Splendors of South America: Uyuni, Atacama and Rapa Nui

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Bolivia and Chile. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry.

For travel to Chile, a visa is not required for visits up to 90 days.

For travel to Bolivia, a tourist visa is required. The tourist visa can be obtained upon arrival, or travelers may apply for the tourist visa in advance through the Bolivian Consular Offices in the United States. A Bolivian tourist visa costs US $160 and can be paid in US or local currency upon arrival. For more information about visa requirements, visit the Bolivian U.S. Embassy webpage.

A tourist card is required for anyone entering Chile from the United States and is issued upon arrival. This card allows visitors to stay for up to 90 days and will allow multiple entries. Keep the tourist card with your passport; it is important not to lose it, as you must present the card to Customs when you leave the country.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Chilean and Bolivian Embassies for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Chile.

A yellow fever vaccine is required for entry into Bolivia and to obtain your tourist visa.

Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Chile or Bolivia.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to certain areas of Bolivia may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. There is no vaccine to protect against malaria. If you are visiting areas where malaria is present and choose to use an anti-malarial drug, see your doctor for a prescription. To protect against mosquitos, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin.

DENGUE FEVER & OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES

Locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been reported in Bolivia. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with dengue and are spreading it to people. In addition, locally transmitted cases of Zika virus, leishmaniasis, and other insect-borne illnesses have previously been reported in Bolivia and Chile.

The CDC recommends that travelers protect themselves against insect bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Upon arrival at locations of high elevation, shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into altitude sickness. Headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjust to the altitude. Avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can help. Over-the-counter medications are also available to help prevent or alleviate symptoms. It’s advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in getting the blood oxygenated while sleeping. Participants who take blood pressure medications should discuss this with their doctor as the medication can drop pressure too low at times.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

What to Expect

This is an active program that includes high elevations with walks from one to two miles, often over rocky, dusty, and uneven terrain. Our highest elevation will be in the Andes, crossing from Bolivia to Chile. Some of our excursions on this program have elevations of 14,000 feet. Hotels are located at more comfortable elevations and have supplemental oxygen if needed. The Atacama desert is almost at sea level. Driving conditions can be on narrow roads with steep inclines and at times bumpy and unpaved. Expect drives up to four hours, depending on the destination and activity. To fully enjoy the program, participants should be in good physical shape, and be able to keep up with the group’s pace. Temperatures may vary considerably due to elevation and time of day, so it is important to bring layered clothing, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes. On Eclipse day, protective viewing glasses will be provided.