In Patagonia, we have selected a variety of charming accommodations ranging from remote hiking lodges to comfortable city hotels with all of the modern conveniences to camping in tents on the glacier. In general, we use small, family-run accommodations that are locally owned and characteristic of each area instead of luxury chain resorts.
What are the accommodations like?
Are meals included?
What type of transportation is used?
What type of food is typical of Patagonia?
What types of planes are used for internal flights?
What is the typical age range for these tours?
Can I use foreign currency or do I need local currency?
Should I bring cash or Traveler's checks? Are ATMs available? Can I use credit cards?
Can I use my cell phone?
What immunizations are recommended/ required?
What time zone is Patagonia?
Do I need a converter/ adaptor for the electricity?
Most meals are included on our Patagonia excursions as you will often be traveling off the beaten path where restaurant choices are limited. On the few afternoons/ evenings when you are in a larger city with a variety of restaurants to choose from, meals are not included. Your guide can recommend some great restaurant options and the hotels will also provide a light continental breakfast.
Our Patagonia tours utilize a variety of transportation including private vans, comfortable tourist buses, boats, flights, etc. We use a mix of private/ public transportation to provide travelers with the safest and most efficient transportation in each area. Each tour itinerary page has a description of the transportation included on that tour.
Our Patagonia tours include a mix of regional and international specialties such as BBQ, sandwiches, pasta, fresh produce, etc. On the Chilean side, seafood is among the world's best. Fish is often fried but will be steamed or grilled upon request. Beef is central to the Argentinean diet. Barbecue grills and steak houses are common, often with 10-15 different choices of beef cuts.
Most internal flights use 727s or similar size jet planes with a capacity of 80-120 passengers.
When is the best time to go? Patagonia is a rugged, mountainous area of southern Chile and Argentina characterized by glaciers, fjords, and windswept steppe. Weather is unpredictable with strong winds and sudden storms common. Summertime (December through February) is the best time to visit as temperatures are generally warmer and trails are more accessible. Shoulder months, October, November, March, and April tend to have cooler temperatures, but also less wind and smaller crowds so these can be nice options as well.
Our Patagonia tours tend to attract all ages. The more adventurous trekking tours tend to attract a slightly younger group, but we've had active 75 year olds do great on our trekking trips so no one should feel limited. Expect a wide range of ages.
Are these trips a good choice for solo travelers?
Yes, all our tours are great choices for solo travelers - the sleeping arrangements are for twin-share so if you are a single traveler you will be paired up with someone of the same sex. This ensures that whether you are traveling solo or with friends, everyone is paying the same rate.
Do tour rates include international flights?
Tour rates do not include international flights. We find that it is usually less expensive for travelers to book these separately and this also allows you the flexibility to choose the schedule and routing that is most convenient for you.
How do I get to the hotel from the airport when I arrive?
All our trips include an airport transfer upon arrival and departure, very welcome especially after an exhausting flight. At time of booking please let us know your international flight details and we will take care of everything for you.
How much should I budget for tips?
Tips are not required on any of our tours. However, it is customary in Latin America to offer a small tip for exceptional service. Tipping amounts vary widely, though some travelers report that ~$2-$10/ day for your guide and ~$1-$3/ day for your driver is common. Other travelers opt to bring small gifts from their home to give to service providers along the way.
How far in advance should I book?
You can book your Patagonia tour at any time and generally the earlier you book, the better.
Are tour dates flexible? We usually recommend that you wait to book your international flights until after your tour is confirmed. The sooner that you book your tour, the sooner that you can take advantage of flight deals as they become available. Travelers booking a set departure date at least 6 months in advance can also take advantage of our 5% Early Bird Special Discount.
That said, we are often able to accommodate last minute travelers (some even departing in less than one week!!), so give us a call and we will do our best!
YES. Please contact us if you are not able to travel on the set departure dates listed on-line. Most tours can be arranged on alternative departure dates for a minimum of two travelers as long as lodges/ hotels are available.
What should I pack?
You will receive a detailed packing list specific to your tour after you book. A water/windproof jacket, fleece, and sun protection are recommended for all Patagonia tours. Patagonia experiences an amazing variety of climates Snow and wet weather are common so fast-drying clothes that can be layered work best for these areas.
How safe is Patagonia?
The potential for terrorism is relatively low as is the rate of crime against travelers. That said visitors should take the same security precautions that they would in any major city in the world, especially in the larger arrival/ departure cities.
Is the water safe to drink? The tap water is safe to drink in most parts of Patagonia. To be sure, ask your tour leader or the hotel/ restaurant staff. Bottled water is readily available as well if desired.
Many restaurants, markets, and other service providers readily accept US dollars and these are easier to exchange than other foreign currencies or traveler's checks. The local currency is the peso.
Most travelers bring a small amount of US cash with them and withdraw from ATMs as they need it along they way. ATMs are readily available in the larger towns and cities. Travelers can withdraw US dollars or local currency at fair exchange rates. Traveler's checks are fine, but they can be more difficult to exchange and you will usually receive a poorer rate or be charged an additional fee. Credit cards are accepted only in the larger restaurants and stores. Although it is helpful to bring a credit card along for emergencies, don't count on using it for most purchases.
Check with your cell phone provider. Each company is different and they can give you the most up-to-date information.
Do I need a visa/passport? Travelers will all need a passport valid for at least 6 months after they depart. Citizens from the US, Canada, Australia, and most Western European countries do not need a visa. A processing fee is levied for citizens of some countries when they arrive. Travelers from other nationalities should check with the Chilean and Argentinean Embassies for visa information. Entry requirements change with surprising frequency. It is each traveler's responsibility to check with the consulate for the most up-to-date visa information.
No immunizations are currently required for visiting Patagonia. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. For the most current information, please consult your doctor and/or check out the Center for Disease Control web-site in your country.
Time depends on whether you are in Chile or Argentina. These countries are typically one hour apart. Argentina is three hours behind GMT (one-two hours before EST depending on the time of year) and Chile is four hours behind GMT (one hour before EST) most times of the year. From mid-December to late-March, Chile has their own daylight savings, three hours behind GMT (two hours before EST).
Patagonia uses 220 volt, 50 cycle electricity. Travelers will require a voltage converter for 110 volt devices. Plugs are either two rounded prongs, two flat prongs (like the US), or three angled flat prongs so most travelers will want plug adaptors as well.
Is travel insurance recommended? On all of trips you will need to ensure that you have comprehensive medical insurance. For well priced adequate cover we can recommend World Nomads travel insurance. Read more below and if you are interested click on one the links to go to their website.
If you're planning an adventure then World Nomads travel insurance is the perfect companion to keep you travelling safely. World Nomads travel insurance covers a range of adventure activities such as skiing, white water rafting and scuba diving. World Nomads also provides members with a free travel journal and SMS security alerts to make sure you well informed on the road and keep travelling safely.
