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Important Information

Private: Argentina & Chile: Patagonia Gay Hiking
Traverse some of Patagonia’s most famous trails on this gay hiking tour!
Country info

VISA: Canadians, Americans, and most Europeans don’t need a visa to enter either Argentina or Chile. Australians require an evisa to enter. For all visitors, a 90-day Tourist Card will be issued. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the traveller’s responsibility. For more info, click here.

CULTURE SHOCK: Both Argentina and Chile are among South America’s most highly developed nations, with thriving GDP. Unfortunately, both countries tend to struggle with large chasms between the rich and poor. Economics aside, travellers may notice some unexpected trail and road construction that can impact our itinerary. Most rural locals only speak Spanish and communication could be an issue outside tourist-friendly spaces. Finally, the weather throughout Patagonia is famously flippant—it’s best to prepare for all seasons every day.

LOCAL LGBT SCENE: Argentina leads Latin America’s march for gay rights. In 2010 they became the first in the region to legalize gay marriage, and are global leaders in transgender rights (you can change your identity without hormone therapy, surgery, or psychiatric diagnosis). Same-sex couples can adopt, and gay people can serve in the military. Best of all, there’s massive acceptance of homosexuality, with almost ¾ of society affirming it’s okay to be gay.

In Chile, Queer rights are progressing in this once socially conservative but still Catholic country. Same-sex couples have had legal protection since 2015, but still cannot marry. They can also apply to adopt, but only one partner becomes a legal parent. There are no service bans for the military, and transgender people can change their sex and name.

WEATHER: November through February is summer in Patagonia, making it the ideal time to visit the region. But even though its summer, the weather can feel cool, especially at night. Also, as previously noted, weather patterns throughout Patagonia can be very temperamental and heavy rain and wind are quite common. Prepare appropriately.

VACCINATIONS: Based on the entry requirements, there are no immunizations needed for entry to either Argentina or Chile. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

ELECTRICITY: Argentina uses types C- and I-sockets while Chile uses C- and L-type sockets. Both have standard voltages of 220V and frequencies of 50Hz.

CONNECTIVITY: While all of our hotels should have Wi-Fi access, our campsites will not. Perhaps think of this as an opportunity to disconnect?

COVID-19 Information

We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travelers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

How we travel

Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary—from fireside camping to five-star decadence—our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Meals

To keep things flexible, not all meals are included in the trip price. Although we typically dine together so that everybody can get a taste of everything, feel free to explore on your own…your guide will always have some restaurant recommendations.

Travel Insurance

For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.

Click here for more details on our requirements and how to obtain coverage. We highly recommend that you insure your full purchase, including trip cancellation and medical.

Your guide

All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture.

Fellow adventurers

Out Adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meet ups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.

Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because we’re a gay tour operator doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.

Flying solo

If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

Groups Within Groups

We love when groups of friends join us on an OUT Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:

  • Sit with (and get to know) different people at different meals
  • Mix up walking partners on excursions
  • Invite solo travellers to join you for an optional excursion or meal
  • Enjoy inside jokes in privacy, or let the group in on the secret 😉

If you’d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’re interested in a customized quote.

Itinerary disclaimer

The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.

Optional activities

Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.

Starting point

Hotel Kosten Aike
Gdor. Moyano 1243,
Z9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz,
Argentina

Standard check-in time is between 2PM and 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check ins, however you are able to store your luggage and explore the central area near the hotel while you wait. If you would like a guaranteed early check-in, you will need to reserve a pre-tour night of accommodation.

Finishing Point

Hotel Lago Grey
Sector Lago Grey S/N,
Torres del Paine, Torres de Paine, Magallanes,
Chile

A group transfer will be provided from Torres del Paine to the Puerto Natales Airport, or our Puerto Natales hotel. With that in mind, we ask that you contact our team before purchasing your flight out of Puerto Natales.

 

Money

The local currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso (ARS) and in Chile it is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Use local currency for small purchases, however credit cards are accepted at most upscale restaurants and hotels.

NOTE: We recommend carrying approximately $400 USD to be used in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold. This should be in addition to any spending money.

Tipping

If you are happy with services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation, however we recommend budgeting approximately $100-120 USD.

What to bring

Most Out Adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while you’ll never schlep far, things can quickly get costlier than a celebrity breakup if you don’t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb thanks to costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you find along the way.

Please note: There is limited vehicle luggage space in these remote areas so we ask that you limit your luggage to one soft-sided bag weighing under 20kg. DO NOT bring a large hard-shell suitcase or more than 1 large bag. 

The following packing list is a guideline, not gospel. Our Out Adventure Specialists are happy to answer any specific questions about how much or little to bring.

Travel Documents:

  • Passport/Visas/Flight Itineraries/Travel Insurance
  • Pre-trip packet
  • Credit/ATM card

General Personal Items:

  • Eye mask/ear plugs
  • Smartphone/camera/tablet/charging cords/International travel plug
  • Daypack
  • Luggage lock
  • Personal Wipes
  • Guidebook/Phrase book/Reading material
  • Protection for your devices from water
  • Travel-size towel
  • COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (Out Adventures can not guarantee easy access to tests)

Clothing/Gear:

Shoes:

  • Socks (Preferably both hiking and quick-dry socks)
  • Hiking boots (Worn-in)
  • Sandals or Water shoes
  • Shoes you’d feel comfortable wearing at a restaurant.

Bottoms:

  • Underwear (Preferably sweat-wicking briefs)
    Pants (Preferably lightweight hiking pants with zip-off legs)
    Shorts
    Swimwear
  • Semi-casual pants (or jeans) you’d feel comfortable wearing at a restaurant.

Tops:

  • Short-sleeved shirts (Preferably sweat-wicking)
  • Long-sleeved shirts (Preferably sweat-wicking)
  • Sweaters (Lightweight)
  • Semi-casual shirts (for example, a polo shirt) you’d feel comfortable wearing at a restaurant.

Jackets:

  • Fleece sweater/jacket
  • Waterproof jacket/poncho

Other:

  • A smaller pack that’s still larger enough to carry three days worth of clothing & gear for days 6–8
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Sunglasses/Hat
  • Small Umbrella
  • Refillable water bottle(s)
  • Walking sticks/poles (optional)

Health-related Items:

  • Small First aid kit including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, zinc oxide tape and small scissors, blister pads, diarrhea tablets, dioralyte rehydration packs
  • Personal Medication
  • High protection sunscreen/lip balm + sun barrier cream for nose/ears
  • Insect repellent/bite cream/antihistamine
  • Antibacterial gel/wipes
  • Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant
  • Vaseline to prevent chafing skin and heel friction blisters
  • Blister pads such as Band-aid or Dr. Scholls blister cushions
Physical ratings & considerations

All Out Adventures guests must have a good level of health. All tours, regardless of activity level, involve uneven steps, stairs, walking tours, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.

Below is a breakdown of our Physical Rating guide.

1 – Relaxing

  • Very little or no hiking
  • Light activities such as walking, bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
  • Low altitude
  • Suitable for all fitness levels

2 – Light

  • Light walking and hiking (2 hours or less per day and at low altitude)
  • Light activities such as bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
  • Suitable for most fitness levels

3 – Average

  • Light walking and hiking (3 hours or less per day, rarely at high altitude)
  • Some activities such as biking, paddling or swimming. Active days are mixed with relaxed days
  • Suitable for an average fitness level

4 – Demanding

  • Walking, hiking is a component of the tour (can range from 2 hours to 6 hours per day, at various altitudes)
  • Activities such as biking, paddling or swimming may be mixed in
  • Suitable for a good fitness level

5 – Challenging

  • Walking, hiking, biking, paddling or kayaking are the vast majority of the trip (can range from 2 hours to 8 hours per day, generally at high altitude)
  • Activities will likely happen day after day with limited rest days
  • Suitable for above average fitness level

CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE

We can’t wait to help you plan an awesome adventure, but due to a high level of fake inquiries we now record your IP address when you submit an inquiry. This helps local authorities identify and prevent harassment against Out Adventures, or any intended recipients.

CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE

Ask a Question

Ask a Question

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