A gastronomic tour through the wine regions of Chile and Argentina, sampling local favourites and learning chef's secrets. Consider eating well on the road to not only be important, but a reason to travel itself? This is the trip for you! Chile & Argentina Gourmet Adventure Classic 2009 GAP 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 South America Chile, Argentina Santiago Buenos Aires Chile Argentina Culture/History 10 2 Comfort http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/chile/chile_easterisland.jpg Arrive in Santiago at any time. Explore the local wineries both in and around Santiago, such as an optional visit to the famous Concha y Toro vineyard. Head out on a full day tour to the Santa Cruz or Maipo Valley for an in-depth look at this district which produces such fine quality wines. Chilean wine is top-notch, with only France and Italy selling more wine around the world. Ride across the spectacular Andean Range to the wine-growing region of Mendoza, where you can spend time visiting several vineyards and choosing from one of the many optional activities that Mendoza has to offer. This region is a beautiful part of the Argentine Andes and the city is very picturesque. Enjoy winery and vineyard visits during your time here, capped with a cooking class to learn about (and sample) typical Argentine cuisine. Fly to the capital of Argentina known as “Paris of the Americas” and the city of Tango. Spend the day on Day 8 of your tour at a turn of the century farm house in the Tigre River Delta area. Here we will learn how to cook an "asado" or traditional Argentine barbeque while sipping "mate" from a hollowed out gourd. Enjoy Buenos Aires before getting together for one last meal—and a final bottle of wine! Arrive in Santiago at any time. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.

Santiago is Chile’s largest city and capital, with internationally recognized vineyards and Andean ski resorts very close by. Explore the many museums and parks, and visit the vibrant neighbourhood of Bellavista to see some handicrafts and trendy cafés. Day trips include a trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, Chile’s premier beach resort, and to Isla Negra, Pablo Neruda’s seaside home.

Although Santiago covers an immense area, the central core of the city is relatively small. It is a roughly triangular shaped region, bounded in the north by the Río Mapocho, in the west by the Via Norte Sur and in the south by the Avenida del Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins (more commonly known as the Alameda). The apex of the triangle is the Plaza Baquedano, where O'Higgins forms a junction with two of Santiago's other main thoroughfares, Avenidas Providencia and Vicuña MacKenna.

The centre of this triangle is the Plaza de Armas, the chief plaza of Santiago, bounded on its northern side by the main post office and on the western side by the cathedral. The streets between the Plaza de Armas and O'Higgins are wall-to-wall shops, restaurants, snack and fast food bars, cinemas, expensive hotels and office blocks. The Presidential Palace, La Moneda, is on Avenida Moneda, facing the Plaza de la Constitución. Near the Plaza de Armas is the National Congress building. One of Santiago's main parks, Cerro Santa Lucía, is in the triangle facing O'Higgins. The other main park is Cerro San Cristobal, or Huelén, in the Mapuche tongue. It is a large hill that rises dramatically from the plain to the north of Avenida Providencia. Between this avenue and the mountain, on either side of the Avenida Pío Nono, is Santiago's 'Paris quarter', the barrio Bella Vista. Here you find beautifully landscaped parks and gardens, artists' colonies and impressive views over the city, including the snow-capped peaks of the Andes (when the weather and thick smog permit). Explore the local wineries both in and around Santiago, such as by taking an optional visit to the famous Concha y Toro vineyard. On day 3 head out on a full-day excursion to the Maipo Valley area for an in-depth look at the region that produces such fine quality wines. Chilean wine is top-notch, with only France and Italy selling more wine worldwide. Visit some of the vineyards that are not only well-known internationally, but best-equipped for attending to visitors and situated in the midst of stunning scenery. Learn more about the process from local experts, taste a range of wines including the Carmenere, one of Chile's specialties, and accompany your wine with a fabulous gourmet meal. Take a spectacular trip across the Andean Range to the picturesque wine-growing region of Mendoza, where we visit several vineyards and choose from the many optional activities Mendoza has to offer. Enjoy several winery and vineyard visits, topped off with a cooking class to learn about--and sample--typical Argentine cuisine. The wine-tasting, cooking class and dining, in conjunction with the local experts’ knowledge, comprise the perfect Argentine food and wine cultural experience.

Mendoza is a lovely city, known worldwide for its fabulous wine; it is home to 1221 wineries producing almost one billion litres of wine yearly, many taking advantage of the crystalline waters of the Rio Mendoza fed by the melting snows of the Andes. The Mendoza valley is most famous for its Malbec variety, grown between 750 and 1100 metres above sea level, and benefitting from the desert-like climate of less than 20cm of rainfall per year.

Established where the libertador José de San Martín set out to cross the Andes and aid in the liberation of Chile, Mendoza is a university city with wide sidewalks, tree-lined streets and numerous plazas. The city's beautiful setting, temperate climate and many museums combine to make the perfect atmosphere for wandering and exploring. Mendoza is also the provincial capital, and outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting and skiing/snowboarding are plentiful. Fly to the capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires, the city of Tango!

Spend the day on Day 8 of your tour at a turn of the century farm house in the Tigre River Delta area. Here we will learn how to cook an "asado" or traditional Argentine barbeque while sipping "mate" from a hollowed out gourd. Return to your hotel in Buenos Aires to spend the night.

Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city. Travellers find that it has more in common with the cities of Europe than the rest of South America. Nearly 40 per cent of Argentina's 33 million citizens live in Greater Buenos Aires, and the Porteños are justifiably proud of their home. The city is comprised of a number of distinct neighbourhoods, some of which have become top tourist draws. For many, the highlight of their time in the capital is a visit to San Telmo for the weekend antiques market and street artistís displays.

La Boca was originally settled by the successive waves of immigrants that contribute to the capital's unique character. Its brightly coloured walls and buildings draw Porteños and tourists alike, and it is here that the world-class football team, Boca Juniors, plies its trade. A Sunday afternoon match at the fabled Bombonera is not to be missed. Posh Recoleta, with its cafes, museums and cemetery, is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.

During colonial days Buenos Aires was the seat of the Viceroy of La Plata. Almost completely rebuilt since the turn of the century, the heart of the city is the Plaza de Mayo, with the historic Cabildo (Town Hall), where the Independence movement was first planned, the Casa Rosada (Government Palace) and the Cathedral where San Martín, the father of Argentine independence, is buried.

When you are done exploring, settle your weary feet and enjoy a drink in one of the many sidewalk cafes and restaurants and you will begin to understand the contemplative Argentine way of life.

On Day 9 enjoy free time in Buenos Aires before getting together for one last meal—and a final bottle of wine! This will be your last chance to try Argentina's succulent bife and parrilladas, so dig in and enjoy! 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1609 1529 979 809 2109 1429 1119 1629 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 200 USD Accommodation Comfort hotels (9 nts). Departure Departs monthly (Aug-May) DepEnd Sun-Tues Group Leader Tour leader throughout, local guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Santiago de Chile, Wineries, Vineyards, Cooking classes, Mendoza, Tigre River Delta Ranch, Buenos Aires. Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD300 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included 9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches. Min Pax 6 StartFinish Santiago to Buenos Aires Testimonial "I really enjoyed the trip! The wine tours were great - and the cooking class was certainly a highlight - we all had so much fun - and a great setting. Buenos Aires is better than Paris!" - Silvie Forest travelled on Chile and Argentina Gourmet Adventure Transport First class bus, Local flight. What's Included Full day wineries tour from Santiago, Full day wineries tour and cooking class in the Mendoza region, Day trip to a working ranch with included cooking class, Arrival transfer and breakfast daily. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro A gastronomic tour through the wine regions of Chile and Argentina, sampling local favourites and learning chef's secrets. Consider eating well on the road to not only be important, but a reason to travel itself? This is the trip for you! Checklist - Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD cash and travelers cheques
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G.A.P Adventures vouchers and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera and film
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- Cover for backpacks
- Pocketknife
- Flashlight
- Moneybelt
- Fleece top
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Small towel and swim wear
- 4 shirts/t-shirts
- Sun hat
- 1 pair of shorts
- 2 pairs of long trousers
- 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
- Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
- Sport sandals
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- Purification tablets or filter
- First-aid kit(should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Immodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking). Departure Tax USD18 Detailed Trip Notes Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro A gastronomic tour through the wine regions of Chile and Argentina, sampling local favourites and learning chefs' secrets. Consider eating well on the road to be more than important, but a reason to travel itself? This is the trip for you! Sip and chew your way from Santiago to Buenos Aires. Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local contact in Chile or Buenos Aires (depending on where your tour begins). If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel: Int. Dialing Code + 54 9 11 6 1477 660
From within Argentina
11 15 6 1477 660

G.A.P Adventures Santiago, Chile
Tel: Int. Dialing Code + 56 9 96471139
From within Chile
09 96471139

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local contact in Buenos Aires or Chile, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below:

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 416 305 6139.
Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G.A.P Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel Santiago
Hotel Alcala del Rio
Padre Mariano 331 Providencia
Santiago
Chile

Tel: Int. Dialing Code + 56 2 236 0871
Fax: Int. Dialing Code + 56 2 236 0987 Joining Instructions Santiago’s International Airport is Arturo Merino Benitez, located 26 km from the city, about a 45 minute drive. One way to get to the city is by taxi, the approximate cost is $20 USD. There is an exchange desk in the airport, however the rate is usually quite poor. There is no counter for official taxis; you can try your hand at bargaining with the driver or pay the metered fare, which is a little more expensive. Alternatively there are a number of airport shuttle buses to certain points in the centre of the city, especially along the Alameda. A shuttle bus can take you to Los Heroes subway station for approximately $4, then take the subway 4 stops to the Estacion Universidad Catolica, which is closest to Hotel Monte Carlo. The Hotel itself is across from the landmark Cerro Santa Lucia (Santa Lucia Hill)

SANTIAGO AIRPORT "LANDING FEE": Please be advised that Chile's international airport in Santiago charges a steep arrival fee to people of certain nationalities. At the time of writing, this fee was $132 USD for Canadians, $100 USD for US citizens, and $30 USD for Australian citizens; there is currently no fee for EU or New Zealand citizens. This is payable immediately upon arrival before proceeding through immigration. Once this fee is paid, it is valid for the duration of the passport. Please check with your local embassy/consulate for the exact amounts.
Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G.A.P Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money: a combination of US dollars in cash and cards is best. Please bear in mind that the cost of living in the southern cone countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile) is much higher than the rest of South America. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities All prices are per person in US dollar amounts.

Santiago:
Pisco distillery tour $6
City tour $20

Mendoza:
City tour $25
Full day mountain trek $70
Whitewater rafting $70
Bike rentals $10/hour

Buenos Aires:
Tango Show $45-$60
Coastal train $10
Teatro Colón $5 Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety Please note: You should be especially careful when wandering about Buenos Aires on your own, particularly at night. Tourists are easy prey for individual pickpockets or groups of two or more people working as a team on the streets. Pay particular attention to anyone who 'accidentally' spills anything on your clothes or belongings (mustard, etc.) and then apologizes and offers to help clean up. They will clean you out instead! Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, travellers cheques and cash funds you won't be using immediately in the hotel's safety deposit box. Most Porteños are honest and genuinely helpful and friendly, but be safe and enjoy the city! Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whatever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential.
Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.