Health & Safety Guidelines for Travellers
We have been taking travellers to the most remote corners of Argentina and its neighbours since 1992, and we know these places well: the wind that can bring four seasons in a single Patagonian afternoon, the thin air of the Puna, the strong sun on a glacier. These guidelines share what we have learned, so you can arrive prepared and enjoy every day of your trip.
Please read them together with the information from your travel agency, and check with a travel health clinic before you leave, as recommendations can change.
We are always a call away
Our emergency line, +54 11 5263 8495, is answered 24 hours a day, every day, wherever you are in Argentina, Chile or Uruguay.
For anything that is not an emergency, our assistance team is available every day from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Argentina time: WhatsApp +54 911 7964 0001 or [email protected]. You will find all these contacts in your Welcome Package, and our concierge will stay in touch with you throughout the trip.
Before you go: vaccinations
Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date (measles, mumps and rubella; diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; influenza). Hepatitis A and B and typhoid vaccinations are often recommended for travellers.
Argentina, Chile and Uruguay do not usually require specific vaccinations to enter. If you are visiting northern Argentina, including the Iguazú Falls area, yellow fever vaccination is recommended. Speak to your doctor or a travel health clinic at least four weeks before you travel.
Staying well on the road
The risk of serious illness is low. In northern and subtropical areas, dengue can occur, especially in the warmer months, so use insect repellent and cover your arms and legs at dawn and dusk.
Altitude. Some of the most beautiful places in northwest Argentina, such as the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the Puna, are above 3,000 metres. Take it slowly on the first days, drink plenty of water, go easy on alcohol, and tell your guide if you feel unwell. If you have a heart or respiratory condition, check with your doctor before you travel.
Sun and weather. The sun is strong, especially at altitude and in Patagonia, so bring high-factor sunscreen and sunglasses. In Patagonia the weather changes fast and the wind can be fierce: always carry a warm, windproof layer, even on a sunny morning.
Nature around you
Encounters with dangerous animals are rare. In rural and natural areas, watch where you step and where you put your hands, as some regions have venomous snakes and spiders, and avoid touching plants you don’t know. Keep a respectful distance from all wildlife, never feed animals, and stay on marked trails in national parks.
Emergency numbers
| Argentina | Chile | Uruguay | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical emergencies | 107 | 131 | 911 |
| Police | 911 (in most cities) · 101 | 133 | 911 |
| Fire | 100 | 132 | 911 |
Keep your embassy’s or consulate’s contact details with you as well.
If you need a doctor
Buenos Aires and the main cities have excellent private hospitals with English-speaking staff, such as Hospital Italiano, Hospital Alemán and Hospital Británico in Buenos Aires. Elsewhere, our assistance team, your guide or your Tour Leader will take you to the nearest recognised clinic. Medical care can be expensive for visitors, so we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical assistance.
Food and water
Tap water is generally safe in Buenos Aires and the main cities; in rural and remote areas, choose bottled or treated water. Enjoy the food, but go for well-cooked dishes, wash your hands before eating, and take care with street stalls.
On the road
Roads between cities are generally good, but many rural roads are gravel, distances are long and services can be far apart. Always wear your seat belt, respect speed limits, avoid driving at night outside cities, and watch for animals on the road. If you are driving yourself, our guide “Driving in Argentina” will help you plan each stretch.
How we look after you
- Someone is always there: our 24/7 emergency line and our assistance team are with you from the first day to the last.
- We know what to do if things go wrong: our Crisis and Emergency Protocol tells our team, guides, Tour Leaders and suppliers exactly how to act in an accident, an illness or any other emergency, and every guide is trained in it before working with us.
- Sensible group sizes: activities in sensitive or demanding places, such as glacier treks or boat trips to see wildlife, follow the group limits set by regulation and safety.
- A briefing before every activity: your guide will explain the safety instructions before you start. Please follow them, and tell your guide about any health condition or limitation, so we can adapt the day to you.
We look forward to welcoming you, and to sending you home with nothing but good stories.