| Duration: | 15 days - La Paz to Santiago |
| Countries Visited: | Bolivia - Argentina |
| Age Guide: | 18-55 years |
| Max Group Size: | 16 |
| Transport: | Local Bus, Jeep, Van, Taxi |
| Accommodation: | Hotel (12 Nights), Overnight bus (2 Nights) |
| What's Included: | Fully Escorted Tour, Kumuka Tour Leader and/ or Local Guide - All Activities, Sightseeing and Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary - Salt Flats excursion - Wineries Mendoza - 8 Breakfasts |
| Local Payment: | NO LOCAL PAYMENT |
| Highlights: | Bolivia - La Paz - Potosi - Sucre - Salt Flats Excursion - Argentina - Salta - Mendoza Wineries - Chile - Cosmopolitan Santiago |
| Optional Highlights: | No optional highlights |
| Meeting Point: | Residencia Rosario
Calle Illampu 704
La Paz
Bolivia
Tel: (591) 2 245 1658
Fax: (591) 2 245 1991 |
| Days 1-2 | La Paz. La Paz, the highest capital city in the world, has been built 400metres below the 4-kilometre-high Altiplano, at the bottom of a canyon to escape the cold. As the city has grown, it has crept up the sides of the canyon and is now home to some fine, colonial architecture, as well as winding, cobble-stoned streets filled with markets of all types. The most interesting of these is the witches market, where you can purchase many different potions and spells! Nearby are some interesting, optional excursions: the highest ski resort in the world, Mount Chacaltaya, and the “Valley of the Moon” with its fascinating rock formations. There is also the option of visiting the Pre-Inca ruins of Tihuanaco or the famous bike ride down the world’s most dangerous road! Descend from 4700m to 1100m on mountain bikes in less than 5 hours. After spending time exploring La Paz on day 2, we then board a nightbus to the town of Sucre. |
| Days 3-4 | Potosi and Sucre. Heading south across the Altiplano, we arrive in the World Heritage Site of Sucre early in the morning. Sucre is a lively university town and all the buildings in the city centre are painted white, giving it a colonial feel. We spend a full day and night here, giving you time to participate in optional excursions including the excellent archaeological tour to see the largest dinosaur tracks in the world.
The next morning we make a short transfer to the interesting colonial city of Potosi. Potosi began its journey to fame almost 500 years ago when silver was discovered in Cerro Rico, a hill just outside the town. In the late 1700s, Potosi was the richest city in Latin America. The situation declined when the silver demand diminished but these days you can still choose to take a guided tour of Potosi’s silver mines (optional) as mining still continues today in primitive conditions, or wander around the colonial streets but whatever you choose to do, bring plenty of warm clothes. Potosi’s altitude of 4070m makes it not only the highest city in the world but also one of the coldest as well! |
| Days 5-6 | Uyuni and the Salt Flats. Our journey continues southwest towards Uyuni, the jumping off point for our expedition out on to the great, blinding-white Salt Flats. This natural phenomenon is a massive, salt lake, which forms a strange lunar landscape that shimmers in the sunshine and stretches for hundreds of kilometres dotted with cacti and a few islands, which are home to strange colonies of rodents! Don’t forget your sunglasses! |
| Days 7-8 | Uyuni to Tupiza. Our next stop is Tupiza. The drive here is stunning, taking us through canyons and mountains covered with cacti. This is the land that Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid once roamed. Once at Tupiza we have the chance to do one of the many optional activities here including horseback riding, hiking, or a jeep safari.
|
| Days 9-11 | Salta. After entering Argentina we descend from the Altiplano, and travel through the stunning Humahuaca Canyon with its many colourful rock formations, giant cacti passing the small colonial towns of Humahuaca, Tilcara and Purmamarca, the latter that is famous for its seven-coloured mountain.
The land becomes more fertile as we journey towards the picturesque colonial city of Salta, a tourist and handicraft centre. There are many fine colonial buildings and a cathedral with the highest church tower in South America! Other attractions include a excellent shopping and ‘Empanadas’, small meat pasties for which Salta is famous. Optional activities abound, including canopy tours, horseriding and grade 3 rafting. Plus for those looking for a quieter way to spend a day, there is the possibility of a visit to a local estancia or ranch.
|
| Days 12-14 | Mendoza. Our next stop is Mendoza, quite possibly the prettiest big city in Argentina with its tree-lined streets and shady plazas with the backdrop of the snow capped Andes. Mendoza is situated on the 33rd parallel and wine lovers will tell you that the world’s finest wines come from the 33rd parallel. Vineyards and wineries surround the city, each offering wine tasting tours so you may want to go and decide for yourself. In addition to the wineries, you might also want to visit the “bodega” of Chandon and indulge in a little sparkling wine tasting as well. Mendoza also has many fine restaurants and cafes, and for those who are a little more inclined towards action and adventure there are optional opportunities for white water rafting, trekking and hiking and a whole host of other outdoor activities. |
| Finishing Hotel: | Hotel Espana
Morande 510
Santiago
Chile
Tel: +56-2-7704500
Fax: +56-26960757
|
| Day 15 | Mendoza to Santiago. Today we say goodbye to Argentina and cross the great mountain range of the Andes to Chile. We climb to the Chilean frontier high in the Andes, along the way stopping in the shadow of Mount Aconagua, which at 6,959m above sea level is the highest mountain in the Americas. Further on, we stop en route at Puente del Inca, a striking, natural rock bridge which runs across Las Cuevas river. Here, mineral deposits have created multicoloured rocks, from rust red to golden ochre and burgundy – a fantastic photo opportunity – and after crossing into Chile we descend around 3000m to just above sea level.
Our tour ends in Chile’s pleasant capital, Santiago, which still retains some of its old charm with a magnificent, tree-lined plaza, dominated by the main cathedral. You might want to catch the changing of the guard at Plaza Constitucion, or take an optional cable car ride up San Cristobal hill for magnificent views of the city and the backdrop of the snow-capped Andes in the distance, or do some shopping for souvenirs!
|
| Pre-Departure Meeting: | 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. |
| Pre Departure Checklist: | All passengers must have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. All passengers MUST bring:
- Passport
- Vaccination Certificate
- Travel Voucher
- Travel Insurance Policy
|
| Pre & Post Tour Accommodation: | All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting when you meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability). |
| Please Note: | Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Latin America does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in South America can change rapidly and changes to the itinerary may be necessary.
CONTINGENCY FUND:
Protests and civil unrest occasionally take place in South America, namely Peru and Bolivia. Occasionally this might mean that we have to fly between two destinations in order to continue the tour. We strongly recommend that you bring along a contingency fund (as a guide we suggest USD300) or a credit card to cover any unexpected additional travel costs that may arise in these circumstances.
Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.
Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances. |
| What's Not Included: | All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, visas, pre and post tour accommodation. |
| Accommodation: | We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. We choose our hotels, guesthouses and hostels for their location, comfort, security and hygiene standards. All are located near the city centre usually within easy walking distance of services and facilities. Most rooms are on a twin, double or triple share basis with private bathrooms.
Accommodation is not included in the city of departure or arrival (unless within the specified tour dates). Passengers doing a combination tour will have accommodation included when passing through a joining city (maximum 2 nights) providing they have booked on the combination tour code.
You should allow US$25 to US$40 per day to cover food and accommodation during this time. |
| Food: | Local Restaurants - Latin American food is delicious, nutritious and varied and local restaurants provide an important insight into local ways of life. There is always an excellent range of restaurants to choose from. An evening meal can range from US$5 up to US$20. Most travellers spend an average of US$5 to US$15 plus drinks. Local alcoholic drinks are generally inexpensive even in restaurants and bars.
Vegetarians are easily catered for. |
| Participation: | 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!
Please note: The longer Kumuka tours are combinations of shorter tours. Lima and La Paz are also pickup and drop off points for passengers so new faces and personalities will join the tours. |
| Insurance: | Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.
Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance. |
| Passport: | 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. |
| Visa Requirements: | It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your South America trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs.
EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.
Brazilian Visas – All those requiring Brazil visas must obtain these prior to entry; it is strongly recommended these are arranged prior to travel where possible.
Obtaining Brazilian Visas in Buenos Aires.
Please note: for Kumuka tours entering from Argentina these can be obtained at the Brazilian Consulate. All passengers must make and attend an appointment as well as allow time for the visa to be processed which can take anything from 12 hours up to 5 days, especially during months around Carnival. If for any reason your visa is delayed it may be necessary to make arrangements to meet up with the tour once it has left Buenos Aires. Please see the following website for details on how to make an appointment and what documents are required when applying for a tourist visa. Appointments can be booked online up to a month in advance and the contact numbers will put you through to an English speaker if required.
http://www.conbrasil.org.ar/CONSBRASIL/visas_otros01engl.asp
Embassy details:
Consulate of Brazil
Carlos Pellegrini 1363 – 5 Piso
Buenos Aires
C1011AAA
Argentina
Tel: +54 (11) 45156500
Contact number for appointments: +54 (11) 4515-6525 (Mon-Fri 9am-2pm/3-5pm)
Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith. |
| Medical Information & Vaccinations: | Compulsory Inoculations: Yellow Fever for Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru but ONLY if arriving from an infected area.
Recommended Inoculations: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio.
We also recommend: A dental check-up prior to travelling and that you know your blood group in case of emergency.
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. |
| Climate Information: | 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. |
| Security: |
-
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. |
| Books & Reading Material: | 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 Footprint 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. |
| Money: | We suggest passengers budget for between US$25-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evening out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.
Take your money is US dollars only. This the only foreign currency readily exchanged in Latin America.
It is recommended that you take some US dollars cash in small denominations ($10 and $20) as well as larger amounts, all notes should have been issued since 2001 anything before that may not be accepted due to counterfeit concerns. In many countries, you may exchange US Dollars traveller’s cheques for US cash, or retrieve US dollars cash from ATMs (with a credit card), usually for a small commission but please do not rely solely on this option.
Credit cards are accepted frequently, particularly in the larger cities. They can also be used to get money from ATMs. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa being the most useful. If you choose to travel with traveller's cheques these should be AMERICAN EXPRESS which are the most readily accepted however, please note that exchanging traveller's cheques can be a lengthy process and you may not be able to exchange them in smaller towns or more remote areas. Travelex cards or other travel debit cards are an alternative option if you do not wish to carry much cash. |
| Local Customs: | 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. |
| Luggage and Personal Equipment: | How much should I take?
-
The best rule for packing is to limit your self to a weight limit of 15 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.
You will be in hotels and hostels for the majority of the tour so do not require a sleeping bag, however you may wish to bring the following for the Inca trail, although these CAN BE HIRED in Cuzco for a small cost per day, your tour leader will confirm costs at the Pre-departure meeting.
TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!! |
| Time: | For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com |
| Language: | 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. |
| Photography: | Most passengers will travel with digital cameras. Should you run out of memory you can download your photos onto CD at the local internet cafes or camera shops on your tour. Alternatively, you may be able to purchase extra memory cards.
With regards to film, all types of camera film are readily available in South America. However, it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free.
Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. Most Latin American countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders, bridges and any government building. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your camera confiscated. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations. |
| Tipping and Bargaining: | For better or for worse, tipping is an accepted part of everyday life and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service. |
| Staying in Touch: | 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! |
| Tour Feedback: | Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback
Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com |
| Drug Policy: | Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund. |
| Contact Details: | 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 |
| Map: |  |