Patagonia Overland: Ushuaia to Santiago - 26 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• Are international flights included in the price of this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

• What kind of accommodation is provided on this trip, and can I get my own room/tent?

  This trip involves Camping (19 nts) and Hostels and simple hotels (multi-share, 6 nts). Camping in South America is truly an adventure. While camping, we stay at designated campsites and outside towns, where facilities can be basic. We supply good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person dome tents, and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. Most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents. We travel with our own portable camp chairs and cooking equipment. Camps are open to the natural environment, so care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended. If you have booked the 'My Own Room/Tent' option, you will receive your own single tent for all camping nights. This option is not applicable for nights 1-2 in Ushuaia, night 3 in Punta Arenas, nights 17-18 in Puerto Varas, and night 25 in Santiago, where multi-share accommodation applies. Please note that where we use multi-share accommodations, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken.

• Is it possible to do laundry during the trip?

  Travellers can do their own laundry at the campsites where we stay. We recommend bringing some eco-friendly soap with you on tour, as well as some clothes pegs to do your own washing. Cities are also a good place to find laundry services, always keeping in mind operating hours and whether express service is available.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency during the trip?

  Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either our Local Representative (if one is listed) or our Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. For airport transfers, if you have purchased one and are advised of a flight schedule change or cancellation within 48 hours of your arrival, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area, please take a taxi to your start point hotel. Emergency Contact Numbers: Our Office Lima, Peru. During office hours (Weekdays, 9-6pm Local Time): +51 1 241 1650. After hours Emergency number: +51 99 758 2712 (WhatsApp Available).

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and CEO Driver will lead the group throughout, along with a Local guide in Torres del Paine NP.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for this trip?

  All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep this information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide this information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money on this tour?

  Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money; a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Please bear in mind that cost of living in the southern cone countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile) is much higher than the rest of South America, and more comparable with Europe. Always take more rather than less. We recommend bringing USD in cash for the Argentinean portion of this tour as it is easier than using a credit card or withdrawing ARS from an ATM. USD currency is accepted in travel agencies for booking optional activities. We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change. CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, heavily marked or faded notes may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition. As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for approximate daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

• What rules of conduct should I be aware of on this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

• What meals are included during the trip?

  The trip includes 24 breakfasts, 22 lunches, and 22 dinners.

• What is Planeterra and how does it relate to this tour?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Our company is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. You can join our Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - to turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation, by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, with 100% of your donation going directly to Planeterra projects.

• What are the safety and security considerations for this trip?

  Many national governments provide regularly updated advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your free time, any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about their safety or the standard of the operators. Use your own good judgement. Although cities are generally safe during the day, there can be risks at night; stay in small groups and take taxis. Water based activities have an element of danger; participate only when accompanied by a guide(s). Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

• What are the primary modes of transportation on this trip?

  The primary modes of transportation are the 'Lando' (a 26-seat overland adventure vehicle), ferries, and walking. The Lando allows the entire group, including your CEO, to travel together and sits higher for scenic views. It features storage for main luggage (accessible from inside), day pack storage, an onboard safety box, front viewing windows and large sliding windows, reclining seats, a fully equipped mobile kitchen, access to a large tank of drinking water, air-conditioning, and charging stations (a mix of North American and European plugs, plus USB ports for every traveller at their seat). Please note that our Landos do not have on-board bathrooms. While not physically demanding, travel can involve long drives and poor road conditions at times. Most clients find the diversity of the South American landscape, culture, and wildlife well worth the experience.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include beginning in Ushuaia — the end of the road and the most dramatic starting point imaginable, watching Perito Moreno Glacier calve walls of ice into bright blue water, hiking beneath the towers of Torres del Paine in one of the world's last true wildernesses, driving north along the legendary Carretera Austral through remote and roadless Patagonia, sleeping under Patagonian skies and waking up ready for another day of adventure, and rolling into the volcanic lakes and lush forests of the Lake District as the continent opens up again.

• What optional activities are available during the trip?

  Optional activities include: In Ushuaia/Tierra del Fuego National Park: Tierra del Fuego National Park Visit (30USD), The Maritime Museum and Prison at the End of the World Museum (36USD), Beagle Channel Cruise to Isla Martillo (125USD). Near Perito Moreno Glacier: Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Tour (80USD). In Coyhaique: Marble Caves Excursion (90 per person). Near Puerto Montt: Chiloé Island Excursion (180USD). In/near Puerto Varas: Osorno Volcano Day Hike (161USD), Paso Desolacion Trek (161USD). In Pucón: Whitewater Rafting (35000-28000CLP), Guided Huerquehue Park Visit (55000CLP), Volcan Villarica Hike (100000CLP).

• Is tipping customary on this trip?

  It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

• How much spending money should I budget for this trip?

  Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip: cost of living in the southern cone countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile) is much higher than the rest of South America, and more comparable with Europe. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. We recommend bringing USD in cash for the Argentinean portion of this tour as it is easier than using a credit card or withdrawing ARS from an ATM. USD currency is accepted in travel agencies for booking optional activities.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 24 travelers, with an average group size of 16.

• Can I subscribe to an email newsletter for travel news and updates?

  Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/. Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

• Is a departure tax included or separate?

  Most airlines include departure tax in the cost of the ticket. Please check with the airline with which you are travelling.

• Are there any health considerations or inoculation requirements for this trip?

  Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical ratings for trip specific information. We reserve the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

• What is included in the tour price?

  The tour price includes: Your Welcome Moment to meet your CEO and Group; Free time in Ushuaia, El Calafate, El Chaltén, Coyhaique, and Futalefú for optional activities; 2 full days of exploration in Torres del Paine National Park; Visit to Perito Moreno Glacier; 3-day entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park; Driving along Argentina's famed Ruta 40 deep into the Patagonian wilderness; Visit to the Cueva de las Manos UNESCO Heritage site; Travel along the Carretera Austral through Chile's pristine wilderness; Free time for optional activities in Puerto Varas, San Martín de los Andes, and Pucón; Driving along the 'Seven Lakes Route' with multiple scenic viewpoint stops; Visit and entrance fee to Los Pozones hot springs from Pucón. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities are also covered.