The Atacama Desert has been experiencing an unusual amount of snow. The cold front that came through the region dumped nearly 32 inches of snow on the desert — more snow then the region has seen in the last half-century. The Atacama Desert is known as one of the driest place on Earth. The Atacama averages just 2 inches of precipitation a year; there are regions in the Atacama that have never seen a drop of recorded rain. The desert stretches roughly 600 miles from Peru’s southern border into northern Chile.

Cold temperatures and snowy weather have been affecting other regions of Latin America as well. Earlier this month, the classic Inca Trail trek was actually closed for a few days due to the unusual and heavy snow fall. It has since re-opened.

Electric storm in the midst of Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano eruption in Chile. Photo by Daniel Basualto/EPA

UPDATE June 9, 2011: Flights on LAN and Aerolineas Argentinas are experiences ongoing delays and cancellations. For the most recent statement released from LAN Airlines, click here. For the most recent statement released from Aerolineas Argentinas click here. American Airlines just released the following statement:

More changes are, of course, in store as ash moves throughout the atmosphere and the eruption subsides.

Ashes from the eruption of Chile’s Puyehue Volcano over the weekend have put a hold on flights into Argentina’s Patagonia region. The eruptions of the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcanic complex — a ridge just west of the Chilean-Argentine border — started on Saturday. Winds quickly took the massive ash cloud east, covering places like Argentina’s popular Bariloche region, in dust. As a safety measure, airlines, LAN and Aerolineas Argentinas, have temporarily suspended flights from Buenos Aires to Patagonia. At this time, Chile’s in-country flights have not been disrupted as strong westerly winds continue to push ash over Argentina. While cancellations are subject to change, current details are as follows:

Aerolineas Argentinas
Cancelled until June 12th: All flights between Buenos Aires and Bariloche, Chapelco and Esquel
Cancelled until June 7th: All flights between Buenos Aires and Trelew, Neuquen, Viedma, Rio Gallegos, El Calafate, Ushuaia, Rio Grande and Comodoro Rivadavia

LAN Argentina
Cancelled until June 8th: All flights to Bariloche, Neuquen, Bahia, Blanca, Comodoro Rivadavia and Rio Gallegos.

Chile has over 3,000 volcanoes; 500 of which are considered active — 60 eruptions have occurred in the last 450 years. Puyehue Volcano last major eruption was in 1960. If you have any questions on how the eruption might affect your Argentina, Chile or Patagonia travel, please contact Adventure Life.

With the help of seasoned travelers, journalists, and local experts, Traveler discovers properties that exhibit strong local color, authenticity, a sustainability ethic, and community involvement. Further research narrows the list down to our very best picks—places you can count on for a great overnight (and cultural) experience.

Here are a few details on just why these accommodations made the list.

The Madidi River -- Enroute to the Bolivian Amazon's Chalalan Lodge

EcoCamp in Torres del Paine National Park

Ecuador's Sacha Lodge makes National Geographic Travelers 2011 Stay List

EcoCamp
EcoCamp is designed to expose travelers to nature as in a camp tent but with the comfort and sophistication of a four star hotel. The structure is built to interfere as little as possible with the surrounding Torres del Paine environment, and to take full advantage of the site. EcoCamp gives sight to the park’s granite pillars right from the dining room and from many dormitory domes. Here the environment is the star. Travelers come very far to be outdoors in the park, so indoor amenities are as little as possible to encourage as much time outdoors as possible exploring the trails of Torres del Paine. The maximum capacity will be 30 guests so the feeling of intimacy, the idea of being in a Nomadic convoy in a remote environment will be kept even if the EcoCamp is full.

Sacha Lodge
Sacha has long recognized how rich and rare its surrounding environment is – and has designed a number of structures to highlight the region. This includes its kapok tower; this 135-foot tower is situated on a hill and constructed around a giant kapok tree for stability. This tower allows guests another opportunity to climb into and above the rainforest canopy. And its recent 940-foot (275-meter) long canopy walkway – at approximately 94 feet (30 meters) above the ground – is exclusive to the lodge. While at Sacha, travelers paddle dugout canoes along blackwater creeks and lakes; swim with piranha; take night walks and canoe trips in search of caiman and other nocturnal creatures. This is the Amazon – and Sacha is designed educate and immerse travelers in the jungle during the day, and relax in comfort at night.

National Geographic Traveler definitely has some nice things to say about Chalalan, Sacha, and EcoCamp (and we certainly share their sentiments) — but how about a few recommendations directly from the source. Here’s just a few things our travelers are saying about their time at these lodges.

What our travelers are saying about Chalalan:
“The Chalalan Lodge experience is just fantastic. Madidi Park is everyone’s dream of a rainforest-lush, beautiful, and filled with wildlife. Everyone at the lodge was super. Ricoberto, our guide, was knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic. The meals were delicious and the service was great. Every time I got back from a hike someone was waiting to greet me with a glass of cold lemonade. This was a fabulous tour!” – Kathy R.

What our travelers are saying about EcoCamp:
“Our EcoCamp dome was beyond our wildest dreams – wood floors, a comfy king-sized bed, floor to ceiling windows, a spacious bathroom – all the comforts of home with none of the environmental impact. After settling in, we headed back to the main dome where we were to have all our meals. Our first night, a delicious steamed salmon for dinner awaited, wine…plus good conversation with new friends. We agreed right then and there that life just doesn’t get much better.” – Jesson B.

What our travelers are saying about Sacha Lodge:
“I can’t tell you how impressed we were with the facilities. I constantly found myself thinking about how much it must take to maintain the place which essentially sits on stilts above the water and mud. Our guides, David and Poncho were excellent. Their knowledge is extensive and I am still amazed at their ability to spot wildlife in the jungle. On the evening of our arrival, Sacha hosted its once weekly barbecue at the boathouse. The food was delicious! All of the mysterious and fascinating sounds of the jungle could be heard right out of the windows of our cabin. What an experience!” – Charles A.

Adventure Life Giveaway - Win 2 Free Flights to South America

Enter our free flights giveaway NOW!

Having personally flown LAN airlines a handful of times, I am continually impressed with their services both on and off board. The giveaway closes April 17, 2011.

One of Easter Islands' famous Moai: LAN airlines offers new ways of traveling to Easter Island from Lima, Peru

UPDATE 10/28/10: As of Oct 28 (interestingly enough one day after I posted this article) LAN announced flights from Lima to Iguazu will now go through Foz do Iguazu International Airport (IGU, Brazil) replacing the original published operation from LIM-IGR in Argentina. Still totally doable — but now many travelers (including US travelers) will be required to purchase a visa for Brazil.

LAN airlines recently announced new direct flights from Lima, Peru to Iguazu, Argentina — and direct flights from Lima, Peru to Easter Island, Chile. So what’s the big deal? Well, prior to these offerings, travelers had to fly – and overnight in – the capital cities of Buenos Aires or Santiago, and then purchase additional flights to Iguazu or Easter Island … all of which added excess days and costs to the itinerary. The new direct flights not only make travel easier, but save time and money; travelers’ two most coveted commodities.

Offerings include both round trip Lima-Iguazu-Lima and Lima-Easter Island-Lima; or one-way options. Flights schedules are somewhat limited, specifically for the round-trip Lima-Easter Island-Lima (and quite honestly can get a little pricey). But there are plenty of one-way flights available typically starting around $270.

These new international flights are a direct result from the combined requests of Adventure Life, our travelers, and other companies in the travel industry who share our mission to make great travel effortless. Very cool LAN.

Need help putting it all together? Contact us.

Trekking in Argentina's Fitz Roy Range

Sunset at EcoCamp in Torres del Paine

Missoula, in Montana’s Rockies — where I rest my head at the end of the day — is at about 3200 ft above sea level. When I hiked the Inca Trail, two of my travel companions came from the Florida coast; you just don’t get any closer to sea level than that. While we were definitely mindful of the high elevation, and certainly huffed and puffed our way along the trail and through its 9,000-14,000 foot passes, altitude sickness was not a problem for any of the trekkers in our group. But this is not always the case. Don’t worry, if the altitude makes you wary, there are great options out there.

If you’re looking for fantastic Andes trekking, but in a lower elevation, look towards Patagonia. The circuits are remote and captivating, and the landscape is legendary. Both the popular Fitz Roy Range in Argentina and the “W” Circuit in Torres del Paine are excellent options for low elevation, multi-day treks.

For the Fitz Roy Trek, the highest elevation on the most popular route is near De los Tres Lagoon – at about 1200m (3900 ft). This 4-day Patagonia tour through glaciated landscape averages 7 to 9 hours of hiking a day, cover anywhere between 11 to 15 miles each day. This hike also includes a trek across the Torre Glacier.

On the W circuit in Chile’s Torres del Paine, your highest elevation will be in French Valley at 1100m (3608ft). If you like, this portion of the trek can be replaced with another trail for a less taxing hike. The W circuit for the most part avoids the difficult and taxing routes except for the last section to the Torres. The W circuit is one of the most accommodation, fitting the needs of hikers who want to trek all day, or those looking for a more relaxed pace.

A few more notes on high elevation trekking:
The good news is that the majority of those who experience altitude sickness find it relatively mild and limiting — NOT debilitating. And symptoms usually decline as altitude acclimatization occurs. All in all, don’t be afraid, be smart. Coming prepared, and recognizing the signs are the best ways to combat altitude sickness. Here are some tips on avoiding altitude sickness.

My mom, and her three girls (and one grand-baby-to-be) on a canoe trip in Minnesota

Marissa and her mom getting ready to enter the ATM cave in Belize

Julia's mother-daugther Galapagos trip -- see Mom, they're all smiles!

I’ll get right to the point. Today I’m using all tools at my disposal, including the Adventure Life blog, to appeal to you to finally take that mother-daughter trip with me to Patagonia. With Mother’s Day approaching this weekend, I thought the timing was right — thematically anyway. Also, you are probably wondering why the card I sent has a picture of Torres del Paine on the front. Well, this explains it.

We’ve been toying with the idea for a while, but it’s time to make it happen. Don’t worry, we have plenty of time to plan. The best time to visit Patagonia is during our winter season, so I was thinking we could sneak away in early December when the weather in Patagonia is cooperating and there isn’t a chance your golf course will be open. (Mom, we’ll discuss your golf addiction later.) And Mom, we’re going to hike the W circuit.

Here’s my pitch:

Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park offers granite peaks, enormous glaciers, waterfalls, turquoise lakes and temperate rainforests — this is the backdrop for our trek. We’ll never get any higher in elevation than about 3700 feet, so don’t worry about altitude sickness. For the most part, the W circuit avoids the difficult and taxing routes in the park except for the last section to the Torres. But hey, you teach first-graders — “difficult” and “taxing” are part of your everyday vocabulary.

Base camp will be EcoCamp; it’s domes are designed to respect the surrounding environment and also to interfere as little as possible with the natural beauty of the park. And yes, there’s wine.

We’ll leave the notorious homebody (also known as Dad) in his favorite spot – he has his yoga and Michael Pollen to keep him company.

Everyone’s doing it. Adventure Lifers Julia, Kassi, Marissa and Mary have already taken their moms on trips to the Galapagos, Belize, Costa Rica and Panama. I’d happily put you in touch with one of them as a reference to testify that this whole mother-daughter trip-thing is right up our alley. Julia and her mom did a mainland Galapagos multisport trip that included 9 days of snorkeling, horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking. Marissa and her mom took to the jungles and beaches of Belize for great caving and snorkeling. Come on Mom, you’re making me look bad.

If I haven’t sold Patagonia to you, then you pick the place. After all, the destination is only part of the package; quite honestly I’m really looking forward to the good company …

Wishing you — and all the patient, understanding, good-humored and loving moms out there — a very Happy Mother’s Day.

Love,
Beth

Map of Chile Earthquake - from BBC News

Over the weekend an 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit the coast of Chile. Our thoughts are with our friends and partners in Chile.

All of our travelers are safe; some have run into issues because of flight cancellations, but we are hopeful that flights will resume shortly so our travelers can head home. LAN Airlines is working on contingencies to get people on international flights over the  next few days – but there are not a lot of details at this point. It is hopeful that Santiago airport will be ready for commercial use by March 4, but we are cautiously optimistic about this date; delays are possible.

Thank you, to all of you who expressed concern and well-wishes for our friends in Chile. All of our affiliates in Santiago and the Lakes District regions are fine. But as you can imagine, it will take time for everyone to recover from this – the earthquake has affected all Chileans either directly or indirectly.

As always, we are on top of things. Our travelers’ safety is our top priority, and we will continue to post updates as we receive new information.

For travelers scheduled to arrive to Santiago within the next few days, alternative plans are being made to visit other areas. For travelers arriving in a week or so, we will have options ready in case the Santiago airport does not open up as soon as we expect. The Atacama and the Patagonia region, including the Lakes District and Torres del Paine, were not affected by the earthquake – but access has been disrupted due to Santiago airport closure. Alternative routes are being arranged until the Santiago airport reopens.

The Earthquake
The majority of the damage is in the city of Concepcion, 70 miles northeast of the earthquake’s epicenter, and on coastal cities in the south-center region of the country. Chile’s capital city, Santiago, is 202 miles from the epicenter. Following a devastating earthquake that hit Chile in 1960, many building codes were updated in the event of future quakes. Most of the buildings that suffered extreme damage were of older design – including historic structures. In Santiago, our partners tell us that while some portions of the city were damaged more than others, most of the city came out relatively unscathed and is quickly returning to its daily operations.

Tsunami after-effects, flooded areas of the Chilean coast, but caused little impact to other Pacific Ocean coastal regions (such as Japan, Hawaii and Galapagos) as originally predicted.

We are in continuous communication with our local Chilean partners and will keep you informed about travel to Chile. But, certainly, if you have any questions, ask us.