Booking flights

Getting to your trip starting location will most likely involve some air travel. Here is our brief guide on flights; including reservations, taxes and baggage allowances.
Deep roots in Patagonia: We are ex-guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, & adventurers.
We’ve got our feet on the ground: Impartial advice, a bespoke service, and at no extra cost.
For the ends of the Earth: Sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
Travel insurance is extremely important when visiting Patagonia and is a mandatory requirement for everyone. Insurance is not included in the price of your trip and is something that each individual traveller is responsible for arranging themselves.
Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all travellers and is not included in the price of your trip.
We would recommend that you arrange insurance directly after booking, not only to protect your investment as soon as possible but also because some insurance policies may offer a reduced level of coverage if not purchased shortly after paying your deposit.
Hikers at Glacier Grey
Group hike, Torres del Paine
Group hike, Torres del Paine
Hikers in front of Torres del Paine mountains
Swoop Patagonia is unable to provide travel insurance recommendations due to UK regulations. However, we are happy to discuss your needs with you and to share other customers' experiences.
When reviewing your intended insurance package there are a number of standard requirements that we think every good travel policy should include:
Please note these are general guidelines. For more detailed information on what is required for your specific trip please refer to your partner's terms and conditions, and consider your own individual needs and circumstances. It is also important to check whether your insurance will cover you in the event of any changes to governmental travel advisories which are relevant to your trip.
Chile has previously had a requirement for a fixed level of medical insurance for Covid-19. Although they have currently dropped this requirement, we are conscious that it could be brought back if the situation changes.
Here are some considerations for you to talk through with your insurer prior to purchasing your insurance policy. Please note that this is not an exclusive list and you should ensure that you discuss any relevant personal circumstances which may apply to your insurance purchase.
Cerro San Cristobal, Santiago
9 de Julio Avenue, Buenos Aires
As per entry requirements at the time of writing, foreign nationals entering both Chile and Argentina must have medical insurance that explicitly covers any expenses relating to Covid-19, such as medical costs, quarantine and trip suspension. Your policy document must clearly state the inclusion of Covid-19 coverage.
Please check with your insurance provider to ensure that you have the appropriate cover in place. Please also be aware that this entry requirement is liable to change at any point; we will continue to monitor the rules and update this guide should they do so, but please be aware it is your responsibility to ensure there have been no changes before you travel.
Chile
Chile previously required that Covid-19 insurance coverage have a fixed level of medical insurance (a minimum claim value of $30,000 USD). General medical insurance of $30,000 USD that did not explicitly cover Covid-19 expenses was not sufficient.
Although they have currently dropped this requirement, we are conscious that it could be brought back if the situation changes.
Argentina
If your insurance policy does not explicitly mention Covid-19 – for example, if it is included as standard – then you should request evidence in writing (maybe an email you can print off) from your insurer. A specified minimum coverage amount is not required.
Please note that you must bring your complete insurance policy with you when travelling in order to provide evidence of coverage.
As well as ensuring your full policy is available on your phone, you should carry a printout (and possibly a spare copy in case you lose one). Have the page marked and ready to show the airline when boarding your flight(s).
View of Bariloche from the air
Swoop Patagonia is unable to provide travel insurance recommendations due to UK regulations. However, we are happy to discuss your needs with you and to share other customers' experiences.
When choosing an insurance provider, please refer to your partner's terms and conditions and consider your own individual needs and circumstances.
For travel insurance providers, past customers of ours have used the following companies, who you may like to contact for a quote:
Do check that your policy would remain valid in the event of a Level 4 travel advisory.
For travel insurance providers, past customers of ours have used the following companies, who you may like to contact for a quote:
Getting to your trip starting location will most likely involve some air travel. Here is our brief guide on flights; including reservations, taxes and baggage allowances.
There is official documentation you need to be aware of before you travel. To help you plan, we’ve shared all of the key information you need to avoid any surprises.
Our advice on what to pack in order to be prepared for the unpredictable weather of Patagonia, including a video guide on packing for the W Trek in Torres del Paine.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Privacy policy