Detour is a member of Travelers Against Plastic, (TAP, https://www.travelersagainstplastic.org). Single use plastic is a problem everywhere in the world, but it is an especially large problem in major tourism destinations in developing countries, where waste disposal is limited and recycling is virtually nonexistent. We strongly discourage the use of disposable water bottles, even if offered […]
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This country is UNREAL. The mountains, the desert, the food, the people, all are amazing. Here are just a few reasons you should go and experience Chile, according to yours truly.
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The leaves are turning orange in the northern hemisphere so it’s with a heartfelt sigh that you start rummaging through those sweaters at the back of your closet. But in South America, especially Chile, it’s all so different. There it’s soon to be the dawn of spring, making it the ideal time to don your […]
All tipping is, of course, at your own discretion and you are under no obligation to tip. In the unlikely event that you are not satisfied with the service you received, your tip (or lack of) will reflect this. Trip members can contribute towards a group tip to be shared among the drivers, assistants, cooks […]
The accommodations for a typical trekking trip in Patagonia will be camping or hotels. If you are camping, typically, you will have to provide the sleeping bag and pad yourself while the trek operator will provide the tents, cooking equipment, food, and water purifiers. Additionally, many Patagonian treks have the option of staying in either […]
Environmentally-conscious business practices are the norm these days, so much so that that any major clothing company that never mentioned the “e” word would be viewed as a pariah. But this was not always so. Up until 30 years ago the profit motif was the only consideration. Yvon Chouinard, one of the world’s greatest businessmen-environmentalists, […]
As an odd-numbered group, you will have an extra passenger who will have to abide by the single passenger policy for accommodations: You can request private accommodations and you will have to pay a single supplement fee. This applies whether you are camping or using lodges/hotels along the way. Tents and hotel rooms are typically […]
The weather in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego is a mix of sun, rain, snow, and wind. With the right planning, you can maximize your sunny, bluebird days and forgo trekking in the snow. Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, aka the Southern Cone of South America, is famous for its remoteness, wild beauty, and, yes, […]
The Patagonia region of Argentina and Chile require no vaccinations to enter the country, except for passengers coming from countries where cholera and yellow fever are endemic. Also, a Hepatitus A vaccination is usually highly recommended for visiting both countries. It’s best to check the Center for Disease Control for up to date information on […]
The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, both the strong marine and the South Patagonic Icefield influence makes the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather […]
World Cup fever has hit certain countries in South America in epidemic proportions, causing tour provider’s offices to close during their national team’s matches. Imagine the Super Bowl played during the work week and you might sort of understand how business shuts down during these matches. You gotta love an event so big that entire […]
Floods in Machu Picchu, earthquakes in Chile – want to know the best way help out… don’t change your travel plans. Beyond the eye of environmental wreckage, these natural disasters can wreak havoc on regional and even national economies as tourism often plays a critical role in sustaining economic development. Just the other day, speaking […]
Metropolitan Touring sends an update for Santiago airport. A contingency plan is in place. The first phase, from March 3 – 5, institutes the use of a tent for departing passengers. Gradually, domestic flights will depart from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and international flights will depart from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM. All international […]
Metropolitan Touring sends an update of the situation in Chile. The worst damages were accrued in the Bio Bio Region (515 km south of Santiago) near the city of Concepcion. “Chile’s solid infrastucture, strict building laws and long-history dealing with seismic activity has prevented the country from a major catastrophe.” Yet, Santiago did experience effects […]
HidroAysén – a $3.2 billion dollar energy project that would develop five hydroelectric dams on Baker and Pascua Rivers in Chile’s Patagonia area, delayed its official response to the thousands of questions concerning this controversial project until June 30, 2010. The Italian owned company, Endesa, and its Chilean associate Colbun, were first stalled in November […]
Ecocamp Patagonia has been recognized for sustainable tourism in the Best in a Mountain Environment category at this year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards. Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards strive to promote and acknowledge all types of tourism that “operate in ways that respect and benefit destinations and local people. The Awards recognize individuals, companies […]
Traveling to Patagonia in spring used to be a ridiculous idea. Not only would you have to deal with the snow and infamous bad weather, but all the lodges would remain closed until the official tourist season (summer). But my recent adventure in Torres del Paine proved to me that Spring is actually a great […]
Detour and the Rainforest Alliance have partnered for several years to promote sustainable tourism in South and Central America. Detour is pleased to announce that the Rainforest Alliance has highlighted Detour as their “Recommended Link” on the Eco-Index: http://www.eco-index.org/links/ecotourism.cfm. A service of the Rainforest Alliance, the Eco-Index (www.eco-index.org) is a bilingual database of more than […]
Volcan Chaiten, in Southern Chile, has started to show increased activity again, according to Detour travel partner TravelArt Chile. The activity started on Thursday, February 19th. The volcano, which lies south of Pumalin Park at the northern part of the Carretera Austral, and near the Futaleufu River, erupted in May 2008 causing a great deal […]
A surprise eruption of Chaiten Volcano in the Lake District /Northern Patagonia of Chile has forced the evacuation of the towns of Chaiten, Futaleufu, and Palena. This is the first eruption of Chaiten in more than 2,000 years, and was unexpected. An ash cloud rising 20 km (12 miles) above the volcano can be seen […]
Patagonia is more than just an outdoor clothing company! It is a magical land at the bottom of the world, made up of the southern portions of both Argentina and Chile. Cascada Expediciones, a world-class Chilean company that specializes in sustainable adventures throughout Chile and Argentina, offers fantastic trekking and wildlife adventures in Patagonia through […]
Although it’s tough to play favorites with all the gorgeous sights I saw in Chilean Patagonia, nothing can compare to the first time I saw Grey Glacier. The Glacier is in Torres del Paine National Park and is part of the Patagonian Southern Ice Field. It can be seen from miles away on a clear […]