climb preparation patagonia - embark exploration co · 2019. 8. 6. · | 503.922.1050 patagonia...

WWW.EMBARKEXPLORATIONCO.COM | 503.922.1050 PATAGONIA PREPARATION | 1

Climb Preparation PATAGONIACongratulations! You are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime, and we at Embark Exploration Co. are thrilled to have the opportunity to support you every step of the way.

We know that a trek like this is both exciting and perhaps a bit daunting, so we want to make sure you have all the information you need right now for the safest, most com-fortable journey possible. We have been organizing global multi-day treks for over a decade, and we’re honored you’ve chosen to travel with us.

This dossier includes the general information you’ll need to know during the months preceding your adventure. We will be sending additional details approximately three months prior to your departure with specific logistical and contact information.

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

-JOHN MUIR


IN THIS DOSSIEROverview 3A LITTLE ABOUT PATAGONIA 3

Before your Trip 4PRE-DEPARTURE TIMELINE 4

GETTING TO PATAGONIA 5

RECOMMENDED GEAR LIST 6

TRAINING 8

Common Questions 9HOW IS THE TRIP SET UP? 9

HOW HARD IS IT? 9

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE? 9

DO I NEED A VISA? 9

DO I NEED INSURANCE? 10

DO I NEED IMMUNIZATIONS? 10

WHAT IF I CAN’T FINISH THE TREK? 10

CHANGING OR CANCELLING MY TRIP? 10

CAN I EXTEND MY TRIP? 10

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE? 10

WHAT IS THE TERRAIN LIKE? 10

WHAT IS THE SLEEPING ARRANGEMENT? 10

WHAT DO WE EAT? 10

WHAT ABOUT SANITATION AND HYGENE? 10

IS THERE ANY WILDLIFE? 10

HOW BIG WILL THE GROUP BE? 10

WILL WE BE CLIMBING WITH ROPES OR OTHER GEAR? 10

WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE AND AFTER THE CLIMB? 10

DO WE TIP? 10

Responsible Travel 11GIFTS 11

PHOTOGRAPHS 11

DOSSIER DISCLAIMER 11

About Embark 12WHAT SETS US APART 12

» Hand-Crafted Trips » Leadership » Social Responsibility » Foundations We Support

CONTACT INFORMATION 12

FEEDBACK 12


A Little About Argentina and PatagoniaWe want you to connect as much as possible with the places we take you to. So here are a few introductory remarks about where you’ll be going on this trip.

The simplest way to explain Patagonia’s geographical loca-tion is that it encompasses the southern-most part of South America – some in Chile, more in Argentina. You might think of it as the Alaska of the Southern Peninsula. There are remote coastlines, windy grasslands, enormous glacial lakes and towering mountains draped in ice. What you won’t find is many people; its two million people are spread over some 400,000 square miles; that’s about five people per square mile! A third of these people are clustered in six major cities of 100,000 or more, meaning that much of Patagonia is all but empty.

On the Argentinian side, imagine a series of 13 steps, each some 300 feet high, rising from the Atlantic Ocean on the east to the Andes Mountains on the west. The lower steps are dry and rocky, but as they get closer to the mountains they become more verdant and filled with animals. As storms batter the mountains from the Pacific (Chilean) side on the west, the moisture combines with the intense cold of these lower latitudes to create massive ice-fields, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica. These ice fields cover the Andes, spilling off the sides of the mountains as glaciers. These, in turn, have carved magnificent valleys and

left amazing granite spires – both of which are big reasons we know and love the place.

The main economic activities have traditionally been mining, agriculture, and raising sheep. Tourism is becoming ever more important, and the governments of both nations are considering damming some of the rivers for hydroelec-tric power. There is some coal and oil production, and the famous winds of Patagonia (what happens when mountains, desert and ocean lie close to each other) are becoming a major source of wind power, particularly for Argentina.

The name Patagonia came from the Magellan Expedition of 1520, although its exact meaning is hard to know. One theory is that it was related to a term for “land of the big feet,” since early explorers’ accounts of the natives being taller than the Europeans made the land, in the Europe-an imagination, become known as a land of giants. More likely is that the name Patagon, which Magellan gave to the native Tehuelche people, came from a “savage” in a popular Spanish romance of the time. People have probably lived in Patagonia since 13,000 BCE, but European fantasies of 12-foot-tall natives eating raw meat were just that – fantasies.

OVERVIEW Patagonia is a place of tremendous variety, from deserts to lakes to high mountains, and that means travel there is a complex undertaking. During your trip, you will sleep in big-city hotels, small-town inns, and mountain huts; you will travel by plane, boat and small bus; you will walk city streets, mountain trails and the surface of a glacier. The challenges here are not those of mountaineering or Himalayan trekking, since Chile and Argentina are modern nations with advanced tourist infrastruc-tures. We at Embark are experts in this region, and we work with only the best local guides to make sure that, even with the complexity and diversity, all you have to do is show up ready for adventure; we take care of the rest.

Our philosophy is that you aren’t coming to Patagonia to ride in 50-person coaches or march among hordes of people; you want to have a true Patagonia experience. That is what we are all about, and this document will help explain how we go about it.


UPON REGISTRATION

» Copy of your passport

» Confirmation of overseas medical and/or travel insurance

» See below for more

6 MONTHS

» Finalize your travel dates, including air travel. Buy your plane tickets 3-9 months in advance.

» Invite friends/family you’d like to join you.

» Schedule an appointment with your doctor, or a travel clinic, for immunizations.

» Organize and begin your training program. See below for details.

4 MONTHS

» Confirm who is going with you.

» Shop for and begin testing your gear.

» Keep training.

3 MONTHS

» Send Final Payment to Embark

2 MONTHS

» Be sure your immunizations are up to date. Some immunizations have long lead times and require multiple doses. Further details on immunizations is below.

» Keep testing your gear.

» Keep training!

1 MONTH

» Make sure all logistics are in place

» Finish purchasing all necessary gear

» Keep training!

1 WEEK

» Taper your training

» Pack

» Rest

Get excited for your big adventure!

Before Your TripFor many people , planning a trek like this seems like a highly daunting task, with count-less details and variables to consider. Embark has developed a checklist of the most important highlights when planning an expedition to Pata-gonia.

PRE-DEPARTURE TIMELINEAny international trip, but especially one that includes hiking the different terrain of Patagonia, involves several steps to be taken several months prior to departure. This timeline is a rough but reliable guideline for when you should tackle your to-dos.


Getting to

PATAGONIA

To find the best rates, start looking for your flights at least 4 to 9 months in advance of your excursion. Typical rates average anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000.

There are generally two flight scenarios for our Patagonia treks: Direct from the East Coast of the US to Buenos Aires and then down to Patagonia. Alternatively, fly into Buenos Aires, stop for a night or two, then fly onward to Patagonia.

If your itinerary starts in Patagonia proper, you will need to book your flight to arrive into El Calafate airport. The most cost-effective and direct routing is via the national airline (Aerolineas Argentinas) out of New York to Beunos Aires (EZE), and on down to El Calafate (FTE).

For those who’s itineraries start in Buenos Aires, you will stay overnight in Beunos Aires and continue on the El Calafate the following day via Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Jorge Newbery/AEP).

FROM THE UNITED STATES

American Airlines

Aerolineas Argentinas

United Airlines

FROM ELSEWHERE IN SOUTH AMERICA

LATAM Airlines (for service via Peru)- This routing is long but cost-effective for those

traveling from the West Coast of the United States

» International flights allow one checked bag free of charge, provded it weighs no more than 50 pounds. Additional bags, or any that are over 50 pounds, will incur a charge

» On domestic flights, you can bring one checked bag weighing no more than 15 kg, or about 35 pounds. your domestic carry-on is subject to the usual size restrictions and a weight limit of 8kg, or 20 lbs

NOTE: With regard to airport transfers: Your team will be provided with a fixed number of pick-ups based on group size. For example, a group of 12 will be assigned 3 separate pickups and drop-offs. It is recommended that the group work together to try to take the same flight in order to streamline airport logistics. If you choose a flight arrival/departure time outside of the predetermined transfers; we will be happy to accommodate your transfer at an additional cost.


Recommended Gear ListAlthough this trek does not require specialized equipment, you do need to make sure all your gear is appropriate, serviceable, and in good working order. Consider both standard and personal demands for comfort and safety be-fore embarking up the mountain: Do you have warm climbing pants? Good rain gear? Trekking poles? Have you hiked more than 100 miles in your boots to break them in?

Each person we ask names a different item as the most important piece of equipment to bring, from the perfect jacket to a specific brand of baby wipes. Ask around, think about what it takes to keep yourself comfortable and happy, and get your checklist in order well before your departure date.

HIKING BOOTSIf your boots don’t work, not much else matters. You need real trekking boots, not sneakers or “trail runners.” But we can’t tell you which boots to buy. The essential elements you need are ankle support, a stiff sole, and waterproofing - but you need the boots that meet all these criteria and fit comfortably. And remember, they need to fit with liner socks and your hiking socks, so that’s what you need to wear when hiking more than 100 miles in your boots to break them in. (We mean it!)

When shopping, test the boots for toe room by lacing them

completely and then moving your toes as far forward as possible. At that point you should be able to slip a finger behind your heel. Walk around in them, making sure they don’t crease on the top. Toes crammed? Too small. Heel slipping? Too big. Then take them home and wear them around the house only . If you find they don’t fit and you haven’t scuffed them by walking outside, you should be able to take them back; confirm with the store before trying!

LUGGAGEYou will need a waterproof pack/duffel bag; it must hold all your gear for the entire trip, as well as keep it dry. We recommend a size of about 90 liters, without wheels or any stiff parts. Our support crew is in charge of this main bag during the day, and you carry a smaller daypack with food, water, rain gear, and your cam-era. Be sure to test and clean all your gear in advance. The worst thing you can do is leave this preparation until the last minute.

Be sure all luggage is lockable and tagged with your name. More information regarding your large duffel and a day-pack can be found in your group’s resource page through Embark’s website.


Other Clothing & GearNOTE: “Synthetic” below means definitely no cotton! Once cotton is wet, it’s useless or worse. You want materials that dry quickly, provide warmth even when damp, and wick moisture away from your skin.□ 2 SYNTHETIC SHIRTS, LONG SLEEVE. These are also good for

starting on layers, for all sorts of weather.

□ 2 SYNTHETIC T-SHIRTS, SHORT-SLEEVED. Remember, “all sorts of weather” includes warm.

□ 2 PAIRS OF SYNTHETIC HIKING SHORTS. It’s nice to have a backup pair in case one gets extremely dirty or damaged.

□ 1 PAIR OF SYNTHETIC TREKKING PANTS. Look for the kind with zip-off leggings, so that these can be short or long pants, and it’s easy to switch during the day.

□ 1 PAIR OF WARMER HIKING PANTS. Don’t go too heavy with these; remember the idea of layers. Lightweight wool or a synthetic like fleece recommended.

□ 1 OR 2 PAIRS OF FLEECE LONG UNDERWEAR/ TROUSERS. Again, we suggest lightweight, because you will want to layer without getting overheated while hiking.

□ 1 PAIR OF LEG GAITERS. Make sure these fasten securely to your boots to keep rocks and snow out.

□ 1 PAIR OF SOCKS PER TREKKING DAY, WITH AT LEAST 2 PAIRS OF LIGHTER (SYNTHETIC) SOCKS AS LINERS. It’s nice to have a fresh pair each day; we also like to keep one in the sleeping bag, to be worn only at night. Dry, clean socks at night are a must.

□ 1 PAIR OF UNDERWEAR PER DAY. Again, no cotton!

□ 1 WARM FLEECE SWEATER. Zip-up is preferred over pullover (for flexibility in conditions. It’s okay to go at least medium-weight here, as this is largely for relaxing in camp.

□ 1 RAIN/WIND SHELL + 1 PAIR OF RAIN/WIND PANTS. Look for Goretex or other such materials which repel moisture but also allow for ventilation. Without that feautre, you’ll just get soaked with sweat.

□ 1 DURABLE PONCHO. This is nice for covering you and your pack, and also for sitting on during rest breaks or lunch.

□ 1 PAIR OF FLEECE GLOVE LINERS. These should also be lightweight; think about them fitting into your mittens or waterproof outer gloves.

□ 1 PAIR OF COLD WEATHER GLOVES OR MITTENS. These are the bigger, warmer ones for cold, dry situations - and as a backup pair.

□ 1 WARM HAT. This would be the knit, wrap-around style designed for warmth. Rain protection comes from your rain gear.

□ 1 SUN HAT. It is very important that this is wide-brimmed. Remember, common places for sunburn include the back of your neck and tops of your ears.

□ 1 BALACLAVA. This can double as a hat and a neck/face guard. Some pull down into a three-hole “ski mask” configuration; others leave the whole face clear.

□ 1 PAIR OF WALKING/CAMP SHOES. These can be as lightweight and comfortable as you wish.

□ 1 PAIR UV-BLOCKING SUNGLASSES WITH SIDE-GUSSETS. Should be self-explanatory, but do not go cheap on these! Maximum UV-blocking is critical. The best options are sometimes called “glacier glasses.”

□ A TRAVEL WALLET

□ PASSPORT/MONEY BELT.

□ SPARE CAMERA MEMORY CARD AND BATTERIES.

Other Equipment Specifically for the Trek□ 1 WATERPROOF DUFFEL BAG, PREFERABLY NORTH FACE

BASE CAMP. See above.

□ 1 DAYPACK. COMFORT AND FIT ARE IMPORTANT, AS IS DURABILITY. You don’t want this to fall apart during the trip. A good size is about 25 to 30 liters.

□ RAIN COVER FOR YOUR DAYPACK. Make sure it’s the right size!

□ PLASTIC BAGS OF DIFFERENT SIZES (TO PROTECT CLOTHES AGAINST RAIN). Often these can be found in a set of bags, sometimes called “stuff sacks.”

□ 2 TREKKING POLES. These are very important for balance and for spreading the effort of balancing oneself throughout the body. We recommend the types that “telescope” down to size. It makes them easier to carry and also lets you adjust the length for different circumstances.

□ 1 HEAD LAMP WITH EXTRA BATTERIES. Better than a flashlight, because you can keep your hands free.

□ 1 EMERGENCY FOIL BLANKET, AKA THE “SPACE BLANKET.”

□ A SMALL CAMP TOWEL MADE OF QUICK-DRY MATERIAL.

□ 1 POCKET KNIFE (BE SURE TO CHECK IT ON ALL FLIGHTS!). This could also be a Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife with other tools.

□ 3 ONE-LITER WATER BOTTLES , OR SUBSTITUTE WITH HYDRATION PACK. The latter might come with a hose to drink out of without taking off your pack. (If you get that, consider a liner to keep the hose from freezing.) Whatever you get should be rugged.

□ SUN BLOCK; WE SUGGEST THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE SPF RATING.

□ EAR PLUGS.

□ SMALL FIRST AID KIT. Mainly something to have with you during the day. Guides will have a much larger one.


TRAININGWhile trekking in Patagonia is not technical it is a mental and physical challenge and should be recognized as a serious undertaking.

Therefore, it is important to develop a comprehensive training program – 4-6 months in advance – so that you can make it to the end of your trek while enjoying yourself. The more you exercise and prepare, the more you will enjoy the climb.

If you do not exercise on a regular basis, you need to begin now. Also, since training with a partner increases accountability and makes it more fun, we suggest you look for a training partner - perhaps someone else from your trip.

Your goal in training should be that, ultimately, you will feel comfortable walking over rough terrain for 8 days on end. It is all about endurance: Most people, when pressed, can push their bodies to do something physically strenuous for one day. But to put your body through that same strain for multiple days on end is much more challenging.

Of course, your cardiovascular conditioning is paramount. However, since this trip will challenge your body in many ways, aim for variety in your training. Try to incorporate jogging, overnight hikes, walks, swimming, or biking into your weekly routine. The more cardio development you build into your exercise routine, the better. And the more variety you can work in, the less likely you are to get bored.

If you live where there are no major hills or mountains, the next-best choice is repetitive hiking. One or two hikes on the weekend are fine, but try hiking every day. Add weight to your pack to make it more difficult, keep a training log, and try to find small hills to

climb. When time permits, try to hike seven to nine miles per day, and try to do this multiple days in a row.

Perhaps most importantly: start your training program immediately. The body will not adapt well if you wait to start training until shortly before your trip. For example, it takes about four months of solid training to finish a marathon, and the vast majority who do not properly train never finish. The same can be said for trekking. For more detailed instruction and a step-by-step 4-month training guide see our Patagonia Training Plan; which can be found at your group’s resource page through Embark’s website.


Some Common QuestionsWe have been doing this a long time, and here are some of the questions we get most often from future climbing partners. If you have more, please get in touch with us!

HOW IS THE TRIP SET UP?

This trip is considered an Trek, which means it includes walking that ranges from easy to medium, but requires no mountaineering experience. This trip requires everyone to be in good physical condition, some days will be long and include moderate elevation gain and loss.

HOW HARD IS IT?

This trip is considered strenuous. While travel always entails some level of adventure and challenge, when we say “strenuous” we mean there will be long, difficult hikes; occasional significant physical barriers such as climbing and the chance of falling or some other injury. To complete this trip, especially with any enjoyment, one must be in peak physical shape.

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE?

The warmest, driest months for visiting Patagonia are November through March/April. These summer days can be sunny and you might find yourself hiking in shorts and a t-shirt. Nevertheless, this time of year can also bring strong westerly winds and pre-dawn temperatures can

sometimes be a few degrees above freez-ing. As a general rule, the further south you go the wetter and less predictable the weather is. As you head east; the more weather is drier and more stable.

With all the advice given, these are only recommendations and generalizations. For safety, it’s best to expect the worst weather. We can see everything from warm sun to driving winds and rain, no matter when we go. Have rain gear, gaiters, and all the proper cold weather clothing no matter what time of year you tackle this trek.

DO I NEED A VISA?

There is not a visa required for a stay of less than 90 days. US citizens formerly needed to pay a ‘reciprocity fee’; however, as of August 2016 that fee has been offi-cially revoked and US citizens may now visit Argentina for a period of less than 90 days without needing a visa.

DO I NEED INSURANCE?

Yes. Given the remote destinations and conditions encountered on this trip, and the fact that random things can happen that are beyond anyone’s control, we require that everyone who tours with us have overseas medical/travel insurance: $50,000 for medical insurance and $50,000 for evacuations. You should also note that most US-based medical insurance policies will not cover you on active adventures outside the country.

You can find our requirements as well as a few company recommendations here:

https://embarkexplorationco.com/need-travel-insurance/

Please note that if you are choosing to also purchase travel/trip cancellation insurance this can often be time-sensitive. Many insurance companies will require you to purchase their travel insurance within a certain time period of giving a deposit for the trip. This policy is established to prevent people from realizing they cannot go on a trip and then purchasing insurance to get reimbursed.

DO I NEED IMMUNIZATIONS?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that, in addition to routine vaccinations such as measles/mumps, tetanus, and chickenpox, all travelers to Patagonia should be up-to-date on Hepatitis A and Typhoid. They also suggest you speak to your doctor about other vaccinations you might want to get. The State Department also maintains up-to-date information on its website:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/your-health-abroad.html

Here are some medications you may want to bring in your First Aid kit. Check with your travel clinic or doctor on dosages and cautions.

□ Ciproflaxin or Azthromycin for antibi-otics

□ Diphen for travelers’ diarrhea

□ Immodium for diarrhea

□ Colace for constipation

□ Ibuprofen or Aleve for mild pain or muscle soreness

□ Benadryl as a decongestant


WHAT IF I CAN’T FINISH THE TREK?

Should you need to return early, due to physical limitations or an inability to com-plete the excursion for any reason, we will assist you in returning. Any change to the itinerary; such as extra nights at a different hotel than is on the itinerary, will be at your own expense.

WHAT IF I HAVE TO CHANGE OR CANCEL MY TRIP?

Please give Embark as much notice as possible for any trip cancellations. Official cancellations must be in writing. Cancellation charges are based on the date of the receipt of written notification as follows:» 0 - 59 days before trip begins: no refund

» 60 - 90 days before trip begins: 25 percent of the total price paid

» 91 days and more: loss of trip deposit

Embark highly recommends you purchase trip cancellation insurance in case you need to cancel your trip. Be mindful that some travel insurance companies require that you purchase insurance within a certain period after paying a deposit on your trip, often 10 days, so you will want to be mindful of that detail. Check the terms of the proposed coverage carefully!

Finally, If additional changes to the trip are made while on the trip, such as new hotels or additional services, you will be billed for addtional services within two weeks upon your return.

CAN I EXTEND MY TRIP?

Absolutely. If you wish to show up early or stay late, that is at your expense. If you would like to add a trip to see the Penguins or Iguazu Falls or other adventure through Embark Exploration Co., just get in touch!

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE?

You will wake and have breakfast at your hosteria, estancia or refugio, typically around 7 a.m. We will hit the trail by 8 a.m. and hike for 5-7 hours. We will bring prepared boxed lunches to have while we are out and return sometime in the late afternoon. You will have the rest of the day to relax, meet fellow travelers and hang out.

WHAT IS THE TERRAIN LIKE?

These are mountain trails, but very well-worn ones. The tread is well maintained and, while sections are steep and challeng-ing, footing won’t be a problem.

WHAT IS THE SLEEPING ARRANGE-MENT?

While in town, we stay at bed-and-break-fast lodgings. On trek, we stay in more rustic refugios, typically sleeping in bunk beds with bathrooms down the hall. All beds have bedding, sleeping bags are not needed.

WHAT DO WE EAT?

You will be served two to three meals per day, with plentiful portions. Specialty diets such as vegetarian or gluten-free are available on request. Breakfast will include things like eggs, meat, toast, oatmeal, dry cereal, juice, milk, and coffee or tea. Lunch, often boxed, will typically include a sandwich, chicken, fruit, a chocolate bar and juice. Dinner might be soup; potatoes, rice, or pasta; chicken or beef; vegetables; and milk, and coffee or tea.

Not included are snacks for the trail, such as bars, trail mix, and electrolyte drink mixes. If you like to hike with these, bring them!

WHAT ABOUT SANITATION AND HYGIENE?

Everywhere we stay, we will have access to flush toilets. During the hike, if needed, you will walk off the trail and dig a hole; so be sure to bring toilet paper every day.

WHAT ABOUT COMMUNICATION BACK HOME?

While in Buenos Aires and Calafate we will have internet access (though it is very limited in el Chalten). Everywhere else we will be “off the grid.”

IS THERE ANY WILDLIFE TO WOR-RY ABOUT?

No. We will see some animals, but none of them are dangerous.

HOW BIG WILL THE GROUP BE?

There will be a lead guide in charge and a possible assistant guide with bigger groups. We like to limit our groups to no more

than 14 people.WILL WE BE CLIMBING WITH ROPES OR OTHER GEAR?

No. There’s no technical gear needed on in Patagonia for our type of activities.

WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE AND AFTER THE TREK?

Most of groups will spend either one or two days in Buenos Aires, resting and adjusting to the time change. This time includes a guided tour of the city and the rest of the time to youreslf for any personal exploring or last-minute prepa-ration. After the trek, you’ll be taken back to Buenos Aires for your lasat night. The next day you will depart or go on to more adventures outside of the group itinerary.

DO WE TIP?

Yes,we do. Estimate an average of $8 to $10 per person per day for local guides and drivers. Most of our groups have a TC (tour conductor) who is in charge of organizing the activities, travel with the group, etc. Usually the TC will distribute the tips to local guides and drivers. At the end of the trip the group members will also collect a tip for the Tour Conductor.

CAN WE LEAVE THINGS AT THE HOTEL WHILE WE CLIMB?

Definitely. Even if you’re not extending your trip, there will be items in your lug-gage you don’t want or need on the trek. Our hotel in Buenos Aires is more than happy to keep an eye on these things for you. We do recommend bringing a second, smaller bag for this purpose.

ABOUT ACCOMMODATIONS

As we are leaving our cultural as well as geographical home, we will stay in accommodations, which might not fit our usual Western standards. Embark chooses places which are safe and secure, and as comfortable as possible within our financial realities as well as the bounds of the places we are visiting. Accordingly, please plan to be flexible and patient, and embrace your away-from-home experience.

ELECTRICITY

Aregentina (and Chile if your itinerary includes the Chilean side of Patagonia)


uses 220v/50hz electricity. Most mod-ern electronic devices--such as iPhones, laptops, Kindles-- can support multiple voltages and frequency ratings, so all you will need is an adapter. If your device does not support 220v/50hz then you will need a power converter. For adapters: It is best to buy a multi-adapter which has adapters for both Chile and Argentina in one.INTERNET

Internet service will be available at your hotel in Buenos Aires and occassionally on a very limited basis at the hosterias and refugios on trek. Occasionally, there are power outages and connection issues so it is not guaranteed 100 percent of the time.

LAUNDRY

Laundry service is available at the hotels but not the refugios or hosterias on trek. Since most of our stays in hotels ar so short, there will likely not be time for laundry.

TRANSPORTATION DURING YOUR TRIP

You will be transported in our own private vehicles from point to point throughout the trip. Occasionally, with groups that exceed five, we will use a mini van to transport between various locations. We are not immune to the realities of travel in Patagonia. We always prioritize safety, and comfort when we can, but leaving the Western world may well mean driving on rough, winding roads and in vehicles, which fall short of being “luxurious.” Remember, this is adventure travel!

MONEY & MONEY EXCHANGE

Argentinian and Chilean currency is the Peso. You can purchase pesos upon arrival by using a local ATM, which your local guide will help you find upon arrival. Dol-lars are accepted at some establishments but credit cards are usually only accepted for large purchases. Keep in mind that you’ll likely be able to use credit cards easily in Buenos Aires but once we get into our more remote locations; you’ll need cash to make purchases so stock up on that cash before departing the city.

Also, most banks employ a fraud detection system that automatically freezes credit

cards if they see charges coming from a different country. Therefore, don’t forget to notify your bank that you will be traveling to Argentina/Chile so they don’t put a hold on your card when they see purchases and withdrawals coming from those countries.

EMERGENCY FUND

We recommend that you bring an emergency fund on the trip, should you not be able to access money or unplanned situation arises. We typically recommend $200 - $300 in US Dollars as an emergency fund.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

There are no major safety or security issues. Buenos Aires is generally safe, though there is the very rare instance of pickpockets. This is rare, but people should know to be aware of themselves and their surroundings; as you would in any large city. Outside of the city and on our trek, there are no security issues.

Responsible Travel In our role as cross-cultural liaisons, we take the issue of cultural sensitivity very seriously. The lens through which we see the world is colored by our history and our own culture; please be aware of this when traveling overseas.

GIFTS

While it may be tempting to give out gifts, especially to children, it is again important to keep things in the proper context. What seems like a small item to us may be quite significant to a local person, and we do not want to create a culture of dependence upon our handouts. If you’d like to make a contribution to a charity doing excellent work in the area, please request more information from Embark.

PHOTOGRAPHS

We have all seen wonderful photographs that include local people, and many of us might wish to re-create these works of art. It is vital, however, to recall that all people in all cultures are entitled to their privacy and dignity. With this in mind, it is critical

that we ask permission before photographing someone, and we must immediately respect a “no,” should it be the answer. Even after we have received permission, we must be respectful of personal space, time, and local custom. Ask your Embark representatives for more specific information.

A COUPLE OF RULES

We will always obey the laws in the countries we visit. This means the possession or consumption of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on Embark trips. In some places, smoking marijuana or opium is legal and a part of the local culture, but neither will be tolerated on our trips.

Anyone violating this policy will be removed from the trip.

DOSSIER DISCLAIMER

The outline itinerary is a guide that the Embark will adhere to. The final itinerary may differ in the order that you visit areas and the places where you stay overnight. We reserve the right to make changes based on weather, road and/or operating conditions imposed by owners of accommodation facilities, etc. All participants must be adequately insured. The pricing is subject to change should you change the dates of your trip. The client must confirm that he or she is in good health, unaware of any reasons why he or she may be unsuited for the expedition or may likely suffer illness or injury during the expedition.


About Embark Exploration Co.Embark is an adventure travel company that offers once-in-a-lifetime adventures for those who want to explore the most remote corners of the planet, navigate the world’s great frontiers, summit some of its highest peaks, trek through the most emote of villages, and interact with locals on a level most tourists only dream of.

Embark specializes in custom adventure travel; each group typically has a unique itinerary, works with us to develop that itinerary, and picks the dates of travel. Occasionally we have pre-planned departure dates the we can fit individuals into.

Embark is always working toward two main priorities: developing trips that are both active and cultural, with an extreme focus on interact-ing with local communities and crossing cultur-al barriers.

WHAT SETS EMBARK APART FROM THE REST

EXPERIENCEWe are a team that lives and breathes travel; we know what our clients want, and as such we see them as travelers, not tourists. We have organized hundreds of adventures around the world, focusing on destinations we know and understand. Ask us for some of our references.

HANDCRAFTED TRIPSMany companies provide region-standard trips; Embark goes above and beyond. We organize unique itineraries along the roads less traveled, designing adventures that allow our travelers to be pioneers and explore the depth of any given destination.

LEADERSHIPWe focus on finding and training the best guides in the industry, with specialists who are prominent in several fields – mountain guides, historians, archaeologists, cultural anthropologists, and much more.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYFirst and foremost, we believe in paying fair wages and supporting the people and the environments where we travel. We believe in the places we travel, and invest money back into these communities by supporting local non-governmental organizations.

Embark is not just a company – it is a philosophy.

CONTACT INFOEmbark Exploration Co.https://embarkexplorationco.com/

PHONE503-922-1050

MAILING ADDRESS1327 SE Tacoma Street #273 Portland, OR 97202

FEEDBACKAfter your trip ends, we will follow up with you to determine what you enjoyed about the trip and how we can make it better. Embark is eager to build better adventures around the world through your advice and insight.

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