When should I go?
For this holiday the seasons are somewhat inverted so in order to have the best chance of good weather in Patagonia you will be walking the Inca Trail either towards the beginning or end of the season (March/April or October/November).

April to November is the best time for the Inca Trail with predominantly dry, sunny conditions during the day. Nights can be very cold at altitude.

Weather in the Atacama can change at any time. Rains come in January, February and March (Bolivian winter affects this part of Chile). Nights are cold due to the altitude of the area 2,000m – 4,000m.

The best time of year to visit Patagonia is October to April. You are likely to experience cold evenings and mornings but mild daytime temperatures.

How active?
On the Inca Trail the pace is relaxed and a team of porters carry your things as well as setting up the tents and cooking.

The trail covers 28 miles over 4 days. However, it is at high altitude. The going can be slow and fairly tough. You must be used to hill walking to enjoy the trail.

Some high altitude walking in the Atacama but these are ‘return to base’ so you can choose not to walk on these days.

Reasonably strenuous walks over five consecutive days in Patagonia but your bags are portaged, you are at sea level and distances are not great.

How comfortable?
Stay in a suite in a new small hotel in the centre of Cusco.

Fully portaged camping on the Inca Trail. Dining and toilet tents are provided.

Uninspiring but comfortable hotel near Machu Picchu.

First class small hotels with twin/double en suite rooms throughout except four nights in Patagonia’s mixed, communal refuges.

Your luggage is portaged in Torres del Paine making the pace of this walk very relaxed and comfortable.

How independent?
All of our Inca Trails are dedicated Pura Aventura departures.

We have certain set group dates, listed below. Maximum group size is 16 with 2 guides. More usually our groups are of around 6 – 8 people with 1 guide.

We can also offer private Inca Trails, please enquire as to prices for this.

In Chile you will be part of a small guided group, 12 maximum though eight is a more normal number.

We also offer private and tailor made departures.

Who is it for?
In general this holiday attracts people in their 40s through 50s/60s, though there’s no barrier to younger and older. There is usually a 60:40 mix of couples and solo travellers.

How responsible?
Pura Aventura is passionate about the places it visits. To help preserve the integrity of these destinations we:

• Keep groups small to minimise environmental impact.

• Work directly with local businesses and organisations to directly benefit local economies. We use small, locally owned hotels and restaurants. We know the owners except in the large cities.

• Work with local guides so that our holidays are more interesting for clients and more beneficial locally.

• Make payment to suppliers before our clients arrive.

We strictly adhere to the Porter Protection Policies which govern porters’ work in Peru.

Pura Handmade Holiday

This holiday is unique to Pura. We have designed and deliver this holiday using our own people and carefully selected local suppliers to create a Pura Handmade holiday.

What makes our Peru and Patagonia different?

You are looked after by a Pura team on the ground in Cusco/Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail which means that we can far better control the quality of this crucial part of your experience.

You have longer to walk the Inca Trail giving you the bets possible chance of enjoying the walk fully.

Again, you are looked after by a Pura team on the ground in Santiago, the Atacama and Patagonia.

We ensure that you see places from off the beaten path in the Atacama desert.

In Patagonia we take you on a route through beautiful scenery without your having to completely sacrifice your creature comforts.

The hotels and lodges we have chosen very carefully to best reflect the places you are visiting.

Useful Links

As you already know, Pura Aventura is dedicated to safe and responsible travel. The links below provide useful content and more information about Chile. Please call us of any special requirements on 01273 676 712.

Country Information

FCO

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides useful travel advices on Chile and Peru.

BBC News

BBC News provides useful information about Chile and Peru. Read more about it.

Official Government website

Find out more about Chile and Peru by visiting their official governement websites.

Prepare your holiday

Health

Before you go on your holiday to Chile and Peru please check out the NHS website for advices and visit your GP or a travel clinic, to ensure you have the correct vaccinations.

Currency Exchange

For the latest information on the Chilean Peso currency and the Peruvian Nuevo Sol currency, visit the ICE website.

Weather

To know the forecast in Chile and Peru, visit Wunderground.

Pura’s Amazon shop

Find out our own Chile selection and Peru selection in Amazon.co.uk for a wide range of travel essentials, such as books, gadgets, clothing, etc. in preparation for your upcoming holiday.

Train ticket

If you are leaving from the UK, and want to be easy in your mind before you leave, book your train ticket or airport hotel now.

Flight deals

Find the best flight deals for your holiday to Chile with Kayak, Expedia, Vayama and Opodo.