Travel Information on South America - Pre-Departure

Please see below answers to currently asked pre-departure questions about travelling to South America
Antarctica+

Visas & Passports No visa is required for any citizens.
 
Health, Yellow Fever & Malaria
No vaccines are required to enter Antarctica, though we do recommend that you are up to date with routine vaccines such as Tetanus, typhoid and Hepatitis A and B.
 
Currency
There is no national currency in Antarctica, so we recommend that you take USD cash with you to pay for anything when making land visits.  There are no banks or ATM’s in Antarctica!
 
Internal flights and light aircraft
Scheduled internal flights have a baggage limit of 20 kg per person.
 
Insurance & Safety
It is a condition of booking that all clients are adequately insured for their trip – this insurance must cover medical evacuation.
 
Getting There
From the UK
There are daily direct flights with British Airways into Buenos Aires. Alternatively you can fly via a European hub or via Sao Paulo in Brazil which is served with direct flights daily from London.
 
From the USA
There are daily direct flights to Buenos Aires from Miami and New York with American Airlines and from Houston with Continental and United Airlines.  All other destinations have a touchdown prior to arrival in Buenos Aires.
 
From Buenos Aires you will need to take an internal flight to Ushuaia to board the boat. Please note that you have to spend a night in port prior to the boat departing.

Argentina+

Visas & Passports
No visa is required for EU or US citizens. All other nationalities please contact your nearest High Commission.
 
Reciprocal Fee for visitors from the US, Canada, and Australia when entering Argentina.

Nationalities of the above countries will be required to pay in order to gain entry to Argentina. The reciprocity fee will no longer be payable at the airport upon arrival. Payment must now be carried out online, prior to arrival, using the credit card based Payment System.Please go to; www.migraciones.gov.ar and register. Complete the form with the corresponding personal and credit card information, print the payment receipt and on arrival in Argentina the receipt must be presented at Immigration

Payment rates:
1. United States: USD 160
2. Canada: USD 75
3. Australia: USD 100
 
Health, Yellow Fever & Malaria
Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for all travellers greater than nine months of age going to the north west of the country and to Iguazu. However all travellers coming into Argentina from any Yellow Fever infected country (such as neighbouring countries) must carry a valid Yellow Fever Certificate
 
Malaria is prevalent in the northern western part of Argentina only which includes the Salta region.  Malaria is NOT present at Iguazu Falls.
 
We recommend that you consult your doctor about other recommended injections.  Normally the advice is that Typhoid and Hepatitis A injections should be taken.  Hepatitis A is recommended for all travellers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity.
 
Currency
Argentina’s currency is Pesos.  We would recommend that you take US dollars cash or travellers cheques and change this into Argentinean Pesos, on arrival at a bank or cambio in any major city - – your guide will tell you the best place on arrival.  Please do not change money at the international airport as we have had reports of a company offering to change money at poor exchange rates.   You may also use your credit card to withdraw cash from a cash point machine in any major city. 
 
Internal flights and light aircraft
Baggage limits vary depending on which airline you are flying with.  Aerolineas Argentinas has a limit of 15 kg for check in baggage and 5 kg carry on luggage. LAN airlines has a 23 kg per person for checked in baggage and 5 kg for hand luggage.
 
Insurance & Safety
It is a condition of booking that all clients are adequately insured for their trip – this insurance must cover medical evacuation.
 
Getting There
From the UK
There are daily direct flights with British Airways into Buenos Aires.  Alternatively you can fly via a European hub or via Sao Paulo in Brazil which is served with direct flights daily from London.

From the USA
There are daily direct flights to Buenos Aires from Miami and New York with American Airlines and from Houston with Continental and United Airlines.  All other destinations have a touchdown prior to arrival in Buenos Aires.
 

Bolivia+

Visas & Passports
No visa is required for EU and US citizens – for all other nationalities please contact your nearest High Commission. Please note that if flying via the USA to South or Central America an ESTA transit form must completed prior to travel.

Health, Yellow Fever & Malaria
The below is a guideline only, ultimately you will need to contact your GP prior to departure. Malaria is prevalent in all areas below 2500 metres except La Paz. Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for all travellers greater than nine months of age and for all travellers coming into Bolivia from any Yellow Fever infected country (such as neighbouring countries) and you must therefore carry a valid Yellow Fever Certificate.

We recommend that you consult your doctor about other recommended injections. Normally the advice is that Typhoid and Hepatitis A & B injections should be taken. Hepatitis A & B is recommended for all travellers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity.

Internal flights and light aircraft
Scheduled internal flights have a baggage limit of 20 kg per person. Please would you also take your luggage in soft bags rather than rigid suitcases (i.e. a kit bag or soft sided suitcase rather than a hard sided suitcase) as this will make them easier to transport in remote regions of the country.

Altitude
Wherever possible we will endeavour to arrange your itinerary such that you have a gently acclimatisation to the altitude. In all cases the best remedy is remaining hydrated. On arrival at altitude we recommend you to stop smoking and limit alcohol intake to a minimum. Altitude sickness or Soroche as it is known can affect any one of any age or fitness, it does not discriminate. If you do feel adverse effects please let your guide know as soon as possible so he can advise on the best treatment.

Insurance & Safety
It is a condition of booking that all clients are adequately insured for their trip – this insurance must cover medical evacuation.

Currency
Bolivia’s currency is the Boliviano which made up of 100 centavos. We would recommend that you take US dollars cash or travellers cheques and change this into Boliviano either at the airport on arrival or with one of the many street cambios throughout the country – your guide will tell you the best place on arrival. You may also use your credit card to withdraw cash from a cash point machine in any major city.

Getting There
From the UK
There are no direct flights to La Paz from London all flights go via the US or another South American hub.

From the USA
There are daily direct flights to La Paz from Miami with American Airlines. All other destinations have a touchdown prior to arrival in La Paz.

Brazil+

Visas & Passports
No visa is required for EU citizens. US citizens require a visa which has to be obtained prior to arrival and costs approximately $180. All other nationalities please contact your nearest High Commission.
 
Reciprocal Fee for visitors from the US, Canada, and Australia when entering Argentina at Iguazu Falls.

Nationalities of the above countries will be required to pay in order to gain entry to Argentina. The reciprocity fee will no longer be payable at the airport upon arrival. Payment must now be carried out online, prior to arrival, using the credit card based Provincia Payment System.  Please go to; www.migraciones.gov.ar and register. Complete the form with the corresponding personal and credit card information, print the payment receipt and on arrival in Argentina the receipt must be presented at Immigration Control, which will then be scanned and checked
 
Health, Yellow Fever & Malaria
Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for all travellers greater than nine months of age going anywhere away from the Brazilian coastline. However all travellers coming into Brazil from any Yellow Fever infected country, such as neighbouring countries must carry a valid Yellow Fever Certificate.
 
Malaria is prevalent in the northern part of Brazil only which includes the Pantanal and the Amazonian regions.  Malaria is NOT present at Iguacu Falls.
 
Other
We recommend that you consult your doctor about other recommended injections.  Normally the advice is that Typhoid and Hepatitis injections should be taken.  Hepatitis A & B vaccine is recommended for all travellers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity.
 
Currency
Brazil’s currency is the Brazilian Real.  We would recommend that you take US dollars cash or travellers cheques and change this into Brazilian Real’s, either at the airport on arrival or with a bank or cambio in any major city – your guide will tell you the best place on arrival.  You may also use your credit card to withdraw cash from a cash point machine in any major city.
 
Internal flights and light aircraft
Scheduled internal flights have a baggage limit of 20 kg per person, whilst flights to Marau and Morro de Sao Paulo have a limit of 15 kg per person. These regulations are usually rigorously enforced so please limit your luggage to the appropriate weight.  Please would you also take your luggage in soft bags rather than rigid suitcases for these small internal flights as this is often easier to transport, especially in more rural areas such as the Amazon for long boat journeys.
 
Insurance & Safety
It is a condition of booking that all clients are adequately insured for their trip – this insurance must cover medical evacuation.
 
Getting There
From the UK
There are several entry points into Brazil; Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Salvador and Recife. The only direct route is with British Airways and TAM (the Brazilian international carrier) from London Heathrow which flies daily to Sao Paulo and 4 times a week to Rio de Janeiro.  To reach Salvador or Recife there are daily flights with TAP (Air Portugal) via Lisbon.

From the USA
There are daily direct flights from; New York, Miami, Houston and Washington with a variety of airlines into both Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
 

Chile+

Visas & Passports
No visa is required for EU and US citizens.. For all other nationalities please contact your nearest High Commission. Please note that if flying via the USA to South or Central America an ESTA transit form must completed prior to travel.

Health, Yellow Fever & Malaria
There is no malaria or yellow fever in Chile. The below is a guideline only, ultimately you will need to contact your GP prior to departure.

We recommend that you consult your doctor about other recommended injections. Normally the advice is that Typhoid and Hepatitis A injections should be taken. Hepatitis A is recommended for all travellers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity. We recommend visiting your local GP prior to travel alternatively the BA travel clinic (0207 4399584) or Trailfinders (0207 9383999) can provide advice about these requirements.

Currency
Chile’s currency is Pesos. We would recommend that you take US dollars cash – traveller’s cheques can be difficult to change - and change this into Chilean Pesos, either at the airport on arrival or with a bank or cambio in any major city – your guide will tell you the best place on arrival. You may also use your credit card to withdraw cash from a cash point machine in any major city. Internal flights and light aircraft Scheduled internal flights have a baggage limit of 20 kg per person.

Insurance & Safety
It is a condition of booking that all clients are adequately insured for their trip – this insurance must cover medical evacuation.

Getting There
From the UK
There are no direct flights from the UK to Santiago. All international flights go via a European or South American hub. Santiago is served by all major carriers and often a combination of 2 different carriers.

From the USA
There are daily direct flights to Santiago from Dallas, Miami and New York with American Airlines and LAN and from Houston with Continental and United Airlines. All other destinations have a touchdown prior to arrival in Santiago.

Costa Rica+

Visas & Passports
No visa is required for EU or US citizens. All other nationalities please contact your nearest High Commission.
 
Health, Yellow Fever & Malaria
Malaria is prevalent only on the Caribbean coast.
 
Yellow fever is recommended although not a requirement to enter the country.  However all travellers coming into Costa Rica from any Yellow Fever infected country must carry a valid Yellow Fever Certificate.
 
We recommend that you consult your doctor about other recommended injections.  Normally the advice is that Typhoid, Tetanus and Hepatitis A & B injections should be taken.  Hepatitis A & B is recommended for all travellers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity.
 
We recommend visiting your local GP prior to travel alternatively the BA travel clinic (0207 4399584) or Trailfinders (0207 9383999) can provide advice about these requirements.
 
Internal flights and light aircraft
Scheduled internal flights have a baggage limit of 12 kg per person which is strictly enforced.  We recommend you take your luggage in soft bags rather than rigid suitcases (i.e. a kit bag or soft sided suitcase rather than a hard sided suitcase) as this will make them easier to transport in remote regions of the country.
 
Weight restrictions
For the journey to Pacuare
Maximum weight: 25 lbs/11.52 kg.
Size allowed: height 22 inches /width 8 inches /length 16 inches.
Bags over the size or weight allowance will not be transported to the lodge and will have to be stored either in Pacuare Lodge’s warehouse or at our offices. Therefore, guests are kindly asked to pack in advance, in a separate bag, all they will need for the stay at the lodge.
 
You may also take one piece of carry-on luggage as long as it does not exceed the 4 kg weight limit and a maximum size not exceeding 33 inches/84 cm. Any checked in luggage or carry-on luggage exceeding the maximum weight and/or size will be considered and charged as excess luggage.
 
Insurance & Safety
It is a condition of booking that all clients are adequately insured for their trip – this insurance must cover medical evacuation. 
 
Currency
The Costa Rican currency is the Colon and is divided into 100 centimos. We would recommend that you take US dollars cash or travellers cheques and change this into Colon either at the airport on arrival or at one of the many bureau de change throughout the country – your guide will tell you the best place on arrival.  You may also use your credit card to withdraw cash from a cash point machine in any major city. 
 
Getting There
From the UK
There are no direct flights to San Jose from the UK.   In order to reach San Jose you must fly via a European or US hub.
 
From the USA
There are daily direct flights to San Jose from New York, Miami, Houston, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles and Orlando.

Ecuador and The Galapagos+

Visas & Passports
No visa is required for EU and US citizens – for all other nationalities please contact your nearest High Commission. Please note that if flying via the USA to South or Central America an ESTA transit form must completed prior to travel.
 
Health, Yellow Fever & Malaria
Malaria is only prevalent in areas away from the Avenue of Volcanoes, so any area below 2300 metres.

Yellow fever vaccine is required for all travellers greater than nine months of age visiting the Amazon region and for all travellers coming into Ecuador from any Yellow Fever infected country (such as neighbouring countries) and you must therefore carry a valid Yellow Fever Certificate.

We recommend that you consult your doctor about other recommended injections.  Normally the advice is that Typhoid and Hepatitis A & B injections should be taken.  Hepatitis A & B is recommended for all travellers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity.
 
Internal flights and light aircraft
Scheduled internal flights have a baggage limit of 20 kg per person and internal flights to the Amazon have a limit of 15 kg. Please would you also take your luggage in soft bags rather than rigid suitcases (i.e. a kit bag or soft sided suitcase rather than a hard sided suitcase) as this will make them easier to transport in remote regions of the country as well as fit into your cabin if travelling to the Galapagos Islands.
 
Departure taxes
A local departure tax of $15.50 is applicable when leaving the Galapagos Islands and is only payable locally.  When leaving from either Quito or Guayaquil the international departure tax is $57 and is only payable locally.
 
Insurance & Safety
It is a condition of booking that all clients are adequately insured for their trip – this insurance must cover medical evacuation.
 
Currency
Ecuador’s currency is USD.  We would recommend that you take US dollars cash or travellers cheques. You may also use your credit card to withdraw cash from a cash point machine in any major city. 
 
Getting There
From the UK
There are no direct flights to Ecuador from London all flights go via a European or US hub.
 
From the USA
There are daily direct flights to Quito from all major airports in the US and with a variety of different carriers.

Peru+

Visas & Passports
No visa is required for EU and US citizens – for all other nationalities please contact your nearest High Commission. Please note that if flying via the USA to South or Central America an ESTA transit form must completed prior to travel.

Health, Yellow Fever & Malaria
Malaria is prevalent only in the Amazon region Yellow fever vaccine is required for all travellers greater than nine months of age visiting the Amazon region and for all travellers coming into Peru from any Yellow Fever infected country (such as neighbouring countries) and you must therefore carry a valid Yellow Fever Certificate We recommend that you consult your doctor about other recommended injections.

Normally the advice is that Typhoid and Hepatitis A & B injections should be taken. Hepatitis A & B is recommended for all travellers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity.

We recommend visiting your local GP prior to travel alternatively the BA travel clinic (0207 4399584) or Trailfinders (0207 9383999) can provide advice about these requirements. Internal flights and light aircraft Scheduled internal flights have a baggage limit of 23 kg per person for checked in baggage and 5 kg for hand luggage.

Insurance & Safety
It is a condition of booking that all clients are adequately insured for their trip – this insurance must cover medical evacuation.

Currency
Peru’s currency is Peruvian Soles and centavos. We would recommend that you take US dollars cash or travellers cheques and change this into Peruvian Soles at the airport on arrival or with one of the many street cambios throughout the country – your guide will tell you the best place on arrival. You may also use your credit card to withdraw cash from a cash point machine in any major city.

Altitude
Wherever possible we will endeavour to arrange your itinerary such that you have a gently acclimatisation to the altitude. In all cases the best remedy is remaining hydrated. On arrival at altitude we recommend you to stop smoking and limit alcohol intake to a minimum. Altitude sickness or Soroche as it is known in Peru can affect any one of any age or fitness, it does not discriminate. If you do feel adverse effects please let your guide know as soon as possible so he can advise on the best treatment.

Getting There
From the UK
There are no direct flights to Peru from London all flights go via a European or US hub.

From the USA
There are daily direct flights to Lima from all major airports in the US and with a variety of different carriers.

Uruguay+

Visas & Passports
No visa is required for EU or US citizens. All other nationalities please contact your nearest High Commission.
 
Health, Yellow Fever & Malaria
There is no Malaria in Uruguay.
 
Yellow fever is recommended although not a requirement to enter the country.  However all travellers coming into Uruguay from any Yellow Fever infected country must carry a valid Yellow Fever Certificate.
 
We recommend that you consult your doctor about other recommended injections.  Normally the advice is that Typhoid and Hepatitis A & B injections should be taken.  Hepatitis A & B is recommended for all travellers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity.
 
Internal flights and light aircraft
 cheduled internal flights have a baggage limit of 20 kg per person which is strictly enforced. 
 
Insurance & Safety
It is a condition of booking that all clients are adequately insured for their trip – this insurance must cover medical evacuation.
 
Currency
The Uruguayan currency is the Uruguayan Peso and is divided into 100 centesimos. We would recommend that you take US dollars cash or travellers cheques and change this into Pesos either at the airport on arrival or with a bureau de change – your guide will tell you the best place on arrival.  You may also use your credit card to withdraw cash from a cash point machine in any major city. 
 
Getting There
 From the UK
There are no direct flights to Montevideo from the UK.   All flights will go via a European or South American hub.
 
From the USA
There are four direct flights a week from Miami to Montevideo.  All other US cities will go via South American hub.
 
There are regular flights from Buenos Aires to Uruguay which take approximately 30 minutes.

Venezuela+

Visas & Passports
No visa is required for EU or US citizens. All other nationalities please contact your nearest High Commission. Please note that if flying via the USA to South or Central America an ESTA transit form must completed prior to travel.

Health, Yellow Fever & Malaria
The below is a guideline only, ultimately you will need to contact your GP prior to departure. Malaria in prevalent throughout the country Yellow fever is also recommended and a certificate should be taken with you. We recommend that you consult your doctor about other recommended injections.

Normally the advice is that Typhoid and Hepatitis A & B injections should be taken. Hepatitis A & B is recommended for all travellers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity.

Internal flights and light aircraft
Scheduled internal flights have a baggage limit of 10 kg per person which is strictly enforced.

Insurance & Safety
It is a condition of booking that all clients are adequately insured for their trip – this insurance must cover medical evacuation.

Currency
The Venezuelan currency is the Bolivar fuerte. We would recommend that you take US dollars cash or travellers cheques and change this into Boliviars either at the airport on arrival or with a bureau de change – your guide will tell you the best place on arrival. You may also use your credit card to withdraw cash from a cash point machine in any major city.

Getting There
From the UK
There are no direct flights to Caracas from the UK. All flights will go via a European or US hub.

From the USA
There are daily direct flights from New York, Miami and Houston. All other US cities will go via another US or South/Central American hub.





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