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Is my departure guaranteed?
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Please note that there is a minimum of two participants required to guarantee each departure. Please wait until you've received confirmation from Mountaineering Patagonia before making travel arrangements.
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Are private departures available?
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A private departure is available with four or more participants. Additional costs may apply for private departures. Please contact our Adventures Team to explore pricing and availability.
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What's the best way to get to El Chaltén?
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You'll be responsible for booking your own flight to El Calafate, Argentina (FTE). Aerolineas Argentinas operates connecting flights out of most major international airports. From there, you'll need to coordinate transportation to El Chaltén. The shuttle service from the Airport to El Chaltén is available for about $50 per person. Private transportation options may be available for an additional fee. Please contact our Adventures Team to explore pricing and availability. It's approximately a three-hour drive to El Chaltén from El Calafate Airport.
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What is the average group size?
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Groups are typically between four and six people plus two trained guides.
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What are the accommodations like?
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Accommodations are a mix of tent camping while on the trek and lodges in El Chaltén. The lodging in El Chaltén includes a private bathroom and is based on double occupancy.
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Can solo travelers get their own room/tent? Is there a single supplement fee?
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The trip cost is based on double occupancy. If you would like your own tent (and hotel room while in town), the single supplement fee is $200.
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What is the food like on the trek?
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Breakfast will consist of hot beverages, cereal, and cookies. Lunches include bread, crackers, meat, cheese, trail mix, cereal bars, chocolate, and more. Dinners often consist of soups, a main course (pasta or rice), bonbons, and tea.
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What is the weather like in Patagonia?
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The weather in Patagonia is notorious for high winds and extreme variability. Days can range from sunny with temperatures in the mid-60s (15°C) in October to rain, hail, and occasionally even snow. Nighttime temperatures often drop down into the 30s and 40s (0-5°C). The wind-chill factor can sometimes make the ambient temperature feel much colder. Please come prepared for all possibilities and equipped with good quality rain and wind gear.
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What should I pack? Do I have to carry my own gear? Is a porter available?
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Mountaineering Patagonia will provide a full packing list upon booking. Expect to carry between 33 - 44 lbs in your pack, including the provided tent and food.
Porter service is available for five days of the trek and the porter can carry a maximum of 30 pounds. This service is an additional $800 USD. If interested, please contact our Adventures Team.
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How much extra money should people budget?
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Mountaineering Patagonia recommends bringing an extra $200 - 300 in cash for dinners, drinks, tips, etc.
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Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, do you have a recommended provider?
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We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. For travel insurance, we recommend VisitorsCoverage as a provider.
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Are there special requirements for entry into the destination I am visiting?
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We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.
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Can I cancel or modify my trip?
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Yes! Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply.
New For 2022 and 2023 Departures: We’re providing more flexible booking options on this trip.
Up to 30 days prior to departure*
You may postpone or modify your trip up to 30 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one year of your original departure date, or
2) Select a new adventure or destination, or
3) Receive 100% lifetime store credit toward a future trip.
*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a date within the same travel season one year from your original departure date to avoid any additional trip costs.
For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.