EJ Latitudes 1/08.qxd - Frontiers Elegant Journeys

CHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER YOU BET —
AND LET EXPLORA BE YOUR GUIDE. The pioneering,
Santiago, Chile-based travel operator has
earned its critically acclaimed reputation by introducing
the remotest regions of the South American
continent. From the heart of the Atacama Desert to
fascinating Easter Island in the South Pacific to the
skyscraping peaks of Patagonia, explora’s unique
focus on culture and natural beauty is a breath of
fresh travel.
Far from popular perception, the tip of South America is actually
quite hospitable from May through August, when autumn and winter
reign in the Southern Hemisphere. In May-June, Torres del
Paine National Park is wrapped in stunning red, orange and yellow
hues — perfect natural light for photography. The winter months of
July and August have mostly sunny days with overwhelming vistas
of snow-capped landscapes. September ushers in spring with
longer days, flowers in full bloom, and an abundance of wildlife.
Situated in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, explora
Patagonia’s lodge has all of the comforts of home — and then
some. But it’s the opportunities for exploration — including guided
hiking, mountain biking and a stable of horses — that make guests
long to return. With no fixed arrival dates between April-September
and few visitors on the trails, there is no better time to fly south to
experience the wonders of Patagonia.
explora
Chile
high-powered Meade 16-inch LX200R telescope assures incredible
perspectives on the world’s clearest night sky.
Meanwhile, on a solitary stretch of land overlooking the Pacific on
the southern edge of Easter Island, explora Rapa Nui recently
marked its first anniversary and Latin America’s first-ever LEED
Certification for environmentally friendly building practices.
Excellent service, a magnificent restaurant with a glassed-in
kitchen, and an inviting outdoor pool area enhance the experience.
However, the ancient moai, standing sentinel after all this time, is
what captures the imagination.
United by a common philosophy of experiencing remote destinations,
ancient cultures and natural beauty, each explora destination
promises remarkable year-round discovery for adventurous souls.
The destination is perfect for romantic honeymooners and familystyle
travelers alike. Hike to Nordenskjold Vista Point for grand
views on sunny days; horseback ride through prairie, streams and
mountains to Donoso Vista Point; or take a photo safari revealing a
diversion of fauna including guanacos, rheas, condors, foxes, ducks,
geese, skunks and avian species.
In Atacama, the newly renovated explora lodge plays off the desert
with a variety of opportunities for adventure and comfort. Order a
cocktail and settle into the new sala de exploradores to review the
coming day’s explorations. Relax in one of the four solar-heated
pools, two open-air Jacuzzis and a new Turkish bath, all surrounded
by native greenery providing habitat for birds. And be sure
to schedule time in the lodge’s new on-site observatory, where a
Stargazing at explora en Atacama
A new approach to exploration is awaiting guests of the explora en
Atacama lodge — stargazing from the on-site observatory. Leaving
advanced physics and complicated mathematical equations
behind, nighttime adventurers gather beneath an observation
dome measuring five meters in diameter for a clear view of the
Southern solar system. The new Meade 16” f/10 LX200R Advanced
RD Telescope is a first-class telescope, generously accessorized
with premium-grade optical glass, a Super Wide Angle Eyepiece,
and a “piggyback bracket” enabling the mounting of digital cameras
for spectacular astrophotography. This “exploratory” experience
complements the lunar-like landscape of the Atacama Desert.
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