Elite Traveler March-April 2017

elite traveler MAR/APR 2017 77 et

Chile by Explora CHILE

Chile has some of the most dramatic – and most varied – scenery on earth. This 11-day tour begins in San Pedro de Atacama where you’ll experience the dramatic Atacama Desert, surrounded by immense volcanoes, snow- capped peaks, geysers, pre-Inca fortresses and shimmering salt lakes. The altitude and dry atmosphere make the skies incredibly clear – perfect for stargazers. Learn all about the planets, stars and galaxies with world-renowned French astronomer Alain Maury. You’ll be staying at the Hotel Salto Chico, one of the finest establishments in Chile, with spectacular surroundings overlooking Lake Pehoé and the formidable granite peaks of the Torres del Paine in southern Patagonia. Head off on a full-day hike around the Grey Glacier, where you’ll see beautiful icebergs, rivers, gorges and forests. Price from $6,865 per person Contact Alexa Steele, travel consultant, info@scottdunn.com, +44 20 8682 5471, scottdunn.com

White Desert ANTARCTICA

Be one of the privileged few people in the world to visit the center of the vast white continent at the lowest point on earth, the South Pole. Largely untouched, this rarely seen terrain is a surreal place almost beyond imagination. White Desert is the brainchild of three explorers. After being stuck in a tent in the middle of a 1,150- mile traverse, they decided to bring a luxury, eco-friendly camp – one that moves location depending on Antarctica’s daylight hours and is solar- and wind-powered. The trip includes treks to ice tunnels, rock climbing and rappelling in the white wilderness, as well as the rare chance to stand among emperor penguins during their 6,000-strong march to the sea. Price from $72,000 for Mountains & Emperors package Contact Patrick Woodhead, CEO, patrick@white-desert.com, +44 7900 216 584, white-desert.com