Patagonia, Peaks & Glaciers

TRIP NOTES

Patagonia, Peaks & Glaciers 13 days | Buenos Aires to Santiago

Immerse yourself in the natural Magellan with included transfers from DETAILED ITINERARY scenery of Argentina and Chile’s your hotel in Torres del Paine most breathtaking landscapes. What's Included Day 1 : Buenos Aires From cruising along the Argentino Welcome to Argentina! Upon arrival to the • 12 nights STANDARD accommodation. airport, you will be met and transferred to lake, taking in views of the jaw Upgrading to SUPERIOR or DELUXE your hotel. After hotel check in, you have the dropping Perito Moreno Glacier accommodation options are also available afternoon at leisure to explore this bustling in El Calafate, to exploring the upon request. Accommodation rating – metropolis. Overnight - Buenos Aires grandeur of Torres del Paine See Trip Notes for details National Park, before finishing in • 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners Day 2 : Buenos Aires City • Airport arrival and departure transfer on the buzzing metropolis of Santiago day 1 and day 13 Tour de Chile. • Services of local English-speaking specialist guides HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS • All Inclusive package at a superior hotel in Torres del Paine, with meals, drinks, a Trip Highlights choice of excursions in Torres del Paine • Buenos Aires - explore Argentina's and park entrance fees included (deluxe captivating capital, dubbed the Paris of hotel available on request) • South America, on a guided walking tour All relevant transfers and transportation • Los Glaciers National Park - marvel at the on a private basis unless otherwise stated • spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier Half day city tour of Buenos Aires and After a hearty breakfast embark on a guided • Torres del Paine – stay at one of the best Santiago de Chile, and a full day Los tour of the city’s contrasting neighbourhoods. located lodges within the national park, Glaciers National Park excursion (all on a Your first port of call is to the iconic Plaza de discover the contrasting landscapes of shared basis, private touring available for Mayo, a fundamental symbol of the capital’s the National Park in the many included a supplement) historic past, to visit all the Cathedral and excursions available What's Not Included Old City Hall. Continue to San Telmo, Buenos • Santiago - discover the highlights of Aires’ most traditional neighbourhood, where Chile's capital city on a walking tour • International and domestic flights and you walk through the cobbled streets past • El Calafate – explore the thriving tourist visas old colonial houses, before heading south to resort southern shore of Lago Argentino • Tipping – an entirely personal gesture La Boca. Retaining a strong European feel, • Punta Arenas - wander around Chile's La Boca was once home to the city’s first port city on the edge of the Strait of immigrants and artists, who transformed this

Patagonia, Peaks & Glaciers - 13 days updated on 29-09-2021 08:10:29 www.onthegotours.com This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to UK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected] requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 - 1 - USA 1 866 606 2960 SA 0800 990 311 TRIP NOTES

Patagonia, Peaks & Glaciers area into a must see for travelers looking for Day 7 : El Calafate to Torres Chile’s vibrant capital. On arrival transfer to some typical South American energy. del Paine your hotel for some free time to relax and unwind. (B) This morning there is some free time before Other highlights include Puerto Madero - the coach takes you to Torres del Paine, your Day 11 : Santiago City Tour the old city port, Palermo – the city’s home for the next 3 nights. Overnight - Torres This morning explore the Chilean capital's largest neighbourhood showcasing over del Paine (B, D) appealing blend of classic and modern. Learn 5000 species of plants at the botanical about the city’s origins at the Plaza de gardens, and Recoleta – where Argentina’s Days 8-9 : Torres del Paine Armas, where the cathedral, main post office rich and famous are buried including the and city hall are located. Next, head to country’s most iconic First Lady. Return to the the civic district and the surroundings of La hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight - Moneda government palace, before driving Buenos Aires (B) to one of Santiago’s old neighbourhoods, Day 3 : Buenos Aires such a Concha y Toro or Republica, marked Spend the day at leisure exploring the city’s by elegant and traditional architecture. This many attractions. Follow in the footsteps of afternoon travel east for a glimpse of famous Argentinian heroes such as Borges modern Santiago, where you stop at a local and Casares, and sip on a coffee in the iconic handicraft store to admire the Lapizlazuli Café La Biela, or float from wine bar to wine Over the next 2 days you will have masterpieces, made with stone unique to bar sampling the country’s grape. Overnight - ample opportunity to explore the contrasting Chile and Afghanistan, and perhaps a Pisco Buenos Aires (B) landscapes of the Torres del Paine National Sour. Overnight - Santiago (B) park in the many activities offered by your Day 4 : Buenos Aires to El hotel in your all-inclusive package. Spend Day 12 : Santiago Calafate your days following the many trails on Enjoy a day at leisure to further explore foot or horseback alongside the turquoise Santiago’s highlights. Nature lovers can head Buenos Aires - El Calafate. After breakfast waters and soaring mountains, or perhaps for the hills that surround the city to admire the make your way to Buenos Aires airport for explore the trails on an adrenalin fuelled bike spectacular panoramic views of the city and your flight to El Calafate, home to the Perito excursion. Alternatively, take in the scenery of the Andes. Overnight - Santiago (B) Moreno Glacier. On arrival to your hotel the the park from the water on one of the kayaking remainder of the evening is at leisure. and catamaran excursions available, as you Day 13 : Santiago Overnight - El Calafate (B) cruise past icebergs on the stunning Lake Today marks the end of your incredible Days 5-6 : Los Glaciers NP & Grey. adventure. After breakfast and hotel check out you will be transferred to the airport Perito Moreno Glacier Aside from exploring the park, there in Santiago for your onward departure The world renowned Perito Moreno glacier is are another number of activities available journey.(B) yours to explore today on a full day excursion including visiting a local ranch to experience to Los Glaciers National Park. Discover pre- the thrill of being a Chilean cowboy for Tipping cordillera sites along the vast Argentino Lake the day, fishing, or simply unwinding with a Tipping is an essential part of the culture. For a as you drive to Los Glaciers where you start relaxing massage in the onsite spa. Whatever job well done, we would suggest for your tour to spot the floating icebergs in the Brazo Rico you decide to do, make sure to leave no guide: USD$5-6 per traveller, for each day of River. Walk along the paths until you reach stone unturned, and keep an eye out for sightseeing. the glacier where you have time to admire this the abundance of resident wildlife including natural phenomenon (a boat excursion can be Andean deer and foxes. For your driver and On The Go Representative arranged locally). Return to the hotel later this we'd recommend USD$2-3 per traveller for afternoon. Please note: The excursions available vary, each day of service. Tipping is an entirely and will depend on the accommodation type personal gesture and ultimately the amount is chosen at the time of booking. up to you. Day 6 is free for you to continuing to explore Overnight - Torres del Paine (B:2, L:2, D:2) the area. Perhaps return to the national park Accommodation ratings for further excursions to the Perito Moreno Day 10 : Torres del Paine to On our Private trips, you can often choose and Upsala glaciers or explore the southern your style of accommodation. The price sector of park independently. Santiago Torres del Paine - Santiago. Depart for Punta quoted on our website is reflective of the Overnight - El Calafate (2) (B:2) Arenas airport for your flight to Santiago, included accommodation, please see the

Patagonia, Peaks & Glaciers

“included” section on the first page of this quite often cold with continual winds, rain at document for details. Should you opt for • 3-star hotels - USD 0.50 per person per night times and freezing winter temperatures. an alternative hotel category, this will be • 4-star hotels - USD 1 per person per night confirmed in writing with the respective price • 5-star hotels - USD 1.5 per person per night Buenos Aires, due to its position in the central on your invoice. region, has a Mediterranean climate with well- Argentina - Fact File defined seasons. Spring, between September For further details about the indicative hotels, • Official Name: Argentine Republic and November is mild, which contributes to please see the “hotels” tab on our website. • Capital: Buenos Aires the flourishing green colour of the plants and Here we rank hotel’s in their respective • Population: 38 million trees in the lush parks. Summer, between country (REGIONAL CATEGORY) - but we also • Total Area: 2.8 million square kilometres December and February, is dry and hot and tell you how it ranks by Western standards • Official Language: Spanish winter can be cold. It usually begins to rain in (OUR CATEGORY). • Religions: Roman Catholic 92% (less than April and reaches its highest level during June 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, and July, then decreases gradually to almost STANDARD - Equates to a Western 3-star other 4% nothing in November. standard, always featuring en-suite rooms and • Voltage: 220 volts. Argentina has European usually a restaurant. type two-pinned round sockets in most old Visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea of SUPERIOR - Equates to a Western 4- buildings and the Australian style three-pin flat what the weather will be like on your tour. star standard, featuring en-suite rooms and sockets in most new buildings. usually a restaurant and often a swimming • Dialling Code: +54 Argentina - Money pool and/or a fitness centre. • Time Difference: GMT/UTC -3 Important DELUXE - Equates to a Western 5-star • Airport Departure Tax: US$18 In Latin America you will have problems standard, usually featuring spacious, en-suite changing the US$100 CB B2 2001 series rooms, a restaurant, swimming pool and Argentina - Visas notes and it is important you do not bring fitness centre and an array of amenities, UK, Australian, Canadian, US, South African them. In some countries banks won't even excellent service and customer care. and New Zealand passport holders do not take them. The serial number is located in the LUXURY - Equates to a Western 5-star plus require a visa for entry into Argentina for up top left hand corner and bottom right hand standard - the creme de la creme. Featuring to 90 days. corner on the side with the President’s face. spacious, en-suite rooms, a restaurant, This serial number starts with CB and then a swimming pool and fitness centre and an For entry into Argentina you must: few more numbers and then directly under array of amenities, this accommodation is a that B2. At the bottom of the note near the • Hold a passport valid at least six months on cut above the rest. Sheer opulence! signature of the Treasurer it says which series entry with one blank visa page of notes it is and it is there that it says 2001 • Hold proof of sufficient funds KNOW BEFORE YOU GO series. • Hold proof of onward/return airline tickets • Hold documents showing proof of purpose Local currency Argentina Country Guide of trip The monetary unit in Argentina is the • Hold all documents required for the next Argentina - Buenos Aires Argentine peso. For up-to-date exchange destination rates with your own currency visit Hotel Tax • Confirm with their airline that boarding www.xe.com. The Buenos Aires Legislature in 2020 will be permitted without a visa as these created the “Visit Buenos Aires” entity, conditions are subject to change Changing money, credit cards & ATMs an organization that will be in charge of We recommend that you bring cash/travellers promoting the city as a tourist destination Please be advised that visa requirements are cheques in US dollars only. Visa, Mastercard, around the world. This organisation will be subject to change and that visa procurement Diners and American Express are the best financed through a tax on foreign visitors. This is the responsibility of the traveller and not On credit cards to bring however there can be tax cannot be included in our tour price and The Go Tours. problems at times getting money out from you will need to pay this upon check out at ATMs, so make sure you have sufficient cash each hotel so please budget accordingly. Argentina - Climate for emergencies. The Argentine climate ranges from hot and This tax will be applied to foreign tourists older humid in the north to cold and windy in the There is no restriction on the amount of than 12 years old who visit the city of Buenos south. In northern Argentina, summer is hot foreign currency that you may bring into Aires from the 1st of March 2020. and winter fairly mild while in contrast, Tierra Argentina, however very large sums should del Fuego, at the southern tip of Argentina, is be declared on arrival. There is often The amount charged differs depending on the a general lack of small change and we star rating of the hotel:

Patagonia, Peaks & Glaciers recommend maintaining a supply of small • Food You should be wary of drinking the local tap denomination notes and coins. water. Bottled water, carbonated soft drinks Food and fruit juices are widely available and much Argentina - Local Transport In Argentina the basic diet focuses around safer. Argentina also has some of the best Much of Buenos Aires can be visited on meat mostly with french fries (papas fritas), coffee in the world. foot. Most sightseeing in Buenos Aires can mashed potatoes (pure) or 'papas sufle' (local be reached on foot from our hotel, with typical deep fried potatoes that blow up like In Argentina some of the hotels we use have La Boca being the furthest at about an little balloons and are delicious). As there is a bars or serve alcoholic drinks. If there is not a hour’s walk. There is also a good, if rather large Italian population you’ll have no problem bar in the hotel then there is sure to be one dated, underground metro system (called the getting pasta dishes or pizzas. In fact, in the within walking distance. Imported beers and “subte”) which has 5 lines and is very cheap larger cities, you’ll have no problem getting all spirits are available but local spirits tend to be at approx $0.30 per journey. types of food. cheaper. There is an array of rums, gins and brandy and the fabulous Argentine wines can There are local buses called “colectivos”, For breakfast it’s normal to eat croissants be extremely cheap (from US$1 a bottle) There which are also inexpensive, but you MUST (media lunas) with a good strong coffee. are also various brands of beers including have the right change (ask hotel reception for Most Argentines would have a large lunch Quilmes, Rubia, Negra Ahumada, and Negra prices) as you have to drop the money into a at around 1pm then at around 5pm, they all Extra XXX. machine. We recommend you use taxis (black head to the 'confiterías' for tea, sandwiches & yellow) at night as they are fairly cheap and cakes. Dinner is usually eaten around Chile Country Guide and usually have meters fitted. Just make sure 10pm and is often grilled beef (asado) in that the driver turns it on when you get in. different forms. Other dishes include 'lomo Chile - Fact File ala pimiento' (pepper steak), giant ribs (asado Remember that you will pay more for taxis at • Official Name: Republic of Chile de tira) and mixed grills (parrillada) which night. • Capital: Santiago include beef, intestines, offal, blood sausage • Population: 18 million (morcilla) and spicy sausage (chorizos) or thick Argentina - Food & Drink • Total Area: 756,102 square kilometres grilled steak (churrasco). 'Bife de chorizo' As a guideline a simple snack (e.g. a sandwich) • Official Language: Spanish is a rump steak (nothing to do with the can cost as little as US$1, a light meal will cost • Religions: Roman Catholics 77%, Protestants sausage of the same name) and 'bife a around $5-$6, and even a meal in one of the 16% caballo' is steak topped with a fried egg. better restaurants in Buenos Aires costs very • Voltage: In Chile the standard voltage is Although seafood is not so common you little in comparison to what you would expect 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can can get fish (pescado) which can be served to pay at home. Obviously this depends on use your electric appliances in Chile, if the grilled, pan fried with breadcrumbs (apanado) what you order and if you have wine or other standard voltage in your country is in between or with a sauce. There are also plenty of drinks, which will certainly increase the bill. 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia chicken (pollo) dishes available. 'Milanesa If you eat in Puerto Madero or Recoleta in and most of Asia and Africa). de pollo' (boneless chicken cooked with Buenos Aires you are likely to pay quite a • Dialling Code: +56 breadcrumbs) is a favourite. bit more, however there is a huge choice of • Time Difference: GMT/UTC -4 . good reasonably-priced restaurants in the city For a cheap and hearty meal 'tenedor libre' For other time differences please visit centre where you can get a good meal (and restaurants offer a fixed price buffet. These www.timeanddate.com great steaks). are usually very good value and you can eat • Airport Departure Tax:$30 USD Your tour leader will be able to recommend as much as you like. Chile - Visas restaurants. Vegetarians Most nationals, including citizens of the EU, All drinks such as water, soft or alcoholic If you are a strict vegetarian you may North American and Australasia do not need drinks are at your own expense at all times. experience a distinct lack of variety in to acquire a visa in advance to enter Chile. The following is a guideline for drinks bought the food available, especially in small However some nationalities must pay an entry in a shop in the street. Prices in restaurants towns. However vegetarian alternatives are fee on arrival by air (e.g. United States $100, and hotels can sometimes be more than becoming more popular particularly in south Canada $55 and Australia $34, these costs double the prices specified below; Argentina. Our tour leaders will do their best may change). Entry is granted on production to provide interesting vegetarian alternatives of a passport valid for more than six months, • 1 litre of water US$0.70 for included meals, but your patience and a return air/bus ticket and proof of funds to • 30cl bottle of soft drink US$0.50 understanding is requested. support yourself for the duration of the stay. • 30cl bottle of beer US$0.70 Most nationalities can enter for up to 90 days, • 50cl bottle of beer US$1.00 Drink although it's up to the immigration official to

Patagonia, Peaks & Glaciers decide whether you're allocated 30, 60 or 90 it cools down slightly, and on the coast to see you through the first few days of your days on arrival. Visa requirements do change this temperature drop can be much more trip – particularly if it is a weekend. periodically so you should check for the latest extreme. Autumn is between March and information on your specific visa requirements May, and temperatures decrease gradually. Chile - Local Transport with your local Chilean Embassy or Consulate Daytime winter temperatures are reasonable Much of Santiago can be visited on foot. There well in advance of your planned date of travel. but mornings can be very cold. is a very good underground metro system which has three lines and is very cheap at US APIS and ESTA - important flight information: Visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea of $0.40-$0.60 per journey. You can also buy a ESTA - if flying to the US, or via the US you will what the weather will be like on your tour. 10 journey card for about US$4. The last trains need to fill in your application to ESTA online. are at around 10pm. There are local buses This costs $14 per person. This must be done Chile - Money called micros, which are also cheap, but you by you personally. Important In Latin America you will have should try to have the right change (ask at problems changing the US$100 CB B2 2001 the hotel reception for prices). They also have Passports must also be machine-readable series notes and it is important you do not 'colectivos' (shared taxis on fixed routes). We (MRP). Avoid locking suitcases if transiting the to bring them. In some countries banks won't recommend the use of taxis at night as they USA, as their customs authorities retain the even take them. The serial number is located are fairly cheap and usually have meters - just right to break into them. in the top left hand corner and bottom right make sure that the driver turns it on when you hand corner on the side with the President’s APIS - Many countries now oblige airlines get in. Remember that you will pay more for face. This serial number starts with CB and to provide additional information about taxis at night. then a few more numbers and then directly passengers prior to the flight departure. This under that B2. At the bottom of the note near Advance Passenger Information (APIS) must Chile - Food & Drink the signature of the Treasurer it says which be supplied to us promptly in order to issue All meals are included when camping and series of notes it is and it is there that it says tickets and avoid fare increases. We will lunch is included on travelling days in the 2001 series. provide the airlines with the relevant details truck. When staying in hotels all meals are at your own expense. As a guideline a simple if we are booking your international flights. If Local currency snack (e.g. a sandwich) can cost as little the information is not provided you may be The monetary unit in Chile is the Chilean peso, as US$1.50, a light meal will cost around denied boarding. which is divided into 100 centavos. For up-to- US$5-8, and a meal in one of the better date exchange rates with your own currency restaurants in Santiago will compare with Chile - Climate visit www.xe.com. Chile is very long and narrow (it is no more developed countries in the west. Obviously than 180 km wide at any point) and the Changing money, credit cards & ATMs this does depend on what you order and if you Andes Mountains are a dominant feature We recommend that you bring cash/travellers have wine or other drinks which will certainly running down the entire length of the country. cheques in US dollars only. Visa, Mastercard, increase the bill. In cheaper restaurants where Because of its length, Chile encompasses a Diners and American Express are the best Chileans and backpackers eat, you can get variety of climates (the country contains both credit cards to bring however there can be meals for as little as US$3 if you shop around. arid deserts and icebergs). There's no one problems at times getting money out from Your tour leader will be able to recommend time that's perfect to visit every part of the ATMs, so make sure you have sufficient cash restaurants. country, but it seldom rains during October to for emergencies. Travellers cheques must be March, humidity is low, midday temperatures changed before 12pm except at 'casas de Food reach about 32°C and the nights are cool. It cambio' (which do tend to offer better rates In Chile the basic diet focuses around chicken, is colder and rains a lot in Santiago and in than banks anyway). beef or seafood, mostly with french fries or the south in May to August. A sweater (and, in rice (or both) and sometimes salad. Compared There is no restriction on the amount of the south, a heavy jacket) should be taken no to countries further north, Chile’s cuisine is foreign currency that you may bring into matter when you go, as nights can be cool-to- quite creative and tasty. 'Cazuela de ave' is Chile, however very large sums should be cold nearly everywhere. a stew of large chunks of chicken, potatoes, declared on arrival. There is often a general rice, onions with green peppers and 'pastel Santiago, due to its position in the central lack of small change and we recommend de choclo' is a casserole of beef, onions region, has a Mediterranean climate with well- maintaining a supply of small denomination and olives topped with a maize mash baked defined seasons. Spring, between September notes and coins. When arriving at the Santiago in an earthenware bowl. 'Parillada', a mixed and November is mild, which contributes to International Airport we suggest that you get grill of meats, offal and intestines served at the flourishing green colour of the plants some Pesos at one of the little banks just your table in a charcoal brazier (miniature and trees. Summer, between December and inside the luggage hall or use one of the ATMs barbecue) is popular here as in all the February, is dry and hot although at night outside the terminal. Change enough money

Patagonia, Peaks & Glaciers southern countries. Other favourite dishes fruit juices are sometimes made from unboiled include 'lomo ala pimiento' (pepper steak) and tap water, so could upset your stomach. An 'humitas' (mashed corn mixed with spices and easy way around this is to order the juice 'con butter baked in a maize leaf). leche' with milk instead. For decent coffee try one of the cafe chains: Cafe Haiti, Tio Pepe or Seafood is the basis for many of Chile’s Cafe Brasil. favourite dishes and the 'congrio' is their national fish. One of the most popular In Chile some of the hotels we use have bars ways to serve it is 'caldillo de congrio' (a or serve alcoholic drinks. If there is not a bar soup with large pieces of the fish with in the hotel then there is sure to be one within onions and potato balls). Other delicious fish walking distance. In more up-market hotels, include 'corvine' (bass), 'albacore' (swordfish) imported beers and spirits are available, but and 'cojinoa' (no translation). Try a 'paila tend to be expensive. Alternatively there is choncha' (a bouillabaisse type dish with heaps an array of local rums, gins, brandy available of flavour) or a 'parillada de mariscos' a mixed and the fabulous Chilean wines which can seafood grill. There is a whole host of other be extremely cheap (from US$1.50 a bottle). seafood available including clams (almejas), There are various brands of beers including mussels (choritos/cholgas), sea-urchin (erizo), Cristal, Escudo, Austral, Heineken and Royal barnacles (picorocos) and seaweed. Guard (light), there is also a brown ale type beer from the south called Malta. Please note Typical snacks are 'emanadas de that many places will charge a refundable pino' (pasties with onions, raisins, olives meat deposit for the bottles. and peppers) and 'prieta', a blood sausage (black pudding) stuffed with cabbage

Vegetarians If you are a strict vegetarian you may experience a distinct lack of variety in the food available, especially in small towns. However vegetarian alternatives are becoming more popular you will just have to search a little harder for the restaurants that cater to your tastes. Our tour leaders will do their best to provide interesting vegetarian alternatives when arranging group meals in the campsite, but your patience and understanding is requested.

Drink All drinks such as water, soft or alcoholic drinks are at your own expense at all times. The following is a guideline for drinks bought in a shop in the street. Prices in restaurants and hotels can sometimes be more than double the prices specified below:

• 1 litre of water US$1.50 • 30cl bottle of soft drink US$1 • 30cl bottle of beer US$1.50 • 50cl bottle of beer US$3

You should be wary of drinking the local tap water (especially outside of Santiago). Bottled water, carbonated soft drinks and fruit juices are widely available and much safer. However