Botanical Wonders of Chile with Denver Botanic Gardens

TRIP OVERVIEW

Chile’s Southern Patagonia is the last frontier of the American continent—a land of wind, wilderness, and stunning landscapes. During this botanical expedition, led by two experts in the field, we’ll have the opportunity to explore everything from temperate rainforests of the Lakes District to the rugged steppe of Torres del Paine, discovering a captivating range of flora in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

As we explore Patagonia’s striking landscapes during the southern spring, we’ll encounter the vibrant wildflower season in full bloom. The Torres del Paine area will surely be a highlight, with its extraordinary mix of subantarctic Magellanic forests, blooming wildflowers, and endemic plants. In the Lakes District, we’ll visit the Lahuen Ñadi Natural Monument, home to ancient alerce trees, and Verde Nativo Park, a botanical treasure trove with a diverse collection of Chilean plants.

The contrast between the lush temperate rainforest and the stark Patagonian steppe is nothing short of spectacular. From the towering trees in the Lakes District to the windswept plains of Torres del Paine, this is an unforgettable opportunity to witness the extraordinary plant life that thrives in this remote corner of the world. Whether you’re a botanist, nature lover, or flower photographer, this journey offers the chance to explore one of Earth’s last untouched wild landscapes.

Join Denver Botanic Gardens and Reefs to Rockies for a fantastic botanical journey through stunning landscapes at the End of the Earth.

 About Your Expedition Leaders

Panayoti Kelaidis ~ Since 1980, Panyoti has represented Denver Botanic Gardens in educational, professional, and promotional endeavors as an expert in horticulture. He is currently Senior Curator and Director of Outreach at Denver Botanic Gardens. He also acts as a liaison to botanical societies, professional horticulture organizations, and green industry members. He helped create Plant Select®; designed and implemented numerous gardens; and has led tours to Asia, Europe, and South Africa. He works with rock garden, perennial, native plant, and succulent societies nationally and internationally, and has served on boards of horticulture societies. Panayoti has received numerous awards, including the 2000 Arthur Hoyt Scott Medal from the Scott Arboretum and the 2003 Liberty Hyde Bailey medal of the American Horticultural Society, two of the highest honors in American horticulture.

Alejandra Diaz ~ Alejandra is a biologist from the University Austral with a specialization in Chilean flora and a post degree in Landscape Design. Passionate about flora conservation and research, she was the first woman to participate in the scientific expedition at the remote island of Gabin. She was a professor of botany in Ecuador, and she’s been involved in multiple collaborations involving public and private initiatives for flora conservation in southern Chile. She brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to this trip.

 

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Tues, Dec 2): Arrival to Punta Arenas, Chile ~ Upon arrival to Punta Arenas, Chile –gateway to southern Patagonia – we’ll be transferred to our hotel. There’s time for an exploratory walk along the cypress tree-lined pathways at the Punta Arenas Cemetery before dinner. Our walk provides a peek into the lives that shaped much of Punta Arenas’ fascinating history. Get to know fellow travelers this evening during our Welcome Dinner.

Accommodations: Hotel Almasur

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 (Wed, Dec 3): Punta Arenas, Sierra Baguales, and Torres del Paine National Park ~ After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll start our journey north to Torres del Paine National Park. We’ll make our way along the Sierra Baguales, a stunning east-west chain of mountains with iconic views along the border between Argentina and Chile. This region is home to the highest plant diversity in all the Magallanes region of southern Chile. At the end of the day, we’ll settle into our accommodations in Torres del Paine National Park.

Accommodations: Hotel Lago Grey

Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3 (Thurs, Dec 4): Torres del Paine National Park ~ Today, we’re in for a real treat with a full day to explore Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most beautiful places on the planet. We’ll visit several key spots during our time in the park including Lago Sarmiento, Laguna Amarga, Los Cisnes, and Laguna Azul. Along the way, we’ll take time to observe the park’s unique flora while keeping an eye out for the its iconic wildlife and stunning scenery that makes this place so special.

Accommodations: Hotel Lago Grey

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4 (Fri, Dec 5): Torres del Paine National Park ~ For our second day in the park, we’re in for another full day of exploring and botanizing. Possible locations include the Nordenskjold area, Grey Glacier, and Cuernos del Paine – the park’s famous Horns. Wows are virtually guaranteed today. This evening, we move to Cerro Castillo for our final night in southern Patagonia.

Accommodations: Estancia Ovejero Patagónico

Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5 (Sat, Dec 6): Punta Arenas to Puerto Montt and Mari Mari Natural Reserve ~ We say goodbye to southern Patagonia today. We’ll head back to Punta Arenas in time for our early afternoon flight to Puerto Montt, the capital of Chile’s Lake District. We’ll continue to Mari Mari, our home on the Pacific coast for the next two nights.

Accommodations: Hotel Mari Mari

Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6 (Sun, Dec 7): Mari Mari Natural Reserve ~ We have the entire day to explore Mari Mari Natural Reserve, a hidden sanctuary uniquely situated along Chile’s secluded Pacific coast. Spanning 9000 acres and 13 miles of coastline, we’ll find a wide range of coastal and rainforest trails that allow us to explore diverse areas, each one with its own unique scenery and floral highlights. There’s also time to enjoy the amenities on offer at our hotel.

Accommodations: Hotel Mari Mari

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7 (Mon, Dec 8): Lago Llanquihue and Puerto Varas ~ We’ll start with a morning tour at Lahuen Ñadi Natural Monument, home to the last vestiges of larch forests in the region. The park is dominated by towering Fitzroya cupressoides, the tallest tree in the area with some individuals estimated to be more than 1800 years old. After time at Lahuen Ñadi, we’ll continue to Verde Nativo located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue and one of southern Chile’s most diverse botanical parks. Verde Nativo is specifically designed to preserve and showcase a vast range of Chilean flora, including rare and threatened species. We’ll meet the park’s owners and the curator who has managed the collection for the past three decades. Our hotel for the next two nights is only a short walk from Puerto Varas’ town center. The evening is at our leisure.

Accommodations: Hotel Cumbres

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 (Tues, Dec 9): Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park ~ Today, we’ll explore Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Chile’s first national park. Nestled in the heart of the Lakes District and grounded by Todos los Santos Lake, the park showcases Valdivian temperate rainforest flora. We’ll walk along scenic trails and discover how this unique ecosystem thrives in a volcanic landscape. Relive trip highlight’s this evening during our Farewell Dinner.

Accommodations: Hotel Cumbres

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 9 (Wed, Dec 10): Departure ~ We’ll say goodbye to Chile today. Departure to Puerto Montt in time for our flights home.

Meals: Breakfast

DETAILS

Price: $6620* per person based on double occupancy accommodations (two people sharing a room). If you prefer private accommodations on single occupancy basis, add $1255*.

Includes: accommodations; airport transfers on arrival and departure days; in-country ground transportation; two Expedition Leaders; local guide at each location; meals as listed (8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners); activities and entrance fees as listed; basic travel insurance (This is a policy with a $0 trip cost listed. An upgraded policy w/ pre-departure cancellation and trip interruption benefits can be added at a pro-rated cost.); and gratuities for your Chilean Expedition Leader, local guides, porters, and drivers. A donation to support Denver Botanic Gardens’ ongoing research and conservation programs will be made on behalf of all participants.

Excludes: flights (R2R will assist with flight arrangements); passport fees; room upgrades; 1 dinner; upgraded travel insurance policy with pre-trip cancellation and interruption benefits; optional activities; pre- and post- hotel stays (if you would like to extend your trip, we can assist with those arrangements); optional gratuities for housekeeping at hotels; and personal expenses

*Price is based on payment by check or ACH. Credit card fees, if applicable, will be assessed at time of payment based on card used.

**If you are a solo traveler hoping to share accommodations, we’ll do our best to pair you. If we’re not able to find you a suitable roommate, the private room supplement will apply.

Group Size: Min 8, Max 12 + 2 Expedition Leaders + A Local Guide At Each Location

Level of Difficulty – Moderate. Ability to climb up and down from a passenger van is required. Walks looking for flowers or to enjoy landscape will be on trails at a variety of elevations. Some trails will include some gradient. Some sections of mountain trails may be steep and have loose dirt, tree roots, rocks, or similar to step over. Elevations will range from sea level at Mari Mari to 1000 ft at Torres del Paine. Walking distances will mostly be up to 1-2 miles at a time and could add up to 3-5 miles per day, except for Torres del Paine where we can walk a few more miles if the group wants, and weather conditions are good. Flexibility and a positive attitude are a must.

Important Information: Itinerary has been built to allow flexibility to accommodate activities and sightseeing. Every effort will be made to carry out all activities as planned and advertised; however, trip leaders reserve the right to make alterations, deletions, or modifications to the itinerary deemed necessary due to circumstances beyond their control.

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