#VastChat #2 – A+ Exploring with Explora Lodges, Chile – jun.25.13

On Friday, June 25th, my colleague Maureen Hutchinson and I hosted our third tweet chat, discussing our Virtuoso partners. Maureen and I like to shout out about the terrific experiences we can offer our clients, and focus on travel experiences you cannot google.

On Friday, we were fortunate to have Carla Magri and Ana Maria Varela of Explora Lodge in Chile participate in our chat with us.   My colleague Maureen just had the opportunity to visit Explora Lodge this past year, and her enthusiasm for the pristine nature holiday, with active experiences, is contagious. The pictures are pretty amazing too!

Explora Lodges have three properties in Patagonia, Atacama & Easter Island.

What follows is a transcript of our chat. Enjoy!  And let me know if you’d like to go check it out in person!

Sheila Gallant-Halloran

[email protected]

613-837-0699

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SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

join us! June 25th, 2pm EST w #Explora #Vastchat and @moe_adventure – learn about explora lodges and chile – adventure travel!

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Tweet chat starting at 2pm EST with Explora. Don’t miss out on learning about this great lodge in Chile. @AMAVarela @sheila_gh @Chiletravel

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Follow the #Explora tweet chat #Vastchat. Find out about this incredible lodge in Chile.

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Welcome to another #Vastchat with @sheila_gh & myself. Our special guest today is #Exploratravel. Stay tuned for to learn more about them.

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Hello and welcome! Can’t wait to learn all about Explora. RT @exploratravel: @sheila_gh @moe_adventure Hi Sheila!

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

RT @amavarela: @moe_adventure @sheila_gh @chiletravel @exploratravel looking forward to it!!

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

woo hoo RT @moe_adventure: Welcome to another #Vastchat with @sheila_gh & myself. Our special guest today is #Exploratravel.

 

explora @exploratravel 25 Jun  @sheila_gh @moe_adventure Hi Sheila!

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

pleasure to “meet” you RT @exploratravel: @sheila_gh @moe_adventure Hi Sheila! #vastchat

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

Q1: What locations in Chile can you find an Explora lodge? #vastchat

 

explora @exploratravel 25 Jun Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Atacama, the driest desert on Earth & Easter Island or Rapa Nui, the land of moai #Vastchat

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

A1: 3 locations for Explora’s lodges in Patagonia, Atacama & Easter Island. Wow! #vaschat @AMAvarela @exploratravel

 

Ana Maria Varela ‏@AMAVarela25 Jun

The view from explora Patagonia, Torres del Paine Nat’l Park, Chile a paradise for trekkers @moe_adventure

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

so exciting to have a @Virtuoso partner with us today. VAST=Virtuoso active specialty travel RT @exploratravel: @moe_adventure #vastchat

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

fab locales chile w @exploratravel Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Atacama, driest desert Earth & Easter Island or Rapa Nui #vastchat

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Q2: How long are the stays at an Explora lodge? #vastchat @exploratravel

 

explora @exploratravel 25 Jun Minimum 4 nights in Patagonia and 3 in Atacama & Rapa Nui are needed to fully comprehend what the explora experience is about #Vastchat

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

RT @AMAVarela RT @moe_adventure: We are here with @ExploraTravel learning abt their incredible lodges. Join us in the convo #vastchat

 

Ana Maria Varela ‏@AMAVarela25 Jun

The view from explora Patagonia, Torres del Paine Nat’l Park, Chile a paradise for trekkers @moe_adventure pic.twitter.com/0br4xzqGtW

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Q3: What is included at Explora? #vastchat

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

Q3What is included in a stay at @exploratravel? #vastchat

 

explora @exploratravel 25 Jun Minimum 4 nights in Patagonia and 3 in Atacama & Rapa Nui are needed to fully comprehend what the explora experience is about #Vastchat

 

explora @exploratravel 25 Jun @sheila_gh Transportation, accommodation, 3 meals a day, open bar, daily explorations with bilingual guides and access to spa #Vastchat

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

RT @AMAVarela RT @moe_adventure: We are here with @ExploraTravel learning abt their incredible lodges. Join us in the convo #vastchat

Ana Maria Varela ‏@AMAVarela25 Jun

@moe_adventure Maureen remember this view? at @exploratravel pic.twitter.com/62VsjAzefo

 

explora @exploratravel 25 Jun @moe_adventure We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay at #exploraPatagonia!

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

Q3: What can people expect from a stay at Explora? #vastchat

 

explora ‏@exploratravel 25 Jun

@sheila_gh Transportation, accommodation, 3 meals a day, open bar, daily explorations with bilingual guides and access to spa #Vastchat

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

when was it again? @moe_adventure My stay in Patagonia was unforgettable @amavarela #vastchat

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

My stay was last fall in Patagonia @sheila_gh and I highly recommend it. #vastchat

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

awesome – what was best thing? RT @moe_adventure: My stay was last fall in Patagonia @sheila_gh and I highly recommend it. #vastchat

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Everything. The food & lodge were incredible, the service was amazing, and the activities were great for all levels.#vastchat #exploratravel

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

RT @moe_adventure Everything. The food & lodge were incredible, the service was amazing, and the activities were great #vastchat

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Q4: What type of activities can you find at Explora? #vastchat #exploratravel

 

explora @exploratravel 25 Jun @moe_adventure trekking, horseback riding, biking, fishing, snorkeling, boating, cultural activities and high mountain climbing #Vastchat

 

Ana Maria Varela ‏@AMAVarela25 Jun

#vastchat images of explora Patagonia

 

 

Ana Maria Varela ‏@AMAVarela25 Jun

Our horseback riding expeditions in pictures at explora #vastchat @exploratravel @moe_adventure pic.twitter.com/T8KB0aSoS8

 

 

Ana Maria Varela ‏@AMAVarela25 Jun

@exploratravel @moe_adventure #vastchat pic.twitter.com/BSc7YwJOks

 

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

reminder – we are on the #vastchat talking to @explora and learning about chile – join in the conversation #vastchat

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Q5: What type of horseback riding expeditions do you offer? Do you have to be an experienced rider? #vastchat #amavarela

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Of course I remember that view @amavarela. Awesome!

 

explora @exploratravel 25 Jun For all kind of riders and we have lessons too. We also have HBR expeditions for experienced riders in Atacama & Patagonia #Vastchat

 

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

I loved meeting the gauchos in Patagonia. It was one of the highlights on my trip. #vastchat @exploratravel @amavarela #virtuoso

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

fab RT @exploratravel: @sheila_gh Transportation, accommodation, 3 meals a day, open bar, daily explorations with bilingual guides and…

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Q6: Do you offer any #photography style expeditions for travelers? #vastchat @exploratravel

 

explora ‏@exploratravel 25 Jun

Yes, in Atacama & Patagonia. They’re sponsored by Nikon and led by renowned photographer Katsu Tanaka, expert in South America #Vastchat

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Any #photographers looking for a great photography expedition, #Exploratravel offers up some great ones. #vastchat

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Q7: What can people expect from a stay at Explora? #vastchat #exploratravel @chiletravel

 

explora ‏@exploratravel 25 Jun

@moe_adventure remote places of remarkable beauty, in depth exploration of the places and essential luxury; of the small things! #Vastchat

 

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

A7:That’s how I felt on my stay at Explora. Experiencing the beauty of the outdoors followed by a stay of #luxury. #vastchast #virtuoso

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

amazing RT @exploratravel @moe_adventure trekking, horseback riding, biking, fishing, snorkeling, boating, #vastchat

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

and also cultural activities and high mountain climbing ? holy moley – that’s a lot of activity #vastchat

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

would you say that people have to be super super fit to take all in? @exploratravel @moe_adventure #vastchat

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

hey there – reminder – we are on the #vastchat talking to @exploratravel and learning about chile – join in the conversation #vastchat

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

oh my – beautiful! RT @amavarela: @exploratravel @moe_adventure #vastchat pic.twitter.com/f0fQUjo2dB I wanna go! @Virtuoso

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Q8: Do you have any promotions going on currently with Explora? #vastchat @amavarela @exploratravel

 

explora ‏@exploratravel 25 Jun

Yes, our 20th Anniversary Benefit. When booking 4-nights programs, you get 1 for free before Oct 14, 2013 at any explora lodge #Vastchat

 

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

wow RT @amavarela: Looking to know more abt mystery of Moais? visit explora @exploratravel @moe_adventure #vastchat pic.twitter.com/hilUcjWYv5

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

A8: That’s a great promotion! 1 night free when booking 4-night programs before Oct 14th. #vastchat

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

fab RT @amavarela: @moe_adventure Maureen remember this view? at @exploratravel pic.twitter.com/MaCs41i1Bk

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

@exploratravel do you think most people have even heard of this type adventure holiday? @moe_adventure #vastchat

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

wow wow RT @amavarela: Our horseback riding expeditions in pictures explora #vastchat @exploratravel @moe_adventure pic.twitter.com/1ekkUQyFgX

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Q9: What is Travesias? #vastchat @exploratravel

 

explora ‏@exploratravel 25 Jun

Nomadic journeys that travel for days through stunning and little known places; Bolivian Altiplano, Calchaquí Valleys & El Chaltén #Vastchat

 

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

reminder – we are on the #vastchat talking to @explora and learning about chile – join in the conversation #vastchat

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

A9: More & more #travelers are looking for off-the-beaten path destinations. Explora does it so well in Chile. #vastchat @amavarela

 

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

@exploratravel we have to get the word out – just spectacular photos @moe_adventure @amavarela – natural beauty, active holidays @Virtuoso

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

now I wanna go!!! @exploratravel @moe_adventure best way to get to know South America! #vastchat

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

You would love Chile @sheila_gh #vastchat @Chiletravel

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

I’m a beginner horseback rider and the lesson was amazing. Can you imagine riding in that scenery? #vastchat @exploratravel

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

u don’t need 2b accomplished? @moe_adventure: I’m beginner horseb rider- lesson amazing. imagine riding in scenery #vastchat @exploratravel

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

oh my RT @amavarela: @moe_adventure #vastchat Atacama Desert AltipolanicLagoons pic.twitter.com/29Y53I7p0E

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

I think I already do! RT @moe_adventure: You would love Chile @sheila_gh #vastchat @chiletravel

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

@exploratravel gorgeous! no rainy season? #vastchat

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

the pictures are spectacular! RT @sheila_gh: wow wow RT @AMAVarela: Our horseback riding expeditions in pictures explora #vastchat

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Q10: When is the best time to visit an explora lodge? #vastchat @exploratravel @amavarela

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

A10: You can visit an #Explora lodge anytime of the year. This is great for #travelers! #vastchat

 

 

explora ‏@exploratravel 25 Jun

@moe_adventure @sheila_gh @AMAVarela Atacama, Patagonia and Rapa Nui are year round destinations; that’s the best part! #Vastchat

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

Q11: What type of #traveler stays at Explora? #vastchat #virtuoso #exploratravel @amavarela

explora ‏@exploratravel 25 Jun

Well-traveled people who like new and unique experiences and appreciate the beauty of these remote corners of the world! #Vastchat

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure 25 Jun

#Boomers, a must see destination for you #bucketlist with #exploratravel Explore Rapi Nui, Patagonia & Atacama. #vastchat

 

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

Thank you for participating #vastchat – if you want to know about future twitter travel talks, contact us.

 

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure25 Jun

A BIG thanks to our special guest @Exploratravel for joining us today & teaching us about Explora Lodges. #vastchat @amavarela

 

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh25 Jun

thank you so much – have a new “must visit” spot (or 3) RT @exploratravel: @moe_adventure @AMAVarela @sheila_gh Great chatting #vastchat