Country Facts - South America
Airport Taxes:
Have been included in the cost of your holiday.
Baggage Allowance:
Due to weight restrictions on flights within South America and coach space limitations, the baggage allowance is strictly limited to 20 kilos per person regardless of class of travel booked . At the present time each passenger is permitted to carry ONE small item of cabin baggage through the airport security search point. The dimensions of this item must not exceed, a maximum height of 55cm, width 40cm and depth 20cm, does not exceed 115cm in total (45 inches) including wheels, handles, side pockets etc. In addition to the above allowance you are also permitted to carry personal items such as a ladies handbag or small briefcase. Further information regarding hand luggage and items that can be carried in your hand luggage can be found by accessing www.baa.co.uk which is the website address for BAA which operates London Heathrow Airport .
Climate:
Peru
The coastal region of Peru benefits from conditions which keep temperatures relatively cool for this latitude. In the summer months (Dec - Mar), days are pleasantly warm (around 80 degrees f) and nights cool (around 65 degrees f). Additionally, the area remains quite dry all year round. Inland, there is a moderate wet season (Dec - Apr) and temperatures are generally lower during the day (70 degrees f), and nights often cold, particularly in the south.
Chile
Chile 's mountainous geography spanning over 30 degrees of latitude makes for a great variation in climate. Throughout the year, Chile 's north enjoys fairly consistent temperatures (63 - 77 degrees f) and very little rainfall. Heading further south into central Chile , seasons become more pronounced, with summer average highs of 85 degrees f, dropping to around 58 degrees f in June. Rainfall increases dramatically in the southern region of the country, peaking during the winter months, and temperatures are much cooler.
Argentina
Argentina 's climate ranges from subtropical in the north to humid and steamy in the centre, and cooler in the temperate south. Patagonia, in the south of Argentina , is mild all year round and enjoys much lower rainfall levels than neighbouring southern Chile . Western Argentina also enjoys relatively low rainfall levels. Rainfall is more frequent during the summer months, but most days are generally hot (ave highs around 85 degrees f) and sunny. Both temperatures and rainfall levels increase towards the north and east, with the summer months often hot and humid.
Brazil
The Amazon Basin occupies the whole north and centre of the country and has a typically tropical climate (80 - 90 degrees f at midday, humid and wet) all year round. To the south of the basin, the Brazilian Plateau has a much more distinct wet and dry season, and both the daily and annual temperature ranges are quite marked. The summer months are much warmer and humidity levels are quite high. The East coast has a tropical climate. Daytime temperatures generally do not rise so high as to be uncomfortable, though the combination of warmth and humidity can make it uncomfortable at night.
Clothing:
In keeping with South America 's lifestyle, dress is informal on most occasions. Even in the smarter restaurants men are generally not expected to wear formal suits, although you may prefer to take a jacket and tie. Due to the vast areas covered on this tour it is essential to pack both warm winter clothes including a waterproof jacket, hat, gloves and scarf. In the warmer areas the sun is very strong so lightweight cottons, sunglasses, high factor sun screen, a wide brim hat and insect repellant are all recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Jewellery, watches and other decorative items of any significant value are best not to be worn in public.
Currency & Money Matters:
Currency consists of the Peruvian Nuevo Sol, Chilean Peso, Argentine Peso and the Brazilian Real. US Dollar is generally widely accepted and often preferred in all countries. Currency in small denominations is recommended. In Peru worn or damaged notes will not be accepted in either local currency or US Dollar. For Brazil , taxis and shops prefer local currency. Major credit cards or travellers cheques in US Dollars are suggested for security reasons, however, some hotels may make a charge for cashing Travellers Cheques. Currency can be converted at banks, hotels, and foreign exchanges. All major international credit cards are acceptable. ATM machines are widely available, although not in all hotels, and may only dispense local currency.
Customs/Immigration:
Peru - Visitors over 18 are allowed duty free: 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or 50 cigars; alcoholic beverages not exceeding 2.5 litres. Gifts up to a total combined value of US $300 are free of duty. The export of artistic or cultural articles is prohibited.
Chile - Visitors over 18 are allowed duty free: 400 cigarettes and 500g of tobacco and 50 cigars; alcoholic beverages not exceeding 2.5 litres. No meat products, flowers, fruit and vegetable items are allowed into the country.
Argentina - Visitors over 18 are allowed duty free: 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars; alcoholic beverages not exceeding 2 litres. Gifts up to a total combined value of US $300 are free of duty. No meat or dairy products are allowed into the country.
Brazil - Visitors over 18 are allowed duty free: 400 cigarettes or 25 cigars; alcoholic beverages not exceeding 2 litres. Gifts up to a total combined value of US $500 are free of duty. No meat or dairy products, fruit and vegetables and plants or part of plants are allowed into the country.
Driving:
Not recommended.
Electricity:
Peru and Argentina use the 220-volt two-pin (flat) plug type. Chile uses a 220-volt flat and/or round two-pin plug. In Brazil the electricity varies and the use of both 110-volt and 220-volt can be expected although plugs generally have two round pins rather than flat. A multiple international adaptor is required.
Health:
It is important that all travellers to South America be in good health. In the thinner atmosphere above 3000 metres (9842 ft), or sometimes at lower levels, a lack of oxygen causes some people headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, physical weakness and other symptoms. These can possibly lead to serious illness especially if combined with heat exhaustion, sunburn or hypothermia.
Hotel Facilities:
Some hotel bedrooms have tea/coffee making facilities although there may be a small charge. In addition most also have hairdryer and iron/ironing boards. If irons and boards are not located in the bedrooms they can generally be requested from housekeeping. Laundry facilities are also available if required.
Immunisation:
It has recently come to our attention that vaccination certificates are essential for Yellow Fever. This is a requirement by the Brazilian Authorities following your visit to Peru . Therefore we strongly recommend you contact your doctor who will be able to make the necessary arrangements, along with their recommendations for any additional vaccination requirements that may be considered necessary for this tour. Due to altitude levels and accessibility of certain tourist sites included in this itinerary passengers must be in good health.
Language:
The official language in Peru , Chile and Argentina is Spanish although many other dialects are used. The official language in Brazil is Portuguese.
Medical Facilities:
There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK . We therefore insist you take out adequate health insurance to cover yourself. Hotels normally have individual arrangements with duty doctors should illness occur.
Medication:
Should be carried in hand luggage. Passengers taking needles/syringes should carry a letter from their General Practitioner. All medication to be kept in original packaging with the dispensing label securely attached. Airline check-in staff should be advised the type of medication being carried and they will give further instructions regarding proceeding through security screening.
Passports & Visas:
Full ten year passports are required for all visitors to Peru , Chile , Argentina and Brazil and must be valid for six months after your return to the UK . Visa's are not required for British Passport holders for stays of up to ninety days.
Photography:
It is recommended that all photographic film and single use cameras are carried in your hand luggage. These items should be handed to security for hand checking rather than being scanned.
Taxis:
Metered taxis are generally available throughout Peru , Chile , Argentina and Brazil . It is always advisable to request a taxi through the hotel reception or for example from a restaurant or bar rather than hailing one in the street.
Time Zones:
Peru GMT - 5
Chile GMT - 4
Argentina GMT - 2/3
Brazil GMT - 3
Tipping:
Tipping is normally 10% in restaurants, cafes and hotels where service is not included in the bill.
Journeys of Distinction are frequently asked for guidelines on gratuities for the Tour Manager, Guides and Driver, therefore, depending on the standard of service given and your level of satisfaction, we recommend a £1.50 per person per day for your Tour Manager, £1.50 per person per day for your Guide and 50 pence per day for your driver. These recommendations are guidelines only. As tips are a personal matter and purely down to your discretion, we suggest they are given on an individual basis rather than as a group collection. All hotel porterage is taken care of by Journeys of Distinction.
Transportation:
As with all countries within South America transportation and general touring arrangements may not be as well organised and efficient as when touring around 'English' speaking countries. It is not uncommon to have travel arrangements eg. flight timings altered or amended at very short notice.
Water:
Although water is considered safe to drink in most major cities we advise only to drink bottled water in all areas. Bottled water is provided in most hotel rooms free of charge, however this is not always supplied/carried on the coaches.
Useful web site for further information on travelling around South America go to www.fco.gov.uk
Please note that the above information may be subject to change. Current information correct as at 01/05/2008
