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CARRETERA AUSTRAL MARBLE CAVES VALLE CHACABUCO TORTEL EL CHALTEN EL CALAFATE UNDISCOVERED PATAGONIA A Great Walks Journey We’ve been nominated as Australia’s Best Travel Agency in the 2017 National Travel Industry Awards (single location) EXCLUSIVE ESC ORT ED JOURNEY. JUST 8 P LACES AVAILABLE 17 DAYS, 2 - 18 NOVEMBER, 2017 $8,280 PER PERSON

A Great Walks Journey UNDISCOVERED PATAGONIAs3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/resources.farm1... · with Argentina. In less than two hours, we’ll be looking across the vast expanse

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Page 1: A Great Walks Journey UNDISCOVERED PATAGONIAs3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/resources.farm1... · with Argentina. In less than two hours, we’ll be looking across the vast expanse

FORWARDTRAVEL.COM.AU 1

CARRETERA AUSTRAL ∙ MARBLE CAVES ∙ VALLE CHACABUCO ∙ TORTEL ∙ EL CHALTEN ∙ EL CALAFATEUNDISCOVERED PATAGONIAA Great Walks Journey

We’ve been nominated as

Australia’s Best Travel Agency in the 2017

National Travel Industry Awards (single location)

EXCLUSIVE ESC ORT ED

JOURNEY. JUST 8 P LACES

AVAILABLE

17 DAYS, 2 - 18 NOVEMBER, 2017 $8,280 PER PERSON

Page 2: A Great Walks Journey UNDISCOVERED PATAGONIAs3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/resources.farm1... · with Argentina. In less than two hours, we’ll be looking across the vast expanse

2 1300 738 168 FORWARDTRAVEL.COM.AU 3

16 DAYS

VALLE CHACABUCO

PUT YOURSELF IN THIS PICTURE AT GREAT GLACIER, VILLA OHIGGINS

THE ULTIMATE PATAGONIA ADVENTURE ..off the beaten path and into its wild, remote secret heart

Take time to be thankful in Val le Chacabuco

2 NOV: BALMACEDA – RIO SIMPSON We meet our guides at Balmaceda airport and drive to Coyhaique for lunch. This afternoon we’ll visit the beautiful Simpson Natural Reserve to stretch our legs and start breathing in the fresh air. Tonight we’ll dine at the famous Dali restaurant.

DAY 2: CERRO CASTILLO – RIO TRANQUILLOEarly start south to Villa Cerro Castillo, where the mountain peak really does look like a natural castle. The tiny village at the base of the mountain is home to descendents of the original pioneers who settled here over 100 years ago. The indigenous Tehuelches were here long before that though. Not far from town is the Paredón de las Manos, a 35m rock over hang, where they left their hand prints 5,000 years ago. You can choose the 6hr trek, by horse and foot, to the glacial lagoon, or take a shorter walk to one of the most famous peaks in Aysen. We say goodbye to bitumen and continue on the Carretera Austral through the Ibañéz River Valley to Rio Tranquillo, a small town (population 500) on the shores of Lake General Carrera.

DAY 3: ICE TREKKING ON EXPLORADES GLACIERAs we drive 52km west we’ll notice the scenery change from shrubs and meadows to landscapes increasingly green and lush, and soon we’re in the middle of impenetrable forests. We’ll hike through the forest, maneuvering over the boulders to reach the ice where we’ll put on the crampons and be immersed in a quiet world of blue, green and white. We’ll explore some of the ice caves and walk through the crevasses, touching ice that is tens of thousands of years old.

Those who don’t want to ice trek can do a full day navigation to the San Rafael Glacier, Aysen’s largest Glacier. Return to Rio Tranquillo. DAY 4, MARBLE CAVES AND PUERTO BERTANDA peninsula of solid marble, 300 million years old, has been slowly eroded by waves creating a labyrinth of marble caverns. Entering the caves we’ll be surrounded by the marble. The clear water of the lake, and light filtering in from the outer world, creates a spectacle of colour and contrasts. Floating within these immense walls of marble is one of the most surreal travel

experiences there is, and you can choose to explore by kayak or small boat.Back on the road we have our first sighting of The Baker river, one of the most beautiful in the world, and the longest in Chile. We’ll take a gentle hike to the confluence of Baker and Nef river, and hear about the proposed dam which would have destroyed the landscape. Reaching Puerto Bertrand you can choose your adventure. Horse ridie with a pioneering local gaucho, takie a canopy ride over the Baker River, or relax in a hot tub on the river bank.Afterwards we drive the short distance to Parque Patagonia and arrive at Estancia Chacabuco for dinner and our 3 night stay. Upon arrival at the lodge, we’ll be welcomed with a quick orientation to the park. Walk around the park headquarters area, and perhaps take a quick stroll on the La Vega Trail, which begins right behind the Lodge. Here you could spy your first guanacos, the curious South American camelid that roam the grasslands. Maybe enjoy a cocktail in the afternoon sun on the terrace before we have dinner in the Restaurant El Rincón Gaucho.

DAY 5. PARQUE PATAGONIA.An amazing result of the passion and vision of Kris and Doug Tompkins. This future National Park was once an overgrazed sheep and cattle ranch that now protects an abundance of Patagonian steppe grasslands, glaciated peaks, and rebounding wildlife.

The iconic walk is the Lagunas Atlas Trail. If you are feeling fit and ready this could be your day. After a hearty breakfast challenge yourself on the spectacular 23km hike. Starting from the Lodge, you’ll hike up toward the summit of Mount Tamanguito before winding around stunning alpine lakes with dramatic views of the valley. It was named one of “Patagonia’s best five treks” and continues to offer visitors an incredibly rewarding challenge. Once you return, you could savour a cocktail and curl up with a book before a delicious dinner at the restaurant.

There are other options as well, including rafting on the Baker river, kayaking and fly fishing.

RIO SIMPSON

MARBLE CAVES

CERRO CASTILLO

VALLE CHACABUCO

HIKE TO ARGENTINA

ICE TREKKING

CALETA TORTEL

FLY OVER ICE FIELD

GREAT GLACIER

Patagonia, the legendary land of wilderness, fierce winds, and hardy gauchos, easily lives up to the allure of its iconic name.

Come with me far away from the beaten path to Amazing Aysen, the undiscovered heart of Patagonia. I‘ve been exploring Patagonia for 17 years, and think Aysen is it’s hidden gem; untouched by tourism and an absolute paradise for travellers who embrace the outdoors.

Here you’ll find immense forests, and mysterious fjords and channels, woven within a tangled land of islands. jagged mountains and giant glaciers, reaching up to the Northern and Southern Icefields. Hike, raft, climb, float, ride, cycle, camp and fly; it is all included, and ready to surprise and delight you.

The Carretera Austral is revered by explorers globally and considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Along the mainly gravel route we’ll discover small villages, incredible natural areas and an array of interesting people. I think of it like living inside a postcard, where each and every single view is worthy of a photograph.

This is my Ultimate Patagonia Journey - 17 years in the making. Hidden from tourists, along winding raods with few signposts, it’s a place to engage with the locals and let them share its secrets. Ride with a pioneering gaucho, glide through caves of marble, barbeque with settler families, and hike with passionate guides. Immerse yourself in the sublime Chacabuco Valley, an amazing gift to the world fuelled by the passion of visionary travellers, and join me for a spectacular day as we hike above the Great Glacier, and literally put ourselves in the picture above.

This is a slow journey to allow time to really explore, paying homage to the Gaucho saying,’he who rushes, wastes time”.

I really hope you will join me.

ROSE IN PARQUE PATAGONIA

THE NEF AND BAKER CONFLUENCE

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4 1300 738 168 FORWARDTRAVEL.COM.AU 5

DAY 5. PARQUE PATAGONIA. The suggestion today is touring the Chacabuco Valley and hike the Lago Chico Loop.

Experience the dramatic transformation in ecosystems as we drive east to the border with Argentina. In less than two hours, we’ll be looking across the vast expanse of the Argentine Patagonian steppe. Along the way, stop to count flamingos, black-necked swans, and myriad other bird species that reside within the park. On our return, we’ll take a detour to hike the crowd-pleasing Lago Chico trail, a 12-km loop in the eastern sector of the park. We’ll appreciate the big views of Mount San Lorenzo, Patagonia’s second-highest peak, and the massive Lago Cochrane. For those interested in a shorter hike, a ten-minute stroll from the parking lot brings you to an excellent lookout over the lake. For dinner, gather around the parrilla (grill) in the restaurant for a traditional asado (BBQ) and buffet alongside staff and other guests.

DAY 7. CALETA TORTELOn the world’s most scenic road, Caleta Tortel stands out for not having any. 7.5km of raised walkways connect the village, and invite visitors to take a stroll through the various sites of this picturesque place declared a national monument due to its architecture and lifestyle. This quaint fishing village is conveniently located at the mouth of the Baker River and between the Northern and Southern Patagonian Ice Fields. The surrounding geography is rugged, formed by a number of islands, fjords, channels and estuaries only linked by road in 2003 to the rest of Chile. We’ll hike above the village and take a boat to Isla Muerta and find one of Patagonia’s great mysteries.

DAY 8. VILLA O’HIGGINS: END OF THE ROADOur final drive takes us to the end of the Carretera Austral, at Villa O’Higgins, bordering Argentina and gateway to the Southern Icefield. We’ll celebrate our journey with a scenic flight over the Icefields which we have been following for the last week. To soar above them provides an amazing perspective and finally the realisation of the vastness of the World’s largest hold of fresh water outside of the polar regions. After our flight we’ll arrive at our fabulous lodge, Robinson Crusoe, Deep Patagonia,where we have time for activities before dinner.

DAY 9 – VILLA O’HIGGINSPlenty of options to explore today with mountain biking, hiking, and fly fishing available. We’ll cruise to Great Glacier and those who wish to put themselves in the picture at the top of page 2, will stay at Calendario Mansilla for the night. Anyone who is not doing the hike will return to the comfort of the lodge. DAY 10. CANDELARIO MANSILLAToday we’ll all meet at Calendario Mansilla for our final night in Chile before another huge highlight of our trip; our crossing to Argentina. DAY 11 – CROSSING TO ARGENTINA For all adventure seekers and nature lovers completing the crossing from Chile to Argentina at O’Higgins is a must. The scenery is superlative, and the landscape is stunning with turquoise blues and emerald greens. We’ll be driven 17km to the border and then walk the final 5km to Lago Del Desierto. There are amazing view points as we pass glaciers and mountains. A small ferry takes us to the southern shore, where we will be met and taken to El Chalten, for a well earned rest.

DAY 12. EL CHALTEN One of Patagonia’s most scenic trails, the 17km Laguna Los Tres hike rises through the forest for stunning views of Fitz Roy. The spectacular trek is the number one priority here. To maximise the hike we’ll get a lift to the trail head 17km from Chalten and then slowly walk back to town. Start our hike through the forest with glimpses of the mystical Mount Fitz Roy; admiring lagoons of different shades of blue, imposing glaciers and campgrounds visited by famous international climbers. Eager hikers can add the detour across the moraine to the lagoon from Poincenot Camp, while others relax over a picnic lunch. We then start the descent to El Chalten, stopping at the beautiful Laguna Capri for more photos. Arriving in El Chalten may be quickly followed with a local beverage at the microbrewery.

DAY 13. EL CHALTENTo is free to explore as you wish.

DAY 14. EL CALAFATEThis morning we’ll take the bus 3hrs south to the charming town of El Calafate. Our hotel on the lake shore offers free bikes, perfect for exploring the lake and village.

DAY 16. PERITO MORENO GLACIER Experience the majestic icy expanse of the Perito Moreno Glacier today and get a close up perspective of the fantastic formation with a boat ride on the glacial lagoon. We’ll then have plenty of time to wander the boardwalks on its Northern side to try and take it all in. I alway allow plenty of time to sit and watch in the Rumble Zone; the glacier’s most active area, where even seemingly small pieces crash like thunder to the water below.

DAY 17. ONWARD TRAVEL Our wonderful journey ends after breakfast. You could take the bus to Chile and join our W Trek in Torres del Paine to complete a stunning journey. Ask us for details.

CONSERVACION PATAGONICAPatagonia is one of the wildest places left on Earth, where there’s a chance to protect ecosystems at scale and demonstrate how conservation can benefit communities.

Conservacion Patagonica, a non-profit company was founded in 2000, to protect Patagonia’s wildlands and ecosystems. Since then, Conservacion Patagonica has focused on building new national parks in Chile and Argentina’s southernmost region, Patagonia. Their aim is to save and restore wildlands and wildlife, inspire care for the natural world, and generate healthy economic opportunities for local communities.

As founder, Kris Tompkins tells it, “We conserve the places we love and care about.” Kris had heard about the conservation potential of the Chacabuco Valley, but not until she visited the area did she see the urgent need to rewild and securely protect this critical area. As she remembers, “when I drove through the Chacabuco Valley for the first time, I saw the extra-high “guanaco fences” designed to keep these first-rate jumpers out of the best bottom grasslands, which were reserved for the cattle on the estancia. My eyes glazed over looking out on the tens of thousands of sheep grazing the bunch grasses up and down the valley. The grasses looked patchy and dead. Nothing left for wildlife. Previously one of the most biologically rich areas of Patagonia, the Chacabuco Valley was a sea of sheep and cattle. Not a guanaco to be found among them.”

The vision for Patagonia National Park emerged soon after this visit: the future park would restore damaged grasslands, protect the entire 650,000-acre area, develop durable and inspiring public access infrastructure, and spark a local economy based on conservation, not unsustainable sheep ranching. Conservacion Patagonica began collaborating with the Chilean government, building a talented on-the-ground team, and launching numerous initiatives to establish an enduring park.

In 2004, they purchased the 178,000-acre Estancia Valle Chacabuco and set about tranforming it by selling off livestock, taking down fences, restoring grasslands and forests, and developing species-specific restoration programs. Now they have opened the park to the public so we can all benefit from their amazing efforts.

Now, thanks to the workers, volunteers, and generous donors, Conservacion Patagonica has man-aged the unthinkable: crossing the halfway mark towards the creation of Patagonia National Park.

Rose has been follwing Kris, and her late husband, Doug for many years and is thrilled to bring you to this amazing place. It is truly a testament to the power of interested travellers, who travel to discover, explore and, where possible, improve. Our visit here will be an incredible highlight, and hopefully an inspiration

THE LODGE AT VALLE CHACABUCOInspired by iconic national park lodges from around the world, the Lodge at Valle Chacabuco’s detailed woodwork and original photography of local culture and nature provide a uniquely Patagonian experience. The central living and dining room are the ideal setting for resting after a day of travel, hiking, or exploration. Drink regional wine at the living room bar and enjoy views of looming Mount Tamanguito to the south through expansive paned windows. Nestle into overstuffed sofas, lounge by the fire, or venture to the patio by night to view an endless spread of stars. The Lodge’s respect for the land and commitment to the environment is central to the guest expe-rience. Complementing its surroundings, the Lodge is built from stone quarried in the Chacabuco Valley. Its high beams and floors come from recycled and refurbished wood, and its lush grounds welcome frequent and personal wildlife encounters.

ROBINSON CRUSOE LODGE - VILLA O’HIGGINSThe Robinson Crusoe Deep Patagonian Lodge is located at the very end of the Carretera Austral. Set in the heart of Deep Patagonia, it is also the main access route to the “Southern Patagonian Ice Field” and the final gateway to Argentina. The lodge in Villa O’Higgins is a stand out offering, and a perfect culmination of our Chilan journey. The lodge was inspired by the legend of the cultured, adventurous Robinson Crusoe, and built with the idea of conserving his mystique and brotherly spirit. Spaces have been designed especially for contemplation and the architecture is reminiscent of the great Patagonian barns. Be invited to allow your senses to be recreated amid nature at its purest, experiencing a return to freedom.

The lodge’s different areas make your stay comfortable and rewarding. One is the glass area that allows you to feel the wind and the rain sitting by soft cushions. Another is the loft where you can review maps of the area, as well as books and videos of interest, or you can enjoy the warmth of home along, read a good book while trying a good Chilean wine. Outside the lodge are inviting Hot Tubs so you can relax with a bubbling bath, admiring the beauty of a starry night as a reward for a long day filled with great experiences.

The interior decoration is simple and elegant, with touches of local colour that form part of our style. Comfortable beds and blankets ensure a warm rest in rooms that are fully insulated and electrically heated, so you are far removed from the cold, rain and wind outside.

CALETA TORTEL

ENDANGERED HUEMELS

GAUCHO

LAGUNA LOS TRES HIKE, EL CHALTEN

WALKING TO ARGENTINA

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TERMS & CONDITIONS OF BOOKINGPlease read carefully these Terms and Conditions. If you are unsure of any matter, or have any questions please call us.OUR CONTRACT:These terms and conditions are important. You need to care-fully read and understand them. These conditions constitute a legally binding contract between Forward Travel and you. By paying your deposit you acknowledge that you have read and understood and accept these terms and conditions. This contract comes into existence once your deposit is received by Forward Travel.“You”/”your” is referring to the person and/or entity appearing first on the booking form, and all people on whose behalf the booking is made.“We/Us/Our/Forward Travel refers to Forward Travel Pty Ltd ACN 164 700 832.Tour/Trip/Land Arrangements/Service(s) refers to travel services provided involving a booking made by Us for you other than a Cruise. Cruise refers to travel arrangements where ac-commodation is on a ship or boat.MAKING A BOOKINGWe will work with you to tailor make the perfect trip just for you. Once you are happy with the trip we arrange let us know and we ask you to complete a booking form. We will then request all the Services and once the arrangements are confirmed you will have seven (7) days to pay a deposit.PRICING:We book your arrangements directly with the service provider at your destination. We pay them in the local currency, or USD. This means we can keep our prices lower, and means if there is a big shift in the exchange rates it may affect the price you pay. We strive to maintain the price although if the change is signifi-cant your price will either decrease or increase accordingly. We welcome clients to pay early, either in full or partial, to remove the risk of fluctuations. Once you have paid in full for your trip there will be no changes to the price. We must however reserve the right to amend our prices, at any time up to final payment has been received.PAYMENT METHODS:We accept payment by bank transfer, Visa or MasterCard, and personal cheques. Australian issued Visa and MasterCard pay-ments incur an administration fee of 2%. Payments by Amex will incur a fee of 3%.OVERSEAS ISSUED CARDS: A fee of 2.5% will be added to the amount charged as that is what our bank charges us to accept your payment. Payment by personal cheque is a payment deemed to have been made on clearance of the cheque.DEPOSITS:We only ask for your deposit once each tour component has been confirmed.- Upon confirmation a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the value is due within seven (7) days.- For cruise bookings a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the cruise value is required.Further deposits may be required, and some components, especially airfares, may need to be paid in full. We will tell you about these before making the booking.FINAL PAYMENTS:Final payment is due 60 days prior to your trip commencing. For cruise bookings, the final payment is due 120 days before departure. Exceptions to this will be advised when booking.Airfare payments are dependent upon the airline and the due date will be advised upon booking.If you have made your booking within these time periods full payment will be required immediately.If there are changes to your trip which affect the price we will give you a minimum of 3 days to make the final payment at the invoiced price before the changes are applied. PASSENGER DETAILSIt is your responsibility to provide the correct details for yourself and anyone travelling with you. We are not responsible for in-correct passenger details for flights and other services, includ-ing the Land Arrangements, which can be costly to change.All travellers are required to provide passport copies at the time of booking to ensure names are correct. Changes to passenger details after booking will incur charges and may cause cancella-tion of Services.We are only responsible for the Service you have booked with us. You must advise Us of details of Services booked with other tour companies, and any subsequent changes. We are not responsible for any issues that may arise when you have booked other Services with another company.DOCUMENTATION:You will receive all necessary documentation for your trip fourteen (14) days before commencement of our Services. All vouchers, coupons for Services booked by our local operators will be provided to you upon arrival in each country.CHANGES TO YOUR TRIPChanges by You: Amendments:

If you wish to change your arrangements after they have been confirmed a $150 administration fee will be charged, in addition to any extra costs. If you wish to defer travel, 50% of your deposit will be held in trust to be applied to another trip booked with Us which departs within 12 months of your original depar-ture date. If you do not travel within this time, this remaining deposit will be forfeited. This only applies to deposits held by Forward Travel, not those passed to tour operators, which have other conditions. You will be advised of these when booking.UNUSED SERVICES:We will not be liable to refund any monies paid by you for any component of your Trip which you do not use, be it voluntary or involuntary.CANCELLATIONS:If you wish to cancel your booking you must notify us in writing before we can accept it. Upon receipt by us of your written advice, cancellation will take effect. Cancellation fees are:Cruises:- 90 days or more before departure – loss of deposit. (One Ocean Expeditions, 120 days or more – Loss of deposit )- Less than 90 days or before departure – 100 % of cruise price. (One Ocean Expeditions, less than 120 days before departure – 100% of cruise price )Land based touring:- 60 days or more before departure – loss of deposit- 30 days or more before departure – 50 % of tour price- Within 30 days of departure – 100% tour cost.Airfares:Airfare cancellations vary. The minimum cancellation fee is the deposit you have paid. After final payment some will be 100% non-refundable, and some will have airline cancellation charges. The rules for your airfares will be advised at time of booking.CHANGES BY US:Amendments and Cancellations:We plan everything to run smoothly but sometimes changes have to be made, and sometimes they have to be made quickly, perhaps without notice. You need to understand that your itiner-ary could change due to weather, political situations, airline or cruise schedule changes, transport delays, force majeure events or any other circumstance. Forward Travel cannot accept liabil-ity for loss of enjoyment, distress, disappointment or delays or any costs you may incur as a result of such changes.On rare occasions, where a component of your booking is sub-ject to a minimum number of passengers, and that number is not reached, or for other reasons, our operators may decide to cancel a tour or service that you have booked. We will always endeavour to provide alternative arrangements for you which may affect your final tour price.If we cannot book a suitable alternative for you we will refund you any payments you have paid for the component. In the event of such a situation you will not be entitled to make any further claim for compensation or damages for any loss, consequential damage, expenses, and loss of time, distress, disappointment or inconvenience which may result from such cancellation.TRAVEL INSURANCE:You must have comprehensive travel insurance appropriate for your destination and health to travel on our trips. This is to protect you. The policy needs to include cover for emergency evacuation and repatriation and you must carry a copy of your insurance with you when you travel.We strongly suggest you take out the policy when you pay your deposit. Your deposit is non-refundable so you should really have cover in place when you pay it.We recommend you visit your doctor and dentist when you book and you must disclose any pre-existing medical condition. If you fail your medical, a full refund of the deposit paid will be given providing you send us a medical certificate within two weeks of the date of your booking.We guarantee any travel insurance policy purchased through Forward Travel for travel booked through Forward Travel will have appropriate cover. Any travel policy will be subject to the terms and conditions on the policy. We cannot accept responsi-bility for any policies obtained elsewhere.ACCEPTANCE OF RISK: You accept that all travel involves risk, and that our trips take you to some areas where accommodation, transport, safety, conditions, medical facilities and comfort may be considered adventurous and involve a significant amount of personal risk. By booking with us you understand and accept there may be inherent risks which include, without limitation, the possibility of injury or death, psychological trauma, disease, loss or dam-age to property, inconvenience and discomfort.You assume all such risk for all itineraries, bookings and tours, and release Us from all losses, costs, damages, expenses, payments, claims or actions arising from illness, injury, disease, misadventure, loss or damage to property, discomfort and inconvenience or death resulting from these inherent risks. You agree that Forward Travel will not be liable to you for any losses, costs, damages, expenses, payments, claims or actions

suffered or incurred by you in relation to all itineraries, bookings and tours that you take.Forward Travel acts as a coordinator of tours and an agent for the owners, contractors and suppliers of transportation, ac-commodation and/or other related travel services provided and assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage to baggage, property or for injury, illness, death or for any damages or claims howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly from ac-cidents, loss or damage to person or property, delays, transport failures, strikes, wars and uprisings or acts of God etc. over which we have no control.By booking with Forward Travel you accept the risks of travel.PASSPORT AND VISASYou are responsible for your own choices in regard to destina-tions, including reviewing all travel advisories. It is your Responsibility to obtain all of the appropriate visas, permits, vaccinations and certificates for the country/ies in which you will visit during your trip.We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation or conditions. Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your planned return to Australia.We recommend you visit www.smarttraveller.gov.au for more information and register your trip.HEALTH AND SAFETYAll dietary needs, medical conditions, allergies need to be advised at the time of booking to ensure arrangements are suitable. We reserve the right to cancel your participation at any time if your health is deemed to adversely affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other tour members.LIMITATION OF OUR LIABILITYWe will plan a fabulous trip for you, and most of the time it will go smoothly. However, if things do not go as planned we need to tell you what we are not liable for:- Anything that happens before you commence travel booked with us.- The amount of sunshine, wind or rain on your travels.- Any poor photography because you didn’t read the manual- The amount of wildlife you see.- Any recommendations for goods or services you purchase or accept while away.- Illnesses, accidents or medical emergencies.- Unexpected delays to transport, even if resulting in missing a connection or a tour. (We do recommend buffer days before important event(s).- Inconvenience or disappointment at laws, culture and stand-ards of service and behaviour in any country/ies you may visit;- Changes our operators reasonably make to your itinerary as needed due to better manage your trip.- Weight gains from indulging in the local food and wine- Any kind of injury, loss, damage, misadventure and/or damage or loss of any property.PEACE OF MIND AND PRIVACYForward Travel is a fully licensed, Australian-owned travel company. We are accredited with IATA, a Member of AFTA and fully covered by the Travel Compensation Fund.We value your privacy and will not disclose any of your details other than is necessary to provide the services and arrange-ments you have paid us to do or otherwise in accordance with any legal obligation. You agree that Forward Travel, its agents and related entities may collect, retain, use and disclose your personal information for the provision of services you have booked.Furthermore, you agree that Forward Travel will maintain your information on our newsletter and mailing list. Your subscrip-tion can be cancelled upon your request.If there is anything particularly sensitive you want us to know about please advise us immediately. This is especially in the case of surprises you are arranging for someone.FEEDBACKWe love the ‘welcome home’ phone call and emails as they are usually very positive. We accept though that sometimes things do not go according to plan and you may wish to complain about an aspect of your trip. If you encounter any such situa-tion you need to let the local operator, or Us, know at the time so we can try to resolve it on the spot. We cannot be liable for any complaint that you make when you return home, that was not mentioned when it occurred.If you were not happy with how something was resolved and wish to make a complaint you must advise us in writing within 30 days of your return to Australia.VALIDITYTo the extent that any part of this agreement is found to be void or invalid, the balance of the agreement is taken to operate with full effect.BINDING LAWThis contract shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of Australia and the state of NSW. Any dispute arising in connection with this contract shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the NSW Courts.

FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED: Our experience tells us everyone wants something different with flights so we don’t include them so we can talk with you about the best options.

Airfares from Syd/Mel start at $2,650pp Economy and $6,840 Business. Ask for other cities

TRIP INCLUSIONS:

• Rose Toohey as your Journey Leader• Drive along the southern Carretera Austral, one of the world’s most scenic roads.• Fantastic English speaking guide and driver.• Flight over the Northern icefield.• The best local guides for activities• Your choice of activities throughout• The best accommodation in each area. • All meals and activities in Chile• Flexible itinerary• 3 nights in Chacabuco Valley, staying in The Lodge. • Local encounters and out of the way experiences• LIMITED TO JUST 8 PLACES

NOT INCLUDED: • Flights• Beverages• Tips (suggested tipping kitty of USD100pp)• Personal expenses

HOTELS FEATURED:

COYHAIQUE CINCO RÍOS RIO TRANQUILLO EL PUESTO CHACABUCO THE LODGE CALETA TORTEL ENTRE HIELOS VILLA OHIGGINS ROBINSON CRUSOE AND HOME STAYEL CHALTEN DESTINO SUREL CALAFATE SIERRA NEVADA

TO BOOK:Please call 1300 738 168, or email [email protected] with any questions.

You can hold a spot on this journey for 7 days. A $1,500 per person deposit is due then along with a completed booking for and copy of the information page of you passport.Adequate travel insurance is essential. Please ask us for a quote.

$8,280 per person twin share

Single supplement not available asspace is very limited. Ask us about it.

PRICING

SEASON (DATES)

FLIGHTS

02 - 18 NOVEMBER

START: BALMACEDA, CHILEFINISH: EL CALAFATE, ARGENTINA

• ABOUT AYSEN• Aysén is the third largest of Chile’s 15 provinces by area, but the smallest by population: there are fewer than 2.5 people per square km. Geographically

isolated on all sides by mountains, fjords, and ocean, Aysén was the last place in South America that settlers arrived. The development of the Carretera Austral, the rugged highway that runs north to south through the region that opened to traffic in 1988, made transportation to and within Aysén easier, but it still remains one of the most isolated and remote parts of Chile. Which is exactly why it so special.

• • GETTING THERE• There are daily flights from Santiago and Puerto Montt to the Balmaceda Airport, located 57 km southeast of Coyhaique, more or less in the centre of the

region. Flight time from Santiago is approximately 3hrs.• • FOOD AND DRINK• Mate, pronounced 'martay' is the traditional brew of Patagonia. People drink it all over the region, and it’s a definite that at some point they’ll invite you

to join in. There is also a growing number of artisan beers, all exquisite and made with 100% pure water of Patagonia. The regional gastronomy offers freshness, purity, high levels of organic foods and low levels of pollution; delivering unique tastes, special ingredients and great meals. Beef, lamb and fish re some of the most common foods. A Patagonia Asado, which involves a whole lamb slow-roasted over the coals of a barbecue pit is not just a meal, more an occasion and feast, served with breads, herb sauce, potatoes, salads and, of course, red wine.

• • CLIMATE• Aysén is classified as a cool oceanic climate with low temperatures, abundant rainfall and strong winds. There are 4 distinct climate zones. Coastal areas

to the west have a cool temperate climate with annual rainfall reaching 4,000mm, with Winter being the wettest months. Annual temperatures range between 8 to 19C with January being the warmest month.

PERITO MORENO GLACIER

Page 5: A Great Walks Journey UNDISCOVERED PATAGONIAs3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/resources.farm1... · with Argentina. In less than two hours, we’ll be looking across the vast expanse

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