Patagonia Adventure: Chile & Argentina

Complete Your Checklist Before heading to the airport, complete the tasks below and check them off in your Online Account Checklist. If you have any questions, give us a call at 617-619-1411. We’re available 24/7 to make sure you have the Best. Trip. Ever.

Travel Documents

• Passport: We recommend that your passport is valid at least 6 months beyond the date you return home. For specific passport validity rules, you can refer to the US department of State, Government of Canada, or Countries consulate website.     
  Visa: U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter Chile and Argentina without a visa for tourism purposes and stay for up to 90 days. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.       
  Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not required, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers, here.
• Health Insurance: You will need to carry your primary insurance card with you while overseas. This is a critical item in the event of a medical emergency.

Tour Preparation

• Talk with your doctor: It is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about your travel plans. If you are taking any medications, be certain to bring enough to last throughout your trip.
• Traveling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.
• Request a roommate: Double-check with us and your Tour Director that they have your rooming status on file. We will assign a roommate for you if you do not submit a specific request.
• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan for your mobile device so you can stay connected while on the road. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.
  • Wi-Fi will be in some hotels, restaurants, and bars, though charges may apply and it may be slower than in the U.S.
  • Wi-Fi is not available on the bus.
• Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.

Flight Preparation Check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. Using your 6-digit reservation code, you can reserve your seat (this is typically available 30 days to 24 hours before departure) and check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport that’s okay, too. Regardless, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

Note: All flight information is online (e-ticket) via your account and the airline’s website. You will not receive a physical paper ticket from us.

• If your flight is cancelled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancellations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time
• If you sleep in and miss your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.

Arriving in Santiago Welcome to Chile! Now that you have #landed, you will want to grab your luggage and pass through customs and immigration. (Yay! Passport stamps!)

Your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app!

Note: If you have booked your own flight arrangements or have extended your travels before the tour dates, you will need to make your own way to the first hotel. Accommodation details will be available in your online account 30 days prior to departure.

Getting from A to B You’ll be traveling through Patagonia, and since teleportation hasn’t been invented yet, it takes time to get to each destination. All transfers between cities are via private bus or flights and can take anywhere between 2-6 hours.

Note: It’s a good idea to download a few movies or shows to watch sans Wi-Fi/ Cellular Data, bring a great book with you to read, or listen to music to pass the time.

General Recommendations Fact: Travel is exhilarating. And FOMO is real. So, we understand why you don’t want to miss a second of the action. But there’s a difference between maximizing your time and spreading yourself too thin. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy on tour:

• Sleep: Flying across the globe, changing time zones, and being constantly on the move can take a toll on your body. Make sure you get the rest your body needs. If that means missing a night out for some well-earned rest, or having a little afternoon nap, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Be Prepared: We recommend bringing a small first aid kit including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Take time for yourself: Group travel is an amazing experience, and there’s nothing quite like exploring a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. That said, it’s okay to take time for yourself to relax and reflect on your experience. Here are a few mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • MindShift: Focused on anxiety management, this app has an array of cognitive behavior therapy features including journaling, goal-setting, calming audio, and a community forum.
  • Ten Percent Happier: Filled with videos and guided meditations intended to help with everything ranging from sleep to stress reduction.

Destination-Specific Information There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Chile or Argentina. However, we recommend you consult your physician or local travel clinic, and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) at lease 60 days prior to departure for the latest updates and vaccine / entry requirements.

• Tap water is safe to drink BUT you may want to stick to bottled water if you have a particularly sensitive stomach since the difference in the water can irritate some people.
• Take proper care with sun exposure. Even when temperatures are cooler in Patagonia, the sun can be strong.
• Public restrooms in Patagonia can be quite bare. We suggest carrying bathroom tissue and hand sanitizer with you.

With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart:

• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry.
• Pick-pocketing is fairly common in bigger cities like Santiago and Buenos Aires. Always watch your belongings and keep an eye out for one another.
• Protests are also common in Santiago and Buenos Aires. Though they aren’t typically large or unruly, it’s best to steer clear of them.
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind!
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later.
• At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi or Uber, and always have cash on hand.
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411

For weight and size restrictions please refer to your airline’s website. Flight information will be available 30 days prior to departure in your online account. Below you'll find some critical packing information and suggestions.

• The most important piece of advice we can give you: Pack light! Your international airline ticket does include a checked bag, but years of customer feedback tells us a carry-on is the way to go. You may need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot, so make sure you are comfortable carrying everything you bring yourself.
  • You've probably heard the hacks about rolling clothes and using packing cubes a million times, but there's a reason for that! It really does help.
  • If you choose to pack all of your toiletries, don't bring your regular-sized bottles from home. Offload some of that into travel-sized containers.
  • Choose your luggage wisely. We recommend a roller carry-on bag and a backpack as your personal item.
  • Choose shoes carefully as well. They're some of the bulkiest items you can pack, so we recommend a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of climate-appropriate shoes (boots or sandals depending on the destination and time of year). We also recommend a pair of closed-toe water shoes if your itinerary has any water activities.
  • Make a packing list of must-haves and stick to it. If you have a little extra space in your bags once all your must-haves are packed, then consider adding in a few nice extras.
• Unfortunately, luggage can get lost. It’s a painful situation no matter what, but here are tips to ease some of the hassle:
  • DO NOT put important medications in a checked bag. If your luggage is lost, this could become a dangerous issue.
  • Even if you put most of your clothes in a checked bag, put a couple outfits in your carry-on along with your toiletries.
  • If you are forced to check you carry-on at the gate, be sure to remove essentials and valuables before handing it over.
• Carefully review TSA restrictions when packing. There are a number of items not allowed in your carry-on and liquids have certain restrictions.
• Check out the local weather; we haven't figured out how to control the weather yet so best to be prepared and plan accordingly.
• Don't forget: Outlets overseas can differ from the US, so be sure to pack the right power adapters/converters!

With at least one serious hike on this itinerary, you may want to pack some hiking gear in addition to your usual travel necessities, such as:

• One hiking backpack, approximately 20 liters is best
• Hiking boots with non-slip sole and ankle support. You should try to break in your boots for 2-3 weeks before the tour to avoid blisters or any discomfort
• Active-wear clothes; quick-drying, non-cotton material
• Long pants; quick-drying, non-denim or cotton material
• Hat & gloves (wool is ideal for hiking)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Hat/Bandana (sweat resistant)
• Water bottle with 2-liter capacity
• Moleskin and bandaids for blisters
• Soft lunch box to keep lunch cold (optional)

Budgeting Budget around $60-$70 per day for meals, drinks, souvenirs, and tips or extra activities.

Remember that you know your spending habits best and not everyone’s spending habits are the same. These recommendations are based on a traveler who says yes to any and all activities while on tour.

Managing Money The official currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso, and the official currency of Argentina is the Argentine Peso. You’ll need pesos for many restaurants, local shops / markets, and more, so we strongly recommend exchanging your cash into the local currency. Some restaurants and stores, particularly in larger cities like Santiago and Buenos Aires, also accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard). But again, cash is preferred. See more money tips below:

• While these currencies aren’t impossible to find in the United States, it can be more difficult to exchange USD for them until you’re on your tour. Once you’re on the tour, ATMs are widely available in most major cities, and they’re the easiest way to get cash while abroad.
• Cash is king in Chile and Argentina, especially small bills!
• Take debit and credit cards with you to withdraw cash at local banks or ATMs as a backup option.
• Let your bank and credit card companies know your travel plans ahead of time to avoid potential complications while abroad.
• Unlike some other countries in Latin America, bargaining at shops and markets is not the norm in Chile or Argentina.

Tipping

• Local Guides: $2-$3 at the end of each experience
• Tour Director: $10-$12 per day given at the end of the trip
• Tipping at restaurants is common. We recommend leaving 10% tip in both countries if it’s not already added to the bill.
• For taxis, it’s typical to round up the fare or let them keep the change.

It’s fun and helpful to try your hand at the local language, Spanish! Try out some of these popular words and phrases:

• Hello: Hola
• How are you? ¿Cómo estás?
• Goodbye: Adiós
• Thank you: Gracias
• Please: Por favor
• I’m (your name): Soy (your name)
• I’m from (your country of residence): Soy de (your country of residence)
• How much does this cost? Cuánto cuesta?
• Where is the...?: Dónde está...
  • bathroom: el baño
  • bus stop: la parada de autobús
  • pharmacy: la farmacia

Download Duolingo or some language-learning podcasts to practice your skills, and use Google Translate to help you while on the road!

Locals in Chile and Argentina aren’t quite as known for their warmth as in some other Latin America countries, but that doesn’t mean they’re not very friendly and helpful! Having a go at the local dialect and making an effort to get to know the locals around you can go a long way.

• Both Chileans and Argentinians often tend to ask more personal questions of people they just met than you might be used to. They don’t consider it to be rude; to them it’s a polite way of expressing interest in your life.
• Be considerate when taking photos of locals, and know that some people might not want their photo taken at all, or will ask for a payment in return for the photo. When in doubt, just ask the person if you can take a photo of them.
• Nightlife in Santiago and Buenos Aires doesn’t typically begin until 10 or 11pm. You’ll find lots of locals and tourists in the same places, dancing to reggaeton, electronic, and more! In smaller cities like Punta Arenas, nightlife is less common.
• There may be more military presence than you typically find in American cities. This is completely normal.

You’ll sample a variety of other local dishes on your trip, but read on for all the tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• Pisco Sour: Peruvians and Chileans like to argue over whose are better, but both countries mix pisco (a local version of brandy), egg white, simple syrup, lemon juice and bitters for a delightfully frothy and sharp cocktail.
• Artisanal Beers: Like in many regions around the world, the craft beer scene in Patagonia is booming!
• Empanadas de Cordero: Several Latin American countries have their own riff on empanadas, and in Patagonia, a filling of thick lamb stew is the specialty.
• Chupe de Centolla: You’ll find Patagonian king crab in a variety of offerings across Patagonia, but the local specialty is this creamy chowder topped with seasoned breadcrumbs.
• Cordero al Palo: Both Chile and Argentina are big fans of grilled meat, so it should be no surprise that arguably the most popular dish in Patagonia is lamb roasted on an iron cross over an open fire.
• Filete de Guanaco: More adventurous eaters may wish to try this lean and tender cut of meat that comes from guanacos, which are similar to llamas.

If you did not purchase EF Ultimate Break Optional Excursions before the trip began, you can log into your Online Account and do so on tour. You can also talk to your Tour Director on tour and they can help you get enrolled. If you’d like to plan something else during your free time, connect with your Tour Director before doing so; they sometimes arrange extra activities for the group during free time.

Prices for these optional excursions will increase on tour, so please check your online account for available add-ons.