Patagonia Hiking - 9 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the physical rating/difficulty level of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 4, meaning it is an active trip with challenging treks, requiring an average level of fitness and mobility.

• What type of accommodation is provided on the tour?

  Accommodation throughout the tour consists of hotels for 8 nights.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  Eight breakfasts are included in the tour. Other meals are generally not included, offering flexibility, and the CEO can suggest local dining options.

• What is the minimum and maximum age for participants on this tour?

  The tour is open to participants aged 12 to 100 years.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The group size ranges from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 16 participants.

• Are international flights included in the tour package?

  No, international flights are not included. However, all internal flights within the tour are covered.

• What activities are included in the tour price?

  Included activities are full-day guided hikes to Laguna de los Tres and Loma del Pliegue Tumbado in El Chaltén, and a guided tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is also covered.

• What are some optional activities available during the tour?

  Optional activities include city tours, bike tours, and tango shows in Buenos Aires; additional hikes like Laguna Torre, Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall, or Condor Mirador in El Chaltén; a boat ride at Perito Moreno Glacier; and options like hiking Laguna Nimez or a ranch experience in El Calafate. These typically incur extra costs.

• How are solo travelers accommodated on this trip?

  Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, and there is no single supplement for group trips.

• What currency should I bring for spending money, and are credit cards widely accepted?

  The local currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS). It is highly recommended to bring USD in cash, especially for the Patagonian portion, as credit cards may incur 5-10% fees or not always work at ATMs. An emergency fund of at least $200 USD is also recommended.

• What are the luggage restrictions for internal flights?

  For Aerolineas Argentinas flights, there is a limit of 1 piece of checked luggage up to 15kg (33 lbs) and 1 carry-on up to 8kg (17 lbs). Overweight luggage incurs additional charges.

• Is a Yellow Fever certificate required for this trip?

  It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country. You should consult with your local health expert for up-to-date advice on inoculations.

• What is the tipping etiquette for guides and drivers?

  Tipping is customary in Latin America. Suggested tips include USD 10 for Kayak Guides, USD 10 for the Trekking Guide at Laguna de los Tres, USD 5 for the 3-day driver in Calafate, and USD 10 for the Perito Moreno Glacier local guide. A guideline of $10 USD per person, per day is suggested for the CEO.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  All group trips are accompanied by a G Adventures CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides who provide information, suggestions, and assistance throughout the journey.

• What kind of transportation is used on the tour?

  Transportation between destinations and for included activities includes private vehicles/vans and internal flights.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  The tour includes 8 nights in hotels.

• Is it possible to have my own room on this tour?

  If you have booked the "My Own Room" option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• Which meals are included in the tour price?

  Eight breakfasts are included in the tour. Generally, other meals are not included to offer flexibility, but your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) can suggest local options.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12.

• What are the age requirements for this tour?

  Travelers must be 18 years or older to travel unaccompanied. Minors aged 12 and above can join if accompanied by a guardian over 21.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 4 and is considered 'Active' in travel style. It requires at least an average level of fitness and mobility for activities like hiking.

• Are internal flights within Argentina included in the tour?

  Yes, all local flights are included in the cost of your tour. Please note that Aerolineas Argentinas has luggage restrictions of 15kg (33 lbs) for checked baggage and 8kg (17 lbs) for carry-ons. Overweight charges may apply.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation between destinations and for included activities will be by private vehicle/van and plane.

• What is the local currency and what should I know about money exchange?

  The currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS). We recommend bringing USD in cash for the Argentinean portion, as it is often easier than using a credit card or withdrawing ARS from an ATM. Visa cards are widely accepted for cash advances, but credit card purchases may incur a 5-10% fee. Traveler's cheques are difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in good condition, in denominations of 100 or 50 USD equivalent.

• What are the recommendations for tipping on this tour?

  Tipping service providers (like waiters) at approximately 10% is customary in Latin America. Suggested tips for local guides and drivers are: Kayak Guides: USD 10, Trekking Guide Laguna de los Tres: USD 10, 3-day driver in Calafate: USD 5, Perito Moreno Glacier local guide: USD 10. For your CEO, a guideline of $10 USD per person, per day is suggested.

• What are the main highlights and included activities of this Patagonia tour?

  Highlights include catching a glimpse of Mt Fitz Roy, marveling at Perito Moreno Glacier, savoring the Patagonia scenery, and enjoying vibrant Buenos Aires. Included activities are full-day guided hikes to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado and Laguna de los Tres in El Chaltén, and a guided tour of Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate.

• Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

  Yes, optional activities include: Buenos Aires (Teatro Colón Tour (approx. USD 25), La Boca Neighbourhood Visit (approx. USD 10), Guided City Tour, Buenos Aires Bike Tour, Tango Dinner Show), El Chaltén (Short hikes to Los Glaciares National Park (approx. USD 30), Cerro Torre Hike (approx. USD 30), Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall (approx. USD 30), Condor Mirador (approx. USD 30)), Perito Moreno Glacier (Boat ride on the lake (approx. USD 80)), and El Calafate (Leisurely hike to Laguna Nimez (approx. USD 15), full-day ranch experience, or other adventure activities).

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You need a minimum of USD 200,000 coverage for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage is also highly recommended.

• What health precautions should I take before the trip?

  It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and inoculations, including checking for Yellow Fever certificate requirements. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers, as leaders are prohibited from administering medication.

• What are the safety considerations while in Buenos Aires?

  You should be especially careful in Buenos Aires, particularly at night, due to pickpockets and distraction scams. It's recommended to use hotel safety deposit boxes for valuables, stay in small groups, and take taxis for night excursions. Avoid demonstrations, as they can turn violent.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  All group trips are accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who helps with logistics, offers suggestions, and introduces local culture. Local guides are also used for specific activities.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. You may also want to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for personal laundry.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of this tour.

• Are there any rules or policies I should be aware of?

  Illegal drugs and exploitation of prostitutes are not tolerated on any trips. Your CEO has the right to expel any group member for such violations.