Andean Discovery 17 Days | Santiago to Buenos Aires

TRIP NOTES

Andean Discovery 17 days | Santiago to Buenos Aires

Discover the highlights of Chile, • Humahuaca - stroll around this • Tour of the Rocks Valley, Incahuasi Bolivia and Argentina on this 17 picturesque little town which gives its Island and Uyuni Salt Flat on a shared day private tour, visiting Atacama name to the beautiful gorge basis (private touring available for a • Pucara - visit the ancient fortress located supplement) and the otherworldly Valley of the on a hill top, which is Argentina's most • Humahuaca Gorge Excursion on a shared Moon, Uyuni, the world's largest important archaeological site basis (private touring available for a salt flat and the spectacular Iguazu • Purmamarca - wander around this supplement) Falls, before ending in the sultry charming Andean village, visit the craft • Tour of the Dalí Valley, Chalviri hot capital of Buenos Aires. market and see the famous Hill of the springs, Sol de Mañana Geysers and Seven Colours Laguna Colorada, Villamar on a shared • Salta - spend a night in this sophisticated basis (private touring available for a HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS city, renowned for its colonial architecture supplement) • Trip Highlights and breathtaking landscapes Brazilian Falls and Argentine Iguazu Falls • Iguazu Falls - take in incredible views of Tour on a shared basis (private touring • Santiago - take in the highlights of Chile's the spectacular Iguazu Falls from both the available for a supplement) capital on a half day cultural city tour Brazilian and Argentine side • English speaking local guides for all • Atacama Desert – explore the world's • Buenos Aires – take a guided tour of scheduled sightseeing driest desert and the lunarlike landscape Argentina's captivating capital, dubbed • All relevant transfers and transportation of the Valley of the Moon the Paris of South America • Take in the spectacular scenery of What's Not Included Laguna Verde on the slopes of the What's Included • International flights and visas volcano Llicancabur, the Valley of Dali, • 16 nights SUPERIOR accommodation. • Laundry, drinks and items of a personal Chalviri hot springs, continue the journey Upgrading to DELUXE accommodation is nature to the Geysers of the Sun Morning to available upon request. Accommodation • Tipping – an entirely personal gesture admire the spectacular colors of hot mud, rating – See Trip Notes for details • Domestic flights – South American then to Laguna Colorada • 16 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner airpasses are available with LATAM and • Salar de Uyuni – explore Bolivia's • Airport arrival and departure transfer other airline carriers when booked in spectacular dazzling white salt flats and • Santiago and Buenos Aires city tours on a conjunction with international flights, see the giant cactus of Fish Island shared basis (private touring available for which can often offer significant savings • Colchani - spend at the unique Hotel a supplement) on domestic flights. Please ask a member Palacio de Sal, the first hotel in the world • Moon and Death Valleys excursion on a of the team for more information. built entirely of salt shared basis (private touring available for a supplement) DETAILED ITINERARY

Andean Discovery - 17 days updated on 26-09-2021 06:02:57 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

Andean Discovery

Day 1 : Santiago Days 5-6 : Moon & Death Day 8 : Uyuni Salt Flats Welcome to Chile. Upon arrival at Santiago Valleys International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of your evening at leisure. Overnight - Santiago Days 2-3 : City Sightseeing

Villa Mar - Uyuni Salt Flats. After breakfast, This afternoon you'll depart on a half-day visit the bizarre rock formations of the Stones excursion to the beautiful Moon Valley. Valley and take in the incredible landscapes Sculpted over thousands and thousands of of the vast dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats, visiting years by erosion, this otherworldly landscape the famous giant cactus of Incahuasi Island features incredible rock formations and sand (commonly known as Fish Island). Next, learn After breakfast, enjoy a half-day city tour of dunes. Visit the salt caverns and climb the about the process of salt extraction at a salt Chile's capital. Starting at San Cristobal Hill, mayor sand dune for breathtaking views, processing plant before enjoying lunch in the you'll visit the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral before returning to San Pedro de Atacama in middle of the Salt Flats. and the Government Palace. Then head the evening. east to experience some of Santiago's older In the afternoon travel on to Colchani where neighbourhoods, such as Plaza Concha y Day 6 is free to spend at your leisure. you will be staying at the Hotel Palacio de Sal, Toro, which is known for its cobblestone Overnight - San Pedro de Atacama (B:2) one of the world's most unusual hotels and streets and historic mansions. The tour ends the first hotel in the world built entirely of salt. at a handicraft store where you can admire Day 7 : Laguna Colorada After dinner, enjoy an evening walk near the lapis lazuli jewellery, a stone that is only found hotel. The sky at this latitude is considered in Chile and Afghanistan. one of the clearest in the world. Overnight - Uyuni / Salar De Uyuni Region (B, L, D) Day 3 is free for you to explore this cosmopolitan city for yourself, whether you Day 9 : Tupiza want to discover its fascinating museums, Uyuni Salt Flats - Tupiza. Today travel to the unwind in one of the hillside parks or check tranquil Bolivian town of Tupiza, stopping en out what Santiago's buzzing nightlife has to route to visit the mining centre of Atocha. On offer. Overnight - Santiago (B:2) arrival enjoy a short walk through the city. Overnight - Tupiza (B) Day 4 : San Pedro de Atacama - Villa Mar (Bolivia). Today you will Atacama journey via the Hito Cajón Bolivian border Day 10 : Humahuaca & Pucara Santiago - Atacama. Transfer to the airport for to Villa Mar, passing the Valley of Dali and your flight to Atacama. Upon arrival at Calama Chalviri hot springs enroute. Other stops airport, you will be met and transferred to your include the Geysers of the Sun Morning, hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. where you can admire the spectacular colours Overnight - San Pedro de Atacama (B) of the hot mud, and Laguna Colorada, home to the famous James Flamingos. Overnight - Villa Mar (B)

Tupiza - Humahuaca - Purmamarca (Argentina). Today you will cross the border into Argentina, travelling to the colourful northwest region and the picturesque town of Humahuaca. Enjoy some free time to

Andean Discovery explore before continuing to Tilcara. Here you follow the trail to the large lookout balconies wine. No trip to the Argentinian capital will visit the most important archaeological at the edge of the falls (approximate duration: would be complete without watching a tango site in Argentina. Known as Pucara, this 2 hours). Overnight - Iguazu Falls (Argentina) performance, or you could even put on your hilltop fortress boasts exceptional views (B:2) dancing shoes and learn to tango yourself. over the valley below. Enjoy a short visit Day 14 : Iguazu Falls (Brazil) to the town of Tilcara and its fascinating On day 17 it's time to bid farewell to Buenos Iguazu - Buenos Aires. Today enjoy a half-day Archaeological Museum, before the short Aires. Unless you have considered extending excursion to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. drive to Purmamarca. your stay you will be transferred from your Separated from the Argentinean National Overnight - Purmamarca (B) hotel to the international airport. Overnight - Park by the Iguazu River, the Brazilian Falls Buenos Aires (B:2) Day 11 : Salta were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site Purmamarca - Salta. Enjoy free time this in 1986 and form part of one of the largest Tipping morning to explore Purmamarca Village, natural protected areas in South America. Tipping is an essential part of the culture. For a where highlights include the famous Hill of Stroll along the 1,200-metre catwalk and enjoy job well done, we would suggest for your tour Seven Colours, the church and the craft stunning views of the 275 falls. guide: USD$5-6 per traveller, for each day of market. Discover its narrow streets and sightseeing. meet the locals, before travelling to the Transfer to Puerto Iguazu Airport for your city of Salta, which is renowned for its flight to Buenos Aires. You will be met on For your driver and On The Go Representative handsome colonial architecture and rugged arrival and transferred to your hotel in the we'd recommend USD$2-3 per traveller for mountainous backdrop. capital. Overnight - Buenos Aires (B) each day of service. Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and ultimately the amount is Overnight - Salta (B) Day 15 : Buenos Aires City up to you. Days 12-13 : Iguazu Falls Tour Accommodation ratings (Argentina) On our Private trips, you can often choose your style of accommodation. The price quoted on our website is reflective of the included accommodation, please see the “included” section on the first page of this document for details. Should you opt for an alternative hotel category, this will be confirmed in writing with the respective price on your invoice. Today enjoy a guided tour of the main For further details about the indicative hotels, highlights of Buenos Aires, including the Salta - Iguazu. Transfer to Salta Airport for your please see the “hotels” tab on our website. Metropolitan Cathedral, Government House flight to Iguazu, arriving into Puerto Iguazu Here we rank hotel’s in their respective and Plaza de Mayo. Watch the locals tango on Airport you will be met and transferred to your country (REGIONAL CATEGORY) - but we also the streets of the San Telmo neighbourhood hotel. tell you how it ranks by Western standards and stop at the colourful suburb of La Boca, (OUR CATEGORY). home to several important artists. You will also On day 13 enjoy a full-day excursion into the visit Palermo, to marvel at its elegant buildings STANDARD - Equates to a Western 3-star Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls. Your visit and parks before ending your tour in the standard, always featuring en-suite rooms and can be done via 3 circuits, best-known as exclusive neighbourhood of Recoleta, where usually a restaurant. the Lower Path, Higher Path and the Devil’s you can visit the famous cemetery alongside SUPERIOR - Equates to a Western 4- Throat Path. The Lower Path offers great many fine restaurants and cafes. Overnight - star standard, featuring en-suite rooms and views of the majority of the rapids and falls, Buenos Aires (B) usually a restaurant and often a swimming however there are a high number of steps pool and/or a fitness centre. along the way (approximate duration: 2 hours). Days 16-17 : Buenos Aires DELUXE - Equates to a Western 5-star The Higher Path then crosses the top of the Spend day 16 exploring Buenos Aires at your standard, usually featuring spacious, en-suite canyon and allows you to look down over leisure. Perhaps wander the lively outdoor rooms, a restaurant, swimming pool and the edge of the falls (approximate duration: 1 markets or shop in some of the city's cutting- fitness centre and an array of amenities, hour). To access the Devil’s Throat Path, you edge boutiques. Enjoy gourmet cuisine and excellent service and customer care. must take the Ecological Jungle Train then sample some of the country's renowned

Andean Discovery

LUXURY - Equates to a Western 5-star plus require a visa for entry into Argentina for up corner on the side with the President’s face. standard - the creme de la creme. Featuring to 90 days. This serial number starts with CB and then a spacious, en-suite rooms, a restaurant, few more numbers and then directly under swimming pool and fitness centre and an For entry into Argentina you must: that B2. At the bottom of the note near the array of amenities, this accommodation is a • Hold a passport valid at least six months on signature of the Treasurer it says which series cut above the rest. Sheer opulence! entry with one blank visa page of notes it is and it is there that it says 2001 • Hold proof of sufficient funds series. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO • Hold proof of onward/return airline tickets Local currency • Hold documents showing proof of purpose The monetary unit in Argentina is the Argentina Country Guide of trip Argentine peso. For up-to-date exchange • Hold all documents required for the next Argentina - Buenos Aires rates with your own currency visit destination www.xe.com. Hotel Tax • Confirm with their airline that boarding The Buenos Aires Legislature in 2020 will be permitted without a visa as these Changing money, credit cards & ATMs created the “Visit Buenos Aires” entity, conditions are subject to change We recommend that you bring cash/travellers an organization that will be in charge of cheques in US dollars only. Visa, Mastercard, promoting the city as a tourist destination Please be advised that visa requirements are Diners and American Express are the best around the world. This organisation will be subject to change and that visa procurement credit cards to bring however there can be financed through a tax on foreign visitors. This is the responsibility of the traveller and not On problems at times getting money out from tax cannot be included in our tour price and The Go Tours. ATMs, so make sure you have sufficient cash you will need to pay this upon check out at Argentina - Climate for emergencies. each hotel so please budget accordingly. The Argentine climate ranges from hot and There is no restriction on the amount of This tax will be applied to foreign tourists older humid in the north to cold and windy in the foreign currency that you may bring into than 12 years old who visit the city of Buenos south. In northern Argentina, summer is hot Argentina, however very large sums should Aires from the 1st of March 2020. and winter fairly mild while in contrast, Tierra be declared on arrival. There is often del Fuego, at the southern tip of Argentina, is a general lack of small change and we The amount charged differs depending on the quite often cold with continual winds, rain at recommend maintaining a supply of small star rating of the hotel: times and freezing winter temperatures. denomination notes and coins. • 3-star hotels - USD 0.50 per person per night Buenos Aires, due to its position in the central Argentina - Local Transport • 4-star hotels - USD 1 per person per night region, has a Mediterranean climate with well- Much of Buenos Aires can be visited on • 5-star hotels - USD 1.5 per person per night defined seasons. Spring, between September foot. Most sightseeing in Buenos Aires can and November is mild, which contributes to be reached on foot from our hotel, with Argentina - Fact File the flourishing green colour of the plants and • Official Name: Argentine Republic La Boca being the furthest at about an trees in the lush parks. Summer, between • Capital: Buenos Aires hour’s walk. There is also a good, if rather December and February, is dry and hot and • Population: 38 million dated, underground metro system (called the winter can be cold. It usually begins to rain in • Total Area: 2.8 million square kilometres “subte”) which has 5 lines and is very cheap April and reaches its highest level during June • Official Language: Spanish at approx $0.30 per journey. and July, then decreases gradually to almost • Religions: Roman Catholic 92% (less than nothing in November. There are local buses called “colectivos”, 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, which are also inexpensive, but you MUST other 4% Visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea of have the right change (ask hotel reception for • Voltage: 220 volts. Argentina has European what the weather will be like on your tour. prices) as you have to drop the money into a type two-pinned round sockets in most old machine. We recommend you use taxis (black buildings and the Australian style three-pin flat Argentina - Money & yellow) at night as they are fairly cheap sockets in most new buildings. Important and usually have meters fitted. Just make sure • Dialling Code: +54 In Latin America you will have problems that the driver turns it on when you get in. • Time Difference: GMT/UTC -3 changing the US$100 CB B2 2001 series Remember that you will pay more for taxis at • Airport Departure Tax: US$18 notes and it is important you do not bring night. them. In some countries banks won't even Argentina - Visas take them. The serial number is located in the UK, Australian, Canadian, US, South African top left hand corner and bottom right hand and New Zealand passport holders do not

Andean Discovery

Argentina - Food & Drink (morcilla) and spicy sausage (chorizos) or thick • Population: 8.4 million As a guideline a simple snack (e.g. a sandwich) grilled steak (churrasco). 'Bife de chorizo' • Total Area: 1.1 million square kilometres can cost as little as US$1, a light meal will cost is a rump steak (nothing to do with the • Official Language: Spanish, Quechua and around $5-$6, and even a meal in one of the sausage of the same name) and 'bife a Aymara better restaurants in Buenos Aires costs very caballo' is steak topped with a fried egg. • Religions: Roman Catholic 95% little in comparison to what you would expect Although seafood is not so common you • Voltage: 110 volts in La Paz and 220 volts in to pay at home. Obviously this depends on can get fish (pescado) which can be served the rest of the country what you order and if you have wine or other grilled, pan fried with breadcrumbs (apanado) • Dialling Code: +591 drinks, which will certainly increase the bill. or with a sauce. There are also plenty of • Time Difference: GMT/UTC -4 If you eat in Puerto Madero or Recoleta in chicken (pollo) dishes available. 'Milanesa • Airport Departure Tax: US$25 Buenos Aires you are likely to pay quite a de pollo' (boneless chicken cooked with bit more, however there is a huge choice of breadcrumbs) is a favourite. Bolivia - Visas good reasonably-priced restaurants in the city Citizens of the EU, Canada and Australasia For a cheap and hearty meal 'tenedor libre' centre where you can get a good meal (and do not need a visa to enter Bolivia. Entry restaurants offer a fixed price buffet. These great steaks). is granted on production of a passport valid are usually very good value and you can eat for more than six months, a return air/bus Your tour leader will be able to recommend as much as you like. ticket and proof of funds to support yourself restaurants. for the duration of the stay. Many other Vegetarians nationals, including US and South African All drinks such as water, soft or alcoholic If you are a strict vegetarian you may citizens do require visas. For the latest drinks are at your own expense at all times. experience a distinct lack of variety in information on your specific visa requirements The following is a guideline for drinks bought the food available, especially in small you should contact the local Bolivian Embassy in a shop in the street. Prices in restaurants towns. However vegetarian alternatives are or Consulate well in advance of your planned and hotels can sometimes be more than becoming more popular particularly in south date of travel. double the prices specified below; Argentina. Our tour leaders will do their best to provide interesting vegetarian alternatives Bolivia entry/exit requirements: Your passport • 1 litre of water US$0.70 for included meals, but your patience and must contain a Bolivia entry stamp, without • 30cl bottle of soft drink US$0.50 understanding is requested. this you’ll have to pay a fine when you leave • 30cl bottle of beer US$0.70 the country. If you enter Bolivia overland • 50cl bottle of beer US$1.00 Drink ensure that your passport is stamped on both • Food You should be wary of drinking the local tap sides of the border, with an exit stamp from water. Bottled water, carbonated soft drinks the country you are leaving and an entry Food and fruit juices are widely available and much stamp on the Bolivian side. In Argentina the basic diet focuses around safer. Argentina also has some of the best meat mostly with french fries (papas fritas), coffee in the world. mashed potatoes (pure) or 'papas sufle' (local Bolivia - Climate Nicknamed the ‘Tibet of the Americas’, typical deep fried potatoes that blow up like In Argentina some of the hotels we use have landlocked Bolivia is the highest and most little balloons and are delicious). As there is a bars or serve alcoholic drinks. If there is not a isolated country in the Americas. With large Italian population you’ll have no problem bar in the hotel then there is sure to be one elevations ranging from sea level to over getting pasta dishes or pizzas. In fact, in the within walking distance. Imported beers and 6,880 metres, the Bolivian landscape offers larger cities, you’ll have no problem getting all spirits are available but local spirits tend to be a mind blowing array of complex ecosystems types of food. cheaper. There is an array of rums, gins and brandy and the fabulous Argentine wines can and stunning scenery. It is basically divided For breakfast it’s normal to eat croissants be extremely cheap (from US$1 a bottle) There into three regions: Altiplano (a plateau at an (media lunas) with a good strong coffee. are also various brands of beers including average of 4,000 metres above sea level, Most Argentines would have a large lunch Quilmes, Rubia, Negra Ahumada, and Negra 800 kilometres long and about 130 kilometres at around 1pm then at around 5pm, they all Extra XXX. wide); the yungas (a series of forested and head to the 'confiterías' for tea, sandwiches well-watered valleys); and the llanos (the and cakes. Dinner is usually eaten around Bolivia Country Guide Amazon-Chaco lowlands). Because of the 10pm and is often grilled beef (asado) in wide range of elevations and topography, different forms. Other dishes include 'lomo Bolivia - Fact File there are many different climatic patterns. ala pimiento' (pepper steak), giant ribs (asado • Official Name: Republic of Bolivia The overall temperatures are probably cooler de tira) and mixed grills (parrillada) which • Capital: La Paz (administrative), Sucre than most people expect. Even in the humid include beef, intestines, offal, blood sausage (judicial) forest regions of the north, frosts are not

Andean Discovery unheard of. Bolivia’s unprotected expanses into Bolivia, however very large sums should mince meat with spicy sauce and potatoes, contribute to variable weather conditions and be declared on arrival. rice, onions and tomatoes and milanesa is the two climatic ‘poles’ are Puerto Suarez for beef or chicken breaded and fried like a its stifling, humid heat, and Uyuni for its near- There is often a general lack of small change schnitzel. For a simple fish, you should ask for Arctic cold and icy winds. and we recommend maintaining a supply of pescado which can be grilled, pan fried with small denomination notes and coins – you breadcrumbs apanado or served with a sauce. There's no time that is perfect for the may sometimes be offered sweets, cigarettes Trout trucha is especially good from Lake entire country, but December to March is or even razor blades as change! Titicaca. Typical snacks include empanadas, when most of the rain falls. La Paz is When arriving at the La Paz El Alto pasties filled with cheese, humitas (maize always cool to cold at night, so be prepared pies), pucacapas (spicy cheese pies) and with sweaters and windbreakers. La Paz International Airport we suggest that you change some money at the bank (“Cambio”) saltenas (meat or chicken pasties which you can get quite warm during the day but can get super spicy or mild). Much of Bolivia’s sometimes mists swirl through the streets in the main terminal building. Change enough money to see you through the first few days food is not too hot and spicy but you will find and the city can be literally wrapped in a bowl of aji (which is a chilli or hot pepper the clouds. Throughout the country, night of your tour – particularly if it is a weekend. Please note you can only change cash (not sauce) on most tables which can be added to temperatures drop dramatically, and on the spice things up. high Altiplano, when a cloud passes over the traveller’s cheques) at the Cambio. sun, the temperature plunges noticeably. In There are ATMs in the city where you can get In most of the larger cities and towns you will Cochabamba, Sucre and Tarija, winter is the money out 24hrs a day. find an array of international cuisine. There are time of clear, beautiful skies and optimum pizzerias on every corner and Chinese (chifas) temperatures. The lowlands experience hot Bolivia - Local Transport food is very common. A cheap, filling 3 course sunny days and an occasional shower to cool Most of La Paz is easy to visit on foot, although lunch (normally called a comida del dia) can off and settle the dust. the high altitude can take its toll, especially often be had for about US$1.50. when walking up hill. There are various types Visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea of Vegetarians of buses and minibuses which are very cheap what the weather will be like on your tour. If you are a strict vegetarian you may but you will need to know which routes to experience a distinct lack of variety in the use (ask at the hotel reception for assistance). Bolivia - Money food available, especially in small towns. There are also fixed route taxis “trufis” which Important You might find that you are eating a lot of are “colectivos” (meaning other people will In Latin America you will have problems omelettes and other egg dishes. Our tour be on-board). You can tell these taxis apart changing the US$100 CB B2 2001 series leaders will do their best to provide interesting by their red number plates. We recommend notes and it is important you do not to bring vegetarian alternatives when arranging group the use of taxis at night as they are fairly them. In some countries banks won't even meals in the campsite, but your patience and cheap and much safer than walking. It is not take them. The serial number is located in the understanding is requested. top left hand corner and bottom right hand common, however, for taxis to have meters corner on the side with the President’s face. so you will need to barter for a good price. Drink This serial number starts with CB and then a In other Bolivian towns and cities walking is You should be wary of drinking the local few more numbers and then directly under basically the best and cheapest way to see the tap water. Bottled water and carbonated that B2. At the bottom of the note near the sights. soft drinks are widely available and are generally safe to drink. Plastic sachets of signature of the Treasurer it says which series Bolivia - Food & Drink of notes it is and it is there that it says 2001 flavoured chocolate and strawberry milk are Food series. also available. In Bolivia the basic diet focuses around Local currency chicken, beef or seafood, mostly with french Imported beers and spirits are available but The monetary unit in Bolivia is the boliviano fries or rice (or both) and possibly a little salad. usually at a high price. If you are happy to (often referred to as the Peso), which is The Bolivian national dish is the parillada, a drink the local spirits then there is an array of divided into 100 centavos. For up-to-date mixed grill with everything meaty including rums and singani (distilled grapes). Imported exchange rates with your own currency visit offal and intestines. Sajta de pollo is hot Chilean and Argentine wine can sometimes www.xe.com. spicy chicken with onion, fresh potatoes plus also be found cheaply. A bottle of rum could dehydrated potatoes called chuno, lomo ala be as little as US$5 in a local shop and quite Changing money, credit cards & ATMs pimiento is a pepper steak popular with often the mixer to go with it (Coke) is more We recommend that you bring cash in US travellers, fricase is juicy pork with chuno, expensive. There are various brands of beers dollars only. There is no restriction on the silpancho is bread-crumbed meat with fried amount of foreign currency that you may bring eggs, rice and banana, saice is a dish of

Andean Discovery including Pacena, Ducal and El Inca (dark USA, as their customs authorities retain the even take them. The serial number is located sweet stout). right to break into them. in the top left hand corner and bottom right hand corner on the side with the President’s Chile Country Guide APIS - Many countries now oblige airlines face. This serial number starts with CB and to provide additional information about then a few more numbers and then directly Chile - Fact File passengers prior to the flight departure. This under that B2. At the bottom of the note near Advance Passenger Information (APIS) must • Official Name: Republic of Chile the signature of the Treasurer it says which be supplied to us promptly in order to issue • Capital: Santiago series of notes it is and it is there that it says tickets and avoid fare increases. We will • Population: 18 million 2001 series. provide the airlines with the relevant details • Total Area: 756,102 square kilometres if we are booking your international flights. If Local currency • Official Language: Spanish the information is not provided you may be The monetary unit in Chile is the Chilean peso, • Religions: Roman Catholics 77%, Protestants denied boarding. which is divided into 100 centavos. For up-to- 16% date exchange rates with your own currency • Voltage: In Chile the standard voltage is Chile - Climate visit www.xe.com. 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can Chile is very long and narrow (it is no more use your electric appliances in Chile, if the than 180 km wide at any point) and the Changing money, credit cards & ATMs standard voltage in your country is in between Andes Mountains are a dominant feature We recommend that you bring cash/travellers 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia running down the entire length of the country. cheques in US dollars only. Visa, Mastercard, and most of Asia and Africa). Because of its length, Chile encompasses a Diners and American Express are the best • Dialling Code: +56 variety of climates (the country contains both credit cards to bring however there can be • Time Difference: GMT/UTC -4 . arid deserts and icebergs). There's no one problems at times getting money out from For other time differences please visit time that's perfect to visit every part of the ATMs, so make sure you have sufficient cash www.timeanddate.com country, but it seldom rains during October to for emergencies. Travellers cheques must be • Airport Departure Tax:$30 USD March, humidity is low, midday temperatures changed before 12pm except at 'casas de Chile - Visas reach about 32°C and the nights are cool. It cambio' (which do tend to offer better rates is colder and rains a lot in Santiago and in than banks anyway). Most nationals, including citizens of the EU, the south in May to August. A sweater (and, in North American and Australasia do not need There is no restriction on the amount of the south, a heavy jacket) should be taken no to acquire a visa in advance to enter Chile. foreign currency that you may bring into matter when you go, as nights can be cool-to- However some nationalities must pay an entry Chile, however very large sums should be cold nearly everywhere. fee on arrival by air (e.g. United States $100, declared on arrival. There is often a general Canada $55 and Australia $34, these costs Santiago, due to its position in the central lack of small change and we recommend may change). Entry is granted on production region, has a Mediterranean climate with well- maintaining a supply of small denomination of a passport valid for more than six months, defined seasons. Spring, between September notes and coins. When arriving at the Santiago a return air/bus ticket and proof of funds to and November is mild, which contributes to International Airport we suggest that you get support yourself for the duration of the stay. the flourishing green colour of the plants some Pesos at one of the little banks just Most nationalities can enter for up to 90 days, and trees. Summer, between December and inside the luggage hall or use one of the ATMs although it's up to the immigration official to February, is dry and hot although at night outside the terminal. Change enough money 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 Much of Santiago can be visited on foot. There with your local Chilean Embassy or Consulate Daytime winter temperatures are reasonable 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

Andean Discovery are fairly cheap and usually have meters - just seafood available including clams (almejas), There are various brands of beers including make sure that the driver turns it on when you mussels (choritos/cholgas), sea-urchin (erizo), Cristal, Escudo, Austral, Heineken and Royal get in. Remember that you will pay more for barnacles (picorocos) and seaweed. Guard (light), there is also a brown ale type taxis at night. beer from the south called Malta. Please note Typical snacks are 'emanadas de that many places will charge a refundable Chile - Food & Drink pino' (pasties with onions, raisins, olives meat deposit for the bottles. All meals are included when camping and and peppers) and 'prieta', a blood sausage lunch is included on travelling days in the (black pudding) stuffed with cabbage truck. When staying in hotels all meals are at Vegetarians your own expense. As a guideline a simple If you are a strict vegetarian you may snack (e.g. a sandwich) can cost as little experience a distinct lack of variety in the food as US$1.50, a light meal will cost around available, especially in small towns. However US$5-8, and a meal in one of the better vegetarian alternatives are becoming more restaurants in Santiago will compare with popular you will just have to search a little developed countries in the west. Obviously harder for the restaurants that cater to your this does depend on what you order and if you tastes. Our tour leaders will do their best have wine or other drinks which will certainly to provide interesting vegetarian alternatives increase the bill. In cheaper restaurants where when arranging group meals in the campsite, Chileans and backpackers eat, you can get but your patience and understanding is meals for as little as US$3 if you shop around. requested. Your tour leader will be able to recommend Drink restaurants. All drinks such as water, soft or alcoholic Food drinks are at your own expense at all times. In Chile the basic diet focuses around chicken, The following is a guideline for drinks bought beef or seafood, mostly with french fries or in a shop in the street. Prices in restaurants rice (or both) and sometimes salad. Compared and hotels can sometimes be more than to countries further north, Chile’s cuisine is double the prices specified below: quite creative and tasty. 'Cazuela de ave' is • 1 litre of water US$1.50 a stew of large chunks of chicken, potatoes, • 30cl bottle of soft drink US$1 rice, onions with green peppers and 'pastel • 30cl bottle of beer US$1.50 de choclo' is a casserole of beef, onions • 50cl bottle of beer US$3 and olives topped with a maize mash baked in an earthenware bowl. 'Parillada', a mixed You should be wary of drinking the local tap grill of meats, offal and intestines served at water (especially outside of Santiago). Bottled your table in a charcoal brazier (miniature water, carbonated soft drinks and fruit juices barbecue) is popular here as in all the are widely available and much safer. However 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).