor-made, independent trip; groups are very small, normally composed of 2 to 4 people, helping to minimise the negative environmental and social impact.

Much of the trip is spent in pristine nature, including Torres del Paine National Park, Huerquehue National Park, the Huilo Huilo biological reserve and Los Flamenco National Reserve. Our travelers are briefed by local guides as to how to minimise their impact on the environment. Advise includes staying on marked tracks, where the picnic areas are and how to reduce waste. Some useful information on local flora and fauna and tips on how to travel responsibly, can also be found in the road book we provide to our travelers.

On this tour, we work with small hotels run by people aware of their environmental responsibilities. Most of the accommodation consists of traditional constructions, often built using local materials such as native woods.

In the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, located in Chile’s rainforest, travelers will get to know more about this great example of sustainable tourism, a conservation project of both local nature and culture.

On the Island of Chiloe, travelers will meet a group local fishermen who have created an association for the protection and development of their natural heritage. Aware of the negative impact of fishing on biodiversity, they are using tourism as a new source of income. Travelers will learn about local marine life including penguins, sea lions, sea otters and pelicans among other animals.

People

We support local employment and communities in our choice of accommodation, tours, restaurants, etc. This trip is no different from others we provide, in that it encourages real interaction between people while respecting the culture, history and customs of each individual community. This carefully planned itinerary includes several small villages along the way, where the traveler can gain insight into the local culture. Travelers will spend a day in an authentic estancia, experiencing the traditional “huaso” culture, in the middle of the Patagonian countryside. An opportunity to learn and participate in some of their daily activities such as organic farming, herding and milking the animals... On the Island of Chiloe, travelers will have a chance to spend a couple of nights with local families of small scale farmers. In these small communities, they will meet local people, eat locally produce and have a truly authentic experience, while at the same time supporting local businesses.

We donate 3% of the total price of this trip to co-fund micro-projects implemented by local schools, associations and ONGs. These are community projects based on education and conservation activities, especially addressed to young people.