WELCOME to THE ANDES TO PATAGONIA

This trip was designed by us (your local Trip Experience Leaders) and the OAT Regional Office in Argentina and Chile for you to have the most unique TRAVEL EXPERIENCE!

We will travel from the cosmopolitan European Buenos Aires to the most remote and untouched lands of wild Patagonia.

We invite you to open your senses to experience the tango, the mighty glaciers, unique native cultures, the endless steppe, lots of wildlife and the warmth of the people.

• We start in BUENOS AIRES by the frenetic rhythm of tango

  

  
  
• Then we fly 2 hours to BARILOCHE, Northern Patagonia and gateway to the lakes where we stay three nights.

• We then cross the Andes by bus on a full day adventure to PUERTO VARAS, Chile, where we explore the cold rain forest and the magnificent volcanoes. We will stay there two nights.

 

• We continue to uncover the mysteries of CHILOE ISLAND, where we stop for two nights, and where we will experience the Day in the Life in Rilan Village.  

• Then, fly south 2 hours for two nights in PUNTA ARENAS and then take our bus towards our hiking destination in TORRES del PAINE NATIONAL PARK, we will stay there  another two nights.

• We continue traveling across the vastness of the Patagonia steppe, crossing borders again into Argentina as we get to the town of EL CALAFATE, where we will stay 2 nights to enjoy mighty PERITO MORENO glacier before flying back to Buenos Aires for a final overnight in the city.

CLOTHING & WEATHER

"There's nothing such as bad weather. Only inappropriate clothing" - Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes

We know packing for this trip is challenging, since we go from Buenos Aires, that can be 80 to 100F, to South Patagonia, where temperatures drop from 60 to 40F, and winds can easily speed up to 60miles per hour. 

We are going on a real expedition so casual, comfortable, functional clothing is key. However, if you wish to bring a slightly dressier outfit for city evenings or dinners, it is entirely up to you.

Sunblock over SPF 45, sunblock Lipstick and sunglasses are a MUST throughout your trip.

Buenos Aires LATITUD 34 S

Light t-shirts or shirts, light shorts, hat, light walking shoes.

North Patagonia (Bariloche, Puerto Varas, Chiloe) LATITUD 42 S

The weather is UNPREDICTABLE, so expect heavy rains, some winds over 30mph but also temperatures over 80F! The key here is dress in LAYERS.

South Patagonia (Torres del Paine, El Calafate) LATITUD 53-51 S

The weather is even more UNPREDICTABLE, so expect horizantal rain, even snowfall and furious winds over 60mph at any time. The key here is dress in LAYERS:

LAYER1 Closest to your body. (Insulated underwear or base layer). Warm socks.

LAYER2 Cotton/ synthetic shirt or t-shirt. Hiking pants: they work in hot and cold climates and they dry quickly.
LAYER3 Sweater/ fleece / down feather jacket
LAYER4 Water proof pants and jacket. (Goretex, eVent or similar). Water proof shoes. We will hike across natural uneven terrain that can be sandy, muddy, snowy and wet so boot-like waterproof trekking shoes are ideal, so that you can enjoy all nature hikes and walks.

Extras: warm hat and gloves.

Hiking poles are very useful and very much recommended by travelers that already took this trip.

EASTER ISLAND PRE extension  LATITUD 27 S

Be prepared for subtropical weather with temperatures to range from 70 to 90F, humidity over 70% and no variation between day and night. Terrain is uneven VOLCANIC ROCK so hiking poles and hiking boots are highly recommended.

Expect occational showers and heavy rain as well as moments of strong sun. 

Hat, fast-dry long sleeve t-shirt and pants, teva like sandals are ok (but NO flip flops since terrain is volcanic), bathing suit.

IGUASSU FALLS POST extension LATITUD 25 S

 

This a torrid subtropical jungle region: 80 to 110F and extremely humid, plus tropical showers at any time.

Hat, long sleeve t-shirt and pants to be protected from the sun, teva like sandals (but NO flip flops), bathing suit a must. Mosquito repellent is a must!

 

LUGGAGE

We have storage room in Buenos Aires hotel. So, when going to Patagonia you can leave behind your warm-weather clothes. And when going to Iguazú Extension you can leave behind your cold-weather clothes. The same stands for Santiago hotel and Easter Island Extension. You can easily tackle this with a duffle bag.

WEIGHT ALLOWANCE

While in Argentina, our domestic flights will be with Aerolineas Argentinas. While in Chile, we will fly LATAM.

AEROLINEAS ARGENTINAS

Checked baggage: 33 lbs. Carry on: 17 lbs.

But good news! When flying Aerolineas Argentinas, if you happen to be over 33 lbs and below 50 lbs, that charge will be covered/paid by OAT on site. 

LATAM

Checked baggage: 50 lbs. Carry on: 22 lbs,

IS THIS ADVENTURE RIGHT FOR YOU?

This is an active and challenging trip, and requires a greater level of fitness than most OAT adventures. We will cover a lot of territory by bus! Be ready for changeable weather conditions, rugged and unpaved roads, long bus rides, and remote locations without immediate access to medical care. 

• You must be able to walk 3 miles unassisted over the course of the day across natural, rugged, unpaved uneven terrain and you must also be able to stand for half an hour at a time. 
• Good balance and agility are required specially for climbing in and out of the small boats and horseback ride. 
• You must also be comfortable participating in activities that may keep us out of the hotel from 6-8 hours. 
• But be aware that distances in Patagonia are huge so you will be spending a lot of time on the bus, and many days will start early (8 am) and will finish late (around 6.3 pm)
• In Bariloche we have 1 hikes of around 1.30 hours on steep terrain.
• In Southern Patagonia we have 3 hikes of up to 2 hours each on uneven terrain and possibly high winds (44 mph with gusts up to 56 mph).
• Hiking poles are much recommended by travelers who took this trip.

Visit your doctor - 

• Make sure you have prescription medication for the whole trip and to bring the generic name of that medication. 
• Do a dental check-up before the trip.  
• Hand sanitizer is highly recommended too. 
• If you are sensitive to gastrointestinal viruses, make sure you have your own medication.