Planning guide

Getting there

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ways of flying to Buenos Aires, where to stay, what to do, where to go. Shopping, restaurants and tango. Good links to help you through.
Go to Buenos Aires planning guide

Santiago, Chile

Ways of flying to Santiago, where to stay, what to do, where to go. Shopping, restaurants and wine tours. Good links to help you through.
Go to Santiago planning guide

Punta Arenas, Chile

Ways of flying to Punta Arenas, what else to plan in a visit to the Patagonia, where to stay and visit. Tours and restaurants. Good links to help you through.
Go to Punta Arenas planning guide

Ushuaia, Argentina

WWhat else to include in your trip to this small town. Other tours and places to visit, national park and museums.
Go to Ushuaia planning guide

Moving around

Some things you should know about your destination to make your trip more enjoyable.

Changing money

There are plenty of ATMs in both expedition departure cities. If you bring cash, local banks change American dollars, Euros and GBPounds. Travel agencies change traveller's checks as well. In both countries American dollars and Euros are accepted almost all the time, especially in places visited by tourists like hotels, restaurants, shops and museums.

Speaking the language

Spanish is the official language in both countries, but almost everywhere you will find people speaking in English or at least they understand. Touristic places are in both languages and the people working in those places are bilingual. Also, our entire crew speaks English, so language will not be a problem on board.

Renting a car

In Chile and Argentina you will find the main international Car Rental companies. If you choose one of those to rent a car, you will be able to pay the rental by cash or credit card. You may also pick up the car in one sity and drop it off in another.

Links to helpful travel guides:
www.virtualtourist.com/
www.lonelyplanet.com/
www.wikitravel.org/
www.footprinttravelguides.com

Equipment

You should remember a few tips to make your experience a smooth one, especially dealing with these issues:

City clothes

Remember you are visiting cities and places on the Southern Hemisphere during spring and summer. In cities like Buenos Aires and Santiago you will get sunny warm days during the spring and very hot days during the summer, so get very light clothes to wear. Walking is one of the best ways to enjoy these cities so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Patagonian clothes

Once in Punta Arenas and Ushuaia the weather changes as you will be on the Austral part of the continent. Even during spring and summer you can get strong winds and rain. Special jackets and shoes are recommended. Temperature might go down during windy days, but if it is sunny, you might enjoy a warm summer day.

Gear

Trekking shoes are better to walk around in the Patagonia, especially if you are going to do some walking on a park or hiking. No other gear is required for the normal tours. In Torres del Paine you are able to do a hard trekking to the base and for that your trekking shoes will be compulsory. A back-pack is the best idea to carry your own clothes and equipment. Sun glasses, sun block lotion, camera and extra batteries, personal medicines.

Please remember Chile and Argentina are 220v countries, consider it when packing electrical devices like battery chargers, shaving machines, etc.

Before you leave home

Some good tips to review and remember when planning your trip and before leaving home.

Visas required

Visas are NOT required for Argentina and Chile for most nationalities. We do suggest that you please check with your local consulate for your particular requirements.

Health insurance

Antarctic Dream recommends that you have a travel insurance that covers any medical situation ashore as well as medical evacuation, if needed, from any remote area like the Antarctica.

Maybe a fast photography course...

This unique experience is worth taking back home high quality photographic memories. As you are going to visit one of the most amazing places in the world, we recommend that you know how to use your camera. Please take a view to the camera manual and bring everything you will need. Most of the local guides are very fond of photography and might be able to help you get the best pictures and store them properly.