Chile, Argentina, & Patagonia FAQ's
Travelers with a US or Canadian passport do not need a visa. Visit (www.embassy.org/embassies) for entry requirements if your passport is from another country; or (http://travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html) for further details pertaining to US citizens.
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months following the end of your trip for entry into Chile or Argentina. If it expires sooner, you must get a renewal (http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_840.html).
Are there any entrance
fees?
US citizens are charged a one-time fee of $100 upon
arrival to Santiago’s international airport. This fee is charged in
reciprocity for the fee charged to Chileans visiting the USA and is valid for
the life of your passport — it need not be paid for subsequent trips to
Chile. Canadian citizens must pay a fee of $55. There are currently no fees
charged to US or Canadian citizens to enter Argentina.
No vaccinations are required for travel to Chile or Argentina from the USA. As two of the most developed countries in South America, illness is generally not a problem for travelers to Patagonia. Call the CDC Travelers' Hot Line at 888-232-3228 or visit the website (www.cdc.gov/travel) for current updates. Most travelers receive inoculations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever and Tetanus. Consider Yellow Fever and Malaria prophylaxis if visiting Iguazú Falls.
You will receive two mailings: 1. Pre-departure materials once your trip is guaranteed, typically 2-4 months prior to your departure; and 2. Final Documents sent 8-14 days before you leave.
Yes, if you arrive according to schedule or have arranged extra transfers through our office. Meeting instructions and local contact information will be provided with your Final Documents.
All meals when outside the main cities are included and most meals in the cities are included.
Visit Yahoo! Weather (http://weather.yahoo.com/regional/SOUTHAM.htm) for current temperatures and forecasts.
Buenos Aires & Santiago: The weather in the capitals can be expected to be hot and humid during the months of December, January & February. Daytime high temperatures can be expected to be 85-95°F with up to 70-75% humidity. Buenos Aires is generally hotter than Santiago. Nighttime lows should average 63-70°F during these months.
Patagonia: The weather in Patagonia varies greatly depending on the regions through which you will be traveling. It is important to be aware that any itinerary into these regions is subject to change due to weather factors. Southern Patagonia has a reputation for changeable, windy and/or rainy weather with mild temperatures. Daytime high temperatures during the months of November through February on the mainland (Rio Gallegos, El Calafate, Fitz Roy) will be between 58-72°F, with nighttime low temperatures ranging between 40-45°F. October and March are transitional months in which weather may be more variable than at other times.
Paine National Park and areas on the western slope of the Andes typically have more wind and rain than destinations on the eastern side, but rain can be expected in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego at any time, on any departure.
Wind is the one consistent factor in Patagonian weather. It varies from a comfortable, constant breeze to gale forces reaching 70 miles per hour.
Lake District: In the Lake District, or northern Patagonia you'll find the temperatures very comfortable during the summer months (November-February). Daytime should be very pleasant with highs around 65-75°F, and the nights can be cool with lows in the 50's. The gusty winds blowing off of the lakes can be cold at times and rain showers are common.
ARGENTINA
Iguazú Falls: This is a hot and humid sub-tropical region that receives a lot of rain throughout the year (more than 2000 mm). The months of November through February tend to be the hottest with average temperatures in the mid to upper 70's. Daytime highs can be expected to be in the upper 80's to mid 90's with nightime lows in the low 70's to upper 60's.
Tierra del Fuego weather is typically mild with cool, damp days and nights (highs in the 60's and lows in the 40's or upper 30's - average temperature is about 50°F)
Península Valdés and Punta Tomboare typically hot and windy. Daytime high temperatures in the upper 70's to mid 80's and nights in the 60's (average temperature 70°F).
CHILE
Atacama Dessert: One of the driest places on earth, the Atacama receives only 0.20cm of rainfall a year. Annual high temperatures in this temperate desert region range 63-76°F and lows range 52-63°F. The cool north-flowing Humboldt current along the coast helps to regulate the climate and at times can produce high humidity and thick clouds.
Easter Island: The island’s sub-tropical climate is influenced by a cool ocean current keeping the average annual temperature just over 70 degrees. May is the wettest month, but tropical downpours can be expected anytime of the year, some level of rain falls over 200 days a year. The warmest months are January-February and the coolest are July-August.
Depending on the length of your trip, plan to bring $400-700 per person for spending money, tips, airport taxes and those meals not included in the itinerary.
Cash is the easiest to exchange and most places accept US dollars, traveler’s checks are also OK. Visit (www.oanda.com/converter/classic) for current exchange rates.
Yes. There are ATM machines in the main cities such as Buenos Aires and Santiago. We recommend using the ones located inside some hotels, stores, restaurants or banks. Be cautious as some thieves may watch these machines and target tourists and others who take out large amounts of cash. Consult with your guide for safety recommendations on ATM’s.
You can book the flights in conjunction with your international itinerary. Southwind will provide you with an air schedule to best match your trip. We can also recommend a Latin American ticketing specialist to assist you with all your airline ticketing needs. Most local airlines use 727/737 jets.
Your land balance is due 90 days prior to departure. An invoice will be sent with your pre-departure packet.
Chile and Argentina are two of the safest South American destinations for foreign travelers. In more than 15 years of operating trips to this country, no one traveling with a Southwind group has ever had any problems with safety whether in the cities or on the trails. You can receive an updated Consular Information Sheet from the US State Department's website (www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html) or by calling their hotline at 888-407-4747.
If you lead an active lifestyle (walking, cycling, swimming, tennis, etc. on a regular basis) you will do fine on a Grade I or II trip. For Grade III trips you should plan to jog or stair climb for at least 45 minutes 4-5 times per week (more frequency for a Grade IV trip). View more details on Trip Ratings.
We work with the most respected and experienced local guides, many of whom have advanced degrees in tourism, biology, Andean culture or other specialities. All speak fluent English and are knowledgeable, patient and fun to be around. Your Final Documents will provide guide details.
Southwind has never had a life-threatening emergency for a traveler in more than 15 years of operations. Our guides are trained in mountain/wilderness first-aid. Depending on the circumstances, a vehicle, horse or helicopter may take an injured or ill person to the nearest medical facility. English-speaking doctors and clinics are available in all major cities (Santiago, Punta Arenas, Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, etc.).
