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Chile

Classic Chile / Santiago area / Patagonia / Lake District
Easter Island / Biking / Atacama Desert / Expedition Cruises
Fiord Cruises / Treks / Multisport / Sea Kayaking / Hacienda Life

Suite Domes in Patagonia

starting Nov. 1, 2008

Suite Domes are comfortable 28mt²/ 300 ft² tented igloo-type double domes built the same way as the ancient native Kaweskar’s dwellings. Its structure produces minimal environmental impact while providing an efficient thermal and wind resistant unit, with great exposure to nature in the most magnificent Patagonian setting. Each dome has a private bathroom, comfortable double or twin beds, and it is heated by a modern low-emission wood stove. In addition, every dome has its own composting device to process waste and a solar panel as an energy source.

The cozy decoration makes great use of fallen trees or branches, collected leaves & feathers, natural fibers and other natural elements bringing the local heritage of natives and settlers indoors, blending with the surrounding harsh nature. The Suite domes are located in a Lenga (beech) forest next to the existing standard domes but allowing enough distance so as to create a separate and independent atmosphere with more refinement and comfort.

Capacity is limited to 16 guests only for the 2008-09 season considering 8 Suite Domes with two single beds (1.2 x 2m beds) which can also be equipped with king size beds (1.9x 2m). The domes are set up with enough space between them to provide adequate intimacy and introspection.

Suite Domes will have total flexibility and will offer 2, 3, 4 and 5 nights full-board programs based on the Weekly Excursions Chart and programs can start and finish any day of the week. Additionally, there will be regular daily transfers going in /out of the Park in connection with Punta Arenas Hotels/Airport/ Australis Cruises Dock, Puerto Natales Hotels/Skorpios Cruises Dock, and Cerro Castillo Argentine border.

Excursions are all led by an experienced local English-Spanish speaking guide. Although guests staying at EcoCamp Suites will share the transportation with other EcoCamp fellow travelers they will have one or two exclusive guides to lead them on their excursions. We want to keep hikers and non-hikers comfortable at their own pace and also want to encourage the complicity and conformity created in each independent group. Suite Domes Programs will work following the same sustainable operational standards of the EcoCamp, which implies reducing the carbon emissions from our vehicles in Patagonia as much as possible, by limiting their use. For this reason, all Suite Dome passengers will be sharing the regular vehicles in/out of the Park and then private guiding services can be booked. Private guide price: US$180 x each program day.

Included
- Accommodation at EcoCamp’s Suite Domes.
- Meals as indicated.
- All ground transport as indicated.
- English-Spanish speaking expert escort guide. Guide ratio 1:12 pax. Max group size: 16 people.
- Park fees for Cueva del Milodon and Torres del Paine National Park.
- Boat crossing ticket over Grey Lake and/or Pehoe Lake.

Excluded
- Flight tickets.
- Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this type of trip).
- Voluntary tipping to guides and staff.
- Items of personal nature.

Meals at the EcoCamp
One of the most popular features of EcoCamp is its delicious and plentiful food – this is what our clients say!
This is a short description of the meals we serve:

Breakfast - All that you will find at home: fruits, whole grain and white bread toast, cheese, scrambled eggs, butter, peanut butter, jam, cereals, granola, yoghurt, milk, juice, honey, ham, coffee, tea, herb teas, and much more.

Box Lunch - We call it a ‘buffet box lunch’ –it is prepared after breakfast by each client before starting the excursion- they will find a pretty big table full of tasty elements to prepare a great sandwich: whole grain and white bread, cheeses, tuna, chicken, turkey ham, beef, salami, sauces, variety of vegetables, hard boiled eggs, and more; additionally they will also find chocolate and granola bars, nuts and fruits.

Lunch or Dinner - It starts with a cocktail consisting of our famous pisco sour and different small appetizers. Then the meal starts with a local soup and is followed by a piece of white or red meat with rice, potatoes or vegetables, everything accompanied by good Chilean wine - we provide a bottle per each 3 persons. Finally a cup of coffee or herb teas with a delicious dessert will crown the meal. The meals often vary to make client experience different flavors and local preparations. We also serve vegetarian and gluten-free meals if indicated with anticipation when booking. Clients can also buy: juices, sodas, beers, wines and alcoholic drinks.

Inside Domes
The 28mt²/ 300 ft² tented igloo-type double domes will have everything clients need for a comfortable stay. There will be two single beds (1.2 x 2m beds) or a king size bed (1.9x 2m), and a modern low-emission wood stove that will keep the place warm. Bathrooms will be well equipped and will have towels available. For sustainable purposes clients will keep the same towels and blankets during their stay. Additionally, since the Suite Domes will be powered with solar panel generators, there will be no electric capacity to plug devices such as hair dryers, electric shavers, etc, nevertheless camera batteries can be charged in other facilities at the EcoCamp . The Suite Dome will be nicely decorated with natural fibers and other elements from the local culture.

Transport
In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia transport is in minivans that normally seat from 8 to 14 persons.
Pick up / Drop off times shown in the Weekly SIB Transfer Board are approximate and will be confirmed locally by our operations team.

Weather
The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, the strong marine influence and the affect of the Southern Patagonia Ice field make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfall. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min).

Physical Demands
This trip does not demand physical activity other than walking a maximum of two consecutive hours over rather flat terrain considering many stops as necessary to fit with the rhythm of the group. The travelers doing the active excursions will find them the right choice for energetic people - to enjoy these treks it is essential to be in shape before arriving. All trails visited in the programs are below 1,000 m / 3,000 ft so passengers don’t need to worry about altitude.

What people need to bring
Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all together and consider al least two changes of clothes. Some essential equipment is one day backpack (10 liters, to carry camera, glasses, rain coat, etc), trekking or hiking boots, extra shoes for evenings or in case the others get wet, waterproof jacket, two pairs of wool socks, fleece jacket or sweater, shorts or comfortable loose pants, sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm and screen) and optional capilene underwear for the upper and lower body.

Itinerary Modifications
The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to deal with at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary under the sole discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can also modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations