This trip was designed by us (your local Trip Experience Leaders) and the OAT Regional Office in Argentina and Chile for you to have the most unique TRAVEL EXPERIENCE! 

We will travel from the cosmopolitan European Buenos Aires to the most remote and untouched lands of wild Patagonia. 

We invite you to open your senses to experience the tango, the mighty glaciers, unique native cultures, the endless steppe, lots of wildlife and the warmth of the people.

• We start in BUENOS AIRES, staying for two nights by the frenetic rhythm of tango. 

  
  
• Then we fly 2 hours to BARILOCHE, Northern Patagonia and gateway to the lakes where we stay three nights.

• We then cross the Andes by bus on a full day adventure to PUERTO VARAS, Chile, where we explore the cold rain forest and the magnificent volcanoes. We will stay there two nights.
• We have the Grand Circle Foundation visit and Home Hosted Dinner.

 

• We continue to uncover the mysteries of CHILOE ISLAND, where we stop for two nights, and where we will experience the Day in the Life in Rilan Village.  

• Then, fly south 2 hours for one night in PUNTA ARENAS and then take our bus towards our hiking destination in TORRES del PAINE NATIONAL PARK, we will stay there  another two nights.

• We continue traveling across the vastness of the Patagonia steppe, crossing borders again into Argentina as we get to the town of EL CALAFATE, where we will stay 2 nights to enjoy mighty PERITO MORENO glacier before flying back to Buenos Aires for a final overnight in the city.

Buenos Aires LATITUD 34 S

Light t-shirts or shirts, light shorts, hat, light walking shoes.

North Patagonia (Bariloche, Puerto Varas, Chiloe) LATITUD 42 S

The weather is UNPREDICTABLE, so expect heavy rains, some winds over 30mph but also temperatures over 80F! The key here is dress in LAYERS.

South Patagonia (Torres del Paine, El Calafate) LATITUD 53-51 S 

The weather is even more UNPREDICTABLE, so expect horizantal rain, even snowfall and furious winds over 60mph at any time. The key here is dress in LAYERS:

LAYER1 Closest to your body. (Insulated underwear or base layer). Warm socks.

LAYER2 Cotton/ synthetic shirt or t-shirt. Hiking pants: they work in hot and cold climates and they dry quickly.
LAYER3 Sweater/ fleece / down feather jacket
LAYER4 Water proof pants and jacket. (Goretex, eVent or similar). Water proof shoes. We will hike across natural uneven terrain that can be sandy, muddy, snowy and wet so boot-like waterproof trekking shoes are ideal, so that you can enjoy all nature hikes and walks.

Extras: warm hat and gloves.

Hiking poles are very useful and very much recommended by travelers that already took this trip.

LUGGAGE

We have storage room in Buenos Aires hotel. So, when going to Patagonia you can leave behind your warm-weather clothes. And when going to Iguazú Extension you can leave behind your cold-weather clothes. You can easily tackle this with a duffle bag.

WEIGHT ALLOWANCE

While in Argentina, our domestic flights will be with Aerolineas Argentinas. While in Chile, we will fly LATAM.

AEROLINEAS ARGENTINAS

Checked baggage: 33 lbs. Carry on: 17 lbs.

But good news! When flying Aerolineas Argentinas, if you happen to be over 33 lbs and below 50 lbs, that charge will be covered/paid by OAT on site. 

LATAM/Sky Airlines

Checked baggage: 50 lbs. Carry on: 22 lbs.

EARPHONES

NO

YES

I would recommend bringing your own. We will use whisperers and receivers during our stay in Buenos Aires, but you may be more comfortable using your own earphone. The earphone plug is the traditional and no the iPhone or iPad plugs. Using yours will be also more environmentally friendly.

Tipping & Money

In Chile we use Chilean Peso ($) and 1 US dollar is approx. 800 chilean pesos.
In Argentina we use Argentinian Peso ($) and 1 US Dollar is approx. 700 pesos. Given some recent changes in our local economic policies, in this region it's better to tip in US dollars, which makes things better for you too. 
Your tour price includes gratuities on the main trip and optional extensions for your local guides, drivers that may assist you during scheduled activities on your vacation. Listed below are your recommendations for the tris that are not included in your tour price. All tips are quoted in US dollars.

OAT Trip Leader: It is customary to express a personal "Thank you" to your OAT Trip Experience Leader at the end of your trip, especially if he or she has provided you with individual servicio. As a guideline, many travelers give USD 8-12 per person per day.
Housekeeping staff at hotels: We recommend USD 1 per room, per night.

Bring a Reusable water bottle

• You'll need it to take advantage of any refills we offer as we are working to eliminate single-use plastic bottles on all of our trips this year.

• Travel mug: is really useful if you want to take advantage for the coffee service on the planes and avoid disposable glasses and cups. As well during the trip in different opportunities. 

• Walking poles: very handy for hikes in landings. Bring them folded in your checked in suitcase since they are not allowed on carry ons.   

• Do not forget some family/pets/house/city pictures to share and a list of your best jokes since humor and funny travel anecdotes to share with fellow passengers. 

ELECTRICITY, CONVERTERS AND PLUG ADAPTORS

• Electricity is 220V in Argentina and Chile so check if your electrical devices are for both 110v - 220v, if not, you need a Converter. 

• In Argentina we mostly use (see picture below)

INTERNET AND MOBILE PHONES 

• Most hotels have free Wi-Fi available.

• If you have a Tri-band cell phone you can use it in Argentina.

• Please be aware that overseas cell phone roaming charges can be very high.

CREDIT CARDS 

• Call your bank and Credit Card and let them know about your trip to Argentina as most banks in the USA will block your transactions abroad unless notified well in-advance.

• You must have the details of your credit card number and emergency phone numbers handy to report any stolen or lost Credit Cards.

• Keep them somewhere other than your wallet to make sure you can call them immediately if needed.

• It is OAT policy worldwide that we cannot accept cash,  American Express or traveler checks for our Optional Tours.

• VISA, Master Card, and Discovery card are the only ones we can accept. 

• Keep in mind that a 24 hour cancellation policy for all Optional Tours still applies. 

NOTE: • In Argentina, U.S. dollars might be accepted for payment at tourist-related businesses or in a large city like Buenos Aires. Bills must be in perfect conditions.

PASSPORT 

US Passport should be valid for at least six months following your scheduled return to the United States.

Argentina does not require reciprocity tax or Visa, nor does Brazil for those taking the post extension trip.

EASTER ISLAND PRE extension  LATITUD 27 S

Be prepared for subtropical weather with temperatures to range from 70 to 90F, humidity over 70% and no variation between day and night. Terrain is uneven VOLCANIC ROCK so hiking poles and hiking boots are highly recommended. 

Expect occational showers and heavy rain as well as moments of strong sun.  

Hat, fast-dry long sleeve t-shirt and pants, teva like sandals are ok (but NO flip flops since terrain is volcanic), bathing suit. 

IGUASSU FALLS POST extension LATITUD 25 S

 

This a torrid subtropical jungle region: 80 to 110F and extremely humid, plus tropical showers at any time. 

Hat, long sleeve t-shirt and pants to be protected from the sun, teva like sandals (but NO flip flops), bathing suit a must. Mosquito repellent is a must!

 

Checked baggage: 50 lbs. Carry on: 22 lbs.

This is an active and challenging trip, and requires a greater level of fitness than most OAT adventures. We will cover a lot of territory by bus! Be ready for changeable weather conditions, rugged and unpaved roads, long bus rides, and remote locations without immediate access to medical care. 

• You must be able to walk 3 miles unassisted over the course of the day across natural, rugged, unpaved uneven terrain and you must also be able to stand for half an hour at a time. 
• Good balance and agility are required specially for climbing in and out of the small boats and horseback ride. 
• You must also be comfortable participating in activities that may keep us out of the hotel from 6-8 hours. 
• But be aware that distances in Patagonia are huge so you will be spending a lot of time on the bus, and many days will start early (8 am) and will finish late (around 6.3 pm)
• In Bariloche we have 1 hikes of around 1.30 hours on steep terrain.
• In Southern Patagonia we have 3 hikes of up to 2 hours each on uneven terrain and possibly high winds (44 mph with gusts up to 56 mph).
• Hiking poles are much recommended by travelers who took this trip.

Visit your doctor - 

• Make sure you have prescription medication for the whole trip and to bring the generic name of that medication. 
• Do a dental check-up before the trip.  
• Hand sanitizer is highly recommended too. 
• If you are sensitive to gastrointestinal viruses, make sure you have your own medication.