Guided Trekking in Patagonia

Passport

For both Chile and Argentina, a full passport is required with at least 6 months validity on arrival.

Visas

No visa is required for British citizens with full right of residence in the UK. Those who do not have British passports with full right of residence in the UK should check requirements with a Chilean and Argentinian embassy or consulate.

Citizens of Canada, the USA and Australia will be required to pay a processing fee on arrival at Santiago airport. (Canadian Citizens: US$132; USA: US$140; Australia: US$95 – figures as at September 2011, please check these at the time of travel).

Health advice

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see if any health precautions are needed. The following websites provide a wealth of information on travelling and health: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk  www.traveldoctor.co.uk

Climate

Chile has great climatic diversity due to its length and position, crossing a tremendous range of latitudes. In Santiago, a Mediterranean type climate prevails: summers are generally dry, with maximum temperatures of 28°C; evenings are cooler. In Punta Arenas, the average summer temperature drops to 11°C. Rainfall here is lower, but wind chill and general dampness often make the area feel cooler. Weather here is unpredictable, particularly in the Torres del Paine National Park. Sectors within the park have their own microclimates, dependent upon geographical location and nearness to mountains and glaciers.

Argentina experiences a similar diversity in climate with Buenos Aires enjoying warm summers and the south having much cooler and more unpredictable weather, but certainly with a share of warm sunny days.

Money

The unit of currency in Chile is the Peso and in Argentina, the Argentinian Peso. Neither is easy to obtain outside of their respective countries, so it is advisable to take US$ which is the preferred foreign currency.

Dollars in cash are easy to exchange and can often be used in everyday transactions – particularly in Argentina, less so in Chile. US$ travellers’ cheques can be cashed at banks or exchanges in large towns, but it is very difficult to change them in Patagonia. There are also cash-point machines at airports and town centres which can be used to withdraw cash. Major credit cards are accepted in most places. You should ensure that you have access to emergency funds, probably by means of a credit card.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory, but is a means of recognising good service in most countries. Previously we have included tipping in the price of our holidays, but guest feedback has shown that guests would prefer this to be at their own discretion – to give more, or less, as a reflection of the service.

As guidance, we would recommend you allow £60 per person for tips on this holiday to cover local staff and services.

For flights information please see the Dates and Prices tab