Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Cabin for rent in the lake and river district, Ensenada, Chile

Cabin located in Ensenada, Chile. 10th Region, Lat 42º by lake Llanquihue, 40 Km from Puerto Varas, Route 225





- Private access to Lake Llanquihue.
- You can see 3 volcanoes from the cabin (Osorno, Calbuco & Puntiagudo)
- For 5 people all furnished with kitchen utensils and dishware.
- 2 bedrooms
- 1 bathroom
- Livingroom (has a sofa bed)
- Kitchen and dining room
- Low combustion stove
- Garage
- Stores and restaurants nearby
The cost of the cabin is US$ 100.00 daily.


Close to:
- Vicente Perez Rosales National Park
- Ski Resort Volcan Osorno (2.652mt), Ski Resort (1700 mt)
E-mail: info@volcanosorno.com
- Famous Petrohue falls
- Lake Todos los Santos where you can take a ferry to cross to Bariloche, Argentina through the lake.
- Petrohue River (good for rafting)
- Famous American Lodge "Yan kee Way" with gourmet restaurant called "Latitude 42º" approx 1 km away.
http://www.southernchilexp.com/
- Frutillar (summer resort by lake Llanquihue) and it´s International Musical Festivals end of January http://www.semanasmusicales.cl/

(1 mile = 1.6 kilometers) (3.2 feet = 1 meter)

Other activities:
Horse backriding
Trekking
Kayaking www.kokayak.com
Rafting
Canopy diverticalcanopy@gmail.com
Fishing

How you get there:
Daily flights from Santiago to Puerto Montt (Lan Chile & Sky Airlines)
Daily buses to Puerto Varas
You can rent a car at the airport or in Puerto Varas


Tuesday, May 22, 2007

12) Tour for Cruise Passengers

Suggested Programme & Itinerary for Passengers of Cruisers

Programme:

Meeting time: 8:30 a.m. at gate where passengers come out. The guide will be waiting for you with a sign with your name.
She will guide you to the van where the driver (English speaking) will be waiting for you right by our home-office only 3 blocks away where you will sign a contract which says you have hired our services. This is how we have to proceed to comply with legal requirements when taking tourists from a cruise. On the way you will see the main square where there are some of the national monuments like Eiffel´s Cathedral and governor’s house. After this we start the tour which will have emphasis in the Andean Culture, Pre-Inca Villages, arqueological sites and get to meet local people. The tour begins with a drive up the Morro, then we head towards the mouth of the Lluta river by the seashore and we continue up the LLuta Valley. We shall see the geoglyphs and the colcas (storage deposits , 15th Century) We shall visit the pre Inca town of Poconchile and its old adobe church. (17th C) first parish after the conquistadors arrived to Cuzco. Then up the high plateau (pampa) through which you cross to the Azapa valley. We get to the picturesque town of San Miguel de Azapa where we will have lunch and be able to taste very nicely made typical dishes and hopefully pisco sours and good wine. The town is well known for its very old cemetery which is 3000 year old where there are burial sites called “tumulus” (1000 B.C). This town is right beside the famous archaeological museum where we will later visit the oldest preserved mummies of the world the “cbinchorro mummies” and other wonderful vestiges and artefacts of the early gatherers, hunters and fishermen of past indigenous civilizations for the last 10.000 years. After visiting the museum we will take the arqueological circuit to visit some more geoglyphs like the “Cerro Sagrado” (sacred hill) and the “Tropilla” (llama caravan). On our way back to Arica we can visit the wonderful fruit and vegetable market where you can see all the produces of the valleys and try the olives this is optional. We will finally visit the Handicrafts Village (poblado artesanal) where many of the handcrafts live and make lovely handcrafts such is pottery, weavings, sculptures, jewellery, paintings, and many other items that represent the Andean culture. There is a replica of an altiplano church and a small museum with no cost. Then we shall go back to the port to meet your cruiser.





Itinerary and time table of the places we shall visit:


1) 8:30 - 9:15 Meeting time. Guide will meet you at the gates where passengers come out. Drive up the Morro – excellent view point. This promontory was of tremendous strategic value during the Pacific War, 1880 (Toilets)

2) 9:15 - 9:45 Fish meal factory, beaches, historical panels, Ex-Alacrán Island and Marina, Ex Custom House (designed by Eiffel), Railroad Station (1906) Arica-La Paz, Casino, University, Chinchorro beach, Las Machas beach, Wateree (boilers of famous fluvial ship which withstood 2 tsunamis) and Bird Sanctuary at mouth of Lluta river on our way to the Lluta valley

3) 10:00 - 10:20 Geoglyphs and Colcas (panels with drawings of animals, people and geometrical figures (1000-1400 A.C.)

4) 10:30 – 11:00 Visit to a farm where we will sample fresh pasteurized goat cheese and shall have an Aymara Cocktail

5) 11:10 – 11:30 Poconchile (pre Inca town and adobe church 17th C) Toilets

8) 11:30– 12:00 Pampa “Quebrada del Diablo” (high plateau) Spectacular view and contrast of green valleys against the desert.

9) 12:00 – 13:00 Town of San Miguel de Azapa – Lunch at restaurant with typical Chilean food, at passenger’s expense, approx US$ 6.00 per dish
Toilets.

10) 13:10 – 13:40 San Miguel de Azapa Arqueological Museum, (Chinchorro Mummies 6000 B.C.), ticket at passenger’s expense US$ 2.00 per person, Toilets

11) 13:50 – 14:00 Cerro Sagrado (Sacred Hill) Geoglyphs (1000 – 1400 A.C)

12) 14:15 -14:20 Tropilla (Caravan of Llamas) Geoglyphs (1000 – 1400 A.C.)

13) 14:30 – 14:40 Agro (Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Market), produces of the valleys and also a great variety of olives
(Optional)

14) 14:50 – 15:10 Poblado Artesanal (Handicrafts Village), replica of an altiplano village

15) 15:20 approx. Arrival to port.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Note:

- All tours are subject to change according to passenger’s interests.

- We can also provide bilingual guides (Español,English, Français and Deutsch) (additional cost, reasonably priced).

- Tours to the Altiplano (Lauca National Park are subject to weather conditions, especially in the rainy season (summer rains of the altiplano) January to March.
11) Tour to Tacna, Perú - 1 Day Excursion (lunch included) 2 hours earlier in the summer and 1 hour in the winter
If you want you can go by train and we pick you up at the station in Tacna


We pick you up at your hotel at 9:00 a.m. and take the Panamerican route Nº5 up North. We will stop at the custom control of Chile and Perú which is 19 km from Arica. After we cross the border it's approx 1 hour to Tacna. In Tacna we shall visit the civic centre, colonial buildings and the colourful handicrafts markets downtown. We will be back in Arica around 5:30 p.m.

Optional
Thermal Baths "Baños Calientes" Additional cost US$ 5.00 per person
30 km from Tacna
10) Tour to the Valley of Camarones – 1 Day Excursion
105 km south of Arica, 1 hour & 50 min approx
Lunch included (Aymara typical food or regular food)



We will pick you up at 9:00 a.m. and take Panamerican route Nº 5. At approx. 20 km we will stop to appreciate the famous sculptures: “Presencias Tutelares” (Protectors) by the well known Chilean artist and sculptor Juan Diaz Flemming. They are very impressive (8 to 9 m. high) made in honour to the Aymara culture and their ancestors. We cross a vast desert until we enter the valley of Camarones and head towards the mountains. It is a fertile valley making a beautiful contrast with the desert and the many shades of red along the sides of the river. You will see the fields of alfalfa, corn, onions and other vegetables. There is a lot of cattle and is well known for its cheese production.. There are also interesting archaeological sights, like the petroglyphs showing the presence of past cultures which we will also visit. We will return at 5:00 p.m,. arriving to Arica at 7:00 p.m.
9) Tour to Codpa “Route of Pintatani Wine” - 1 Day Excursion (lunch included)
113 km south of Arica, 1 hours & 50 min approx, 1900 m. a.s.l.



We will pick you up at 9:00 a.m. and take Panamerican route Nº 5. At approx. Km 30 we will stop to appreciate the famous sculptures: “Presencias Tutelares” (Protectors) by the well known Chilean artist and sculptor Juan Díaz Flemming. They are very impressive (8 to 9 m. high) in honour to the Aymara culture and their ancestors. We cross the vast desert looking at the fantastic geological landscape and mineralized soil of many different colours, with its endless chain of intertwining mountains. We finally reach the fertile valley of Codpa, which lies along a steep ravine by the river Codpa, making a wonderful contrast with the desert. There is a lovely colonial Church San Martín de Tours (1668), an important missionary center. We will visit the petroglyphs of Ofragia and Cerro Blanco. Then we will stop at one of the farmer´s houses where we will sample the famous “Pintatani Wine”, made with primitive wine presses, a legacy of the Spanish conquistadors. Lunch at local restaurant with typical Chilean food.
At 5:00 p.m. approx. we return to Arica. Arriving approx. at 7:00 p.m.
8) Tour to Caleta Vitor – Chaca Valley and Beach – 1 Day Excursion
65 km south of Arica, 1 hour & 20 min approx.
Lunch included (Aymara typical food or regular food)


We will pick you up at 9:00 a.m. and take Panamerican route Nº5. At approx. Km 20 we will stop to appreciate the famous sculptures: “Presencias Tutelares” (Protectors) by the well known Chilean artist and sculptor Juan Diaz Flemming. They are very impressive (8 to 9 m. high) made in honour to the Aymara culture and their ancestors. You will be able to appreciate the vast desert until we turn towards the lovely valley which takes us to Caleta Vitor which is a beautiful cove making a wonderful contrast with the desert and green valley. There are enormous cliffs and many different rock formations. In some areas there are millenary remains of archaeological sights. The colour of the ocean is beautiful with many shades of blue and green. It is excellent for trekking and walks. We leave at approx 5:00 p.m arriving to Arica at 6:10 p.m. approx.
Photos of this tour can be sent through the e-mail.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

7) Touristic Circuit of Pre-Cordillera and Pre-Inca Villages (3000 m.a.s.l. approx) - 2 days/1 night (Accommodations and meals included)

1st Day
Pick up time will be at 9:00 a.m. from your hotel. We shall go by the seacoast until the mouth of the LLuta valley and make a short stop at the bird sanctuary. Then continue up the Lluta Valley and stop to look at different geoglyphs such as caravan of llamas and the Giants. We will be able to observe the different crops along the valley until we reach Poconchile pre Inca village with its old colonial church St. Jerome (17th Century) and an old cemetery in the back. After this we will stop to observe the Candelabra Cactus (Browningia candelaris - unique species) and other interesting sites such as the Magnetic Zone, Pukara de Copaquilla (pre Inca fortress), Tambo de Zapahuira (Inca construction used as a refuge, storage and tax collection station). We will have lunch at Zapahuira located in the sierra 3000 mt high. Then we shall visit Chapiquiña (Church XVII Century) and Hydroelectric Plant, Pachama (Adobe Church XVII Century), farming terraces scattered all around, until we reach Belén, where we will spend the night at a local hostel. Belén has two beautiful Churches with bell towers.

2nd Day
After breakfast we will walk to see from the road two indigenous sites Ancopachane (inca village) and Chajpa (Inca administrative centre). We will also walk to some vestiges of the Inca trail. We shall have lunch in route. Then we shall return to Arica through a plateau which takes us to the Azapa valley. Shall visit the small village of San Miguel de Azapa and one of the oldest cemeteries of South America which has been in use for last 3,000 years before present, as inside this cemetery we find “tumulus” which are old burial sites of the indigenous people. After this we will return to Arica at approx 5:00 pm.
6) Lauca National Park 2 days/ 1 night (Accommodations and meals included)
(Declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco)
6 Ecological Zones: coastline, valleys, canyons, sierra, altiplano & snow capped volcanoes.
(exchange rate: US$ 1.00= $ 500)

Hotel Options:

Hostal Pachamama or La Paloma

Hotel Las Vicuñas *** (Free Internet)
Hotel Qantati *** (New Hotel out in the country side surrounded by mountains approx 1 km from Putre, with very comfortable big beds, breakfast included)


1st Day Hotel pick up time 9:00 a.m.We go towards the north by the coastline until the mouth of the Lluta river where we can observe the avifauna such as: Pelicans, Cormorants, Egrets, Oyster Catcher, Baird’s Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Whimbrel (Hudsonian Whimbrel), Lesser Yellowlegs, Franklin Gull, Artic Tern, Elegant Tern, Black-belllied (Grey) Plover, American Golden Plover, Sanderling and Vultures. Then we take the international route N° 11 to Bolivia, which goes through the Lluta Valley, from where you will be able to appreciate the geoglyphs (pre Inca designs on slopes of hills) and visit the Colcas de Huaylacan which are underground storage deposits while the Incas were ruling (aprox 1430-1530 A.D ). You will also observe the fertile valley and the different crops, such as corn, alfalfa, onions and garlic. Then we reach the pre Inca village of Poconchile, with its old adobe church St. Jerome built in the 17th Century and an old cemetery in the back. We continue to drive up through canyons, from where you will have a spectacular view and contrast of the green valley against the Atacama dessert, driest in the world. Further on you will be able to observe the famous Candelabra Cactus (Browningia candelaris - unique species). We make a stop at the Pukara de Copaquilla (pre-Inca fortress) and view point where you will be able to appreciate the amazing geological landscape of the Andean Sierra. We continue towards the Tambo of Zapahuira (Inca construction used as a refuge, storage and a tax collection station) and stop for breakfast and Coca tea at the small hamlet of Zapahuira. Then we visit the small and picturesque pre-Inca village of Socoroma, well known for its oregano terraces, Inca Trail and lovely Church of the 16th Century. Guanacos are seen at this altitude, which are beautiful to look at, and we can observe that there is more vegetation due to the fog and dew that comes from the highlands. We will finally reach Putre, the capital of the province of Parinacota, a beautiful town which lies at the foothills of the Andean Mountains. It has a lot of farming land and canals of running water. It also has a first aide center, colonial church, municipality, primary school, army barracks, police station, bank, internet and some local and typical hostels. Here we shall have dinner, rest and get used to the altitude by spending the night in a hostel or hotel whichever you decide.


2nd Day Breakfast at Putre and continue to Lauca National Park, observing the llaretas (unique vegetation of the altiplano), vicuñas, llamas, alpacas and the vizcachas (rodent of the Chinchillidae family) at Las Cuevas. Then we reach a View point called “Wind Instruments” (modern sculpture) of an andean flute from where you can see a chain of magnificent volcanoes like the Payachatas (two volcanoes together) and the Guallatire. We can observe the typical marshland called the Bofedales (running water) where the vicuñas like to graze. We continue to the hamlet of Chucuyo and small town of Parinacota (pre-hispanic), which has a beautiful church of the 17th Century with frescoes painted by the Aymaras, (declared a national monument). There is also a small handicrafts market. We finally reach the highlight of the day, Lake Chungara (4517 m a.s.l.), the highest lake in the world, surrounded by snow capped volcanoes, flamingos and birdlife, as well as unique fauna and flora. On our way back we shall pass by the beautiful Cotacotani lagoons and shall visit the Jurassi thermal baths (optional). We shall have lunch in route and then return to Arica at approx 5:30 p.m.

Note: Because of the high altitude, this tour is not recommended for anyone with heart, respiratory or high blood pressure problems. Oxygen is supplied for altitude sickness.
5) Lauca National Park and Lake Chungara – 1 Day Breakfast & Lunch included
(Declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco)
6 Ecological Zones: coastline, valleys, canyons, sierra, altiplano & snow capped volcanoes.


(exchange rate US$ 1.00 = $ 500)

Hotel pick up time 7:00 a.m.
We shall head north towards the Chinchorro and Las Machas beach and drive along the coastline for approx 10 km until we reach the mouth of the Lluta river to observe the migrating and resident birds Then we shall enter the Lluta Valley by taking the international route 11 from Arica to La Paz. In the slopes of the hills you will notice the geoglyphs (1100-1400 A.C.) which are big drawings of llamas, monkeys, toads, eagles and people that the indigenous people used to make as signs for the trade caravans that came down from the altiplano, we shall also visit the Colcas de Huaylacan which are underground storage deposits while the Incas were ruling (aprox 1430-1530 ad). We will stop at Poconchile (pre Inca Village), Saint Jerome’s Church (17-C) and old cemetery, Magnetic Zone and Candelabra Cactus (Browningia candelaris - unique species), Pukara de Copaquilla (pre Inca fortress), Tambo de Zapahuira (Inca refuge, storage and tax collection station). Zapahuira, breakfast and Coca tea, view point of Socoroma (pre Inca Village) and guanacos, view point at Putre (capital of Parinacota province), Las Cuevas habitat of the vizcachas (rodent of the Chinchillidae family), Parinacota village famous for its 17th century church and finally the spectacular Lake Chungara (4517 m. a.s.l.) surrounded by snow capped volcanoes and habitat of the flamingos. On our way back we stop at the beautiful lagoons Cotacotani and then go down to Putre (pre-inca village) which is at the foothills of the Tahapaca Volcano 5400 mt high where we will have lunch. We will return to Arica at approx 7:00 p.m.

Note: Because of the high altitude, this tour is not recommended for anyone with heart, respiratory or high blood pressure problems.
Oxygen is supplied for altitude sickness.
4) Inter-valley (Azapa and Lluta) crossing through the pampa (high plateau) –
5 hours approx.

We will pick you up at 9:00 a.m. from your hotel
Shall go up the valley where you will observe the big olive plantations until we reach the village of San Miguel de Azapa and 3,000 year old active cemetery, visit to a farm to observe Chile´s smallest hummingbird “Chilean Woodstar” (Eulidia Yarrellii), cross through high plateau to Poconchile - pre Inca village and 16th C adobe church called St. Jerome, visit to a farm with sampling of delicious goat cheese (pasteurized) and share with local people. Coming back through the LLuta valley we will stop to see the Giants and the Eagle (geoglyphs) and look at the fields planted with corn, alfalfa, onion and garlic among others. We will return to Arica by the seashore to observe the birdlife at the mouth of the Lluta River and see the beautiful pristine beaches (11 km long). Return to Arica by the coast.
Includes: Aymara cocktail.
Optional: Lunch at passenger’s expense at restaurant near Poconchile (typical Chilean food reasonably priced approx US$ 7.00 per person)




3) Cruising through Arica - 4 hours

Ex Alacrán Island, Marina, beaches (El Laucho & La Lisera), Morro (famous promontory approx.140 mt high), fruit and vegetable market, Archaeologicl circuit, geoglyphs (indigenous designs on slopes of hills 1100-1400 d.c.), Azapa Valley, handicraft village and Civic Centre including: Eiffel’s Cathedral, former Custom House and Railroad Station (Arica – La Paz, 1906).
Includes: Aymara cocktail and entrance to Historical Museum at the Morro (optional)





2) Archaeological Circuit, Azapa Valley & museum - 4 hours

Geoglyphs (indigenous designs on slopes of hills 1100-1400 d.c.), Cerro Sombrero (prehispanic settlements),Sacred Hill, Pukara San Lorenzo (pre-Inca fortress), San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum (chinchorro mummies 6.000 B.C.), Azapa valley with its olive groves and agricultural diversity fringed by sand dunes.
Includes: Aymara cocktail & entrance to museum.





1) Coastline, Anzota Caves & Bird Sanctuary - 4 hours

We visit the Marina and former island Alacrán, beaches, huano cliffs, caves (dwellings of Chinchorro culture 6.000 B.C). We continue by the seashore towards the north and pass Chinchorro and Las Machas beaches 10 km until the Mouth of Lluta River where we find the Bird Sanctuary one of Chile´s most important wetlands and will be able to observe a great variety of resident and migrating birds such as: Pelicans, Cormorants, Egrets, Oyster Catchers, Grey gull, Peruvian gull, Dominican gull, black skimmer, Inca tern and black-crowned night heron and Turkey Vulture among others. The migrating birds are: Baird´s Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Whimbrel (Hudsonian Whimbrel), Lesser Yellowlegs, Franklin Gull, Artic Tern, Elegant Tern, Black-bellied (Grey) Plover, American Golden Plover and Sanderling among others. There are approx 130 different birds between the litoral and the altiplano (highlands). The flora consists of juncaceas, totora, gramineas and sorona a millenary plant.
We finish at the fishermens wharf at the Port to see the sea lions, pelicans and the colourful fishing boats and visit the Civic Centre which consist of visiting St. Marks Cathedral (designed by Gustave Eiffel 1886), former Custom House (Eiffel 1884), Railway Station (Arica La Paz, 1906)
Includes Aymara cocktail at the beach.

Friday, January 12, 2007



Welcome to Arica, the 'City of the Everlasting Spring' !

Location: 18º south latitude, 70º west longitude
Arica is the northernmost city; an oasis in the Atacama Desert, and significant Chilean port. 2700 miles (4.300 km) from Punta Arenas and 12 miles (19 km) from the border with Peru. Situated between two fertile valleys: Lluta and Azapa valleys fringed by sand dunes.


Andean Duncan Tours is based in the coastal city of Arica in the first region of Tarapaca.
The principal aim of our travel agency is to promote the riches of this region: its history, geography and archaeology together with the fascinating flora and fauna. We desire to highlight the natural attractions of the area; the pristine beaches and excellent climate together with the Andean culture that has developed over the past 10.000 years in the altiplano (highlands), along the coast and in the sierra and valleys. Because of its location on the border of both Peru and Bolivia, this region is an open door to many other cultures which continue to enrich its multiethnic society.

We are a family business whose aim is to satisfy the needs and interests of the tourists and travellers who visit these latitudes. Our motto can be summed up in this indigenous phrase: “The person who comes is another me, so feel at home”.
Andean Duncan Tours is particularly concerned for the development of sustainable eco-tourism, ethnical-tourism and fair trade.

We are affiliated to Sernatur, the official Government Tourist Office and also to the Tourist Chamber of Arica. We have been authorized by the Government’s Ministry of Transport & Telecommunications to work as Private Transport for Tourism, according to the supreme decree Nº 80, art. 10 dated August 2004.

We offer Bilingual Guides (Español, English, Français, Deutsch), Tailor-made tours, Airport Transfer and Private Transportation.


TOURS OFFERED

1) Coastline, Anzota Caves, Bird Sanctuary & Fishermen´s Wharf - 4 hours
2) Arqueological Circuit, Azapa valley & archaelogical museum - 4 hours
3) Cruising through Arica, part of coastline , Arqueological Circuit & Azapa valley - 4 hours
4) Inter-valley, Azapa & Lluta crossing through the pampa (highplateau) - 5 hours approx
5) Lauca National Park and Lake Chungara – All Day
6) Lauca National Park and Lake Chungara , 2days/1night (Putre overnight)
7) Touristic Circuit of Pre- Cordillera and Pre-Inca Villages - 2 days/1 night
8) Tour to Codpa “Route of Pintatani Wine” - All Day
9) Tour to Caleta Vitor - Chaca valley and beach - All Day
10) Tour to the Valley of Camarones - All Day
11) Tour to Tacna, Perú, Civic Centre & Handicraft market - All Day

Special Tour for Cruise Passengers