False or visit www. Balesworldwide. com31 TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK With landscapes of jagged granite peaks, waterfalls and lakes amidst the panoramas of Chilean Patagonia, the Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most memorable settings on earth. Amidst the diverse environments and vegetation, you can find puma, guanaco, skunk and foxes; over 100 bird species including condors, eagles and Chilean flamingoes. THE ATACAMA Extending from the Andes to the Pacific Coast, the Atacama is the driest desert on earth; a barren plateau of salt basins, sand and volcanic rock that covers over 181,000 sq kms of northern Chile. Lying between the rain shadow of the towering Andes and the Chilean coastal ranges, this incredible landscape receives virtually no rainfall and some areas haven’t seen rain for over four hundred years. THE ANDES IN CHILE Forming the natural border with Bolivia and Argentina, the longest mountain range in the world is never more prominent than in Chile. The highest segment of the Andes is found in Chile and the range here is characterised by snow capped peaks with steep slopes and narrow valleys. The Andes form the backdrop to Santiago, and it is in the Maipo Valley, where our suggested active itinerary ( far right) commences. Chile has some of the most spectacular and varied scenery anywhere in the world. The towering snow-capped mountains and volcanoes in the Andes, the deserts of the Atacama, the lakes and glaciers of Patagonia– Chile has it all. Blessed with such variety, it offers a great range of activities for everyone. ECOCAMP, TORRES DEL PAINE The Ecocamp offers the perfect compromise between hotel accommodation and camping. The Ecocamp consists of large dome- shaped tents where you can stand up straight and lie down on a real bed, and eat good food in the dining tent. Here you avoid the ardours of traditional camping, yet remain in close contact with the environment. Designed for minimum impact on the landscape, the large dome tents boast wooden floors, single beds and canvas outer coverings built to withstand the worst of Patagonia’s elements. Two giant ‘ core’ domes provide bright airy space for dining and relaxing, with large panoramic windows offering spectacular views. New for 2009 are 8 Suite Domes, which will have their own private bathroom facilities. Chile - the great outdoors ( ctive) EBSpaNEW FOR 2009 SpaNEW FOR 2009 RRHHUACMSFU Active Chile Suggested itinerary 13 days from £ 3395 ( per person twin share) Maipo Valley, ( 2 nights) Santiago ( 2 nights), Torres del Paine National Park ( 5 nights) and Santiago ( 1 night) DAY 1 Evening flight to Madrid. Continue by LAN to Santiago. DAY 2 Morning arrival at Santiago. Transfer to the Maipo Valley and the Andino Lodge El Ingenio in the Andes foothills. Afternoon trek. DAY 3 Trek to the Andean panoramas. Overnight tented accommodation. DAY 4 Return to the lodge, and by road to Santiago. Overnight at the Atton El Bosque Hotel. DAY 5 Free in Santiago. DAY 6 Fly south to Punta Arenas. Transfer by road ( 5 to 6 hours) to the Eco Camp ( Suite Domes) in the Torres del Paine National Park. DAYS 7 TO 10 Four full days in the park. Choose from a number of walks - gentle or hard! DAY 11 Return by road to Punta Arenas. Fly to Santiago for 1 night at the Atton El Bosque Hotel. DAY 12 Depart from Santiago by air to Madrid and London. DAY 13 Arrive at Heathrow. Full itinerary on request. It can operate on a daily basis from the end of October until early April. SF EBSpaNEW FOR 2009 SpaNEW FOR 2009 MUST SEE RRHHUACMSFUEBSpaNEW FOR 2009 SpaNEW FOR 2009 EBSpaNEWRRHHUACMSFU FOR 2009 SpaNEW FOR 2009 MUST SEE RRHHUACMSFU El Tatio Geyser

False 32 Call our travel experts on 08456 345 118 The world’s 8th largest country, Argentina is a wonderful mix of culture and nature, from the volcanic peaks and salt lakes of the north, to the breathtaking glaciers of Tierra del Fuego. The land of the gaucho and tango, Argentina has a rich history and vibrant modern lifestyle, along with a strong independent spirit. Argentina is a renowned wine producer, with many vineyards in the shadows of the Andes close to Mendoza. Food is very important in Argentina with many European and indigenous influences. Mouth-watering and colossal steaks are famous in Buenos Aires, whilst a lamb barbecue is traditional in Patagonia. rgentina TAILOR MADE OPTIONS LLAO LLAO HOTEL, BARILOCHE Built in 1940 by the architect Alejandro Bustillo, this spectacular golf and spa resort sits astride a hilltop between Lake Nahuel Huapi and Lake Moreno, set against a backdrop of stunning mountain landscapes. The resort offers an exceptional range of rooms, suites and cabins, as well as the newly built studio suites with jacuzzis, terraces and spectacular views of Moreno Lake and Mount Tronador. The resort’s exceptional 18- hole golf course is framed by the surrounding mountain landscapes and a forest of centennial cypress trees, whilst the indulgent Llao Llao Spa offers exclusivity and a varied menu of facial and body treatments. The hotel also offers a choice of elegant and informal dining options offering a range of excellent local and international cuisine, as well as a health and fitness centre, heated swimming pools and the chance to try a number of outdoor pursuits that include mountain biking, archery and canoeing. BUENOS AIRES, CITY OF TANGO Vibrant and engaging, with a rich European heritage and the ever-present passion and rhythm of the tango, Argentina’s capital has long been regarded as the ‘ Paris of the South’. The city has much to occupy the visitor; tango shows ( both formal and impromptu); football matches; flea markets and great shopping; beautiful plazas; splendid buildings - old and new - and fabulous restaurants. PERITO MORENO GLACIER Set amidst the spectacular landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentinean Patagonia, this incredible wall of ice and snow is the 3rd largest reservoir of fresh water in the world. Covering some 250 sq km, it is 5 kms wide at its terminus, rising some 60m above the icy waters. One of South America’s greatest natural wonders, it is even possible to take a short walk on the surface. ARGENTINA’S NORTH- WEST Less well- known than the south, the north- west of Argentina has a more indigenous feel, offering a stark contrast to the European influences of the south. Blessed with sunny weather for much of the year, the north- west has vineyards in the Cafayate region, stunning multi-coloured hills close to the Tropic of Capricorn with modern first- class hotels and luxury haciendas. The city of Salta is the main gateway to the region. ARGENTINA Mendoza Buenos Aires BOLIVIA CHILE URUGUAY PARAGUAY Pantanal Ushuaia San Carlos de Bariloche Cordoba Salta Rio Gallegos El Calafate Peninsula Valdes Corrientes Iguazu Falls La Boca, Buenos Aires EBSpaNEW FOR 2009 SpaNEW FOR 2009 MUST SEE RRHHUACMSFU EBSpaNEW FOR 2009 SpaNEW FOR 2009 MUST SEE RRHHUACEMBSFSpaUNEW FOR 2009 SpaNEW FOR 2009 RRHHUACMSFU