Patagonia Highlights

• Visas and travel insurance
• Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
• International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes  
• Tips on excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.  
• Optional excursions - On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone's taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don't hesitate to ask your tour leader.

Your joining location is:
Hotel Savoy
José Menéndez 1073,
Punta Arenas
Región de Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena
Chile

Arriving in Punta Arenas

If you are arriving by air to Punta Arenas, there are multiple daily flights with LATAM, Sky Airlines and JetSmart from Santiago de Chile (SCL). Additionally there are flights available from Balmaceda (BBA), Concepcion (CCP), Puerto Montt (PMC) and even from Ushuaia (USH) depending on the season.

Punta Arenas can also be reached by bus from Rio Gallegos, Ushuaia or Puerto Natales.

The airport is located 20 km from the city centre and a taxi will cost between CLP12,000-CLP15,000 (U$16-U$21) Taxi’s can be obtained outside arrivals.

There is one ATM available in the airport and more located in the town.

Physical Rating

This tour has a three star physical rating for the following reasons:

Walking involved / Difficult terrain: This tour is centred around Patagonia. While the hikes are all optional it is recommended to have a reasonable level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience. The longest hike is 22km and will take around 10 hours return with some uphill sections.

Pace of tour: This tour is packed with activities and excursions and moves at a relatively fast pace, spending an average of 2 nights in each location, but sometimes more or less.

Please speak to us if you have any concerns about physical restrictions.

Travelling on a group tour/solo travellers

Travelling on a group tour is a fantastic way to see the world whilst meeting people from different walks of life. Many people who meet on group tours become friends for life! Due to the nature of group travel, there are a few things to consider when planning your trip. Patience can sometimes be required to accommodate different needs of the group and we always ask you to stick to travel and meeting times, so the rest of the group do not suffer.

Our Tour Leaders sometimes like to encourage group meals - however, if you prefer being more independent you are also free to do your own thing.

If you want to know more about who is in your group on a particular departure, our Adventure Specialists will be able to advise on ages and demographics.

Solo Travellers

Over 60% of our passengers are solo travellers and all of our group tours are priced per person on a shared room basis (unless otherwise stated) meaning there is no compulsory extra payment for those travelling on their own.

You will be roomed with someone of the same gender who is also travelling solo.

Tour Leader/Driver - what to expect

This tour includes a Tucan Travel tour leader and driver as well as local mountain guides on some excursions.

The Tucan Travel tour leader will accompany you throughout the tour, leading the group from A to B and providing information and knowledge on the places visited. Your tour leader will speak English and is there to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Your tour leader will bond the group, arrange group meals, assist with daily issues and take care of all the logistics - meaning all you have to worry about is enjoying your trip of a lifetime!

Our tours are not hand-held tours - once settled into a location you will be given the flexibility to explore on your own, with the aid of the group leader advising on what to see and do in the area.

This tour uses a great variety of accommodation, providing you with unique experiences to last a lifetime! You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the "About this Tour" section.

Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites. From time to time, accommodation standard may vary and hot water, wi-fi or electricity may not be to a Western standard.

Torres del Paine National Park - We camp for three nights in Torres del Paine National Park. Solo travellers will share a tent with a group member of the same sex. Facilities are basic however there is an inside bar, small shop, (limited) hot water and proper toilets. We recommend bringing a portable battery pack for your devices for these days, however the truck does also have charging points. If you don't have your own sleeping bag you can rent one from your Tour Leader for $40 USD, depending on availability. If you would like a sleeping bag set aside for you please speak with your adventures specialist. All meals are included while camping including a three course dinner.

Alternative Accommodation

The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.

Twin Share

Accommodation on this trip is mostly on a twin share basis unless you have upgraded to your own room.

Check-in Time

Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.

This tour uses the Tucan Travel Overland Truck. You can read more about our trucks here

It is your responsibility to carry luggage on and off transport.

Approximate travel times on this trip

The below information provides approximate travel times and modes of transport for your tour. Please note that modes of transport may be subject to change depending on the group size and timings may vary depending on the season and border crossings on the day.

• Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine National Park - 7 hours by Overland Truck
• Torres del Paine National Park to El Calafate - 7 hours by Overland Truck
• El Calafate to El Chalten - 3 hours by Overland Truck

Patagonia is known for its unpredictable weather and so you should always be prepared with waterproofs as well as sunglasses/hats. Nights can be cold in some locations, so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers or jeans plus several thinner sweaters / fleeces which you can layer.

Flights

If your tour includes internal flights please be aware there is often a restriction of 15kg for checked baggage. If your luggage exceeds this weight you will need to pay any fees incurred.

What essential items should I bring to Patagonia?

• A small daypack - This should have enough room to carry food and snacks for long hikes or day trips.
• Good, comfortable walking shoes or boots are essential for the hikes on uneven terrain.
• Insect Repellent (DEET 35% min) and bite cream.
• Layers - We recommend packing lightweight and durable clothes which you can layer.
• Portable Electronics Charger - There will be limited to no charging facilities when you are camping. If you wish to keep your phone and camera charged you will want to ensure you bring a portable charger that holds a few charges.

Clothing

• A lightweight and waterproof jacket
• Jeans/trousers
• Underwear and pyjamas
• T-shirts/tops/shirts
• Shorts/dresses/skirts - depending on season
• Trainers or walking shoes
• Sandals
• Jumper/cardigan/fleece
• Swimwear/sarong/coverup

Electronics

• Phone and charger
• Camera and charger
• Worldwide adaptor
• Portable battery pack
• Ipad/tablet/e-reader (great for long journeys!)

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Small medical kit with paracetamol/plasters
• Antibacterial hand gel
• Insect repellent and bite cream
• Sun cream and lip balm
• Shampoo/conditioner/body wash - ideally in bar form
• Antiperspirant/deodorant

Other

• One small day bag
• Sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle
• Cloth bag for shopping
• Ear plugs and sleep mask

Documents

• Passport
• Visas
• Insurance
• Printed copy of your passport
• Printed copy of your emergency contacts numbers

Laundry

Depending on the time spent in each destination, your Tour Leader will be able to advise on laundromats or laundry services in or near our hotels. Hotel services can be pretty costly however your tour leader will be able to recommend cheaper options. If you wash clothes yourself take care not to be too obvious where you hang them as most hotels do not like guests washing and drying their clothes in the hotel rooms. There will be no laundry facilities when camping in Torres del Paine National park.

On a Tucan Travel tour you will experience a huge variety of amazing food in each location. Meals included are listed on the day to day itinerary and the "about this tour" section. On this trip, most breakfasts are included but lunch and dinner are at your own cost. Your tour leader will suggest restaurants in each location, and arrange evening group meals for those who wish to join. In the majority of Asian cities, there is a huge choice of both local and international restaurants.

If you have a specific dietary requirement it is important you advise us at the booking stage. We also recommend re-iterating this information to your tour leader on day 1. While we endeavour to assist as much as possible, it is ultimately your responsibility to research and arrange meals that suit your dietary preferences.

Breakfast varies from extensive buffets to simple local spreads. For early departures, you may be provided with a breakfast box. Breakfasts on this tour vary greatly. Depending on the location, you can find anything from a well put together western buffet to a continental breakfast or a smaller offering of local food.

Overall the food scene in South America is incredible and you will get to experience everything from local lunches in rural areas to high end restaurants in the bigger cities. The markets in Cusco and the Central Market in Santiago are especially good to pick up some local treats. Your tour leader will suggest restaurants in each location, and arrange evening group meals for those who wish to join.

Local Markets and Street Food

South America has some amazing markets selling delicious food. Eating at local markets is a great way to experience authentic food and at a fraction of the cost of restaurants. Your tour leader will be able to offer advice on markets and street food in each destination.

Currency

This tour uses two different currencies. It is worth bearing in mind that some of the countries will accept US dollars but they will give you change in their local currency.

• Chilean Peso
• Argentinian Peso

Local Payment

The majority of our tours are divided into two separate payments. The tour price is paid directly to your travel consultant when you book and before you depart for your tour and the second amount is the Local Payment, which is paid locally when you join the tour.

The Local Payment ensures your Tour Leader has a supply of cash to run some of the tour if access to banking facilities is limited or nonexistent. This helps to save operational and administrative costs, which in turn helps to keep the cost of our tours competitive so we can pass the savings on to you. The Local Payment also helps us get cash directly into local businesses to provide communities with an immediate economic benefit.

The Local Payment is a portion of the total tour cost and must be paid directly to your Tour Leader in the currency as indicated on your tour vouchers. The Local Payment is not optional and failure to pay this money in cash may result in you being excluded from starting the tour. It must be paid in high denomination notes only (100s, 50s, 20s). The notes must be crisp with no tears or markings and should be no older than 2013.

Cards

The majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and other establishments will accept credit and debit cards. American Express is not as widely accepted, so do not rely on this as your primary card. During the summer season ATMs in places like El Chalten and El Calafate can run out of money fast. You should ensure you take enough cash for the duration of your stay. Most restaurants in the town’s of Patagonia will accept credit cards.

Spending Money

We know how easy it is to lose track of your spending on holiday! That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your trip notes so that you understand what is and what isn’t included on each day. Most lunches and dinners are at your own cost, which gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like. Remember to budget for things like laundry, tipping, souvenirs and optional activities.

Take note of how long you will be spending in each country and don’t take out or exchange too much money. Unless you’re a big spender, you won’t need thousands just for two days in a country! We recommend checking your international withdrawal and exchange fees with your bank, as sometimes it is cheaper to withdraw money in your location rather than exchanging it beforehand.

Tipping

Tipping is part of life in South America. While it is not compulsory, if you have enjoyed the service it is appropriate and highly appreciated. You should add 10% to your bill in restaurants (make sure service isn’t already included), round up taxi fares and tip local excursion guides.

Budget

Your budget should include additional meals, transport within cities, optional excursions, shopping and an emergency fund.

Backup Funds

Travel can be unpredictable. While we endeavour to plan for every situation there are some instances where it is out of our control, such as severe weather, strikes, civil unrest or natural disasters. If these result in unavoidable itinerary changes, you should have access to enough funds for you to return home unexpectedly.

Emergency Number

If you require urgent assistance prior to joining your tour please call (+51) 984-762-164 or (+51) 970-038-181.

Safety in South America

South America is a vast continent and crime does exist in many areas. However, it is generally not as bad as the reputation it is perceived to have and most travellers enjoy trouble free visits. Here are a few precautions which you should always take.

• Do not travel with valuables. While phones and cameras are inevitable, leave the expensive jewellery and watches at home.
• Make sure your handbag/daypack has a zip and is closed at all times.
• When in crowded areas keep your bag on your front.
• Do not walk alone after dark.
• Only use registered taxis and if possible have the hotel phone one for you.
• Do not take out large sums of cash at once and avoid keeping it all in the same place. Only take what you need for the day and leave the rest in a safe. Ideally, take more than one credit/debit card in case one is lost or stolen.
• Do not take photos of military, police or border control.

The safety of our travellers is a number one priority when operating our tours. As a British registered company the lead is taken from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Advice Service (FCO). Tucan Travel reserves the right to cancel, amend or continue the operation of a tour based on, but not solely restricted to, the advice of the FCO.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all Tucan Travel tours. Your tour leader will request your travel insurance details at the pre departure meeting which are immediately submitted to the office. Failure to produce these details will mean you cannot join the tour.

Pack a Medical Kit

A medical kit is handy for minor wounds and ailments. In areas with limited or dubious medical facilities, an emergency medical kit containing sterile syringes is also advisable. By law our staff are not allowed to administer first aid or give drugs to travellers, so please be prepared with your own supplies. If you are taking medication, please ensure you bring an adequate supply and a letter from your doctor to avoid potential issues at border crossings.

Altitude Sickness

All clients warrant and accept that there is a chance they may get some form of altitude sickness on itineraries that generally travel to altitudes over 2,400 metres though Tucan Travel will not expose clients to any undue risk of altitude sickness. Tucan Travel tour leaders, staff and local suppliers working at higher altitudes will have some level of knowledge and / or training on how to help and advise you. Please read the information contained here to ensure you understand the risks and what to do in this event.

Vaccinations

It is important to consult your doctor or travel clinic in good time before your tour departs to determine what vaccinations you require. If you are coming from a yellow-fever infected country then you must have had a yellow-fever vaccine and carry the certificate with you. It is also recommended to be up to date with typhoid, hepatitis A and B, TDap, Cholera and Diphtheria. Malaria risks vary according to location and season, so it is a good idea to seek the advice of your GP before travelling.

Horse Riding

All clients wishing to participate in horse riding or similar activities, whether included or optional, acknowledge that the availability of protective headgear can vary or be non-existent. Therefore Tucan Travel cannot guarantee that headgear will be provided or will be to the same standard as those available in the UK or your home country. Any client intending to partake in these activities should bring their own protective headgear and other protective equipment with them.

Age Restrictions

Our tours are perfectly designed for those aged between 18 and 65 years old. They are fast-paced and sometimes tiring, while packed with adventure, new experiences and feel-good moments. With customers from around the world, of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities, some groups can be more boisterous than others. As a result, we ask that anyone wanting to travel under the age of 18 or over 65 carefully consider whether a group tour is right for them. We may ask that you fill in our tour suitability form found here to guarantee your enjoyment of the trip. Please read through our Tour Suitability page or contact a member of our Reservations Team if in doubt. Please note that we do not accept children under the age of 16 on our group tours. If you are travelling with children please contact our tailor-made team for a bespoke holiday.

As a global tour operator, we understand the importance of running sustainable tours that have as low an impact on the environment as possible. Please read our comprehensive guide here before you travel.

Physical rating on your tour

The about this tour section will advise you on the physical rating of your chosen tour. This is scored from 1 to 5.

• Relaxing: Sit back and relax on this trip! There are no physically demanding excursions included. You will have to carry your own bags.
• Easy: Some easy physical activities are required on this trip though you won't need to prepare in advance. There may also be more strenuous optional excursions available which may require advanced preparation depending on your level of fitness. You will have to carry your bags, enjoy short walking tours in the heat or at altitude or perhaps travel on cramped public transport.
• Moderate: This trip will get your heart racing with tough one-day or easy multi-day hikes included. A good level of fitness is required to get the most out of the trip. You will have to carry your own bags and travel on cramped public transport.
• Serious: Preparing in advance for this trip will allow you to get the most out of it. Tough multi-day hikes at altitude, having to carry your own bags and travel on public transport all feature but this rating may relate to the length of your tour and the mental endurance needed to get to the end.
• Heart-pumping: Our most difficult physical rating. This trip will get your body moving and heart pumping. Prepare to be challenged both physically and mentally.

You can find out further information on our availability and departures of tours by clicking here.