explora Launches Photographic Expeditions in Atacama & Patagonia

Enhance your talent for outdoor photography and appreciation for the remarkable beauty of South America's remotest destinations with new Photographic Expeditions in Patagonia and Atacama from explora. Sponsored by Nikon Inc., led by explora guides, and tutored by renowned Japanese-born, New York-based photographer Katsuyoshi Tanaka, the expeditions put the continent in focus with results that endure.

Running four nights and five days, explora Photographic Expeditions are thoroughgoing experiences for adventurous travelers out to improve their skills with a camera and view the stunning natural wilds South America. Travelers go on daily treks designed especially for the expeditions in the company of bilingual and eloquent explora guides and Mr. Tanaka, who has made a specialty out of capturing the best of Latin America through a lens. Along the way, both guides and Mr. Tanaka will share their vast knowledge of the history, flora, fauna and geography of the regions and pinpoint destinations they explore. Every trek starts and ends at one of the explora's award-winning and eco-friendly lodges, Hotel Salto Chico in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia or Hotel de Larache in the Atacama Desert.

Whatever the view through the viewfinder, there will be plenty to impress. Travelers to Patagonia will visit Grey Glacier, one of the world's largest freshwater reserves at the south end of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field; hobnob with gauchos at an explora Quincho; horseback ride through grasslands, adding a graceful touch to tutelage on landscape photography; explore the French Valley with spectacular views of lakes, Paine Grande Mountain and the Paine Horns, as well as the French Glacier from a hanging bridge over the French River.

In the Atacama, travelers will bike desert trails to Atacama Salt Lake; capture the sunset and flamingos while learning to frame images on the Atacama Salt Flat; rise before dawn for a trip to the Tatio Geysers, with back-lit vapor and splashing water creating photo-worthy atmospherics; focus on birds and wildlife on the way to Puritana Lake; and engage in a day-long exploration of the volcanic Altiplano Lakes at more than 13,000 feet above sea level.

Each day ends with dining and rest at the hotel as well as a critique session with Mr. Tanaka that is focused on the day's instruction and individual photography. Can't decide which Photographic Expedition is best for you? Use your explora Passport to combine both destinations into a 10-day trip and receive a 5% discount.

It is recommended for travelers to bring their own DSLR camera, tripod and personal computer. In addition, explora and sponsor Nikon Inc. will make available a selection of Nikon D7000 digital SLR cameras with NIKKOR lenses (AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II) and Nikon compact cameras, which can be borrowed by attendees.

explora Photographic Expeditions are designed for eight people. There is a monthly departure in each destination. For those traveling with companions, there is a wide range of activites - hiking and horseback riding, et cetera - available at both lodges.

The first departures are scheduled for January 2013!

Photographic Expeditions to explora Patagonia from $3,780 per person double occupancy, $4,760 per person single; to explora Atacama from $3,640 per person double occupancy, $4,680 per person single. Combined program to explora Patagonia and explora Atacama from $7,049 per person double occupancy, $8,968 per person single.

For more information or to make reservations, please contact explora toll free at (866) 750-6699, email reserve@explora.com, or visit the website at www.explora.com.