ACCOMMODATION:
The Condor is an active adventure-oriented trip around Patagonia. We've chosen accommodations for their comfort, cleanliness and charm - not the number of channels available on the television! In some of our accommodations on this trip, you will be sharing bathroom facilities. For our 4-day/3-night Torres del Paine trek, we're in backcountry refugios (basic mountain lodges) with minimal facilities but in stunning locations; the rest of the time we stay in clean, comfortable, locally-owned places in the heart of the action, which is where you want to be!

RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:
You can fly into Punta Arenas on the first day of the trip - be sure to arrive by 1pm. Punta Arenas is the main gateway town to Chilean Patagonia and major airline LAN flies into here. On the last day of your trip you can fly out at any time. If you want to arrive earlier or leave later, we're happy to help out with extra hotel accommodation.

TRIP START:
If you arrive on the first day of the trip, an ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA representative will meet you at the airport at 1.30pm. If you're already in Punta Arenas you'll meet your trip leader and the rest of your group in town at 2pm.

TRIP END:
Your trip ends in Punta Arenas, Chile. You can fly out any time of hte last day of the trip and we will drop you off at the airport or downtown before noon.

TRANSPORT:
We cover a lot of ground in the Condor trip, and inevitably there are some travel days. The longest scheduled travel day is five hours, so there's always time to fit in an activity, which of course we do! We use Chile and Argentina's comfortable, reliable public transport system to get from town to town, and we have private vehicles and appropriate support where required for activities.

FITNESS:
You must have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself. You don't have to be young or extremely fit (although if you are, you won't be bored) but you should be in the habit of doing some regular aerobic exercise. Age and experience are not important. An older person with a good attitude will enjoy themselves more than a 22-year-old couch potato! On the 4-day/3-night 'W' hike in Torres del Paine, you'll need to carry your own backpack (approx 60-70L), sleeping bag, overnight gear and toiletries as we are staying in mountain refugios (beds and mattresses are provided).

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 trip leaders are highly trained and experienced outdoor guides, and they'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. If you'd rather hike or laze around, then you don't have to do any biking at all! If you're energetic and in reasonable shape 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:
We won't tell you that everything in South America runs like clockwork. 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, an open mind and a sense of humour with you.

INCLUDED:
The trip fare is US$4499. The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically:
• All guiding services. We always have an experienced trip leader with every trip and will have a local guide on many of our excursions for extra local knowledge.
• All ground transportation.
• Comfortable accommodation for your entire trip. We can also organise pre- and post-trip accommodation for you if required.
• All your breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
• All drinking water. Alcohol and other drinks are not included - although we've been known to spring for a few drinks here and there!
• All sea kayaking, hiking and biking as described in the itinerary. None of the activities are compulsory, so if you prefer to sit some of them out, and just have a 'down day' hanging out with a book and a hammock, then that's fine by us. This is your vacation after all!
• Tips for local activity guides and drivers are covered by us.


NOT INCLUDED:
This is your holiday, and we are serious about not nickel-and-diming you! You'll have a few drinks to cover, extra activities if you choose them, and you'll probably feel like tipping your guide at the end of a fabulous time, but you won't be pulling out your wallet every few minutes on your ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA trip!

Essential Equipment
-----1 large or 2 medium pieces of luggage: backpack, sports bag, suitcase - or similar. See W Trek below
-----Daypack: used for day trips and on the bus, but not on the multi-day hike. Should be well fitting with supportive shoulder straps and a waist-strap. Should be large enough for your raincoat, fleece, camera, wallet, water and a packed lunch (~30L/2,000 inches3)
-----Collapsible sports bag: for storing excess gear in while hiking the W Trek (stored in Puerto Natales)
-----Hiking poles: strongly recommended for knee support and added stability during our multi-day and day hikes
-----Hiking boots: required for most days of the trip. Should be comfortable, worn-in, sturdy and have a solid tread and good ankle support
-----Trail runners/running shoes: required for cycling, casual wear, and if your boots are wet!
-----Water sandals/flip-flops/tevas: or similar. For sea kayaking and to wear at night on the W Trek
-----Waterproof rain jacket/shell: a breathable shell jacket with a hood. Something which keeps you dry when active is recommended. Ponchos are unsuitable
-----Waterproof rain pants: for active rainy days
-----Down/fleece jacket: something nice and warm for cold days/nights
-----Wool sweater/fleece: 2-3 light or medium-weight tops to wear while being active. If you get cold easily you might prefer medium-weight ones
-----Long-sleeve shirts: 3-4, more quick-dry, less cotton
-----Shirts/t-shirts: 3-4, more quick-dry, less cotton
-----Trousers: 3-4 pairs, some quick-dry pairs for activities and some thicker pairs for cooler days
-----Shorts: 2-3 pairs, one quick-dry pair for kayaking
-----Thermal underwear: 1-2 top and bottom sets of polypropylene underwear for hiking and kayaking
-----Socks: enough for one week. Some good quality hiking socks, some warm, some casual
-----Underwear: enough for one week
-----Pajamas/nightwear: or similar
-----Warm hat: wool/fleece ski hat, or similar
-----Warm gloves: wool/fleece gloves
-----Sun hat: baseball cap, or similar
-----Sunglasses: with a retainer strap if you have one
-----Swim suit: for sea kayaking and swimming
-----Travel towel: for sea kayaking and hot showers during the W Trek!
-----Water bottle/bladder: 2 x 1 litres, or similar
-----Headlamp/flashlight: required for the W Trek. Headlamps are preferable to flashlights
-----Alarm clock: only some hotels have them
-----Camera: memory cards and batteries/charger
-----Insect repellent: bring more rather than less
-----Sun-block: SPF 15 UVA/UVB broad spectrum is recommended. Bring more rather than less!
-----Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, facecloth, prescription medications, glasses/lenses, shaving gear, feminine hygiene products etc. [Only some hotels provide these so it’s best to bring your own - your preferred products/ brands may not be available in Patagonia].
-----Personal first aid kit: for any essential items that you know you’ll need e.g. blister treatment if you are prone to blisters [Your trip leader will carry a group first-aid kit but it’s best to bring one of your own too]

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Your W Trek:
-----Large trekking backpack: required for the multi-day W Trek. Your backpack should be around 50-60 litres/~4,000 cubic inches and have well-fitting waist and shoulder straps. If you have your own backpack that you know works well, we recommend bringing it along - it can double as a piece of your luggage [Rental backpacks:US$35/item]
-----Sleeping bag: required for those chilly nights on the W Trek. If you have your own sleeping bag that you know will work well, we recommend bringing it along (rated down to at least ~0oC/32oF) [Rental sleeping bags:US$35/item]
-----Backpack liner/cover: to keep your belongings dry inside your pack if it rains. Rental backpacks do not include one so if you’re renting you may like to bring along a trash bag or two for this purpose
-----Sleeping bag liner: useful for added warmth and hygiene. NOTE: Rental sleeping bags do not include liners so you may wish to bring one along

FABRIC NOTE! We recommend quick-drying, wicking fabrics such as Patagonia capilene, Icebreaker merino, or other specially designed fabrics for this trip. If you’re not sure what a quick-dry fabric is, ask at your nearest outdoor store. While you can bring some cotton, denim and other non-wicking fabrics on this trip, be aware that they won’t be easy to wash or dry. We suggest 2-3 sets of quick-dry gear per person

GEAR NOTE! If possible, bring lighter weight gear rather than heavier gear, without compromising on quality. If you’re not sure what anything is, or what we mean, please ask at your nearest outdoor store, or just ask us! We want you as well prepared as possible for your trip – for your own comfort and everyone’s safety!

Essential Documents
--- Passport and waterproof passport wallet: your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of your trip – please check!
--- Spending Money: US$ cash, Chilean and Argentinean Pesos, credit/debit cards with a pin number for cash withdrawals
--- Money belt/pouch: for safe storage of cards, valuables or larger amounts of cash
--- Air tickets and itinerary: your international and domestic itinerary and air tickets
--- Travel insurance: your policy and the insurance emergency contact numbers
--- Condor Trip Itinerary: print out and bring with you on your trip
--- Condor Trip Summary: we’ll send you an email reminder to print it out and bring it with you on your trip. It has any emergency hotline numbers you’ll need and information about where to meet your group

Recommended Optional Items
--- Casual clothes: if you’d like bring a nice skirt/shirt to wear out to dinner, please do!
--- Cycle shorts and gloves: if you have your own cycling shorts and cycling gloves we recommend bringing them for maximum comfort. Helmets are always provided
--- Neoprene socks: to wear while sea kayaking. If you have some bring them along!
--- Energy snacks and drinks: while snacks will be provided you may like to bring some along too, especially if you have a preferred brand or special dietary needs
--- Camp pillow: pillows aren’t provided on the W-Trek so bring a camp pillow or use your fleece
--- Hairdryer: only some hotels have them
--- Ear plugs: recommended for the W Trek and for light sleepers during hotel stays
--- Adapter plug: if your home country doesn’t use a 220 volt AC system and/or the plug type shown in the box, you might need an adapter
--- Laundry detergent/string/pegs: If you prefer to hand wash your technical fabrics
--- Clothes line
--- Hand Santizer
--- iPod/mp3 player
--- Binoculars
--- Pocketknife
--- Reading materials
--- Spare shoelaces

Provided Items
--- W Trek: Our basic accommodations have bunk-style beds with simple mattresses and showers are provided, which is why you only need a sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, camp pillow and camp towel
--- Sea kayak, paddle, life jacket and spray skirt - all necessary safety gear
--- Mountain bike, helmet and repair kit

PACKING NOTE! The items and amounts on this list are intended as a guide for an 14-day Condor trip, allowing for good and not-so-good weather and for doing laundry once during the trip. We anticipate that you‘ll also be using your own common sense while packing: adjusting for your personal preferences, how travel-friendly your clothing is and the length of your travels overall. Happy packing!