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Quick Facts
Official name: Republic of Chile
Population: 15 million
Capital City: Santiago, pop. 5 million
People: 90 % Mestizo, 5 % Indian, 5 % European descent
Language: Spanish, Aymara Mapuche and Rapa Nui
Religion: 89% Roman Catholic, 10% Protestant, 1% other
Currency: Chilean Peso
Time: GMT minus 4 hours
Electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz
Major Industries: Copper, Fishmeal, Wine
Weights & measures: Metric
International Dialing Code: 56
General Information
Chile's distinctive culture has survived the turbulent events of its recent history and is thriving once again, thanks to a people noted for their warmth and resilience. Despite having the most European community in South America, indigenous traditions persist in the Andean foothills and in the southern plains, while some of South America's finest national parks draw trekkers and guanaco spotters alike.
Weather and when to go
Santiago & Surrounding Vineyards
This middle part of Chile is the fertile heartland. Agriculture is a mainstay in this area that enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with maximum temperatures averaging 82°F (28°C) in January and 50°F (10°C) in July. The rainy season lasts from May to August. Evenings and nights can be cool, even during the summer.
Patagonia
This area south of Puerto Montt and Chiloé covers about 30% of the total land area of Chile. It is a rugged, mountainous area of tremendous beauty. Westerly winds and storms often drop enormous amounts of snow and rain on the seaward slopes.
In the Magellan's and Tierra del Fuego areas, temperatures in summer average 52°F (11°C). Dampness and wind chill can make it feel cooler so be prepared by having a number of layers and good waterproof gear with you. The weather year-round is highly unpredictable, and in summer be prepared for incessant winds that do lessen in the winter. In the shoulder season months - November and March - you are likely to find the winds not as strong as they are during the peak of summer.
Important Documents
We strongly advise you to make copies of all your important documents (visa, passport, credit cards, air tickets, etc.) In case they are lost, it will make replacements much easier.
Entry Requirements and Visas
Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most Western European countries do not require a visa although US citizens do pay a US$100 fee (cash only). Canadians pay a $US55 fee and Australians $US34, while there is no fee for EU and New Zealand residents. A 90-day entry permit, renewable for another 90 days, is received on entering the country.
Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Go South Adventures and its operators will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. However,
certain risks are involved and should be recognized by participants. Thus, we highly recommend the purchase of
short-term travel insurance for our adventures. Travel Insurance is a cost effective way to protect yourself and
your equipment in the event of problems due to - Canceled Trips, Delays, Medical Problems, Baggage Loss or Damage.
Contact us for a quote. »
Important Documents
We strongly advise you to make copies of all your important documents (visa, passport, credit cards, air tickets, etc.) In case they are lost, it will make replacements much easier.
Immunizations
Before traveling to Chile it is important for the visitor to have the right protection against diseases and to understand fully what type of vaccinations that will be needed according to the regions he/she will be visiting. For general protection for visitors to Chile, it is important to have the following vaccinations:
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Hepatitis A
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Tetanus
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Typhoid
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Yellow fever
Customs
While flying to Chile, the attendant onboard the airplane will administer all passengers Chile entrance papers. Please fill these documents out completely. After exiting the airplane, you will arrive at the customs desks. You will be asked to show your papers, passport and will be asked how many days you plan on spending in Chile.
Normally, you will be stamped upon entry to the country with 60 or 90 day visa passes, but do tell the customs officer the number of days you will be in Chile. You will be given a copy of these documents. Keep them in a safe place, preferably with your passport, as you will need them to leave the country. After passing through customs, you will then continue to baggage claim and exit the airport where a Go South Adventures representative will be waiting for you.
Destination Arrival and Transportation
We will arrange your transfer to and from the Santiago and/or Punta Arenas airport, unless otherwise specified. After you arrive at the airport and as you exit the terminal, look for our driver/representative. They will have a sign with your "name" or "Go South Adventures" on it and will escort you to your hotel.
Money
The Peso is the official currency of Chile. Visa and MasterCard are the most recognized credit cards in Chile. American Express is less widely accepted. Please note that when using credit cards, merchants will often charge you a transaction fee in order to cover their costs. ATM machines (Visa/MasterCard/Cirrus/Plus), with directions in English, are a popular choice for exchanging currency at the official rate of exchange (user fees may apply) and are available 24 hours a day. They debit your account, distribute the money in US dollars and are widely available in all major cities and large towns. Money exchange offices, "Casas de Cambio," are open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and until noon on Saturdays. Banks are open from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 7pm Monday to Friday, and until noon on Saturdays. All money exchange offices and banks are closed on Sundays. ATMs are the only method of obtaining money on Sundays.
Carry your money in a way (money belt, wallet, etc.) and form you feel most comfortable with: travelers checks, ATM debit cards, cash or all three (you'll want to have cash in small denominations for last minute purchases, as well as airport taxes and miscellaneous). Most hotels also offer safe keeping for your valuables if necessary.
Departure Tax
There is a $5 airport departure tax for domestic flights.
Trip Budgeting
Re-evaluation of the Chilean peso and tourist sector inflation has increased travel costs substantially in the past few years, so that Chile is no longer as inexpensive as it once was. Allow $10 - $15 per meal for additional meals not included in trip price, and $0 - $0 for tips (tips for guides, cooks and porters is voluntary at your discretion). Please see tipping guide below. The markets can be a shopper's paradise - budget according to your tastes.
The markets can be a shopper's paradise - budget according to your tastes.
Communications
Email is the cheapest and fastest way to communicate while traveling. All major cities and tourist towns have email services; internet cafes are very popular and easy to find. Telephone centers are also available in any major town for international calls, if not calling from your hotel. Also, access to telephone, fax and email are always available at most of your hotels.
Health
Even if there are no required vaccinations for travel to our adventure destination, certain vaccinations are sometimes recommended. Each traveler is responsible for his or her health. Please consult your doctor, local traveler's clinic or county health department for the most up-to-date information on travel to the adventure destination of your choice.
Useful link for up to date health issues -
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/destinat.htm
Fitness Level and Medications
Participants should be reasonably fit and be able to get around easily since travel will involve walking each day, getting in/out of buses, planes, boats and trains. You should begin an active conditioning program before departure- walking, biking and swimming are all beneficial activities.
Before you depart for an extended vacation, you should consult your physician. Make the doctor's appointment no less then 8 week before departure. You will need some prescriptions, inoculations and perhaps some special advice that relates to your own physical condition.
If you have any special conditions or allergy that might require attention overseas, have your physician write a letter describing the nature of the condition and the treatment. Carry the letter with you. You should be aware that medical services or facilities might not be readily available during all or parts of your trip.
Food
As a general rule, travelers should avoid tap water, ice made from tap water, unpeeled fruit and vegetables, uncooked food, shellfish and street vendor offerings.
Traveler's diarrhea is common and easily treated, choose a remedy that works best for you (Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, etc...); antibiotic solutions are also available for intestinal ills.
Drinking Water
Bottled water can be purchased at any local convenience store, hotel, restaurant, supermarket, etc. We do not recommend you drink water from the tap in any location. If camping on one of our trips, you are not required to buy water as boiled/treated water with which to fill your water bottles will be provided every evening after dinner. If you wish to add water purification tablets to the water, you should bring those with you.
Special Dietary Requests
If you are a vegetarian, vegan, allergic to any foods or adhere to a special diet, please advise us prior to your booking so we can comply with your dietary requirements. We can accommodate any diet.
Luggage & Clothing
You will be able to store any extra luggage or clothing not needed on your excursions in the hotel storage.
Electricity and Adaptors:
In all of Chile, the electricity is 220 volts and 50 cycles. If you need to use electricity in Chile (recharge batteries for digital camera, hairdryer etc.), make sure to bring plug adapters and a voltage transformer that will allow you to use the equipment on 220 volts.
Useful Pre-trip Reading
The "CHILE": Insight Guide" provides useful and informative introductions into the regions, sights, history and culture of Chile. It is also full of practical travel tips and advice.
Suggested Readings for people interested in Chile and Patagonia:
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In Patagonia
by Bruce Chatwin
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Natural Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
by Marcelo Beccaceci.
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Trekking in Patagonia
by Clem Lindenmeyer.
A Final Note on Your Trip
We at Go South Adventures do our best to facilitate your adventure by arranging the multiple services that free you up, to get the most out of your experience. However, every traveler has his or her own idea and expectations of how the adventure should be. Bearing this in mind and considering our own experiences, we offer the following suggestions.
Suggestions to have your adventure meet or exceed your expectations:
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Take responsibility for your adventure. Do not assume your interests are everyone's interest.
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Address special interests (weavings, archeology, religious art, jewelry, etc.) or activities (mountain biking, horse-back riding, etc.) to our guides or hotel staff ahead of time. They will do their best to help you find what you want.
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Most information provided by the guides is to give you a general understanding of what you are touring; ask questions if you want more specific information.
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If you need something or have a problem, let someone know. Our drivers, operators, guides and hotel staff are available to assist you.
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Time in South America is more flexible than in the United States or Europe; the trains and planes do not always run on time, even if you do.
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Keep a book, journal, postcards or playing cards with you to occupy yourself when waiting.
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The more Spanish you know, the more fun you will have. However, please note that not knowing Spanish will not impede you from having a great time.
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Slow down and relax! You are on vacation, enjoy it.
You are the difference between a good trip and a great adventure.
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