Answers to commonly asked questions
We know planning an adventure vacation is no small decision, but we try to make the process as easy as possible for you. We’ve been doing this for quite a while, and we’ve heard it all! Either scroll down and have a browse through the questions and answers below, or click on the specific question you’d like to have answered.
Of course, every adventure vacation is different, so feel free to call us at 866.753.3163 [US & Canada] or (0808) 234 7780 [UK] if you’d like to talk to someone about your trip or have any concerns that aren’t answered here. We’d love to hear from you!
Basic questions about ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA adventure vacations | Packing for this adventure vacation | Before or after my ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA adventure vacation | |
How do I get to South America?
As for how to get down to South America, various airlines have regular services to South America from the United States and the United Kingdom. From The United States, you can fly with any of the following airlines- American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, Lan Peru or Lan Chile. From the United Kingdom, you can fly with American Airlines, KLM, Continental or Iberia International.
For all flights coming from the US we recommend contacting Going Places in San Francisco. Call Lizelle on 510 848 9000. They know all about matching up flights with our schedules, and are often able to offer our clients some really good deals, so be sure and tell them that you are looking at taking an ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA trip! Let me know how you get on!
In Peru, a reliable travel agent is Fertur in Lima; they can be a great help on flights within South America. You can make a request for a flight by going to www.fertur-travel.com and clicking on 'Enquiry Form', or contact them directly by emailing receptivo@fertur-travel.com.
Can I use my frequent flyer miles to get there?
It's a great idea - go and do it! Many of our clients have been able to use their Frequent Flyer miles for the international portion of their airfare. You just need to keep 2 very important things in mind:
1. Get in early! The fares open up about a year before travel, so if you feel an active adventure coming on, call your airline frequent flyer programme NOW.
2. Things change! If you've called your airline and they've said there is no availability for your frequent flyer miles, don't give up. Call them back the next day. And the next... Lots of our clients have found that just by calling every day, they get what they need through sheer persistence!
Let me know how you get on!
What happens on the first day of my trip?
Jaguar: You’ll meet your group in Cuzco, where your ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA guide will meet you off the plane at the airport at 11am, just past the baggage claim area, or meet you in downtown Cuzco at 12 noon in the lobby of your trip-start hotel.
Tucan: Your trip starts in Quito. You need to arrive the night before, as we’ll pick you up at 6.30am on Sunday, from Hotel Reina Isabel, located at Av. Amazonas N-23-44 y Veintimilla.
Tortuga: Your trip starts in Quito airport, where your ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA guide will meet you off your flight and take you to your accommodation, where you'll meet up with the other people in your group. Depending what time you arrive, you’ll have time to explore this fascinating city today, and then have dinner with the rest of the gang.
Condor: Your trip starts at 1pm Sunday in Punta Arenas airport, where you will meet up with your ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA guide and the rest of the group.
Iguana: Your trip starts in San Jose airport, where our ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA representative will meet you off your flight, take you to your accommodation, where you'll meet up with the other people in your group. Depending what time you arrive, you’ll have time to explore this fascinating city today, and then have dinner with the rest of the gang.
What happens on the last day of my trip?
Jaguar: On Saturday, the last morning of your trip, you fly from Puno (Juliaca) to Lima airport, arriving at around 11am. The trip ends here in Lima airport. Don't book your flight out of Lima any earlier than 8pm on this day, to allow for delays and check-in times.
Capybara: On Saturday, the last morning of your trip, you fly from Puno (Juliaca) to Lima airport, arriving in the afternoon. The trip ends here in Lima airport. Don't book your flight out of Lima any earlier than 8pm on this day, to allow for delays and check-in times.
Tucan: You’ll be arriving back in Quito in time for flights departing after 3pm on Wednesday, the last day of your trip. We’ll be happy to drop you off at the airport, or at your hotel if you’re staying on in Quito.
Tortuga: You’ll wake up in Quito on the last day of your trip, so you can book a flight home departing any time today – we’ll be happy to drop you off at the airport.
Condor: On Wednesday, the last day of your trip, you fly from the Lakes District to Santiago airport, usually arriving at around 1pm. The trip ends in Santiago airport. We recommend booking your flight out of Santiago to depart after 5pm, to allow for delays and check-in times.
Iguana: You’ll wake up in San Jose on the last day of your trip, so you can book a flight home departing any time today – we’ll be happy to drop you off at the airport.
What will the weather be like?
The weather in South America is very varied and quite unpredictable - but long as you bring the recommended gear, we'll have fun whatever the weather :) As most of our trips spend significant time in the mountains, where the weather is particularly changeable, we always come prepared for anything! Having said all that, here’s an indication:
Jaguar and Capybara: On this trip we travel from the steamy, Amazonian jungle to one of the highest inhabited areas in the world, the icy-cold Altiplano - so you’ll need everything from shorts and sandals, to gloves and scarves! In Cuzco, the centre of our trip, you'll find that from April – October the days are clear and pleasant, with afternoon clouds building in the spring and fall months. Andean nights can get quite cold (between 25 and 40 degrees F) with daytime temperatures warming to 60-80 degrees F. The months of November through to March are the wet season here in the tropics, so you can expect some rainfall, with similar temperatures.
Tucan: On this trip we travel from the steamy, Amazonian jungle to Cotapaxi Volcano, standing very tall at 15,000ft – so you’ll need everything from shorts and sandals, to gloves and scarves! Much of our trip is spent fairly high in the Andes, where nights can get quite cold (between 25 and 40 degrees F) and daytime temperatures tend to warm to around 60-80°F. We also spend several days in the jungle, where it’s very humid and temperatures don’t often fall below 80°F.
Tortuga: Typically, the climate of the Galapagos Islands varies from season to season and even from year to year, and there is quite a difference in temperature between the coastal areas and higher elevations. Due to the effect of the cool Humboldt Current, the climate of the Galapagos Islands is generally mild and dry, with the temperature rarely rising above 85°F.
Iguana and Quetzal :
Condor: Punta Arenas, where our trip begins, is the world’s second most southern city – as you'll notice when the wind blows ;) Throughout the Southern Patagonia section of our trip, you'll need to be prepared for some snow, sleet and icy winds - although in the summer months, which is when we run our trips, we also get some very pleasant days too with sunshine and maximum temperatures around 76°F. The Lakes District, where we spend the rest of our time, enjoys fantastic weather at this time of year with sunshine and daytime maximums of around 85°F – this is an area of high rainfall though, so you can expect to get wet too!
How many people are there on each trip?
We take up to 14 people on our trips, and we have an experienced trip leader, fluent in Spanish, there to look after you. We get a variety of both singles and couples, with ages ranging from 20s to 60s, and because of the nature of what we do down in South America, we find that our trips tend to attract all sorts of interesting people. In fact, many of our clients have said the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!
What sort of gear should I bring?
You can check out our full gearlists online here. Please make sure you bring all items on the relevant list to ensure you are comfortable and get the most out of your trip.
What are the accommodations like?
You'll love the places you'll stay, but please be aware that our trips are not designed as a tour of the world’s fanciest hotels! Because there's such a variety of accommodations on our trips, some places will have ensuite bathrooms, and some will have shared bathrooms. We also occasionally make changes to the night stops (i.e. accommodation) because the nature of the places we use is such that they are not always available.
The accommodation we use varies depending on the trip you take. For instance, the Jaguar is an uncompromising adventure-orientated trips – so you’ll stay in a combination of comfortable hotels, family homes, and tents on occasion. You'll spend a couple of nights in a lodge in the Amazon basin which doesn't have hot water, but has an unrivalled rainforest location.
Will I be getting an ensuite or will I have to share bathrooms?
Because there's such a variety of accommodations on our trips, some places will have ensuite bathrooms, while others will have shared bathrooms. However, on all trips, we will be asking you to share a bathroom with others on occasion.
Will I be able to do laundry during the trip?
There is at least one opportunity to do laundry built into each trip – at logical points, like straight after the Inca Trail on the Jaguar trip! Your guide will be able to help you sort this out.
How fit to I need to be?
In general, you must have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself on our trips. Having said that, our trips are designed for real people, not triatheletes! You don't have to be young or extremely fit (although if you are, you won't be bored), but you should be in the habit of doing at least some regular exercise. Age and experience are not important - we would rather have an older person with a good attitude, than a 22-year-old couch potato!
Will the altitude affect me?
On our Jaguar, Capybara and Tucan trips we get to some higher altitudes (for instance, 14,200ft on Amantani Island). On the other trips, while you’ll find yourself on top of a few mountains, we don’t get to the sort of altitudes that cause some people problems.
Over the years we've found that if you take it easy on arrival in higher locations, you'll be just fine. Sure, we get straight into our activities at the start of our trips, but our itinerary takes altitude into account and there is plenty of leeway to relax during the first couple of days. Your trip leader and team of local guides will make sure you're doing fine.
We've been taking people up high for a long time, and we've found that a positive attitude, taking it easy and not worrying about the thinner air are great assets to have - after all, what's altitude when you've got the right attitude?!
What is the highest altitude we will get to?
Jaguar: 14,200 feet (on Amantani Island)
Capybara: 14,200 feet (on Amantani Island)
Tucan: 16,500 feet (on Cotapaxi volcano)
Tortuga: 3000 feet (on Sierra Negra volcano)
Iguana: 7500 feet
Condor: 3500 feet (on Osorno volcano)
Do I need a visa?
People from the US, Canada, Britain, Germany, and most other western countries will be issued a 30-day tourist visa for all South American countries involved on entry. Provided your passport is valid, you won't need anything else to get into the countries we visit, with a couple of exceptions:
Condor: In Chile, a US$100 one-off entry fee is charged to holders of US passports. Australian passport holders are charged $34, and Canadians need to pay a fee of $55. Holders of European passports are not charged anything.
Tortuga: There is a US$100 charge for all tourists entering the Galapagos. You will need to have this amount on you in cash when you land in San Cristobal.
What about vaccinations and malaria?
We recommend the following vaccinations for the following countries. Please note that vaccination recommendations change all the time, and they also depend on how long you're travelling for. The following list will give you an idea of which vaccinations you might need but for specific, up-to-date information please consult your doctor or travel clinic at least 1 month prior to travel to discuss which vaccinations are the best for you:
CHILE: Hepatitis A, Tetanus
Chicken Pox & Measles - if you've never caught it/been vaccinated for it before.
Rabies & Malaria medication is not considered necessary in the areas that we travel, but may be required if you are doing further independent travel.
COSTA RICA: Hepatitis A, Tetanus
Chicken Pox & Measles - if you've never caught it/been vaccinated for it before.
Malaria medication - please consult with your doctor about malaria medication.
MAINLAND ECUADOR: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid and Yellow Fever
Chicken Pox & Measles - if you've never caught it/been vaccinated for it before.
Rabies & Malaria medication is not considered necessary in the areas that we travel, but may be required if you are doing further independent travel.
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS : Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid
Chicken Pox & Measles - if you've never caught it/been vaccinated for it before.
Rabies & Malaria medication is not considered necessary in the areas that we travel, but may be required if you are doing further independent travel.
PERU: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid and Yellow Fever
Chicken Pox & Measles - if you've never caught it/been vaccinated for it before.
Rabies & Malaria medication is not considered necessary in the areas that we travel, but may be required if you are doing further independent travel.
Can you recommend a travel insurer?
All ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA travellers are required to obtain travel insurance. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that your policy covers you for emergency repatriation and full medical cover. We strongly recommend that your policy also provides cover in the event of theft, trip interruption, loss of luggage and personal effects, cancellation or other travel mishap.
Trip cancellation insurance and other insurance types can be obtained through local travel agents, or online brokers such as www.travelguard.com or www.worldnomad.com.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
A little would be helpful, especially on arrival and for ordering food in restaurants, but it's certainly not required. Our trip leaders are all fluent Spanish speakers so if you don't have time to learn a little Spanish before arrival you don't have to worry... they will take care of everything. If you wish to learn some helpful, easy phrases, then have a look at our handy guide to some useful Spanish phrases online here.
What is the voltage in South America?
CHILE: Chile operates on a 220 volt system & and a "C" type plug (two round prongs side by side). So if you're based in the USA you'll need at least a power point adapter plug. You may also need a converter/transformer to convert Chile's higher voltage of 220 volts AC to 110V AC for your appliance (depending on the appliance). I recommend that you check your camera/iPod/computer/hairdryer to see if you need one. If it says "110-240V" then it might be able to handle both voltages (as many appliances come with an inbuilt converter/transformer these days). If it only says "110V" or doesn't say anything then you'll probably need one. But I'd check with your nearest electrical goods store just to make sure!
COSTA RICA: Costa Rica operates on a 110 volt system & the same type of plug as the USA (two vertical prongs side by side) - so if you're based in the USA you won't have any problems!
ECUADOR: Ecuador operates on a 110 volt system & the same type of plug as the USA (two vertical prongs side by side) - so if you're based in the USA you won't have any problems!
GALAPAGOS: The Galapagos operates on a 110 volt system & the same type of plug as the USA (two vertical prongs side by side) - so if you're based in the USA you won't have any problems!
PERU: Peru operates on a 220 volt system & the same type of plug as the USA (two vertical prongs side by side). So if you're based in the USA you may need a converter/transformer to convert Peru's higher voltage of 220 volts AC to 110V AC for your appliance (depending on the appliance). I recommend that you check your camera/iPod/computer/hairdryer to see if you need one. If it says "110-240V" then it might be able to handle both voltages (as many appliances come with an inbuilt converter/transformer these days). If it only says "110V" or doesn't say anything then you'll probably need one. But I'd check with your nearest electrical goods store just to make sure!
What is your cancellations policy?
We require a US$500 deposit per person to secure your place on your chosen trip/s. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable to another departure date or trip. If you need to cancel the trip, the balance of the trip cost will be refunded according to the following schedule:
- Prior to 60 days before the commencement of the trip: full refund of balance.
- Within 60 days before the commencement of the trip: 50% refund of balance.
- Within 30 days before the commencement of the trip: no refund.
What luggage should I bring?
We recommend bringing one medium sized piece of luggage and one daypack per person. If you are going on a Tucan, or carrying your own pack on a Jaguar, you could just use your hiking backpack. If not, then a duffle bag or suitcase would be fine. While you're trekking we'll store any extra gear for you - you don't have to lug it with you! You may wish to bring a soft overnight bag to store this extra gear.
We also recommend that you...
- Wear your hiking boots while travelling, and pack all essential items in your carry-on luggage (including your passport, money, eye wear, change of clothing, and medications) in case your luggage is delayed.
- Remember, you're on holiday so kitchen sinks are not required! If you're spending a lot more time in our part of the world, it is possible to bring a small amount of extra gear on your trip and leave it in our hotel.
How much luggage can I bring?
There are no particular restrictions on how much luggage you can bring, although space is limited so we ask you not to bring too much stuff. In general, 1 large bag of clothes and 1 day bag should be sufficient. If you are opting to carry your own bag on the Inca Trail then of course you will need a backpack. It is always casual dress in South America, so you don't need to bring too many clothes.
I need to bring extra luggage with me to South America, where can I store it?
On all our trips you can store excess luggage in the hotels where your trips begin. Alternatively, you can store luggage at the airport, or possibly leave it in the back of the luggage compartment of your vehicle.
Do I really need everything on the gear list?
Yes, you really do need everything on the required gear list! We can hire you a sleeping bag if you let us know in advance. The gear list is carefully thought out to provide you with everything you need to be warm and happy, or cool and relaxed, whatever the weather! If you don’t bring everything you need, we can’t guarantee your comfort. On the other hand, if you bring much MORE than you need, lugging around all that luggage can be uncomfortable too! That’s why our gear list is so specific – if you follow it to the letter, you will be equipped just right.
What should I wear while hiking?
We recommend wearing clothes made from the quick drying, "breathable" fabrics. There are a wide variety of these types of clothes available at outdoor stores such as REI (Recreational Equipment Incorporated). Brands such as Marmot, Patagonia and North Face are quite popular, although some "no-name" brands can be just as good and more economical. We recommend you don't wear jeans for any activities as they get very heavy & uncomfortable if they get wet, which you will at some stage during your trip. The same clothing can be worn for hiking, cycling and kayaking. We recommend wearing hiking pants or shorts, and shirts or t-shirts made from these quick drying, "breathable" fabrics. In cooler weather we recommend using thermal underwear - these are worn under your pants & t-shirts for an extra layer of warmth. On top we recommend sweaters made from fleece or wool - again because they keep you warm even when you are wet. As an outer layer we recommend a medium weight waterproof jacket. Jackets made from Goretex or Marmot's PreCip are highly recommended.
What should I wear for kayaking, and what is provided?
During the Jaguar trip we'll provide you with modern two person sea kayaks, and all the necessary safety equipment, including 'Dry Bags' to keep the essentials dry. You will basically need to wear similar clothing to what you would wear hiking. We suggest the following: quick drying shorts & t-shirts, thermal underwear, fleece or wool sweater (stays warm if wet), sandals such as Tevas, or some old running shoes that you can get wet & NO COTTON!
Do I need hiking boots or are hiking sneakers okay?
You will need proper hiking boots with full ankle support and a stiff sole with high profile tread. We will be hiking over a variety of terrain, including uneven surfaces, tree roots and slippery rocks. Waterproof boots would be an advantage.
Do I need to bring anything to purify the water?
This is only necessary if you want to drink tap or stream water. Boiled or bottled water is available every day. On the Condor trip, tap water is safe to drink – on all other trips, you should not drink tap water.
Do I need to bring dress clothes to wear out to dinner or clubs?
No. South America is a very casual place and you will be comfortable and appropriately dressed going out to dinner wearing jeans or khakis.
Do I need a mosquito net?
No - they will be supplied in the jungle.
Who will my homestay family be on Amantani Island & can I bring them any gifts?
For the home stay on Amantani Island I'm sorry but we can't tell you who your family will be in advance. If you're keen to stay with a family with kids - or not - simply let your guide know before you arrive on the island & they'll do their best to arrange it for you. You may like to bring your family some gifts from home but please don't be overly concerned about this - it's not a prerequisite, simply a nice idea. We'll also be visiting a market before we go to the island so you can always pick things up there as well - your trip leader will advise you what gifts are appropriate.
If you would like some ideas on what to bring from home, items that are pretty simple and fundamental to us are greatly appreciated by the families as gifts. T-shirts & caps are great for parents. For kids, things like pens, pencils, exercise books are great - basic educational tools are scarce in Peru. Simple toys such as Frisbees or yo-yos are also great - nothing too big, brash or complicated - or else it will make the other kids jealous. Coloured pencils, or maybe some paints and paintbrushes are also a nice idea. Chocolates & sweets are not really encouraged for kids as it makes life difficult for parents after you leave.
Can you book a hotel for us before or after our trip?
We can arrange accommodation before or after your trip at any hotel or any of our joining hotels. If you wish to take a look at these hotels, their websites are listed below:
Jaguar and Capybara
LIMA
Hotel Ariosto
Av. La Paz 769, Miraflores, Lima
Ph. +51 1 444 1414
www.hotelariosto.com.pe
Hotel Melodia
Av. La Marina 2247, San Miguel, Lima
Ph. +51 1 566 0860
www.hotelmelodia.com
CUSCO
Hostal Centenario
Av. Centenario 689, Cusco
Ph. +51 84 224 235
www.hostalcentenario.com
Posada del Abuelo
Av. Pardo 869, Cusco
Ph. +51 84 807 285
Tortuga & Tucan
QUITO
Hotel Reina Isabel
Av. Amazonas N-23-44 y Veintimilla, Quito,
Ph. +593 2 254 4454
Condor
PUNTA ARENAS
Hostal Oro Fueguino
Calle Fagnano 356, Punta Arenas
Ph. +56 61 246 677
www.orofueguino.cl
Iguana and Quetzal
SAN JOSE
Hemingway Inn
Calle 9, Avenida 9, San Jose.
Ph +516 221 1804
(Location: In historic Barrio Amon, close to the center of town)
www.hemingwayinn.com
I have a few days in Lima before my trip. Can you give me some ideas of things to do while I'm there?
- Visit the Plaza De Armas - a world heritage site and is worth visiting to see the fine architecture and works of art. The Plaza is also surrounded by shops and is full of life.
- The Cathedral, reduced to rubble in the 1746 earthquake, is a reconstruction of the lines of the original, completed 1755.
- San Francisco Church finished by Jesuits in 1674. The nave and aisles are lavishly decorated in mudejar style. Famous for its Sevillian tile work and panelled ceilings. The Catacombs under the church are well worth seeing.
- The Gold Museum
- Visit Miraflores - suburb out of the city with great shops, restaurants and nice beaches.
For more information, visit our Lima information page.
I have a few days in Cuzco before my trip. Can you give me some ideas of things to do while I'm there?
- Visit Plaza de Armas. In Inca times, the plaza was twice as large as it is today. It was the heart of Inca Cuzco and remains the heart of the modern city.
- La Catedral. Started in 1559 and taking almost a hundred years to build, the cathedral is cuzco's main main church and also one of the cities greatest repositories of colonial art..
- San Francisco Church finished by Jesuits in 1674. The nave and aisles are lavishly decorated in mudejar style. Famous for its Sevillian tile work and panelled ceilings. The Catacombs under the church are well worth seeing.
- La Compania. This church on the Plaza de Armas is often lit up at night and can be seen from Machu Picchu after dark- a splendid sight.
- Museo Arqueologico Q'orikancha. This small underground museum is in front of the church of Santo Domingo and contains various archaeological displays that interpret both Inca and pre-Inca cultures.
- Museo de Historia Regional. This museum, in the colonial Casa Garcilasode la Vega, holds artifacts from the many pre-Inca and Inca cultures that thrived in Peru.
For more information, visit our Cuzco information page.
I have a few days in Quito before my trip. Can you give me some ideas of things to do while I'm there?
- Explore the Old City of Quito - Plaza De la Independencia and the Cathedral.
- Check out the Palacio de Gobierno. On the first floor is a gigantic mosaic mural of Orellana navigating the Amazon.
- Parque Alameda - the oldest astronomical observatory in South America.
- Museo Guayasemin- as well as the artist’s work there is a pre-Columbian and colonial collection which is highly recommended.
- Plaza de San Francisco is a great church and monastery of the patron saint of Quito, San Francisco.
For more information, visit our Ecuador and Quito information page.
Your trip leader can provide you with some great options in all the places we stay, especially our joining and departing cities!
I have a few days in Santiago before my trip. Can you give me some ideas of things to do while I'm there?
- Climb up Cerro Santa Lucia and Cerro San Cristobal – hills with great views in two of Santiago’s beautiful metropolitan parks.
- Wander through Barrio Brasil and check out the funky architecture and street life.
- Go shopping and café-hopping in Providencia.
- Hang out with the students in the Plaza de Armas, and check out the many surrounding museums and government buildings.
- Museo de la Solidaridad Salvador Allende – learn about Chile’s tragic, not-so-distant past.
There's half a day of down time in Lima between the end of my trip and my flight home - what do you recommend I do?
We have two recommendations on things to do in Lima. For either option, you'll need to store your luggage in the Left Luggage (Guardaequipaje) office in the main terminal of Lima Airport. This service is cheap (pay in local currency, Soles) and secure.
1. LIMA CITY TOUR: A guided tour of the pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern aspects of Lima. This tour includes the Naupallaqta ceremonial site and the Huaca Huallmarca pre-Inca pyramid, plus historic highlights of Central Lima, such as Paseo de la Republica and Plaza San Martin, and finishes up at the super-modern Larcomar shopping complex (you might wish to be dropped off here - see information below on Miraflores). The tour takes approximately three and a half hours
GROUP TOUR: Departure times: 9am or 2pm; Cost: US$20 per person payable to the driver.
PRIVATE TOUR: Departure times: 9am, 10am, 2pm, 2.30pm; Cost $37 per person (2 pax min.) payable to the driver; Pick Up: Anywhere in Lima
2. MIRAFLORES SHOPPING DISTRICT: If you don't feel like sightseeing, Miraflores may be for you - particularly if you haven't already spent a night here before the trip. Miraflores is well known as the safest and 'flashest' district of Lima, where you can shop, dine, go to the movies (look out for movies in English with Spanish subtitles - marked as "subtitulado" on cinema timetables), people watch, and even gamble in a casino if you feel like it! Most people like to check out Larcomar - this is a shopping and cinema complex built directly into the side of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There is plenty to entertain you here, or if you feel like a wander, head up Jose Larco Street into central Miraflores for even more people watching, eating and shopping options. A stroll along the sea in either direction is also a good option but we recommend staying on the road, rather than the beach as it's safer. Generally, this is a part of Lima where you need to exercise less caution than in the centre, but it always pays to be alert anywhere in Lima.
TRANSFER COSTS:
To get to and from Miraflores, there are two recommended options:
1. Private Transfer Service. This can be organised through your ACTIVE SA guide - please give them a few days notice - or at the MITSUI REMISSE counter in the main terminal of the airport. A private transfer costs around $15 a carload (up to 4 people) each way, and you can arrange to have the same driver drop you off & pick you up.
2. El Urbanito Shuttle Bus. This is an airport shuttle bus service, as found in many cities. They will be happy to drop you off and pick you up again later, at any place you care to name in Miraflores. This service is very economical, but is much slower than a private shuttle. You can organise this for yourself in Lima airport by going to the El Urbanito counter in the main terminal.
NOTE: We highly recommend that you avoid taking any transport service from anyone not clearly identifiable as an Mitsui Remisse or El Urbanito employee - unless they are carrying an ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA sign or a sign with your name on it of course!
Average cost of transfers from the airport to Miraflores or the Centre:
1 person: US$18.00
2 people: US$10.00 pp
3 - 4 people: US$8.00 pp
5 - 9 people: US$7.00 pp
Of course you can always combine these two options; do a City Tour, get dropped off in Miraflores, do some shopping, have dinner, and return to the airport in time for your late night flight... many people find this to be a great way to spend a day in Lima. Your ACTIVE SA guide can pre-organise these arrangements for you. Just let your guide know that this is what you'd like to do a few days before your trip ends and they'll be happy to take care of booking it for you.
I'm interested in seeing coastal Peru (Ballestas, Pisco, The Nazca lines) before or after my trip. How do I go about this?
If you're interested in seeing some of the coastal areas of Peru such as the Nazca lines, Ballestas or Pisco, Lima is the logical jumping-off point for these areas. So before or after your ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA trip is the time to do it. We recommend travel agency called Fertur Travel in Lima to help you organise it. They can give you plenty of suggestions, speak very good English (if need be), and they can arrange transport, guiding and accommodations for you. We work with them a great deal so they're familiar with our trips and our clients, which means they probably know what you're looking for! So feel free to tell them that ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA sent you! You can either email them at fertur@terra.com.pe or call them directly on +51 1 427 1958.
How does the luggage work on the Inca/Lares Trails??
You'll need to bring one large piece of luggage and a daypack on the Jaguar trip. Your large piece of luggage can be a backpack, a duffle bag or a suitcase - whichever you prefer. For most of the trip you'll use your daypack during the day, using it to store your gear for that day's activities as well as your wallet, camera & any other essentials. The rest of your gear is kept in your large luggage which is transported from place to place in the back of the vehicle with limited access during the day.
When the time comes to do the Inca/Lares Trails you'll be separating your gear into what you need for the Inca/Lares Trails & what you don't as follows:
If you're hiring a porter on the trail: You'll be given a special sack for the gear your porter is carrying for you: sleeping bag, roll mat, toiletries, thermals, clothes for 3 nights/4 days. You'll then carry the stuff you need with you in your daypack: camera, water, fleece and rain gear. The gear you don't need on the trail will be kept in your large luggage & stored securely for you while you're on the trail & you'll be reunited with it once you finish the trail.
If you're carrying your own gear on the trail: You'll need to carry a backpack large enough to fit the following gear in: sleeping bag, roll mat, toiletries, thermals, clothes for 3 nights/4 days, camera, water, fleece and rain gear. We recommend backpacks that are at least 60L (4,500 cubic inches). If you have your own pack that you know is large enough & fits you well by all means bring it along! If not, we offer 60L (4,500 cubic inches) backpacks for rent for US$25/pack - 2-3 weeks advance notice is preferred. The gear you don't need on the trail, including your daypack, will be stored securely for you while you're on the trail & you'll be reunited with it once you finish the trail. If your large luggage is the backpack you're using on the trail then you'll be given a special sack to store your excess gear in.
Do I have to carry all that I bring with me, on the Classic Inca Trail or Lares Inca Trail?
No, you will not have to carry all that you bring with you to South America on the Inca Trail with you. If you opt to carry your own pack, you will need to carry a sleeping bag, roll mat, toiletries, water, rain gear, thermals, clothes for 3 nights/4days and we will store the rest of your gear in Cuzco. If you opt to have a porter carry your pack for you, all you need to carry is your day bag with camera, water, fleece and rain gear.
I don't have a backpack or a sleeping bag, how will I walk the Trail?
We can rent you a backpack or sleeping bag when you get out to South America. ($US 25 per trip)
I have chosen to carry my own pack on the trek, so how big a pack do I need to bring?
You'll need a pack big enough to carry your sleeping bag, roll mat, rain gear, thermals, fleece, clothing for 3 nights/4days, water, camera and minimal toiletries. A daypack is not big enough to fit your sleeping bag.
How does hiring porters work?
If you wish to have a porter carry your gear on the Inca Trail or Lares Inca Trail, we can organise this for you at the time of your booking. Only a set number of porters, dependent on how many have been booked, are allowed on the trail each day. This means that if you decide at the start of the trail that you need a porter, your load will be carried as an extra by an already-loaded porter. This constitutes a human rights abuse. Therefore we ask you to seriously consider whether you need a porter, and book them through us, well in advance, rather than wait until you start the trail.
Do I need a porter?
This is a very hard question to answer, so please don’t take what we say here as gospel, and don’t hesitate to call and discuss the question with Phil or Sophie!
If you have substantial or recent experience of carrying an overnight pack, you can carry your own pack on the trek. If you are fairly fit, and accustomed to altitude, you can carry your pack.
If you have never done an overnight hike before, unless you are extremely fit, you may well want to get a porter.
The thing about trekking is – 90% of it is in your mind. If you really want to carry your pack, and know you can do it – you almost certainly can!
These treks reach altitudes over 13,500 feet, and involve significant amounts of steep uphill and steep downhill. They are challenging walks – but they’re not Mount Everest!
As a guide, about 60% of our clients choose to carry their own pack.
What's the big deal about my passport details?
The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most popular hikes. For environmental reasons, no more than 500 people (including porters - so in effect, 250 tourists) are allowed to begin the trail each day. This is regulated by a permit system run by the Instituto Cultural Nacional (INC) of Peru. Permits are sold more or less on a first-come, first-served basis, and they are non-transferable. Each permit sold requires a full name, passport number and age, and at the start of the Inca Trail, an INC officer will physically check your passport against your permit. This means that, if you do not supply us with the correct information, you will be refused entry to the Inca trail. Permits often sell out months in advance for a particular date, and we can’t buy a you a permit without your passport information. This means that, until we have your passport information, we cannot guarantee you a place on the Inca Trail.
This is why we need you to give us your passport details correctly and promptly, if you want to be sure of a place on the Inca Trail!
What if I don't want to hike the Inca Trail?
If you don't want to hike the Inca Trail, there are plenty of options available to you in the Cuzco area. You will be given an official Cuzco pass that will allow you entry into many of the sights in and around Cuzco. The night before the rest of the group arrives at Machu Picchu, your guide will organise for you to get on the train to the small town below Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes. The next morning you'll be able to meet up with the group for the tour around the Machu Picchu archealogical site. We make sure you won't miss out on anything if you want to take things at a slower pace.
Is tipping expected in South America?
Yes, tipping is expected in restaurants and so on, throughout South America and 10% is an acceptable rate, in either US dollars or local currency (if applicable). Your guide will take care of tipping local guides, drivers , and waiters during your ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA trip. You might want to tip a little extra if you feel someone gave really fantastic service, but it's not really necessary. Many of our people also choose to tip their ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA guide at the end of an awesome trip - most people tip around US$100. We'd like to stress though that tipping is very much your call.
For the Jaguar trip it's also a tradition to tip your Classic or Lares Inca Trail team, during a ceremony on your last night on the trail. Suggested minimum amounts are US$10 for your specialist trail guide plus US$20 for porters, and if you hire a personal porter as well, you may want to add another US$10. So your total tips could add up to $30 if you carry your own gear, and $40 if you hire a porter for your overnight gear. When our clients see how hard the porters work they often want to give more!
How much cash do I need and where is the best place to carry it?
You need to spend very little on your ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA trip. Our trips include all transportation, guiding, meals and activities (except where indicated on the itinerary). The only things you will definitely need cash for are drinks other than water (all drinking water is supplied, but we don't cover other drinks), souvenirs, and tips (we cover most tips, but not all - please see tipping question above for more details).
So generally speaking you'll need very little money on our trips, but we can't tell you exactly how much - it really depends on how many souvenirs you decide to buy!
ATMs where you can withdraw both US and local currency are common in the starting cities of all our trips, and at some points along the way - your trip leader can tell you where and when you'll have the opportunity to withdraw cash once your tirp is underway. Your debit or credit card will work in South America - unless you're a member of an incredibly obscure bank - and we reccommend simply bringing it along and withdrawing cash as you need it along the way, rather than bringing traveller's checks, which are difficult to change, or vast amoutns of cash, which is simply uneccesary.
All the places we stay have safes for your cash and other valuables, and we recommend using some sort of moneybelt worn under your clothing to keep your money secure while in transit.
Where can I get local dollars?
If you don't have any currency before you get to South America, no problem! You can change currency on arrival at the airport, or at a bank of ‘Casa de Cambio’in your joining city. You can also change currency at the airport you depart from in the United States. Money can also be changed, at an unfavourable rate, in most hotels. Your trip leader will advise you on the best places to change currency where ever we go. Usually the easiest thing to do is use your credit or debit card to withdraw money directly from your home account, in local currency.
There are plenty of ATM's and banks in larger towns in South America, and ATMs will accept all major credit cards and many debit cards. Cash advances are the most convenient way to get cash.
Local currencies are:
Jaguar and Capybara : Soles (Peru)
Tucan and Tortuga: US Dollars (Ecuador uses US dollars as its currency)
Tortuga clients please note: It is difficult to change traveller’s cheques in the Galapagos Islands, and the only credit cards accepted are Cirrus and Mastercard. You should withdraw cash from an ATM in mainland Ecuador before leaving for the Islands – your ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA guide will make time for this.
Condor: Pesos (Chile)
Iguana and Quetzal: Colones (Costa Rica)
Will I be able to call home?
Your cell phone may or may not work in South America full stop - a lot of cell phone companies say they will but they're wrong - and there's certainly very little coverage on our trip routes. If I were you, I'd put your phone in a suitcase, and not look at it for two weeks! You may like to bear in mind that a lot of our clients have come on one of our trips to ESCAPE call phones, emails, faxes, etc!
When we are in larger towns and cities, you will be able to call home from ‘Locutorios’ – phone call centres which offer international calls at cheap rates.
Will I have access to the internet?
There are internet cafes in the bigger cities such as Lima, San Jose, Punta Arenas, and Quito and Cusco. We encourage you to leave the world behind for a few weeks though! There is limited access to the internet in the Galapagos Islands.
Is there a number to call in an emergency? How can my family, friends or colleagues contact me
If there is a problem at home, have your family/friends contact us on 866.753.3163 [US & Canada], or (0808) 234 7780 from the UK, or +64 7 825 6898 from elsewhere.
CHILE, COSTA RICA, ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS TRIPS:
If you have any difficulties in making the rendezvous for your trip, please call our South America Operations Manager on the following numbers:
Office: +64 27 450 0418
Cellphone: +64 27 444 6933
PERU TRIPS:
If you have any difficulties in making the rendezvous for your trip, please call our Peru Manager on the following number:
Cellphone: +51 1 99787 3950
If calling from within Peru you need to dial 01 99787 3950.
These phone numbers are also the emergency contact numbers for your friends and family if necessary and are attended 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
IMPORTANT NOTE Cell phone numbers are for GENUINE emergencies only. Please be considerate of time differences - New Zealand is ten hours behind USA Eastern Standard Time. Peru is USA Eastern Standard Time.
