Before You Depart

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Your departure flights to Santiago (Chile) and return flights from Rio de Janeiro are via LATAM Airlines. You are expected to check-in for your flight at least three-and-a-half hours before the scheduled departure. Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least three-and-a-half hours. Please keep in mind that flight schedules are always subject to change.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT AND FREQUENT FLYER MILES

LATAM Airlines does not assign seats in advance. Actual seat assignment will be provided at the airport. Please note that smarTours® is not involved with assigning seats. If you have a preferred seating choice, please make sure you check-in for your flight as early as possible.

LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS

International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.

Land services end on the final day of the tour after your morning tour. If you wish to join the Santiago sightseeing on Day 2, we recommend that you arrive at the restaurant Divertimento Chileno (address: Av. El Cerro s/n, esquina Pedro de Valdiva Norte, Pargue Metropolitano) by 8:30am.

Generally, check-in at hotels is not before 4:00 PM and check-out is prior to 12:00 PM. If arriving early or departing late, hotels usually allow travelers to store their luggage in the luggage room.

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel.

U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Brazil June 17, 2019 onwards. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates of the countries on this tour for the most current visa requirements. Please note that visa procedures may change at any time. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

You should consult your personal physician, local public health authorities or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as to their recommendations, including immunization for Yellow Fever.

CLIMATE

Chile, Argentina and Brazil are located in the Southern hemisphere so their seasons are the reverse seasons of the U.S. Spring is in September/October/November with daytime average temperatures in the 50s and 70s. Summer is December through February with daytime average temperatures in the 80s. Early fall is in March with daytime average temperatures in the 70s and April’s average temperatures in the 60s. You can expect cooler temperatures in the Chilean Lake district and warmer temperatures in Rio. Overnight temperatures may lower by 10-20 degrees.

NON-INCLUDED MEALS

You may dine at the hotels on this tour or nearby restaurants—ask your guide for recommendations. Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in hotel cafes is about $20–$25 per person. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. Dollars. Your hotels will be able to exchange cash to local currency. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.