☆ Admire one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the magnificent Christ the Redeemer
☆ Free time to enjoy a leisure day at the Copacabana Beach
☆ Guided tour for the UNESCO Natural World Heritage, Iguazu National Park
☆ Tour of Buenos Aires the "Paris of South America"
☆ Optional Dinner Tango Show
☆ Visit the awe-inspiring archaeological complex of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its temples, squares, terraces, and natural surroundings.
☆ Experience the tour with knowledgeable guides who will enhance your journey with insightful commentary and interesting facts about the destinations.
☆ Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the Inca civilization, interacting with local communities and gaining a deeper understanding of their way of life.
☆ Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian landscapes, from the bustling cities to the majestic mountains, and capture memorable moments throughout your journey.
☆ Enhance Experience by taking Extension to Lake Titicaca, Amazon Reserve & Colca Canyon.
☆ Visit the driest desert on Earth: The Atacama desert
☆ Be amazed by the clear Atacama skies, one of the best in the world to star gaze!
☆ Discover the Chilean Wine District (Optional Activity)
☆ Visit the coastal city of Valparaiso – UNESCO Heritage site (Optional activity)
☆ Enhance Experience by taking Extension to the vast Patagonia & Easter Island
Tour Code: USLFA24
Duration: 24 Days
Optional Features and Upgrades: Since the seats are limited, we recommend you to choose optional and extension programs at the time of booking:
Service Language: English
Extra Service: Travel Insurance Visa Service
1. Round-trip international flight from Fort Lauderdale/Miami (the flight could be departure from either Fort Lauderdale or Miami) for NO additional charge
The following departure cities are available for an additional charge:
Additional U$300/person | Fort Lauderdale |
Additional U$400/person | Miami / Orlando |
Additional U$600/person | Denver / Washington DC / Boston / Chicago / New York (all airports) |
Additional U$700/person | San Diego / Dallas / Seattle / San Francisco / Los Angeles / Las Vega / Atlanta / Montreal / Vancouver / Toronto |
Land only package without round-trip international flight ticket: minus U$200/person
2. 13 nights Standard Plus hotel accommodations with daily Breakfast
3. Intra flights: Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu to Buenos Aires to Lima to Cusco to Lima
4. All scheduled tours in air conditioning vehicles as per itinerary
5. Sightseeing admission fees as listed on the itinerary
6. Visit to the Machu Picchu
7. Expedition Train Ticket
8. Special cultural programs as listed in different cities as specified in the schedule
9. Professional English speaking local tour guide
1. Travel insurance
2. Any personal expenses
3. Land transfers between airports and hotels
4. Tour extensions and optional programs
5. Drinks during mealtime that are not listed on the itinerary
6. Luggages for all flights
7. Early check-in, late check-out and hotel extras
8. A Mandatory Service Charge & Tipping of U$600/person is required and payable by Credit Card Before Your Final Payment Due Date.
9. Municipality taxes that customers will have to pay when checking in/out at the local hotels (approximately U$1/person per day) if applicable
ALL PRICES ARE IN USD
PAYMENT POLICY:
Full Payment is Required at the Time of Booking
Optional program and Upgrades:
* Since the seats are limited, we recommend you to choose optional and extension programs at the time of booking
Group Size:
☆ 2 - 24 Each Departure Date
Take the international flight to Rio de Janeiro from your hometown.
Upon arriving at Rio de Janeiro International Airport, you can make your own way to the hotel or join our transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax.
Optional Program:
Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport to the Hotel: U$50/person (Early Bird Price U$45/person)
Full-Day Corcovado & Sugar Loaf Tour
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the magnificent Christ the Redeemer, the iconic statue at the top of Corcovado Hill. Cerro del Corcovado is part of the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world. On the way to its summit is the Doña Marta viewpoint, from where it is possible to see the Maracanã Stadium, the famous Guanabara Bay and the beautiful Sugar Loaf Mountain. Once at the top of Corcovado Hill, it is possible to admire impressive views of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and the Botanical Garden. This tour leaves from the hotel after breakfast. After a scenic walk along the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, guests arrive at the bottom of Corcovado Hill. They board a comfortable train up the mountain and arrive at the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Once at the top, they can use the panoramic elevators or the escalators to reach the foot of the statue. After that, they descend the mountain and head to Sugar Loaf Mountain, where the two stages of the cable car merge to reach the top of the hill. Every year, more than one million tourists visit the internationally famous Sugar Loaf Mountain, an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. The trip to the top is made in glass cable cars. The first cable car takes passengers to the top of Cerro Urca, which rises 215 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the entire bay. At that point, passengers take the second cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, which rises 395 meters above sea level and offers a 360-degree view of the entire city, including the beaches of Botafogo and Copacabana, Corcovado Mountain and downtown Rio.
Day at leisure to enjoy your free time in Rio de Janeiro or join our optional program.
Optional Program:
Half Day Jeep Tour Tijuca Forest (entrance fees included): U$89/person (Early Bird Price U$69/person)
Tijuca Forest is the largest urban forest in the world, which has exotic vegetation species in the vast green area of the Atlantic Rainforest. Many trails are available at the forest, providing an intense contact with nature and heading to lookouts with stunning natural landscapes of Rio. This stretch of forest covers a significant part of the city yet feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle. It includes a few simple trails, where the guests can see up close the stunning green leaves. Depending on the day, they also can see monkeys, toucans, iguanas, anteater-type mammals and others. In this tour, the guests visit Tijuca Forest.
After breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for an intra-flight to Iguazu.
Half-Day Brazilian Falls Excursion after arriving in Iguazu.
The Brazilian Falls are located on the western side of the Paraná State in Brazil. They were declared Natural World Heritage in the year 1986 by the UNESCO. This Brazilian park with 185,000 hectares (458,000 acres) borders the Argentinean National Park and they are divided by the Iguazu River. Both parks make this region one of the largest natural protected areas in South America. The tour starts at the Visitor Center designed to be the gateway to the Park, operates as a visitor boarding and landing center since to access the route of the footbridges it is necessary to go with modern panoramic buses that make the transfer inside from the park. The extension of the footbridges is 1,200 meters from where you get a spectacular panoramic view of the 275 falls that make up the Iguazu Falls, of which the most important on the Brazilian side are four: Floriano, Deodoro, Benjamín Constant and Salto Unión or Devil’s Throat. Once the walk is over we will reached the panoramic elevator that allows us to get to the bus that will take us again to the access gate.
Day at leisure to enjoy your free time in Iguazu or join our optional program.
Optional Program:
Full Day Argentine Falls tour (entrance fees included): U$129/person (Early Bird Price U$99/person)
The Argentine Side Falls Package starts with a comfortable transfer service from Puerto Iguazu to the entrance of the Iguazu Falls National Park. A professional guide will accompany you to take you through the Park"s walkways and appreciate the exceptional scenery offered by the Falls. First, you will discover the charming rainforest of Iguazú through the footbridges of the lower tourist circuit. Then you will take a walk along the upper tourist circuit to see the magnificent panoramic views of the smaller falls and the delta that forms at the top of the Iguazú River. Then the tour will reach the famous Garganta del Diablo, where you will get an indescribable mix of beauty, energy, sounds and images as you witness the power of nature at its best. At the end of the day, a vehicle will be waiting for you to return to the hotel.
Great Adventure Navigation for the Argentine Falls tour (need to book the Full Day Argentine Falls tour): U$129/person (Early Bird Price U$99/person)
This trip combines the wonders of the jungle and the waterfalls. Departing from the Operative Center or from the Visitors’ Center, you shall enter the jungle by the Yacaratiá trail in trucks specially designed for this environment. Bilingual guides (Spanish and English) will show the natural and cultural resources. This 5 kms long stretch ends at Puerto Macuco. At its dock, visitors shall board on the boats that shall be sailing in the Lower Iguazu River for as long as 6 kms, heading towards the waterfalls area, enjoying plentiful rapids. Upon reaching the Three Musketeers Fall, visitors shall be able to see the falls of both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides crowned by the view of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Afterwards, the most exciting point comes when facing the incomparable San Martín waterfall, the second in dimension and the biggest any boat may face. At the end of the trip, you shall descend from the boat on the dock located in front of the San Martín Island, where visitors may continue enjoying the landscape joining the runways system of the Lower Circuit.
After breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for an intra-flight to Buenos Aires. The rest of the day is free to relax.
Half-Day City Tour
The tour includes attractions such as the 9 de Julio Avenue, the Obelisk and Corrientes Street; we will see the Plaza de Mayo, the Cathedral and the Cabildo (Old City Hall). After that, the trip will continue towards the most traditional neighborhood of Buenos Aires, San Telmo, which is characterized by its old colonial houses and the cobblestoned streets. Later on, the tour will go to La Boca Neighborhood located in the south of the city. There will be a stop so as to look around the colorful zinc houses that make up this area of Buenos Aires and that used to be the refuge and home for the first immigrants and popular artists. Soon after, the you will have a panoramic view of Puerto Madero – the old port of the city that was turned into one of the most exclusive gastronomic and residential areas in Buenos Aires. Finally, the last point in the tour is Recoleta, which is one of the most selected neighborhoods and where, among other attractions, the Recoleta Cemetery can be found. Also, there are bars, cafes and fancy restaurants that are worth a visit. Here will be the last stop so as to walk to the cemetery area and its surroundings.
Optional Program:
Dinner Tango Show at Café de los Angelitos (transfer & beverage included): U$129/person (Early Bird Price U$99/person)
“Cafe de los Angelitos” is a live witness of more than one hundred years of Buenos Aires history with a parade of the most outstanding personalities of the political and artistic atmosphere from the 20th century. The mystical coffee house, inaugurated in 1890 with name of Bar Rivadavia by the Italian Bautisto Fazio, became a meeting point for “compadritos” (swaggerers) and “malandras” (scoundrels) towards the end of the 19th Century. With rudimentary premises and a dirt floor, the place was a scenario for the verbal duels of gaucho minstrels Gabino Ezeiza, Higuito Cazon and Jose Betinotti Remodeled again following an ambitious architecture project, conformed by three levels, it exhibits luxury and distinction every night with 21 artists that perform this live show.
Day at leisure to enjoy your free time in Buenos Aires or you can join our optional program.
Optional Program:
Full Day Gaucho Experience at El Ombú de Areco Cattle Ranch (entrance fees included): U$209/person (Early Bird Price U$189/person)
The estancia (farm) is located around 120 km (74,5 mi) from the city of Buenos Aires in the town of San Antonio de Areco, nestle of the Gaucho tradition. There can be found centennial oak trees, palm trees, eucalyptus and magnolias along the 4 hectares (9.8 acres) that make up the estancia and that visitors can walk around. After lunch, guests will be able to take part in activities within the farm, like taking trips on the carriages, swimming in the pool, playing tennis, volleyball, football, pool and ping pong; or just strolling in the park and relaxing.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arriving at Lima International Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax.
Optional Program:
City Tour in Lima: Modern & Colonial (including entrance fees): $99/person (Early Bird Special: $69/person)
Embark on a fascinating city tour that blends the rich history and modernity of Lima. Begin with a visit to a pre-Inca huaca, a sacred site, before heading to the center of Lima. Pass through diverse neighborhoods, including San Isidro, Lince, and Cercado, while marveling at the Palace of Justice, Museum of Lima, Museum of Italian Art, French Palace, and Plaza San Martin. The pedestrian tour commences at the Plaza de Armas, where iconic landmarks like the Cathedral of Lima, Municipal Palace, Government Palace, and Archbishop"s Palace await your admiration. Enter one of the most significant colonial-style religious buildings and delve into its architectural grandeur. Conclude the tour by returning to the modern district of Miraflores, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Parque del Amor, the Pacific Ocean, and Larcomar.
After breakfast at the hotel, take the transfer to the airport in Lima to board your flight to the city of Cusco.
Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Cusco, also known as the Imperial City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its charming streets that seem frozen in time, each corner revealing a captivating story. Visit the Koricancha Temple, a remarkable Inca palace and a center of worship dedicated to the Sun God. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Sacsayhuaman Fortress, an extraordinary display of Inca military architecture. Discover other significant Inca cultural sites, including the archaeological site of Q"enko. Finally, wander through the Plaza de Armas, the main square, and visit the impressive Cathedral, a symbol of religious importance in the city. Transfer back to the hotel after the tour.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will tour the Sacred Valley of the Incas, discovering its fascinating culture, surrounded by majestic mountains. You will visit a small and picturesque Andean town, where you will explore an important Inca archaeological site and learn about the local history. Afterwards, you will pause at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch. Then, you will continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the most representative architectural complexes of the Inca Empire and site of one of the Spanish Conquistadors" rare strategic defeats. Famous for its terraced fields, Ollantaytambo was a very effective fortress, that also served as a temple.
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit to the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu. At the indicated time, transfer to the train station to start the excursion to the Sacred City of Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the wonders of the world and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The train takes us to the town of Aguas Calientes, from where we will ascend by bus to the Archaeological Centre and start the guided tour that lasts approximately 2 hours. During the visit you can see temples, squares, terraces, houses, barns, as well as the great biodiversity that exists in the surroundings. It is worth noting that the beauty of Machu Picchu is exalted by the extraordinary scenery where it is located. Around the citadel has been formed a National Reserve that has an area of 32,500 hectares, and that includes a constellation of archaeological monuments, which, in our opinion, were built as part of the Machu Picchu complex and not in isolation. At the indicated time we will return to Cusco.
Note: The baggage policy on board the Expedition train is 1 bag or backpack per person weighing a maximum of max. 5kg / 11lb.
*Backpacks or bags taken into Machu Picchu must not exceed 40x35x20cms or have a capacity larger than 20Lts and must not contain single-use plastic bottles or bags. Backpacks or bags that exceed the indicated measurements can be left in storage for approx. $2 per bag.
Optional Upgrade:
Upgrade to 360° train: U$199/person (Early Bird Price U$159/person)
They have large panoramic windows, set with Latin American music, on-board service, with a selection of hot and cold beverages, as well as selling handcrafted products on board.
Upgrade to Vistadome train: U$129/person (Early Bird Price U$99/person)
It is a train with wide wagons, with panoramic windows in the roof and the sides that will allow you to take photographs of the entire route through the valley.
After breakfast at the hotel, take your own transfer to the airport in Cusco to board your flight to the city of Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax.
After a delightful breakfast at your hotel in Lima, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Santiago, the vibrant and diverse capital of Chile. Santiago is a city that pulses with life, offering a dynamic blend of Chilean culture and international festivities. Immerse yourself in its cosmopolitan atmosphere and explore the contrasting neighborhoods that make this city so captivating. Discover hidden art galleries, unique design shops, and lively handicraft markets. Indulge in a diverse culinary scene with an array of restaurants, bars, and cafes. For those seeking an exciting nightlife experience, Bellavista is the place to be!
Begin your day with a scrumptious breakfast at your hotel in Santiago. Depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey to Calama. Prepare to be amazed as you arrive in Calama, the gateway to the driest desert in the world. Our staff will be there to greet you and accompany you on a 1.5-hour journey to San Pedro de Atacama, where your hotel awaits. Marvel at the desert"s enchanting landscapes and the captivating hues of its impressive rock formations. San Pedro de Atacama, a charming village with adobe houses and dusty streets, will steal your heart with its blend of Atacama and Spanish cultures.
In the afternoon, embark on a Half Day Tour to the Moon Valley. Nestled amidst the Salt Mountain Range, the Moon Valley will captivate you with its sculptural rock formations and a white coating that resembles the lunar surface. Experience the changing shapes of dunes and crystallized gypsum formations as the sunlight dances upon them.
Wake up to a delightful breakfast at your hotel, and get ready for an unforgettable Altiplanic Lagoons Tour. Journey south and ascend to the stunning highlands, where you"ll be awestruck by unique vegetation, wildlife, lagoons, and salt flats. Among these wonders, the Miscanti Lagoon, the largest in the Antofagasta region, will leave a lasting impression on you. Prepare to be amazed by the Chaxa Lagoon, nestled in the Atacama Salt Flat, which boasts a rich aquatic ecosystem and the opportunity to witness colonies of flamingos.
Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your hotel before embarking on the captivating Geyser del Tatio Tour. Venture towards the Andean Altiplano and witness the remarkable biodiversity of this high-altitude ecosystem. Explore the wetlands of Machuca and Putana and visit the quaint village of Machuca. The highlight of the tour awaits at the Tatio Geysers, the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and the third largest in the world. As dawn breaks, you"ll be treated to an incomparable panorama, with nearly 80 geysers erupting and creating spectacular clouds of steam. Remember to follow the marked paths for your safety and to preserve this natural wonder.
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel. Based on your flight schedule, we will transfer you to the Calama Airport for your return flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel in the city.
Savor a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Santiago before we transfer you to the airport for your onward journey to Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui. Upon arrival, our team will be there to greet you and escort you to your hotel. Take some time to settle in and soak up the unique atmosphere of this remote island.
In the afternoon, embark on the Ahu Akivi excursion, a half-day tour that unveils the ancient connection between the island"s inhabitants and the universe. Explore ceremonial centers erected during the last period of Moai construction, the iconic statues of Rapa Nui culture. Visit megalithic archaeological sites that reveal how astronomy played a pivotal role in the placement of these giant statues and their platforms. Gain insights into the worldview of the ancient Polynesian navigators who populated Easter Island. Marvel at restored sites such as Ahu Huri to Urenga, Ahu to Kivi, Ahu Vai Teka, and the Puna Pau quarry, where you"ll find the captivating Pukao, the red scoria headgear crowning some of the Moai.
After a delightful breakfast at your hotel, embark on the Tongariki Tour, Rano Raraku Volcano & Anakena Beach experience. Begin your journey by delving into the history of the island"s colonization and the cultural heritage of its first inhabitants. Discover the story of Hotu Matua, the legendary first king, and visit the areas associated with his arrival, presumed tomb, and the sites where numerous giant statues were crafted. Travel from the town of Hanga Roa to Anakena Beach, passing through the center of the island and the Vaitea sector. Conclude the tour by exploring the beautiful south coast of Rapa Nui on your return to Hanga Roa.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before embarking on the Orongo & Volcán Rano Kau tour. Experience a guided journey through some of Easter Island"s most important ceremonial centers. Discover rock paintings and archaeological sites of immense cultural significance. Ascend the Rano Kau volcano and follow an interpretive trail through the ancestral town of Orongo. Unravel the mythology of Rapa Nui, delve into the island"s geography, and uncover the enigmatic history of its ancient inhabitants. Visit the sites where the Tangata Manu (Bird Man) competition takes place annually, a central legend of Rapa Nui culture. The day concludes with leisure time for you to relax and explore the island at your own pace.
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel before being transferred to the airport for your return flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel in the city, allowing you to reminisce about your extraordinary journey through the captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Easter Island.
Indulge in a delectable breakfast at your hotel in Santiago before bidding farewell to this wonderful city. If time permits, you can join our Santiago city tour to explore the historical legacy that the Spanish conquerors left behind in 1541. Discover the architectural blend of old and modern, as you visit iconic sites such as the Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Government Palace. Immerse yourself in the charm of old neighborhoods like Plaza Concha y Toro. Lastly, witness the city"s transformation through modern constructions and the evolving landscape.
After the tour, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure, allowing you to cherish the memories of an extraordinary journey through Chile"s captivating landscapes and diverse cultural heritage.
FLIGHT CHOICE:
International Flight Upgrades:
☆ Regular International Flight: You will take flights with moderate layover time: + U$0
☆ Express International Flight: You will take flights with limited layover time of less than 6 hours each way: U$199/person
☆ Swift International Flight: You will take a direct flight with no layover guaranteed (if there is (an) direct flight(s) service already existing between your departure gateway and the arrival gateway of your destination country): U$399/person
Business Class Upgrade: U$4000/person only between USA and South America International roundtrip
TRAIN UPGRADES:
☆ Day 13 - Upgrade to 360° train: U$199/person (Early Bird Price U$159/person)
☆ Day 13 - Upgrade to Vistadome train: U$129/person (Early Bird Price U$99/person)
OPTIONAL PROGRAMS (Book Onsite):
☆ Day 4 - Half Day Jeep Tour Tijuca Forest (entrance fees included): $89/person (Early Bird Price $69/person)
☆ Day 6 - Full Day Argentine Falls tour (entrance fees included): $129/person (Early Bird Price $99/person)
☆ Day 6 - Great Adventure Navigation for the Argentine Falls tour (need to book the Full Day Argentine Falls tour): $129/person (Early Bird Price $99/person)
☆ Day 8 - Dinner Tango Show at Café de los Angelitos (transfer & beverage included): $129/person (Early Bird Price $99/person)
☆ Day 9 - Full Day Gaucho Experience at El Ombú de Areco Cattle Ranch (entrance fees included): $209/person (Early Bird Price $189/person)
☆ Day 10 - City Tour in Lima: Modern & Colonial (including entrance fees): $99/person (Early Bird Special: $69/person)
HAND-PICKED HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:
Standard Plus Hotels
☆ Rio de Janeiro: Pestana Rio Atlantica Hotel or similar
☆ Iguazu: Amerian Iguazú Hotel or similar
☆ Buenos Aires: Pestana Buenos Aires Hotel or similar
☆ Lima: Arte Hotel Lima / El Tambo or similar
☆ Cusco: Inkarri Cusco / Agustos Cuzco / Ferre Cusco or similar
☆ Sacred Valley: Agustos Urubamba / Amak Valle Sagrdo or similar
☆ Santiago: Almasur Providencia Pullman el Bosque or Similar
☆ San Pedro de Atacama: Casa Don Tomas or Similar
☆ Rapa Nui: Otai Hotel or Similar
INTERNATIONAL AIR: (UTOvacation reserves the right to confirm the airlines below)
☆ United Airline ☆ American Airline ☆ Delta Airline ☆ Air Canada ☆ LATAM Airline ☆ Copa Airline ☆ Aeromexico Airline ☆ JetBlue Airways ☆ Spirit Airline ☆ Sky Airline
**Please note the tour confirmation will be provided to you 1 month prior to the departure date which includes the hotel and the flight schedule details.
Tourist VISA is NOT REQUIRED for USA & CANADA passport holders
As of from October 1, 2023, the Brazilian government will reinstate the requirement of entry visas for citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States. This means travelers from these countries will no longer be exempt from obtaining a visa when visiting Brazil. USA & CANADA passport holders are eligible to apply for the Brazil eVisa online from October 2023. This means they won"t have to visit a Brazilian Embassy or Consulate to get their Brazilian Tourist Visa. Please note that the window for the application isn"t open yet.
Visit the "IATA Travel Centre" for detailed information on country-specific passport, visa and health requirements:
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm
Yellow fever vaccination is required for the Amazon extension.
More about Travel Documents
*It is your responsibility to ensure that you- and any child travelling with you- have all the valid travel documents necessary to enter in, exit from or transit through, each country/region on your itinerary. Note that the documents required for the outbound portion of your travel may differ from those required for the return.
*Your passport should be valid for six months beyond your date of return. Passport must be in good condition: passport damaged beyond normal wear and tear will not be accepted.
*Consult with the appropriate embassy, high commission or consulate about the travel document requirement for any country that you plan to enter in, exit from or transit through.
*Some country no longer issue paper visas but rather electronic visas. E-Visa holders must present the printed e-Visa and valid passport at the checkpoint.
*International travel with infants and children may be required to show documentary evidence of your relationship and a Letter Consent or permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present.
*Americans holding dual citizenship must travel to the United States with a valid U.S. passport. American permanent residents returning to the United States from abroad must carry a valid passport and a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
*Canadians holding dual citizenship must travel to Canada with a valid Canadian passport. Canadian permanent residents returning Canada from abroad must carry a valid passport and a valid Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PR Card).
Brazil
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, in size and population. With large cities and lush jungles, mighty rivers and an Atlantic coast famous for its magnificent beaches, Brazil is a cheerful and fiery country where the most traditional tourism joins the fun, which allows you to enjoy its sun and its people, its rhythm and its flavor.
GEOGRAPHY
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, as well as being the third largest in the Americas. The country occupies an extensive area along the east coast of South America and covers much of the continent, sharing land borders with Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana. Thus, it has a common border with all South American countries, with the exception of Ecuador and Chile. Brazil"s size, relief, climate and natural resources make it a geographically diverse country.
CLIMATE
Brazil"s climate is generally warm. However, due to its enormous size, there are climatic differences between the different regions, which deserve to be taken into account when traveling:
COIN
The Brazilian currency is the Real. Bills are available in denominations of 100, 50, 10, 5, 2 1; and coins are 1 real, 50 cents, 25 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents and 1 cent.
VOLTAGE, FREQUENCY AND PLUG/OUTLET TYPE IN URUGUAY
Electricity in Brazil has two voltages, 127v (110v voltage) and there is also the voltage of 220v.
Outlets in Brazil have three holes, while the plug can have two or three round plugs. This plug model is relatively new in Brazil, so in many cases the old outlets (one round hole and two flat plugs) coexist with the new ones.
TIME ZONE
UTC-5 to -2.
LANGUAGE
Portuguese is the official language. However, the Portuguese spoken in Brazil has its own intonation and accent that differentiates it from that spoken in Portugal.
ECONOMY
Brazil has abundant natural resources and a relatively diversified economy. It is the world"s largest producer of coffee, sugar cane and oranges, and is one of the world"s largest producers of soya.
It´s a great industrial power, and has benefited enormously from its wealth of minerals. The country is the world"s second largest exporter of iron and one of the world"s leading producers of aluminum and coal. As an oil producer, Brazil aims to become independent of energy in the near future, with reserves that could make it one of the world"s top five oil producers. In addition, the country is increasingly asserting itself in the textile, aeronautics, pharmaceutical, automotive, steel and chemical industries.
The service sector employs almost 70% of the active workforce. In recent years, the country has embarked on the production of high value-added services, especially in the fields of aeronautics and telecommunications. Tourism has also been increasing in recent years, making it an important segment of the sector.
Travel tips and suggestions
1. Best Time to Travel
The best season to travel to Brazil is in summer, between December and March. Brazil"s climate at this time is generally warm, however in regions such as the south and southeast storms begin and temperatures are lower. The maximum temperature in summer can be 30ºC and the minimum 17ºC. The summer season in Brazil begins on December 21 and ends on March 21.
Conditions may vary in different regions.
2. What to wear
This depends on which part of Brazil you will visit and at what time of year you will travel. If the trip to Brazil is in summer, in general, it will be hot and therefore the recommendation is to bring light clothes, cotton, comfortable clothes. It is recommended to bring a light coat, since it´s common that at night it´s a little cooler and you want to use a coat of this type. It is not superfluous, either, to wear a jean or sports equipment. But in general, you"ll wear shorts, skirts, T-shirts and short-sleeved shirts.
If the trip to Brazil is in winter, then the subject varies and the area you are traveling to begin to come into play. If you go to the northeast or north, summer clothes will be useful. On the other hand, if you travel south or even to Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, you"ll need to wear little warmer clothes. In Porto Alegre, for example, winter makes itself felt and a winter coat, jacket, leather jacket or similar is obligatory.
3. What to do
This country occupies almost half of the continent and almost the entire tropical zone of the southern hemisphere, with its vast rainforests with its exotic plants and wildlife. Its coastline of 7,400 kilometers on the Atlantic offers golden beaches where anyone can lie down to enjoy life and a good caipirinha.
Their history and traditions cannot be ignored due to the great cultural baggage they have. Portugal"s influence is evident in Brazil"s colonial architecture, decorative arts, convents and, obviously, language.
To sum up, going to one of its great cities, getting to know its customs and traditions, visiting at least a minimal portion of its thick Amazon jungle or visiting any beach in this vibrant country, is an unforgettable experience that you simply have to enjoy.
4. Other facts and tips
Best things to do in the area
1. Climbing the Pan de Azúcar Hill
To get the best view of Rio de Janeiro you will have to get to the top of the famous hill. Located in the quiet neighborhood of Urca, it offers the possibility of climbing the first 220 meters but if climbing is not your thing, you can always buy a ticket and take the cable car: first take you to the neighboring hill, the Urca, and then to Pan de Azúcar. Whatever you choose, it"s worth it just for the 360 degree panoramic view over Rio, Niteroi, Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic.
2. Visit Iguazu National Park
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in this virgin jungle, home to jaguars, anteaters and toucans, you will find the impressive Iguazú Falls, a series of semi-circular waterfalls where the water falls more than 80 meters high, in an ancient lava flow, a natural border between Brazil and Argentina.
A visit to this place requires at least one full day, as there are many things to do: start by taking the train near the entrance to start the walk that will take you to the longest part of the waterfalls, and then follow one of the paths to the smaller waterfalls. There is an option to see the waterfalls from a boat, which will take you very close to the action, in addition to observing the paths between nature, the forest and the animals.
3. Visit Paraty city
The colonial city of Paraty is a beautiful place to spend a couple of days and is conveniently close to a bus ride away to Angra dos Reis. Stroll through the cobblestone streets in the historic district, and admire the Portuguese colonial architecture. Motorized vehicles are forbidden in the village, so you"ll have to take great care of the horses and wagons.
4. Enjoy the Rio Carnival
There"s nothing more Brazilian than carnival. The biggest party in the world takes place in Brazil, specifically in the city of Rio, the mecca for lovers of nightlife and the party that never ends. You can celebrate all night and all day, since, in addition to Carnival, there are other small events that you can see in the city, even if you are tired of the party and music.
Main Attractions and Destinations
1. Rio de Janeiro: known as the "Wonderful City". No other city in the world is as beautiful as this one. In addition to its famous beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon), you can visit the Corcovado with its famous Christ the Redeemer and the Pan de Azúcar Mountain.
2. Iguazu: possibly the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. It is an experience of immersion in nature with trails in the forest and the imminent proximity to the immensity of the Iguazu River Falls.
3. The Amazonas: the longest and most plentiful river in the world, surrounded by the unexplored Amazon jungle. Living the Amazon for a few days is an adventure you will never forget.
4. Lençóis Maranhenses: an enormous expanse of sand dunes where in the rainy season spectacular lagoons of crystal clear water are formed. A unique spectacle and one of the most remote places in the country.
5. Jericoacaoara: Adored by lovers of kitesurfing and windsurfing, Jericoacoara is a charming town isolated from everything. Kilometers of oceanic beaches and areas of dunes in which lagoons are also formed. Even if you don"t practice water sports, it"s a place you"ll love.
6. Ilha Grande: the island where the jungle meets the sea, full of wonderful beaches and spectacular bottoms, special for snorkeling or diving.
7. Paraty: a beautiful colonial town with a bay that is worth sailing by boat. Located in the middle of two immense cities, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Paraty is like an oasis that combines history and nature. It is an ideal destination both for those who want to relax and for adventurers and for those who like the history of the places.
8. Morro de Sao Paulo: an island of wonderful coconut beaches and natural swimming pools, with a charming village, no cars and sandy streets.
9. Ilha Boipeba: is similar to Morro de Sao Paulo but for those who love solitude. You won"t find anyone all day. A wonder that although it begins to be exploited touristically is a small paradise.
10. Chapada Diamantina: a unique landscape in the interior of the state of Bahia. Mountains of impossible shapes, underground caves, turquoise rivers, natural pools in the middle of the rocks, waterfalls.
11. Salvador de Bahía: is a city and capital of the State of Bahia, famous for its 50 kilometers of beaches, which combined with the colonial architecture of historic houses and buildings, offer the perfect tourist destination.
Traditional gastronomy of the region
The Brazilian gastronomy is a perfect reflection of the cultural mixtures that sowed the history of the territory. The typical Brazilian cuisine was influenced by the different ethnic groups that make up its culture: indigenous, African and Portuguese, which gives it great richness and variety. To the traditions that arrive from the colonial epoch are added younger fusions, that incorporate Spanish, German, Italian, Arab and Japanese customs, brought by immigrants to the different regions of the country.
Among the main dishes, we can mention the following:
“Feijoada”
It is considered the national dish of Brazil, which with small variations is eaten in all corners of the country, and is even one of the most traditional meals of Portugal. The dish consists of a stew of black beans with pork meat, such as ribs, loin, bacon and smoked sausage, served with rice, cassava flour and orange.
“Vatapá”
It is a typical dish of the region of Bahia, a delight that can be tasted in the best restaurants or in the street stalls of Salvador de Bahia. Vatapá"s recipe consists of making a kind of purée by putting cooked prawns, bread previously soaked in coconut milk, peanuts, onion, ginger, salt, pepper and cilantro in the mixer, and it is heated very slowly. The result is exquisite and is served with rice, cassava flour and chicken, although there are other varieties with corvina, shrimp, tuna or cod.
“Acarayé”
It is a dish of African origin, very typical also in Bahia, which will seduce you with its irresistible smell. Basically, it is a bun made with a paste of beans, prawns, onion, salt and pepper to taste which after passing through the mixer, is fried in vegetable oil and stuffed with cooked prawns and onions.
“Picanha”
It is the cut of veal typical of Brazil more international and tasty. This piece is obtained from the back of the loin of the cow, with a triangular shape and a large layer of fat that helps to give more flavor.
“Moquecas”
It is a stew made from mixtures of seafood and fish. For its preparation is used onions, peppers, tomatoes, coriander leaves, palm oil and coconut milk.
“Tacacá”
It is a broth that is consumed hot. It is made from yucca broth and some jambú leaves, to which shrimp are added. This dish is sold in the streets.
“Brigadeiros”
It is a sweet; a typical sweet from Brazil, its appearance is similar to that of chocolate truffles. It is made with chocolate, butter, condensed milk and decorated with chocolate.
Argentina
Argentina is a land of contrasts, from the vast plains of the east to the Andes in the West where Aconcagua, the highest peak of the Western Hemisphere at 6,959 m, towers above the other mountains. The variety of landscape ranges from the high plateau of the Northwest –with its deserts, valleys, gorges and brightly colored hills- to the lakes, forests, glaciers, steppe, mountains and cliffs of Patagonia. From the wetlands, lagoons, waterfalls and subtropical rainforest of the Northeast, to the expanse of flat Pampas in Buenos Aires Province and the rolling hills of Cordoba.
GEOGRAPHY
Argentina is the second largest country in South America, forth in the American continent and eighth in the world. Its continental territory occupies most part of the south part of the continent and limits to the north with Bolivia and Paraguay; to the northeast with Brazil; to the west and south with Chile and to the east with Uruguay and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Argentine territory has a varied landscape, in which coexist ice fields and desert zones, one can find mountains and plains, river courses, lakes and the Ocean, without leaving aside forests and rainforests.
CLIMATE
There are four main kinds of climates in Argentina: warm, mild, arid and cold. They vary quite noticeably because of the extension of the territory and the different geographic reliefs.
COIN
The Argentine peso.
You will find coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 Argentine pesos, and coins of 25 and 50 cents. On the reverse of the coins appear important trees or monuments of Argentina.
The bills are 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos, and carry important monuments, natural landscapes and wildlife of the country.
VOLTAGE, FREQUENCY AND PLUG/OUTLET TYPE
The current in Argentina is 220V alternating and 50 cycles per second. If you travel to this country with a device that does not allow 220V and 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.
The electrical outlets used in Argentina are of the C / I type.
TIME ZONE
UTC-3.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the official language. The Argentine Spanish has been somewhat modified by the Italians who migrated in large numbers to both countries.
There are also several languages corresponding to the different natives (Guaraní, Quechua, Aymara, Mapuche) among others.
ECONOMY
Thanks to the fresh water richness, this country of green meadows offers, together with the mild climate, the ideal conditions for agriculture, livestock and afforestation. In this way, the prairies are mostly used for cattle and sheep breeding, while in the fields is grown corn, soy and sunflower, as well as vines. More than 80% of the country"s surface is suitable for agriculture.
It is also worth mentioning the wine industry that promises to have a great future, since here you find the ideal climatic conditions: heat, sun light and rain. The leader in Uruguay is the Tannat variety.
Tourism is, together with the agricultural sector, the most important sector of economic activity.
Travel tips and suggestions
1. Best Time to Travel
Given the size of Argentina, each zone has its best time to visit throughout the year. If you visit the country during spring, from September to November, the weather is perfect in almost every region, although in Patagonia, the icy winds could be around as well.
The Argentine summer is between December and February, and it is the only time to climb the highest peaks of the Andes, such as the Aconcagua. On the contrary, Buenos Aires is likely to be very hot in December and January, and the north should be avoided since temperatures can be very high and roads can be flooded by heavy storms.
The Argentine autumn, March and April, is a good time to visit Mendoza and San Juan to go to the wine harvests, as well as Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
The winter months (June, July and August) represent the ideal time to go to the ski resorts, but blizzards can block the cities of Patagonia and many places between May and August, so it is not a good time to go the southern region. Temperatures in the north of the country are usually pleasant at this time of year.
As a last point to keep in mind: Argentinean"s vacations are in January, February and July, as in other countries in Latin America, so booking transportation and accommodation can be a bit difficult task due to the high demand.
2. What to wear
A trip to Argentina means, in most cases, enjoying the outdoors and getting close to nature. Thus, binoculars will help to see wildlife more closely, or the detail of the ice of a glacier.
If you take a hiking tour, especially on top of the ice of the glaciers, it is advisable to wear gloves that protect the hands of the edges of the ice, in the case of a fall or having to rely on something solid.
If you visit Patagonia, it is convenient to wear a scarf or windbreaker. In most places you will need a jacket and a fleece coat or simialr, even if it is summer, since in the same day you can have all 4 seasons.
To the list of essential elements, we can add: repellent, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a thin raincoat and an umbrella.
Good shoes will be necessary. Boots or good walking shoes will be very useful, especially if planning activities to the outdoors. Sandals with good foot grip will surely be appreciated if the trip is to warmer regions.
Finally, if you plan to enjoy a meal in a good restaurant or attend a Tango show in Buenos Aires, it is recommended to wear elegant sport.
3. What to do
The Argentine northwest is one of the places that attract travelers call for their amazing landscapes, in addition to their culture and typical dishes.
Towards the northeast, the Ibera Wetlands and its surroundings stand out, with historic villages on the banks of the rivers, surrounded by a unique landscape, flora and fauna. It is also in this region that we find the world famous Iguazu Falls.
The Cuyo region, with Mendoza as its main location, is famous for producing some of the best wines in the world, an activity that is one of the main industries in Argentina.
The central region, composed of a mix of plains, mountains and beaches on the Atlantic coast also moves tourism, mainly local. Mar del Plata and the Córdoba Hills stand out, but the main touristic center in this region is the city of Buenos Aires.
The City of Buenos Aires has an infinite number of places to visit: Caminito, Puerto Madero, Recoleta, Palermoand the San Telmo Fair. It is also a must to attend tango shows in beautiful theaters as well as witness them around the city streets. With countless parks, galleries, restaurants and a beautiful architectural heritage, Buenos Aires is a magical city.
Finally, Patagonia is, along with Iguazu, the most visited area by foreigners, and is very diverse from east to west, north to south. To the east, on the coast, Puerto Madryn and Trelew stand out for the Welsh heritage, ecotourism and whale and penguin watching.
To the west of Patagonia you can find cities surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains, forests, lakes, and the glaciers, and milky-looking lakes further south in El Chaltén and El Calafate.
Finally, to the south of Patagonia, and across the Andes, is the southernmost city in the world and the Argentine gate to the Antarctica: Ushuaia, and one of the places that most inspired Darwin in his trip through South America.
4. Other facts and tips
• In Argentina bargaining is not common. It is not mandatory to leave tips, but if waiters serve you well, it is customary to leave around 10% in bars and restaurants.
• In relation to safety, it is advisable to have precautions as in any big city in the world, especially pickpockets. It is advisable to be cautious, such as not showing valuable objects in certain areas of cities.
• Currencies can be exchanged in any exchange bureau in the cities and airports, although in the latter the exchange rate is always more expensive.
• Regarding visas, Argentina is a country that almost all countries can enter with their passport in order, without the need to process a visa. Please check with the local embassy or consulate if you have questions.
Best things to do in the area
1. Sail on the Beagle Channel and see the The End of the World Lighthouse (Ushuaia)
The Beagle Channel is a sea passage between Argentina and Chile located south of the province of Tierra del Fuego, specifically in front of the city of Ushuaia. It is one of the most wonderful tours that can be done during a stay at the “end of the world” due to its majestic beauty and its incredible landscape.
2. Take photos in the Great Salt Flats (Jujuy)
The Great Salt Flats provide a unique show due to their size and the effect with the horizon. They are even more imposing during the rainy season since they are covered by 30 cm. of water producing a turquoise panorama overlooking the Chañi Mount behind them.
3. Whale watching in Puerto Madryn
The southern right whale watching is one of the main activities in Puerto Madryn and its surroundings.
The whales arrive on the coasts of the Valdés Peninsula during May and stay to reproduce and feed their calves until mid-December.
As whales do not arrive or depart all at once, at the beginning and end of the season there are few of them, making it more difficult to observe them, so the best time to watch them id between September and November.
4. Visit the Colón Theatre (Buenos Aires)
This Opera House, declared a Historic National Landmark in 1991, is among the most important lyric theaters in the world.
The construction of the current building began in the early 1890s, on the lands that occupied the first railway station in the country. The building was finally inaugurated on May 25, 1908, with the presentation of the opera Aída, by Giuseppe Verdi.
A must do in Buenos Aires is to take a guided tour of the theater or, even more advisable, to attend a ballet or opera while visiting the town.
5. Hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier (El Calafate)
The Perito Moreno Glacier is located on the Andes mountain range, nearby the city of El Calafate and is the natural limit between Argentina and Chile. It is one of the few in the world that remains stable, without going back as a result of warming global.
Walking on the glacier is an unforgettable experience one which you can marvel at the fascinating and endless forms of the ancient ice. Colors, shapes and sounds will be part of this unique experience of walking on the most emblematic glacier in the Argentine Patagonia.
6. Get into the world of the Tango (Buenos Aires)
Tango resonates around the streets of Buenos Aires, in its urban landscapes and in its people. The lyrics, passion and nostalgia collect the most visceral feelings of longing.
Learn your first steps of the Tango with the best professionals, whether in a private or group classes. Attending a Tango show or a Milonga, where you can test the steps learned in the classes, are a must do as well!
7. Visit the Iguazu Falls under the light of the full moon
Only 5 nights a month, the Iguazu Falls get a new and unique shape thanks to the moonlight on full moon days. This natural effect allows rediscovering the falls in a way that you will not be able to see anywhere else.
The night walk proposes a tour that begins by getting on the ecological train of the jungle towrads the famous Garganta del Diablo.
Check the calendar, since if your trip coincides with any full moon, you should not miss this great experience.
Main Attractions and Destinations
1. Buenos Aires
It is one of the most beautiful cities in South America, with an architecture that resembles that of some European cities such as Paris or Barcelona, with the same charm.
Within the city there are countless of places to go: Plaza de Mayo, Caminito, Puerto Madero, Recoleta, Villa Palermo, the mythical football states El Monumental and La Bombonera, Casa Rosada (the seat of government) and of course the Imposing Obelisk.
It is also a must-do to attend some tango shows in one of the several theaters around the city.
With countless parks, galleries, restaurants and beautiful architectural heritage, it is a magical city.
2. The Iguazu National Park
Located on the border with Brazil, the Iguazu National Park has 250,000 km2 in with landscapes recognized worldwide as one of the most beautiful. In it we can find animals and plant species unique in the world.
This imposing waterfall is divided by the Brazilian jungle that flows into the Paraná River and a large part is located in the Misiones province, on the Argentine side.
This majestic work of Nature is considered a Natural World Heritage Site since 1984.
The Argentine side has 275 falls and is larger than the Brazilian park, so it offers several options for walks and activities.
Among the walks through the Iguazu Falls, you can find the upper and lower route and the jungle train that takes you to the main water fall called Garganta del Diablo.
3. Bariloche
This beautiful town is located in the Nahuel Huapi National Park and on the shores of the lake carrying the same name as the park. It has dreamlike landscapes, forests, lakes, rivers and mountains that hide great volcanoes.
One of the main activities that can be practiced in the winter season is skiing. On the other hand, during summer, it is the best season for some adventure sports such as horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, hiking on different trails and stand up paddle.
The architecture of the place has a European style, due to the legacy of a strong German, Swiss and Central European immigration, which together, with the luxury cuisine, make Bariloche one of the tourist sites par excellence around Argentina.
4. Ushuaia
On the other side of the Andes Mountain Range, in Tierra del Fuego, you can find the beautiful town of Ushuaia, surrounded by the most dazzling landscapes composed of snowy mountains, glaciers, forests, rivers, and the Beagle Channel.
The tourist options are very varied, especially those related to sports and outdoor activities. There is also the possibility of taking some sailing tours towards the Lighthouse of the End of the World, or to a penguin rookery; to board on a cruise of several nights through the Beagle Channel towards Chile or to the mythical Antarctica.
5. Humahuaca Gorge
The Humahuaca Gorge is one of the World Heritage Sites declared by the UNESCO and that can be found in the country.
It is located in the north of Argentina and is famous for its arid landscapes that for the composition of the soil and the eroded mountains, it creates spectacular sceneries full of colors.
Here you can find colorful mountains all around, creating the ideal location for those who like mountain climbing and trekking, but at the same time are looking for a cultural immersion, due to the several villages lost in the mountains, allowing visitors to learn about the local culture, their traditional dishes and crafts.
Visiting the Hornocal Hill lookout point, attending the Carnival in La Quiaca town or the coming to the “Pachamama” (Mother Earth) celebration in August, are some of the must-sees in this great destination.
6. The Valdés Peninsula and its surroundings
Visiting the peninsula is an unforgettable experience for both adults and children, since from its beaches one can watch sea lions, elephant seals and southern right whales, especially between June and December.
Some of the outstanding activities are diving with sea lions, sailing in search of whales, or walking among the penguins in the largest Penguin colony in South America.
In addition, if having a spare day, a visit to the city of Gaiman can be very interesting, since the Welsh culture of the original immigrants is still alive in the streets and language of its peoples.
7. The Perito Moreno Glacier
This huge glacier is located in the southern sector of Los Glaciares National Park and is about 30km long, 5km wide and 60km high.
The National Park allows hikes and navigations, on which visitors can enjoy the view of amazing landscapes, shaped by infinite bluish ice needles and also learn about the ancestral ice.
In addition to El Perito Moreno Glacier, tourists can visit the other glaciers of Lake Argentino such as Upsala and the Spegazzini.
8. Mendoza
Mendoza is one of the main wine regions in South America and although it is has a desert-like weather and landscape, thanks to the canals taking water from the rivers up in the mountains, there are thousands of vineyards and cellars, allowing the wine industry to prosper and tourists, to get involve in wine tasting tours.
In addition to the vineyard tours, the surroundings of the city of Mendoza allow the practice of numerous adventure sports, such as horseback riding, hiking, rafting or hiking on one of the several routes on the Aconcagua Mount, which has different difficulty levels, but all of them with spectacular views.
9. Iberá Wetlands
The Iberá, is the second largest wetland in South America, with an area of 12,000 km², and the refuge of a great biodiversity of flora and fauna, without leaving aside the cultural heritage from the first inhabitants of the region.
It is the habitat of more than 4,000 species of animals and plants, thus it is an excellent place for bird watching, reaching up to 350 different species.
The life of the gauchos there is very particular for being in constant contact with the water; They have adapted their way of life to the landscape, being another great attraction and cultural immersion.
Traditional gastronomy of the region
The Argentine cuisine comes, as in most aspects of the Argentinean culture, from a blend of the Italian, Spanish, Central European and Native American influences, without leaving aside the agricultural products that are important in one of the country´s main industry.
Argentineans have a reputation for their love of eating, so gatherings are commonly centered on sharing a meal. Sunday family lunch is considered the most significant meal of the week, whose highlights often include asado (barbecue) or pasta.
Here are some useful tips about what to expect when looking for a traditional meal in the different regions of Argentina:
• Most regions of Argentina are known for their beef-oriented diet, especially the grilled meat, such as the asado cooked with coal or wood, steaks and beef ribs. Chorizo (pork sausage), morcilla (blood sausage), chinchulines (chitterlings), mollejas (sweetbread), and other parts of the animal are also enjoyed during a asado.
• In Patagonia, lamb and baby goat are eaten more frequently than cow beef and are traditionally cooked over an open fire.
• The most common condiment for asado is Chimichurri, a sauce of herbs, garlic and vinegar. Unlike other preparations, Argentines do not include chili.
• Breaded and fried meats — milanesas — are used as snacks, in sandwiches, or eaten warm with mashed potatoes — purée. The most traditional ones are the Milanesas Napolitanas, which include cheese, ham and sauce on top of it.
• Empanadas — small pastries of meat, cheese, sweet corn, and other different other fillings — are common across the country, alouth each region has a slight variation of them.
• Pizza and pasta are eaten as commonly as beef. A must do in Buenos Aires, is to go to a traditional pizzeria in Buenos Aires and try a slice of pizza, along with a slice of Fainá, which is a chick pea-flour dough placed over the piece of pizza.
• Picadas, which are usually found at home or in bars, are also popular. They consist of a mix of salted snacks, or tapasand usually accompanied by an alcoholic beverage, such as beer or the Fernet (the Italian bitter) with coca cola.
• In Chubut, in the Argentinean Patagonia, the Welsh community is known for its teahouses, offering scones and torta galesa, which is rather like torta negra.
• Dulce de leche is another treasured national food, used to fill cakes and pancakes, spread over toasted bread for breakfast, or served as ice cream.
• Alfajores are shortbread cookies sandwiched together with chocolate and dulce de leche or fruit marmalade.
• A traditional drink of Argentina is an infusion called mate. The name comes from the hollow gourd from which it is traditionally drunk. It is filled about three-quarters full with yerba mate, the dried leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis and after adding some hot water, not boiling, the drink is sipped through a metal or cane straw called a bombilla. Mate can be sweetened with sugar, or flavored with aromatic herbs or dried orange peel. In small gatherings it is traditional for one mate to be passed from person to person, filled by whoever has the kettle or thermos.
• Argentina produces several varieties of wines, but the Argentina’s flagship red grape is the Malbec, produced mainly in Mendoza region. On the other hand, the Torrontes is the thite wine grape that thrives in high altitudes of the Salta region, like Cafayate.
It is recommended you consult your doctor regarding the possible effects of altitude sickness.
Peru
Peru is a country with more than 10,000 years of history. It was the seat of the fabulous Inca Empire, but long before that, ancient civilizations bequeathed to the world superb samples of a glorious past like Caral; the royal tombs of Sipan, the most lavish burial of America; the enigmatic Nasca lines; or the portentous Kuelap fortress.
An exquisite territory, with a cuisine positioned as one of the best in the world. A rainbow of sounds, flavors and colors that are manifested in more than 50 native languages still in use, thousands of dances and ancestral musical instruments that can be seen and heard in large festivals and processions. Peru is a country that encompasses infinite destinations and is home to millions of people who are waiting for it with open arms.
GEOGRAPHY
Peru is located in the western part of South America. It borders Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast and Chile to the south. Its territory is made up of diverse landscapes: the valleys, altiplano and high peaks of the Andes Mountains spread out towards the desert coast in the west and the Amazon in the east.
The extension of the Peruvian territory reaches 1,285,215 km². Peru is determined by the presence of the Andes Mountain Range, which crosses the territory from the South to the North, configuring three clearly differentiated areas: The Coast, the Highlands and the Jungle.
CLIMATE
Peru"s climate is very varied due to its size and the difference in altitude between different parts of the country. In general, we can say that there are three types of climate, according to the area of the country:
COIN
The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol divided into 100 cents. It circulates in coins of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, 1, 2 and 5 Nuevos Soles and in bills of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles.
VOLTAGE, FREQUENCY AND PLUG/OUTLET TYPE IN PERU
Electricity in Peru is 220 Volts. Standard outlets accept round prongs; some have dual-voltage outlets which take flat prongs. Even so, your adapter may need a built-in surge protector.
TIME ZONE
UTC-5.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Spanish. In some areas, Quechua, Aymara and the other indigenous languages are also predominant. Spanish is spoken by 80.3 per cent of the population, Quechua by 16.2 per cent, other indigenous languages by 3 per cent and foreign languages by 0.2 per cent of the population.
ECONOMY
Peru"s mineral wealth is the country"s most important resource and largest source of income. Gold, silver, iron, lead, coal and copper, among others, abound in the various regions. Peru also has oil resources. Agriculture also occupies a significant role in the country"s economy and the production of corn, cereals, cotton, potatoes, rice and sugar cane are important, as well as coffee, onions, garlic and tropical fruits. Other important sectors for the country"s economy are tourism, fishing and manufacturing.
Travel tips and suggestions
1. Best Time to Travel
The best season to travel to Peru will depend on the activity you want to do. If your plan is to travel to Peruvian beaches, many of which are near valleys and deserts, the climate is generally quite good throughout the year without being too extreme for heat or cold, however, the ideal months to visit this destination are between December to March.
On the other hand, if you want to visit the mountain area, in the famous Andes, the climate is very varied and is dominated by its different heights. In the months of June, July, August and September you can enjoy more days of sunshine in this area.
In the Amazon area of Peru, you will find two outstanding seasons. The months of heavy rain between November to March, then the season of low rainfall from April to October, without leaving the high humidity that has the area throughout the year.
2. What to wear
The country has many places of tourist interest, so it will be like making several trips in one. Depending on your tastes and preferences you will pack different things, it all depends on the places you want to visit and the activities you want to do there.
For example, in the Amazon it is hot and humid, while at the highest points of the Andes it is freezing cold. You will also need mountain equipment for your hiking routes, especially comfortable shoes. So, make a good planning considering the weather and the activities to be done.
3. What to do
The most visited places by tourists are: the city of Lima and its historical center; Cuzco which is characterized by its Inca and colonial architecture; the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu; Arequipa for its historical center; and finally Puno by Lake Titicaca. The main tourist circuit of the country is the southern circuit, which includes cities like; Ica, Nazca, Pisco, Paracas, Arequipa, Chivay, Puno, Cuzco, Ayacucho and Puerto Maldonado. All these places have architectural, cultural and natural attractions of great importance.
4. Other facts and tips
Best things to do in the area
1. Visit The Uros Island
The Uros Island is a group of artificial islands that are located in Lake Titicaca. These were created by the Uros, who were an ethnic group before the Incas, originally from Bolivia. To escape from the wars, they built these islands and took refuge in them.
Nowadays, these lands are inhabited by families and each one owns its own plot of land. You can visit them by taking a tour and meet the families living there. These families currently live from handicrafts and tourism.
2. Visit Moray Ruins
They are an impressive archaeological complex located 74 kilometers from the city of Cusco and 3,500 meters above sea level. This area stands out for showing a series of unique circular platforms that look like amphitheaters. The ruins of Moray were built on retaining walls and it is believed that they were used by the Indians as an agricultural research center and for astronomical observation.
3. Visit The Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are geoglyphs (figures built on hillsides or plains) located in the Nazca Desert. They were created by an ancient culture. These designs stand out for the perfection with which they were made. They are wonderful to look at and impressive for their dimensions. These sculptures were declared a world heritage site.
Main Atractions and Destinations
1- Lima
It is the capital and largest city of Peru. With a population of 9 million, Lima has become a bustling metropolis with a mix of colonial mansions and modern buildings, beautiful parks and bohemian bars. The historic centre of Lima was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 due to the large number of historic buildings dating from the Spanish colonial period.
2- Cusco
One of the most fascinating tourist places in Peru, home to invaluable historical and cultural treasures, ruins that still allow us to visualize the splendor of what was the capital of the Inca Empire, and magnificent civil and religious buildings that show the richness of its colonial era.
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it allows you to go back in time, walking through narrow streets that make their way among beautiful colonial buildings built on the base of ancient Inca palaces, or among small squares full of history surrounded by cafes, restaurants and bars.
3- Sacred Valley of the Incas
A magical area of ravines, archaeological sites and picturesque colonial villages, which follow one another, inhabited by indigenous communities, who have kept their traditions and customs alive over time.
Its main enclaves correspond to the archaeological complex and town of Pisac, the town of Chinchero with its famous weavers and the archaeological zone of Ollantaytambo, the only
Inca city that is practically intact, and whose constructions today are inhabited by their descendants.
4- Machu Picchu
An impressive Inca city built at an altitude of 2360 meters above sea level, a breathtaking landscape of walls, terraces and ramps that seem to be carved into the rock itself, immersed among majestic mountain peaks, cliffs and the greenery of the Amazon forest.
It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. It is a place that allows to recreate through its temples, palaces and staircases, what once was the most splendid construction built by the Inca Empire.
5- Arequipa
Known as the White City, a city that enchants by its colonial appearance, with a display of white volcanic stone architecture and a beautiful historic center that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
6- Titicaca Lake
It is located at 3,812 meters above sea level on the border of Peru and Bolivia and is the highest navigable lake in the world.
The greatest attraction are its islands, home to various indigenous communities that keep their ancestral traditions alive.
7- Máncora
It is one of the best tourist places in Peru to rest. Among kilometers of white sand beaches and warm waters surrounded by lush vegetation there are exceptional waves for surfing and a privileged climate, with summer temperatures almost all year round.
8- Iquitos
It is the gateway to the extraordinary beauty of the Amazon rainforest, the largest tropical forest on the planet, declared in 2011 as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. From the city, most of the exploration routes that allow you to go deep into its virgin forests start, either by sailing on the mighty Amazon River or by hiking through its impressive reserves.
Traditional gastronomy of the region
Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the most important in the world. Its variety and influence of other cultures (Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic) make its meals really special. Lima, its capital, is considered as "The Gastronomical Capital of the Americas". The famous dishes and typical drinks that are distinguished in the country are:
1- Ceviche: this dish consists of a combination of fresh fish and seafood marinated in lemon juice.
2- Lomo saltado: The lomo saltado was born thanks to the fusion of Peruvian and Chinese cuisine and consists of fried pieces of meat with onion and tomato.
3- Pachamanca: This is a typical Peruvian dish, made by cooking beef, pork, chicken and guinea pig, as well as other ingredients. Everything is cooked under the heat of the stones that are heated with the combustion of wood.
4- Potato "a la huancaína": The dish consists of boiled potatoes covered with a cream of cheese, oil, salt, yellow pepper and milk so that it has consistency.
5- Juane: It is a typical dish made with rice, chicken meat, olives, boiled egg, among other spices that are wrapped in a leaf and boiled for an hour and a half.
6- Picarones: they are traditional sweets in Peruvian gastronomy and their presentation consists of rings made of wheat flour dough, pumpkin and sweet potato bathed with the sugar cane sweet called chancaca.
7- Suspiro limeño: is a traditional dessert consisting of a sweet cream made from milk, sugar, egg yolk and vanilla essence, covered with meringue made from egg whites, port wine and sugar.
8- Mazamorra morada: it is made with concentrated purple corn with cornstarch. The dessert is usually accompanied by rice pudding and called "classic" or "combined". This is a quite nutritious dessert since it contains a great amount of fiber in its nuts.
9- Pisco Sur: It is the most important drink in Peru. It is a cocktail made with pisco (derived from grapes), lemon juice, sugar syrup, egg white and ice.
10- Chicha Morada: It is a drink prepared with boiled purple corn. When the corn is cold, pineapple peel, cinnamon, a little lemon juice and sugar are added.
Chile
It is the longest and thinnest country in the world, which extends between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. In addition to sharing borders with Argentina, Peru and Bolivia, Chile also has territory in Polynesia and Antarctica, becoming a tricontinental nation. Chile invites you to live adventures in the middle of the driest desert in the world, in front of millenary glaciers waiting to be discovered or under the watchful eye of the Andes Mountains in the midst of the movement of its capital. These contrasts have marked the identity of the country and its people.
GEOGRAPHY
Chile is the longest and thinnest nation on the planet. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia and Argentina to the east, the Polo to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Its relief is rugged and mountainous. The country is usually considered as tricontinental because in addition to its territory in the American continent, it is also present in Antarctica and Easter Island. In Chilean territory you can find all kinds of manifestations of nature: millennial glaciers, salt flats that shine like snow, the driest desert on the planet, forests, lakes, jungles and volcanoes.
CLIMATE
Due to the extension of the Chilean territory its temperatures are varied, although, in general, the country presents a high degree of humidity and rainfall, particularly in autumn and winter. Different types of climates can be identified according to the region in the Republic of Chile:
- North: This is the most arid region of the country, where rainfall is scarce. The average rainfall in the Chilean region of Antofagasta is only 1 mm of rain per year. Antofagasta has the temperature in summer with a maximum of 24°C and minimum of 17°C, while in winter are the maximums of 17°C and minimum of 11°C.
- Centre: The climate in this region is of a temperate Mediterranean type, characterized by well-differentiated seasons: winters are full of clouds, cold and humidity. The beautiful spring weather predominates and temperatures start to increase, although sometimes rain is possible. In summer the temperature reaches its maximum value, and it rarely rains. In autumn, good weather prevails. The rainy season in this part of the country is between May and August. The Santiago area has an average summer temperature of 19°C, with maximums of 29°C and minimums of 12°C, while in winter the average is 7°C, with maximums of 14°C and minimums of 3°C.
- South: This region is characterized by an oceanic, humid and windy climate with low temperatures. The rainfall is especially intense from April to September; the rainiest month of all is June with 550 mm of rain, while the annual average is 2700 mm.
- Southern Region: In the northern zone of Southern Chile, rain is abundant and falls throughout the year. Average temperatures in summer are around 14°C, while in winter they are around 4°C. The southern extreme of the country is drier and colder, here rainfall is less than 500 mm per year.
COIN
Since 1975 the monetary unit of Chile is the Chilean peso. There are coins that are equivalent to 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 pesos, and also 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 peso bills.
VOLTAGE, FREQUENCY AND PLUG/OUTLET TYPE IN URUGUAY
The electrical voltage is 220 volts. Therefore, those appliances designed for 110V should use a transformer. Traveling appliances and laptops usually come with an auto-voltage transformer (110V-240V) that adapts to Chilean electricity.
TIME ZONE
Chile"s official time is composed of three time zones, according to the Universal Time Coordinated or UTC, because this country has presence in America, Antarctica and Oceania. Since 2017 Chile has 3 time zones which are applied in the following territories: Easter Island, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica and the rest of Continental Chile.
In this way, we can identify the following time zones:
- Continental Chile: UTC-3 in summer and UTC-4 in winter.
- Easter Island: UTC-5 in summer and UTC-6 in winter This time zone has 2 hours of difference with Continental Chile and is changed on the same dates.
- Magellan and Chilean Antarctica: UTC-3. Summer time all year round. This time zone has been in use since 2017.
Winter time is applied for five months starting on the first Saturday of April and ends on the same day, but in September.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Spanish. There are also languages of the original peoples that are still used today, such as Mapudungún (Mapuche), Quechua, and Rapa Nui.
ECONOMY
Chile has the most developed economy in Latin America. It leads the region in several rankings of human development, competitiveness, per capita income, low perception of corruption, monetary and multidimensional poverty, etc. Its economy can be divided into three, according to the activities that are developed: in primary, secondary and tertiary.
- Primary activities: Chile"s agriculture is as diverse as its territories. Some of Chile"s agricultural products are grapes, apples, pears, onions, corn, peaches, garlic, beef, wool, fish, wood and hemp. This activity is highly developed in comparison to other countries in the region, and it also has several competitive advantages in the world market. On the one hand, it has a great variety of climates and terrains that allows it to produce diverse products. On the other hand, being located in the southern hemisphere has different harvest months to those of the northern hemisphere which allows their products are ready when they are more demanded. Mining is one of the most dynamic sectors of the economy. The main mining products of Chile are copper, gold, silver, molybdenum, iron and lithium.
- Secondary economic activities: Secondary activities or the industrial sector are the second most important activities in the Chilean economy. The main industrial complexes are located in the areas of Santiago, Valparaíso and Concepción because they have a good disposition of labor, energy sources, transportation routes and raw materials. These activities depend largely on mining extractions, especially copper.
- Tertiary economic activities: here we can find tourism. This sector has become one of Chile"s main economic resources since the 1990s. Another very important sector in the tertiary activities is the financial one. In relation to its population, Chile"s banking sector is the largest and most developed in South America. In addition, according to several external investigations it is the most sophisticated in the region and one of the most efficient in the world.
Finally, Chile is also recognized for its retail sector. It is common for people from other countries to come to the country to make purchases.
Travel tips and suggestions
1. Best Time to Travel
Chile is a country that extends for thousands of kilometers from north to south, so each region has a different climate and a different time period in which it is best to visit. In the north, the best time to visit is from May to September. In the center, the best time to travel is summer, between November and March. In the south, the best months are during the summer, between December and February.
2. What to wear
To visit Chile is to enjoy its nature and spend time outdoors. At any of the extremes of the country, it is advisable to wear dark glasses and a sun block. The south and the high places are windy. Depending on the time of year and the places you visit, you will need to be equipped against the cold or rain. In the temperate zones, a light raincoat that protects from a shower, that also acts as a windcheater and that can always be carried in your backpack. Some warm clothes of the type of polar lining or some fiber of less weight and less volume can also be convenient. In the north, the Atacama Desert has a harsh climate and will force you to protect yourself from the heat. A breathable dress and light pants. At nightfall, a little coat may be necessary. Of course, if you intend to walk in open spaces, we recommend you to wear trekking style shoes or a pair of sandals for walking; the same as folding sticks for longer or harder tours.
3. What to do
The beautiful city of Punta Arenas is the starting point of the tour towards places of special beauty and interest, such as the Torres del Paine, Fort Bulnes and the Antarctic continent.
In the central area, a very good option is to go on the Wine Route, visit winter resorts highlighted by their ski fields, and of course, practice mountain climbing.
In the North, you can visit archaeological and astronomical sites.
In the coast, the beaches and the national parks where you can practice ecotourism activities.
4. Other facts and tips
In the many cities of the country, it is relatively easy to find automated teller machines (ATMs) that allow you to withdraw money in the local currency. At the same time, most of the established shops allow you to pay with international bank cards.
Although some shops accept dollars or euros, it is convenient to make the change to Chilean pesos, always in established shops, this way the difference in conversion will be less.
When traveling around the country, be careful with your bags and suitcases to avoid petty theft and live your experience in Chile safely.
In different parts of the country you can find spaces dedicated to providing information and guidance to those who are visiting the country.
Crossing the Atacama Desert
Cross the dunes of the Atacama, the driest desert in the world, with its salt flats, hot springs and geysers, by four-wheel drive vehicle.
Contemplate the cosmopolitan life of Santiago de Chile
Santiago is a box of surprises. There is much to discover in its streets and neighborhoods, where modernity coexists with the most deeply rooted local traditions. You"ll find everything from small cafés, designer shops, good bookshops and fine craft shops to large shopping centers and long blocks of luxury brand shops.
Skiing on the hillsides of the Andes
When Santiago is covered in white, skiers and lovers of this sport know that it is time to climb the mountains in Farellones, El Colorado, La Parva, Valle Nevado and Portillo, among others. Each one has different characteristics and has different approaches according to the needs of the visitor and his or her level or skill in skiing.
Traditional gastronomy of the region
Chilean gastronomy has become one of the most acclaimed in all of Latin America. The mix between indigenous tradition and Spanish colonial contribution has created a rich culinary culture, with traces of the best European cuisines, such as German, Italian and French. These elements have shaped what is known today as "Chilean Creole cuisine," which stands out for its flavor, ingredients, and the color of its dishes, as well as a great regional variety, which make up a rich and internationally acclaimed cuisine. Chile"s geographical diversity has led to the emergence of different types of cuisine, with very varied recipes. In all varieties, the dishes have been influenced by indigenous cultures, mixing poultry, meat, seafood and fish with different seasonings typical of each region.
Some of the typical dishes of the country are:
Chumbeque:
A typical sweet from northern Chile, made from butter, flour and layers of fruit honeys, such as lemon or mango.
Choriqueso:
is a small piece of bread filled with chorizo paste and melted cheese. The traditional thing is to eat it with a glass of milk with banana.
Curanto:
Traditional indigenous preparation typical of Chiloé The original one is called "curanto en hoyo", since it has a very particular cooking method: a hole is dug, stones are introduced and a fire is made until they are red-hot. Then the ingredients are introduced, which are usually potatoes, sausages, pork, beef, clams and mussels. Then it is covered with nalca leaves and a layer of earth, and it is left to cook.v
Chorrillana:
Some say that this dish has its origin in Valparaiso, others in the Peruvian port of Chorrillos. The truth is that the only place to eat it is in Chile, and it is already a national emblem. Its ingredients are simple: a good source of chips, fried onion, sausage, chopped beef and fried eggs on top. This dish is obviously too much for one person, so it is always shared among friends, usually with a cold lager beer. The best places to try it, which have even won prizes, are the restaurants El Pimentón and Bar Victoria, both located in Valparaíso.
Pastel de Jaiba:
Prepared from the meat of the legs of crabs caught off the coast of Chile, this dish is the emblem of many restaurants on the coast, which compete to have the best cake in the area. In addition to crab, the preparation includes bread, milk, garlic, onion and cheese. This delicacy will bring all the flavor of the sea to your mouth.
Sopaipillas:
Very popular and widespread preparation from north to south. It is very common to eat them when it rains, and these fried doughs are made of wheat flour, butter, and cooked pumpkin. In southern Chile, Sopaipillas are a little different, as they don"t contain pumpkin and are more like fried bread.
“These conditions apply to all travel booked on or after August 22, 2024. For all travel booked prior to August 22, 2024, the applicable conditions are outlined on your invoice and booking confirmation email. ”
Your agreement with UTOvacation is subject to the terms and conditions outlined below.
Please read them careful prior to deciding whether to enter into this agreement. Do not hesitate to ask a UTOvacation staff member of any questions you may have in respect to these conditions before booking your travel. They are required to answer any questions you may arising from the information provided during the booking process and these terms and conditions. These terms and conditions can also be found on UTOvacation’s website at utovacation.com.
By booking your tour online with UTOvacation.com you acknowledge and agree to all terms and conditions herein.
Online Reservations
Step 1. Visit UTOvacation website: www.utovacation.com, login or register your account. (Learn how to book online Click Here)
Step 2. Choose your desired departure date and departure city
Step 3. Please identify and provide the contact information for the main passenger. All communication from UTOvacation will be sent to the main passenger only.
Step 4. Review the required documents page, provide the requested passport information for each traveller, and upload the requested passport information for each traveller.
Step 5. Read these terms and conditions and, if agreeable, indicate that you agree to abide by them.
Step 6. Make a deposit online. A Non-refundable, non-transferable payment is required to secure the space. The specific deposit amount is determined by the requirements specified on the product pages and the amount indicated during the enrollment process for each respective product.
Step 5. Finalize the booking.
Final Payment
Balance payment of any regular products or services is due 180 days prior to departure unless specified. If the full payment is not obtained by the due date, UTOvacation reserves the right to cancel such reservation and retain the pre-paid deposit to cover any expenses occurred.
Step 6. Trip Confirmation.
A final trip confirmation by email including day by day itinerary, hotel information, and flight information will be sent to the main contact passenger approximately one month before departure.
UTOvacation notice
Generally
If UTOvacation becomes aware of a change to any matter that might have affected your decision to purchase this travel, they will promptly advise you of this change.
Such notices may include doubt as to your tour meeting minimum attendant requirements thereby threatening cancellation or alteration of your tour. In either such circumstances UTOvacation will offer the customer the choice of a travel credit acceptable to you, comparable re-scheduled travel acceptable to you, or reimburse you the amounts paid to UTOvacation minus such amounts already received by you directly from or on behalf of the relevant travel supplier.
Specifically
If UTOvacation becomes aware of the following events, it will promptly notify you and offer you the choice of a full and immediate refund or comparable alternative travel acceptable to you:
1. Transportation that forms part of your travel is delayed or advanced by at least 24 hours, unless caused by mechanical problems, safety considerations, weather conditions, a strike or lockout, or force majeure.
2. A different cruise ship is substituted (if applicable)
3. An accommodation is changed, or the standard of the accommodation is changed.
4. The contract permits price increases by more than 7%, except any increase resulting from an increase in sales tax.
5. The documents needed for the trip have changed because of changed transportation routing and there is not enough time for you to obtain the documents before departure.
Travel Outside Canada
You will require your passport and, depending on your destination, a travel visa, to travel to your destination. The entry to a stopover country or your final destination may be refused if the required information and travel documents are incomplete or even if they are complete.
UTOvacation is not responsible in either circumstance for denial of entry to a country by their relevant officials.
Before entering into an agreement with a customer for travel services and taking payment, UTOvacation will advise you of the typical information and travel documents, such as passports, visas, affidavits, and notarized consent letters, that will be needed for each person whom travel services are being purchased. Please utilize the IATA as a resource - https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm
The living standards and practices at your destination in respect to the provision of utilities, services, and accommodation may differ from those found in Canada.
Travel Visa
The following documents from the passenger are required if travel visa is applied through UTOvacation’s Visa Center:
• Original Passport (Make sure your actual passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of your expected departure time)
• Recent passport size photo with white background. Please note, each countries requirement may differ, please check requirement click here
• Visa Application Form (Complete with signature and date)
*Remarks: If acquiring a visa on your own, the supporting documents will be provided from UTOvacation One Month prior to the trip departure date. Supporting documents requested early are subject to a $100 per person administration fee.
Visit the “IATA Travel Centre” for detailed information on country-specific passport, visa and health requirements: click here
Payment Info
Payment amounts and due date shall be outlined on your invoice. Kindly be advised that you will receive our emails before the set payment due dates. The first notice will be within two weeks following your initial deposit. The second notices will be 180 days before the tour departure date and will remind you to settle your 2nd deposit and final payment respectively for the tour package you have reserved. Please check your email regularly, including your junk box, to ensure you don’t miss a notice.
Please note: Your timely payment is important to guarantee your seat/cabin and ensure the overall tour package price. Your balance or final payment will NOT be charged automatically by UTOvacation.
Full or final payment is due 180 days before tour departure date. Travel documents, including but not limited to, a valid Passport copy shall be collected prior to booking.
Trip Cancellation and Eligible Refunds
UTOvacation Cancellations or Modifications
UTOvacation reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a tour prior to departure date. The travel provider may also be unable to provide the travel services you contracted for. In either such circumstances UTOvacation will offer the customer the choice of a travel credit acceptable to you, comparable re-scheduled travel acceptable to you, or reimburse you the amounts paid to UTOvacation minus such amounts already received by you directly from or on behalf of the relevant travel supplier.
Refunds may take up to 6 to 8 weeks to process but UTOvacation will make best efforts to provide a refund as soon as possible.
Please note, any refundable amount will not include fees associated with Travel Visas already been issued, any services that have already been delivered, or any incurred fees already charged by suppliers when such amounts will be returned directly to you from the supplier.
Customer Cancellations and Modifications
Subject to these terms and conditions, if a customer cancels their travel before or during their travel, any and all payments made to UTOvacation are non-refundable. This includes cancellation due to denial and/or rejected by relevant immigration and/or customs department, cruise port terminal officer, inability to obtain necessary visas and/or passports, or any other reason outside UTOvacation’s control, other than cancellation by a travel provider.
Cancellation or change requests must be confirmed in writing by email including your reservation number, full name and date of travel. Cancellations will only be accepted in writing.
No refund or reimbursement will be available to passengers who voluntarily forego meals, cruise, tours and/or accommodations for which they specifically paid for. A surcharge may apply should there be any additional fees occurred from services refused by the passengers.
Optional programs
In order to secure your spot and price for any of the early bird deals or promotional packages, a full payment or deposit may be required at UTOvacation’s discretion.
No Show- Sponsored Tour
If your travel is a sponsored tour and the sponsor requires that all passengers attend all the included activities during the trip, “No Show” fees will apply. Each and any no show in this instance will incur a penalty of $100 per person, per day. If the traveller does not attend daily activities, payment will be immediately collected for the day missed. This penalty applies no matter the cause (including illness, flight/cruise delays, quarantines, and etc). If passengers do not attend the activities or pay associated penalties for missing scheduled activities, the sponsoring associations will cancel remaining hotels and flights.
Liability
The customer shall hold UTOvacation harmless for all damages incurred and harm suffered as a result of actions or inaction of an another out of its control. Furthermore, should the traveller violate any local/provincial or national laws during their travels, UTOvacation is not responsible or liable for any damages or harm suffered.
No children under 2 years old
UTOvacation does not allow travel of children less than 2 years old.
Price Adjustments
You agreement permits price increases. After the booking is confirmed, if the total price and the cumulative increase, except any increase result from increase in sales tax, is more than 7%, the customer has the right to cancel the contract and obtain a full refund. You are responsible for paying for the increase if 1) the increase is less than 7% for reasons other than increase of sales tax, 2) the increase is more than 7% as a result from increase in sales tax, or 3) the increase is more than 7% for reasons other than increase in sales tax and you wish to proceed with the travel.
No price increases are permitted after you have paid UTOvacation in full
UTOvacation reserves the right to impose relevant fuel/inflation surcharge if Crude Oil Price Index or US/Canada Official CPI has increases by 4% or more between your booking date and tour departure date.
Tour Adjustments
UTOvacation retains the right to modify tours, if deemed in the best interest of its passengers, including in cases that involve the health and safety. UTOvacation will do its best to notify you of any such changes before your departure, or as soon as possible if you have already departed. If the adjustment is due to the supplier failing to provide travel services paid for by you at your desired time, UTOvacation will offer the customer the choice of a travel credit acceptable to you, comparable re-scheduled travel acceptable to you, or reimburse you the amounts paid to UTOvacation.
Travel Seat Arrangements
Seating/Cabin assignment
The customer understands and accepts that UTOvacation has no power to control the seating selection on the aircraft or cabin location on the cruise (unless where specified). All seating is arranged by the airline or cruise line. UTO vacation cannot help customer change pre-assigned seats/cabins.
Preferred Seat Upgrade: UTOvacation will not be responsible for any preferred seat upgrade on aircraft (except for business or first class seats). Some cruise packages allow the selection of cabins at the time of booking for an upgraded price; please refer to the product page for details.
Reservation Adjustments
Changes to an existing reservation by the passenger for whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person charge plus any additional supplier fees. This includes name changes and removal of any
services such as optional tours and transfers. The deposit and/or full payment for any optional feature that is on an early bird or special sale promotion is non-refundable and non-transferable.
*Please note that name changes to airline or cruise line reservations are subject to full cancellation or re-booking. Replacing a travelling passenger or is subject the cancellation conditions outlined in these terms and conditions.
Changes or additional requests after departure are subject to local rates at the time of amendment and must be paid directly by the passenger to the service provider. UTOvacation will make its best effort to minimize these costs, however, all payment will be payable by request of the local service providers.
There are no refunds for unused services.
Travel Insurance
UTOvacation strongly recommends all tour members to purchase trip cancellation and health insurance at the time of booking, including health insurance. UTOvacation does not directly offer such insurance. The Travel Insurance recommended by UTOvacation are facilitated and owned by third party operators. Any Travel Insurance purchased by the passenger is governed by the third party and UTOvacation is not liable or responsible for said insurance.
Baggage
Each airline company has its own rules and regulations with the baggage weight, size, and number. The best way to find out the rules and regulations is to go visit the airline company official website.
Please note that for some destinations, baggage is not included in your package. Refer to your specific tour product page’s terms & conditions for specific baggage allowances.
Tour Fare Includes
Please refer to your tour itinerary for the most updated information.
Tour Fare Excludes
• Visa Application Fee
• Any personal charges, such as phone bills, laundry, postage, and baggage over-weight charge, insurance, beverages, water, etc
• Optional Tours
• Any other charges or incremental costs caused by the acts of God, Force Majeure, natural disasters, fires, weather, governmental and local authority’s order, political change, strikes, war, riots, quarantine, custom regulations, damages or inquiry caused by the accident beyond the responsibilities of UTOvacation or incurred due to the tourist action violating any law.
o If such events lead to the travel supplier failing to provide your travel services UTOvacation will offer you the choice of a travel credit acceptable to you, comparable re-scheduled travel acceptable to you, or reimburse you the amounts paid to UTOvacation
Flight Package Description
Silver Flight Package (Guaranteed maximum of one-stop/layover to your destination country gateway ). If your departure city has indirect flight(s) with only one stop/layover to connect your destination country gateway, we guarantee to provide you with flight with only one stop/layover to your destination country gateway if you select such package early enough before we issue the tickets. (Option and flight itinerary are subject to availability)
Gold Flight Package (Guaranteed non-stop flight to your destination country gateway )
If your departure city has regular direct flight(s) to connect your destination country gateway, we guarantee to provide you with a non-stop flight to your destination country gateway if you select
such package early enough before we issue the tickets. (Option and flight itinerary are subject to availability)
UTOvacation’s Affiliate Program
Customers who book via the Affiliate link may not switch tours or reschedule and apply the previous amount or percentage of discount/commission to future trips. Discounts that are offered are only applicable to initial tour purchase and non-transferable.
Please note, for customers who have booked via the Affiliate program, tour change fees will be applicable should you decide to reschedule originally purchased tours. Please refer to the terms and conditions on the Product Page.
UTOvacation’s Affiliate discounts/commissions are not redeemable for cash or future travel credit regardless of circumstances. The value of the Affiliate will be deducted from your final payment if applicable.
Please note, the Affiliate commission is only applicable to the initial purchase. Future additional purchases are not applicable to the Affiliate discount/Commission.
UTOvacation’s Assurance
UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance program enables passengers to be able to change participants’ name(s) or tour departure date one time for free without any administration fees up to 180 days prior to trip departure date.
• UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance Program must be purchased within 14 days of initial booking.
• UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance Program: reschedule/rebook up to 180 days before departure $ 99 - $ 399
• UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance Program: reschedule/rebook up to 120 days before departure $ 199 - $ 499
• UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance Program: reschedule/rebook up to 90 days before departure $ 299 - $ 599
• Please note, upon purchasing UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance program, you understand that this program is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Please note, when UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance program is purchased, payments made by the customer will first be applied to the UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance program and then to the remainder of the tour package.
Additional Conditions
During the tour or cruise, you will be considered have automatically abandoned your trip if you do not attend the pre-arranged tour or check in the prearranged hotel or cruise.
All the extra cost will be undertaken by the client voluntarily. UTOvacation reserves the right to abandon any clients if such clients violate the law or damage the interest of tour groups.
UTOvacation is not responsible for any denied Travel Visa application and will not be offering a refund of received by you.
If a child- 18 years old or younger- is travelling abroad with only one parent/guardian, children must carry a notarized consent letter signed by non-accompanying parent/guardian. If a child is travelling alone they children must carry a notarized consent letter signed by both parents/guardian. Such a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving from a foreign country or by North American officials when re-entering into USA or Canada. Failure of presenting such document may result in the rejection of boarding aircraft or vessel for the children concerned.
If a cruise line substitutes ships or changes its sailing by more than 24 hours, UTOvacation will advise you immediately and offer your choice of a full and immediate refund or a comparable alternate travel service acceptable to you. UTOvacation will not do so for scheduling alterations over 24 hours, if they are the result of mechanical problems with the ship, safety considerations, weather conditions, a strike or lock-out, or force majeure.
The credits in the Affiliate Program cannot be combined with any other promotions or coupons and redeemed in the same booking.
Any promotional coupons cannot be applied to any extra items including but not limited to visa service fees, gratuities, sightseeing, admission ticket fares, meal plans, single supplement charges, airport transfers, travel insurance, any taxes/surcharges and optional tours.
UTOvacation reserves the right to cancel or modify a tour any time prior to departure date if the group has less than ten passengers, subject to these terms and conditions.
All upgrade packages are 100% non-refundable, items including flight package, hotel, cruise cabin, meal package and etc.
UTOvacation usually sends out important notifications including but not limited to destination health protocols, travel industry policies, tour updates and safety alerts to our agents/customers by newsletter through email. UTOvacation is not responsible for trip delay, service cancellation, price increase or any other types of loss caused by unsubscribing from our email list, wrong email address or a lack of checking email box/spam folder/junk folder on a regular basis. If you have not received our newsletter for a long time, make sure your email address is effective/valid and you are on our email list or contact us immediately at [email protected] for assistance.
Dispute Penalty
Please note, if a customer requires cancellation of a product or service, kindly reach out to UTOvcation customer service. If a customer files a dispute/chargeback directly with their bank, the order will be automatically canceled and suspended in your account. If a customer wishes to reinstate their purchase or credit, they must pay a disputed penalty of $299 per transaction if the total payment amount exceeds $299; 50% of the total invoice amount if the amount is less than
$299; all dispute penalties are per transaction. Chargeback fees, transaction fees, administration expenses, marketing/acquisition costs, and operations charges are all part of the disputed penalty. After you have reinstated your order and paid the disputed penalty, you will receive the travel credit. The travel credit can be used to book the same or different tours on our website. You will not be reinstated to your original order, and the amount you paid for that excursion will not be guaranteed.
Ensuring Secure Payments
Safeguarding your payment(s) is our top priority. In order to prevent fraud, we ask our customers to settle payment(s) through your account on UTOvacation official website at www.utovacation.com. Should you choose offline payment submission, Cheque/Money order/Bank draft/Credit card (with credit card authorization form filled out and signed) are accepted and the payee must be UTOvacation. Please be advised that UTOvacation has never been allowing Bank transfer/Email transfer for transactions and Cash is not recommended. If you find something suspicious regarding your payment, please call 1-855.526.1286 before any further actions.
Tipping
For the on-tour convenience of some itineraries, we will collect all gratuities which is to be shared by our local team. This may include tour leaders, guides, drivers, baggage porters, airport coordinators, restaurant waiters for all included meals and other staff in the team behind the scenes.
These gratuities are not mandatory but are appreciated as recognition for excellent service and we thank you for your encouragement and generosity.
Shopping
Although we would be happy to assist your shopping needs, UTOvacation would not be responsible for price, quality, and service of any goods purchased during the tour.
Special Notes for Middle Eastern packages:
Please be advised that traveling in the Middle East requires open-mind and willingness to respect the local culture, religion and tradition.
1. It is highly recommended that women wear tops covering shoulders and skirts falling below the knee in public. Knee-length shorts are allowed for men. It is customary for women to cover their shoulders and hair and men to have shirts and long pants when visiting a mosque or temple. More conservative dress is expected during the Ramadan or Jewish holiday period.
2. Non-Muslims above the age of 21 are only allowed to consume alcohol in licensed hotels,
clubs and restaurants, never in public open areas.
3. Taking photographs of individuals, especially females, needs a permission first. Do not take any pictures with military facilities, borders and airports.
4. Horse carts and camel rides at tourist sites are mostly not included in the entrance fees. We suggest that you negotiate ride fare and tips with the merchant beforehand in order to avoid any unexpected situation at the end of the ride. Keep the exact change in local currency handy.
5. Ramadan is the holy month for the Islamic world and all Muslims have to fast from dawn to dusk without eating, drinking or smoking. Alcohol is available in licensed bars and restaurants after sunset for non-Muslims. Tourist hotels usually keep one restaurant open during the day catering to resident guests. Also during Ramadan month, live performance, certain music and dancing are prohibited. Shops are open after sunset.
6. Most hotels and restaurants provide kosher foods with no pork or shellfish in Israel.
7. Shabbat is the Jewish holy-day and day of rest of the week. It starts on every Friday after sunset and ends on Saturday evening. Offices, public transportation (except for taxi), private businesses are closed (i.e., stores and restaurants) and reopen after the Shabbat.
Specific requirements for cruise passengers
*Guests are not allowed to sail if entering the 24th week of pregnancy before or any time during cruising. A physician’s “Fit to cruise” note is required if a customer is pregnant 23 weeks or less at the time of debarkation. Please keep in mind that not every vessel has a doctor/nurse or facilities/equipment to accommodate the special need. Please be advised to also check with the insurance company for pregnancy-related care.
*Infants must be at least 6 months of age at the time of embarkation for any itineraries under 7 nights and 12 months of age for any itineraries more than 8 nights.
*Passengers above the age of 21 are permitted to cruise alone. Anyone under such age should get onboard and share a cabin with a parent or legal guardian with a proof. Such clients are forbidden to attend any gambling activities or consume any alcohol beverages. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) shall be in full responsibility for the minors regarding their conducts and behaviors subject to the terms and conditions of cruise lines.
*Each traveler above the age of 80 shall represent and warrant that he/she is physically fit to
travel on the voyage. Contact the cruise line of any existing physical health issues or any other conditions you may require medical attention/special care during the whole journey.
*We request all travelers to provide the accurate information for cruise reservation including name, age, gender, tour dates, nationality, passport number etc. Any change of the above will result in a one time $150USD/$200CAD penalty/surcharge per change within 110 days prior to the sailing. All name changes within the same stateroom will result in applicable cancellation.
*Gender X or any other identifications other than M or F might be prevented from going through the security checkpoint at the pier.
*When boarding, all passengers must be responsible for presenting passports valid for at least 6 months upon the end of the international travel date as well as any necessary immunizations and visas required for cruise itinerary. EVUS must be updated in a timely manner and we also strongly encourage our customers to visit the government foreign affairs website for any up to date travel advisories and safety recommendations.
*UTOvacation highly recommends guests to obtain travel/health insurance against any possible or potential issues related to any emergencies, delays, interruptions, cancellations or losses.
Any one who violates the above regulations or fails to provide the required travel documents will be denied for boarding the vessel at any time. UTOvacation shall not be entitled to have any further liability or offer any remedy whatsoever in this circumstance.
UTOvacation strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance for any future travel plans.
We have curated two reputable partners one in the USA and one for Canada. Once you have made your trip selection, please select the option of purchasing travel insurance.
For USA patrons, in order to qualify for the “Cancel For Any Reason” Option offered by John Hancock, you will need to purchase your insurance within 14 days of your initial deposit. Other insurance policies may be purchased later.
Please note, the travel insurance that is available for purchase is with our affiliate partners and not a direct product or offering of UTOvacation. For any questions or concerns, please contact the vendor directly.
American Travel Insurance (click for more details)
Canadian Travel Insurance (click for more details)