EXPLORA TRAVESÍA: A DREAM JOURNEY TO WONDERLAND
By Soledad de Gervais
Founded in 1993, Explora is a unique travel company that specializes in remote destinations of South America including the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, Easter Island and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Currently, Explora owns six luxurious and sustainable hotel properties of essential luxury, where guests retain a link with the mysteries of nature, and operates over 150 fascinating expeditions ranging from half-day excursions to ten-day trips. The Explora guides are outstanding, each excursions flows effortlessly, and after a very active day, you will be pampered at your hotel or lodge offering best service, great spas and delicious food. The famed “Travesías” are unique nomadic overland journeys, designed to take you off the beaten path where you can really feel the heartbeat of remote, barely explored places. So just throw yourself into an out of the world experience where dramatic scenery meets nomadic adventure. Here are the three Travesías to choose from.
CHILE/BOLIVIA: TRAVESÍA ATACAMA-UYUNI
The Travesía Atacama-Uyuni is a journey that leads you from the deep silence of the terra- cotta mountains in the Atacama Desert to the endless white of the Uyuni Salt Flat. Alternating hikes and 4×4 vehicle drives, immerse your- self into two of the world’s most fascinating landscapes, delve into the surreal wonders of the Altiplano, multicoloured lagoons, geo- thermal fields and enjoy replenishing rests at stunning Explora hotels, lodges and camps... and observe the most beautiful starry skies in the world, just letting yourself go to fully live in the moment. This journey for two travelers can be booked for eight to ten nights. You may set off from either the Atacama Desert in Chile or from Uyuni salt flat. All nights are spent at Explora Atacama, Explora camps and at the Uyuni Lodge. The 4×4 vehicle is led by an expert Explora guide and a Local driver. It includes satellite communication systems and oxygen equipment. This new Travesía will start operating in May 2020. With double- occupancy rates starting from 6500 euros per person, the price includes all excursions and expeditions, accommodation, meals and drinks, transportation and National Park entrance fees.
CHILE/ARGENTINA: TRAVESÍA SALTA
To enable in-depth exploration in Salta, Explora created this tailor-made Travesía over The Andes. You will experience the sublime silence and multi-coloured valleys of the majestic Andes, the natural border between Argentina and Chile. Well- equipped vans will carry up to six guests between countries to access hiking trails in some of South America’s most isolated and beautiful landscapes. The special touch of luxury that Explora is able to add to the experience is not only provided at the lodges and camps, but also “in the middle of nowhere”, such as a full-scale BBQ picnic in the desert, tea-time with freshly baked local bread served in the depth of a spectacular canyon, a sunset hike with champagne at a breath-taking secluded viewpoint, to name just a few some of them. This nine-day, eight-night Travesía between Salta and San Pedro de Atacama is designed for groups up to six travelers. It can be taken either from Argentina or Chile, following the same itinerary. It includes three nights in Explora’s Atacama hotel and five nights in its remote Andean luxury camps. This Travesía is run from March through December, with double-occupancy rates starting from 6500 euros a person. The price includes all excursions and expeditions, accommodation, meals and drinks, transportation and National Park entrance fees.
PATAGONIA: TRAVESÍA EL CHALTÉN
Patagonia isn’t a country or a place; it’s a territory shared by Chile and Argentina famed for its impressive natural scenery. Travesía El Chaltén focuses on both the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, and the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. You will be escorted by an experienced Explora guide whilst hiking in some of the world’s most pristine lands- capes. During daily explorations, you will cross the mountain ranges of Fitz Roy and Torre, formed 12 million years ago; traverse mature beech forests and valleys of the Patagonian prairie and skirt glaciers, rivers, waterfalls and lakes. On foot or by horseback, gentle or more physically demanding, these explorations allow you to experience the extent of the geography and wildlife of this area, in addition to discovering the cultural heart of the region. Crossing between Argentina and Chile you will be overwhelmed by the striking contrast of the craggy mountainous landscape of Torres del Paine and emblematic plains of the Patagonian prairie. Van drives allow access to hiking routes along the way in some of the world’s most isolated landscapes. This nine- day, eight-night Travesía Atacama requires a minimum of two or a maximum of six travelers. It can be taken either from Argentina or Chile, including four nights at the iconic Explora Patagonia hotel and four nights at a local hotel in El Chaltén. It is run between October and March with double-occupancy rates starting from 6500 euros per person. The price includes all excursions and expeditions, accommodation, meals and drinks, transportation and National Park entrance fees.
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