Ushuaia:

Camping Rio Pipo

Avenida Hipolito Irigoyen S/N

(Ruta No.3, KM5, Parador del Rio Pipo)

Ushuaia

Tierra Del Fuego

Tel: ++54 - 2901 - 435796

Ushuaia - Punta Arenas.  Our journey begins in the world’s southernmost town, Ushuaia, where you can choose an optional visit the spectacular Tierra del Fuego National Park and hike some of its stunning coastal paths and, if you’re lucky, you may spot beavers! Alternatively, take an optional cruise through the Beagle Channel or sample some of the local specialities: lamb and seafood.

We head north, our next destination being the coastal city of Punta Arenas. It was declared a duty free zone in 1868, and was once a major port before the opening of the Panama canal early in the 20th century. Here you can shop and pick up bargains at the duty free area, and stock up on all necessities for the coming days. En route from Tierra del Fuego to Punta Arenas we cross the windswept Magellan Straits and  visit one of the region’s penguin colonies.

El Calafate - Moreno Glacier.  Leaving Torres, we continue to our next destination: El Calafate. As we approach El Calafate, we drive along the shores of Lake Viedma, a spectacular milky-turquoise coloured lake set against framed by snow-capped peaks and Viedma Glacier. From here you can take an amazing optional excursion to the spectacular Moreno Glacier, a massive field of ice towering up to sixty metres above the lake, and spanning a massive four kilometres across. It is an awesome sight to behold, and if you’re lucky you’ll see massive pillars of ice breaking off and plunging into the icy water below. A couple of popular optional excursions are available here, both of which include transport and English-speaking guides. The first is a hike in the forested area in front of the glacier with a boat trip taking you up close to the glacier, both of which ensure that you get spectacular views from the best vantage points. Alternatively, after firstly spending some time at the best viewing points, you can take a optional glacier hike. 

Puerto Natales - Chilean Fiords Cruise - Puerto Montt.  Heading back through the Patagonian Lake District into Chile, our destination is the port town Puerto Natales, the stepping stone for our cruise through the Chilean Fiords. Here we board the Navimag ship for our 4-day cruise up the coast of Chilean Patagonia, taking a break from the truck and from driving as we cruise past endless labyrinths of islands and channels. Onboard, there are opportunities to spot Magellanic penguins and condors, woodpeckers and black-necked swans, flamingos and ñandús – to name but a few of the birds which you may see! During the cruise you can learn about the Patagonian area and native peoples, attending talks on geology, flora and fauna. In the evenings, relax in the ferry’s pub and enjoy some of the live music or films laid on as entertainment. Finally, after our long journey north, the ferry docks at the city of Puerto Montt.

Santiago – Pucon.  Our destination is the picturesque town of Pucon, a small resort on Lake Villarica, nestled below the perfect cone-shaped Volcano Villarica. The area is surrounded by lakes, mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls and offers a wealth of exciting optional activities. One of the most popular optional activities offered here is a trek to the top of Volcano Villarica. Although it is a tough climb, the views at the top are spectacular and well worth the effort! To be able to look into the crater of this active volcano as it roars softly and belches steam, is an amazing experience. Other activities available in Pucon are white water rafting, horse riding and mountain biking, as well as water sports on the Lake.

From Pucon we travel north through the Lake District, en-route passing fertile farmland and vineyards towards the finishing point for this tour: Santiago, the capital of Chile. Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago in 1541 whilst exploring new territories for the Spanish colonies in South America. It is a beautiful city located in a stunning setting, with a pleasant year-round climate. The focal point of the city is the attractive and tree-lined main square, the Plaza de Armas, dominated on one side by the magnificent cathedral. Our hotel is just a few blocks from the plaza and from here you can easily explore central Santiago on foot. The streets around the plaza are home to city’s main shopping areas, where you can purchase any crucial last-minute souvenirs or presents. Other sites near the centre are the Government Palace, and Cerro Santa Lucia (Santa Lucia hill) a few blocks from the plaza, which affords great views over the city as well as the chance to relax in the surrounding parks.

Hotel Espana
Morande 510
Santiago
Chile

Tel:   +56-2-7704500  

Fax:   +56-26960757

The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY BEFORE the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers.

In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting.

All passengers MUST bring:
1. Passport.
2. Vaccination Certificate.
3. Travel Voucher.
4. Travel Insurance Policy.

Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. It must be valid for at least six months after the end of your tour and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate.

Argentina - Proof of onward travel.

Immigration officials in Argentina may require you to provide proof of onward travel – e.g. in the form of a return ticket. You are advised to make all related reservations before departing for Argentina. Airlines have occasionally refused to board passengers travelling to Argentina without such reservations.

Entry Fees - Please note that US, Canadian and Australian citizens arriving into Argentina via Ezeiza International Airport or Jorge Newbery Airport and some international border points may be required to pay an 'entry fee' - this is not a visa however once paid allows muliple entries within a 12 month period from original date of entry. Currently this fee is between US$100-150 so please allow for this in your budgetting. As this advice changes regularly please check your local travel advisory or with the nearest Argentine embassy.

Vaccinations:
It is necessary to obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination before travelling. This is a record of your injections and should be issued with your first inoculation. Make sure that after each injection your certificate is dated, signed and stamped.

Compulsory Inoculations:
Yellow Fever for Bolivia. Yellow Fever certificate also required for Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru but only if arriving from an infected area.

Please refer to the Yellow Fever information under the Latest News section on our website. Yellow Fever vaccination is now recommended for parts of Argentina, and parts of Brazil. We strongly recommend that you consult your GP or Travel Clinic at least several weeks prior to departure to check current Yellow Fever vaccination requirements. Your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate should be carried with you at all times.

Recommended inoculations:
Yellow fever, hepatitis A, diphtheria, typhoid, tetanus and polio.

We also recommend:
- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
- That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.
You can also visit www.kumuka.com.

Medical Supplies:

We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit.  Below is a list of some recommended items:
Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.
A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

Medication requiring refrigeration whilst on tour:
Kumuka Worldwide does not take responsibility for client medication during their trip and cannot guarantee refrigeration facilities. It is your responsibility to take the necessary steps to ensure that during your trip, your medication is stored correctly and available for use whenever it is required.

• For clients booked on our South America Small Group Tours:
 Please be aware that these can involve some bus journeys of up to 18 hours.

• For clients booked on our South America Overland Tours:
  Average journey times are 8-10 hours, though some travel days can be considerably longer.

• All journey times are approximate and can be subject to delays.

• On included excursions such as the Inca Trail, jungle and Pantanal trips we cannot guarantee facilities to be able to keep medication cold.

• Not all hotels provide refrigeration facilities.

• On all Kumuka Worldwide South America trips, the availability and provision of ice is random, and can be sporadic.

How much should I take?

• The best rule for packing is to limit your self to a weight limit of 20 KGs. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your crew at the Pre Departure Meeting.
• A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. Please note that we do not recommend that passengers bring suitcases.
• A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. This can also be used for carrying 2 days of clothing so it is not always necessary to unload the large backpacks every night.
• Sleeping Bag - a good quality sleeping bag, rated for sub-zero conditions is the best for tours, which travel through the Andes and Patagonia. You can purchase extra blankets in South America cheaply. We recommend a Four Seasons sleeping bag.
• Inner Sheet - for your sleeping bag. Can also be used as a sleeping bag when it's hot.
• Sleeping Mat - A self-inflating mat. "Thermarest" is best, although a compressed foam mat is adequate.
• Mosquito Net -if you wish to sleep outdoors. All tents have built in mosquito nets.
• We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!

• We recommend that you do not take unnecessary valuables with you. Wearing jewellery and expensive watches will attract attention.
• A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
• DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at your own risk.
• Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
• Kumuka overland vehicles carry a safe on board.  We recommend using it to store your valuables.  They also have secure doors and windows but it is never foolish to be cautious.

The more you put into your tour the greater the experience you will get from your trip. It is all about participation and mucking in with your fellow passengers!

Participation is a key factor on a tour of this nature and everyone is expected to pull their weight and get involved with the daily duties (e.g. cooking, cleaning and food shopping). The most successful trips are those where people become involved.

This is not only the best way to get to know your fellow passengers; while cooking dinner or flapping dry the dishes, but also the local people while you are putting your bartering skills to the test at the local markets!

Please note: The longer Kumuka journeys are combinations of shorter tours. Lima, La Paz and Buenos Aires are also pickup and drop off points for passengers so new faces and personalities will join the tour.

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.

For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com.

Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!

In Patagonia temperatures can fall to below zero, even in the height of summer. Be prepared for very cold conditions. You should bring a warm jacket, gloves and woolly hat if you are doing a trip in Patagonia.

Spanish is the language most widely spoken in the countries we visit in Latin America but English is spoken a little bit in the larger cities. In Brazil the main language is Portugese. Other languages you may encounter are; Quechua, spoken in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, Amyara spoken in Peru and Bolivia. Welsh is spoken in some of the old Welsh colonies of Argentinean Patagonia, with Guarani spoken in Northern Argentina. The Amazon region of Brazil is also home to many tribal languages, for example, Tupi.

You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.

During your tour your Tour Leader and/or Guide will recommend a variety of optional activities operated by carefully selected ground handlers to make your tour even more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners have been chosen for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. All optional activities are available at your own expense, and are undertaken at your own risk. Kumuka can not be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party. To start planning and budgeting for any optional activities that you may chose on your tour, please visit:

http://www.kumuka.com/South-America-Optional-Activities.aspx

IMPORTANT: Some tours depart from the starting city very early on Day 1, therefore you might not have enough time to enjoy the optional activities in that area. Furthermore, some tours end on arrival in the finishing city and your flight may leave early the following morning, therefore leaving no time to partake in any optional activities in that area.

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

KUMUKA WORLDWIDE

UK OFFICE

Hillswood Business Park 3000
Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS
Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782

Email: sales@kumuka.com
www.kumuka.com

AUSTRALIAN OFFICE

Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492
Email: sales@kumuka.com.au
www.kumuka.com.au