Trek Handbook 5 -14 February 2016 Contents

WELCOME PACK How your support makes a difference 3

DETAILED ITINERARY 4-6

THE CHALLENGE IN DETAIL 7 A typical trekking day .. 7 Communication 7 Weather 7 Average temperatures 7 Flights 7 Airport Tax/fuel surcharge 7 Hand luggage restrictions 8 Travelling with liquids 8 Accommodation 8 Drinks 8 Food 8 Vaccinations/medical 9 SunSmart 9 Insurance 10 Passports/visas 11 Money/Costs 11 Tips and gratuities 11 Optional tours and extensions 12 ATOL Invoice and luggage labels 12 Responsible tourism 12

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT 1 3

GENERAL COUNTRY INFORMATION 14

USEFUL CONTACTS 15

AFTER THE EVENT 16

THANK YOU 17

Welcome Pack

Congratulations on securing your place on Meningitis Now’s Trek. We’re delighted you have chosen to join us on this amazing challenge to help raise money to fight meningitis.

By taking part in this trek, you will be helping to raise vital money to fund research to eradicate meningitis, alongside funding practical and emotional support to all those whose lives have been sadly affected by the disease.

This bespoke challenge promises to be the adventure of a lifetime; and the Meningitis Now team will be on hand to support you every step of the way to help ensure you reach your fundraising target of £3,950.

Inside this booklet is everything you need to know about the challenge, so please read carefully before the event.

How your support can make a difference

Bahman contracted meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in April 2011 when he was 53.

As a result, the father of two had to have both arms and legs amputated. At first he struggled to imagine any kind of future, but he created a vision for himself and found the resolve not only to learn to walk again on prosthetic legs, but to complete a trek of the Great Wall of China in October 2012, and complete the Silverstone half marathon in March last year.

We have supported Bahman throughout his incredible journey, and both he and his wife, Lesley, have benefited from our free counselling services.

Welcome Pack | 3 The Itinerary

Day 1– 5 February London –

Midday flight to Madrid, here we change planes and take an overnight flight to Buenos Aires.

Day 2 – 6 February Buenos Aires –

After landing in Buenos Aires, we take an internal flight to Bariloche in the Patagonian . From there we transfer to a hotel close to Nahuel Huapi Lake within the oldest national park in . It’s a spectacular area of lakes and has carved from ancient glaciers dominated by the high mountain chain of the Andes. We have the afternoon free to explore and in the evening after dinner we hear more about the challenge ahead!

Day 3 – 7 February Bariloche – Tramo El Tambo – Refugio San Martin approx. 18 km (5-7 hours)

A stunning first day of trekking in Nahuel Huapi National Park, known for its raging rivers, snow-clad peaks and extensive forests. We start with a 30 minute transfer to Tramo El Tambo to join the trail. The morning is spent hiking alongside a crystal-clear with a spectacular mountain vista backdrop. After a couple of hours we cross a bridge and the trail heads into thicker vegetation away from the river. In the afternoon the trail ascends towards our overnight accommodation in the heart of this great wilderness, we stay overnight in Refugio San Martin.

Day 4 – 8 February Refugio San Martin – Lake Mascardi approx. 20 km (8 hours)

We follow a remote trail and head deeper into Nahuel Huapi National Park. We trek through a pristine environment of sweeping valleys, soaring mountains and vast lakes. En-route we encounter several river crossings as well as the spectacular Los Témpanos Lagoon. Our destination is Lake Mascardi, a large body of emerald green water, caused by glacial sediments from the nearby Tronador volcano which we discover the next day.

Day 5 – 9 February Lake Mascardi – Tronador Volcano – Pampa Linda approx. 14 km (3 hours)

An exciting day as we climb to the base of Mount Tronador where we enjoy an amazing view of the summit and its spectacular glaciers. This extinct volcano stands at 3545 metres and is the highest mountain in the Argentinian Lake District. It is surrounded by approximately 37 square miles of ice, snow and glaciers, an impressive sight! Mount Tronador (Thunderer) was named after the rumbling noise produced by avalanches and ice falling from its mountain peaks. Its summit marks the boundary between and Argentina. We stay overnight at the Hosteria Pampa Linda at the base of this incredible volcano. Time permitting there will be an optional tour to do horseback riding in the area.

Welcome Pack | 4 Day 6 – 10 February Pampa Linda – Refugio Agostino Rocca approx. 14km (6 hours)

Another memorable day of trekking in Argentina. We set off from Pampa Linda along the El Paso de las Nubes (Pass of the Clouds) with its wonderful views of Frías Glacier. Much of today is through Valdivian forest - dense bamboo and beech trees. Our destination is Refugio Agostino Rocca.

Day 7 – 11 February Refugio Agostino Rocca – Frias lake – Puerto Blast – Bariloche approx. 17 km (10 hours)

Today is the last day of this spectacular trek, we have an early start from the Refugio and head up to Frías lake which is approximately 14km. Lake Frías offers a dreamlike landscape of crystal clear and green water surrounded by trees. From here we take a boat transfer (approx. 30 minutes), on arrival we trek for 1 hour (approx 3km) to Puerto Blast. From here we sail on the incredible lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Pañuelo (approx. 1.5 hours), on arrival there is a short transfer to Bariloche to enjoy this incredible destination.

Day 8 – 12 February Bariloche

Free day with optional tours in Bariloche, this evening we come together for a special meal to celebrate our achievement at a traditional ‘quincho’ steak restaurant.

Day 9 – 13 February Bariloche - London

Free morning followed by an afternoon transfer (approx. 20 minutes) to the airport for our flight home.

Day 10 – 14 February London

Evening arrival back into the UK.

Please note this is a complex itinerary which is subject to change. © Copyright Classic Tours

Welcome Pack | 5 Flight times

OUTBOUND 5 February Depart: London: 10.40am Arrive: Madrid: 14.10pm Airline: British Airways

5 February Depart: Madrid: 19.10pm Arrive: Buenos Aires: 04.20am (arrive next day 6 February) Airline: Aerolineas

6 February Depart: Buenos Aires: 07.00am Arrive: Bariloche: 09.20am Airline: Aerolineas Argentinas

RETURN 13 February Depart: Bariloche: 17.45pm Arrive: Buenos Aires: 19.50pm Airline: Aerolineas Argentinas

13/14 February Depart: Buenos Aires: 23.55pm Arrive: Madrid: 16.10pm (arrive next day 14 February) Airline: Aerolineas Argentinas

14 February Depart: Madrid: 19.40pm Arrive: London: 21.00pm Airline: British Airways

Welcome Pack | 6 The Challenge in Detail

A typical trekking day

Most mornings will start at 7.00am with breakfast served from 7.30am. After a briefing by the guides, we should be ready to leave our accommodation by 8.00am. We will stop for regular breaks every 2-3 hours and time will be set aside for lunch.

Communication

The Classic Tours office will be in regular contact during the trek via the local portable phone system. Not all areas of the trek have phone coverage but there may be contact at the overnight accommodation.

There will be long range satellite phones on the trek which can be used to call helicopter rescue or the UK if required.

We recommend you take your mobile phone but you may not have signal on the trek.

Weather

Patagonia is known for its unpredictable weather conditions. This means it can be mild temperatures one day and snowstorms the next. Temperatures can drop as a result of quick changes to weather. Be prepared for cold, rain and heavy winds. We suggest you bring layers, walking boots, hats, waterproofs and dry bags to keep clothes and documents dry. A full kit list is included on page 13.

Average temperatures

Bariloche: 17-23C average daytime temperature, falling at night to approximately 3-5C Buenos Aires: 26-30C average daytime temperature

Sunrise is around 06:30 (Argentina)

Flights

Flights will be confirmed approximately 10 months before departure and are arranged through scheduled airlines over which we have no control. Consequently we cannot be held responsible for any flight delays, cancellations or over bookings.

A representative from Classic Tours will meet you at a pre-arranged place and hand out flight tickets, emergency contact cards, luggage labels (if not already posted) and the tourist card. Check in will be approx. 3 hours prior to departure.

Airport Tax/fuel surcharge

Current airport taxes and fuel surcharges are approximately £470. Exact charges will be known 8 weeks prior to departure and given at the point of the flight confirmation. Taxes are subject to change.

Welcome Pack | 7 Luggage

Passengers are allowed one item of hand baggage (7kg) and one item of checked luggage (23kg). Please pack medical supplies in your hand luggage along with wearing your trekking boots on the flight.

Due to higher security on international flights, scissors, pen knives and other sharp objects should be packed in your main luggage, not in hand luggage.

Travelling with liquids

Everyone is strongly advised to pack any liquids not required whilst onboard the aircraft in their hold baggage. If anyone does need to travel with liquids, please note that all liquids must be in individual containers not greater than 100ml capacity. They must be placed in one transparent re-sealable bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8 x 8") in size. One bag per passenger is allowed.

Accommodation

You will stay in hotels, mountain lodges and Refugios. The trip may also include one night camping depending on the outcome of the recce taking place. Rooms are likely to be twin or triple share throughout the event. Please note, married couples will not automatically be able to share. We will let you know room allocations six weeks prior to departure.

Drinks

Whilst on the trek you will be supplied with water each day, which will be safe to drink without any further treatment. Alcoholic/soft drinks are not provided but water which is safe to drink will be supplied each day at no additional cost.

Food

The food provided on the event will be wholesome and tasty to provide energy. Here is a guide of what to expect (please check the itinerary for meals not included).

Breakfast: Cereal, cheese, fruit, tea, coffee Lunch: Simple but energising lunches of pasta, salad, soup and bread Picnic lunches will be sandwiches, fruit, cheese, pasta salad Dinner: Three course dinner, usually meat with vegetables Snacks: Cereal bars, dried fruit, crisps, fruit. We also recommend participants bring their own snacks to enjoy the familiar tastes from home!

We need to know of any special dietary requirements to advise the airline and our local agent. We can cater for vegetarians. However, if you have a more unusual dietary request, we will try to help but it will be your responsibility to organise additional snacks.

Please don’t change your dietary requirements. This will avoid the possibility of some participants missing out on a meal. We will do our best to make the vegetarian options varied. However, due to the location of the challenge, this may not always be possible.

Welcome Pack | 8 Vaccinations/medical

There will be a doctor accompanying us on the trip, but please also bring a personal first aid kit containing the items suggested in the equipment list on page 13, as it is not possible to provide medical supplies for everyone.

If you have an existing medical condition or are aged 65 or over, you will need to get a doctor’s signature on the medical form. All conditions will be passed on to the group doctor.

If you are taking regular medication, please ensure you carry written details (type/strength/dose) and ensure you carry additional stocks, splitting them between your main luggage and hand luggage. Sun cream, diareze and dioralyte are essential.

There are currently no compulsory vaccinations required for short-term visits to Argentina but we strongly recommend you consult your doctor as this may change. We suggest you are up-to-date with the following jabs: Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Typhoid and Tetanus.

Dengue Fever is endemic to parts of Latin America. There is no effective treatment for Dengue Fever, which has severe flu-like symptoms. The advice is to minimise exposure to mosquito bites by covering up and using repellents.

We advise you to follow basic hygiene rules; avoiding ice, only drinking sterilised or boiled water, brushing teeth with sterilised water, keeping mouth closed when showering etc.

SunSmart

Classic Tours has committed to support SunSmart - the UK’s national skincare protection campaign. The campaign works to make people aware of the dangers of sunburn and excess sun exposure, and effective methods of sun protection. In order to honour this commitment we will be ensuring:

Everyone carries their sun cream on their person whilst trekking At break stops participants are reminded to re-apply cream Participants will be advised to seek shade at break stops Where possible avoid trekking during hottest part of day

Welcome Pack | 9 Insurance

Each participant must have a travel insurance policy that adequately covers all aspects of the trip. The itinerary should be made clear to any insurer that you may choose to use. Classic Tours works regularly with Campbell Irvine: www.campbellirvine.com. If you wish to purchase your insurance through Campbell Irvine please call 0844 826 2722 or email [email protected] quoting ‘Classic Tours’ and they will provide a quotation that offers appropriate levels of cover. The 2015 rate is £68 (up to 17 days cover). There is an additional charge for those extending their stay. You will be required to provide us with your insurance details at least 10 weeks prior to departure.

You are required to declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your insurance company when you take out insurance. If your circumstances change after you have filled out our medical form, please complete another form and advise your insurance company. If you fail to advise your insurer of a pre-existing medical condition, your insurance will not be valid.

If you are taking the Cambell Irvine policy, please contact the Campbell Irvine medical helpline in confidence on 0844 826 2686, as additional cover may be purchased directly from the medical screening helpline for certain pre-existing medical conditions. If you fail to do this, you will be liable for any costs incurred should emergency treatment be needed whilst on the event.

Once you have received the Cambell Irvine insurance policy document, please read carefully to ensure that you are happy with the cover provided. The document contains certain terms and conditions, especially relating both to your own health and the health of persons not necessarily travelling but upon whom travel depends, such as a close relative. You are entitled to a full refund of premium under the 14 day cooling period if the cover is not appropriate for your requirements and you have not yet travelled or submitted a claim. No refund can be made if the insurance is cancelled after that time.

There is no obligation to take the insurance offered by Classic Tours. However, participants must be adequately covered (including repatriation cover). If you are organising your own insurance you must explain the nature of what you will be doing.

Trekking in Patagonia Trekking as part of a charity event Helicopter rescue Medical evacuation Repatriation Passports/visas

Please ensure that you have at least four empty pages in your passport, and that it is valid for at least six months after your return date to the UK. We recommend you take a photocopy of your passport personal details page and keep it separate from other documents. This is a precaution in the event that the passport is stolen.

You do not require a visa for stays of up to three months.

Money/costs

Argentina Currency: Peso (ARS; symbol AR$) Exchange rate: £1.00 = AR$10.27 $1.00 = AR$6.29

Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks, restaurants and authorised casas de cambio (bureaux de change). Visitors should not be tempted by the premiums of 10 to 15% over the official rate offered by black marketers. Exchange rates offered in the airport are not good and it is advisable to change your money before you go or once out of the airport. Most major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widely available but it is still best to carry alternative forms of payment. Banking hours; Monday to Friday 10:00 –15:00 (Argentina) Approximately £200 spending money is recommended for postcards, sightseeing, soft drinks and optional tours. US Dollars are generally accepted in hotels and tourist centres. It is important to examine dollars carefully. Banks often don’t accept dollar bills with even the smallest tears or other damage. Participants should ask for clean dollars when ordering. Euros are also accepted in a number of tourist centres as well. UK pounds are not recommended. It is recommended to have some local currency as well, as your Dollars will not be accepted everywhere. Travellers cheques are not recommended but can be taken.

Tips and gratuities

A collective tip is usually organised at the end of the trek and given to the staff leader to share out. We suggest a tip of £25 per person.

Welcome Pack | 11 Optional tours and extensions

Extensions can be arranged through the flight agent. A form will be provided once flights are confirmed (about 10 months prior to departure). Details of the flight will be sent to you once booked along with the flight extension form, the flights are not listed on this form.

The cost of extending the flight is approx. £40 per person plus any surcharge imposed by the airline. All extensions are subject to the group fare being available and on the basis that the participant takes the same route home as the group.

Extensions will be dealt with on a first come first served basis. The deadline for applications will be detailed on the form but is usually around four months prior to departure.

ATOL invoices and luggage labels

We are required by the Civil Aviation Authority to issue before departure to every participant:

ATOL invoice which outlines the details of the flights and the tour cost to confirm the tour has been paid. You are not required to take this on the event. ATOL certificate which confirms that you have ATOL protection for the duration of the tour if Classic Tours stops trading. Protection depends on the terms of the ATOL scheme. We advise you carry this with you as recommended by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Private flight arrangements independently of Classic Tours, will not be protected by the Classic Tours ATOL.

Responsible tourism

The following are the policy guidelines from Classic Tours in respect of responsible tourism.

We use locally owned and run services by preference. As far as possible, we subcontract services to qualified local companies. This way the money is more evenly spread in the economy. Where possible we use locally owned and run accommodation. We use local equipment and vehicles when we can and hire them from local qualified agencies. In most destinations we aim to purchase our food from locally produced sources. We employ local guides and whenever possible arrange for them to give cultural talks about the area to promote inter-cultural understanding and encourage people to respect the society they are visiting. We encourage participants through our Tour Managers, pre-event literature and daily briefings to act in a responsible way and respect the local customs e.g. appropriate dress code, use water sparingly, ask permission to take photographs etc. We are in the process of finalising a Code of Conduct for participants. We always bear in mind environmental and cultural issues when looking at challenges we develop. We ensure that our events are appropriate to local conditions and operate within the limits set by local infrastructure. We regularly review our suggested packing lists to make sure they contain equipment which help prevent potential damage to the local environment. We take responsibility for maintaining the environment and not leaving litter behind. We take our own bin bags to destinations where they are difficult to procure. We take note of any changes to the local environment through our Tour Manager event reports and act accordingly. In the office we take inspiration from the book “Change the World 9 to 5”. We recycle our printer cartridges, paper is always reused where possible before recycling and we have started to use recycled paper for our mailings, brochures and registration packs. We provide fair trade tea and coffee for staff and visitors.

Welcome Pack | 12 Clothing & Equipment

The following is only a recommended guide to what you should consider bringing. You will have to decide what you feel is essential.

Clothing

Walking boots - lightweight with good ankle support and must be worn in Walking socks - one pair per day plus spares and extra for evenings T-shirts - one per day (one provided by Meningitis Now) Lightweight cotton trousers or shorts Spare trainers for general walking Wide brimmed sunhat to cover head/scarf to cover neck Woolly hat and gloves for camping Thermal underwear Warm casual wear for most of week e.g. fleece, sweatshirt, tracksuit Something slightly smarter for the celebratory dinner Swim wear Fleece Sunglasses Windproof and waterproof jacket/cagoule and trousers - useful in windy conditions and in case it rains (Gore-Tex or similar)

Equipment

Medium sized torch and spare batteries (head torch is a good idea) Drinking water bottle / camel pack 1 lightweight travel towel Ear plugs Carrier bags/bin bag - useful for dirty washing or wet clothing Sun cream and lip salve (minimum factor 20) Camera/memory cards Walking poles (optional) tips must be covered with rubber caps Travel alarm clock Passport and insurance policy (inc. copies) Toilet paper 1-2 newspapers to help dry out wet boots overnight Extra snacks - energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, boiled sweets, jelly babies etc. Penknife - optional Lighter - optional

Luggage

You will only need to carry a small day pack for trek days. In this you will need to carry: (two litres minimum), waterproofs, litter, personal items (camera, tissues, sun cream etc). Porters will carry the main luggage Main bag – no suitcases, a holdall or ruck sack is ideal Three luggage labels per person. We recommend one label for main luggage, one label for hand luggage and one spare. The Tour Manager will bring spare labels on the event

Small personal medical kit/personal effects

Antiseptic ointment, plasters, ankle and knee support, bandage, pain killers – e.g. aspirin, insect repellent and sting relief, upset stomach relief e.g. Imodium and dioralyte, blister treatment e.g. compeed, isotonic powders, water purification tablets/iodine drops, ladies are advised to bring sanitary products.

Welcome Pack | 13 General Country Information

Argentina

Argentina is the second largest country in Latin America after (almost all the countries of Western Europe and Scandinavia could fit inside Argentina's land mass).

Located in South America, east of the Andes, and bordered by Chile to the west, the to the east and , , and Brazil to the north and northeast.

There are four main geographical areas: the Andes, the North and Mesopotamia, the and Patagonia. The climate and geography of Argentina vary considerably.

Known as the land of extremes, Argentina is a diverse country which includes rainforests in the north, vast areas of fertile farming land in the centre, the snow-capped Andean mountain range to the west and the dusty plains of Patagonia in the south, leading down to glaciers at the southern tip. Argentina has the world's southernmost city Ushuaia.

In the southwest is the Argentine Lake District with a string of beautiful glacial turquoise lakes framed by mountains and evergreen forests.

A few facts and figures:

Area 2,780,400 sq km (1,073,518 sq miles) Population 41 million Capital City Buenos Aires (population three million) Language Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken Religion More than 90% Roman Catholic Ethnic Make-up White (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, Mestizo, Amerindian, or other non-white groups 3% Government Federal and Democratic Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1816. Head of State President Cristina Fernandez Kirchner since 2007 Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plug fittings in older buildings are of the two-pin round type, but some new buildings use the three-pin flat type Time Buenos Aires is three hours behind the UK, Bariloche is four hours behind GMT Telephone 00 54 when dialling from the UK to Argentina

Patagonia

Patagonia is a vast plain in southern Argentina bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Chilean on the west.

The Andes separate Argentina and Chile in the West.

Amidst the southern part of the range lies a continental ice sheet, the largest remnant of the ice age outside due to the peculiarities of location, climatic and atmospheric conditions of Patagonia.

Patagonia is a land of extremes; glaciers and deserts, granite cliffs and endless flatlands.

Constantly changing and unpredictable extremes of weather it has been described as the stormiest place in the world.

The Patagonian coast is home to large herds of seals, sea lions, blue whales and thousands of penguins.

Comprising the provinces of Río Negro, Neuquén, Chubut and Santa Cruz, Patagonia - the southernmost portion of South America (located in both Argentina and Chile) - is a vast region.

Welcome Pack | 14 Useful Contacts

Classic Tours Tramways 377 Camden Road London N7 0SH Phone: 020 7619 0066 Fax: 020 7619 0077

Embassy of Argentina in the UK 27 Three Kings Yard Mayfair London W1K 4DF Phone: 020 7318 1340 Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 to 1:00

British Embassy in Buenos Aires (Argentina) Ambassador: John Hughes Dr Luis Agote 2412 (1425) Buenos Aires Phone: 0054 (11) 4808 2200

British Consulate in Santiago (Chile) Avda. El Bosque Norte 0125 Las Condes Santiago Phone: 56 2 370 4100 www.lonelyplanet.com (country information) www.travel-guides.com (country information) www.fco.gov.uk (travel advice from the Foreign Office) www.baa.co.uk (to check if flights are on time)

Welcome Pack | 15 After the Event

Congratulations, you’ve done it! Now you can sit back, relax and have that long cold drink you’ve been waiting for. So that we can put your money to use and send a thank you for your hard work, please pay the remaining 20% of your sponsorship in by 14 March 2016. There are several ways you can donate your money, please do one of the following:

AT THE BANK Pay your sponsorship into your NatWest branch using the specially coded paying-in slips. Please ensure that you use our paying-in slips and not the general NatWest ones, otherwise we have no way of tracing where the money has come from and will be unable to acknowledge your valued contribution properly.

BY POST Send a cheque made payable to ‘Meningitis Now’ to the below address, with a note stating your name, supporter number, address and that it’s for the 2016 Patagonia Trek.

Meningitis Now Fern House Bath Road Stroud Glos, GL5 3TJ

OVER THE PHONE Call us on 0845 120 4530 to make a credit or debit card payment over the phone. You can pay in donations and the proceeds from any fundraising events as often as you like and at any time.

Depending on when you pay your sponsorship in, we will acknowledge your payment within one month by letter or email to let you know the money has arrived safely and to update you on the total you have raised to date. Please also keep your own record of any monies paid in. Further paying-in slips can be provided upon request.

Fundraising from the Virgin Money/Just Giving websites is paid in on a weekly basis to the Meningitis Now account and will show on your record approximately two to three weeks after payment, due to the administrative process.

Send your sponsor forms back to us so that we can claim back Gift Aid on your donations.

Welcome Pack | 16 A Big Thank You

Thank you for taking part on this exciting and adrenaline-fuelled challenge to raise money for Meningitis Now. Every penny raised will be making a difference. If you have any further questions about this challenge, please do not hesitate to get in touch:

Emily Millington, Events Manager Telephone number: 01453 769028 Email: [email protected]

Tel: 01453 768000 Fax: 01453 768001 Email: [email protected]

Meningitis Now Fern House Bath Road Stroud Gloucestershire GL5 3TJ

www.MeningitisNow.org

Every penny raised will make a real difference in our fight against meningitis – saving lives and rebuilding futures, through research, awareness and support.

Welcome Pack | 17