Please remember that the seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are exactly the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, when it is Summer in Santiago, Chile or Buenos Aires, Argentina it is Winter in Atlanta, GA or Rome, Italy. Santa saves the Southern Hemisphere for his last stops, so he can change into his Summer outfit and put on his sunblock. Everyone knows this down here in South America, Australia and New Zealand!

Now, since most of our clients are typically coming from the Northern climates during the months of September through April, it is wise to remember to pack for warm days, cool evenings and always bring an umbrella and sunblock. A hat or other head covering is recommended as well a pair of comfortable walking shoes. If your feet are not happy, it is a safe bet that you will not be happy either.

As far as recommended clothing, we suggest a bathing suit, thongs (the footwear!), a pair of jeans, a pair of shorts, a comfortable sweater or light jacket and both long and short sleeved shirts. For the men, a dinner jacket is recommended only if you plan on dining in a very upscale restaurant. For the ladies, a single, simple dress or skirt is always a nice addition. Please remember good walking shoes! Jewelry is up to you, but if you plan on indulging in some adventurous activities, think carefully about your choices. We can set you up with the best Adventure Tour Operators here in Chile. Some “other” operators may be less expensive, but it is usually because they use old, and sometimes faulty equipment. This is particularly true when river rafting and hiking the Volcano. Don’t take chances with your life to save a buck!

Chile and most of South America is very casual. Suits and ties are reserved for high level functions and business meetings only. Golf shirts are perfect as are khacki slacks, nice shorts, etc.

If you are conscious of sanitation issues, the places we will be visiting are ALL quite clean and well-supplied, but some public restrooms may not have toilet paper or paper towels. No one seems to know what a tissue toilet seat cover looks like in S. America. We recommend that you travel with some hand wipes and small packets of tissues, for they DO come in very handy and you will probably need them.

Chile, at least in all of the places we will visit is NOT to be regarded as a Third World country. Most of those Third World designations apply to parts of Mexico, Central America and other less well-developed countries. There are a few places in remote locations which may lack services but there are areas of the USA in which we would not consider either very well-developed, either!

The water is safe to drink (although we do supply bottled water for all our guests). You will find the food service people practice excellent hygiene. Filth is a reflection of ignorance. The people of Chile are generally well-educated and quite clean. You will be pleasantly surprised to see the service stations along the Pan American Highway, for they are some of the cleanest we have seen anywhere in the world!

We have never had any trouble with Montezuma’s Revenge in the two years we have lived and traveled in this area, but we DO recommend you use common sense and don’t eat anything that looks old, less than hygienic or which may be prepared by anyone who looks unclean. The health department does perform regular inspections and all restaurants are held to very high standards.

Our most important job is to make sure you are happy, comfortable and that your needs are met at all times. PLEASE feel free to ask and we will do our best to accommodate your desires.

Your safety is important. Please keep this in mind when booking or participating in “adventurous” activities, please follow your guide(s)’ requests to the letter to ensure that your adventure will be a Kodak™ moment!