Are you an Individual, Corporate or Charity interested in having your own private group departure?
If yes, please email info@charitychallenge.com and one of our team will be in touch to help with your enquiry.

No departures found for 2022

Wed 05 Oct - Sat 15 Oct 2022

In aid of Hope for Justice Inc.

Hope for Justice Inc.

OVERVIEW

What to expect

ITINERARY

What you will do

COSTS

Ways to pay

ESSENTIAL INFO

All you need to know

Everything you need to know

This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.

Level of Difficulty

Typical Day

Safety

Responsible Tourism

Flights

Visa

Insurance

Vaccinations & Medication

Climate & Terrain

Training & Training Weekends

Luggage Allowance & Valuables

Leadership

Group Size

Clothing & Equipment

Accommodation & Toilets

Food & Drink

Money

Phone & WiFi

Emergencies

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Medical Support

Level of Difficulty

The Patagonia challenge is graded as tough due to the rough terrain, the trekking on the Glaciers, and basic facilities. A good level of fitness and regular training is required for this challenge. The more prepared you are for this challenge, the more you will enjoy it. Anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle should be able to complete the trek as long as they train regularly over a period of at least three months leading up to it, so as to build up stamina and endurance. Don’t forget that the temperature and the altitudes will probably be very different from your home country and that you will be exercising constantly for a number of days.

You can tell your supporters that on your Challenge you will be:
•    Trekking for 7 days consecutively for very long distances and fighting the winds and bad weather conditions of the Patagonian Mountains
•    Trekking at altitudes of up to almost 1,200m above sea level
•    Suffering temperatures of down to below zero degrees centigrade
•    Sleeping in locations with very basic facilities

Level of Difficulty

The Patagonia challenge is graded as tough due to the rough terrain, the trekking on the Glaciers, and basic facilities. A good level of fitness and regular training is required for this challenge. The more prepared you are for this challenge, the more you will enjoy it. Anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle should be able to complete the trek as long as they train regularly over a period of at least three months leading up to it, so as to build up stamina and endurance. Don’t forget that the temperature and the altitudes will probably be very different from your home country and that you will be exercising constantly for a number of days.

You can tell your supporters that on your Challenge you will be:
•    Trekking for 7 days consecutively for very long distances and fighting the winds and bad weather conditions of the Patagonian Mountains
•    Trekking at altitudes of up to almost 1,200m above sea level
•    Suffering temperatures of down to below zero degrees centigrade
•    Sleeping in locations with very basic facilities

Typical Day

During the trekking days you will rise early and pack up before breakfast, then trek carrying your bags for 6-8 hours. There will be a picnic lunch en route and plenty of time to stop and view the remarkable scenery. The evenings are spent in basic, though beautifully located, camps and refuges where the food and facilities are fairly simple.

Typical Day

During the trekking days you will rise early and pack up before breakfast, then trek carrying your bags for 6-8 hours. There will be a picnic lunch en route and plenty of time to stop and view the remarkable scenery. The evenings are spent in basic, though beautifully located, camps and refuges where the food and facilities are fairly simple.

Safety

Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up a thorough safety management system called Challenge Safe which formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount!

In terms of your Patagonia Trek Challenge, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
•    You will be trekking for 7 days consecutively for very long distances and fighting the winds and bad weather conditions of the Patagonian Mountains.
•    You will be trekking at altitudes of up to almost 1,200m
•    It will be very windy and cold especially at nights
•    You will be sleeping in locations with very basic facilities
•    You will be descending and ascending to the Viedma glacier using crampons. No technical trekking experience is needed, but you will need to be in good physical condition.

Safety

Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up a thorough safety management system called Challenge Safe which formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount!

In terms of your Patagonia Trek Challenge, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
•    You will be trekking for 7 days consecutively for very long distances and fighting the winds and bad weather conditions of the Patagonian Mountains.
•    You will be trekking at altitudes of up to almost 1,200m
•    It will be very windy and cold especially at nights
•    You will be sleeping in locations with very basic facilities
•    You will be descending and ascending to the Viedma glacier using crampons. No technical trekking experience is needed, but you will need to be in good physical condition.

Responsible Tourism

At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the projects that we currently support.

Responsible Tourism

At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the projects that we currently support.

Flights

This is a ground only challenge and participants may be joining from all over the world. You will need to book your flights from home to arrive in Buenos Aires by mid afternoon on 05 October and you can book flights to depart any time on 15 October.

Your internal flights from Buenos Aires to Calafate and back to Buenos Aires are included in the challenge.

Flights

This is a ground only challenge and participants may be joining from all over the world. You will need to book your flights from home to arrive in Buenos Aires by mid afternoon on 05 October and you can book flights to depart any time on 15 October.

Your internal flights from Buenos Aires to Calafate and back to Buenos Aires are included in the challenge.

Visa

You must hold a full ten-year passport with at least six months to run from the end of your expedition. Airlines may not carry passengers holding passports with less than 6 months validity. You don’t need a visa to enter Argentina as a tourist unless you’re travelling on an Emergency Travel Document. On presentation of a valid British or US passport you will normally be granted a 90-day stay in the country.

Visa

You must hold a full ten-year passport with at least six months to run from the end of your expedition. Airlines may not carry passengers holding passports with less than 6 months validity. You don’t need a visa to enter Argentina as a tourist unless you’re travelling on an Emergency Travel Document. On presentation of a valid British or US passport you will normally be granted a 90-day stay in the country.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking that you have a suitable travel insurance policy whilst participating on the challenge. We have a special policy which covers among other things, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, cancellation and curtailment of the challenge, and more specifically for the adventurous activities undertaken on this challenge.
If you have your own travel insurance policy, you must ensure that it provides at least the same level of cover as our recommended policy.  This should include protecting the charity in the event of your cancellation 56 days or less prior to departure; the specific activities on your challenge including trekking at high altitude (up to 3000 meters); medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) specifically for this trip covering helicopter evacuation.
If you choose not to purchase the Charity Challenge recommended travel insurance policy when you book, we will send you a disclaimer which you should complete and return.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking that you have a suitable travel insurance policy whilst participating on the challenge. We have a special policy which covers among other things, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, cancellation and curtailment of the challenge, and more specifically for the adventurous activities undertaken on this challenge.
If you have your own travel insurance policy, you must ensure that it provides at least the same level of cover as our recommended policy.  This should include protecting the charity in the event of your cancellation 56 days or less prior to departure; the specific activities on your challenge including trekking at high altitude (up to 3000 meters); medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) specifically for this trip covering helicopter evacuation.
If you choose not to purchase the Charity Challenge recommended travel insurance policy when you book, we will send you a disclaimer which you should complete and return.

Vaccinations & Medication

Vaccinations
For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro website: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
Charity Challenge are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your doctor or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your doctor may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting so it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.

Medication
•    Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled container, as issued by the pharmacist, in hand luggage
•    Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
•    A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
•    Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
•    Take out an appropriate level of travel health insurance including repatriation and specific cover for any pre-existing illnesses
N.B.  Some medications are banned abroad so please check you can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad

Vaccinations & Medication

Vaccinations
For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro website: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
Charity Challenge are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your doctor or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your doctor may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting so it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.

Medication
•    Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled container, as issued by the pharmacist, in hand luggage
•    Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
•    A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
•    Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
•    Take out an appropriate level of travel health insurance including repatriation and specific cover for any pre-existing illnesses
N.B.  Some medications are banned abroad so please check you can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad

Climate & Terrain

The best season for trekking in Patagonia is between October and April.  Daytime temperatures can reach 35ºC in Buenos Aires and around 22ºC in Calafate. Night times, especially when in Calafate and the trekking area can go down from single figures to below zero. You must be prepared for the worst, as mountain weather conditions are extremely unpredictable.

Climate & Terrain

The best season for trekking in Patagonia is between October and April.  Daytime temperatures can reach 35ºC in Buenos Aires and around 22ºC in Calafate. Night times, especially when in Calafate and the trekking area can go down from single figures to below zero. You must be prepared for the worst, as mountain weather conditions are extremely unpredictable.

Training & Training Weekends

This challenge is graded ‘Tough' which means that a good level of fitness is definitely required! We recommend that you have significant experience of trekking before departure. Don’t forget that the temperature and the altitudes are likely to be different from your home country. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Walking up hills and climbing stairs are both ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take long hikes (6-8 hours) with a weighted pack, up and down hills or on small mountains (weigh your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimise knee stress). Also see our Fitness Training page.

Training & Training Weekends

This challenge is graded ‘Tough' which means that a good level of fitness is definitely required! We recommend that you have significant experience of trekking before departure. Don’t forget that the temperature and the altitudes are likely to be different from your home country. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Walking up hills and climbing stairs are both ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take long hikes (6-8 hours) with a weighted pack, up and down hills or on small mountains (weigh your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimise knee stress). Also see our Fitness Training page.

Luggage Allowance & Valuables

The luggage allowance will depend on the airline we are using for your challenge, but in general it will be one piece of checked baggage at 20kg.

However you should only need around 15kg-17kg. Use a padlock on your luggage when in transit to reduce any risks.

Carry your passport with you and make sure you have a photocopy of your documents (travel insurance etc.) in case they get lost or damaged.

Luggage Allowance & Valuables

The luggage allowance will depend on the airline we are using for your challenge, but in general it will be one piece of checked baggage at 20kg.

However you should only need around 15kg-17kg. Use a padlock on your luggage when in transit to reduce any risks.

Carry your passport with you and make sure you have a photocopy of your documents (travel insurance etc.) in case they get lost or damaged.

Leadership

We employ a number of first aid qualified challenge leaders, all of whom speak fluent English. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. Your local challenge leader will meet you at your arrival to Calafate, although you will be met by a Charity Challenge representative in Buenos Aires until you check in at your hotel and get your next day flight to Calafate.

Leadership

We employ a number of first aid qualified challenge leaders, all of whom speak fluent English. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. Your local challenge leader will meet you at your arrival to Calafate, although you will be met by a Charity Challenge representative in Buenos Aires until you check in at your hotel and get your next day flight to Calafate.

Group Size

Each Group is intended to be a minimum of 15 people in order to run and a maximum of approximately 24 people.

Group Size

Each Group is intended to be a minimum of 15 people in order to run and a maximum of approximately 24 people.

Clothing & Equipment

Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. You don’t need a clean pair every day, but enough to make sure you have dry socks each morning. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are high quality Gore-Tex waterproof and windproof  jackets and trousers, technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts, and a down jacket for the evenings in camp and your summit day/night. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here and once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners The Outdoor Shop, Outdoorhire and Cotswold Outdoor.

Clothing & Equipment

Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. You don’t need a clean pair every day, but enough to make sure you have dry socks each morning. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are high quality Gore-Tex waterproof and windproof  jackets and trousers, technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts, and a down jacket for the evenings in camp and your summit day/night. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here and once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners The Outdoor Shop, Outdoorhire and Cotswold Outdoor.

Accommodation & Toilets

In Buenos Aires, we will be staying in a local 3* local hotel. During the trek we will be staying in campsites, refuges and lodges. The accommodation in campsites will be sharing with someone of the same sex. The accomodation in refuges and lodges might be with more people of your group since the rooms are from 4 to 8 beds. If you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with, please ensure you submit this information at the time of booking or email challenges@charitychallenge.com. Foam sleeping mats and sleeping bags are provided, but do take your own if you require extra comfort.

Accommodation & Toilets

In Buenos Aires, we will be staying in a local 3* local hotel. During the trek we will be staying in campsites, refuges and lodges. The accommodation in campsites will be sharing with someone of the same sex. The accomodation in refuges and lodges might be with more people of your group since the rooms are from 4 to 8 beds. If you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with, please ensure you submit this information at the time of booking or email challenges@charitychallenge.com. Foam sleeping mats and sleeping bags are provided, but do take your own if you require extra comfort.

Food & Drink

During the day a typical packed lunch provided might consist of fruit juice, fresh fruit, sandwiches, etc. The evening meal at the campsite, lodges and refuges will be a starter with some cheese, olives, bread, a main with some beef, chicken or salad, rice, potatoes and vegetables and some fruits for desert. Dinners will vary from day-to-day and so not all will include soft drinks. Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.

Food & Drink

During the day a typical packed lunch provided might consist of fruit juice, fresh fruit, sandwiches, etc. The evening meal at the campsite, lodges and refuges will be a starter with some cheese, olives, bread, a main with some beef, chicken or salad, rice, potatoes and vegetables and some fruits for desert. Dinners will vary from day-to-day and so not all will include soft drinks. Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.

Money

Currency: Argentina uses the Argentine Peso.  For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com​. GBP can be exchange at Buenos Aires airport and in the city.
Credit Cards: These are accepted in all major hotels, banks and stores in Argentina. Credit card receipts from stores and restaurants will be priced in Argentine Peso, although you will be billed in the currency of your own country with the official exchange rate having been taken into consideration
ATMs: There is an extensive network of ATMs where visitors can use.  You should check with your bank before departure that your card can be used overseas and what the charges will be, as UK cash cards are not always accepted by Argentinean cash machines. It is wise to take sufficient funds in cash for periods away from the major cities.
How much to bring: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip and other than at the start and end of the challenge, you will be in the rural areas away from any foreign exchanges or banks. You will only need money for tips, additional food & drink, gifts & souvenirs, and for any other additional activities that you wish to do specially in Buenos Aires. On average we recommend around £300.
Tipping: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend approx. GBP 10 per person per challenge day and this should be given to the expedition leader at the end of the trip who will advise you how to distribute it among the support team.

Money

Currency: Argentina uses the Argentine Peso.  For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com​. GBP can be exchange at Buenos Aires airport and in the city.
Credit Cards: These are accepted in all major hotels, banks and stores in Argentina. Credit card receipts from stores and restaurants will be priced in Argentine Peso, although you will be billed in the currency of your own country with the official exchange rate having been taken into consideration
ATMs: There is an extensive network of ATMs where visitors can use.  You should check with your bank before departure that your card can be used overseas and what the charges will be, as UK cash cards are not always accepted by Argentinean cash machines. It is wise to take sufficient funds in cash for periods away from the major cities.
How much to bring: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip and other than at the start and end of the challenge, you will be in the rural areas away from any foreign exchanges or banks. You will only need money for tips, additional food & drink, gifts & souvenirs, and for any other additional activities that you wish to do specially in Buenos Aires. On average we recommend around £300.
Tipping: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend approx. GBP 10 per person per challenge day and this should be given to the expedition leader at the end of the trip who will advise you how to distribute it among the support team.

Phone & WiFi

You will have mobile phone and internet signal during your stay in Buenos Aires, and the main cities El Chalten and Calafate. After that, you will have extremely limited mobile phone or internet reception during your trek.

Phone & WiFi

You will have mobile phone and internet signal during your stay in Buenos Aires, and the main cities El Chalten and Calafate. After that, you will have extremely limited mobile phone or internet reception during your trek.

Emergencies

The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking abilities. This is allowed for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. In the event of an emergency, all guides and leaders are maintaining contact via radio.

Emergencies

The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking abilities. This is allowed for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. In the event of an emergency, all guides and leaders are maintaining contact via radio.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request.

Medical Support

First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.

If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.

Medical Support

First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.

If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.

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We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6546. Many of the flight-inclusive challenges on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This ATOL protection only covers challenges that include flights booked by Charity Challenge and that originate in the UK. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate

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