EASY

• You don’t live for hiking, but you definitely love to spend time in nature. These conservation tours are appropriate for all people and suitable for older adults in good health with overall good mobility, who are comfortable participating in up to 3 hours of physical activity per day. Programs at this level generally involve nature walks of light to moderate intensity at an easy pace, mostly walking, sometimes on slightly uneven terrain.
  All our guided nature tours include natural interpretation and focus on the history, volcanology and the native flora and fauna of the wilderness areas.

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PACKING TIPS

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• We advise you to bring clothing for warm and cold weather; also including a rain poncho and knee-high rubber boots (you can also buy them here for a low price). Include base layers, hat, windbreaker, gloves, sneakers, a waterproof jacket and any other waterproof item, sunglasses, bathing suit and sandals. Bright color clothing is NOT recommended. Don’t forget your camera!

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• Clothing to go birding in should be comfortable, which will encourage you to stay in the field longer. Non-restrictive garments in lightweight fabrics are often preferred, and dressing in layers allows for changing temperatures throughout the day without interrupting the birding. Clothes should be well worn in so there will be no chafing or blisters.

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• Cargo pants with deep pockets to hold a notebook or field guide are helpful, and belt loops can hold other tools. Shoes should have good ankle support and adequate tread for different walking conditions. Wear clothing that will blend in to the habitat you will be exploring and prefer colors or subdued shades of brown, green and gray. Avoid bright colors, especially white, which is a color many birds are accustomed to seeing as a danger warning.
  Long sleeves and long pants are most useful for blocking excessive sun and discouraging insects in all habitats, while waterproof clothing, especially footwear, is a good idea in wetland habitats (Chiloe is all about wetlands). Thermal clothing is essential, and lighter fabrics that promote air circulation are a smarter choice for sunny days.
  Wear a hat to shield your eyes and break up the outline of your head and face for better camouflage near wary birds. Always choose clothes you don’t mind getting dirty so you can take the steps necessary to see a bird better, even if it involves rubbing against bushes or stepping in the mud.

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VISAS

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• Visa to enter Chile: No advance Visa application is needed for entry into Chile. Australian and Mexican citizens entering Chile for tourism purposes will be charged a $160.00 processing fee payable on arrival. Cash and credit card accepted.

• USA, Canada and New Zealand citizens no longer need to pay the reciprocity fee ($160.00) to enter Chile. A valid passport is required  travelling as a tourist for 90 days.

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FAQ's

  

Weather notes

We suggest visiting the web for current conditions in Chile and doing your own research on this topic. www.meteochile.cl/reg09.html and www.meteochile.cl/reg10.html or www.accuweather.com

 

Late October and November (spring time in the southern hemisphere) present milder temperatures (50°F / 77°F) with some scattered rain. During December you can start feeling the beginning of the summer with temperatures around 50°F / 81°F.  In January and February temperatures range between 60°F / 95°F. Remember that you are visiting the Lake & Volcano district, so always expect some rain!

 

In Chile there are no insects or animals that represent a threat to human beings.

 

Airline Information
We highly recommend getting the Chile Airpass ticket with Lan Airlines, which includes the international flight from your country to Santiago (Chile) and the domestic flights Santiago(SCL) - Puerto Montt(PMC)-Santiago(SCL). This Airpass is definitely less expensive than buying the flights separately and what's more important it is very flexible if there are some unexpected last minute changes. Lan Airlines Airpass can be purchased at any IATA travel agent.

 

The international terminal at SCL is located in the same building than the domestic terminal.

Note: The local flights in Chile have a luggage allowance of 23kg. You will need to pay excess if your baggage exceeds this. There is an allowance for cycling equipment charged at 3kg (approx $5 per kg).  

 

Insurance
Any policy you purchase should, at the very least, cover trip cancellation, loss of baggage, accident/life coverage, travel delays, and non-refundable airline tickets. Carriers for travel insurance include Travel Guard and Travelex. You may also consider insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. Search the web to find the best deal that suits your needs- read the fine print

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Currency

In Chile, the local currency is called peso.

The current exchange rate is $1 USD = $650 Chilean Pesos (CLP).

Travel checks are not convenient because only few places accept them and the exchange rate is 10% lower than dollar bills. Most credit cards are accepted at shops, restaurants and hotels. The most common cards are Master Card, Visa and Dinners Club. American Express is less commonly accepted that the others. There is no need to bring a large amount of cash; there are ATMs almost everywhere we go on the tour. The maximum amount of money that you can withdraw per day is equivalent to $360.000 CLP. For up to date information we suggest you visit the website www.xe.com/ucc/

 

Gratuity

In Chile, the gratuity for hospitality services is normally 10% of the bill. People usually tip in restaurants, hotels and the local staff of guides. You shouldn't tip taxi drivers, baggage carriers and bar tenders, they do not expect any tips. At the end of the trip gratuity for the crew for a job well done is highly appreciated. We encourage you to use your discretion and tip according to the caliber of service you receive. As a guideline, the industry standard is $120 dollars per person, per guide.

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