November 08 - 14, 2012

Chile

The environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability

November 8-14, 2012

Join us in November 2012 for an exciting 7-day trip to Chile. This Purposeful Travel trip will be two-fold, filled with both purpose and fun!

The Purpose:

We will stay at The Cliffs Preserve, a self-sustaining eco-luxury retreat and private reserve.  Share the wonders of The Cliffs Preserve with a short walk along the beach, beyond the Fisherman’s House, to the Blue Whale Trail. This short, easy –access trail will take you to a lush peninsula shaped by the geographical accidents and the constant breaking of the waves.

The Cliff Preserve supports a number of philanthropic initiatives in the region. We will be participating on a community service project at one of these initiatives - Los Muermos.

Los Muermos is a gorgeous part of Chile’s Lake District, some 30 miles from Puerto Montt on a beautiful strech of coastline. 67% of the 18,000 residents live in rural areas. In general terms the area is very impoverished, with most of the population working on the land. We will have a hands on experience with the residents.

The Fun:

In Santiago, a city of contrasts, this tour aims to showcase both the city’s colonial heart, and its modern, hi-tech side. Highlights include the Presidential Palace, the Plaza de Armas, the "La Chascona" museum (the former residence of Nobel Prize-Winning poet Pablo Neruda) and shopping in the Pueblo de Los Dominicos Handicrafts Market.

We will spend some time in the Casablanca Valley. The Casablanca Valley is a sub-region of the famed Aconcagua Valley, but its vineyards – first planted in the early 1980s – have earned worldwide recognition in a relatively short space of time.

Overview of Agenda

Nov 8

Arrive Santiago midday. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with options to take a guided tour of the city, or rest in your hotel room.

Nov 9-11

Depart Santiago for short 90 minute flight to Puerto Montt around 9am. The next two days will be the purpose portion of the trip (as described above). Depart Puerto Montt on the morning of Nov 11.

Nov 11-13

Arrive Santiago midday Nov 11. Experience Santiago and the Casablanca Valley at its best. With fine dining, history, culture, and shopping, you will get the full experience of Chile's capitol city.

Nov 14

Depart for home. Depending on flight departure times, the group may participate in a purposeful activity prior to departure.

For a detailed agenda, please contact Lesley Mitchell at lmitchell@l3.org (512) 900-4431.

Registration Information

Registration Fee: $4,000 per person double occupancy. $1,532 single supplement. A 4% processing fee will be applied to registrations paid by credit card.

Price Includes:

• Private transportation and local English speaking guides
• Lodging at Noi Hotel in Santiago, and The Cliffs Preserve in Puerto Montt
• All meals except lunch on Day 5
• Early check-in (and lunch on Day 1)

Prices Excludes:

• Extras: phone calls, laundry, souveniers, etc.
• Visas, passports (A passport (valid for at least 6 months) is required for all foreign visitors to Chile)
• Transportation to and from Chile

Payment Options:

• 10% deposit at registration (reserves a place) and is refundable until July 9, 2012
• An additional 40% due on July 9, 2012 (nonrefundable)
• Balance due (remaining 50%) on August 8, 2012

                                or

• 50% paid at registration (reserves a place) and refundable until July 9, 2012
• Balance due (remaining 50%) on August 8, 2012

To consider when entering Chile
All traveling passengers should refer to their closest Chilean Embassy to check which visas are required, although current visa requirements may be subject to change at any time. US citizens do not need a visa, but must upon arrival at Santiago’s International Airport pay a  "Reciprocity Fee", that corresponds to the amount a Chilean national must pay when travelling to the United States (current amount is USD 140.00). Once paid, it is valid for up to 10 years.
Payment must be made in cash or credit card (US Dollars or Chilean Pesos)
Payment is made prior to passport control, at the “Reciprocity Fee” stand, to the left of the International Police.

To register, please contact Lesley Mitchell at (512) 900-4431 or fill out this form and email it to Lmitchell@L3.org