Hosteria Las Torres HIGH Las Torres sits in the heart of Chilean Patagonia and enjoys beautiful views over the snow- capped mountains. This charming rustic hotel with 84 rooms provides a comfortable base from which to explore the park's towering mountains, turquoise lakes, glaciers, ice fi elds and steppes. Easter Island Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is a small triangle of volcanic rock, located about 3,700 kilometres off the central coast of Chile in the middle of the Pacifi c Ocean, reached in fi ve hours from Santiago. It can easily be combined with a holiday to Chile. It has always been the subject of curiosity and speculation. What are the origins of the islanders? How did they transport their massive moai from quarry locations to their platforms? O'tai Hotel MID This is a mid- sized family- run hotel with a cosy and homely atmosphere. As the name, which translates as ' in the coast', suggests, it's just moments by foot from the coast and to Hanga Roa village. Altiplanico Rapa Nui Hotel HIGH The hotel boasts lovely views of the coast, and is set in 1.5 hectares of tranquil gardens, providing a luxuriant place to stay on Easter Island. Traditional in design, your stay will also refl ect the typical friendly welcome of the Rapa Nui people. There's a swimming pool too. Robinson Crusoe Island Juan Fernández is a fascinating volcanic archipelago situated 1,500 kilometres off the coast of Valparaíso. Robinson Crusoe Island, the main island of the group, is accessible by a two hour fl ight from Santiago. It can easily be combined with a holiday to Chile. It was Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk, marooned here for fi ve years between 1704 and 1709, who made the island famous. His experiences inspired Daniel Defoe's famous novel, Robinson Crusoe. It is a volcanic island swathed in sub- tropical forest and is of particular interest to birders and botanists. Refugio Nautico MID Refugio Nautico is a great base for exploring Robinson Crusoe Island. This small lodge accommodates only 12 guests in a cozy atmosphere and comfortable rooms. The restaurant serves delicious food with abundant local seafood naturally being the highlight. Chiloe Island The island of Chiloe has changed little over the past few hundred years. Located off the mainland near to the town of Puerto Montt, Chiloe is an important island for Magellanic and humboldt penguins, black- necked swan, greenbacked fi recrown, Patagonian tyrant, ringed kingfi sher, silvery grebe and Chilean fl amingo. It is an interesting island from a cultural point of view and it also has some wonderful temperate forest. In addition it is a great place to see blue whales, where sightings at the right time of year are known to be particularly reliable. Hosteria de Castro MID Located in Chiloe's main centre, Castro, Hosteria de Castro has modern accommodation and good facilities, including a spa and restaurant. It also offers panoramic views over the bay and is a good choice for your stay. THE AMERICAS | CHILE 157 Fact! Patagonia has a long tradition of horsemanship. If you fancy a spot of horse- riding while you're in this area, we can recommend a lovely ' estancia' ( ranch) to give you an authentic Patagonian experience. Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com The Falkland Islands The Falkland Islands are famous for their amazing bird and marine mammal life, which is often easily approachable. These remote, unspoilt and sparsely populated islands are heaven for nature lovers and photographers, and can be combined with Chile if you're fl ying on LAN Chile for a seven- night stay. Please ask us for details.

Argentina 158 Buenos Aires is the vibrant dynamic capital of Argentina, probably more European than South American in fl avour, with bustling streets, grand mansions, broad leafy avenues, old- time cafes and a colourful population. It has great restaurants and is the home of the Tango. Highlights include ' Teatro Nacional', the vibrant Boca district and many museums and art galleries. We can easily arrange sightseeing tours for those with some time to spare en- route to the start of your wildlife holiday. Hotel Claridge HIGH A classic and elegant hotel located in Buenos Aires' main fi nancial and shopping district, with the magnifi cent Teatro Colon only fi ve blocks away. The hotel offers accommodation in 161 modern en- suite rooms. There are several dining options, a gym and an outdoor heated pool. Caesar Park Silver HIGH A newer alternative to the Hotel Claridge would be the Caesar Park Silver. It offers accommodation in a tastefully restored old building, a couple of blocks from the Teatro Colon. It has 74 rooms, a restaurant, bar and fitness centre. Argentina is a land of great contrasts and offers a variety of wildlife experiences - from the great grass plains of the pampas, and the colourful birds of Yacutinga Rainforest, to the Valdes Peninsula where southern right whales, dolphins and Magellanic penguins can be spotted in season. Journey south and you're in territory that offers simply striking scenery, right down to the deep fjords, snow- capped peaks and glacial lakes of Tierra del Fuego National Park. If you're looking for dramatic vistas and an interesting wildlife experience, then Argentina is recommended as a great destination. Buenos Aires Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982 Argentina is also becoming a popular destination for self- drive itineraries, which we can arrange for you. For example, the Lake District area is a perfect place to explore by hire car.