• > Why go to Argentina and Chile with Djoser?
• > I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?
• > What are the accommodations like on this trip?
• > How is transportation arranged in Argentina and Chile?
• > Which excursions are included in the trip?
• > Will I be on my own to find places to eat?
• > Will I be on my own to find activities?
• > What is the best time to travel?
• > Are there ATM-machines in these countries?
• > When will I be able to see whales?
• > Will there be possibilities of going hiking on this trip?
• > Is it possible to extend this tour?

Why go to Argentina and Chile with Djoser?

Argentina and Chile will give a good impression of the diversity of these South American countries. We will use four domestic flights that help us cover the longest distances quickly. Other than that we will use our private bus exclusively, so we will be able to stop along the way where you want. We will fly to the Argentinean capital of Buenos Aires. Then we go on to the Andes, where you will be able to do some nice hiking or do a boat tour along the well-known lake route in the area of Bariloche. At the Atlantic coast many kinds of animals live near the peninsula of Valdes. Included in the trip is an excursion to the furthest point south on the continent, “Land of Fire.” In the southern provinces snow and ice define the image and emerald blue lakes and large deciduous forests set the tone of the color in the landscape. Another excursion in the program will lead you to the famous glacier, the Perito Moreno. A tour guide will accompany the trip.

I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?

It is possible that you could be the only North American traveler on the this trip, made up of Dutch travelers from Djoser, Netherlands. Almost all travelers from the Netherlands have a wonderful command of English and are willing to socialize. Many fellow travelers are willing to help with translations. The Dutch tour leader (who is a trip coordinator, not a lecturer) will address the group, first in Dutch. He/she will then repeat the important information to you in English. There is a breakfast meeting with the group and tour leader each day, which is a good time to review materials and to go over plans for the day. At some stops we may also have the assistance of a local country guide will address the group in English.

The overwhelming majority of people who book these trips enjoy the international blend but frankly, it is not for everyone. It is inevitable that there will be times when your fellow travelers are speaking Dutch. If you have a travel partner, it is much easier to blend in to conversation, or at least to have a buffer for an English conversation. A flexible and easy-going nature are essential when joining an international group. Single travelers may feel a little isolated at such times, particularly at the beginning of the trip. But as the group gets to know each other, socializing gets easier. Before booking, you can check with us to see if another North American traveler has booked. Singles who adapt well on these trips are typically experienced travelers, more independent type travelers or those who are comfortable with English being the second language on the trip.

What are the accommodations like on this trip?

During this trip we will spend the night in middle class hotels in rooms with private showers and baths. In the nature areas we will spend the night in nice, plain chalets where you will have showers and bathrooms shared with other guests. During our stay in Torres del Paine National Park you will sleep in a “Refugio,” a dormitory with bunk beds. Click on the following link to view some of our lodgings: http://www.djoserusa.com/hotels

How is transportation arranged in Argentina and Chile?

We will cover the greatest distances by plane. Other than that we will use our private bus in order for us to be able to stop when we want. The quality of the buses is comparable to the quality of American buses. Click on the following link to view slides of the transportation we use: http://www.djoserusa.com/transportation

Which excursions are included in the trip?

In Los Glaciares, the National Park that is on the World Heritage List, we will see the well-known Perito Moreno Glacier. Enormous chunks of ice break away here with great regularity and thunderous crunching into the clear glacier lake. Nearby the glacier you will be able to observe the ice mass from several hiking trails and viewpoints. Also the visit to the famous Tierra del Fuego, “Land of Fire”, from Ushuaia is included in the price of the trip. We will go by bus to the park, where we will be able to take several hikes with beautiful views over the Beagle Canal and the fjords where large colonies of sea birds breed.

Will I be on my own to find places to eat?

No. The group will usually have breakfast together at the hotels. The guide will suggest safe places to eat for other meals. You are free to join the guide and other group members at meals or you can explore on your own. He/she will give you safe recommendations. You will only pay for the meals that you eat so you have ultimate flexibility.

Will I be on my own to find activities?

The same applies as for meals. The guide will discuss suggested plans for the day with the group, first thing in the morning. Group members can either join the guide and other travelers for an activity, or they can explore on their own. Again, the guide will give fun suggestions for places to go on your own. Unless otherwise noted in the program, you will pay for your own entry fees for museums or sites, as you go. So you only pay for the things that you choose to do.

What is the best time to travel?

These countries are both in the southern hemisphere so the seasons are the opposite of ours. During our winter it will be summer in Argentina and Chile. Therefore the best period to travel in this region is from September/October until April.

Are there ATM-machines in these countries?

In most Argentinean cities there are ATM-machines. In addition to your bank card also bring traveler’s checks in U.S. Dollars and cash dollars in large as well as in small denominations. Credit cards will be accepted in some places.

When will I be able to see whales?

Humpback whales and orcas are seen on the coast of Peninsula Valdes from July until mid December. Excursions from Puerto Madryn are offered daily. The humpback whales come here to mate and give birth to their young. Peninsula Valdes is one of the best places in the world to see these whales up-close.

Will there be possibilities of going hiking on this trip?

Absolutely! During the trip through Argentina and Chile you may go on wonderful hikes. For example you can go hiking in Bariloche, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Fitzroy Massif and Torres del Paine National Park. Most of the parks have nicely marked routes of varied length and level of difficulty. We recommend that you bring good hiking shoes on this trip with good tread (tennis shoes are not good for hiking).

Is it possible to extend this tour?

Yes. When you book your trip you can request an extension (early arrival or later departure from Buenos Aires). The cost to deviate the flights is $100 per extension. Djoser will book these flights subject to availability. Please let us know when you book the number of extra nights you wish to stay. We cannot provide hotels nor layovers on extensions or layovers.