Condor Multisport

Amazon Adventures

Condor Multisport

The Condor is our 11-day multi-activity trip around Chilean Patagonia. This unique part of South America is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet, and we do it all in typical ACTIVE style. We take a multi day hiking trip into Torres del Paine National Park, cycle on the edge of a pristine lake at the foot of the Andes, and sea kayak on a breathtaking fjord in the Chilean Lake District. We'll take in some incredible views as we hike to the snowline of Osorno Volcano, cycle through stunning Andean mountain beech forests, and stand at the foot of massive glaciers in Tierra del Fuego.

Sunday - Arrive Punta Arenas, travel to Puerto Natales via Seno Otway penguin colony
Our trip begins in Punta Arenas - the gateway to Tierra del Fuego. After a short drive through the Patagonian wilderness, we'll arrive at Otway Sound where we'll hike to the penguin colony found at the edge of the Sound. The views of Tierra del Fuego provide a perfect backdrop as we watch the crudely - but not inappropriately - named "Jackass" Penguins congregate in their masses. These curious creatures migrate to Otway Sound every year to give birth and raise their young. We'll continue our journey through this amazing landscape to Puerto Natales. ACCOMMODATION: Puerto Natales lodgings. (B,L,D)

Monday - Begin 'W' hike, Torres Del Paine National Park
Today we begin the justly famous 'W' walk - one of the world's most amazing hikes, which hits all the highlights of the stunning Torres del Paine National Park in four incredible days. Dating back 12 million years, Torres is a hiking wonderland of craggy granite peaks, snow clad mountains, glacier-fed lakes, and thick Magellanic forests. This morning we begin with an exhilarating and heart-pumping hike up the Rio Acensio valley, winding its way up to the base of the Torres ("Towers") of Paine, the highlight of the Park. As we crest the top of the boulder field at the end of our hike, we'll come face to face with El Cerro Grande as it casts its reflection on the beautiful green alpine lake at its base. This massive granite wall rises 3000 vertical feet in front of us, We spend the night in a cosy refugio (mountain refuge).
ACCOMMODATION: Mountain Refuge, Torres del Paine National Park. (B,L,D)

Tuesday - Torres Del Paine National Park, Hiking to Los Cuernos
An easier day's hiking today as we contour around the picturesque Lake Nordenskjold. The amazing color of this glacier-fed lake, and the emerging rock formations of los Cuernos (the Horns), make for some fantastic photo opportunities as we make our way to the Los Cuernos refugio . These three fantastically sculpted grey and white sedimentary peaks rise 800 vertical feet from the horizon, dwarfing everything around them.
ACCOMMODATION: Mountain Refuge, Torres del Paine National Park. (B,L,D)

Wednesday - Hiking French Valley in Torres del Paine National Park
Up with the sunrise this morning, we'll begin our hike to the French Valley. This incredible ravine is over 4000 feet deep, and is one of the most beautiful places you're ever likely to see. Glaciers cascade down from steep granite peaks creating a patchwork of ice and rock. Our hike becomes steeper as we ascend a ridgeline to the upper French Valley, passing waterfalls and turquoise mountain tarns. Our efforts are rewarded as we enter a massive natural amphitheatre filled with the awesome French Glacier and the Paine Massif and Cuernos granite towers. This afternoon we'll walk to the comfortable Paine Grande lodge to rest after an unforgettable days hiking.
ACCOMMODATION: Paine Grande Lodge, Torres Del Paine. (B,L,D)

Thursday - Hike and scenic boat ride to Grey Glacier and return to Puerto Natales
This morning we'll hike along Grey Lake to the foot of the Grey Glacier. You'll never forget your first sight of this huge wall of ice, or the stunning views out over the lake and the mountains of the Pingo Valley. At Refugio Grey we'll board a boat that takes us for a good look at the glacier, before dropping us off at Hosteria Lago Grey. From here we'll take a bus ride back to Puerto Natales, where we'll rest after our day's hiking in one of the world's most beautiful national parks.
ACCOMMODATION: Puerto Natales lodgings. (B,L,D)

Friday - Punta Arenas
Today we'll have time to relax after our hiking in Tierra del Fuego, before making our way back to Punta Arenas in the afternoon. Punta Arenas lies along the western side of the Strait of Magellan between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The city reflects a great mix of cultures - from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors, and it remains a fascinating testament to Chile's rich history. We'll take a short hike to the city lookout for fascinating views of the city's orderly streets, colorful tin roofs, and the Tierra Del Fuego. The wrecks of old sailing ships that have remained where they ran aground can also be seen in the distance - bring your camera!
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Oro Fuegino, Punta Arenas. (B,L,D)

Saturday - Ensenada and rafting Rio Petrohue
This morning we'll take a short flight to Puerto Montt, then drive to beautiful, peaceful Ensenada, on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, where we'll stay in cabins and enjoy stunning views of the Osorno Volcano from our own private beach. This afternoon we'll raft the Petrohue River. Flowing between the dramatic peaks of the Osorno and Puntiagudo volcanoes, the Petrohue offers class III and IV rapids and a breathtaking landscape.
ACCOMMODATION: Cabañas Brisas del Lago, Ensenada (B,L,D)

Sunday - Hiking Osorno Volcano
This morning we leave Ensenada , bound for Osorno Volcano, standing tall on the edge of Vicente Perez Rosales National Park . After a short drive we'll begin hiking to the snowline of this magnificent peak. It's a tough hike to our viewpoint, with a vertical gain of about 2000 feet, but our efforts are rewarded with fabulous views across to Lake Llanquihue and the multitude of rivers in the Patagonian Lake District. We'll descend the volcano and head back to Ensenada.
ACCOMMODATION: Cabañas Brisas del Lago, Ensenada (B,L,D)

Monday - Sea Kayaking Reloncavi Fjord
We'll have a half-hour drive this morning, to where the clear water of the Rio Petrohue meets the salt water of Reloncavi Fjord. We spend the day paddling past snowcapped volcanoes, green hillsides and waterfalls, with sea lions and maybe even dolphins for company. The sea kayaking here is world class, and with the Patagonian Andes in the background, paddling doesn't get much better! Like all ACTIVE paddling trips, this is suitable for beginners, but interesting for more experienced people too.
ACCOMMODATION: Cabañas Brisas del Lago, Ensenada (B,L,D)

Tuesday - Cycling to Puerto Varas
We'll leave Ensenada on our bikes today, riding alongside Lake Llanquihue with the Chilean Andes towering above us. The terrain is undulating, with gentle climbs and nice downhill sections, though miles of beech forest and farmland. The views are magical, with the towering backdrop of mountains, and we have plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and take in the views. The majestic snow-capped peaks of the Andes rise straight out of the lake, and are often mirrored by its calm waters, particularly early in the morning, or in the evening.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Del Bosque , Puerto Varas (B,L,D)

Wednesday - Return to Santiago, Depart
Today is the final day of your trip around Patagonia with us. We'll take a short flight back to Santiago where you can connect with your international flight back home. You'll feel refreshed and relaxed after hiking, biking and kayaking your way around one of the most spectacular regions on earth. Hasta luego!
(B)

ACCOMMODATIONS : The Condor is an active adventure-orientated trip around Chilean Patagonia. We've chosen interesting, clean and comfortable accommodation throughout. All of the places we stay are chosen for their character and location, and are truly spectacular! For our 4 day Torres del Paine trek, we're in back country lodges.

FITNESS : You must have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself. You don't have to be young nor extremely fit (although if you are, you won't be bored) but you should be in the habit of doing at least some exercise. Age and experience is not important. We would rather have an older person with a good attitude than a 22-year-old couch potato!

EXPERIENCE : You don't have to have any outdoor experience to do one of our trips. We offer trips that enable you to make the most of South America 's awesome outdoor environment, culture and history. Our staff are highly trained and very experienced outdoor guides, and we'll look after you! You don't need any experience for the multi-day trek, or to have ever paddled a kayak before. You don't need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy our rides either. We have so many options that if you'd rather hike, shop or laze around, then you don't have to do any biking at all! You'll just need to be energetic and in reasonable shape - and we guarantee you'll have a wonderful time. On the other hand, if you like a challenge then we will certainly give you one! We manage the level of commitment to suit your experience, and we have an impeccable safety record.

FLEXIBILITY : Chile is a developing nation and we won't tell you that everything in South America runs like clock work. What we CAN tell you is that we are experienced adventure travel leaders, and we know how to keep things operating as smoothly as possible, even when conditions are challenging. That's why we're here! But you'll find your trip even more enjoyable if you remember to bring flexibility and a sense of humor with you.

Price: The trip fare is US$2999

INCLUDED : . The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically:
All guiding services. We always have an experienced trip leader with every trip and will usually have a local guide on most of our excursions for extra local knowledge.
Comfortable accommodation for the entire 11 days. We can also organize pre and post trip accommodation for you if you let us know in advance.
All your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Alcohol is not included.

Trip Dates: Dec 9 07 - Dec 19 07, Dec 23 07 - Jan 2 08, Jan 13 08 - Jan 23 08, Jan 27 08 - Feb 6 08, Feb 17 08 - Feb 27 08, Mar 2 08 - Mar 12 08, Mar 16 08 - Mar 26 08