14 Day Highlights Of Antarctica Exploration Cruise

• Small, intimate group experience – no more than 20 people
• Ride the iconic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, at the foothills of Machu Picchu
• 17 nights in 4-star hotels 
• Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 3 dinners with paired wines
• All internal flights 
• Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide (excluding on internal flights)
• Incredible sightseeing including entry fees as per itinerary

• Santiago – Guided city tour
• Mendoza – Guided city tour
• Buenos Aires - Guided city tour.
• Buenos Aires - Tango and dinner show
• Iguazu Falls - Guided tours of both the Aregntinian and Brazilian sides
• Rio de Janeiro - City tour of Rio de Janeiro
• Rio De Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer
• Rio De Janeiro - Traditional Brazilian BBQ lunch
• Lima - City tour
• Sacred Valley - Full day tour with lunch
• Machu Picchu - Scenic train ride
• Machu Picchu - Guided tour
• Cusco - City tour

• Polar Outside Window Cabin (RR): INCLUDED. The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the lower/middle decks with windows and are approx 20 square metres.  All cabins feature a sofa bed, TV, kettle with tea and coffee and private ensuite bathrooms.
  Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify us at time of booking.

• Arctic Superior Cabin (TT); Upgrade price from $841 per person, twin share (Single $1,741). These large cabins range in size from 24 - 27 m2 without a balcony and are located on the lower/middle decks. All cabins feature a sofa bed, TV, kettle with tea and coffee and private ensuite bathrooms.
  Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify us at time of booking.   

• Arctic Superior Balcony Cabin (XT): Upgrade price from $2,311 per person, twin share (Single $4,115) These high deck cabins range in size from 15 - 19 m2. All cabins feature a private balcony with unobstructed views, sofa bed, TV, kettle with tea and coffee and private ensuite bathrooms.
  Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify us at time of booking.  

• Expedition Balcony Suite (ME): price from $3,730 per person twin share (Single $7,247). Located on the top-high decks, all suites feature a private balcony and vary from 20 - 28m2. Expedition Suites include bathrobes, espresso maker, and more. An exciting welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin. À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests.

Please note, Hurtigruten will assign your cabin number closer to departure. In the event you are travelling with another party, note that cabins may not be allocated together. If you prefer to select your own cabin number additional fees will apply.

For detailed information on your ship, click HERE for MS Fridtjof Nansen and HERE for MS Roald Amundsen

Compulsory Cruise Forms

• Personal Questionnaire - This form must be received by Hurtigruten at least 8 weeks prior to your voyage departure.

• Medical Certificate - All guests must submit a Medical Screening Form for certain remote destinations, including Antarctica. The submitted forms are reviewed by our medical partner, Vikand. The Medical Screening Form consists of two sections. Both sections A (completed by you, the guest) and B (completed by a doctor) need to be submitted. Once you have submitted section A online, a confirmation email is sent to you with instructions regarding how to complete section B. 

  All forms need to be received for review between 8 weeks before your departure - there may be requirements to resubmit if required information is missing. Being allowed to embark does not constitute any medical advice from us as to the advisability or safety of you participating in an expedition cruise or any activities related to an expedition cruise. You must solely rely on the advice of your personal physician as to the advisability or safety of participating in an expedition cruise.

Optional tours
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):

• Full Day Fiesta Gaucha (Day 13) - $248 per person

Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.

Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.

Pre/post accommodation 
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Post Tour Accommodation

• $183.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $183.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Upgrades 
Not available  

Airport Transfers 
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $8,494.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.

Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers. 

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

Triple Share
Not available

Child Policy
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Payment Information 
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.

Instalment Schedule:

1. At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
2. Pay a 1st installment of $3,060.00 per person within 7 days.
3. Pay a 2nd installment of $2,600.00 per person within 90 days.
4. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Cooling Off Period 
A refund will be available within the 7-day cooling-off period unless otherwise restricted by the purchased product. 

Where 'last minute' bookings are available within 71 days of departure, the cooling-off period does not apply and bookings are immediately non-refundable.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please review our terms and conditions here: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/au/page/terms-and-conditions 

Tour Suitability

• Discovering the vast and diverse regions of South America requires multiple flights. Though some flights may involve early departures and potential delays or schedule changes, we have meticulously crafted this itinerary to ensure you experience the very best of what South America has to offer. When there are multiple flight options a day, we often choose the earlier option to ensure that if there are any cancellations or schedule changes then we can still get to our destination in time.
• Many of our tours are made up of several smaller journeys. You may join a group where some travellers have already been together prior to your arrival, or some of your fellow passengers may be travelling onwards when your tour comes to a finish. There may also be instances during your trip when some passengers depart and new ones join. If you'd like more information on alternative tour options or extensions, please feel free to contact us.
• During this tour we will have multiple dedicated tour leaders across the different destinations. This is to ensure we have a local expert in each location, and also due to guide licence requirements in certain destinations. Each dedicated tour leader will communicate with each other and the group so there will be a seamless transition.
• As we travel to high-altitude regions, please note that altitude sickness can impact anyone, no matter their age, gender, or fitness. It's important that you discuss this itinerary and your travel plans with your doctor beforehand. While on tour, safety is paramount and it’s important that you discuss any altitude sickness symptoms with your local guide, so that appropriate medical attention can be provided. Follow this link for more helpful information on altitude sickness.
• This tour takes you through diverse regions, including the coast, mountains, and jungle. Due to the variety of climates you'll encounter, it's essential to pack a versatile wardrobe suitable for any time of year.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list.

Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets
Tickets to Machu Picchu are limited and can sell out quickly. To avoid any issues, it is essential that we receive your full passport details at least 75 days before departure.  Please ensure you have added your passport details to your booking via the Traveller Hub. Failure to do so may result in missing out on Machu Picchu or potentially facing extra costs if alternate arrangements are necessary.

Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here: 

https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information 

You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-tour cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider. 

We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international tours, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.

If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.

Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it. 

Health & Wellness
All travellers need to be in good physical health to participate fully on this tour. Our group tours are designed to immerse you in incredible sights and activities, often involving walking tours and self-exploration. To ensure you can fully embrace every moment, we recommend a moderate level of fitness for all of our tours. 

When selecting your tour please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that in the assessment of our Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a tour without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements and we would be more than happy to assist you.

Important Information for Customers with Mobility Limitations
We want to ensure everyone has a fantastic and inclusive experience on our tours. If you require the use of a mobility aid, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please disclose this information at the time of booking.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the entire group, our tours are designed with a specific itinerary in mind. This may involve moderate walking, uneven terrain, or stairs. While some itinerary adjustments may not be possible, we'll do our best to find alternative solutions within the planned activities whenever possible.

Open communication helps us ensure your tour is a perfect fit and it allows your local guide or tour leader to assist you where possible. 

Information for CPAP Users
If you use a CPAP machine, please let us know at the time of booking. Some portions of our itinerary, like overnight cruises or camping tours, may have limited access to power outlets. In such cases, we recommend travelling with portable battery packs. 

Certain activities, like overnight journeys on board smaller vessels, may not be suitable for CPAP use due to space limitations or noise concerns. We can discuss these potential limitations upfront and help you make informed decisions about your tour.

Please ensure that you check the voltage used throughout the countries you are travelling to and if it will be compatible with your machines. For example, Japan runs on 100 volts vs Australia at 220-240 volts, meaning a voltage converter might be required.

Documentation
Tour documentation is typically emailed to the lead passenger or your travel agent between 14-30 days before your scheduled departure. This will include your final hotel list. 

Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:

• Safety and Security: Current risks and precautions for the country you'll be visiting.
• Visa Requirements: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation for entry.
• Entry and Exit: Up-to-date border regulations and health requirements.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

• Australia: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
• New Zealand: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
• America: https://travel.state.gov/
• Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories 
• India: https://www.mea.gov.in/travel-advisories.htm

In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:

• Local Expertise: We maintain regular communication with our trusted travel partners in your destination.
• Constant Monitoring: We continuously monitor official travel advisories from relevant government websites.
• Flexibility and Safety: Should it become necessary, we will make appropriate adjustments to your itinerary to prioritise your health and safety.

By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.

Connect with fellow travellers on Facebook
During your booking journey, you might have received an email inviting you to join a special Facebook group dedicated to your chosen destination. These vibrant online communities are exclusively for Inspiring Vacations travellers headed to the same incredible place. Joining this group unlocks a wealth of information and connections. Swap travel tips, share packing insights, or even see if anyone's interested in travelling together.  

We also regularly host insightful webinars featuring travel experts who share their tips and tricks for navigating your destination and maximising your itinerary. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and get even more excited about your upcoming tour!

Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary.  Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty. 

Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary.  The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion. 

Note: if you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination. 

Arrival Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the airport to the hotel will be comfortable and hassle-free.

As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked as an Addon via your Traveller Hub.  How to book information can be found on our FAQ page or visit: https://wiki.inspiringvacations.com/knowledge/how-to-add-transfers-to-your-booking  

To make your own way to your hotel from the airport, it is recommended to use taxis booked from an official taxi booking desk at the airport, or alternatively you can use ride share apps such as Uber.

If you're having any problems finding the hotel, please ring the hotel directly or you can phone our customer support team for on-tour assistance. 

Welcome Meeting Instructions
You are welcome to arrive at any time on Day 1 of your tour and the day is at your leisure. You will meet your leader the following morning (on the day that sightseeing commences) at approximately  after breakfast for a welcome meeting and a briefing on the tour ahead. 

In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.

We understand that there may be instances where your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that the tour leader or local representative escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.

You also have the option to share details in your online feedback after the tour. However, please keep in mind that it's challenging for us to offer practical assistance once the tour is completed. Therefore, notifying us while still travelling allows us the chance to address the issue in real-time and provide a timely resolution.

For general contact details please visit the Contact Us page on our website.

When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour. If this is not included in your documentation, you will receive this on arrival during your welcome meeting.

Pace
This tour category is 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.

As a general requirement across all of our tours, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your tour.

Group Size 
Minimum: 4 people, Maximum: 20 people

Escorted Style 
A section of this tour runs as a group tour, where you will be escorted by a dedicated tour leader. On other sections, a local guide will meet and greet you, coordinate your activities in town and be reachable to assist you as needed.

Tour Type 
Our expertly crafted Small Group Tours take you to iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, ensuring a rich blend of must-see sights. Unwind in premium accommodations after each day filled with sightseeing alongside your dedicated tour leader, leaving you free to explore at your own pace during designated free time. Benefit from smaller group sizes, creating a truly unforgettable travel experience.

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Airport transfers
• Visas
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities
• Tipping
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Optional Tours 
To secure your spot and enjoy the best rates, pre-booking these tours in advance is highly recommended. While some tours require a minimum number of participants to operate, you'll be fully refunded if the tour is cancelled at your destination for this reason. Our optional tours are typically led by your tour leader or local guide. Please note that transportation to and from the optional tours is generally not included, but your tour leader will be happy to assist you with navigating public transportation options like trains or taxis to reach the starting point.

Travelling in a group
Travelling in a group means you will experience both the pleasures and perhaps at times, some of the frustrations of travelling with people you don’t know. The good news is you all have at least one thing in common: a love of travel and exploration. Your fellow travellers will probably come from different parts of the world, and fall into different age groups. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group—patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the overall benefit of the group. 

We kindly ask that you are requested to be at a place at a certain time that you respect this request from your tour leader or local guide. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your tour before departure.

Community Guidelines
Inspiring Vacations does not tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams (Inspiring Vacations Tour Leaders and local expert guides) or local communities.

Romantic relationships between travellers and the Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative are not permitted while on tour.

Any behaviour that prevents your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines, may result in Inspiring Vacations removing you from the tour.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader immediately. Alternatively, when you are on-tour and require immediate support you can contact our Customer Support team and select the “On-Tour” option when listening to the options. 

Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader vs. Local Guide
While both tour leaders and local guides enrich your travel experience, their roles differ. Tour leaders, who often accompany you for the entire tour, handle logistics, ensure smooth sailing of the itinerary, and act as your point of contact for any concerns. They might provide general information about destinations, but in-depth historical or cultural knowledge often comes from local guides. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.

Coach Transportation 
The size of your coach will comfortably accommodate your group. There's usually room for some extra seats, ensuring a relaxing journey. Your luggage will be safely stored either underneath the coach or in a dedicated trailer.

While the exact coach style may vary depending on the departure, all our coaches offer comfortable seating. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi and charging outlets might not always be available. To stay connected and avoid dead batteries,  we recommend fully charging your devices beforehand or bringing a portable charger.

For longer journeys, we'll make sure to include ample restroom breaks along the way, so you can freshen up and recharge at your convenience, as facilities are not on-board the coach. 

Itinerary Changes 
Sometimes, unexpected things can happen, like unpredictable weather or higher-than-usual crowds at attractions. In these situations, your tour leader might need to adjust the itinerary slightly to improve your overall experience. 

This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your tour! Your tour leader will always keep you informed of any changes and explain the reasoning behind them. Remember, when travelling with a group, sometimes going with the flow can lead to even more amazing experiences.

Staying Connected
If you want to stay connected and access reliable internet while on tour, there are a few options available. It is possible to purchase a virtual sim and we recommend contacting your mobile phone provider for assistance in doing so. You can add a roaming data plan to your existing phone contract is another option, albeit an expensive one. You will need to arrange this before departure. Purchasing a local SIM at the airport is the final option. For a prepaid fee, you can get data by simply swapping your current SIM with your new SIM and depending on which package you purchase, you’ll be able to text and make phone calls, just as you would at home. 

We also recommend downloading WhatsApp and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour, and of course, after the tour if you’d like to stay in touch. Our tour leaders may also use this as a means of communicating essential tour information with you, as well as if you choose to add-on transfers to your booking, as your driver may use this to confirm arrangements with you.

Getting Around
While touring South America, you will be travelling by private coaches, planes, boats, and trains. South America is a very large continent, and to see all that it has to offer then there will be some long travel journeys on the coach. But rest assured there will be comfort stops along the way where you can freshen up, stretch your legs, use the bathroom and often, purchase refreshments. Generally, lunch stops will be taken at rest stops as they can easily accommodate our large groups.

The train ride to Machu Picchu is one of the most breathtaking journeys in Peru, and will be a highlight of the tour. This nearly two-hour tour takes you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, descends along the Urubamba River, and ultimately reaches the enchanting cloud forest.

Hotel Ratings
Star ratings can differ between countries, reflecting diverse standards and amenities. To give you the most accurate picture possible, we don't just rely on a single source for hotel ratings. We go beyond by researching various trusted travel websites like Tripadvisor and Booking.com. This allows us to analyse a wider range of genuine customer reviews and experiences, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the hotel's typical star rating.

This means you can book with confidence, knowing the hotel has a strong track record of satisfied guests.

Accommodation Details
For our South American group tours, we carefully select 3-4 star hotels to ensure your comfort and convenience.

Packing Essentials
What you need to pack for your tour will vary according to the tour style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible, ensuring that you can carry and lift your luggage, and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. 

A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this tour. Many tours will include internal flights which often have luggage weight restrictions, and it is recommended that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket, and your essentials while touring during the day.

Clothing: Pack a mix of lightweight and warm layers. Long sleeves and pants are beneficial for mosquito protection. Choose clothes that are easy to wash and dry.

Footwear: Closed-in shoes are recommended to protect your feet from injuries and potential bites or stings, whether you're walking in urban areas or through nature.

Sun Protection: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun.

Warm Gear: Mountains and hill regions can get cold at night. A light, warm waterproof jacket is advisable.

Medical Kit: It's good to carry personal items like mild painkillers, electrolytes, Band-Aids, and insect repellent. Ensure you are travelling with any prescription medication that you may need.

Water Bottle: A capacity of at least 1.5 litres is recommended to reduce the environmental impact of bottled water.

Camera/Phone: Don’t forget to bring something to capture memories.

Comfort Items: Earplugs can help with noisy environments, a good book or journal for downtime, and a music player for entertainment.

Climate
South America's climate varies significantly across its vast landscape,from mountains, to jungles, to the coast.

In Chile and Argentina, summer (December to February) brings warm temperatures, especially in Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Winter (June to August) can be quite cool across the country, with Buenos Aires experiencing mild winters while Mendoza can get colder, especially in the nearby Andes mountains.

Brazil, spanning the equator, boasts a tropical climate. A pleasant time to visit is during the dry season (May to September), with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity, ideal for exploring Rio de Janeiro and the Amazon Rainforest. The wet season (December to March) can be hot and humid, but it's also carnival time, a vibrant cultural experience.

Peru's climate is diverse due to its varying geography. The coastal region, including Lima, is temperate from December to April. The Andean highlands, with Machu Picchu, are most accessible during the dry season (May to September). The Amazon rainforest experiences heavy rainfall from November to April, making travel more challenging.

Understanding these seasonal variations ensures a more enjoyable and comfortable travel experience in South America.

Currency and ATMs
ATMs are readily accessible in major towns and cities throughout Latin America. Credit cards are typically accepted in tourist-oriented shops and restaurants, with Visa and Mastercard being more widely accepted than American Express, Diners Club, and other cards. Smaller establishments often require cash payments. Before your tour, verify with your bank whether your card is accepted in your destination countries and familiarise yourself with any applicable fees and charges. Note that withdrawal limits can vary by country and may be as low as the equivalent of USD 100 per day, regardless of your home country's limit. If you plan to bring cash, be aware that local banks may reject USD 100 bills with serial numbers starting with CB or BE, as well as any old, torn, written-on, or stamped bills.

Food and Allergies
South America presents a rich tapestry of culinary experiences for travellers. This can be seen in Argentina's renowned steaks and Malbec wines, Brazil's traditional feijoada (bean stew) and refreshing caipirinhas, and Peru's ceviche and diverse quinoa dishes. Each country's cuisine reflects a blend of indigenous traditions and European influences. 

While travelling with Inspiring Vacations you'll enjoy iconic sightseeing, as well as experience the vast array of culinary offerings in South America. While many meals will be eaten together with your group, not all meals are included in your tour which gives you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let our Customer Support Team know before departure. Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Guide or Local Guide will also be able to give suggestions on which restaurants to try during your tour. For those with a particular food allergy, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Guide will endeavour to advise the main ingredients in the dishes consumed. It is, however, still your responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any problematic ingredients.

Local Customs
Many places in South America have deep cultural and historical significance. It is important to respect local customs, traditions, and historical sites. For instance, in Peru, it's important to be respectful and follow rules when visiting archaeological sites like Machu Picchu.

In many South American countries, greetings are important and may involve kisses on the cheek (one or both sides) or a warm handshake. Personal space can be closer than in some Western cultures.

Dress Code
When travelling in South America, you can dress casually and comfortably in cities and tourist spots with jeans, shorts, and t-shirts. For religious sites or rural areas, it can be recommended to opt for modest attire covering shoulders and knees, particularly for women, however we suggest you discuss this with your Dedicated tour Leader first. In beach destinations like Rio de Janeiro, beachwear like swimsuits is appropriate. Comfortable shoes are essential for city exploration and visiting historical sites.

Responsible Dining
Avoid consuming endangered species or items harvested unsustainably. Be respectful of local customs and food practices, and always tip fairly to support local workers. Responsible dining helps protect the environment and promotes the well-being of local communities.

Tipping Your Leader, Local Guide or Driver
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your tour, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry and is a welcome way to show your appreciation. If you feel that your guide/s and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.

Peak Travel Times

Peak travel times in South America vary by region. In the Southern countries like Argentina and Chile, December to February sees a surge in visitors drawn to summer beach destinations and Patagonia's wilderness. Brazil's peak season aligns with its summer from December to March, highlighted by the vibrant Carnival festivities in February. For the Andean countries such as Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, the dry season from May to September is ideal for trekking and exploring Machu Picchu, and sees many visitors.  Colombia experiences peaks in tourism during December to March and July to August due to dry weather and cultural festivals like Carnaval de Barranquilla. Throughout the Amazon Rainforest, the dry season from June to October is favoured for wildlife observation and easier access to remote areas.

Safety and Security 
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your own government's advice for the most up-to-date travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your tour. 

Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities listed on the itinerary, however, you'll have some free time to explore on your own. While your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide will assist you as best they can with your requests and the options available outside your itinerary, please note Inspiring Vacations makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running the activity. Please use your judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. 

Please also note that your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

Travelling in South America offers incredible experiences, but it's essential to stay mindful of safety and security. Secure your belongings and blend in by dressing inconspicuously. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places or at night, and use trusted transportation options.

Apps to Download
 Some useful apps you may want to consider downloading before your tour include Google Translate, the lens function is especially useful when wanting to read product labels, signs, and menus. Google Maps with offline maps downloaded is great for easy navigation without being reliant on wifi. We also recommend downloading WhatsApp before you leave and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour. 

We also recommend downloading WhatsApp before you leave and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour. 

Cabify is a convenient ride share app widely used in South America.  

Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability. 

Furthermore, towards the end of your travels and while you are in your destination, you will receive an email from us with a link to an in-depth tour survey. It is very important to us that we hear from our customers to ensure that we continue to meet and exceed customers' expectations, so this will be your opportunity to let us know how your tour has been, what has worked well and potentially what could be improved. 

Finishing Point 
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking. 

Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost payable directly. 

Departure Details
There are no activities on the final day of your tour, and you can check out of the hotel at your own convenience. Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the hotel to the airport will be comfortable and hassle-free.

Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account in the Addon section. How to book information can be found on our FAQ page or visit: https://wiki.inspiringvacations.com/knowledge/how-to-add-transfers-to-your-booking 

This package is a flight add-on package

This package has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city. Select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and international flights will be added to your booking.

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.