Preparing for your trip

Package:

Patagonian Explorer by Sea 2021

and refer to it as you prepare for your trip!

Checklist

	Item	Due
☐	Ensure you have a current passport valid for at least six months after your return date.	ASAP
☐	Passport Pages. Ensure you have enough empty pages in your passport as per the entry requirements at your destination.	ASAP
☐	Complete your registration. You'll receive a link to the registration form after you complete your booking.	Within 5 days of booking
☐	Make your final payment if any balance is due.	See your invoice
☐	Book connecting flights to your departure city, if necessary. (Please confirm your international flight schedule first!)	After receiving your e-tickets
☐	Make advance seat reservations for your international flight, if you have a preference.	After receiving your e-tickets
☐	Request any additions or changes you may still want to make to your trip.	by final payment due date
☐	Obtain any necessary travel visas and review any requirements for entry.	See below
☐	Print your itinerary and other final documents which we will send you via email by 14 days prior to travel.	Prior to travel
☐	Print your policy documents if you purchased travel insurance, and carry them with you.	Prior to travel
☐	Enroll in The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) if you're a U.S. citizen or national, so the State Dept. can locate and assist you in case of an emergency.	Prior to travel
☐	Confirm your flight times and any special meal requests with the airline, and print and carry a copy of your e-ticket.	72 hours prior to travel
☐	Check in for your flights online and download/print your boarding passes (if available).	24 hours prior to travel
☐	Arrive at the airport, ready for the trip of a lifetime!	3½ hours prior to departure

Documents & Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are provided for your convenience. However, unless otherwise stated, it is your responsibility to determine the requirements that apply to you and your trip and to comply with them, including obtaining any necessary visas or other travel documents by the required deadlines and carrying them with you.

U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Argentina or Chile.

Originating from

Passport

Departing

COVID-19

Argentina Entry Requirements

Advice from Friendly Planet

All information provided below pertains to U.S. passport holders only. Non-U.S. Citizens should check with the appropriate foreign consular representative.

You don't need a visa for Argentina if you have a United States passport.

Mandatory Travel Health Insurance Requirement

To be granted entry, your insurance policy must cover the entire duration of your stay and meet the following minimum requirements:

Medical and hospital care: For accidents or illness.
24/7 emergency assistance: Access to a 24-hour phone line for help.
COVID-19 treatment: Services related to coronavirus, including hospitalization.
Medical evacuation or repatriation: Transportation for health reasons or in the event of death.

We suggest you verify this information with the relevant embassy or consulate or (if you're a U.S. passport holder) with the U.S. State Dept.

Chile Entry Requirements

Advice from Friendly Planet

All information provided below pertains to U.S. passport holders only. Non-U.S. Citizens should check with the appropriate foreign consular representative.

You don't need a visa for Chile if you have a United States passport.

We suggest you verify this information with the relevant embassy or consulate or (if you're a U.S. passport holder) with the U.S. State Dept.

Patagonia Entry Requirements

Advice from Friendly Planet

All information provided below pertains to U.S. passport holders only. Non-U.S. Citizens should check with the appropriate foreign consular representative.

Please see entry requirements for Chile and/or Argentina.

We suggest you verify this information with the relevant embassy or consulate or (if you're a U.S. passport holder) with the U.S. State Dept.

General Requirements & Guidelines

In general, you must have a passport to travel abroad, which should be valid for at least six months after your return date. Passports expiring before then should be renewed as soon as possible. Passports contain at least 2 blank pages for each country visited. If your passport does not have this many pages, obtain a new passport as soon as possible.
if your passport and visa are not in order, airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding, countries may deny entry, and your trip may be disrupted. Travel insurance may not cover such losses.
Any changes in names or passport information should be reported to us immediately. Airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding if the name on your passport does not match your tickets.
Minors (age 17 or younger) departing and/or returning to the U.S. without parents or with only one parent may be required by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to present a notarized parental consent letter and/or unabridged birth certificate ( more information ). Many other countries have similar entry requirements, especially for minors traveling with a parent/guardian with a different surname; check with the consulates of all countries you'll be visiting to learn more.

Final Documents

Your final travel documents will be sent to you via email by 14 days prior to departure. These will include your daily itinerary, hotel and emergency contact information, and other relevant information. Please print your documents and take them with you. If you're departing in less than a week and haven't received your documents, let us know immediately!

Travel Insurance Documents

If you purchased travel insurance, please print and carry your policy documents, including contact information for emergency travel assistance and instructions on how to make a claim. If you purchased the travel protection plan we offer, we recommend you print the full policy.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

We encourage all U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows you to receive important updates about safety and security issues in your destination, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy, as well as family & friends, to contact you in case of an emergency. To enroll or get more information, please visit the STEP website or any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Flights, Transfers & Arrival

Questions about your flights before you depart? Read the information below first. If you still have questions, contact our air specialists at 800-555-5765 ext. 2 or air@friendlyplanet.com.

Flights & Tickets

For this package, we generally book your flights and issue tickets after your final payment due date.

Once we have issued your tickets, we will send you an "e-ticket receipt" which contains all of your flight information, including times, carriers, an airline booking reference number, and an e-ticket number. If you have not received this, or have questions about the flights we booked for you, please contact our air department. You will not receive paper tickets. We recommend you print and carry a copy of your flight details, including the airline booking reference number and e-ticket number, as some airports require this to enter the terminal. You do not need to reconfirm your flights with the airline prior to your departure, as we will handle this for you.

LATAM Airlines (LA) toll-free number: 866-435-9526

Aerolineas Argentinas (AR) toll-free number: 800-333-0276

To see full details, click the button to the right.

Want to reserve specific seats?

Want to request a special meal?

Looking to earn frequent flyer miles?

Interested in upgrading to business class or premium economy?

Flight Schedule

You will receive your flight schedule by email once we issue your tickets.

Airlines may change schedules at any time, even after flights have been confirmed, and we are not responsible for such changes. Please check for updates to your flight schedule prior to booking any connecting flights and again 72 hours prior to departure.

Connecting Flights

If you plan to purchase connecting flights to your departure city, we strongly suggest waiting until after your final payment due date and after you receive the e-tickets for your international flights, to reduce the chances that your departure might be cancelled or rescheduled or that your international flight times might change. Before purchasing connecting flights, verify the times for your international flights. Leave at least 3½ hours connecting time between flights, and if you are traveling within a few weeks of Daylight Savings Time changes (in March and November, when flight schedules may change even more dramatically), allow 5–5½ hours between flights. Nobody likes waiting around the airport, but missing your flight is far worse.

Airport Transfers

Scheduled group airport transfers at the destination are included with this package. Transfers are included only on the start and end days of the package. When you exit customs, please look for our representative holding a Friendly Planet sign, who will escort you to your transfer vehicle. In most cases, private transfers are also available for an additional fee. Please contact us for price and availability. Or you may instead arrange your own ground transportation to the package start and end points. (Note that there is no discount for any unused included transfers).

Arrival Complications

We make every effort to ensure our tours run smoothly and trouble-free. We do not expect any problems, and nor should you. But when things do not go as planned, here is what to do:

You miss your flights, or your flights are cancelled: Please call us immediately. If it is outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox, with a phone number at which to reach you, and we will get right back to you.
Your flights are delayed and you are worried about missing your included transfers: Please contact us to let us know about the delay, and we will notify our partners in destination. They will be tracking your arrival and will plan accordingly.
Your package includes transfers, but you cannot find our representative at your destination: Do not panic; they may have been unexpectedly delayed. Wait up to 30 minutes. Then contact our local partners in destination, listed on the emergency contact page of your final documents. If you cannot reach them, call us. If it is outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox. If all else fails, make your own way to the starting hotel (or cruise port), and we will refund you the cost of your transfer.

Packing & Luggage

Baggage allowance: In general, our tours & packages allow per person: one checked bag; one carry-on bag, which should fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment; and one personal item such as a purse or camera bag, which must fit under the seat. While most international flights allow a checked bag up to 50 pounds, on some routes to destinations such as Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico, a checked bag may not be included for free (you will still be permitted one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse or camera bag at no additional cost.) If your tour package includes domestic or regional flights, note that the maximum weight for a checked bag on these flights may be 44 pounds or less. Baggage allowances may also vary for some touring coaches and boats. Please refer to your individual tour guidelines.

Learn more about Baggage Allowances on your international flights. Note that our baggage allowances may be less than those for your international flights. If you exceed the baggage limits, you may be subject to excess baggage charges levied by the airlines and/or by Friendly Planet.

Regardless of the limits—we recommend a smaller size and weight for both your checked and carry-on bags. It's so much easier and faster for you to get around when you have fewer, lighter bags. For your carry-on, consider a soft-sided bag such as a duffel rather than a hard clamshell-type case, which may not fit as easily into overhead compartments or under your seat, especially on buses. For your protection, we suggest your checked luggage have a TSA-approved lock.

Luggage tags: Friendly Planet luggage tags will be mailed to you approximately 21–14 days prior to departure. Once received, please complete the tags with your name and contact information and attach them to your luggage. This helps ensure your belongings can be easily identified should they become misplaced during your trip.

What to pack: Check out our list of top 10 must-haves for international travel, as well as what not to pack. Pack smart: put your travel documents, medications, one change of clothing, and other essentials in your carry-on, in case your checked baggage is misplaced. And pack light, for your own comfort and convenience. For clothing, we suggest packing a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.

What not to pack: U.S. law forbids you to carry hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your checked or carry-on baggage or on your person, including explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids & solids, loaded firearms, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Common examples include paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, mace/tear gas and oxygen bottles. Restricted materials may vary by airline and destination. Some items, in quantities of no more than 70 ounces total, may be carried within baggage, including medicinal or toilet articles such as hairspray, perfume and certain medicines that are necessary during your journey. Please check with the airline and/or visit the FAA website prior to travel if you have any questions.

While on Tour

What to Expect

This fast-paced, escorted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, as well as climbing into and out of Zodiac boats. Because of this, and the fact that the cruise ship has no elevators requiring being able to climb up and down several flights of stairs, a high level of physical fitness is necessary to fully enjoy the trip. The Patagonia cruise portion of the tour may have up to 210 passengers.

Remember that you're a guest in someone else's homeland, and that you're traveling to experience their country and culture. Be sensitive to local customs and manners, as many things may be done differently than what you're used to. And while we have made every effort to secure modern and comfortable accommodations and transportation, please note that the standards in other countries may be different from those you are accustomed to at home. Overall, you will find a polite, positive, patient, and open-minded approach generally yields the best travel experience.

Please keep in mind that you'll be traveling with a group. Sharing your explorations with like-minded folks can often be a source of joy, and some of our travelers become lifelong friends. But traveling with strangers can also sometimes be challenging, especially in a foreign country. We ask that you be patient and respectful with your fellow travelers, including their needs and preferences. Also remember that you have responsibilities to the group—please be prompt for group activities so you don't keep everyone else waiting. Lastly, please defer to your tour leader, guide or manager. They are there for your safety and wellbeing, and to ensure the journey goes smoothly for everyone. If you have a problem with one of our tour guides or managers, please let us know, either while you're on tour or after you return, and we'll make sure your concerns are addressed.

Eating & Drinking

The meals included with your package are listed in the itinerary.

For all other meals, you're at liberty to dine where you like. Your hotels will have several dining choices, from coffee shops to specialty restaurants.

Please see above for special meal requests.

Special Needs & Requests

Please see above for special meal requests and seat requests. If you have any other special requests, including wheelchair or electric cart assistance, please mention your request when you book with an agent, or in the special requests section when you book online. We will do our best to accommodate them.

Country FAQs

Argentina Fast Facts

Overview	Capital: Buenos Aires Population: 44.69 million Currency: Argentine peso (ARS) Languages: Spanish Drives on the: Right Time zone: ART (UTC -3)
Health Precautions & Vaccinations	Malaria According to the CDC, there are no malaria areas in Argentina. CDC Malaria guidance: Argentina Yellow Fever The CDC recommends Yellow Fever vaccine for all travelers who will visit Yellow Fever Endemic areas of Argentina. Ask your physician for more information. CDC Guidance by country: Argentina Find a local vaccination center
Weather	Argentina stretches from subtropical regions in the north to the cool landscapes of Patagonia in the south, resulting in considerable climatic variation. Buenos Aires has hot, humid summers and generally mild winters, while Patagonia is cooler, windier and more changeable throughout the year. Conditions can shift quickly in the far south, even during summer. Seasons are opposite those in the Northern Hemisphere, with summer from December through February and winter from June through August.
What to wear	Argentina’s varied geography means weather conditions can differ considerably between destinations, so layers are recommended. Comfortable walking shoes and casual clothing are appropriate for most sightseeing. In Buenos Aires, lightweight clothing is suitable during the warmer months, with warmer layers needed in winter. Travelers visiting Patagonia should bring a warm, windproof and waterproof jacket, along with layers that can be added or removed as conditions change. Sun protection is recommended throughout the country.
Dining	Argentine cuisine is particularly famous for its beef and asado, the country’s traditional style of barbecue. Steaks, empanadas, pastas and other dishes influenced by Argentina’s strong Italian and Spanish heritage are widely enjoyed. Regional specialties vary considerably, from lamb in Patagonia to hearty dishes in the northwest. Argentina is also one of the world’s major wine-producing countries, with Malbec its best-known variety. Don’t miss dulce de leche, found in pastries, desserts and the beloved sandwich cookies known as alfajores.
Money & Credit Cards	The currency of Argentina is the Argentine peso (ARS). Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger businesses, particularly in major cities and tourist areas, and contactless payments are increasingly common. Cash remains useful for smaller purchases, markets and local businesses. ATMs are available in cities and towns, but withdrawal limits and fees can vary. Because exchange rates and payment practices can change, check current conditions before your trip and avoid exchanging money with unauthorized street vendors. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.
Shopping	Argentina offers a variety of distinctive locally made products and regional specialties. Popular purchases include leather goods, wool and alpaca textiles, mate gourds and accessories, silverwork, handicrafts and Argentine wine. Buenos Aires is known for its boutiques, markets and leather shops, while regional destinations offer locally produced crafts and foods. When purchasing higher-value items, shop at reputable retailers and keep your receipts.
Electricity & Power Adapters	220 volts. Plugs C & I. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world.
Cell Phones & Internet	Wi-Fi is widely available at hotels, restaurants, cafés and other public places, particularly in Buenos Aires and other major tourist destinations. Travelers with unlocked phones may use an international roaming plan or purchase a local SIM or eSIM, depending on their device and provider. Cellular coverage is generally good in cities and populated areas but may be limited in remote regions of Patagonia. WhatsApp is widely used throughout Argentina for messaging and communication. Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.
Did you know?	Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina’s Patagonia is one of the few major glaciers in the world that has remained relatively stable or advanced over long periods, rather than continuously retreating. If you see an animal in Patagonia that looks like a llama, odds are you’re looking at a guanaco! These wild relatives of llamas are native to South America and can be found throughout Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Mate is a traditional South American drink made by steeping the leaves of the yerba mate plant in hot water. It is traditionally sipped through a metal straw called a bombilla and has deep roots in Indigenous Guaraní culture. The Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral was the home parish of Pope Francis before he became pope in 2013.

Chile Fast Facts

Overview	Capital: Santiago Population: 17.91 million Currency: Chilean peso (CLP) Languages: Spanish Drives on the: Right Time zone: UTC -3
Health Precautions & Vaccinations	There are no health requirements to enter Chile, including no risk of malaria. Ask your doctor about possible vaccinations for typhoid and hepatitis. Center for Disease Control World Health Organization
Weather	Stretching more than 2,600 miles from north to south, Chile encompasses a remarkable variety of climates. Santiago has a Mediterranean-style climate, with warm, dry summers from December through February and cooler, wetter winters from June through August. Northern Chile is dominated by the exceptionally dry Atacama Desert, while southern Chile and Patagonia are much cooler, with changeable conditions, frequent winds and precipitation possible throughout the year. Because of these regional differences, travelers should check conditions for the specific areas they will be visiting.
What to wear	Chile’s varied geography means temperatures and conditions can differ significantly between destinations, so layers are recommended. Comfortable walking shoes and casual clothing are appropriate for most sightseeing. Bring a sweater or jacket for cooler mornings and evenings, along with a lightweight waterproof layer. Sun protection, including sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat, is important, particularly in exposed areas. If traveling to Patagonia, pack warmer layers and a windproof, waterproof jacket, as conditions can change quickly and strong winds are common.
Dining	Chile’s cuisine reflects its long Pacific coastline, fertile valleys and diverse geography. Fresh seafood is a specialty, particularly along the coast, while popular dishes include empanadas, grilled meats and pastel de choclo, a savory casserole topped with ground corn. Chile is also one of the world’s major wine-producing countries, with vineyards especially concentrated in the valleys of central Chile. In Santiago and other cities, you’ll find everything from traditional Chilean restaurants and lively markets to contemporary and international cuisine.
Money & Credit Cards	The currency of Chile is the Chilean peso (CLP). Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses, and contactless payments are commonplace. Mobile and QR code payments are also increasingly common, although they may not always be practical for international visitors. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns, but withdrawal fees and exchange rates can vary. Carrying some cash is recommended for smaller vendors, markets and local businesses. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.
Shopping	Chile offers a variety of locally made handicrafts and regional specialties. Popular purchases include jewelry and decorative objects made from lapis lazuli, a deep-blue stone closely associated with Chile, as well as copper crafts, ceramics, textiles and woolen goods. Chilean wine and products made from native ingredients also make popular souvenirs. In Santiago, you’ll find everything from artisan markets and independent boutiques to modern shopping centers. When purchasing handicrafts, look for locally made products that reflect Chile’s diverse regional and Indigenous traditions.
Electricity & Power Adapters	220 volts. Plugs C & L. Most Electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, CPAP machines and camera chargers, are dual voltage (100-240V) and only require an adapter. However, hair dryers and curling irons may require a voltage converter if they are not rated for 220V. We recommend bringing a universal travel adapter and checking your device's voltage requirements before traveling. Learn more about electrical standards around the world.
Cell Phones & Internet	Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.
Did you know?	Chile once set a world record for the largest fireworks display, with more than 16,000 fireworks launched in a single celebration. The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, with some areas receiving virtually no measurable rainfall for years at a time. Sopaipillas, popular pumpkin-based fritters, are a beloved Chilean street food that can be served either sweet or savory. Carménère was originally a French grape variety that was believed to have disappeared after the phylloxera epidemic devastated European vineyards. In the 1990s, it was identified growing in Chile, where it has since become one of the country's signature wine grapes. Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda was born in Chile and is celebrated as one of the country's most influential literary figures. Santiago was designed according to a grid plan when it was founded in 1541, following Spanish colonial planning principles that organized the city around a central plaza.

Patagonia Fast Facts

Weather	The best time to visit Patagonia is from October to March, which is the southern hemisphere spring and summer. Even in these months the weather can be unpredictable and you may experience the legendary Patagonian winds. In April, though the temperatures drop, you will be able to admire the intense colors of the foliage. Average temperatures in the summer range from lows in the 30s to highs in the 60s. The best strategy is to wear layers that you can take on and off as the changing weather may warrant.
Money & Credit Cards	Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.
Electricity & Power Adapters	Learn more about electrical standards around the world.
Cell Phones & Internet	Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.
Did you know?	Patagonia is enormous, stretching across southern Chile and Argentina and covering roughly 1 million square kilometers. Despite its size, the region is sparsely populated, with only a small percentage of either country’s population living there. Patagonia is home to millions of Magellanic penguins, particularly along the coasts of Argentina and Chile. Large colonies can be found throughout the region, making it an incredible destination for wildlife lovers. Patagonia is one of the most sparsely populated regions in the world, with vast landscapes ranging from windswept steppes and forests to glaciers and mountains. Its diverse ecosystems are home to wildlife including guanacos, pumas, Andean condors, and Magellanic penguins. Ushuaia, Argentina, is often called the southernmost city in the world. Located on the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego, it is a popular gateway to Patagonia and Antarctica. Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few major glaciers in the world that has remained relatively stable or advanced over long periods. Its advancing ice periodically reaches the opposite shore of Lake Argentino, creating a spectacular ice dam that eventually collapses.

Fine Print

Terms & Conditions: Please review our terms & conditions for this package.

Cancellations: If something comes up and you need to cancel your trip, please let us know as soon as possible. All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellation fees vary by package; please see the cancellation fees for this package.