Patagonia: A Dream Trip Becomes Reality
Dick Cable/Janis Stahlhut
SUMMARY OF TRIP INFORMATION
Patagonia: A Dream Trip Becomes Reality
Leader Dick Cable
Co-leader Janis Stahlhut
Patagonia: Chile and Argentina
Feb. 26-March 10, 2016
Total # of days 14
Backpacking
Bicycling-Mountain
Bicycling-Road
Title of trip
Leadership
Location(s)
Dates
Type of trip
check all that apply
Primary type of trip
Number of participants
(excluding leaders)
Advertised cost
Airfare range if not included
When should the trip notice be
published in AMC Outdoors?
Do you wish to have your trip
listed online before it is
published in AMC Outdoors?
Smaller trips and leader
subsidization
Camping
Cultural
Family
Hiking
Paddling-Canoeing
Paddling-Sea-Kayaking
Skiing-CrossSkiing-Downhill
Snorkeling
Country (Nordic)
(Alpine)
Trekking (e.g., hutWalking
Other – please describe
to-hut)
Trekking (e.g., hut-to-hut)
Select one of those checked above.
Minimum 12
Maximum 14
$ 4675
Does it include airfare? Yes
No
$ 1325-1500
Will leaders assist participants with flights? Yes
No
First Appearance: Month Sept
Year 2014
Last Appearance: Month
Year
Note: AMC Outdoors is only published in Jan., March, May, July, Sept., Nov.
Yes
No If yes, please list the approximate month and year when it should
be posted on line. ASAP
Is this proposal for a small group trip – i.e., less than 14 participants and 2
leaders or 7 participants and 1 leader? Yes
No
If yes, why is a small group proposed?
If a participant fee increase of more than 15% is proposed, please explain why?
LEADER AND CO-LEADER INFORMATION
Leader name
Leader address
Leader email
Leader phone
Wilderness first aid
training
CPR training
Prior leading experience
Trip one
Trip two
Trip three
Other related trip
Form Revised July 2013
Dick Cable
8 Heather Lane, Burlington, CT 06013
Home 860-673-1940
WFA
AWFA
WFR
Work
Expiration: 4-2014
Cell 860-944-0594
CPR
BLS
Expiration: 1-2016
If this is your first Adventure Travel trip as a Leader you must be present at the AMCATC meeting at which the trip proposal is considered.
Please list the last three longer (5+ day) trips you have led for the AMC including
destination, type of trip, dates and number of participants. Feel free to list additional
trips you have led, particularly if they demonstrate experience related to the trip you are
proposing.
Bike Provence
Camino de Santiago Biking
Mantova to Venice Biking
Hiking Yosemite; two Mongolia Expeditions; Hiking Nepal; Biking Venice/ Po
Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 1 of 8
Patagonia: A Dream Trip Becomes Reality
experience
Dick Cable/Janis Stahlhut
River Valley; Biking Sicily/Hiking Mt. Etna; Biking Provence; Biking the Camino de
Santiago - Spain.
Co-leader name
Co-leader address
Co-leader email
Co-leader phone
Wilderness first aid training
CPR training*
Prior leading experience
Trip one
Trip two
Trip three
Other related trip experience
Scouting
Have either of you led this trip
before or traveled to this area?
Languages
Does either the co-leader or
leader speak the local language?
Couples
Do the leader and co-leader
have a significant personal
relationship?
Private trips Do either of you
lead trips that are private - not
sponsored by the AMC?
Janis Stahlhut
1465 E. Putnam Ave #323, Old Greenwich, CT 06870
jstahlhut1@aol.com
Home 203--637-9275
Work
Cell 203-820-9275
WFA
AWFA
WFR
Expiration: 4/2014 / scheduled for 4/14 recert
CPR
BLS
Expiration: 11/15
If you are a new co-leader you must submit an application to be an Adventure Travel
leader or co-leader prior to submitting this application. Also, it is strongly
recommended that you be present at the AMC-ATC meeting at which the trip proposal
is considered.
Please list the last three longer (5+ day) trips you have led for the AMC including
destination, type of trip, dates and number of participants. Please indicate if you were
the leader or co-leader.
Provence / Bike
Mantova to Venice / Bike
Sicily / Bike
White Mountains / Hike; Cape Cod / Bike
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below:
Co-leader: Yes
No
Leader: Yes
No
Not applicable:
Yes
No
If yes, please list who has agreed to be your back-up in case one or
both of you need to drop out. This is required for approval!
Yes
No
If yes, please note that you cannot advertise AMC and private
trips together unless there is a clear distinction between the two in any materials
you send out.
LOGISTICAL DETAILS OF TRIP
Summary
Please provide a description
of the trip and the activities
planned. If available, please
include or attach an itinerary.
Feb. 26: Depart United States
Feb. 27: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile in the evening. Overnight at hotel TBD
Feb. 28: Morning exploration of Punta Arenas. After lunch proceed to Puerto Natales
located near the edge of Torres Del Paine National Park. Overnight at Hotel IF
Patagonia in Puerto Natales.
Feb. 29 [Leap Year]: We begin the four day W hike. A full day of hiking following the
Acensio Valley. Destination is our refugio. ACCOMMODATION: Refugio Chileno,
Torres del Paine National Park
March 1: Hike to Los Cuernos, Torres del Paine National Park. Today is an easier hike
as we contour around the northern shore of Lake Nordenskjold, a glacial lake in the heart
of the national park. As we head around the lake, we’ll start to see glimpses of Los
Cuernos – Spanish for ‘The Horns’ – three fantastically sculpted grey and white
sedimentary and granite peaks. This evening, we’ll stay in the shadow of the mountains.
ACCOMMODATION: Refugio Los Cuernos, Torres del Paine
Form Revised July 2013
Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 2 of 8
Patagonia: A Dream Trip Becomes Reality
Dick Cable/Janis Stahlhut
March 2: Hike French Valley, Torres del Paine National Park
We’ll rise with the sun this morning to begin our hike up French Valley for a closer look
at Los Cuernos. This ravine is probably one of the most beautiful places we’ll ever see –
over 1220 metres (4000 feet) deep with multiple glaciers cascading down its steep sides,
creating a patchwork of ice and rock. The track steepens as we ascend a ridgeline to the
upper French Valley past waterfalls and mountain tarns. At the top, we’ll have incredible
views of a massive natural amphitheatre, filled with the awesome French Glacier, the
Paine Massif and Cuernos granite towers. This afternoon, we’ll hike to Refugio Paine
Grande. ACCOMMODATION: Refugio Paine Grande, Torres Del Paine
March 3: Hike to Grey Glacier, Scenic cruise across Grey Lake
Grey Glacier is a 200 metres (650 feet) high wall of ice that marks the northern end of
Grey Lake. This is one of the largest calving glaciers in the world, sending huge shards
of ice – some as big as houses – plummeting into the lake’s murky depths. After a short
hike in the morning, we’ll hop on a boat to take us across Grey Lake, taking in views of
the surrounding mountains. Afterwards, we’ll head back to Puerto Natales for a well
earned rest. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel IF Patagonia, Puerto Natales
March 4: Travel to El Calafate Today we’ll cross the border to Argentina: We’ll journey
north to El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park, one of the greatest wilderness areas
in South America. It’s also one of the most diverse – in addition to the vast mountain
ranges and glaciers, it’s home to forests of guindo, lenga (a type of beech tree) and ñirre
scrub, as well as a multitude of lakes and rivers. We’ll arrive in El Calafate in the
afternoon, so you’ll have the rest of the day to chill out on the shores of Lago Argentino,
South America’s third largest lake, with a surface area of over 1600 square kilometres
(617 square miles). You can relax and enjoy your surroundings, or you can head off on
one of the many hikes in the area. A particular favourite of ours is the short walk to
Laguna Nimes, a renowned bird sanctuary where geese, ducks and flamingos make their
home. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Glaciar Libertador, El Calafate .
March 5: Hike Mirador Laguna Torre; This morning we’ll travel to El Chalten, a
charming and remote mountain village, known for its amazing hiking and
mountaineering opportunities that quite literally begin on your doorstep. From the heart
of this rapidly-growing outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, you can see the tips of Fitz Roy
and Cerro Torre peaks, as well as the lovely Rio de las Vueltas winding its way past
town. We’ll hike through Patagonian drylands and windswept boulder fields to Mirador
Laguna Torre (Spanish for ‘Tower Lagoon Lookout’) for heart-stopping views up the
Fitz Roy valley to Cerro Torre, a spectacular granite spire looming over a sprawling
mass of ice. Today is a relatively relaxing day, in preparation for tomorrow’s big hike
into the heart of Los Glaciares National Park. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Posada del
Barranco, El Chalten
March 6: Hike Lomo del Pliegue Tumbado. Today’s hike will give you a new
appreciation for the incredibly huge and beautiful steep peaks of Southern Patagonia.
We’ll begin our hike on the Lomo del Pliegue trail bright and early, embarking on a 900
metres (3000 feet) hike to the top of the rounded lomo (hill). First we’ll pass through the
Patagonian beech forest then ascend onto the wide plateau, where the views start getting
seriously beautiful. Upon reaching the summit, we’ll be greeted by one of the most
incredible sights you’re ever likely to see – the towering peak of Monte Fitz Roy rising
high above the Torre Glacier and Laguna Torre. Just make sure you’ve packed your
wide-angle lens to take in all of this view! Later, we’ll descend the trail back down to El
Chalten and head onwards to El Calafate, where over dinner we’ll celebrate one of the
best hikes anywhere in the world. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Glaciar Libertador, El
Calafate.
March 7:Cycle to Cueva Del Milodon: We’ll head south back across the border today.
Form Revised July 2013
Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 3 of 8
Patagonia: A Dream Trip Becomes Reality
Dick Cable/Janis Stahlhut
After lunch in Puerto Natales, we’ll be provided with a bike for the ride out to the
famous ‘Milodon Caves’. At these caves in 1896, the well-preserved remains of a
distinct giant sloth (Mylodon darwini) were found. Mylodons roamed the land more than
10,000 years ago and stood at twice the height of an average human! At the entrance to
this site, you’ll see an impressive life-size model of this ice age creature. We’ll then ride
back to Puerto Natales for a well-deserved dinner. ACCOMMODATION: Hotel IF
Patagonia, Puerto Natales
March 8:Hike to Otway Sound penguin colony. After a short journey through the
Patagonian wilderness, we’ll arrive at Otway Sound and hike to the penguin colony
found at the water’s edge. The views of Tierra del Fuego provide a perfect backdrop as
we watch the magellanic penguins congregate in their masses. These curious birds
migrate to Otway Sound every year to lay eggs and raise their young. Overnight at hotel
TBD. Group dinner.
March 9: Departure for overnight flight to the United States.
March 10: Arrive in the United States.
Accommodations
Please describe your plans for
accommodation(s)
Meals: Please describe your
plans for providing meals. If
the budget includes any funds
for leader meals not shared
with the group please justify.
Local Transportation
Please describe your plans for
local transportation
Will leaders or participants be
drivers of motor vehicles?
Permits or permissions
Does the trip require special
permits or permissions?
(required on many U.S.
federal lands and national
parks)
Special equipment
Does the trip require special
equipment?
Special experience
Form Revised July 2013
During the 4-day/3-night Torres del Paine trek we will stay in backcountry alpine lodges
(refugios) with hot showers, three course meals, bunk beds and fantastic views! The rest
of the time we stay in clean, comfortable, family-owned inns and hotels in the heart of
the action. All accomodations are arranged by our outfitter, Active Adventure.
This is the same outfitter that we are using for our New Zealand trip in 2016. Our
accomodations are in hotels and refugios.
All meals are included except lunch on Day 2 and dinner on Day 12.
All transportation is arranged through our outfitter including transfers to and from
the airport in Punta Arenas.
Will leaders be drivers?
Will volunteer participants be drivers?
If so, MVR checks will be needed. See Appendix S1.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what you will need to do to obtain them:
All permits will be obtained by our outfitter.
If no, please describe the process you went through to find out that they were not
required:
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of equipment and how you
will ensure that people know how to use it:
Participants will need to carry a pack not to exceed 15-20 pounds.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of experience? Also describe
Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 4 of 8
Patagonia: A Dream Trip Becomes Reality
Dick Cable/Janis Stahlhut
Does the trip require special
how you will ensure that the participant has this experience?
skills on the part of the
participant?
Pre-trip activities
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what you will do:
Do you plan to get your group
together before the trip for an
activity or social event?
We will use local guides who have hands on and in some cases educational
Conservation, education and
backgrounds in the specific region we will be visiting. We feel that using local
recreation
How will this AMC-AT trip meet the
guides gives our trips an optimal opportunity to learn about local culture,
mission of the AMC?
conservation efforts, geography , biology, botony and history in an informal "on
www.outdoors.org/about/mission.cfm
the trail" setting. In addition, Active Adventures provides extensive Extensive
pre-trip documents including trip notes, country notes, gear list, training
documents, FAQs, etc.
TOUR OPERATOR AND GUIDE SERVICE INFORMATION
This section should be completed if the trip will be using a tour operator, outfitter, guide service, travel agency or
other such company or person(s) for a significant part of the trip or for the entire trip. Any person(s) or companies
that are handling a significant portion of trip funds or arrangements need to be vetted. If there is more than one
tour operator please provide this information about each such entity.
Will this trip require a tour
Yes
No
operator or guide service
Please describe their services. If you are using a tour operator for the entire trip,
during part of or for the
please describe why you will be using them rather than doing this trip on your own:
The nature of this trip is such that we wanted to explore several different areas
entire trip?
and have all meals included as well as transportation. Dollar for dollar this
seemed to be the best of all possibilities. Additionally Activit Adventures is
experienced in developing and leading trips in this region of South America and
as such are able to provide local knowledge, as well as established emergency
procedures and systems, that we could not hope to attain on our own.
Name of tour operator/guide Active Adventures
service
http://activeadventures.com/
Tour operator website
Active Adventures has been vetted by the AT Committee in conjunction with our
Safety record
2016 New Zealand application.
Please provide information
about their safety record.
Insurance
Liability? Yes
No
Maximum amt: $ 5 million
Do they have liability
Are they willing to list AMC as an
Yes
No
insurance?
additional insured?
Note on insurance: The outfitter's insurance is not able to incude a US
Emergency response
Please describe the outfitters’
organization as an additional insured.
response plan in the case of an
Emergency response plan:
emergency.
In Torres del Paine the closest medical assistance is located in the administration office
of the national park. The local authorities have an ambulance and helicopter stationed in
the park during the high season; Nov>Mar
CONAF Telephone numbers: +56-61-2691931 +56-61-2360014 +56-61-2360496
All our Active South American guides are 1st aid trained
NB: CONAF is the CORPORACION NACIONAL FORESTAL and the translation is
NATIONAL FORESTRY CORPORATION, they work together with the park guards
contributing to the protection of natural and cultural values of the protected areas and
their local environment, they are in charge of the control of the park and the security of
the tourist.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Form Revised July 2013
Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 5 of 8
Patagonia: A Dream Trip Becomes Reality
Dick Cable/Janis Stahlhut
Please assess the risks and hazards of your trip. Carefully consider each area of risk and how it may affect your trip.
Devise a plan to prevent each hazard and to respond to it if it becomes necessary. Please be very specific for each section
if applicable.
Trail conditions, river crossings, weather, wildlife (bears, snakes, etc.)
Climate/terrain
Potential hazards
We will be visiting this region during its summer months, when temperatures range from
5-20C. The region is characterized by strong winds, rains and snow, with continuous
clouds forming. Storms can be severe and sudden, though during this summer season,
they should be milder than the other 3 seasons. Terrain will be varied -- rugged at times
but nothing that will require 'technical' skills such as rock climbing or rapelling. Trails
may change without much notice.
Response
Equipment and Clothing are of utmost important. No special equipment is
needed for our hiking: a good day pack, sturdy hiking boots, light traction
devices (Yak tracks) and hiking poles. As or more important is the emergency
communications commitment and procedures as well as familiarity with the
regional terrain that are inherent to our outfitter.
Political concerns, crime, language translation, terrorism
Foreign Country
Potential hazards
The bulk of our trip will be in rural/lightly populated areas and protected wilderness.
Response
Our guides are fluent in English as well as local language and dialect and work
closely with the national park agency to ensure safety and security.
Road conditions, drivers, insurance
Transportation
Potential hazards
We will travel to Torres del Paine by a 250 km paved road connecting Punta
Arenas and Puerto Natales, and by a 150 km dirt road from Puerto Natales.
Response
Our outfitter will supply vehicles and drivers. The vehicle will be a Mercedes
Benz Sprinter for groups. Vehicles are of the years 2012/2013. Vehicles receive
full maintenance during April and May when the season is over.
Drivers are qualified, licensed and the vehicles are insured.
Participants
Potential hazards
Level of fitness, screening concerns, experience with equipment or activity
The trails have varying grades of difficulty and may take less or more time based on our
abilities and the weather.
No special equipment is needed outside of normal hiking/light
backpacking/trekking. Participants should have experience with varying terrain
and be in shape to walk 6-7 hours/day.
Conditions unique to this type of trip
n/a
n/a
Response
Other
Potential hazards
Response
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Please describe your plans for dealing with emergencies. Give as much detail as possible and list any special
communications equipment you may need to ensure the safety of your participants. DO NOT LEAVE THIS BLANK
Active Adventures has a 24 hour emergency call operations staff and trips are supported
Emergency communication
Phone contacts, language,
by local emergency response services. Emergency contact information:
documentation, distance from
Eduardo - Operation Manager of ANTARES: +56-9-89002362
emergency services
Fernando - Sale Manager of ANTARES: +56-9-90372539
ANTARES Office: +56-61-2414622
Vane – Operations Co-Ordinator for Active South America +051 84 974790386
Emergency equipment
What sort of emergency first
aid or communication
equipment (satellite phone,
two-way radios) do you plan
to use, if any?
Form Revised July 2013
Field staff carry radios, phones, satellite phones in some situations, emergency
beacons in some situations. Field staff have undergone extensive first aid
training . Both AMC leaders and as well as field staff personnel will carry first
aid kits appropriate to the conditions.
Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 6 of 8
Patagonia: A Dream Trip Becomes Reality
Evacuation
Please describe your plan for
evacuation from the
backcountry location if
applicable?
Medical care
Please describe the medical
care available in the area(s)
where you will be traveling
and list names and telephone
numbers for these facilities.
Dick Cable/Janis Stahlhut
We do not plan to be in the "backcountry" - our itinerary is inside established
national park and managed "wilderness" areas. Active Adventures has an
established emergency evacuation procedure from any remote region during our
trip. AMC leaders will assist with any emergency procedures in accordane with
Wilderness First Aid training.
While trekking in Torres del Paine the closer medical assistance is located in the
administration office of the national park. The local authorities have an
ambulance and helicopter stationed in the park during the high season; Nov>Mar
CONAF Telephone numbers: +56-61-2691931 +56-61-2360014 +56-612360496
All Active South American guides are 1st aid trained.
NB: CONAF is the CORPORACION NACIONAL FORESTAL and the translation
is NATIONAL FORESTRY CORPORATION. They work together with the park
guards contributing to the protection of natural and cultural values of the
protected areas and their local environment. They are in charge of the control of
the park and the security of the tourist.
COST AND BUDGET DETAILS
This trip will be paid for in dollars. We have a guaranteed price
Foreign currencies
For int’l trips list each foreign currency, the
for 2016. Considering the inflation rates in South America and
the fact that this is virtually an all inclusive trip, we feel we have
current $US dollar exchange rate and what
achieved good value for what we are receiving. We have worked
contingencies you have if that rate changes. If
hard with the outfitter to reach this price point. We know that both
a tour operator or agent is being used, what
Chile and Argentina are expensive countries in which to travel.
currency is the agent to be paid in?
$500 per person when group has been established. Balance due 60 days
Group Trip Deposits
prior.
What deposits will be required
from you by airlines, hotels, tour
operators, etc., and when?
61 days prior
Group Trip Refunds
What is the latest date you can
cancel and still receive a full
refund of any deposits?
$1550 with application. $1550 on Aug. 1, 2015. $1575 on Nov. 1, 2015
Participant deposits
What are the initial deposit and
your schedule of payments by
participants to you?
Full refund if the trip does not run. Once a trip has been confirmed to run with
Cancellation policy
a sufficient number of partcipants, no refund will be available unless another
What will be your cancellation
suitable participant can be confirmed. Once that participant is confirmed and
policy for the participants?
monies deposited, a refund will be issued. Refunds will only be refunded to the
extent that the cost of the trip for other participants is not affected. Participants
are responsible for their own airline tickets. Most domestic airlines no longer
give refunds for cancellations; instead, they issue coupons for a future trips
with an administrative charge of $100.00 and an expiration date. Trip
cancellation insurance is advised and policy information is supplied to all
participants.
Minimum numbers
Yes
No
If yes, please describe conditions:
Will you still run the trip if you
do not get the minimum number?
Reference web links:
AMC-ATC Home Page: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/
Forms:
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/application/
Deadlines:
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/committee/proposals/
Form Revised July 2013
Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 7 of 8
Patagonia: A Dream Trip Becomes Reality
E-Mail Addresses:
Club House:
AMC-ATC Chair:
Form Revised July 2013
Dick Cable/Janis Stahlhut
nholland@outdoors.org
amcatchair@comcast.net
Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 8 of 8