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Why is it best to book this adventure in advance?
Due to the complex nature of this itinerary – internal flights, limited off-grid experiences and small, unique accommodation – it can be difficult (though not impossible) for us to secure spots for latecomers. If you’d prefer to avoid the stress of not knowing if you’re ‘in’, booking early will give you the guarantee you need.
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Which airport should I fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into Buenos Aires where there are two airports: Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP).
Fly out of Mendoza International Airport (MDZ/SAME).
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
We suggest arriving in Buenos Aires before 3 pm in time for our welcome meeting at 6 pm, although we will arrange a transfer for you at whichever time you arrive. The transfer from the airport to your first hotel takes about an hour.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
Check-out time is 11 am but you can leave anytime that suits you. The airport is approximately 30 minutes away from your final hotel.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. However, your Pack Leader will offer you support with finding a local taxi, which will cost around 3000 ARS / 12-13 USD.
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Are tips included?
Tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 20 USD per day
- Driver: 15 USD per day
- Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, porters, waiters, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.
However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
Please note that you will not always have access to ATMs so it’s important to carry cash with you.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
Approximately 25 USD per day should be enough for additional meals, drinks and incidentals, but you may need a little more if you plan on doing much shopping.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
3. Government travel advice
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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Will the trip cost increase?
Domestic flights in Argentina are rarely on time, and often sell out – this means that last-minute bookings on this adventure may not be possible. If available, bookings may be charged at a higher rate due to increased airfares. For this reason, we recommend booking this adventure in advance.
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Which airlines do we use for the internal flights?
Aerolineas Argentinas for the three internal flights. The luggage limit for Aerolineas Argentinas domestic flights is 15 kg for hold luggage and 8 kg for carry-on.
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What fitness levels do I need for this trip? Plus waiver information
This is one of our more challenging trips due to the amount of hiking involved. Due to the degree of effort and difficulty for the hiking excursions, we do not recommend this trip to pregnant women or anyone unfit, or with severe health problems. We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
Please also note at the start of your adventure, your Pack Leader will ask you to sign a standard Waiver of Responsibility. This is just to confirm that you are physically able to participate in the various activities included in the itinerary and that you understand that these activities naturally include an element of risk. If you would like to see a copy of this form prior to travel, please do feel free to get in touch with the Flash Pack team and we can go through it with you.
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Do I need to be able to swim?
Being able to swim is a mandatory requirement to take part in the kayaking activity. If you’re not able to swim, there will be alternative activities available, including self-guided hikes, mountain bike rides or a hot outdoor bath.
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What will the accommodation be like?
Laguna Condor mountain hut
The accommodation we use in Laguna Condor is not a traditional hotel, but a mountain hut exclusive to your Flash Pack group. The hut is 22 kilometers (one hour) away from the small town of El Chaltén, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in nature.
Facilities at the hut are basic. There are 8 double cabins (double or twin) with private bathroom, plus a shared common area including an outdoor hot tub. Despite being heated (electric and gas stove), it can get cold depending on the time of year, especially when having to walk from the cabin to the dining area. Electricity is generated by a hydroelectric turbine, which harnesses a natural stream, reducing environmental impact and pollution. It’s not possible to use a hairdryer or electric straightener for this reason.
Food is not gourmet or fancy here, but of a good standard. Alcoholic drinks are available to buy but you’re not allowed to bring your own alcohol. It’s best to buy any essential products before flying to El Calafate Airport (FTE) as there will only be a short stop to rent trekking poles. Remember to bring cash with you as internet services do not work for credit card payments.
Accommodation in Mendoza
In Mendoza, we stay in two different hotels, depending on availability. Sometimes this will be at a rural house set among vineyards, 16 kilometers from the city. Other trips will stay at a four-star hotel in the heart of Mendoza.
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Will the itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
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What should I pack?
There’s a lot to think about when packing for your Argentina adventure. You’ll need a range of clothes for the wide variety of activities and the diverse weather conditions. The key is to bring plenty of layers that you can put on and take off when required.
Each region of Argentina has its own climate, from the hot and humid summers in Buenos Aires to the frozen glaciers in Patagonia. We recommend checking the weather forecast in each location a week before you travel to give yourself an idea of what you can expect and what you should pack.
What you pack is personal to you and our list is certainly not exhaustive. If you have any questions about what to pack for your trip to Argentina, please get in touch with one of our friendly Trip Experts.
Baggage
- A large backpack or suitcase. It’s up to you whether you bring a backpack or a suitcase, but either way, a soft-sided bag is best for packing into transfer vehicles.
- Please note there is a 15kg weight allowance for hold luggage and an 8kg weight restriction for carry-on luggage on all domestic flights. You will, however, be able to pay a fee at check-in should your checked baggage exceed the 15kg.
- A day bag. This needs to be around 20-25L to fit your daily essentials in, such as water and your camera.
Clothing
- Lightweight tops. T-shirts work well, but also consider bringing lightweight long-sleeved tops, as these will keep any insects off of your skin when hiking.
- Shorts. In the warmer areas of Argentina, shorts are ideal for keeping cool.
- Activewear. Breathable and light materials are best as a base layer for most activities.
- Lightweight outdoor pants. Outdoor pants that you don’t mind getting dirty will be perfect for hiking.
- A waterproof jacket/pants. It could rain at any time of the year, so you’ll need to bring waterproofs.
- Fleeces/jumpers/jacket. Substantially warmer layers will be required in Patagonia and during the evenings in the desert.
- Casual clothes for walking around the cities and dining at restaurants.
- Linen pants. These are always handy for keeping the warm sun off of your legs.
- Sunhat/sunglasses. The sun can be strong during the day, so protecting yourself with polarised sunglasses and a wide-brimmed sun hat is important.
- Scarf/hat. It can get very cold at night in Patagonia, so you might want to wear a scarf/hat.
- Swimwear. You’ll have a number of opportunities to swim, so make sure that you bring swimwear.
- Evening outfits. Clothes to wear to bars and restaurants in the evenings.
- Gloves. Packing a pair of gloves for Patagonia is another way to stay warm.
Shoes
- Waterproof hiking shoes and socks. There’s a lot of hiking on this adventure, so make sure that your hiking shoes are comfortable and well worn-in before your trip begins.
- Comfortable, breathable shoes. A pair of sneakers are perfect for general wear.
- Sandals/flip-flops. Great for chilling out and relaxing during the day in warm areas.
- Evening shoes. Some people might want to bring a pair of shoes to wear out to restaurants and bars.
Accessories
- A small towel will be useful for your day kayaking.
- Electricals and chargers – including your phone, camera, chargers etc.
- Plug socket adaptors. Plugs in Argentina vary between type I and type C. Type I plugs have three flat prongs and type C plugs have two round prongs. If you’re traveling from a country with a different plug type, you will need to bring an adaptor.
- A hydration bladder. Staying hydrated is very important and a hydration bladder is a convenient way to carry water on hikes.
- Refillable water bottle. Refilling a bottle instead of buying single-use bottles will help to reduce our plastic footprint.
- Eye mask and earplugs. If you’re a light sleeper, you may feel more comfortable bringing an eye mask and earplugs.
- Pocket warmer. If you feel the cold, a pocket warmer may be useful in Patagonia.
- Headtorch/torch for walking around at night in poorly lit areas.
Toiletries/medical
- Any personal medication you require.
- Personal toiletries – including a toothbrush, deodorant, razors, hairbrush etc.
- Shampoo and conditioner. Most hotels will provide these, but we recommend bringing your own to reduce plastic usage.
- High SPF factor sun cream
