Travel & Itinerary

Arrival

Your ultimate destination is Temuco (La Araucanía International Airport - ZCO). To get there you will need to fly to Santiago International Airport (Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport - SCL) and then take a quick (1.5 hour) domestic flight to Temuco, the 3rd largest city in Chile.

You will need to arrive in Santiago on the morning of the 19th of August 2025. Most international flights fly overnight and will be arriving around 6am into Santiago. For an amazing view of the Andes at sunrise, sit on the left side of the plane! On arrival you will need to pass through immigration (keep the PDI paper ticket they give you at immigration, do NOT throw it away, it needs to be collected by the Chilean immigration authorities upon departure) pick up your bags at the baggage claim and then pass-through customs. If you are already ticketed for the next flight to Temuco, then you should be able to drop your bags off at the transfer desk. Proceed to the arrivals area. Ignore all the taxi drivers touting for lifts. If you need cash and haven’t changed money, then do it here. Then you will need to head outside, cross the road and follow the signs for Terminal 1 – Domestic Terminal. There's plenty of shops in that area as well. You might have an hour or so to wait if you come in on one of the earlier flights, so you'll have plenty of places to sit, grab some breakfast.

TAP will organize the airport pickup at 12 noon on the 19th of August, so please find a flight to Temuco that arrives at that time. Please look for flights that depart Temuco after 12 noon on the 29th of August. Transportation will be provided on a private, 16-person Sprinter van. We would aim to put no more than 10 people in a van so there is plenty of room for luggage storage. The drive from Temuco airport to Malalcahuello will take around 1.5 hours. You should arrive at the accommodation in Malalcahuello in the early afternoon. You can unpack and unwind a little, before dinner at the Endemiko property.

Subsequent Days

During the 8 ski/ride days, you will have breakfast in the restaurant at the Endemiko property.

At the arranged time, you guide will drive the group up to the mountain or to another backcountry location. It takes about 15 minutes to get from Malalcahuello to the Corralco ski area and it is a very scenic drive, especially as you get to the National Park. The road is mellow, without any steep drop offs or switchbacks, but there are a few potholes in the road that drivers will no doubt be trying to avoid.

Normally the first day is reserved for avalanche safety training and if there is any time left over, the group can go for a ride. Ideally guests will have high competency in single burial and multiple burial rescue scenarios. You will be given access to a PowerPoint presentation prior to commencement of the trip and the theory covered in that presentation will be presented and practised out on the mountain. You will get plenty of mileage working with your beacon, probe and shoveling techniques so that we can perform self-rescue if necessary.

Then you will have 7 x full days of guided skiing and riding with a break for lunch. There are plenty of options for the day, including using the lifts, sidecountry and touring. There are several pure backcountry options to choose from as well, with the potential to spend the day climbing other volcanoes.

At the end of the day, there is a bar inside the base lodge at the ski area so you can enjoy some beverages after skiing and riding.

At the arranged time, the group will take the short drive back to Malalcahuello and yo can have a little après ski at the bar at Endemiko, rest and then get ready for dinner in the restaurant.

After dinner, you can unwind or stay at the bar for alternate activities like a DJ or karaoke. There is the potential to go to other bars/restaurants (not included) in Malalcahuello.

Cultural Day

The group will enjoy a cultural day mid-way through the trip with a visit to the town of Lonquimay and the Lonquimay brewery for lunch (not included), beer tasting and sightseeing in the afternoon. The transportation and local guide are included but you will need to pay for any food or drink costs.

We’ll take this day approximately half-way through the trip, if the group is getting tired or the weather is bad. 

Non-Ski Days

Non-skiing activities can be organized away from the resort if you do not want to ski or ride. This would be an additional charge, but we can suggest non-skiing activities for you and give you pricing accordingly, depending on what you would like to do. Prices are per person, in Chilean pesos (CLP): Snow shoeing on Malalcahuello reserve (half day) 45.000 CLP (full day) 70.000 CLP; Hot springs day 28.000 CLP; Horseback rides 50.000 CLP; Volcano climb 130.000 CLP; Photo safari 50.000 CLP; Bike day (half day) 50.000 (full day) CLP 70.000 CLP.

Departure

You will depart from Endemiko around 8am on the 29th of August and head back to Temuco airport by 9:45-10:00am.

You should look at flights departing around noon back to Santiago. It takes about 1 hour 30 minutes flight time to get back to Santiago and most flights will leave for the US in the evening.

If you want to extend your stay you can look at options for Santiago hotels here.

Other Logistics

Visa

To enter Chile, US citizens need a valid passport that is valid for at least six months after their arrival date. US citizens traveling to Chile for tourism, business, recreation, or academic conferences do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Instead, they will be issued a Tourist Card, which is a white A5-sized form that will be given to you at immigration. DO NOT LOSE THIS PIECE OF PAPER. The Tourist Card must be kept safe and given to immigration when leaving the country.

If you want to be processed quicker through customs and immigration, passengers can use the Digital Affidavit. You can complete this online application up to the day before arriving in Chile. You can also fill out the paper copy of this form on arrival into Santiago.

Credit Cards/Cash

Credit cards are widely accepted in Malalcahuello and Corralco. Lunches are not included but can be paid for with cash or credit cards. It might be good to have some cash on you though (at least $150 USD changed into CLP – Chilean Pesos). You can exchange money at the Santiago airport on arrival, near the baggage claim or at arrivals (you’ll get a better rate of exchange in Chile compared to in the US). Make sure you have new $USD bills to exchange for Chilean Pesos (CLP).

Internet

Endemiko will have Wi-Fi in the cabins and in the bar/restaurant area and there is Wi-Fi at the main lodge at the Corralco ski area.

Laundry

There is a paid-for laundry service at Endemiko. A bag of washing will cost somewhere between 10,000 to 15,000 CLP, depending on the size of the load.

Power Supply

Chile uses 220V/50Hz and type C and L power plugs

Lodging

Accommodation is at a beautiful property called Endemiko. It is a large property that features 6 new cabins, a large bar/restaurant area (where you will be having breakfasts and dinners) with an idyllic location away from the road and surrounded by the mountains and next to the Cautin river. Endemiko has views over the Malalcahuello Mountain Range, the Sierra Nevada Strato Volcano and the Cautin river. Thee is also an open-air swimming pool for the summertime.

The six large cabins are very modern in design with beautiful rock frontage and heavy, moss-covered sliding doorways. Inside each cabin there are 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The first bedroom is the master bedroom and features a queen bed (can be split into two singles) and ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet, sink and towel drying rack. The second bedroom features two sets of bunk beds (there is one cabin that has only one bunk bed) and has a second bathroom outside accessible from the main corridor.

The large, open-plan living room area has a full kitchen (stove, burners, fridge, sink), dining room with large table and benches, plus a comfortable lounge area with couches and a large wall-mounted TV. There will be Wi-Fi installed in all the cabins in time for the trip and there is a mudroom and drying room with boot dryers and heaters.

These units comfortably accommodate 4 people, with 2 people in the queen room and 2 people in the bunk room.

The main lodge has a large two-area dining room and a well-stocked bar with several beers on tap, plus wines and cocktails. The food is a mixture of local Chilean dishes and international cuisine.

2025 Rates & Inclusions

Rates (USD per person)

Pricing is based on how many people in total are in the group and how many people share each cabin. Pricing for 4 people in a cabin can also be provided on request.

Lodging is in 2-bedroom cabins for 2 to 4 people.

• 4 people in the group - $5,365 pp with 2 people in a cabin, $4,895 pp with 3 people sharing a cabin.
• 5 people in the group - $5,145 pp with 2 people in a cabin, $4,685 pp with 3 people sharing a cabin.
• 6+ people in the group - $4,995 pp with 2 people sharing a cabin, $4,535 with 3 people sharing a cabin.

Notes

• Base price / invoice is in USD
• Deposit is $1000 per person per trip and is non-refundable. Final balance due before June 1st
• If you have any questions please make contact

Inclusions

• 10 nights lodging with 2-4 people sharing a cabin, includes breakfast
• 9 nights of 3-course dinners, including 2 x drinks (beer, wine, soft drink) at the Endemiko property
• Fully hosted & guided trip
• Pickup in Temuco at La Araucanía International Airport (ZCO) at the start of the trip. Transfer by private vans to your accommodation in Malalcahuello
• Daily private rides to and from the ski area (15-minute drive)
• Cultural day (transportation and local guide included, food/drink not included)
• Transportation by private vans back to Temuco airport

Add-ons Not Included

• Airfare - you will need to fly to Santiago International Airport (SCL) and then to Temuco - La Araucanía International Airport (ZCO) - search for cheapest flights here
• Travel insurance (mandatory) - buy travel insurance online here
• Lunches and snacks
• Equipment rental (it is advised to bring all of your own equipment)
• Other activities
• Gratuities for The Adventure Project staff
• Lift passes - approx $40 per day

The Adventure Project Terms & Conditions

1. Booking

• (a) The Adventure Project (TAP henceforth) will provide you with written confirmation by email of your application upon the receipt of the following signed and completed documents:
  • Release and Indemnity form;
  • COVID/Infectious Disease Warning and Waiver (if required).
• (b) By sending in the deposit, you agree to ALL of the following stipulations outlined in the Terms and Conditions below.
• (c) Your acceptance as a guest is subject to your skiing/boarding capabilities, medical condition and fitness being to the standard deemed necessary by The Adventure Project.

2. Suitability
By sending in your deposit, the Client (the Guest) agrees to the following:

• They are at least the minimum standard listed for each trip (intermediate, advanced or expert).
• That they are in sound physical fitness and capable of operating (skiing, riding or hiking) at potential high altitudes (depending on the destination). You will sign a disclaimer saying that you have the physical fitness to undertake these activities and do not suffer from altitude sickness.
• If your medical or physical fitness changes before or during the trip, then you must notify us immediately in writing.
• That they can get up by themselves after a fall. The Adventure Project is not responsible for helping guests get up after a fall.
• You should have powder-centric skis or snowboards that will give you extra flotation in deep snow, if skiing or riding off-piste.
• You must be familiar with the use and operation of all of your gear, prior to the commencement of your trip. Ski and snowboard boots should already be broken in and not the cause of any blisters or other discomfort.
• You must carry your own (basic) first aid kit and spare parts for your skis or snowboards.
• If you cannot keep up with the majority of the group, then for your own safety, you might be asked to stay out of the off-piste areas (if the majority of the group wants and is capable of, skiing or riding in that terrain/snow). That could also mean riding by yourself in the resort if you cannot keep up with the majority of the group.
• The Adventure Project does not guarantee complete compatibility of all group members. Whilst we try our best to put the right level of people together in our groups but we cannot guarantee the compatibility of all group members. The Adventure Project is not responsible for any mismatches in group ability therefore.
• If a Client is not compatible with a group, then they can hire a separate local guide or instructor, but they will be responsible for those additional costs. No refund or reimbursement of any costs already paid, will be offered.
• There is only 1 guide per group in Chile and Japan. If a guide gets sick or injured (circumstances beyond our control) and cannot continue the trip, then no refund will be offered for any time spent without a guide or if the trip has to be cancelled or altered in any form. You must have travel insurance to cover yourself for any losses.
• You will be asked to sign a liability release form that indemnifies The Adventure Project from the obvious risks of riding in avalanche terrain. People have been killed in avalanches within ski areas and in side country/backcountry areas outside of the ski area. Avalanches can and do happen both within the ski areas and outside the ski area boundaries. We cannot guarantee your safety at any time when skiing or riding within the ski area or outside the ski area. No slope can ever be deemed 100% safe and free from avalanche risk.

3. Travel Insurance

• Travel insurance is mandatory for all Clients. You must purchase your travel insurance as soon as you have paid your deposit.
• Clients must have travel insurance that covers them for TRIP CANCELLATION (sometimes called "Cancel for Any Reason" Insurance).
• Clients might need to be tested for COVID prior to departure for their destination. If you receive a positive result and cannot travel to the destination, then you would not be entitled to any refund. You must have travel insurance to cover you for any loss.
• Clients might need to be tested for COVID prior to departure to their home country. If this is the case, you should have insurance that covers you for any additional costs if you are delayed return back to your home country if you receive a positive test result.
• Clients must have comprehensive travel insurance with a high level of cover for (but not limited to): off-piste skiing (if necessary); all medical costs; emergency evacuation; search and rescue costs (the guest is responsible for any additional search and rescue costs); trip delay or cancellation; loss or delay of baggage; stolen or missing equipment.

4. Media Release

• (a) The Client agrees: 
  • That they give TAP permission to use all media obtained during the trip that might feature the Client.
  • This media could include (but is not limited to): photographs of the Client; video's of the Client; written accounts featuring the Client; for use in TAP marketing.
  • This media could be used on (but not limited to): the TAP website; TAP Instagram posts; TAP Facebook posts; TAP blog (both website blog and non-website blogs) and other social media posts.
• (b) The Client has the right to refuse inclusion in any marketing media as listed above, but IF they request to be excluded from said media, then it must be in writing, at least 2 weeks prior to commencement of the trip.

5. Payment Terms

• (a) Deposit– The deposit for all trips is $1,000 USD for all trips, unless otherwise agreed upon. The deposit is strictly non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another trip without the express written consent of The Adventure Project.
• (b) Payment– Deposits and final balances can be paid by cash, personal check, bank check, money order, bank transfer, international wire, Venmo or Zelle. More detailed payment instructions will be sent out prior to sending in the deposit. When paying by check or money order, please make any payments to “The Adventure Project LLC.”
• (c) Credit cards– currently we cannot accept payment by credit card.
• (d) Due date– each trip has a final payment due date. Please consult your information sheet or the TAP website for details.
• (e) Prices– all prices quoted are in $USD and is based on the number of people in the group. Price can vary if the minimum number of participants (4) has not been reached.

6. Pricing

• (a) Changes to pricing: TAP reserves the right to make changes to pricing prior to departure for your trip, at any time. Prices are not guaranteed therefore until final payment of all monies owed has been made by all group members. If more people are added to the group after the final balance payment due date, then no refund will be issued for any differences in subsequent final price.
• (b) Reasons for pricing change: TAP reserves the right to change pricing at any time (but are not limited to) due to fluctuations in local currency, increased local or government costs and other unforeseen reasons. Prices can also change due to fluctuations in group participants. Any changes to the cost will be given to you in writing and you will have 2 weeks to make any additional payments.
• (c) Exclusions from pricing: each trip has its own separate inclusions and exclusions. They are listed on the website and in the program information sheet for each trip. It is your responsibility to read and understand the individual exclusions that you are required to pay at your own expense.

7. Cancellation Policy

• (a) Cancellation by the Client:
  • You may cancel your trip at any time prior to the earliest departure of the guide(s) by providing written notice to TAP.
  • If you cancel your trip at any stage the deposit is non-refundable.
  • If you cancel your trip more than 120 days prior to the earliest departure of the guide(s), then you will be entitled to a full refund minus the deposit.
  • Should you cancel your trip 90 days or less before departure, you will be entitled to a refund of all moneys paid (less the deposit) SUBJECT TO TAP FINDING A REPLACEMENT GUEST. In the event a replacement guest is NOT found, the ENTIRE price paid by you will be forfeited. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.
  • Should you cancel your trip less than 60 days before the earliest departure of the guide(s) the entire price paid by you will be forfeited. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.
• (b) Cancellations by The Adventure Project:
  • TAP reserves the right to cancel your trip either prior to the earliest departure of the guide(s) or during the trip for reasons including (but not limited to)
  • (i) Prior to earliest departure of the guide(s):
    • A change in your medical condition or fitness.
    • Your failure to disclose details of your medical condition or fitness prior to departure.
    • In the event that insufficient guests are booked on a particular trip.
    • In the case of termination PRIOR to the earliest departure of the guide(s), TAP shall refund the price (MINUS the deposit) within fourteen (14) days of written notification from TAP of the cancellation. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.
  • (ii) During the trip:
    • Should you fail to comply with the directions of TAP staff or their agents;
    • Should TAP determine that you should not participate any further.
    • In the event of termination during the trip the entire price paid by you will be forfeited. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.