Logistics
Travel & Arrival Information
Entry Requirements
Visas
Most travelers receive a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival in Chile. Australian passport holders may be required to pay a reciprocity fee. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry.
COVID-19 Requirements
Current COVID-19 entry regulations must be followed, which may include proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test. We recommend traveling with self-testing kits and securing travel insurance that covers COVID-related incidents.
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Money, Connectivity & Essentials
Credit Cards & Cash
While credit cards are widely accepted in cities, we recommend carrying $200–$300 USD in cash. There are no ATMs in Nevados de Chillán or Las Trancas.
Internet & Phone Service
Free Wi-Fi is provided at all accommodations. For better cell reception in the mountains, consider purchasing a local SIM card in Concepción. Google Fi offers a reliable international plan, and T-Mobile users benefit from an unlimited (though low-speed) data partnership with Chile.
Getting There
International Flights
Fly into Santiago International Airport (SCL) from the U.S. or Europe. From there, you have a few options to reach Concepción (CCP):
- Domestic Flight (Recommended): Flights to Concepción with LATAM, Sky Airlines, and JetSMART connect well with international arrivals. The flight is under 1 hour.
- Bus: Long-distance buses from Santiago take approximately 6–7 hours. Comfortable and scenic.
- Car Rental / Private Transfer: A road trip to Concepción takes 5–6 hours depending on traffic.
Connecting at Santiago Airport
Allow at least 3 hours for your connection. You must exit the international terminal, cross the street, and walk ~150 yards through a covered walkway to the domestic terminal. Domestic check-in is on the third floor, and you must collect and re-check your luggage—airlines do not transfer bags for you.
| Gateway | Airline | Flight # | Arrive SCL | LATAM to CCP | Depart SCL | Arrive CCP | Feasible? |
|---|
| JFK | LATAM | LA533 | 05:55 AM | LA5 / LA7 | ~08:00–09:00 | ~09:10–10:10 | Best |
| LAX | LATAM | LA602 / LA606 (varies) | ~05:35–06:00 AM | LA5 / LA7 | ~08:00–09:00 | ~09:10–10:10 | Best |
| DFW | American | AA945 | ~07:00 AM | LA7 / LA9 | ~09:00–09:20 | ~10:10–10:30 | Tight |
| MIA | LATAM | LA501 | ~06:45–07:00 AM | LA7 / LA9 | ~09:00–09:20 | ~10:10–10:30 | Tight |
| MIA | Delta (codeshare) | DL6001 | ~07:00 AM | LA7 / LA9 | ~09:00–09:20 | ~10:10–10:30 | Tight |
Arrival & Transfer to the Mountains
Meeting Point
A Surf the Andes representative will greet you at Concepción Airport on Day 1 around lunchtime for a 2.5-hour transfer to Las Trancas.
Departure
On departure day we will be arriving at Concepción (CCP) airport between 3:00 and 3:30 PM, so allow at least 2 hours at the airport before your flight. Additionally, plan for a minimum 2-hour connection in Santiago (SCL) for international departures. The table below provides a sample summary of recommended flights and connections for reference.
A Surf the And
| CCP Departure | Arrive SCL | Intl. Flight SCL → USA | Dep SCL | Arrive USA | Connection Time (SCL) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18:19 (LA8) | 19:25 | LATAM LA532 → JFK | 22:40 | 08:00 (+1) | ~3h15 | Best buffer for NYC |
| 18:19 (LA8) | 19:25 | LATAM LA646 → LAX | 23:55 | 07:00 (+1) | ~4h30 | Plenty of buffer, ideal for West Coast |
| 18:19 (LA8) | 19:25 | American AA953 → DFW | 22:15 | 06:10 (+1) | ~2h50 | Reliable, moderate connection |
| 18:50 (LA222) | 19:55 | LATAM LA532 → JFK | 22:40 | 08:00 (+1) | ~2h45 | Backup for NYC |
| 18:50 (LA222) | 19:55 | LATAM LA646 → LAX | 23:55 | 07:00 (+1) | ~3h55 | Backup for West Coast |
| 18:50 (LA222) | 19:55 | American AA953 → DFW | 22:15 | 06:10 (+1) | ~2h20 | Backup, slightly tighter |
Optional Stopovers & Layovers
In Santiago
If you’d like to arrive in Santiago a few days early to adjust for jet lag or explore, we can connect you with local operators offering wine tours, ski excursions, and city experiences. The Holiday Inn is conveniently located at the Santiago Domestic Terminal for late-night arrivals or early morning departures.
In Concepción
You’re welcome to arrive in Concepción a day early to rest before the trip starts. We recommend Holiday Inn or Ibis Hotel, both 5 minutes from the airport. On Day 9, we return to Concepción. If you wish to stay an extra night to relax or enjoy a farewell dinner, you may book the same hotels.
Participants are responsible for hotel bookings and transportation to the airport the following day.
Laundry
All ski-in/ski-out hotels offer laundry services. Affordable options are also available in the village of Las Trancas.
After rechecking your bags with LATAM to CCP, walk out, cross the street and walk to Domestic terminal
DO NOT accept any soliciting from taxi drivers offering to take you to domestic terminal