F.A.Q.
• Like worldwide, hotel rooms check-in time is 3:00pm, check –out is at 12 pm. Due to the high tourist season early check in is not always possible even with OAT priority on access to rooms. Please be prepared to wait.
• Upon entry to Brazil and Chile you will receive an immigration document that will be required when leaving. Save it with your passport.
• It’s recommended to leave your passport at the hotel, it’s not necessary to carry it. Make photocopies of your passport, travel protection plan, credit cards (both sides) and airlines tickets and keep separately from originals.
• Bring the generic name of your medicine, sometimes the name changes from one country to another.
Currency
There is no need to exchange money before the trip. ATM machines are available in larger cities and generally have a maximum withdrawal of approximately USD 300 per day. Please be aware that ATM’s give you only local currency. Bring US CASH, small notes (1/5/10/20) for small items & tipping but also big notes (50/100) to exchange. Certain Exchange Bureaus will only accept these higher notes.
Please advise your bank you that you will be traveling to South America, sometimes other countries are automatically blocked. Also make sure you have the 4 to 6 numbered pin code for your credit card.
In Brazil, American dollar notes are not accepted, ONLY LOCAL CURRENCY. So, we recommend you handle Brazilian currency (Reais). You can either use the ATM’s at the airport or around the hotel or go to an official exchange office. Take note that not all ATM's will work for you, you should use the ATM's of the following Banks: City Bank, HSBC or Bradesco (sometimes Banco do Brasil will work too).
Credit Cards are accepted in major cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Santiago, but we recommend having at least some local currency for small items such as taxis, public toilets, water, snacks etc. In Patagonia credit cards are not always accepted so ask before you decide to make a purchase. We suggest that you contact your bank to inform them of your travel plans and for specific fees that may be associated.
Dollars are also accepted in some restaurants and stores near touristic places. Please be aware that notes must not be torn or written. Banks and money exchange offices are very picky. Any imperfection and the dollars will be rejected.
Traveler checks are not accepted in any of the three countries.
Exchange rates mention above are just a reference, rate changes constantly throughout the day, Check current conversion rates at: www.xe.com/currencyconverter/
Reciprocity Fee and Passport
Your US Passport should be valid for at least six months following your scheduled return to the United States. Make photocopies of your passport, travel protection plan and airlines tickets and keep separately from originals.
Argentina
No reciprocity fee or Visa is required for Argentina.
Brazil
Chile
Electricity
Three different countries and trhee different kinds of outlets, those adapters will come in handy!
Argentina
Electricity is 220V in Argentina so check if your devices are for both 110v-220v. If they are only 110v you may consider bringing your own 110-220v transformer! Two flat pins, and a third “earth” pin in the middle.
Brazil
Chile
Most Hotels and "MS Skorpios III" do have HAIR DRYERS.
Water
Tap water in Brazil is not recommended. We will provide you with filtered and bottled water during our time in Rio. It is OK to brush your teeth with tap water.
Water is safe to drink in Argentina and Chile, so we DO NOT provide bottled water for this part of the itinerary. On board the “M/S Skorpios III” your will be provided water.
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE: To HELP OUR PLANET, we ask you PLEASE to bring your own water bottles from home to minimize our impact in the pristine areas we visit!
Weather and Clothing
There is no such thing as bad weather. Only inappropriate clothing
We know packing for this trip is challenging, since we go from warm and humid Rio de Janeiro, that can be around 80-90F, to Patagonia, where temperatures drop from 60 to 30F, and winds can easily speed up to 60 miles per hour.
Casual, comfortable, functional clothing is key.
Sunblock over SPF 45, sunblock Lipstick and sunglasses are a MUST throughout your trip.
• Rio de Janeiro LATITUD 23 S – Tropical climate 80-100F with 90% humidity. Expect rain.
Light t-shirts or shirts, light shorts, hat, good walking shoes. Light rain jacket.
• Iguassu Falls LATITUD 26S - Sub Tropical weather 80-100F with 90% humidity plus tropical showers at any time.
Light t-shirts or shirts, light shorts, hat, good walking shoes. Light rain jacket.
• Buenos Aires LATITUD 34 S – Hottest months Dec through Feb when temperatures can reach 85-90F and humidity is also around 80%.
Light t-shirts or shirts, light shorts, hat, light walking shoes.
• Patagonia LATITUD 51-56 S (THE END of the WORLD)
The weather is UNPREDICTABLE, so expect strong winds, rains and even snowfalls at any time. The key here is dress in LAYERS:
LAYER 1 Closest to your body. (Insulated underwear or base layer). Warm socks.
LAYER 2 Cotton/ synthetic shirt or t-shirt. Hiking pants: they work in hot and cold climates and they dry quickly.
LAYER 3 Sweater/ fleece / down feather jacket
LAYER 4 Water proof pants and jacket. (Goretex, eVent or similar). Water proof shoes. We will hike across natural uneven terrain that can be sandy, muddy, snowy and wet so boot-like waterproof trekking shoes are ideal, so that you can enjoy all nature hikes and walks.
Extras: warm hat and gloves.
Hiking poles are very useful and very much recommended by previous travelers.
On board our ship SKORPIOS III, temperature is around 70 to 75F.
Shoes
Shoes should be comfortable for walking on uneven surfaces. We strongly recommend closed walking shoes that have a good traction and that are water-proof since it may rain during our outdoor activities.
Sandals, even better if they are walking water-proof sandals (like Tevas) may come in use in Iguassu.
Sunscreen
High SPF sunscreen (over SPF45)
Sunglasses
Sunglasses with UV protection.
Mosquito Repellent
Mosquito repellent with strong DEET. Preferable in spray or cream form (avoid aerosol as it is sometimes not allowed).
Internet
Most hotels have WI FI at the hotel lobby, so IPADs & tablets are very convenient!
No wi-fi or internet on board "MS Skorpios III"
Luggage restrictions
LATAM Airlines
Checked baggage: 50 lb.
Carry on: 17 lb. + one personal item.
Aerolineas Argentinas
You can bring a bottle of water or juice in your carry-on luggage on the plane during national flights
Arrival in Brazil
You will have to fill a form and present it in Migrations. Please keep it until you leave the country.
Land Only Travelers
If you chose not to book you flights or transfers with OAT, then you will have to get to your hotel on your own and here are some tips on what to do and how to get there:
• REGULAR: You can take a regular yellow taxi, these taxis have a "taxi meter", which will give you the amount for the ride. The fare of the taxi should be somewhere between R$ 80.00 and R$ 120.00 (see table on the far right), depending on the traffic and time of day (prices are higher during the night and on sundays or holidays). For these taxis you will need local cash because most of these taxi drivers do NOT accept credit cards.
• OFFICIAL: The best and safest way is to take a "Rádio Táxi", they have fixed prices (R$ 130.00). The Radio-taxi companies have booths in the airport in the arrival hall and they have the possibility to accept credit cards for payment at the booth. You will receive a voucher to take your taxi in front of the airport. This allows you to NOT change money in the airport (the rates are not very good in the airport).
Agricultural Statement for Chile
Like some parts of the U.S. such as California and Hawaii, Chile severely restricts the entry of agricultural products to protect against the accidental transport of pests. Chile’s requirements are very strictly enforced and incur large fines for violation. When entering Chile, we advise you to discard any fruit, nuts, vegetables, seeds, dairy products including cheese, flowers (including dried flowers), or unprocessed meats before crossing the border. You will be distributed an Agricultural Products form that you must complete. On this form you’ll be asked to declare whether you are bringing any fruits, nuts, or other organic products into Chile. If you are carrying any items of this nature, you must declare them on this form. Fines of up to $200 could result if customs officers find even a simple pack of peanuts or an apple.