Is South America a safe travel destination?

Yes, South America is a safe travel destination, especially the farther south you go. Of the destinations we work with (see the next question) only in the big cities of Rio, Santiago and Buenos Aires do you need to maintain conscious of your surroundings at all times, not wearing flashy jewelry, and just trying to fit in. See question 9. Just how gay-friendly is South America?

Chile and Argentina are definitely the safest, most developed countries in South America. Chile in particular has a stable, democratic government, currently represented by its first woman president, Michele Bachelet. The economy is booming, led by high worldwide demand for copper, the country's largest export, and a fast-developing tourism industry.

Do I need any special shots / inoculations before my trip?

If you're planning to travel throughout Argentina and Chile, and in Brazil only in Iguassu Falls and/or Rio, you don't need any inoculations before you travel. Only if you plan to venture into the Amazon Region will you need special vaccinations. Chile and Argentina are for the most part dry climates, and the wetter sections, especially in Chile's south, is temperate. You can drink the tap water in most destinations in both Chile and Argentina, but because your body might not be used to the different organisms, we recommend drinking only bottled water while you are here, which is readily available (and if you are coming on one of our escorted Overland tours, its included!)

Can you book my international flights?

Most likely. We work with numerous airlines, usually allowing us to get the very best international airfare rates. Just let us know your travel dates and we will give you our best price, and you can compare. No matter where you are arriving from, we can probably give you a quote.

What travel documents do I need?

Most travelers to Chile and Argentina do not need a visa, and can travel only with their valid passport. If you are in doubt, let us know and we will find out for you. Your chances of needing a visa are higher if traveling to Brazil (i.e., U.S. citizens are required to secure a visa).

When entering Chile, Customs and Immigration will give you a stamped copy of the entry form which you probably filled out on the plane. This form is very important, so you will need it to leave the country. If you join us on a Patagonian Overland, we cross the border 4 times, so make sure that your copy of the current immigration form is safely inside your passport at all times!

Note: Always check your passport's "valid through" date well in advance, as nowadays it can take longer than you think to renew it!

What kind of weather can I expect?

First, note that the seasons down here in the southern hemisphere are the reverse of those in the north. Therefore, our summer covers the months of December through February. We offer our Gay-Exclusive Patagonian Overland Tours from November through March, with high snowfall and bad roads making operations during the winter months impossible. Most destinations we work with, however, are available throughout the year. For example, Torres del Paine in the winter is amazing, and you might just have the entire national park to yourself!

Chile, Argentina and Brazil all have unique, distinct weather conditions at different times of the year, so you really need to check with us if you are planning on traveling at a specific time, and would like to know more about what to expect. In general, the very best times to travel are:

     Chile - North: year round, Central Valley and South, including Patagonia: October through April,
     Argentina - Buenos Aires and Iguassu Falls: year round, Patagonia: October through April,
     Brazil - year round destination.

These seem like adventure trips, are they only for young people?

No! Our trips are for anyone who enjoys getting out in nature, visiting new cultures, witnessing incredible landscapes and just having a good time! The Overland Tours include daily easy-to-moderate activities, and the only thing required is that you are in reasonably good shape for your age. We have had clients in their 70s, and I had a hard time keeping up with them!

Obviously, if you are into more adventurous challenges, we can easily put together a customized trip for you. Short list of activities includes:

Just how Gay-Friendly is South America?

Countries in this part of the world, though large and diverse, are generally still societies in which "traditional" families are the accepted norm. However, the larger cities of Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and even Santiago are catching up with other large metropolitan areas by enabling the development of services in support of the GLBT community. There are growing numbers of gay and lesbian nightclubs and restaurants, as well as gay-friendly lodging options and gay-only tours.

Patagonia, the southern sections of Chile and Argentina, is a huge swath of land (the size of Germany, France and the U.K. combined, or of Texas and California combined), while sparcely populated. The largest city in what most consider Patagonia has less than 150,000 people. You can see, then, that GLBT-specific services are limited if not completely non-existent depending on where you are.

If you are looking for the "gay scene", then South America has many places where you will feel comfortable and free.

If you are also seeking a nature/adventure experience, then the incomparable beauty of Patagonia is a must, with our Gay-Exclusive tours the perfect way for you to get away from it all while sharing with a small group of gay and/or lesbian travelers, hosted by yours truly.

I'm single but love to travel. Are the Overland Tours only for couples or groups?

Our Gay-Exclusive escorted tours are open to any and all GLBT travelers, whether single, in a relationship, traveling alone or with friends. Roughly half of all travelers on gay tours are single, so actually it's a great way to meet people, especially fellow gays! Who knows...

     Friend: "The two of you make such a great couple. Where did you meet?"
     You:     "In Patagonia."

And if you are not looking to hook up with anyone, what's the worst thing that could happen? You'd have 2 new friends in Patagonia!

Are there any hidden fees on top of the prices listed on your site?

Simply put, No! We don't have any hidden fees or charges. We believe the best way to do business is by being as transparent as possible. If, for example, a Package Trip includes airfare, that means it includes all taxes and fees as well. We do our best to bring your out-of-pocket expenses during your travels to a bare minimum. We always make sure we are in complete agreement on price and payment method before we ever charge you anything.

You are the reason we are in business, and if you don't have an excellent travel experience (and money definitely falls into the "bad surprises" category!), than we wouldn't have a business.

Most people down there speak English, correct?

Unfortunately, no. Even in the tourism industry, the level of English, or of any language besides Spanish, can be abysmal. If you don't speak Spanish and are on a non-escorted tour, at least all of your city tours, day trips and special outings will be with an English-speaking guide. Beyond that, we recommend that you relax, use this time as an opportunity to practice a new language, and let it add to the fun and magical feel of your travel experience.

Do the toilets really flush the wrong direction in the Southern Hemisphere?

No, they flush the wrong direction in the Northern Hemisphere! Seriously though, many people have asked me that, and I've never really paid attention. Bring your video camera and see for yourself!

I would love to show both of you (Perry and Felipe) where I live. Would you come visit me?

Of course! We love to travel, to make new friends, to see how other people live, and to experience cities all over the world.

Probably the most touching feedback we have received was when one of our clients said that "Perry and Felipe started the tour as our guides, but ended it as friends." We love what we do, and hopefully it shows. And we would love to come see you and let you show us around!