Día de la Independencia (Independence Day), August 25 (Uruguay)
August (the third Monday in August), Día del Libertador San Martín, marks the
anniversary of José de San Martín’s death in 1850. (Argentina)
Día de Unidad Nacional (Day of National Unity), First Monday of September (Chile)
Día de la Independencia Nacional (National Independence Day), September 18 (Chile)
Día del Ejército (Armed Forces Day), September 19 (Chile)
Día de la Raza (Columbus Day), October 12 (Uruguay, Chile and Argentina)
Todo los Santos (All Saints' Day), November 1 (Chile, Uruguay and Argentina)
Día de la Soberanía Nacional, November 20 (fourth Monday in November) Day of
National Sovereignty (Argentina)
Inmaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception), December 8 (Chile and Argentina)
Navidad (Christmas Day), December 25 (Chile, Uruguay and Argentina)
Visas and border crossings
Always check the embassy website of the country you visit for visa requirements and
border crossing procedures, as these can change unexpectedly.
At the time of writing, the following applied:
Chile
For all three countries, entry is generally straightforward as long as your passport is
valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Visas are usually optional for
stays of up to 90 days. Australian citizens must pay a US$117 'reciprocity fee' when
arriving by air.
Argentina
Tourist visas for most countries are optional for entry into Argentina. Instead, you will
receive a visa stamp valid for 90 days upon arrival.
Uruguay
Citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Israel, South
Africa, and most of Europe and Scandinavia do not require a tourist visa to enter
Uruguay. They can stay in Uruguay for up to 90 days, visa-free.
Traffic and road conditions
Chile
Please remember that all three countries drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Weather conditions in the far south can make long-distance cycle touring a challenge.
Most of the main roads are in excellent condition but comes with heavy traffic.
Secondary and mountain roads may be poorly maintained. Major arteries in Santiago
may switch directions during morning and evening rush hours.
Roads in Chile are generally in reasonable condition but can be washed away after
periods of heavy rain. Therefore, cyclists should always take care when out on the
road. Always look after your safety.