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Some while ago I was asked to upload info re a trip to the above in Oct/Nov 22. Apologies for the long delay in doing so but I only now become able to do so following several issues.
General advice; http://www.Chile.travel
Entry to Chile:(U.K. resident)
-valid passport
-covid vaccination certificateEntry/Flight to Easter Island:
-arrive at least 3 hours before flight departure time to allow for extensive examination of all relevant documentation, by 2 different teams in our case.
(There may be reference to a mobility pass- this is only required of Chilean/foreign residents.)
Docs to Present:
-passport
-return ticket
-covid vacc cert
-negative PCR test taken no more than 24 hours before departure
-confirmation of accommodation on the island for the duration of the holiday
-single entry form available from http://ingresorapanui.interior.gob.cl (can complete 1 week before departure)
They may ask to see tickets for entry to the national park: these are available online at http://www.rapanuinationalpark.org. Bear in mind you may only enter the NP with either an accredited local guide or a Rapanui resident. We used a guide, he was French, and brilliant company.Itinerary/Accommodation/Tours
Valparaiso: (2n) Hotel Casa Galos & Lofts; no problems, staff excellent, shuttle available from airportEaster Island; (4n) Hotel Hare Nua Boutique; B&b; ok, staff helpful
San Pedro de Atacama: (4) Hotel Desertica; perfectly fine, staff also excellent; tours by Trekana- guides very knowledgeable and helpful; covered airport shuttle, Atacama salt flats, El Tatio Geysers, Moon Valley, Salar de Aguas Calientes, Highland Lagoons, Piedras Rojas, Star Gazing
Patagonia, Torres del Paine: (4) Hotel Rio Serrano & Spa; more expensive but the views are simply stunning: Tours by The Massif via the hotel(they are also in the hotel) airport shuttle(Puerto Natales); Cuernos Viewpoint, Chorillo Pingo, Laguna Azul, Grey Navigation, Condor Viewpoint:
Santiago: (5) Hotel Plaza San Francisco; useful base, reception staff absolutely brilliant.
Chile and EI were everything we hoped they’d be-stunning scenery and the people were invariably helpful. However, there is no escaping it is very time consuming to travel around and see most of the main areas. In our case we flew with 3 separate o/n stays at the Santiago airport hotel, La Quinta by Wyndham – perfectly adequate with the added bonus it is next to the Hilton Garden Hotel where they undertook PCR testing!
Unfortunately I developed a problem in the Atacama which was subsequently diagnosed as superficial vein thrombosis resulting in my right leg swelling to 3 times normal size. Only basic medical aid in the area as was the case in Patagonia which was next on the itinerary. I rested as much as I could until we reached Santiago. The hotel staff were excellent, recommended an appropriate hospital, clinic Alemania, where the service was efficient, 2 x scans and an ultra sound, and timely. They identified the problem, proscribed treatment and off I went.
We returned to U.K. on Nov 19th and on 21st Leicester hospital confirmed it was now a full blown DVT residing in my femoral vein in my groin.
2 days later I was really poorly, ambulance called and taken to QMC Nottingham. That was the start of a strange period when QMC discharged me 3 times but I was immediately taken back next day. Somehow I had internal bleeding in both adrenal glands, my heart rhythm became erratic and the blood count went downhill!
In the end I spent 8 weeks in various wards before being discharged last Friday.I was fully aware of high altitude sickness having done the Inca Trail some years ago. Not sure how or why the DVT started and, for the medics, the question arises whether the rest of the issues are a complete coincidence or some kind of knock on aftermath.
In any case, now you know why it took so long to write about the entry procedures.
If you can, do go to Chile, it’ll be worth it!Wow – thanks for the useful report on an area (at least Chile) we intend to go. And quite understandable delay 🙂 – I hope your recovery goes well.
@Bearing_Up Thanks for the very detailed trip info. Easter Island and the Atacama / Patagonia etc. are definitely on the Globetrotter bucket list so grateful for the time you took to do this.
Also, very sorry to hear about your health issues – sounds very stressful! Do the medics think that the DVT was directly related to your earlier superficial vein thrombosis and, if so, would waiting longer to fly back have made any difference I wonder?
Anyway, glad to hear you are on the mend now and hopefully looking forward to more travel adventures 🙂
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