Chile vs Argentina travel facts

Entering	Via Argentina	Via Chile
Travel Time To river from Bariloche, Argentina or Puerto Montt, Chile.	7 hours in bus (includes two border crossings) Note: Does not include 2 hour taxi between international and National airports in Buenos Aires.	1/2 hour commuter flight & 3 hours in bus Note: The International and national airports in Santiago are in the same facility.
Add. Costs These are costs beyond international flights (Note: Flights from the U.S. to Santiago, Chile or Buenos Aires, Argentina are similarly priced)	Reciprocity entrance tax $160* R/T taxi between international and national airports =$80, flight from Buenos Aires to Bariloche = $650 Total cost = $890 *Note: Reciprocity tax must be payed for (on line in U.S.) before you arrive in Bueno Aires.	Reciprocity entrance tax $160. Flight from Santiago to Puerto Montt = $300 Note: Earth River covers R/T commuter flight from Puerto Montt to Chaiten Total cost = $460 *Note: Reciprocity tax can be payed in airport when you arrive in Santiago.
Transportation	Bus	Commuter plane & bus
Scenery / Terrain	Mountains and lakes first hour, flat & dry with distant mountain views next 4 hours, lush river valley final hour	Fiords, lush glaciated river valleys, glaciers & snow-capped Mountains
Towns of interest	Bariloche, El Bolson & Esquel	Puerto Montt. Puerto Varas & Chaiten
Possible additional delays	border crossings, airline strikes	Fog (commuter flight)

Note: The "multi-camp" expedition "officially" begins in Puerto Varas, Chile Friday afternoon. Earth River will cover the r/t commuter flight ticket from Puerto Montt to Chaiten and r/t transportation from Chaiten to the river. As soon as you have your flight information please e-mail it to currie-r@vtr so we can arrange your flight to Chaiten.

FYI: If you are delayed arriving into Puerto Varas, please contact our guide, Maria. Note: Travel insurance will cover any additional expenses if you are delayed and need to be caught up to the trip.

Note: The "base camp" trip "officially" begins in Bariloche, Argentina.

NOTE: It is also possible to Fly into Esquel Argentinia on certain days of the week but these flights are often canceled and rerouted through Bariloche so one should not depend on them.

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