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Is my departure guaranteed to run?
OneSeed Expeditions guarantees all trip departures. Please make sure you are registered with OneSeed before you book airfare.
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Does it matter what time I arrive or depart?
If you arrive/depart at any time on the scheduled start/end dates of your trip, OneSeed will arrange for airport transfers. Pickup will be arranged to efficiently transfer clients with flight times in close proximity (generally within one hour of each other). If you plan to arrive before the scheduled start date or stay past the end date of your trip, you will need to coordinate your own airport transfer (alternatively, trip extensions are available directly through OneSeed)
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Do I need a visa? What about passport requirements?
Visas are not required for US citizens for tourist visits less than 90 days, but you will need a Tourist Card (free upon arrival). Please keep your passport and tourist card with you at all times during your expedition. Check the latest Chile entrance requirements on the US Embassy website: https://cl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/entry-exit-requirements/
Visit the State Department website for Argentina entry/exit requirements: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Argentina.html
Your passport must be valid for six months after your country departure date. It should also have at least one blank page for any necessary stamps.
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What are the accommodations like?
While you can expect to camp most nights during the Chile portion of your expedition, some evenings may be spent at refugios (lodges) along the trail. We can’t guarantee a specific option as accommodation capacity is restricted by the national park for the 2021/2022 season. In Chile, you may be sleeping in single or double occupancy tents along the trail with shared bathroom facilities nearby. You are only responsible for bringing your own sleeping bag as we provide tents and sleeping pads. We recommend at least a 15° bag. You may access the refugio (mountain lodge) facilities near camp as needed for meals, drinks, or relaxing on the outdoor decks with amazing views of the park. On the trail in Argentina, you will be sleeping in tents and a basic mountain lodge for the last night with shared dorm-style bunk beds and shared bathroom facilities.
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What skill/experience level is required for this trip?
Level 4 out of 5: These expeditions require above average physical fitness. Treks may reach high altitudes and require high levels of physical exertion. No technical skills are required, and first-time trekkers are welcome. Typical days require 5-10 hours of trekking, and some expeditions include significant elevation changes.
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How should I prepare for the trip?
While the elevation is not much of a factor on this trip (the highest elevation you will reach is 3,608 feet), daily mileage can range from 6-13 miles and 5-10 trekking hours per day. This expedition requires above average physical fitness. No technical skills are required, and first-time trekkers are welcome. We always recommend that travelers break in their hiking boots before the expedition. Taking training hikes that mimic the mileage and amount of time you will be trekking in Patagonia is recommended.
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What will the food be like? Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Food on the trail is rich in carbohydrates and protein since you'll be burning calories like a champ. Breakfast at the refugios may include eggs, fruit, cereal, lunch meat, cheese, toast, coffee, tea, and juice. Lunch is usually a sandwich made by your guide, fruit, snack bars, and some chocolate. Dinner may include meals like chicken with mashed potatoes, pasta, beef and rice, salad, soup, etc. While extra snacks are not included, you will have plenty of food during the trek. Travelers also have the option of purchasing snacks at the refugios, so having extra cash on hand is helpful. We do recommend any vegan travelers bring extra protein bars. OneSeed is able to accommodate most allergies and dietary preferences.
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Will we need to filter water?
The water along the trail is safe to drink, whether that's straight from the tap or off a glacier.
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What skill/experience level is required for this trip?
Level 4 out of 5: These expeditions require above average physical fitness. Treks may reach high altitudes and require high levels of physical exertion. No technical skills are required, and first-time trekkers are welcome. Typical days require 5-10 hours of trekking, and some expeditions include significant elevation changes.
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What will the weather be like?
Weather in Patagonia is always unpredictable which is why we recommend a slightly more comprehensive packing list (see above). A sunny warm day can turn on a dime and end in rain or snow. It never hurts to prep for both!
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Do you offer gear rentals?
No, there is no gear rental available on this trip.
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When and how do I meet up with the group?
Day 1 of the itinerary is the arrival day. You can plan your arrival at any time on Day 1. You will be picked up and taken to the hotel in Santiago to meet up with the rest of your group.
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How should I train for my trek?
While the elevation is not much of a factor on this trip, daily mileage can range from 6-13 miles and 5-10 trekking hours per day. This expedition requires above average physical fitness. No technical skills are required, and first-time trekkers are welcome. We always recommend that travelers break in their hiking boots before the expedition. Taking training hikes that mimic the mileage and amount of time you will be trekking in Patagonia is recommended.
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What is the maximum number of guests per trip?
We operate trips from 1 person to a max of around 10 people, though some may be larger depending on the expedition.
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Is there a minimum age required for this trip?
Yes, the minimum age is 16 years old with a parent or guardian, to travel alone you must be 18 years or older.
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How are we getting from Chile to Argentina?
Your Chile guide will drop you off at the Puerto Natales bus station where they will see you off on your coach bus to Argentina. Continue by bus about an hour to the Argentinian border where you will go through customs. There is a rest stop at the border crossing with restrooms, refreshments for purchase, and a money exchange. Once you have cleared customs, continue on the same bus to El Calafate, about another two hours of drive time. The total trip to El Calafate takes about five hours depending on customs. Disembark the bus in El Calafate where you will be greeted by a driver holding a OneSeed sign. If you do not see your driver after 15 minutes, please contact Sergio via WhatsApp or email, and he will help you to coordinate with your driver (contact information is in your welcome packet). Make a pit stop by our offices in Calafate before continuing by van to the lodge in El Chaltén, about three more hours.
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Does someone carry my pack?
You are responsible for carrying your backpack during the entirety of your trip. Some days you will be able to leave your large pack at the refugio and only carry a daypack if you are returning to that refugio.
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Can I leave some of my luggage in the hotel during the trek?
You will be staying at the same hotel before and after your trek in Puerto Natales. Leaving an extra bag at the hotel during your trek is free of charge. Please keep in mind you are only allowed one carry-on (17.5 lb limit) and one checked back (50 lb limit) for your domestic flight from Santiago to Patagonia. Carry on must be within 21.5 x 13.5 x 10 inches.
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How much extra money should I plan on bringing?
You should budget for around $30 USD a day for drinks and any extra snacks. Optional expeditions like kayaking or a glacier walk range from around $90-$160 USD. If you wish to participate in these activities please budget accordingly.
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Do I need any immunizations or medicine?
Talk to your physician and follow recommended CDC guidelines found here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/chile
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Do I need to tip my guide?
Tips are always appreciated. We have developed the chart in the blogpost below to act as a guide. Averages below are based on per person recommendations. Head Guide: $6-8/day. Assistant Guide: $2-5/day www.oneseedexpeditions.com/blog/tipping/
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Do I need to purchase emergency medical insurance as well as travel insurance?
Yes, medical & evacuation insurance is required and we highly recommend purchasing additional trip cancellation insurance after booking your flights (we recommend World Nomads). Trip insurance may cover the following: trip cancellation due to an injury before your expedition, trip cancellation due to illness, reimbursement if your flight is canceled or delayed due to weather, lost baggage or theft, 24-hour customer support.
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I see that 10% of my trip cost is invested locally, what does that mean?
At OneSeed they believe that adventure and entrepreneurial hustle go hand in hand. Whether you’re trekking through Patagonia or taking the next step towards financial independence, it’s an endeavor that takes dedication and risk. That’s why when you travel with OneSeed, 10% of your trip cost is invested in local entrepreneurs - empowering our fellow risk-takers to launch or expand their business. OneSeed partners with local microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the countries where they operate. They invest 10 percent of our total revenue in these partners, who in turn lend this seed capital to small-scale entrepreneurs as collateral-free, shared liability microcredit. Entrepreneurs repay the loan over the course of the loan term as they launch or expand their business.
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How is OneSeed responding to Covid-19?
You can find several helpful FAQs related to Covid-19 here: https://www.oneseedexpeditions.com/covid19
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What if I need to cancel?
evo will refer to OneSeed Expeditions’ cancellation policy, which can be found here: https://www.oneseedexpeditions.com/terms-of-service