SOUTH AMERICA FAQ’S

Argentina GMT-3hrs
Brazil GMT-3hrs
Chile GMT-4hrs
Ecuador GMT-5hrs
Peru GMT-5hrs

Argentina: Argentine Peso
Brazil: Brazilian Real
Chile: Chilean Peso
Ecuador and Galápagos Islands: United States Dollar
Peru: Peruvian Nuevo Sol

Generally, all our tours operate when it is considered the best time to travel however it is important to note that some countries, such as Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Peru cover different climate zones, so climates may vary throughout your tour. When travelling within Peru, some locations are situated at high altitude and temperatures are typically cooler. As weather patterns around the world are becoming less predictable, the information we provide should be used as a guide only and it is not a guarantee of the weather at the time you travel. We also recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you travel.

Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. Evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm.

It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions – remember it will be cooler at higher altitudes – and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof, good insect repellent, a high factor sun-screen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun.

Bear in mind some countries you will visit adopt a more conservative standard of dress than we are used to in the UK. When visiting sacred places, it is recommended that arms and legs are covered. Women may also wish to take a shawl to cover their shoulders and all visitors should wear long trousers, or skirts or shorts that reach below the knee. Taking off your shoes is also a prerequisite before entering many sacred places – and commonplace when entering many buildings.

When travelling in South America, the best option is to use a mix of payment methods. Carry local currency for small purchases and rural areas, use credit or travel cards like Revolut for hotels and larger establishments. For more information on the Revolut Currency Card, please click here.

We also recommend advising your bank of your travel plans prior to departing from the UK so you do not encounter potential problems when trying to withdraw cash.

Across South America, it is customary to offer gratuities, as a way of showing your appreciation for good service. Tips remain discretionary, however if you are happy with the service you have received, we would suggest the following amounts:

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Galápagos Islands and Peru
• Tour Manager: US$ 5.00 per person / per day
• Drivers: US$ 3.00 per person / per day
• Local Guide: US$ 5.00 per person / per day

MV Galápagos Legend
• Guide: US$ 15.00 per person, per day
• Crew: US$ 20.00 per person, per day

MV Delfin III
• US$ 180.00 per person

The following information on entry requirements, passports and visas is for British Citizens only. Any visa information covers visa requirements for the duration our tour stays in any given country. If you intend to stay longer you should seek additional information before booking.

Holders of a British Subject passport, non-British citizens and holders of a passport endorsed in anyway should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited, as should clients with dual nationality or renounced citizenship.

It is important to recognise that whilst the information below is correct at the time we go to print, all requirements may change and all clients must check the up to date position in good time before departure with the embassy or consulate of the country(ies) you are travelling through and to.

We also suggest referring to the UK government’s Foreign Travel Advice website, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

A valid ten-year British passport is required for all our holidays, valid for a minimum of six months after your return date to the UK. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document.

A full British passport presently takes approximately up to 10 weeks to obtain. If you are 16 or over and have not yet arranged a passport, you should apply for one at least 10 weeks before your departure from the UK. The UK Passport Service has to confirm an applicant’s identity before issuing their first passport and will ask them to attend an interview in order to do this. Please note, if you need to apply for visas after you receive your new passport, you will need to factor in additional time for this.

For more information on passport and entry requirements please visit the Government Passport Office website.

British citizens are allowed between 60-90 days stay with no visa required for South America.

Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and may change at any time. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel.

In addition to the UK government’s own travel advice website, we also recommend visiting the NHS Travel Vaccinations website, nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations for more information on any required vaccinations.

Please Note:
• If travelling to Ecuador on one of our Holiday Extensions a Yellow Fever vaccination may be required.
• Tours within South America include high-altitude locations. Guests with concerns should check with their doctor before booking.

Peru is a mountainous country with high-altitude peaks. When travelling on The Very Best of Peru and The Very Best of South America tours within Peru, some locations are situated at high altitude. Please discuss with your medical professional should you have any regarding travelling at high altitude. You may also wish to consider a review of your travel insurance policy regarding cover for travelling at high-altitude.

Elevation (in metres above sea-level):
Aguas Calientes (village at the foot of Machu Picchu): 2,040m
Arequipa: 2,335m
Chivay (Lunch stop in Colca Canyon): 3,658m
Colca Pass (Drive from Arequipa to Colca Canyon): 4,910m
Cusco: 3,400m
Laguna Lagunillas (Drive from Colca Canyon to Puno): 4,174m
La Raya Pass (onboard Titicaca Train journey): 4,319m
Machu Picchu: 2,430m
Puno (Lake Titicaca): 3,812m
Urubamba (Sacred Valley): 2,800m