NEW
Argentina · Chile · South America
Trip code: WPHiking in Patagonia - Glaciers & Torres del Paine
12 daysGrade NoneMinimum age 16Max group size 12
From
NZ$13,030
Prices and availability are confirmed by our regional travel experts.
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Hiking in Patagonia - Glaciers & Torres del Paine
Discover one of the world's most iconic hiking destinations, taking on must-do treks as well as endless empty trails in off-the-beaten-track gems. Travel a route lined with glaciers, witness the majestic Perito Moreno up close and take a special ice hike on the Creston Glacier. The challenging ascents of the Fitz Roy Massif to Laguna de los Tres, and to the base of the towers in Torres del Paine National Park, introduce keen hikers to the majesty of this mountain landscape.
Trip highlights
Why we love this trip
Mount Fitz RoyView the Fitz Roy skyline from Laguna de los Tres
Glacier RouteHike to Creston and Huemul Glaciers and see Perito Moreno Glacier up close
Torres del PaineTake on a selection of walks in this iconic hiking paradise
Day by day
Itinerary
Select an option to view its itinerary. Contact us to confirm which itinerary applies to your departure.
Our tour of Patagonia starts in Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, on the southern shores of the Rio de la Plata. Since its founding by Pedro de Mendoza in 1536, the city has thrived on trade and its vibrant streets are a tapestry of European architectural styles, with Spanish, French and Italian classicism rubbing shoulders with the remnants of Victorian grandeur.
For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting followed by dinner for those who wish. There are no activities today, so you're free to arrive in Buenos Aires at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into either Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP) or Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), a 20-minute or a one-hour drive respectively from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will catch you up ASAP.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to take in the atmosphere of the San Telmo district, with its impressive architecture, or head to one of the leafy parks in Palermo. Alternatively, you could enjoy a spot of people-watching at one of the sidewalk cafes in Porteno.
Hotel Principado (or similar) · Buenos Aires, ArgentinaComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available
Say goodbye to civilisation this morning, as we leave the city behind, heading south to Patagonia and the town of El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. From here, we'll travel approximately three hours to El Chalten, stopping for an easy, one-kilometre (0.7 mile) hike to the Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall, a great little walk that is the perfect introduction to Patagonia's native forest and natural landscapes.
Our accommodation for the next two nights is at a small, simple hosteria just a short walk from spectacular Lago del Desierto. It has a mixture of twin and triple rooms, and depending on the group size, it may be necessary to room some group members in triple-share rooms. All rooms have en suite bathrooms. Depending on the time of our arrival we may be able to take a walk along the shore of the lake.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hosteria Punta Sur (or similar) · Lago del Desierto, ArgentinaSimple · RifugioSingle-room option not available this night
We hike directly out of our accommodation this morning, taking a slow, short ascent through beech forest to a mountain refuge located along the route. From the refuge, we continue ascending for another kilometre until the forest opens out onto the moraine ridge, with spectacular views of the glacier and the Cerro Creston peak. Here we begin the most challenging part of the day; a two-hour hike across a boulder field, with a slight elevation, to reach the face of the Creston Glacier. On a clear day, the Patagonian scenery is simply spectacular. At the glacial face, we'll don crampons with our experienced local guide, and take a walk on the glacier. No previous experience is necessary - this is an incredible opportunity to see the might of nature close up.
We return back to the refuge across the boulder field, and take the same forest trail back to the hosteria.
Todays challenging 16 kilometre / 9.9 mile trek is expected to take around 6 hours with 900m/2,952ft of ascent and descent
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Hosteria Punta Sur (or similar) · Lago del Desierto, ArgentinaSimple · RifugioSingle-room option not available this night
From our hosteria we'll take a drive of around 45 minutes to the Los Huemules Natural Reserve Visitor Centre. There are only 100 permits per day to visit the reserve, which gives us the opportunity to experience Patagonia in all its tranquil beauty, with the added privilege of sleeping here overnight.
After a look around the Visitors Centre, we'll take an easy walk through native lenga forest, past the Rio Diablo and the Diablo Valley. The forest will open out to the Laguna Diablo and our refuge, in the shadow of the stunning Cagliero Glacier. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy this magical place. After day hikers leave the reserve, the refuge guests have the glacier all to themselves.
There is no other way to reach this refuge other than on foot, and we won't see our vehicle again until Day 6. We'll need to pack what we need to a two-night expedition into our daysacks. The rest of our luggage will be transferred by vehicle to the hotel in Chalten.
Todays leisurely 7.5 kilometre / 4.5 mile hike is expected to take around 3.5 hours, with 350m/1,148ft of ascent and descent.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Puesto Cagliero Refuge (or similar) · Los Huemules Reserve, ArgentinaSimple · RifugioSingle-room option not available this night
After an early breakfast this morning, we'll hike out of the refuge back to the road, walking along Route 23 a short way, with views of the north face of Fitz Roy, until the bridge at Rio Electrico, the starting point for the classic trek to Laguna de los Tres. We'll ascend for 3 hours up a gentle slope with views over the Fitzroy Massif and Piedras Blancas Glacier. On reaching the Poincenot area, we'll stop briefly at our campsite (at 750 metres/2,460ft). We have the chance to drop some of our belongings here.
Our aim is to continue from our campsite, up the additional steep ascent to the base of Mt Fitz Roy and the Laguna de los Tres. At this emerald lagoon, one of the most iconic hiking sites in Patagonia, we'll be able to appreciate the enormous granite walls of Fitzroy and its nearby peaks, Poincenot, Saint Exupery and Guillaumet. We'll descend back to our campsite to spend the evening inside the forest. If the weather is poor, we may not make the ascent to Laguna de los Tres today, instead stopping at the campsite and making the ascent tomorrow morning instead.
Our base for tonight is Poincenot Camp. It's a simple campsite with all sleeping bags and mats provided. The camp crew have a kitchen tent and dining tent, where hearty hot meals are served to hungry hikers. A toilet tent is on site and water will be provided.
Today's challenging 21 kilometre/13 mile trek is expected to take around 9.5 hours with 750m/2,460ft of ascent and 400m/1,312ft descent.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Poincenot Campsite (or similar) · El Chalten, ArgentinaSimple · CampingSingle-room option available
After a camp breakfast, we'll set out for another day's hiking through the unique landscape of Los Glaciares National Park. If we were unable to make the ascent up to Laguna de los Tres on Day 5, we will rise early and ascend this morning. Otherwise, we take the Madre e Hija Trail, which links the Fitzroy and Torre Valleys between Argentina and Chile.
We'll walk past the clear glacial waters of the Madre (Mother) and Hija (Daughter) lagoons, and through Lenga Forest, on our way to Torre Lagoon. From here, weather permitting, we'll be rewarded with stunning views of Torre Massif and the surrounding glaciers as we enjoy a picnic lunch. Later, we'll continue our trek along Torre Trail back to El Chalten. We are reunited with our bags at our hotel this evening.
Today's moderate 19 kilometre/11.8 mile trek is expected to take around 7 hours with approximately 340m/1,115ft of descent.
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Pudu Lodge (or similar) · El Chalten, ArgentinaComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available
We'll drive the three hours from Chalten to El Calafate today, and in the afternoon we have a visit to the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, one of South America's most magnificent sights. Fed by the vast expanse of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the glacier covers some 250 square kilometres (larger than the footprint of Buenos Aires). At its deepest point, the ice is over 700 metres thick. There are a series of walkways at the glacier, which stretch for around 3-5 kilometres in length and cover both the north and south ends of the terminal face. Our Tour Leader will give us some of the key points, and then leave us to have some free time here to explore and wander as much or as little as we like - the magic here is in finding a quiet place to simply sit and take it all in.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Quijote (or similar) · El Calafate, ArgentinaComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available
Today we have a long journey of approximately six hours, as we cross the border from Argentina to Chile. Our destination is Torres del Paine, one of the world's most impressive national parks, situated amidst a region of ice-capped peaks, silent blue glacial lakes and wild hills. One of the highlights of our time here will be the views of the Torres, imposing pinnacles of sharp granite that are surrounded by glacial lakes and craggy ranges, formed millions of years ago. This is a place to keep an eye out for condors, rheas and guanacos - wildlife surviving in a bleak, but beautiful, landscape.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Hotel Del Paine (or similar) · Torres del Paine NP, ChileComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available
We'll undertake two different hikes today in Torres del Paine, each one geared to giving us the best overview of different sides of the park.
In the morning, we will hike to the viewpoint of Mt Ferrier, a steep hike that sees us ascending to an elevation of 600m (1,970ft), hiking through beech forest, which thins out as we ascend until views of lakes and jagged peaks start poking through the greenery. At the overlook point, the full majesty of Torres del Paine will be spread before us, with the Paine Massif and Grey Glacier taking pride of place. We then descend the way we came.
The morning's moderate 5 kilometre/3 mile hike is expected to take around 4.5 hours with approximately 600m/1,969ft of ascent and descent.
In the afternoon, an easier walk awaits. We'll travel to the icebergs and grey waters of Lake Grey, with a predominantly flat walk across the Pingo River, through forest and skirting the coast of the lake. This leisurely 6 kilometre/3.75 mile hike is expected to take around 2 hours.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Hotel Del Paine (or similar) · Torres del Paine NP, ChileComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available
Today we take a full day trek to Base Torres, the viewpoint in the park that offers the most famous view of the distinct granite rock towers that give the park their name. The entire hike is full of breath-taking panoramas, as we cross glacial lakes, passing through river valleys and mountain forest, culminating in one of the most impressive lookouts in the park, over the spectacular Torres - imposing pinnacles of sharp granite that rise up over 2,600 metres to pierce the sky. The paths are well marked, though rocky in places. It's a long ascent from the valley floor, with little shade or coverage for the first couple of hours. We'll reach a mountain refuge and campsite just prior to the final push, where we can have a quick drink and a snack. For the final ascent, we hike along the Asencio River and clamber over steep terminal moraine deposited by a glacier, centuries ago. This final climb across the boulder-field is the most challenging part of the trek, but the sight of the Torres spires as they start poking above the rocks is just astounding. We'll take some time at the spires and their glacial lagoon to enjoy the views and reflect on the climb, before the long hike back down.
On returning to Torres, we drive back to our hotel.
Todays challenging 21.5 kilometre/ 13 mile hike is expected to take 9 hours, with a total ascent and descent of approximately 800m/2,624ft.
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Hotel Del Paine (or similar) · Torres del Paine NP, ChileComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available
We make our way back into Argentina today, heading towards El Calafate Airport. The drive and border crossing will take approximately 6 hours, in time for our afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. We will arrive reasonably late into Buenos Aires today - this city never sleeps, and there will still be time to have a final meal together, for those who wish.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Principado (or similar) · Buenos Aires, ArgentinaComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available
Our Patagonia hiking holiday ends at our hotel in Buenos Aires.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you need to depart from either Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP) or Ezeiza International Airport (EZE).
Included Meals: Breakfast
Route overview
Trip map
![wp-24[1]](https://pims.explore.co.uk/storage/assets/9122/derived/7b0c58bb7b67449181aef756dceede06.webp)
Activity information
Walking information
Walking
This trip includes 6 main days of walking of between 3.5 to 9 hours per day. This is a hike on iconic Patagonian trails, including the Laguna de los Tres in Chalten, and as such you need to be fit to enjoy the trip as well as ideally having some experience of mountain walking. Given that there are two nights where you'll be carrying your overnight belongings, we recommend that you do some training with a day sack of around 30L, carrying clothes and toiletries for two nights.
The full day to Base Torres, the hike to Laguna de los Tres, and the hike to the Creston Glacier are particularly challenging as they involve consistent ascents and, in places, some rough and rocky terrain. You should be prepared for the hikes involved. Please refer to the daily itinerary text for full information.
The full day to Base Torres, the hike to Laguna de los Tres, and the hike to the Creston Glacier are particularly challenging as they involve consistent ascents and, in places, some rough and rocky terrain. You should be prepared for the hikes involved. Please refer to the daily itinerary text for full information.
Maximum altitude: 1,200 m
Included in your trip
What's included
Meals
- 11 breakfasts
- 6 lunches
- 5 dinners
Accommodation
- 7 nights Comfortable Hotel
- 3 nights Simple Rifugio
- 1 nights Simple Camping
During our tour of Patagonia, we'll stay in a selection of comfortable hotels, simple refuges, and one campsite. Each accommodation has been chosen for location, comfort, and authenticity.
On day five, we'll stay at Poincenet Camp. Shared two-man tents are provided, along with sleeping bags and mats. The camp has a kitchen and dining tent and a latrine but there is no running water or washing facilities - water will be provided from a large jerry can. It's worth noting that it can get very cold at night, so warm clothing is a must.
On days two to four, we stay at two simple refuges - the Hosteria Punta Sur, and the Refugio Cagliero. Both refuges have en suite bathrooms, hot water and showers, and electricity points. In many ways they are very comfortable, but we grade them as simple due to their basic amenities. Due to their small sizes and number of rooms, no single supplements are possible here. In addition, it is possible (depending on the final group size) that we may room three customers of the same sex together in triple rooms. With smaller groups, we will use twin rooms as normal.
The Cagliero Refuge in particular will no doubt be one of the highlights of your stay. With astounding views and a private location right in front of the Cagliero Glacier, it offers a memorable stay.
In Torres del Paine, we tend to use the Cabanas del Paine. Surrounded by mountains, it's an atmospheric stay. Dinners are included here and are made using local produce from the surrounding farmlands.
On day five, we'll stay at Poincenet Camp. Shared two-man tents are provided, along with sleeping bags and mats. The camp has a kitchen and dining tent and a latrine but there is no running water or washing facilities - water will be provided from a large jerry can. It's worth noting that it can get very cold at night, so warm clothing is a must.
On days two to four, we stay at two simple refuges - the Hosteria Punta Sur, and the Refugio Cagliero. Both refuges have en suite bathrooms, hot water and showers, and electricity points. In many ways they are very comfortable, but we grade them as simple due to their basic amenities. Due to their small sizes and number of rooms, no single supplements are possible here. In addition, it is possible (depending on the final group size) that we may room three customers of the same sex together in triple rooms. With smaller groups, we will use twin rooms as normal.
The Cagliero Refuge in particular will no doubt be one of the highlights of your stay. With astounding views and a private location right in front of the Cagliero Glacier, it offers a memorable stay.
In Torres del Paine, we tend to use the Cabanas del Paine. Surrounded by mountains, it's an atmospheric stay. Dinners are included here and are made using local produce from the surrounding farmlands.
Suitability
Is this the trip for you?
- We've graded our Patagonian trekking tour as Moderate-and-Challenging. We'll be taking on various lengthy hikes with tough ascents and descents and some challenging terrain. This trip is for someone who enjoys hiking in nature and has a good level of fitness.
- We'll spend three nights at two simple refuges, geared around the outdoor community. We may need to room some travellers in triple-share accommodation depending on final group numbers.
- We have one night getting back to basics at a campsite during this trip. Shared tents, sleeping bags and mats are provided, however, there won't be running water, and facilities are simple.
- One of our refuges is hike-in-hike-out, and will require you to carry overnight belongings. It's worth it for the location, where you'll wake up with the Cagliero Glacier on the doorstep.
- Adding to the other-worldly scenery of this part of the globe is the ever-changing weather. Here, blue skies can quickly turn to grey, so you should be prepared for all weathers including heat and rain.
Plan your departure
Dates & prices
Choose a date below, then contact our team to confirm the latest price, availability and booking details.
| Departure | Return | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Jan 2027 | 11 Feb 2027 | NZ$13,030 | Call to book |
| 07 Nov 2027 | 18 Nov 2027 | NZ$13,500 | Call to book |
| 21 Nov 2027 | 02 Dec 2027 | NZ$13,500 | Call to book |
Departure
31 Jan 2027
Return 11 Feb 2027
From
NZ$13,030
Departure
07 Nov 2027
Return 18 Nov 2027
From
NZ$13,500
Departure
21 Nov 2027
Return 02 Dec 2027
From
NZ$13,500
Practical information
Your questions answered
Information for: 2027
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Accordingly, you should allow US$ 60, approx. 2'650 Argentine Pesos for group tipping
For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.
Accordingly, you should allow US$ 60, approx. 2'650 Argentine Pesos for group tipping
For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.
Tour leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend £20 per person per week as a guideline
Argentina
Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
Argentina's economy is in a messy state at the moment. Payment on credit or debit cards is not always accepted in shops and restaurants. Where it is accepted sometimes a higher exchange rate will be used. Shops may even charge a higher amount for payment on a card. We strongly recommend taking a minimum of US$ 400-500 of your total spending money in cash, mostly in $50 or $100 dollar bills. Smaller bills are not always widely accepted.
Where to change: Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATMs: Available in Buenos Aires and in the cities, but the official exchange rate to withdraw from an ATM may be higher than when exchanging cash. If travelling to Patagonia, the ATM machines are not always reliable with chip and pin cards, and we recommend carrying back up cash.
Card notes: Payment on credit or debit cards is not always accepted in shops and restaurants. Where it is accepted, a higher exchange rate will often be used, which is highly volatile but often extremely unfavourable. Shops may even charge a higher amount for payment on a card.
Credit cards accepted: No
Chile
Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The exchange rate with the CLP is approximately CLP 880 to the British Pound. We recommend you take some emergency cash in USD as the GBP exchange isn’t very good. Notes should be in good condition otherwise they may not be accepted. Please check on line for up to date information
Where to change: Tour Leader will advise on arrival
ATMs: ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in CLP. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable
Card notes: Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge
Credit cards accepted: No
Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. The weather conditions in the mountains can be changeable, and it can become cold, especially at night, so bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier and are recommended as a base layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans. A waterproof jacket is essential at all times in case of rain and wind.
-Breathable wind and waterproof jacket (you may also wish to bring waterproof trousers)
-T-shirts
-Long sleeved tops
-Midlayer Fleece/pullover
- Thick sweater/fleece jacket: A thick sweater or fleece jacket is necessary as nights can be cold. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweater or fleece
-Insulated jacket
-Sunhat
-Long trousers
-Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them)
- Thermal underwear: Comfortable around camp and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas.
- Gaiters: especially in November and December but due to unpredictability of weather any time of year could be necessary
-Swimwear and towel
-Socks (liner and thicker pair)
- Gloves, scarf & hat: Especially useful around camp in the morning and in the evening. Worth bringing two pairs - one fleecey for warmth and one pair that is waterproof and windproof
-Breathable wind and waterproof jacket (you may also wish to bring waterproof trousers)
-T-shirts
-Long sleeved tops
-Midlayer Fleece/pullover
- Thick sweater/fleece jacket: A thick sweater or fleece jacket is necessary as nights can be cold. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweater or fleece
-Insulated jacket
-Sunhat
-Long trousers
-Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them)
- Thermal underwear: Comfortable around camp and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas.
- Gaiters: especially in November and December but due to unpredictability of weather any time of year could be necessary
-Swimwear and towel
-Socks (liner and thicker pair)
- Gloves, scarf & hat: Especially useful around camp in the morning and in the evening. Worth bringing two pairs - one fleecey for warmth and one pair that is waterproof and windproof
We recommend you bring walking boots with ankle support- leather or fabric are both fine. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- High factor sun cream: Patagonia is very near the ozone layer hole. A combination sunblock/lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.
- Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb). Often a head torch is the most practical option as it allows you to have both hands free
- Camera
- You may wish to consider bringing a sleeping bag liner for additional warmth while camping
- Walking poles (recommended)
- Personal toiletries: Essentials are toothbrush/paste, biological soap and a small towel. Hand sanitiser gel are recommended
- Personal first aid kit
- On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials.
- Insect repellent
- Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)
- Dry bags: Useful for separating things out in your kitbag and keeping things dry in both your kitbag and day sack
- Waterproof cover for rucksacks: Can be useful to offer extra protection for your bags against rain.
- Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre). Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle. Water in Patagonia is plentiful and fresh, and with a Water to Go Bottle you'll be able to safely refill from streams. www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore
- You may wish to bring a portable power pack or a solar charged device for the night spent camping
- Sunhat
- High factor sun cream: Patagonia is very near the ozone layer hole. A combination sunblock/lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.
- Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb). Often a head torch is the most practical option as it allows you to have both hands free
- Camera
- You may wish to consider bringing a sleeping bag liner for additional warmth while camping
- Walking poles (recommended)
- Personal toiletries: Essentials are toothbrush/paste, biological soap and a small towel. Hand sanitiser gel are recommended
- Personal first aid kit
- On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials.
- Insect repellent
- Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)
- Dry bags: Useful for separating things out in your kitbag and keeping things dry in both your kitbag and day sack
- Waterproof cover for rucksacks: Can be useful to offer extra protection for your bags against rain.
- Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre). Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle. Water in Patagonia is plentiful and fresh, and with a Water to Go Bottle you'll be able to safely refill from streams. www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore
- You may wish to bring a portable power pack or a solar charged device for the night spent camping
Luggage limit: 20KG
Argentina
Argentina has a climate that ranges from subtropical in the north to cold in the temperate south. The Andes has erratic rainfall and flash floods from December to May. From June to September spring like sunny days temper the cold nights.
Chile
The best time to visit is spring (Sept-Nov) and autumn (March- April). Between June and September the heat in the northern part of the country is less intense. Remember rain can fall at any time of the year and the weather is changeable in the mountains. Easter Island has a tropical climate so is likely to be quite hot and humid. It can also rain there in the evenings and become chilly.
A single-room option is available for part of this itinerary. It is not available on the following nights: Subject to availability for your departure. A single-room supplement applies.
- Night following Day 2 — Hosteria Punta Sur
- Night following Day 3 — Hosteria Punta Sur
- Night following Day 4 — Puesto Cagliero Refuge
Argentina: Visas are not required for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens.
Chile: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.
Australians are now required to have a visa to enter Chile
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information.
Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta. cbp. dhs. gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding.
You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.
If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need.
Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information.
Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure.
Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london. usembassy. gov/niv/apply. html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www. cic. gc. ca/english/visit/eta. asp
Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Argentina
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Yellow fever is only recommended for those travelling to Iguazu falls. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Chile
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue Fever and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Argentina
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Chile
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.