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PRICE 2016 (in USD per person)

The price includes:

• Domestic flight Puerto Montt > Santiago;
• Ground transfers as mentioned in the program;
• 10 nights in hotel, 1 night on bus, 1 night in refuge, 5 nights with host family - double room ;
• Hike to volcano Sollipulli ;
• Hike to volcano Villarrica ;
• All the meals mentioned in the programme ;
• A road book with all the information necessary for the smooth running of your stay  ;
• A mobile phone to be in contact with us 24/7.

The price does not include:

• International flights ;
• Entrances to the parks, natural reserves and museums  ;
• Single occupancy supplement : $315 ( no single room available in the refuge and homestay) ;
• Drinks and personal expenses ;
• The comprehensive insurance and repatriation assistance.

... and more generally all that is not mentioned in « the price includes » section.

Some important facts

• National flights are included ;
• Transfers to/from airport/hotel/airport are included ;
• Accommodation is included and selected based on quality and hygiene ;
• Local partners are fairly compensated ;
• 3% of the price of your trip goes directly to support a local educational project for cultural and environmental development .

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Accompanying English and Spanish speaking guides

The day of your arrival, you will be received by an English speaking member of our staff. He/she will hand you a road book and a mobile phone, allowing you to be in contact with us 24/7 if needed. If specified in your program, he/she will also accompany you around the capital, giving you the basic practical information about the country or countries you are visiting.
During excursions, you will be accompanied by a local Spanish speaking guide, often also speaking English. 

During the ascent of Villarrica and Sollipulli Volcanos, you will be accompanied by a certified Spanish and English speaking mountain guide.

When to travel to the South of Chile 

The South of Chile (the door to Patagonia) has a temperate humid climate, with the southern area being the wettest. The best season for visiting this part of Chile is from November to late April (summer and springtime in the southern hemisphere). Temperatures are pleasant and rainfall less abundant, making this period ideal for trekking and other outdoor activities. The climate can be capricious in Patagonia, with fierce winds, rain and clouds scurrying across the sky at a fast pace, constantly displaying the extraordinary scenery in a new light. It is not uncommon to have sunshine, wind, rain and even snow on a single day, even during summertime. The key is to layer for cold weather and take off layers when the day gets warmer and wear waterproof clothing. 

NOTE : TransHumans offers the option of booking for you the international flight ticket; we will seek and book for you the best deals. Price may vary depending on the time of purchase but can vary between $1000 and $1600 insurance included.

Local Transportation

Travelling by bus is the most popular and cheapest way to discover the country. Classes range from Semi-Cama to Cama Suite with wider seats which are reclining to a horizontal position almost like being in bed. Distances are long and it takes nearly 12 hour bus ride from Valparaiso to Pucon. Bus lines connect major cities together. The buses run at an average speed of 80 km/h. For long distances, the plane remains the most convenient mean of transportation.

Formalities

PASSPORT & VISA : A valid passport is sufficient for most European and US citizens; a tourist visa will be issued at entry to the territory. If the stay exceeds the three months, it will be necessary to apply for a visa at the Embassy in your country. Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
REMINDER : Make copies of all your important documents (passport, flight tickets, insurance, and credit card). Leave one copy of each at home and pack one with you.

EQUIPMENT

GOOD GEAR WILL ALLOW YOU TO BETTER ENJOY YOUR TRIP…

Clothing:
 
Given the relatively wet weather prevailing in the region, it is essential to have waterproof trousers and jacket with you in your bag. Also bring warm clothes since evenings and nights are often chilly. We highly recommend lightweight, quick-drying technical clothing. Avoid rain capes as they easily get stuck to branches with the wind. 
Remember to take with you waterproof hiking shoes, hat and sunglasses!

Miscellaneous:

-Toiletry bag (biodegradable products are preferred) 
-Small quick-drying towel 
-Sunscreen lotion
-Insect repellent DEET (+ 40% for good protection). Also useful against fleas which can be a nuisance for people with sensitive skin.
-Head torch (with spare batteries and bulbs) 
-Bottle and/or camel bag  
-Pocket knife (checked luggage) 
-Money belt or pouch to safely store your passport, currency, credit cards, personal papers, insurance papers. 
-A copy of your passport. 
-Power sockets in Chile are those commonly find in Europe type C and Italy type L; Voltage: 220 V.

Medical Kit:

-Antidiarrheal medication (i.e.smecta and imodium)
-Antihistamine 
-Plasters, sterile dressings and antiseptics 
-Medicine for pain or fever (such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen) 
-Elastic adhesive bandage 
-Anti-inflammatory ointment or cream
-Water purification tablets 
NOTE : Most of these products are also available in local pharmacies.

Luggage: 

Please arrange your belongings in two bags:
 
-Small backpack (capacity 25/40 litres).This is your hand luggage you will take with you on the plane as well as every day during hikes, excursions and transfers. 
-Large waterproof backpack to check-in (capacity 60 to 90 litres). 
-Large plastic bag to protect from moisture your belongings in your backpacks.

HEALTH

Vaccines
The country does not present any health risks, and the water is potable almost everywhere. No vaccine is mandatory for Chile, but some are recommended:
-Tetanus-diphtheria
-Polio
-Pertussis
-Hepatitis B
For children and those born before 1980: measles, mumps - rubella.

Other risks

Try to avoid contact with insects. Fleas tend to be a nuisance for sensitive skin. Regular insect repellent is also effective against fleas.

Hantavirus

This virus is transmitted to humans by rodents called "long-tailed rats ". Infection can occur through direct contact with the faeces, saliva or urine of infected rodents. The initial symptoms of an infection are usually fever, headache, back and abdominal pain. Some strains of the virus can be potentially fatal when bleeding complications occur (haemorrhagic fever with renal or pulmonary syndromes). It is best to avoid all wild mice and rats, protect food from contamination and safely clean up any rodent urine or droppings in your home/tent. There is no vaccine.

Medical Assistance

Medical care is excellent in most tourist areas in Chile. For more remote areas, in case of urgent medical assistance, contact your Embassy in Santiago de Chile. We highly recommend you to contact your insurance as soon as possible.

LOCAL CUSTOMS

The Mapuche (People of the land) – Lake District – Chile

Reputed as fierce warriors, the Mapuche opposed the Inca and resisted the Spaniards for over 350 years. The conquistadores managed to eventually subordinate these hunters and gatherers by weakening the traditional social organization of their community. The Mapuche are a strong fighting people. Warlike but certainly not unfriendly, they love to receive and talk about their culture, their ceremonies, their gastronomy, Machi healers and their cosmology. Indigeno is not derogatory to the Mapuche, quite the contrary; while Indio is, so do not use this term when speaking to people of the altiplano or when referring to them.