Introduction to Chile
Some of the world’s most stunning natural scenery can be found in the mountains, lakes
and glaciers of Patagonia and northern Chile. With our expert knowledge of this area we
can put together the holiday of your choice. We give you two exciting itineraries on this
page - you can discover Chile in depth, staying at the unique Explora Lodges, or take an
unforgettable expedition cruise through the pristine wilderness of Tierra del Fuego. Explora Lodges offer a unique
concept in accommodation.
Committed to upholding
local traditions and quality
of the environment, these
exclusive small hotels are of
very high quality and set in
remote locations surrounded
by superb natural beauty. Your
stay at the Explora Lodges
includes all meals and drinks,
plus daily excursions and
activities on foot, by vehicle,
horseback or mountain-bike.
Although providing the
highest standards, there is
a very relaxed feel about
the lodges and the tours
that are offered. Nothing is
too much trouble and you
are immediately made to
feel at home by the resident
manager and staff.
Instructions
Listed below are some of the options you can choose for a Tailor Made Holiday to Chile
To make an enquiry, select the options that interest you, and then click 'continue' to tell us more about what you would like to do
The following options are available as part of Bales Tailor made Holidays:
EASTER ISLAND
EASTER ISLAND
Over 2000 miles from the coast of Chile, in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, lies mysterious Easter Island, created out of ancient volcano eruptions. Into the mind’s eye springs the image of huge stone faces staring into the ocean, statues that represent one of the least understood cultures in the world. The small community of Orongo keeps the traditional dances and songs alive, although the engraved stones that could reveal the highly developed civilisation of the past still cannot be transcribed. Explore the island by foot and discover ceremonial sites and huge rocks patterned with strange and delicate lines. A visit to Easter Island can be added as an extension or incorporated into itineraries featuring Chile.Select this tailor made option
MARE AUSTRALIS & VIA AUSTRALIS PUNTA ARENAS
MARE AUSTRALIS & VIA AUSTRALIS PUNTA ARENAS
The Mare Australis and Via Australis are almost identical modern expedition cruise ships, launched
in 2003 and 2005 respectively. They are equipped with state-of-the-art navigation technology,
air-conditioning throughout, and meet all international safety standards. Each of the ships 63 outside
cabins, have lower beds and private en suite facilities. Meals are taken at one sitting in the Patagonia
Dining Room. Lunch and dinner each day are accompanied by fine Chilean wines, and there is an
unlimited open bar during the cruise. Informal lectures are given in the evenings. Shore excursions are
taken in zodiacs (motorised dinghies), in the company of expert naturalist guides. Rubber boots and
waterproof overalls are provided for each passenger. The ships both have a shop, a games room and a
small library. Cabins are located on 3 decks: the Magellanes (A) deck; the Tierra del Fuego (AA) deck
and the Cabo do Hornos (AAA) deck. Supplements apply for the AA and AAA decks although they
are identical in size and facilities to the A cabins. Both ships operate 4 night cruises sailing from Punta
Arenas to Ushuaia, and 3 nights sailings in the reverse direction, with all itineraries including a landing
(weather permitting) at Cape Horn. Prices for 3 night cruises start from £825 per person twin sharing.Select this tailor made option
MENDOZA MASTERS OF FOOD AND WINE EVENT 14 - 17 FEBRUARY 2008
MENDOZA MASTERS OF FOOD AND WINE EVENT 14 - 17 FEBRUARY 2008
The city of Mendoza, one of the world’s great wine capitals, with wineries at the
foothills of the Andes that include Bodega Catena Zapata, Trapiche and Norton,
hosted its first Masters of Food and Wine event in February 2007, based at the Park
Hyatt Hotel. The event consisted of a wide variety of gastronomic experiences in
intimate settings – most events allowed up to 50 guests only – with opportunities
to taste, pair and learn about wine from respected worldwide industry names. The
second event will be held in February 2008, and if you would like more information
about this then please do not hesitate to contact our sales team.Select this tailor made option
PATAGONIA PRIVATE YACHT CHARTERS CHILE
PATAGONIA PRIVATE YACHT CHARTERS CHILE
Bales has access to a number of small motor yachts
that can be chartered for itineraries between 5 and 8
days in various locations in Chilean Patagonia. Each
boat has a capacity for 8 passengers and the
suggested itineraries include Chiloe Island; San Rafael
Lagoon and the fjords of Patagonia. An 8 day voyage on the Tiffara, which will sail between
Punta Arenas in Chile, and Ushuaia in Argentina,
a sailing which will include a circumnavigation
of Cape Horn.Select this tailor made option
REMOTA PUERTO NATALES CHILE
REMOTA PUERTO NATALES CHILE
This spectacular hotel opened in 2006 and
provides a comfortable base from which to
explore this rugged area. Remota has 72 spacious
rooms, a Finnish sauna, heated pool and a restaurant
serving Patagonian specialities. Each day, included
guided excursions are available by vehicle or on foot to
the breathtaking majesty of the Torres del Paine National
Park (an hour’s drive away) and areas around Puerto
Natales. Maximum size on each excursion is 8 clients. 3,
4 or 7 night packages are available all year round.Select this tailor made option
SAN RAFAEL GLACIER CHILE
SAN RAFAEL GLACIER CHILE
The breathtaking beauty of the San Rafael Lagoon
presents us with one of nature’s masterpieces and
one of Chile’s most spectacular natural attractions. A
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this dazzling gem of surreal
ice floes and towering glacial walls lies at the foot of
the Northern Ice Field, before the imposing backdrop
of the forested slopes of the Andes Mountains. The
glacier can be visited on the Skorpios cruise, and also
from the Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, featured right.Select this tailor made option
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EXPLORA EN RAPA NUI EASTER
EXPLORA EN RAPA NUI EASTER
Explora’s latest project, built
mainly with wood and native volcanic
rock is located on a hill overlooking the
sea in the south west of the island. The
hotel will have 30 guest rooms, a pool,
massage room and open-air jacuzzis.
Excursions on foot and on bicycle will
allow guests to visit all the major
archaeological and religious sites
and the spectacular coastline.Select this tailor made option
EXPLORA LODGE ATACAMA
EXPLORA LODGE ATACAMA
Set in the oasis town of
San Pedro de Atacama in
Northern Chile, the Explora has 52 rooms
plus swimming pools and a sauna. The
choice of guided tours allow you to learn
about the many aspects of this territory
– its geography, history, wildlife and
geological features. Tours on foot, by van
and horse riding are the main activities
and are planned to take into account for the
higher altitude of this areas (2,500 meters
plus above sea level).Select this tailor made option
HOSTERIA LAS TORRES TORRES DEL PAINE
HOSTERIA LAS TORRES TORRES DEL PAINE
This long established hosteria, a Bales favourite for many years, is the closest main lodge to the base of the
towers (torres), which lie several strenuous kilometres away. The hosteria has 57 very comfortable rooms. A
number of large public areas all well-heated to protect you from the elements, provide wonderful views where you
can read or relax after your trekking or sightseeing. Every evening, a sumptuous buffet is served in the hosteria’s
restaurant. Hosteria las Torres also has a spa and stables. From the hosteria, it is possible to arrange a number of
excursions in the Torres del Paine National Park to see the various waterfalls, lakes, the Grey Glacier and plenty
of wildlife. For the more energetic, a number of walks and treks where you can truly immerse yourself in the raw
beauty of the Cordillera Paine including the ‘W circuit’ can be arranged.Select this tailor made option
SANTA CRUZ PLAZA SANTA CRUZ
SANTA CRUZ PLAZA SANTA CRUZ
Overlooking the main square in Santa
Cruz, the colonial style Plaza Hotel is
the ideal base to explore the wine
producing Colchagua Valley. Its 85
comfortable rooms all have en suite
facilities, central heating and airconditioning.
Los Varietales, the hotel’s
award winning restaurant serves an
enviable range of contemporary
Chilean food, whilst the relaxed
ambience of the Chaman Bar offers
a full range of tapas. Naturally, the
hotel has a well-stocked wine cellar.
Additional facilities include an outdoor
pool, jacuzzi and health suite.Select this tailor made option
GUEST HOUSES ON EASTER ISLAND
GUEST HOUSES ON EASTER ISLAND
The Explora group has adapted two small
guest houses on Easter Island to reflect their
own high standards. The ‘Rapa-Nui’ houses
are within 150 metres of each other and
offer a total of 9 rooms (5 ‘Rani’ or Sky
rooms complete with bathroom and
bathtub, and 4 smaller ‘Motu’ or Island
rooms with bathroom and shower only).
They have designed 10 excursions on foot
and on bicycle, that allow guests to visit
sites of major interest such as the
archaeological and religious sites,
spectacular volcanoes, coastlines and cliffs.
There are also 4 scuba diving excursions
that require previous experience and an
‘open water’ certificate.Select this tailor made option
SKORPIOS III
SKORPIOS III
Built in 1995, the Skorpios III is a 50 metre expedition
ship ideal for navigating these waters. She has 45
different category cabins located on five decks and
our itinerary is based on a cabin on the Acropolis Deck.
On board there is a boutique and resident doctor
and a crew of 34. There are two bars and a dining
room, where full buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner
are served. There is an unlimited open bar system
during the cruise offering cocktails, soft drinks, beers,
spirits and fine Chilean wines at no additional cost.Select this tailor made option
CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL SANTIAGO
CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL SANTIAGO
Situated in the heart of Santiago, the hotel features 300 rooms, a restaurant and a bar. There are excellent leisure
facilities including an open-air pool, sauna, gymnasium, massage and tennis courtsSelect this tailor made option
EXPLORA LODGES
EXPLORA LODGES
The Explora Lodges of Chile offer a unique concept
in accommodation. Dedicated to sustaining local
traditions and the quality of the environment, these
exclusive small hotels are of high quality, and are set
in remote locations surrounded by superb natural
beauty. Your stay at the Explora Lodges includes all
meals and drinks, plus daily sightseeing excursions.
In Patagonia, the Hotel Salto Chico is located on the
shores of Lake Pehoe enjoying spectacular views of
the Torres del Paine peaks Every day there are options
for sightseeing chosen according to the weather and
the wishes of the guests. You will travel either by van,
horseback, on foot, motor launch or mountain bike,
all with the help of selected guides. In the north, the
Explora Atacama Lodge is located high in the desert
region of San Pedro de Atacama at 8,015 ft, an area of
outstanding natural beauty and remarkable flora and
fauna. There is a wide range of options here for your
daily activities, including guided walks in the Andes.Select this tailor made option
EXPLORA SALTO CHICO TORRES DEL PAINE
EXPLORA SALTO CHICO TORRES DEL PAINE
The Explora Salto Chico is strategically
located on the shores of Lake Pehoe amidst
the towering peaks and turquoise lakes of
Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia,
and offers 50 rooms and suites with lake or
mountain views, heated indoor swimming
pool and sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi. The
hotel has wonderful views towards the massif
of Torres del Paine and is close to the roaring
Salto Chico waterfall. The hotel operates 4 or
8 night packages. Guests can join a wide
range of carefully developed excursions and
activities. Each day you can choose from 5
different excursions out of a total of 21
alternatives which have been selected
according to weather conditions, guests’
preferences, duration and degree of difficulty.
On foot, horseback, by van or on a boat,
accompanied by the hotel’s expert bilingual
guides, you will be astonished by the nature
and environment of this dramatic region.
Explorations are led with a maximum of 10
persons per guide, and all the necessary
equipmentSelect this tailor made option
PLAZA SAN FRANCISCO HOTEL SANTIAGO
PLAZA SAN FRANCISCO HOTEL SANTIAGO
This centrally-located European-style hotel is right
next to the historical Museum of San Francisco,
within walking distance to the Municipal Theatre
and close to Santiago's efficient subway. The hotel
has 165 rooms. There is an indoor pool, gym and
fitness centre. For dining there is the small and
highly-rated Bristol Restaurant (a la carte lunch
and dinner), and the main buffet restaurant, which
serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.Select this tailor made option
THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL SANTIAGO
THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL SANTIAGO
Most passengers who stay at the Explora
Lodges will also spend some time in Chile’s
capital, Santiago.We recommend Santiago’s
latest and best luxury hotel, the Ritz-Carlton,
located in the centre of the city. The hotel has
205 standard rooms, 15 executive suites, 3 floors
(52 rooms) of ‘Ritz Carlton Club’ rooms, and a
Presidential Suite. The Lobby Lounge is very
traditional, with dark paneled wood and plush
carpets; it offers a sumptuous ‘afternoon tea’,
which has already become famous in
Santiago. There are two restaurants: the Adra,
specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, and the
Wine 365,which as its name implies, has a wine
for every day of the year (all of them from
Chile). There is a superb rooftop indoor pool
and health club.Select this tailor made option
