Highlights |
Independent Package Includes
- Flights Miami-Buenos Aires-Santiago-Miami
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 6 nights accommodations in your choice of hotels
- 3 nights Buenos Aires
- 3 nights Santiago
- Breakfast daily
Also Available
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling may cost an extra 10% or even more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| Half Day Buenos Aires City Tour 9:00 AM |
Day #3 |
01 Mar 2010 - 31 Aug 2010 $12
01 Sep 2010 - 31 Dec 2010 $12
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Enjoy a half day tour of the city's core attractions, including the beautiful parks and gardens of Palermo, the old quarters of San Telmo, the financial district, the historical Government House, the Congress building, and the Recoleta Cemetery, Evita's final resting place. Hear intriguing tales about the immigrants who came from Europe in the 16th century, and of the politics that swayed emotions, changed lives, and became the glowing theme of narratives, music and theater. Duration: approximately 3 hours
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| Half Day Tigre & Riverside Train 1:45 PM |
Day #3 |
01 Mar 2010 - 31 Aug 2010 $29
01 Sep 2010 - 31 Dec 2010 $29
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We depart the hotel northward, passing by the residential neighborhoods and the President's residence in Olivos. Maipu station, the first station of the riverside train is where we board the picturesque train. Throughout your journey, appreciate the immensity of the Rio de la Plata and the gorgeous residences built over the hills. We get off the train at San Isidro station and continue our tour visiting the imposing Neogothic Cathedral, placed in the historic center of the city and surrounded by some houses in Colonial and Italian styles and cobble stone streets. We continue towards Tigre, a lovely neighborhood, in the delta of the Parana River. The area was first colonized in 1580, but it was during the last years of the XVIII century that some people settled here. First there were smugglers and in the late 19th century, it turned to be the favorite recreation place for the high classses of Buenos Aires. Therefore, a sail along the Delta, will allow us to admire the old residences, see some yatch and rowing clubs, and get to know the typical features of a community that lives in fellowship with the river. The delta gathers several little isles covered with abundant subtropical vegetation, crossed by channels and streams, making it an ideal place to relax in touch with nature. Duration: approximately 4 hours
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| Dinner & Tango Show at El Querandi 8:30 PM |
Day #3 |
01 Mar 2010 - 31 Aug 2010 $79
01 Sep 2010 - 31 Dec 2010 $79
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Enjoy an excellent dinner and tango show at El Querandi. Originally a grand, colonial-era house, in the 1920s the building was refurbished with an Art Deco front and a richly paneled interior, serving for decades as a haunt for writers, artists, and students. Today, this establishment is a favorite of local residents as well as visitors and is the ideal setting for a delicious dinner and an alluring tango show. Duration: approximately 3.5 hours
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| Full Day Gaucho Party at Santa Susana Ranch 10:30 AM |
Day #4 |
01 Jan 2010 - 31 Aug 2010 $79
01 Sep 2010 - 31 Dec 2010 $79
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Depart from the hotel towards Cardales to visit Estancia Santa Susana, 90 km away from Buenos Aires. Estancia Santa Susana has belonged to the Rossiter family since 1860. Its 2,965 acres are devoted mainly to agriculture, but also to cattle and horse breeding. It has a Main House and some straw-roofed constructions, where the dining-room, the 'pulpería' -- a traditional general store which was a social gathering point for the gauchos at sunset -- and the grid iron are set. Upon arrival a welcome drink with 'empanadas' (meat pastries) will be served at the 'pulpería'. Later, you can taste a typical Argentine barbecue (grilled beef, chicken, pork sausages, salads, dessert and coffee) at the dining-room. As lunch is finished you will enjoy a folklore show with live music, dancing and a tango demonstration, followed by 'cuadreras' and ring races where gauchos show their skills as riders. For those willing to participate in the traditional activities there are horses and 'sulkies' to go around the ranch. Later on, a snack consisting of home-made pastries and 'mate' (green tea) will be served. Duration: approximately 8 hours
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| Santiago City Tour 9:00 AM |
Day #6 |
01 Jan 2010 - 31 Dec 2010 $37
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Your half day tour begins with a journey through the main streets of the civic center of Santiago, with a view of the neoclassical Moneda Palace, built in the 18th century and current seat of Government, the Plaza de Armas, or main square with its cathedral, the museum of national history and the Central Post Office, all with very different architectural styles. Continue to the Parque Forestal, based on the Champs Elysee in Paris, the Fine Arts museum and Santa Lucia Hill where the city was founded in 1541. Then proceed to the bohemian area of Bellavista and climb the San Cristóbal hill for a panoramic view of the city with the Andes Mountains in the background. The tour finishes with a visit to the handicraft village of Los Graneros del Alba (closed Mondays - an alternative is substituted) before returning to your hotel.
Note: Entrance fee and museum fee not included.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotel.
Duration: 4 hours
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| Half Day Concha y Toro |
Day #7 |
01 Jan 2010 - 31 Dec 2010 $63
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Depart Santiago towards the Maipo valley, one of Chile's most important wine producing areas. Founded in 1883, Concha y Toro is today the largest wine exporter in the country. The tour includes a full visit to the extensive landscaped gardens (the inside of the colonial house is not included) of the plantations, some of which were planted by the founder of the vineyard, Don Melchor de Concha y Toro. You will have the opportunity to see both the modern facilities and the old cellars. There is a tasting of different wines during the tour and the cost includes a souvenir glass.
The tours of the winery are in English or Spanish and are conducted in small groups. Depature times depend on time schedule at the winery (AM or PM).
Pick-up and drop-off at hotel; duration: approximately 4 hours
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling may cost an extra 10% or even more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Choice of Hotel Plans Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, transfers, optional tours, and gratuities.
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
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Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| Chile - Chile's Torres del Paine National Park ranges in altitude from 165 feet to 10,000 feet above sea level.
| Argentina - While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended, especially in the northeast and northwest parts of the country, including Iguazu Falls. Please consult your physician before traveling to Argentina.
The majority of cities in Argentina have altitudes under 3,000 feet. However, please be aware that some areas in the Andes near Mendoza and throughout Patagonia have elevations reaching 22,800 feet above sea level.
| | Climate & Clothing | Chile - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Chile occupies a wide latitudinal range. The climate is subtropical in the extreme north, arid in the northern Atacama desert, Mediterranean in the central valley, temperate and rainy in the south, and cold in the antarctic region.
Chile Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/americas/default.aspx#chile-weather
| Argentina - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
In Argentina the seasons are reversed compared to the United States. Spring: September – November; Summer: December – February; Fall: March – May; Winter: June – August
Argentina Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/americas/default.aspx#argentina-weather
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| E-Tickets & Check-In Procedures |
Please review the flight itinerary included in these documents. Print and carry a copy of the air itinerary which contains the record locator (airline reservation number) and e-ticket number(s). At check-in, be prepared to provide your government issued identification (valid passport) and your e-ticket itinerary/ ticket numbers to the agent in order to receive your boarding pass.
An e-ticket (electronic ticket) represents the purchase of an airline seat. This form of ticket has replaced almost all formerly provided paper tickets. The e-ticket exists only as a digital record in the airlines computers. In most cases your reservation will be confirmed solely on the basis of your government-issued identification. However it may still be necessary to present the e-ticket itinerary which contains your specific reservation code and ticket number(s). Once confirmed, your luggage will be checked-in and a boarding pass provided.
Advance online check-in is available on some airlines. If available, you may enter your airline confirmation number at the airline's website, and print the boarding pass on your home printer within twenty-four hours of departure. Airlines without advance online check-in require you to present your identification and e-ticket numbers at the airport self-service kiosk or check-in counter.
When e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive paper tickets.
If your tour program includes foreign domestic flights, and those tickets are not included together with the e-ticket itinerary in these documents, a separate voucher(s) confirming those services will be included. You will receive those tickets at your destination from a Gate 1 representative.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
| | Chile Domestic Flights | The airline tickets enclosed are for your international flights to/from Santiago (provided that you purchased them from Gate 1). If your itinerary includes domestic flights within Chile and these tickets are not enclosed, you will receive them (for example, Santiago to Punta Arenas and vice-versa) once you arrive in Chile. Please note that you may only bring up to 44 lbs of luggage per person on flights within Chile. This weight restriction may differ from your international carrier's and is subject to change.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
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| Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard.
| | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.
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| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Chile - For an interesting shopping experience, try the street markets in Santiago. Handicrafts are the best bargain in Chile. Local jewelry made of lapis lazuli, found only in Chile and Afghanistan, makes a unique and beautiful souvenir.
| Argentina - Shops open at 9 a.m. and generally close at 7 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Good buys include high quality leather goods, jewelry and furs.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller.
| Chile - The Chilean Peso is the currency of Chile.
| Argentina - The Argentine Peso is the currency of Argentina.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally | On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day
- Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day
- Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours)
- River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises)
- Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person
- Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner)
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Chile - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
| Argentina - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Chile
- Ambulance: 131
- Fire: 132
- Police: 133
| Argentina
- Ambulance/Police: 101
- Fire: 107
| | Languages | Chile - Spanish is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| Argentina - Spanish is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Chile - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| Argentina - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Chile - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. Please demonstrate respect for the cultural artifacts of the indigenous peoples.
| Argentina - Common courtesies should be observed. Conservative casual dress is appropriate. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Smoking, though common, is prohibited on public transport and in cinemas and theaters.
| | Holidays - Chile |
| Holidays 2010 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
Apr 2 |
Good Friday |
Apr 4 |
Easter |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
May 21 |
Navy Day |
Jun 29 |
St. Peter & St. Paul Day |
Jul 16 |
Our Lady of Mount Carmel |
Aug 15 |
Feast of the Assumption |
Sep 18 |
National Day |
Sep 19 |
Army Day |
Oct 11 |
Columbus Day |
Nov 1 |
All Saints' Day |
Dec 8 |
Immaculate Conception Day |
Dec 25 |
Christmas |
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| Holidays - Argentina |
| Holidays 2010 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
| Feb 6 |
Memorial Day |
Apr 2 |
Good Friday |
Apr 4 |
Easter |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
May 25 |
May Revolution Day |
Jun 21 |
National Flag Day |
Jul 9 |
National Independence Day |
Aug 17 |
Anniversary of the Death of Jose de San Martin |
Oct 11 |
Columbus Day |
Dec 8 |
Immaculate Conception Day |
Dec 24 |
Christmas Eve |
Dec 25 |
Christmas |
Dec 31 |
New Year's Eve |
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| Food and Meals | As specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although Gate 1 cannot make guarantees, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests submitted in writing at least 72 hours prior to departure to info@gate1travel.com.
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