Patagonia Expedition Voyage

“Voyage to the End of the Earth”

Oct 28- Nov 5, 2023. Must finalize and close trip by July 22

This is an easy trip of leisure, not a hiking trip. Price listed below the daily itinerary

Come be a part of an exploration voyage to a land like no other – retracing the paths of legendary explorers such as Darwin and Magellan in an expedition to the bottom of South America. With 400,000 miles of shoreline, Patagonia offers pure raw nature in wide open spaces – with soaring mountains, crystal clear waters and sapphire blue glaciers. Pristine, remote, wild, and unspoiled – this area long known as the “End of the Earth” is a world away from modern life, the way this planet was like before the intrusion of mankind.

This combination land and cruise program to the southern tip of the Arctic region is for our Nature Lovers! Each day brings new thrills – ride zodiac boats through glacier alleys and get up close to penguin colonies. Here you’ll find the wildest wildlife! Southern right whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions, fur seals, guanacos, llamas, elephant seals, rheas, Chilean flamingos, unique marine bird species and many more. Many of which have never seen humans before. And air so pure and clean, you can almost taste it.

Patagonia is a jagged land carved by fjords – a natural wonderland split between Argentina and Chile. These stark and stunning landscapes would take months to navigate on one’s own compared to what we will get to see on our special voyage to Lands’ End! We’ve learned the best way to discover Patagonia is by cruising these pristine waters. Follow the fabled maritime routes of the great explorers to areas that remain unchanged since their discovery. Unsettled. Untouched.

We start with a visit to Buenos Aires to tour the famous sights, then fly south to south to delightful Ushuaia and board our stunning new vessel – Ventus Australis. Specially designed to navigate these remote waters, this small award-winning expedition vessel is high-end with fine dining and wineing with expert expedition leaders! All your shore excursions and meals are included as well as open bar onboard, so grab a cocktail and sit on the deck while we glide through passageways flanked by snowcapped mountains with cascading waterfalls. We’ll cruise through the Straits of Magellan to breathtaking places like: Cape Horn, the Beagle Channel, Wulaia Bay, Pia and Porter Glaciers, Cockburn Channel, the Darwin Mountain Range, Condor and Aquila Glaciers, Agostini Sound and more.

Our past group of 46 here in 2014 loved every minute of this voyage. This time it’s on a sparkling new expedition boat and we limit it to a smaller group of only 28 AFS Aquaholics. It is sure to sell out quickly and it’s value-priced for all that’s included, even the extra fuel and port fees! We had to secure 14 cabins a year ago as it seems everyone wants to visit this region in 2023. October/November is springtime here, the best time to go with less tourists and the wildflowers are in bloom. Head south with AFS to ethereal scenery for your best photos ever. This land of contrasts, with its epic landscapes and abundant wildlife will surely take your breath away.

Our Glorious AFS Itinerary

Click for printable PDF itinerary (Patagonia)

Oct 28 – Fly from USA to Buenos Aires Argentina. Air details to come in trip tips later as it’s too early now. Flights from Miami are very affordable on LATAM.

Oct 29 – Welcome to Buenos Aires. (Land portion officially begins)

Welcome to B-A! Buenos Aires is the capital as well as the largest city of Argentina. This amazing city combines the energy of New York, the architectural feel of Paris, and the chaotic pace of a major Latin American city all rolled into one. It’s definitely in a class of its own. We’ll check into our hotel, the Kenton Palace which is located in the heart of B-A’s celebrated historic San Telmo district where art and tango are celebrated!

Overnight at Hotel Kenton Palace. (1 night)

Oct 30 – Buenos Aires Tour – Flight to Ushuaia. Group flies Buenos Aires to Ushuaia on Aerolineas Argentinas at 3:30 PM.

After breakfast, we spend the morning exploring Buenos Aires, visiting its most important and scenic neighborhoods or barrios. Glamorous Recoleta is known for its architecture as well as its stunning cemetery; Palermo has its amazing parks and gardens, May Square and the Pink House, and the Metropolitan Cathedral; picturesque San Telmo was home to the porteño aristocracy until the end of the XIX century and where the renowned antique market is held every Sunday; and of course La Boca and its Caminito Street where the colorful, Italian immigrants settled. The newest and trendiest barrio is Puerto Madero Area. Buenos Aires never disappoints as we take in emblematic buildings and palaces of unique architectural, historical, and cultural value.

In the afternoon, we hop our flight to Ushuaia which will take about 4 hours. Upon arrival in we will head to our seaside resort hotel for the evening. Ushuaia is Argentina’s most important city in Tierra del Fuego and southern most city in the world. It’s easy to explore this small town on foot to many wonderful cafés and shops.

Overnight at Alto de Ushuaia (1 night) B

Oct 31 – Cruise begins!

Our morning free to relax at hotel or explore the surrounding area. Los Cauquenes sits on the shores of the Beagle Sound and offers spa services as well as access to nearby activities. If time permits, our guides can arrange optional tours to Tierra del Fuego, Andes Lakes tour or the historic “End of the World Train”.

We will leave the hotel late afternoon and board our ship the Ventus Australis by 6:00 PM and find our cabins. The captain and crew will welcome us aboard with a toast and introduction before our ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. During the night, we traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentine into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as we turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.

Overnight aboard the Ventus Australis (4 nights) B/D

Check-in: 10:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs at Avenida San Martín 409, Ushuaia.
Boarding: Between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the main Pier of Ushuaia.

Remember that Australis requires that all passengers to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and to present their corresponding vaccination certificate when boarding. If you do not have this document, please ensure you check well in advance what information is required instead (sales@australis.com, northamerica@australis.com, europa@australis.com).

Nov 1 – Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay

Welcome into a breathtaking land of extreme contrasts!
Time to visit deep into the real Patagonia, land of extreme contrasts. By early morning, the ship is cruising across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition — and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland — Cape Horn is a sheer 1,394-foot-high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic and was often referred to as the “End of the Earth.”

The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument. Sailing back across Nassau Bay, we will anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station — which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area — we have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooden mountain behind the bay.

On all of these walks, you will be strolling through an enchanted Magellan Forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic fauna to reach a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay. Before leaving Wulaia Bay, you may want to drop something into the wooden mail barrel inside the museum. Letters or postcards dropped here are then hand delivered by future travelers – an ancient mariner tradition revived by Australis.

Overnight aboard the Ventus Australis B/L/D

Nov 2 – Pia Glacier & Porter Glacier by Zodiacs

In the morning, we will navigate the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in Pia Fjord. We’ll go ashore and take a short hike to a lookout from where we can great view of the Pia Glacier that extends from the top of the mountain range all the way down to the sea.

In the afternoon, we again board our Zodiac boats and sail between high rocky walls until we reach Porter Glacier. We will stop to observe its vibrant blue colors and listen to its sounds. If we are lucky, we may even witness some calving. We will stay here for a moment to discuss this incredible ice mass and take some photographs before returning on board.

Overnight aboard the Ventus Australis B/L/D

Nov 3 – Agostini Sound – Aguila Glacier & Condor Glacier

Early in the morning, we will sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound. From there it is possible to see the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range, some of which reach all the way to the water. We will disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier. We will be able to go right in front of the glacier for some stunning views.

In the afternoon, we will approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac — and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors who nest in the area.

Disembarkation time is scheduled for 12:30 hrs. in Punta Arenas. The disembarkation may be affected by weather conditions. We recommend that you schedule your flight from Punta Arenas after 16:00 hrs.

Overnight aboard the Ventus Australis B/L/D

Nov 4 – Magdalena Island and Punta Arenas then fly to Santiago, Chile. After a fall day here group flies Punta arenas to Santiago and LATAM at 5:45 PM

After an overnight cruise that takes us back into the Strait of Magellan, we anchor off stunning Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. Crowned by a distinctive lighthouse, the island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic penguins.

At the break of dawn, weather permitting, we go ashore and hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside the vintage 1902 lighthouse. Many other bird species are also found on the island.

After a short sail south along the strait, we will dock in the port of Punta Arenas at around 11:30 AM. We will then transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for our flight to Santiago. We’ll overnight in beautiful and cosmopolitan Santiago. (Depending on our flight arrival and departure times which are not in the system yet, guides will advise on how to best explore this elegant capital city with its grand squares, cathedrals and museums if time permits.)

Overnight Pullman Vitacura Hotel Santiago (1 night) B

Nov 5 – Santiago back to USA

Our morning is free until time for our airport transfer to catch our evening flights back to the U.S. B

Cruise/Land Price $ 3795 plus internal flights Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and Punta Arenas to Santiago. (These flights are not in the system yet but we estimate to be about $685 ($4480 total). You need to be on the same internal flights so the cost is added to the land cost.)

(Price based on a minimum of 26 participants per person twin share. Single supplement for private room throughout is extra $1398 limit 3.)

Deposit $500 June 22 $1650 due and July 22 final payment due

Includes:

1-night hotel Buenos Aires, 1-night hotel in Ushuaia, 1-night hotel in Santiago, 5 days Australis cruise in category Cabin A.
All internal airport transfers from Airport to hotel / hotel to airport / airport to cruise / cruise to airport by coach.
Service of local English-speaking guide during tours and AFS GTL.
On Cruise – sea transportation, all meals, open bar on defined hours (free of charge on wines, drinks, and spirits), shore excursions and onboard entertainment.
Australis cruise port fees – US $110 Per Person

Not included:

International air USA to Buenos Aires, Santiago back to USA and arrival transfer, Regional Flights – Buenos Aires – Ushuaia/ Punta Arenas – Santiago, it’s too early now, but we estimate these to be around $690. Gratuities for land portion ($45). Ship gratuities on own arrangement.

Australis COVID-19 PROTOCOLS in both Punta Arenas and Ushuaia. Season 2022-2023

Each passenger must be vaccinated. At the time of Check In, each passenger must present proof of vaccination issued in the country of vaccination. To facilitate this process, we recommend our passengers send us their vaccination certificate, well in advance, to pcr@australis.com. We recommend all travelers keep a digital copy of their immunization certificate in their email or mobile device.

All passengers that have been vaccinated but do not have proof of vaccination from their country of vaccination, may embark our ship if they provide: An affidavit confirming that they have received the required number of Covid-19 vaccine doses (by following the health regulations of their country of residence) and; The negative PCR test required to enter the country.

PLEASE READ THE ESSENTIAL TRIP TIPS

AFS trip tips Patagonia 2023

Prepare to be thrilled by our vacation to glorious Patagonia! Land and cruise is the best way to navigate the “end of world”. Carved by fjords and caped by glistening glaciers, you’ll enter a natural wonderland like no other place on earth. We’ll follow legendary explorers from the tip of Cape Horn down to the Strait of Magellan. Encounter unique wildlife, enjoy thrilling zodiac rides over glacial lakes set against towering granite mountains, a colorful culture of Buenos Aires with urban cool Santiago, for your best photos ever here. You’ll love Australis and our stunning new ship. (Our past group of 56 people years ago reveled in the beauty each day of this voyage of discovery.) We have a wonderful small group of 26 now which is perfect for this expedition. Space for two more so tell your friends. A month out, more details will come with your cruise docs. For now, connect with each other on your private Facebook group page and get inspired together!

Final Payment –Cruise lines have strict cancellation penalties at 120 days before departure. After this date no refund of your deposit, no name changes after 90 days. We will send you reminders. Please get travel insurance. See details below. FINAL PAYMENT DUE May 20 Wetravel is our data management company, it allows you to pay by check electronically without a fee. Simply follow the instructions. Credit cards will be assessed a processing fee at time of purchase. As a small business, this helps mitigate costs and allows us to give you the very best price. If you prefer to use the mail, make your payment to AFS or Adventures For olo Travelers, 1907 Daniel Green Ct., Smyrna GA 30080

GTL- Carol Huntington

carol Carol has been on 50+ AFS trips over the years and has led many of our solo travel tours over the past 15 years. She has been a ray of sunlight to each of those groups. She has a passion for seeing the world and experiencing new cultures. Having traveled to over 120+ countries and all 7 continents, she continues to pursue her dream, while working for a startup company that provides Employee Gift Matching Benefits. Her goal is to build relationships, problem solve, keep clients happy and help make the world a better place. She genuinely cares for people and is cool under pressure. These are great qualities for the business and the travel world.

During a recent sabbatical, Carol coordinated and lead a once in a lifetime journey around the world, visiting 13 countries! Carol’s excitement to discover new things is complimented by her unique ability to get along with and relate to people of all backgrounds. She has a deep understanding of new and seasoned travelers with a knack to inspire all. Carol is all about the experience: from skydiving to trekking with the gorillas in Rwanda, leading a group to climb Mt Kilimanjaro and always making many new friends along the way.

Trip Prep:

Read the revised Heading Abroad with AFS, especially if you are new to AFS.
Check passport expiration date and ensure your passport is valid 6 months after return date with two blank pages. We recommend renewing your passport well ahead of any planned international travel. Take a photo of your passport to store in the cloud or bring a copy. If you lose your passport, US embassies now except a digital copy from your email.
To speed through US Customs download Mobile Passport. Look in your App Store for details.
Notify bank and cc company of travel dates so they don’t block charges.
Vaccines – Bring proof of vaccine card. Keep a digital copy on your phone and bring your card. If not vaccinated, a negative PCR test is required. Both Argentina and Chile are wide open. If Covid rules change, will advise in September. No visas! But visa rules can also change.

All airline rules differ. It is imperative to read your airline rules on their website to ensure a smooth departure! Airlines are in the process of making routing and scheduling changes now. Always check your flight before departure.

Fitness level – 2 (No trouble walking.)

General Air Info – Now it’s best to get air sooner than later as fares expected to soar. Many route changes can happen now. Airlines must notify you of such and protect you if problem with flight. Consider flying in early to ensure you’ll be there once trip begins. Always download and use your airlines app! Use app to track your booking, delays, bags, to show boarding pass and to contact them. If you have a flight problem go to the airline’s website “contact us” page or reach them by text, social media, Skype or call their international number. Also, premium credit cards often offer many air perks, assistance, insurance, lounge passes, global entry and more. Read more at www.tpg.com for best cards.

Air dates are October 28 to November 5. Trip structure one night Buenos Aires, one night Ushuaia, five-day cruise Australis, one night Santiago.
After final payment, we will send you a brief technical itinerary to print for each day.
Land portion begins October 29 in Buenos Aires Argentina and ends November 5 in Santiago Chile. You can extend on own pre-or post trip dates.

Doing Own Air– No international group air presented as we never meet the minimum requirement of passengers. Get your own international air now before prices will increase. Air is USA into Buenos Aires Argentina, out Santiago Chile, October 28 to November 5.

We like Google flights to research or book. Or contact our expert South American team at Borello travel there and they can take it you. info@borellotravel.com. 800-405-3072. They do charge a nominal fee.

Fly to Miami. The cheapest fares to both countries depart round-trip from Miami. Note Buenos Aires has two airports. Flight into BA will arrive to EZE airport.

Sample dates- Oct 27 or 28 MIA to EZE Return November 5 Santiago to MIA.

Internal flights – everyone needs to be on the same 2 internal connecting flights via Argentina and Chile. Cost $685 at present but subject to change until ticketed. This has been added to your invoice. Flights in these regions are limited with seats full. We hold 27 seats for our group. Strict airline penalties for cancellation apply. $100 to cancel air booking. Once ticketed 90 days out, no refunds on these tickets.

OCT 30 BA – USH 3:30 PM to 7:10 PM (AR 1886)
NOV 4 Punta to Santiago 5:45PM to 9:10 PM (LA94)

Airport Transfers– When we get copies of all your air tickets later, if most arrive near the same date and time into Buenos Aires, one group transfer from airport to hotel will be arranged for you. Others note that taxis are very affordable here. (With travelers arriving and departing on different days and times, it is insurmountable to manage. Group air airport transfers are based on set time. Without group air, there can no longer be any pick-ups or drop-offs. Unfortunately, now like other tour companies, transfers are your responsibility. (We’ve spent weeks each trip making spreadsheets of each person’s air to send to the supplier and then flights change. We then hire a guide, driver and pay airport parking fees. Last year in groups only half showed up as guides waited hours looking for others. Sometimes no AFSers showed up without informing us.) Transfers are not expensive. First, google your arrival airport website to see transfer tab. Suggestions to appear like airport bus, taxi details, Uber and more. Then connect on group Facebook page to set up sharing transfer cost if you like. If you go early and check-in AFS hotel before group arrives, it’s your responsibility to change rooms with your roommate if necessary, day one when trip begins.)

Meet Up – October 29, gather in lobby of Kenton Palace hotel in Buenos Aires by 5 PM.

Baggage– Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland. You change hotel properties several times. 1 carry-on bag& 1 medium suitcase not to exceed 45lb checked bag – weigh on a bathroom scale. If you overpack by adding pre-or post-trip luggage, make prior plans as to where to stow the excess luggage. You may be responsible for any overage charges. Apple AirTags works great to track checked bags when the airline cannot, also good for carry-on Leave space for great souvenirs. Be sure to attach ID inside and out of carry-on and checked bag.

Weather – It’s springtime here in November and the best time to visit, with an average temperature of 50 and 60°. Patagonia can have all four seasons in one day. Springtime is mild, but windy. Understand that each day can be affected by weather conditions here and activities may be modified.

Packing – This is a casual trip. Just focus on layering! Bring waterproof jacket, parka or raincoat, pants and backpack. Waterproof hiking boots. Bring warm socks, gloves, hat, scarf and one pair of thermal underwear just in case. Jeans with a long sleeve T-shirts are perfect. Bring sunglasses, and sunscreen. Check Google

Weather a week prior to departure

Electric– Don’t forget a portable backup charger, cords, gadgets, etc. Cell phones and tablets do not need a converter; you only need an adapter plug. AFSers oftenleave charger cords in room, so be sure to double-check your room before check out. All properties have hairdryers. Chile and Argentina take plug type C. On Australis USA plugs will work.

See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com

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Money Matters – Always bring some cash! You will need some cash for personal tipping, meals, and shopping. $400 cash should suffice. Change currency on arrival at airport, bank, or hotels or withdraw local currency from an ATM. Note -independent ATMs are risky due to skimmer scams. Safest ATMs are at airport and banks. Always shield your pin number when entering. Bring newer bills 2016 on as some countries won’t take old or slightly damaged bills.

Master Card and Visa widely accepted. Amex rarely accepted. Credit cards are far safer than using your debit card. I use my credit card for most purchases. Many cards now offer no foreign transaction fees. (Some countries in Africa and Asia require new bills dated after 2016. Older bills not accepted when changing money.)

Currency Exchange Rate $1= 206 Argentina pesos, $1 = 808 Chile pesos
Follow the link below to create a conversion cheat sheet
https://www.oanda.com/currency/travel-exchange-rates

Gratuities –It’s protocol to tip our local guides, assistants, porters, wait staff, drivers and ground staff. Guidelines have increased globally, but around $10 to $15 per day should cover all for the trip. $45 total for land portion added to your invoice. Please understand this is only the suggested minimum. For ease of distribution, your GTL will tip the different ground services for the entire group each day. In your cruise docs you will see Australis suggests $25 per day so around $100 for your cruise to be paid directly to the cruiseline.

Tipping on own – If service is stellar, feel free to give more directly. All we tourists leave behind is our reputation. I carry a stash of US ones in an envelope to draw from as needed. Porters – AFSers roll bags to their room. If you use a porter, please tip. For group lunches or dinners included, please leave $2 for waitstaff!

Continue to MORE TRIP TIPS

Be sure to read ESSENTIAL TRIP TIPS

Communication– Internet is available. With smartphones, be sure to check with your provider for rates and coverage for international phone plans before departure. Data Roaming rates can be expensive. To reach home – Texting, iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook messaging when using WIFI. Be cautious using public Wi-Fi without using VPN. Without VPN never open attachments or view financial or personal accounts on the Internet while abroad. Phone calls, text messages, and data usage of all kinds, it is crucial to understand that, unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, every use of your phone incurs a data toll. That means that viewing and downloading email, browsing the web, viewing social media, and mapping all incur data charges, as do applications that we sometimes assume to be “free,” such as Skype and WhatsApp. Unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, however, WhatsApp is using cellular data, so you are getting charged at your provider’s international roaming data rate. Facebook Messenger Phone is an easy free way to make calls.

Photography – Before taking pictures of locals, know it is polite to ask. Your AFS Private Facebook Group Page is a great way to share your best shots with each other. AFS loves photos with group participants (not typical churches, monuments, or any shot that looks like you pulled it off of the net, etc.) for our website. The best photos are ones that include a group member with a local, children, animals, or at iconic sites in the same frame!

Accommodations –Accommodations – Our itinerary has links to each hotel. Hotels can change, but it’s rare.

Roommates – Single supplements have significantly increased in price– if available at all. Save money and buy yourself an awesome local gift. We all live alone, but save money when traveling by rooming together. Suzy spends a lot of time on roommate matching. 99% of our clients are wonderful and you’re only in your room to sleep at night. The best option is to invite a friend. Note, kindness begets kindness. Many of our seasoned travelers bring headsets to drown out any excess noise. We share rooms only to sleep at night. (If AFS room list ends up with unbalanced gender, and forces a single room, we will offer it to all in group or share the added cost. If none want it, if you were the last to book, we may have to remove you from the trip. Please note the cost of single supplement on this land and cruise tour is a whopping $1498 extra. Two available if you feel you can afford this. Text now 770-432-8225. AFS cannot cover this cost if there is a forced single due to unbalance genders. So far our room list is balanced and will be sent to you upon final payment.)

Leisure Time – For your free time, it’s best to arrive and ask our local expert guides for suggestions. We notice many newer clients pre-plan many activities on the AFS trip well before they arrive, often with disappointing results. Our daily itineraries are pretty full, but there will be some free time. Expert travelers revel in the element of surprise in a new destination and allow the wind to blow them where it will. Use Google Maps on your phone to find everything nearby.

Amending tour pre-or post-trip. We honor your independent spirit, but encourage you to extend more days at the trip’s end when you’re acclimated well to the destination. If you add another country, we often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them what do you consider the cost of tours, transport, hotels, etc. Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has no responsibility for the quality of your trip.

Private Facebook Group Page – The benefit of the Private FB Group Page is that you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow travelers before departure and share trip photos during and after the tour. The link can be found in your Wetravel welcome letter after your initial deposit. (We found that some never read the Trip Tips jumping right to the Private FB Group Page assuming they will get all trip info needed. Often, they only receive rumors or misinformation. All important information is ALWAYS emailed to each participant and posted in Trip Tips under UPDATES. Nobody misses a thing.)

Websites – www.australis.com. Great info here and view your beautiful ship the Stella! For Argentina www.buenosaires.gob.ar. There are 30 pages here on the iconic sites and fun things to do. www.chile.travel . Good details on Santiago. Also, go to Lonely Planet for wonderful news on Ushuaia, Patagonia and all the places you will visit.

Emergency Contact – AFS phone or text 770-432-8225, or email us at https://www.afstravelers.com/contact-us/ More contacts will be provided with your Final Docs email 2 to 3 weeks before departure. Your guide can handle a call home for a true emergency. Do not expect to use your trip leader’s cell phone; you’ll need to use your own.

Cancellation Penalty – At booking, we sent you our terms and conditions. Click here for our Terms & Conditions Due to strict terms on ship, no refunds will be made after April 1, 2023 and no name changes allowed. Any cancellation after this date will result in full forfeiture of your deposit. AFS reserves the right to resell or otherwise use the canceled space at our discretion.

Travel Insurance– While travel insurance is optional, in today’s world we highly encourage you to get standard coverage to cover trip interruption and cancellation. Best source for all is www.insuremytrip.com. CFAR or cancel for any reason covers Covid but is expensive. Note that no company covers for fear.

Preexisting conditions – If you would like the security of travel insurance and have a pre-existing condition (elderly parent, medical, etc.), you must purchase insurance within 15 days from your initial trip deposit in order to assure full coverage. The trip cost can be amended or adjusted as needed after your initial purchase (eg. like adding an air ticket cost later). You can buy travel insurance at any time, just know that there may be some possible limitations if purchased outside the 15 day period. We like TravelSafe, Allianz or Seven Corners.

Click here to Purchase Travel Insurance online

Travel Psychology 101 – Prepare for your departure joyfully with no contempt before investigation upon arrival. Please understand that with travel, things are not like at home and changes may occur. Great trips work best for those with an open mind, flexible attitude and adventuresome spirit. If changes occur, embrace them with serendipity. Who knows?… The unexpected may prove to be a better experience. Adapt and go with the flow with a laid-back attitude. Be spontaneous. Be tolerant of foreign cultures in respecting their centuries of traditions. Embrace the differences. Be curious, not shy. Smile – locals will sense your energy of kindness and kindness always begets kindness. Our common goal is to experience different cultures, make new friends, get great photos, have large fun, and return home safely with memories worthy of recollection.

The best spirit of an Explorer requires the openness of a child – Suzy

“When traveling, remember that a foreign country isn’t designed to make you comfortable. It’s designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clinton Fadiman

Please note that AFS is non-partisan – With our homogeneous groups, we all want to focus on the common denominator – our love of travel. In today’s divisive world, we suggest members not discuss politics and if you must, please practice my rule of TOK: Tolerance, Open-mindedness and Kindness.

Please be advised that the operation of some tours may need to be rearranged or modified to suit local conditions, but all activities stated will be included. We are here for you to address any questions about your trip. In time, we believe travel will begin to normalize with less rules and we appreciate your cooperation until then. Now more than ever before, travelers value the privilege of travel to explore our world. You’ve been waiting so long, it’s time for recess!