Patagonia FAQs

GETTING TO PATAGONIA

If you are joining us on our Antarctica tour that immediately precedes the Patagonia trip, we will book flights for you from Ushuaia to El Calafate, Argentina. If you are only joining us for the Patagonia portion, you will fly into El Calafate International Airport.

If traveling directly, you’ll need to be in El Calafate by 3PM on November 23, 2026, where we will pick you up for the drive to El Chaltén.

It depends on what day and time you arrive. The plan is to pick up anyone not flying from Ushuaia at 3PM at the airport. If you arrive earlier than that, you can either wait at the airport or find your way into El Calafate on your own.

If you are flying directly info El Calafate, check your airline’s website before departure as policies tend to change and vary from airline to airline.

If you are flying with the group from Ushuaia, we will likely be flying Aerolineas Argentina. We book this flight on your behalf and you will have one free checked piece of luggage that can weigh no more than 15kg (33 pounds). If you think your luggage will weigh more than this or that you will have a second piece of luggage, please let us know. Closer to departure we can give you the cost of the additional luggage.

For citizens of many countries, you do not need a visa to enter Argentina. Please see our visa page for more details.

In the case of this tour, it’s actually easier/most cost efficient for you to book your own additional nights in El Calafate. Let us know if you’d like some suggestions for hotels.

The tour officially ends in the charming town of Bariloche. You may decide to stay on here or you can fly onward from here. Buenos Aires is a major hub so you may book your round trip flight to Argentina into and out of BA. If that is the case, you’ll want to book your return trip home from BA very late the night of the 30th or the following day. Our flight from Bariloche to BA is scheduled to arrive into AEP airport at about 12:05pm on the 30th.

WHILE VISITING PATAGONIA

At our request, bottled water is not provided because we encourage tour participants to carry their own reusable water bottle to cut down on the number of plastic water bottles that get thrown out daily.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in the locations where we will be staying but you may bring a water purifier, such as a SteriPen, if you prefer treated water.

Breakfasts are buffet-style at the hotels and include plenty of options for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. There are gluten-free options and some vegan options as well.

The lunches that are included in the tour are generally simple boxed lunches with sandwiches and fruit. There will be plenty of snacks available as well.

Dinners are on your own with many options in the small towns where we’ll be staying. There will be traditional Argentinian food (lots of meat) as well as many other options including salads, pizza, burgers, etc.

While we will be in the mountains, the altitude isn’t as high as you might think. El Chaltén is about 1,700 feet and the biggest hike we do there tops out at under 4,000 feet. El Calafate is under 2,000 feet.

In short, it’s highly unlikely that you will need any medication for high altitude but it’s best to check with your doctor to make sure.

There are no specific shots required for Argentina/Patagonia but we highly recommend you contact your doctor for advice on any suggestions for updated shots prior to the trip. Keep in mind that some vaccinations require a series of shots, so you’ll want to get the process started early in case it takes several months to finish the round.

It depends on your fitness level and your balance. If you’re relatively steady and have good walking shoes, you may not need to bring hiking poles with you but this will be a decision you’ll need to make.

We’ve heard mixed feedback on this and it may just depend on the poles you bring and what TSA agent is looking through bags. We do know people who have been able to bring them through with no problem, but you may not want to risk it. Even though we generally do not recommend checking bags (except when it’s unavoidable, like on small aircraft), if you’re bringing poles, this may be your only option.

We do try to make our tour participants as comfortable as possible, so please tell your tour guide if motion sickness is an issue for you. We can’t guarantee the front seat of the van or bus every time as it really depends on how many people in the group get motion sick or have other medical issues where they may need a different seat. Note that most of the drives are relatively short (2 – 3 hours), but the roads are somewhat twisty.

If you are prone to motion sickness, we suggest that you bring ginger, wrist bands (like this ReliefBand) or ask your doctor about a prescription. 

HOTEL INFO

Hotels are quite comfortable and are considered 3 or 4- star. They all have private bathrooms, heat and hot water.

All our hotels are listed on our itinerary, but you will also receive a list of hotel contact information about two weeks before departure (note: it is subject to last-minute changes).

They definitely have laundry service at a reasonable rate.

Most hotels will have at least shampoo in the showers, but they may not have conditioner. If you are particular about your hair products, it’s best to bring your own travel sized containers.

Yes, all hotels have hair dryers. 

Your items *should* be safe, but we recommend that you carry small luggage locks to secure the zippers together so that no one is tempted to peek in your bag.

When something goes missing, it’s usually later found at the bottom of one’s luggage. In the meantime, hotel staff are the first to be blamed. It’s best to keep your items (especially valuables) locked up so that this is not even a question.

PACKING INFO

While you will be more comfortable moving around with fewer (and smaller) bags, it’s fine if you need to check a bag. There will be porters and hotel staff to help with luggage at each hotel.

Note that not all hotels have elevators, so the fewer bags you have, the better.

Depending on the hotel, there may or may not be staff available to help with our bags. However, our guide(s) can help with this if you need an extra pair of hands.

Our November trip is at the end of spring/beginning of summer in South America. It can be quite warm during the day and cool (mid-40s) at night. Consider hiking in layers so you can remove outer layers as you warm up and then add layers when you stop to rest.

We will provide a full packing list once you’ve registered for the tour.

Not at all.

It depends on how much ankle support you need. At the very least, you should have hiking boots with a good grip on the bottom. Heavier/over the ankle hiking boots are recommended for those who need more ankle support.

The weather is generally pretty nice in November, but we might experience a rain shower or two. A light rain jacket is a good idea. Remember to dress in layers, too, so that when the sun’s out, it’ll be easy to layer down into lighter clothes.

TECHNOLOGY

Yes, all of the hotels have WiFi.

There are two types of power plugs commonly found in Argentina. Some outlets accommodate a two-pin round plug like this one:

Two Pin Power Plug

While other plugs may require this type I version:

Type i adapter

You will need a converter for any devices unable to handle 220 (hair dryer, curling iron, etc.). Most electronics these days (such as a laptop and iPad) have a built-in converter that protects the device from power surges.

We highly recommend the use of an eSIM while traveling. You can download an app like Airalo (use the code ELIZAB3290 for $3 off your first order!). Though there are some limitations while using it, it’s FAR cheaper than the $10/day that most cell phone providers charge for a travel pass.

If you are going to pay your cell provider directly, first contact them to make sure they have coverage in Argentina and find out the rate. Most providers offer such a plan where you only get charged once you connect to a local network. You’ll also need to make sure that your phone is unlocked (meaning you own the phone and are able to add an eSIM).

You can also use WiFi on your phone for data, text and calls.

MONEY MATTERS

The Argentine peso is the official currency.

Changing money in Argentina has changed dramatically as of late. The good news is that their exchange rate has become more stable. But that means the screaming deal we used to get by bringing US dollars doesn’t exist like it used to. (In 2022, for example, you could get three times the amount of Argentine Pesos at money changers—even Western Union—than if you changed money at a bank.) This also means it’s easier, and just about the same exchange rate, if you use a debit or credit card for purchases. For smaller items (drinks, snacks and inexpensive gifts and souvenirs), you may have to pay in pesos.

If you do want to take advantage of a slightly better exchange rate, there are Western Unions and casa de cambios (exchange houses) near our hotel. The hotel staff can direct you to the best locations. My plan is to bring some cash to change (newer, clean and crisp bills are best) and use a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) for any larger purchases I make.

Some stores will accept payment in U.S. dollars, especially since dollars are highly prized for the exchange rate. If you make a purchase using a debit or credit card, you’ll be paying for the item at the bank rate. It’s actually better to exchange your U.S. dollars into pesos (not through a bank–see above) and then pay in pesos.

It’s best to have newer bills (2006 or later) rather than old or torn bills. Sometimes shopkeepers and money changers won’t take bills that are not in good shape. As an example, make sure your $100 bills have a blue streak down the middle. These are the newer bills.

A tip is included for both guides and drivers, but we suggest leaving a tip for the cleaning staff at the hotels, just as you would do at a hotel elsewhere. $2 – $5 a night is appropriate.

Expect to bargain in shops and open-air markets, even where items have prices marked on them. In many shops, there may not be any prices noted in which case you should start a counteroffer at half the price the vendor is asking and go from there. You’ll particularly have luck bargaining if you’re purchasing more than one item from the same vendor. 

WANDERTOURS TRAVEL DETAILS

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We partner with Travel Insured International. We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance (no matter who your provider is) to protect your travel investment from any future issues.

Once you have paid a deposit, there is a cancellation fee if you cannot join us. The cancellation fee depends on the tour and how far in advance of the tour you cancel. Our refund policy is covered in our Booking Terms and Conditions and is also outlined on the Registration Form that you’ll receive within 24 hours of registering with a deposit.  

Any refunds will be sent by check within two weeks of our receiving written notification of your cancellation (email notification is fine). We will respond via email and ask for confirmation of your mailing address for any refunds. Address must be confirmed within six months, otherwise expect forfeiture of refund as we close out our books at that time.