Update South America

HomeUpdate South America

Updated March 9th, 2023

Below is the latest update to come out of Peru, Chile, and Argentina relating to everything affecting travel to/from our destinations.

PERU

Peru offers a diverse array of destinations beyond the popular southern route which includes Machu Picchu, including lesser-known gems in the north such as Huaraz, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Amazonas, and Iquitos. These areas remain safe and accessible to tourists despite the current political situation in the country.

What’s new:
  • At present, some parts of Peru, including Cusco, Puno, Lima, and Callao, have been placed under a state of emergency. This proactive measure has been implemented to ensure that essential services operate smoothly and effectively, and to empower authorities to maintain peace and order. This approach helps to create a safe and secure environment for tourists and locals alike.
  • Machu Picchu has reopened as of 13.02.2023.
  • The Train services to and from Machu Picchu are operating regularly again.
  • Train services to and from Cusco and Puno are currently suspended.
  • The airports in Cusco and Arequipa have reopened and services have resumed.
  • The airport in Juliaca has suspended all operations until further notice.
  • The highway between Puno and Cusco has been blocked by protesters and travel by road between these 2 cities is not possible at the current moment.
Entry restrictions & requirements for travelers:
  • All entry and travel restrictions in Peru have been lifted and proof of vaccination status will not be required for entry or anywhere in the country. Normal pre-pandemic regulations have been restored.
  • Travelers are no longer required to fill in an online sworn health declaration for entry into Peru.
  • Peru has reopened its land borders with its neighboring countries, making multi-country journeys possible again. International travelers can already cross borders to/from Bolivia, Chile, Brazil, and Ecuador, taking into consideration the current entry restrictions of each country.
  • For entering Bolivia from Peru it is required to either show proof of complete vaccination (2 doses, completed at least 14 days before entry) or a PCR test result or an antigen test result.
General restrictions:

CHILE

What’s new:
  • For travelers planning on staying at the Explora lodge in Atacama, you can look forward to a new culinary experience in the coming months. The renowned owner of ‘Central’, the second-best restaurant in the world as ranked by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022, Virgilio Martínez, has designed a gastronomic proposal exclusively for Explora Atacama.
Entry restrictions & requirements for travelers to Chile:
  • Travelers are no longer required to wear face masks, except in hospitals/medical establishments.
  • The requirement for the ‘mobility pass’ has been dropped.
  • A vaccination certificate and/or negative PCR result dated less than 48 hours will still be required for entry into the country.
  • You will not be required to fill out the C19 declaration form for entry into the country.
  • Travelers under the age of 18 are exempt from all entry restrictions.
  • For border crossing from El Calafate to Torres del Paine we recommend bringing a physical copy of all relevant documents as there is no internet or cellphone signal at the border post.
  • Upon arrival, some travelers will be randomly selected to perform a PCR test. The cost of the test is covered by the Chilean authorities. It is not necessary to quarantine while waiting for the results. In case the result is positive, travelers must quarantine for 7 days.
  • Insurance covering Covid-19 treatment is no longer a requirement to enter Chile, however, it is recommended.
  • 4 international airports are open in Chile including Santiago and Punta Arenas.
  • All the land borders between Chile and its neighboring countries have been open since May 1st, 2022.

From August 4th, 2022 Easter Island opened up to receiving tourists once again.

Flight schedules by LATAM are being adjusted regularly while the island goes through its tourism reactivation. Keep this in mind when booking your stay as the plane tickets you have purchased may be changed by the airline.

Currently, there are flights operating to/from the island on the following days:

  • March 2023: Monday and Sunday.
  • April – June 2023: Monday, Friday and Sunday.
  • July 2023: Monday and Wednesday, Friday through Sunday.
  • From August 2023: Daily flights, Monday through Sunday.

Entry requirements for Easter Island are as follows:

  • Passengers will not be required to quarantine upon entry.
  • The requirement for all travelers to provide a negative PCR test has been dropped.
  • Travelers selected at random may be tested for Covid between the first and fifth day of arrival. (payment is covered by the government).
  • Visitors are required to show proof of vaccination against covid-19 (at least 2 doses)
  • The use of facemasks is no longer required, except in medical facilities.

ARGENTINA

What’s new:
  • The Devil’s Throat walkway has been rebuilt and deemed safe for tourist visitation following a 4-month renovation. Visitors may access the walkways as of March 1st 2023, however, the lower circuit will remain partially closed with no set reopening date.
Entry restrictions & requirements for travelers:
  • Argentina has lifted all Covid-19 measures both for travel and within the country itself, normal pre-pandemic regulations have been restored.
  • To enter Argentina it is no longer necessary to present proof of vaccination or a negative result to a PCR test.
  • The requirement for proof of international insurance covering COVID-19 treatment and the health affidavit has also been dropped.
  • For border crossing from El Calafate to Torres del Paine we recommend bringing a physical copy of all relevant documents as there is no internet or cellphone signal at the border post.
  • In order to visit the Brazilian side of the Iguazu falls on a day tour from Argentina, it is necessary to present proof of vaccination.
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