Avanti Destinations has announced that it will be selling custom-built itineraries to Southern Patagonia exclusively through travel agents, with an opportunity for bonus commissions. This region of Patagonia, spanning both Chile and Argentina, is Avanti’s fastest growing South American destination for travel consultants booking independent travelers.
The southern region of Patagonia provides much of what the nature traveler is looking for: the snow-capped Andes Mountains, impressive steppes, glaciers, unique flora and fauna and an extensive trail system for hiking and horseback riding.
Many of Avanti’s bookings in Chile are for either the Torres del Paine/Puerto Natales area of Patagonia or for Punta Arenas/Glacier Alley/Tierra del Fuego/Cape Horn cruises. On the Argentine side of Patagonia, travelers can fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate or Ushuaia; Avanti encourages agents to utilize their several itineraries combining both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia for selling the destination.
Avanti Destinations also plans to utilize the new airport with direct flights between Puerto Natales and Santiago, which cuts a four-hour drive from Punta Arenas for travelers who only wish to see Torres del Paine park.
Prime time for visiting Patagonia is October through March (summer in South America); travel agents can earn a bonus commission of $50 for bookings of $1,500 or more made before February 28, 2018, for travel taking place October 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018. Here are some tips for selling both the Chilean and Argentine Patagonia:
Tips on Selling Chilean Patagonia
Puerto Natales is much more than a base for exploring the Torres del Paine park; the town also has a charming market and gourmet restaurants, and is the point of departure to see the Serrano and Balmaceda Glaciers. Through Avanti, travel agents can book a full-day, shared, guided tour and cruise to see these glaciers for their clients. The tour includes hiking, lunch, snacks and whiskey for $379 per person.
For those who want to see Torres del Paine park, there are a number of all-inclusive, eco-conscious hotels allow guests to plan the next day’s activities with their small-group guides in the evening as well as experience luxury accommodations and gourmet cuisine. Tierra Patagonia is one of these resorts and has views of the Paine Horns from the property’s public spaces. Booked with Avanti, a 4-day, 3-night stay at Tierra Patagonia starts at $2,449 per person/double occupancy.
Tips on Selling Argentine Patagonia
The main destinations for Argentine Patagonia are El Calafate, El Chalten and Ushuaia, as well as Mt. Fitz Roy, the highest peak in Glaciares National Park. El Calafate is a chic tourist town with a variety of shops and restaurants; from here, two different tours to see the famed Perito Moreno glacier can be booked through Avanti. One tour only requires a few hours of easy walking, while the other is more strenuous; each are $199 per person.
El Chalten is a town for mountaineers and hikers, located right at the base of the 11,020 foot Mt. Fitz Roy. A full-day guided hike is available for $179 from Avanti that takes travelers to Laguna Torre, a glacial lake at the base of Cerro Torre, a 10,000 foot mountain.
The Andes begin at Ushuaia. The southernmost city in the world also serves as the departure port for cruises exploring Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn. On an Avanti half-day shared tour, adventurers can see the sea lions, penguins and unusual bird species that call Tierra del Fuego, Beagle Channel, Bird Island and Sea Lion Island home via catamaran. The tour costs $99 per person.
For more information and bookings, visit avantidestinations.com.
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