The Living Eden
Chile’s Primeval Patagonia
December 28, 2006 - January 8, 2007
(With Optional Easter Island and Cape Horn Extensions)

THE FOREST PRIMEVIAL

In Chile there exists a boundless Eden so daunting and savagely raw that humanity just left Nature to fight it out alone. And so it remains today, untouched and primeval—a strangely alluring realm of wild extremes and bizarre creatures. Golden-fleeced guanacos forage through meager scrub while condors hover motionlessly in the sky as glaciers split and rupture with ear-splitting cracks and thunderous booms. This region is called Patagonia, and it is the very essence of wilderness.
     Chile is a long, narrow strip of territory that winds down the southwest coast of South America, extending its way to a handful of idyllic islands and the frozen white wastes of the Antarctic. It contains different cultures, multicolor geography, and natural settings overflowing with beauty: the impetuous Andes; the shores washed by the Pacific Ocean; the dry, thirsty desert.
     This zigzagging swath harbors a population numbering 15 million inhabitants, 90% of whom are of mixed ethnic origin, and the remaining 10 percent are divided between pure native Indians and the descendants of European immigrants. History tells us that the present territory of the country was under the control of the Incas until European “conquistadors” arrived in the 16th century. Before that, the Mapuches and Araucanos had been the masters of this territory. With the inflow of western Europeans, this piece of South America became a Spanish colony until 1817, when local patriots declared their independence.
     Currently, Chile is one of South America’s most stable and highly developed countries, making it a preferred venue for travelers. This astonishing country has much to offer in the way of history, archaeology, and nature. The tour begins in Santiago, the capital city and the heart of the country. It exhibits its past in colonial features of old mansions and projects itself into the future with modern buildings. From here, we venture to the coastal towns and beach resorts along the Pacific Ocean, then head inland to the picturesque Lake District.
     The tour’s highlight, however, is the rare chance to visit one of the planet’s most remote and spectacular destinations—Torres del Paine. Some say that this geological feature was named after an early settler named Paine. Others say the name comes from an ancient Indian word meaning blue—a reference to the intense blue of the area’s lakes. Whatever its origins, this is a spectacular park, comparable to Yellowstone or Yosemite. Founded in 1959, Torres del Paine takes in 450,000 acres. In 1978 UNESCO recognized it as a World Biosphere Reserve, and advocates are now lobbying to have the park inscribed as a World Heritage site. It is the absolute must-see destination in Chilean Patagonia!
     Explore Patagonia’s pristine National Parks and famous natural landmarks. Celebrate New Year’s in the upscale beach resort town of Viña del Mar. Explore colonial Santiago. To make the tour even more perfect, we offer an optional pre-tour extension over the Christmas holiday to Easter Island, and an optional post-tour extension cruise around South America’s southernmost point, Cape Horn, to Ushuaia in Argentina. Get wild with Toto Tours in Patagonia this Holiday Season, and celebrate an unforgettable New Year in Chile!

PRE-TOUR EXTENSION TO EASTER ISLAND
December 24 - 29, 2006

Click on the link above to read the details about this exciting opportunity to visit Easter Island before the main tour begins.

ITINERARY

Thursday, December 28, 2006
Depart from Miami

Our Lan Chile Airlines group flight departs at 9:55pm from Miami International Airport, arriving in Santiago, Chile tomorrow morning. Airfare is not included in the tour cost, so you are free to make your own arrangements for international air transportation. However, booking both the international and domestic (within Chile) flights together on Lan Chile will result in savings overall. Our air package prices are detailed at the end of the itinerary.

Friday, December 29, 2006
Arrive in Santiago, Chile

Our flight arrives at 6:20am. We are met and transferred to our hotel, where rooms have been reserved for immediate occupancy. This afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of Santiago’s main sites, including the panoramic view from Santa Lucia Hill, beautiful New York Street, the Government Palace, and the main historical buildings such as the National Library, the Court House and the former Congress, the Town Square and the Cathedral, and the National Historical Museum (the former Royal Courthouse). Finally, tour the finest residential neighborhoods such as La Dehesa, Vitacura and Las Condes until we reach El Pueblito de los Dominicos, a lovely craft workers village where you will be able to walk around its narrow streets and buy typical Chilean crafts. Our Welcome Dinner tonight at the BaliHai Restaurant includes a show.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Saturday, December 30, 2006
Santiago Sightseeing

Full day tour to the Valley of Colchagua, known as the Wine Route, including a visit to one of the wineries (Bisquert or Viu Manent) for wine tasting. Wine connoisseurs and other “Sideways” (the movie) kinda guys can click here to read more about the excellent vineyards in this valley. Enjoy lunch at the historic Santa Cruz Plaza Hotel. Returning to the Santiago in the late afternoon, the remainder of the day is at leisure.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Sunday, December 31, 2006
Valparaiso / Viña del Mar

After breakfast check out of our hotel and travel to the coast, stopping for lunch along the way. Our first stop is Valparaiso, an enchanting and bohemian city with funicular railways that tirelessly climb and descend the slopes of hills dotted with picturesque dwellings. We arrive at our destination, Viña del Mar, one of Chile’s most fashionable beach resorts founded in 1874 as a weekend retreat and garden residence for the country’s wealthy elite. Most simply call the city "Viña". It is here that we celebrate a memorable New Year! This evening we ring in the New Year with a festive dinner at a well-known restaurant on the beach, Delicias del Mar, complete with champagne and fireworks at midnight!     (All Meals)

Monday, January 1, 2007
Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas

Our morning is at leisure on the beach, transferring to the nearby Santiago Airport in time for our 12:55pm flight to Puerto Montt, the gateway to the Lake District, arriving at 2:35pm. Puerto Montt is a bustling seaport snuggled against Reloncavi Sound. It has an alpine feel, with gingerbread houses and wood shingled churches and a backdrop of forest and snowy volcanoes.
     We are met at the airport and transferred to Puerto Varas, a charming city on the shores of Lake Llanquihue and one of most popular tourist destinations in the country. Puerto Varas is the home to dozens of National Historic buildings that offer a fine picture of the area’s original German inhabitants at the end of the 19th century. Spectacular views across the lake at majestic snow-capped volcanoes surrounded in native forest abound as well as countless options for exploring the surrounding countryside. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the amenities of the hotel and its surroundings.     (Breakfast)

Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Lake District Touring

Enjoy a full day tour in the Lake District today to the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, one of Chile’s largest protected areas. Visit the Petrohué Falls to hike along the river and enjoy spectacular views. These are not ordinary falls, but a series of oddly twisting chutes formed by crystallized black volcanic rock which is resistant to erosion. Also see the Todos Los Santos Lake, located in the foothills of the Osorno Volcano. After lunch we drive partway up the volcano for panoramic views over the entire area.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Punta Arenas and Torres del Paine National Park

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our 11:15am flight to Punta Arenas, arriving at 1:25pm. Upon arrival we enjoy a scenic drive to our hotel, located in the National Park Torres Del Paine on the shore of Grey Lake. This privileged location provides abundant opportunities for discovery of the beautiful region endowed with majestic landscapes and overflowing wildlife. Upon arrival at the hotel, the remainder of the day is free.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Thursday, January 4, 2007
Torres del Paine

Enjoy two full days of guided tours featuring several regions of the park inhabited by rich and varied wildlife. They will take us to various lakes, like Nordenskjold, Sarniento, Grey and the spectacular Grey Glacier, plus ponds, rivers and waterfalls before reaching the impressive Paine Massif, which includes the Cuernos and Torres del Paine peaks. The variety of natural beauty in this park always has a great impact upon the visitor. Our tours will include some trekking in nature and observing wildlife in their natural environment.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Friday, January 5, 2007
Torres del Paine

Today enjoy a second full day touring the National Park. This evening we bid farewell to each other and to Patagonia, as it will be our final evening together before some group members set sail for Cape Horn on our optional extension to Ushuaia, Argentina.     (All Meals)

Saturday, January 6, 2007
Punta Arenas

After breakfast in the National Park we retrace our tracks on the scenic drive back to Punta Arenas, arriving in the early afternoon. Those who are taking the optional cruise will be taken directly to the ship’s office for check-in. Those who are concluding their tour will spend the night here at the Hotel Finis Terrae.     (Breakfast)

Sunday, January 7, 2007
Homeward Bound

After breakfast at the hotel we transfer to the airport for our 12:40pm flight to Santiago, arriving at 4:55pm. We have a few hours to do some last-minute shopping at the airport before boarding our Miami-bound flight, departing at 10:05pm.     (Breakfast)

Monday, January 8, 2007
Miami

Our group flight on Lan Chile arrives in Miami at 4:32am this morning. You can choose to extend your stay in Miami or connect to a homeward flight early this morning.

NOTE:  All airline schedules listed above are current as of March 17, 2006, and are subject to change.

POST-TOUR EXTENSION TO USHUAIA VIA CAPE HORN
January 6 - 11, 2007

Intrepid adventurers who want to see even more of the majesty of Patagonia have the opportunity set sail from Punta Arenas at the conclusion of the main tour, bound for Ushuaia, Argentina, via Cape Horn. Click on the link above to read the complete details.

ACCOMMODATIONS
(click on hotel name to view description)

Santiago:  Radisson Plaza Hotel

Viña del Mar:  Sheraton Miramar Hotel

Puerto Varas:  Hotel Cabañas del Lago

Torres del Paine:  Hosteria Lago Grey

Punta Arenas:  Hotel Finis Terrae

TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements: Nationals of the USA, Canada, most Western European countries, Australia and New Zealand do not need visas to visit Chile for stays up to 90 days. However, U.S. citizens must pay an Entry Fee of $100.00 (U.S.), to be paid in cash only upon arrival in Santiago. Canadians must pay $55, and Australians $34, while residents of New Zealand and E.U. nations are exempt from this fee.

Immunizations: No immunizations are required for travel to Chile, however it is a good idea to be up-to-date on routine immunizations such as tetanus-diphtheria, measles-mumps-rubella, and polio. Other recommended immunizations are Hepatitis A and typhoid. Sanitary conditions in Chile are of high standards. Santiago’s drinking water is treated and you can drink tap water in most areas of the country, however bottled water is readily available and more secure. Please check the website of the Center for Disease Control for its latest immunization recommendations for travel to Chile.

Exit Requirements: A $20 airport tax is payable upon departure from Santiago (this fee may change in January 2007).

Suggested Viewing:

• Coronacion (2000) filmed in Santiago
• The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) a scene in Valparaiso
• Cerro Torre: Scream of Stone (1991) filmed at Torres del Paine
• Rapa Nui (1994) filmed at Easter Island

WHAT TO BRING

In order to avoid having to lug around several huge pieces of heavy luggage, try to pack clothing which can be layered, worn repeatedly and put together in mix-’n’-match fashion. The weather will be very cool in some spots and warmer in others. Average daily temperatures: Santiago 51 – 82; Valparaiso 54 – 71; Puerto Montt 48 – 65; Easter Island 67 – 76. Be sure to bring some warmer clothes for the mountainous and glacial regions.

Suggested Packing List:

____ Proof of citizenship. Passport. Visa not necessary if only traveling to Chile.

____ Comfy city walking shoes.

____ Waterproof hiking boots for nature hikes.

____ Long underwear, tops and bottoms, just in case we encounter inclement weather in Patagonia.

____ 4 or 5 long-sleeved shirts.

____ 8 – 10 short-sleeved shirts, mix of t-shirts and polos.

____ Long pants (2 or 3 pairs) mix of blue jeans and casual slacks.

____ Sunscreen / lip balm.

____ Sunglasses / sun hat with tie-on (chin strap).

____ Rain jacket.

____ Gloves, wool hat and scarf to be prepared if it turns cold.

____ Jacket for cool weather.

____ Personal toiletries (anti-diarrhea preparations, just in case).

____ Swimsuit.

____ Voltage converter (220v) / optional.

____ Ziploc Bags—small for papers, large for wet clothes.

____ Camera, batteries, plenty of film or digital memory.

____ A good book for the long flights.

MONEY MATTERS

The official currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). The peso comes in many denominations of both bills and coins. The bills come in various colors and the coins in different colors and sizes. As of March 8, 2006, the inter bank currency exchange rate was 529.34 CLP to the U.S. $1. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards. ATMs are available in the major cities. Tipping around 10% is customary in restaurants. Bargaining is uncommon, except in the artisan markets.

LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS

Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All participants are required to sign a standard liability form.
     The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of ten participants.
     Toto Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure.

RESERVATIONS   

THE TOTO SPIRIT

Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain traits. They are:

•  fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
•  good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
•  undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
•  willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
•  eager to try new things & test limits;
•  punctual;
•  not whiners!

Ring in the New Year with Toto Tours on an unforgettable adventure in Chile’s dramatic Patagonia region! If you have any questions, please call toll-free: 800-565-1241.

THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)

Price: $3,295 double occupancy

Private Room: $750 extra, if available. (Not required. Toto Tours can match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer to share a room.)

Deposit: $500

Remaining Balance: $2,795 double / $3,545 single

Remaining Balance Due: September 14, 2006 -- Early deadline due to strict hotel pre-payment requirements (Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)

Included: All ground transfers within Chile; all guided excursions except those listed as “optional”; meals and accommodations as listed in the itinerary. This is a fully guided and escorted tour.

Not included: Round-trip air transportation to/from Santiago, Chile; internal flights within Chile; meals and other items not specifically covered in the itinerary; insurance; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses of a personal nature. Tips to drivers / guides are not included.

AIRFARE PACKAGE PRICES

Lan Chile is the provider of group air travel services throughout this tour. The airline is affiliated with American Airlines, so you should be able to accrue mileage on these flights. However, these discounted fares are not upgradeable using American miles. Ask for a separate quote from our suppliers if you would like to fly in Business Class or purchase an upgradable fare. These prices are valid as of March 17, 2006, and represent the least expensive fares available at this point in time. They are subject to change. We encourage you to book early to obtain the best fare.

Package # 1: Main Tour Only (no pre-tour or post-tour)
$1,460.00, including all flights from Miami

Package # 2: Easter Island Pre-Tour and Main Tour
$1,600.00, including all flights from Miami

Package # 3: Main Tour and Ushuaia Post-Tour
$1,560.00, including all flights from Miami

Package # 4: Easter Island Pre-Tour, Main Tour and Ushuaia Post-Tour
$1,725.00, including all flights from Miami

If you decide to opt out of the group flights for the international portion, the current price of all the domestic flights within Chile are as follows:

Package # 5: Internal Flights for Main Tour Only (no pre-tour or post-tour)
$815.00

Package # 6: Flight to Easter Island Pre-Tour and Internal Flights for Main Tour
$1,495.00

Package # 7: Internal Flights for Main Tour and Return from Ushuaia to Santiago Post-Tour
$1,195.00

Package # 8: Flight to Easter Island Pre-Tour, Internal Flights for Main Tour and Return from Ushuaia to Santiago Post-Tour
$1,895.00