Activity Level 3: Moderate
This multifaceted adventure combines natural exploration by land and sea, with urban discovery in two iconic South American capitals. The 5-day expedition cruise portion of your journey brings you to Patagonian fjords, inlets, islands and shores for daily hikes, often with varying options for level of challenge. You’ll hike flat forest paths, sandy and rocky beaches, and more intense trails through rugged glacial landscapes. Onboard your comfortable expedition ship you can expect mainly smooth sailing, but in Cape Horn National Park there can be high winds and rough seas. Many excursions use Zodiac landing craft. Other activities include visits to a penguin colony and a winery, and touring in Buenos Aires. The highest altitudes are less than 3,600 feet, in Torres del Paine National Park. Patagonia is generally cool, with average daily highs between 43˚–72˚F, depending on season. Summer (December–March) is the best time to travel. There are two internal flights plus overland transfers in private motorcoaches.
Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Argentina and Chile. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. (As requirements are subject to change at any time without notice, we strongly recommend at least six months' validity.)
Neither country requires a visa for visits up to 90 days.
A tourist card is required for U.S. citizens entering Chile and is issued upon arrival. This card allows visitors to stay for up to 90 days and will allow multiple entries. Keep the tourist card with your passport; it is important not to lose it, as you must present the card to Customs when you leave the country.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Argentine and Chilean embassies for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Argentina or Chile.
Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Argentina and Chile.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
SEA SICKNESS
If you’re prone to feeling queasy, we suggest you consult your physician for advice on the best ways to prevent motion sickness. We recommend that you avoid showering when the boat is in motion and remain cautious of activities while passing through rocky waters.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.