Expediciones Chile Travel Route Descriptions

Travel Route Descriptions:

For each trip, there are several routes that you can take to arrive at your destination. Look at the options detailed under the trips below and choose which will be ideal for your itinerary. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

FUTALEUFU VALLEY TRIPS

---Travel Through Argentina - Recommended!

------I] Fast Track Esquel Route - Quickest Route To Futaleufu!
-----II] Fast Track Bariloche Route
----III] Cultural Bariloche Route
-----IV] Elite Bus To Esquel Route

---Travel Through Chile

-----I] Pacific Coast Route Suspended till further notice

---Travel Through Both / Multinational

-----I] Argentina To The Pacific Route
----II] Pacific To Argentina Route

ANDES TO OCEAN TRIP

-----I] Argentina To The Pacific Route
----II] Pacific Coast Route

INTERNATIONAL SAFARI TRIPS

-----I] International Safari Route

TORRES DEL PAINE TRIP

-----I] Direct To Torres Route

FUTALEUFU & TORRES DEL PAINE COMBO TRIPS

-----I] Tour Of Patagonia Route
----II] Pacific Coast To Torres Route

ARGENTINA WEEK OF RIVERS TRIP

-----I] Bariloche Direct

FUTALEUFU VALLEY TRIP ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS

----1. TRAVEL THROUGH ARGENTINA

----2. TRAVEL THROUGH CHILE

----3. MULTINATIONAL TRAVEL THROUGH CHILE AND ARGENTINA

TRAVEL THROUGH ARGENTINA

--I] Fast Track Esquel Route Quickest Route To Futaleufu!
-II] Fast Track Bariloche Route
III] Cultural Bariloche Route
.IV] Elite Bus To Esquel

I] FAST TRACK ESQUEL ROUTE Quickest Route To Futaleufu!

QUICK LOOK:
1. Flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina
2. Shuttle (Bus ~$10 or Taxi ~$35 USD, 50 minutes) from International to National Airport
3. Jet Flight to Esquel, Argentina (~$550 USD RT, 3-hours)
4. Taxi Transport from Esquel to Futaleufú (2-hours, Free)

BRIEF ROUTE DESCRIPTION:
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina, you will collect your luggage and then transfer to the national airport. Take a jet to the mountain town of Esquel, located on the western border of Argentina. Esquel provides the closest jetport to Futaleufú. From there it is a scenic two-hour drive to Futaleufu, provided by ExChile.

Important Arrival Information:
The Fast Track Esquel Route is the swiftest route to Futaleufú. To correlate your travels with our trip in Futaleufú, we recommend departing your home country on Friday afternoon to arrive in Buenos Aires as early as possible on Saturday morning. You must arrive in Buenos Aires at least three hours before your scheduled departure to Esquel in order to adhere to laws regulating international and national air travel. It is recommended to schedule more than three hours between flights in case of unexpected travel complications. Upon arrival, take a quick bus or taxi transfer to the national airport for the direct flight to Esquel.
Flights are available three times a week to Esquel (M-W-Sa). The Esquel flight is usually scheduled between 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. You will arrive into Esquel mid-afternoon on Saturday. We will receive you in Esquel and after a free, two-hour ground transfer to Futaleufú, you will likely arrive in time for a short hike before dinner.

Important Departure Information:
Plan to fly out of Esquel on Saturday afternoon. After a leisurely breakfast, we will drive you to the Argentine border, 20 minutes from our lodge. The crossing opens at 8:00 a.m. Chilean time (9:00 a.m. Argentine time, Jan.-March). Expect 45 minutes to clear customs. Take a free, arranged two-hour shuttle from the border to Esquel, Argentina. The flight departs Esquel at 2:05 p.m. on Saturday afternoon and will arrive in Buenos Aires at 5:45 p.m. Arrange your international flight to make the connection back home that same evening. You will need three hours between flights in Buenos Aires to make a legal international connection and to transfer airports.

Advantages to the Esquel Fast Track Route:
- This is the quickest and most direct route to Futaleufu.
- All flights can be purchased online: http://www.aerolineas.com.ar/
- This is one of the most economical routes. You will save the $131 reciprocal visa fee that is required upon entry at the international airport in Santiago ($159 – Canadians; $60 – Australians). There will also be no ground transfer fees ($125 pp) or additional travel expenses, e.g. overnight stay, meals.
- The baggage allowance is higher for the jets to Esquel, as opposed to the small charter planes from Puerto Montt and Chaiten, Chile.
- Ground transport is provided free of charge.

Disadvantages to the Esquel Fast Track Route:

- There are limited seats available to Esquel. It is imperative to purchase tickets in advance. Most flights are booked by November for January, February and March flights.
- If you miss your flight, Aerolineas Argentina will reroute you to Bariloche (4-hours north of Esquel) for a small charge. Such a diversion may require either a privately chartered vehicle ($350 each way, per 3-person vehicle) or a comfortable bus trip (4-hour bus: $20 each way, per person) from Bariloche to Esquel to get you back on schedule.
- Travel insurance is recommended to protect against delays or cancellations.
- Flights to Esquel are relatively more expensive, between $450 and $550 USD. (If flying internationally on Aerolineas Argentina, the price can drop as low as $280 USD).
- The Chile-Argentina border closes at 9 p.m. (Argentine time, Jan.-March), so missed flights, delays or reroutes may require a night on the Argentine side of the border. Read Important Transit Information regarding what to do in case delays prevent you from crossing the border before closure on your day of arrival.
- Three hours are required between an international and national flight for it to be a legal connection in Argentina.
- You are required to transfer airports in Buenos Aires.

See Purchasing Airfare
See Important Transit Information

--I] Fast Track Esquel Route Quickest Route To Futaleufu!
-II] Fast Track Bariloche Route
III] Cultural Bariloche Route
.IV] Elite Bus To Esquel

II] FAST TRACK BARILOCHE ROUTE

Due to limited flights through Esquel, a trip through Bariloche is the next best choice. Don’t worry; you can still make it through to Futaleufú the same day with this non-stop route!

QUICK LOOK:
1. Flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina
2. Shuttle (Bus ~$10 or Taxi ~$35 USD, 50 minutes) from International to National Airport
3. Jet Flight to Bariloche (~$200 USD one-way, 2:20-hrs)
4. Taxi from Bariloche to Futaleufú ($250 USD RT, pp, 6-hrs)

BRIEF ROUTE DESCRIPTION:
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina, you will collect your luggage and then transfer to the national airport. Take a jet to the beautiful town of Bariloche, located on the western border of Argentina. Bariloche provides the second closest jetport to Futaleufú. We will receive you in Bariloche. From there it is a scenic 6-hour drive to Futaleufu.

Important Arrival Information:
To correlate your travels with our trip in Futaleufú, we recommend departing your home country on Friday afternoon to arrive in Buenos Aires as early as possible on Saturday morning. You must arrive in Buenos Aires at least three hours before your scheduled departure to Bariloche in order to adhere to laws regulating international and national air travel. It is recommended to schedule more than three hours between flights in case of unexpected travel complications. Upon arrival, take a quick bus or taxi transfer to the national airport for the direct flight to Bariloche.

Flights are available twelve times each day to Bariloche, Argentina (San Carlos de Bariloche). Flights to Bariloche last 2-hours and 20-minutes. We suggest you arrive into Bariloche by 2:00 p.m. to make the ground shuttle that departs the airport at 2:45 p.m.

Every Saturday ExChile arranges a ground shuttle for $125 USD per person each way (6-hours) directly from Bariloche to Futaleufú. We will meet all passengers at 2:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Bariloche airport. The ground shuttle departs the Bariloche airport at 2:45 p.m. We recommend arriving on the earliest flight possible so that you will be ready at the time of departure.

Important Departure Information:
Plan to fly out of Bariloche late on Saturday afternoon. To be in Bariloche in time for your flight, you will need to cross the border as soon as it opens at 8:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. Argentine time; Jan-March). The Argentine border is 20 minutes from our lodge. Expect 45 minutes to clear customs. Expect to clear customs by 9:45 a.m. Argentine time and take an arranged shuttle (5-hours) to Bariloche from the border.

To connect back to Buenos Aires the same day, you will need to connect with a flight departing Bariloche after 4:00 p.m. You will need three hours between flights in Buenos Aires to make a legal international connection and to transfer airports. Scheduling the latest departure from Bariloche possible for your international connection is recommended.

Advantages to Fast Track Bariloche
- All flights can be purchased online.
- You will save the $131 reciprocal visa fee that is required upon entry at the international airport in Santiago ($159 – Canadians; $60 – Australians).
- The baggage allowance is higher for the jets to Bariloche, as opposed to the small charter planes from Puerto Montt and Chaiten, Chile.
- If you miss a connection, you have better chances of getting on a new flight, as there are 12 flights each day to Bariloche from Buenos Aires on two different airlines.
- Travel Insurance is not essential.

Disadvantages to Fast Track Bariloche
- The Chile-Argentina border closes at 9 p.m. (Argentine time, Jan.-March), so missed flights, delays or reroutes may require a night on the Argentine side of the border. Read Important Transit Information regarding what to do in case delays prevent you from crossing the border before closure on your day of arrival.
- Three hours are required between an international and national flight for it to be a legal connection in Argentina.
- You are required to transfer airports in Buenos Aires.
- Ground transport is not provided free of charge between Bariloche and Esquel.

See Purchasing Airfare
See Important Transit Information

--I] Fast Track Esquel Route Quickest Route To Futaleufu!
-II] Fast Track Bariloche Route
III] Cultural Bariloche Route
.IV] Elite Bus To Esquel

III] CULTURAL BARILOCHE ROUTE

Buenos Aires – Bariloche - Futaleufú
Due to limited flights through Esquel, a trip through Bariloche may be in your itinerary. Stay the evening to enjoy an Argentine steak, fondue, gourmet chocolate and a local glass of wine. The following day will be a leisurely trip to Futaleufu. Your adventure with us will commence upon your arrival!

QUICK LOOK:
1. Flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina
2. Shuttle (Bus ~$10 or Taxi ~$35 USD, 50 minutes) from International to National Airport
3. Jet Flight to Bariloche (~$200 USD one-way, 2:20-hrs)
4. Overnight Stay in Bariloche
5. ExChile Shuttle to Futaleufu ($125 pp, 6-hrs) or Bus to Esquel ($20 USD; 4-hrs)
6. Optional - Ground transport from Esquel to Futaleufu (Free; 2-hrs)
7. Upon Departure: Shuttle Transport to Bariloche ($125 USD, pp, 6-hrs)

BRIEF ROUTE DESCRIPTION:
This scenic, cultural route goes through the bustling capital of Argentina to the picturesque town of Bariloche, Argentina. Enjoy an evening on the town in Bariloche and then take the ExChile shuttle to Futaleufu the following day.

Important Arrival Information:
To correlate your travels with our trip in Futaleufú, we recommend departing your home country on Thursday afternoon to arrive in Buenos Aires early on Friday morning. You must arrive in Buenos Aires at least three hours before your scheduled departure to Bariloche in order to adhere to laws regulating international and national air travel. It is recommended to schedule more than three hours between flights in case of unexpected travel complications. Upon arrival, take a quick bus or taxi transfer to the national airport for the direct flight to Bariloche.

From the national airport, jets are available twelve times each day to Bariloche, Argentina (San Carlos de Bariloche). Choose any flight, as you will be under no time restraints. The Cultural Bariloche Route allows for a relaxing and enjoyable Friday evening in Bariloche. On Saturday afternoon, take a taxi to the Bariloche airport lobby to meet our ground shuttle at 2:30 p.m.
Every Saturday ExChile arranges a ground shuttle for $125 USD per person each way (6-hours) directly from Bariloche airport to Futaleufú. The ground shuttle departs the Bariloche airport at 2:45 p.m.

There are also bus services three times each day between Bariloche and Esquel ($20 USD; 4-hours). The link to the bus company is: http://www.viabariloche.com.ar/english/ We recommend taking the 1:00 p.m. departure from Bariloche to Esquel. You can purchase the bus ticket the day before as you pass directly in front of the bus station on the way to your hotel from the Bariloche airport. We arrange free transport to and from the Esquel bus station to Futaleufu.

Important Departure Information:
Plan to fly out of Bariloche late on Saturday afternoon. To be in Bariloche in time for your flight, you will need to cross the border as soon as it opens at 8:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. Argentine time; Jan-March). The Argentine border is 20 minutes from our lodge. Expect 45 minutes to clear customs. Expect to clear customs by 9:45 a.m. Argentine time and take an arranged shuttle (5-hours) to Bariloche from the border.

To connect back to Buenos Aires the same day, you will need to connect with a flight departing Bariloche after 4:00 p.m. You will need three hours between flights in Buenos Aires to make a legal international connection and to transfer airports.

Advantages to Cultural Bariloche Route:
- All flights can be purchased online.
- You will save the $131 reciprocal visa fee that is required upon entry at the international airport in Santiago ($159 – Canadians; $60 – Australians).
- The baggage allowance is higher for the jets to Bariloche, as opposed to the small charter planes from Puerto Montt and Chaiten, Chile.
- If you miss a connection, you have better chances of getting on a new flight, as there are 12 flights each day to Bariloche from Buenos Aires on two different airlines.
- Travel Insurance is not essential.
- You will have the opportunity to experience Bariloche, Argentina.
- This route is much more leisurely. Any complications or delays are less consequential.

Disadvantages to Cultural Bariloche Route:
- Three hours are required between an international and national flight for it to be a legal connection in Argentina.
- You are required to transfer airports in Buenos Aires.
- Ground transport is not provided free of charge between Bariloche and Esquel.

See Purchasing Airfare
See Important Transit Information

--I] Fast Track Esquel Route Quickest Route To Futaleufu!
-II] Fast Track Bariloche Route
III] Cultural Bariloche Route
.IV] Elite Bus To Esquel

IV] ELITE BUS TO ESQUEL

Buenos Aires – Bariloche – Esquel – Futaleufu
Watch the beautiful Argentine countryside pass through your window on this economical and relaxing route. Argentina’s national buses offer an extremely comfortable, first-class service for an exceptionally affordable price!

QUICK LOOK:
1. Flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina
2. Public Bus to Bus Terminal (~$10 USD, 45-mins); Taxi to Bus Terminal (~$30, 45-mins)
3. Bus to Bariloche (~$60-90 USD depending on class; 20-hrs)
4. Bus to Esquel (~$15, 4-hrs)
5. Ground Transport to Futaleufu (Free, 2-hrs)

BRIEF ROUTE DESCRIPTION:
From the Buenos Aires airport, you will transfer to the main bus terminal downtown Buenos Aires. From the bus terminal, you will depart on an overnight, 20-hour bus trip to Bariloche, Argentina. Bariloche is on the western border of the country. You will then transfer onto a 4-hour bus trip to Esquel, Argentina. We will receive you in Esquel and bring you Futaleufu.

Important Arrival Information:
It is advised that your flight arrive into Buenos Aires before 12:00 p.m. to allow enough time to arrive at the bus terminal in time for your bus’s departure. Overnight buses to Bariloche depart in the late afternoon (1:00-5:00 p.m.). You will depart the airport on the Manuel Tienda Leon bus to the main bus station, Estacion Terminal de Omnibus. When you exit baggage claim, go to the information stand to get a map of Buenos Aires. You will have to walk several blocks from the city bus stop to get to the terminal. An easier option is to get a taxi from the airport to the bus terminal, Estacion Terminal de Omnibus.

We recommend the bus company Via Bariloche, as they are superior to their competition. They can be found at counter #121 in the bus terminal. We also suggest that you purchase the “Super Cama” (Tutto Leto) seats. They recline into a flat bed and are better than most business class seats on major airlines. It is the best option for a 20-hour trip and only marginally more expensive. At this time there are several “Super Cama” (Tutto Leto) services departing around 3:00 p.m. and arriving in Bariloche around 10:00 a.m. Via Bariloche also offers “Semi Cama” or “Cama Ejecutivo,” reclining seats, which are still very comfortable. For more detailed information regarding services, reservations and online purchases, visit their website at: www.viabariloche.com.ar

When choosing your seat online, we suggest sitting on the upper deck and in front if possible. The views are better and the busy bathroom and steward’s station is on the lower deck. Movies will be shown and broadcast over the loudspeakers. Bring earplugs or music if you do not wish to watch or listen to the movie. You will be served several snacks and a late hot dinner. You will be served coffee, tea, wine, whiskey and water. Around 11:00 p.m. the speakers and lights will be turned off.

Tickets can be purchased starting the month prior to your travel date. We suggest doing so in order to get the best seats and departure times for your trip. You should also purchase and reserve a seat on your connecting bus from Bariloche to Esquel while you are in the Buenos Aires bus station. You currently cannot purchase the Bariloche to Esquel tickets online but this service is due to be available late 2008.

If you arrive to Bariloche by 12:00 p.m., you can then be on the 1:00 p.m. departure to Esquel, arriving around 5:00 p.m. We will receive you in Esquel and provide a free, 2-hour transfer to Futaleufu.
If you have time, you may also wish to enjoy a day or more in Bariloche, El Bolson or Esquel en route to Futaleufu.

Important Departure Information:
You will need to be at the border 8:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. Argentine time) to connect with an 11:30 a.m. departure from Esquel (Argentine time), arriving in Bariloche at 3:45 p.m. You will then connect to a “Super Cama” (Tutto Leto) Via Bariloche bus departing Bariloche at 4:30 p.m. and arriving in Buenos Aires at 12:00 p.m. the following day. Should you miss this bus, there are later departures available. Once in Buenos Aires, make your way back to the airport via city bus or taxi.

Advantages to the Elite Bus Route:
- This route is our most economical option.
- The bus ticket to Bariloche can be purchased in advance online.
- The buses are extremely clean and comfortable and are a wonderful way to see the beautiful Argentine countryside.
- You have the option to layover in several recommended towns in Argentina.
- It is easier to travel with excess baggage.
- This route is nearly hassle-free. There is no need to worry about costly missed connections.
- You can relax!

Disadvantages to the Elite Bus Route:
- This route is not recommended to those on a tight schedule.

See Purchasing Airfare
See Important Transit Information

--I] Fast Track Esquel Route Quickest Route To Futaleufu!
-II] Fast Track Bariloche Route
III] Cultural Bariloche Route
.IV] Elite Bus To Esquel

TRAVEL THROUGH CHILE

I] PACIFIC COAST ROUTE

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Santiago de Chile - Puerto Montt – Futaleufú
We recommended this route for those who plan to travel through Chile either before or after their stay with us. Visit Santiago and fly to the coastal town of Puerto Montt on your way to Futaleufú.

QUICK LOOK:
1. Flight to Santiago, Chile
2. Flight to Puerto Montt, Chile (~$300 USD RT, 1:40-hrs)
3. Potential Shuttle to Different Airport in Puerto Montt ($12 USD, 30-mins)
4. Flight to Chaiten ($260 USD RT, 1-hr)
5. Free Saturday Bus Shuttle to Futaleufú (3.5-hrs, arranged by ExChile; $125 if not Saturday)

BRIEF ROUTE DESCRIPTION:
Travel to Chile’s bustling capital city of Santiago. From Santiago, you will catch a flight to coastal Puerto Montt. From Puerto Montt, you will transfer to a smaller charter flight to Chaiten, Chile, a coastal village. Expediciones Chile will arrange to have you picked up and transported down to beautiful Futaleufú upon your arrival in Chaiten.

Important Arrival Information:
In the Santiago International Airport you will transfer planes (within the same airport) and continue on to Puerto Montt, Chile. There are up to eight flights each day from Santiago to Puerto Montt. You must arrive in Santiago by 9:45 a.m. to permit departure by 11:15 a.m. and arrival in Puerto Montt by 1:00 p.m. In order to make a legal connection between international and national flights, one and a half hours are needed between flights.

If arriving in Puerto Montt before 1:00 p.m., you can connect the same day to your charter flight to Chaiten, Chile (we will make this reservation for you; ~$260 USD). The plane may depart from the main airport or a smaller airport thirty minutes away. You will be informed upon arrival. The flight to Chaiten lasts approximately one hour.

On Saturdays, Expediciones Chile receives passengers at the Chaiten airport and provides a free, scenic shuttle (3.5-hrs) to Futaleufú. Transport on other days of the week will cost $125 per person each way. Public transportation can be arranged less expensively, but is unavailable on Sunday. It is possible to hire private transportation for $250 per vehicle. If you are arriving in Chaiten by other means, please inform our office.

Important Departure Information:
ExChile provides free transportation from Futaleufú to Chaiten, Chile on Saturday mornings. Any other day of the week the transportation will cost $125 USD per person. ExChile will arrange for you to fly from Chaiten to Puerto Montt, Chile. From Puerto Montt you can either continue south to Torres del Paine or head north to Santiago for your departure. For the return flights from Puerto Montt to Santiago, it is recommended to depart on the latest flight possible that legally connects (at least 1.5 hrs. between flights) with the international flight. Departing international flights leave at night. The choice flight leaves Puerto Montt at 4:00 p.m. Thus you can depart on any international flight that leaves Santiago after 10:40 p.m.

Advantages to Pacific Coast Route:
- This route allows you to experience the beautiful coast of Chile from above.
- You do not have to transfer airports in Santiago.
- Ground transportation on Saturdays is provided free of charge.
Disadvantages to Pacific Coast Route:
- All international travelers are charged a visa fee upon entry into Chile. US Residents: $131, Canadian Residents: $159, Australian Residents: $60.
- The charter flight to Chaiten has a 15-kilo (34 lbs) baggage allowance. For every kilo (2.2 lbs) over 15 kilos, the airline company will charge you an excess baggage fee of about $6. Baggage that is over the allowed weight may arrive on a later flight. Arrangements can be made to store luggage in Puerto Montt with the same airline company.
- Travel insurance is recommended, as missed flights from Puerto Montt to Chaiten are not reimbursed.
- One and a half hours are required between international and national flights in Chile.
- The flight to Chaiten can not be purchased online.

See Purchasing Airfare
See Important Transit Information

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MULTINATIONAL TRAVEL THROUGH CHILE AND ARGENTINA
Depending on your vacation, you may have the desire to travel through both Chile and Argentina. A multinational itinerary allows you to enter one country and exit the other in either direction. While this may be more expensive elsewhere, in South America is it completely feasible and a similar cost as only going through one country. This allows you to experience both countries, giving you the opportunity to obtain a greater appreciation of the region and cultures of Patagonia. The following multinational itineraries are supported by Expediciones Chile.

-I] Argentina To The Pacific Route
II] Pacific To Argentina Route