FAQ’s

To get started right away you can use our Live Chat option for instant online messaging with one of our travel specialists, or call us direct on the following numbers:
(International Line) +1 512 535 2536
(USA & Canada Toll-free) 1 877 240 4770
(UK Line) 020 7096 1259
Alternatively, go to the Request a quote form, fill out your details and submit. One of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 to 48 hours.

After requesting your quote one of our travel specialists will contact you with a preliminary itinerary. From this point on you will work directly with your travel specialist.

Using Itereo™, our unique real-time travel planning tool, they will log you into a shared web environment where you’ll be able to collaborate on creating your perfect itinerary via email, instant chat and/or telephone. Your travel itinerary will be instantly updated on screen with detailed information and imagery.

Your specialist will keep working with you on the details until you’re entirely satisfied, and we will then proceed to book your tour and arrange payment of the deposit.

Once the deposit has cleared we can begin to book your travel services and hotels, and we will send you a first update within 72 hours.

Your final program will be available for download one week before your departure. Your full itinerary along with a welcome pack containing country guides and your travel vouchers and tickets will be presented to you upon arrival.

Payments can be made in three ways:

1. ACH debit (preferred) – Bank to bank transfer in the United States – bank details below.
2. Wire transfer (preferred) to our bank in the United States – bank details below.
3. Credit card via Paypal

Comfort hotels are usually unique boutique stays handpicked for their value, location and charm (generally 3* options). Comfort packages usually include tours with a small group of fellow international travelers and the flexibility to include optional additional tours as well.

Superior hotels are distinguished properties offering excellent service levels and facilities (generally 4* options). With the Superior packages, private tours to the South American highlights are included, as well as some special excursions.

Luxury hotels are the finest hotels available, providing exceptional amenities and impeccable service (generally 5* options). Tours in the Luxury packages are exclusively in private, as are unique experiences designed especially for this level.

Many meals are included in CAT Travel tour packages, though in order to give you more flexibility, some lunch and evening meals are not included. Breakfasts are almost always served at your hotel and lunch and dinner are provided within the package where indicated.

All meals included within CAT Travel tour packages are served at carefully selected restaurants offering the very best dining experiences available.

CAT Travel tours, especially in Premium Service are quite inclusive. However, extra money is needed for the occasional meal (where we have left this out of the itinerary to give you more dining options) and for souvenirs, snacks, drinks and any extra items. Tips are not included within the overall price of the tour and so, should you wish to tip, you’re advised to bring a little extra cash.

We advise you to bring both credit and debit cards. Many restaurants across South America have Visa and MasterCard capabilities and welcome you to pay for your meal with a credit card. Credit/debit cards should otherwise only be used to withdraw money.
ATMs are widely distributed throughout most South American countries, however in rural areas they can be hard to come by, so please bear this in mind. Otherwise they are a quick and easy way to withdraw local currency.

US dollars are widely accepted in most locations and currency exchange bureaus are easy to find. Travelers Cheques tend to receive much lower exchange rates than US Dollars, meaning you lose money in the exchange. In many destinations in South America one may also find that exchange centers are unwilling to change Travelers Cheques.

Official exchange houses are generally easy to find in large cities and areas frequented by tourists. However, the exchange rate at such places will not be the best. We advise you not to exchange money in the street so as to avoid any scams. If you do need to change money in the street, only exchange the minimum amount that you need for immediate use.

In most restaurants a 10% tip is usual and is sometimes already added to the bill. If you wish to leave a tip, you are generally encouraged to do so according to how well you feel you were served. If you would like to tip your guides a few dollars per day is a good amount.

As for guides (based on 2 people traveling):
Our guides are well paid, we always recommend tipping regardless.
$5-10 if the guide is solid.
$10-20 if the guide is exceptional.
$20 to whatever you want if they are incredible

If you do tip them in the above manner, make sure to be clear as to the “why” so they are reinforced in their hard work, or know where to improve. Just be honest!

Vaccination requirements differ from country to country and it is important to make sure you know the necessary vaccination requirements for your trip well before traveling. We recommend that you always check with your physician. Below follows a table of vaccination advice for each of CAT Travel’s South America destinations or read the blog article about Peru travel vaccinations and staying healty. However, please consult your doctor well before you travel.

Argentina Vaccination Advice

There are no obligatory vaccinations for Argentina, but the following vaccinations are recommended:

Bolivia Vaccination Advice

Yellow fever vaccination REQUIRED for travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas, other recommended vaccinations:

Brazil Vaccination Advice

Yellow fever vaccination REQUIRED for travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas, other recommended vaccinations:

Chile Vaccination Advice

There are only recommended vaccinations for Chile, these are:

Costa Rica Vaccination Advice

Yellow fever vaccination REQUIRED for travelers arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission in the Americas (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname & Venezuela) or Africa (Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan & the Republic of Guyana). You’re REQUIRED to have a valid yellow fever International Vaccination Certificate at least 12 days prior to entering Costa Rica. Please check before you travel about the specific requirements and possible changes. Other recommended vaccinations:

Ecuador Vaccination Advice

Yellow fever vaccination REQUIRED for travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas, other recommended vaccinations:

Peru Vaccination Advice

There are only recommended vaccinations for Peru or read the article about Peru travel vaccinations and staying healthy on our blog. An overview of the recommended vaccinations:

Uruguay Vaccination Advice

Yellow fever vaccination REQUIRED for travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas, other recommended vaccinations:

Altitude sickness is a common problem for visitors to areas of Peru, Chile, and Bolivia. Headaches are the primary symptom of altitude sickness, though this can also be a sign of dehydration. A persistent headache at a height of about 2000m and above combined with any of the following symptoms could indicate altitude sickness:

• Dizziness,
• fatigue,
• diarrhea,
• insomnia,
• pins and needles,
• persistent shortness of breath,
• swelling of hands,
• feet or face,
• nosebleeds or nausea and,
• lack of appetite.

Coca tea is readily available in Peru and Bolivia and can help rid feelings of nausea associated with altitude sickness – although this does not work for everyone. Diamox is commonly used by visitors from the US and is a recommended product, as are Sorochi or Grovol, both of which can be purchased over-the-counter upon arrival in most airports. We also recommend eating light meals when you first arrive in a high altitude area and avoiding strenuous physical activities until you have acclimatized.

Every child is different and we strongly recommend you consult your doctor before traveling anywhere.

Drinking bottled water is strongly recommended. Tap water can contain amoebae and parasites, so it is much safer to stick to bottled, treated or boiled water. Ice along with salads or fruits washed in tap-water should likewise be avoided.

It is also important to eat well-cooked food and in general avoid eating street food.

The type of clothing you need to bring depends on the type of vacation you are taking and the destinations you will be traveling to. Seasons will also be an important factor (remember that southern hemisphere countries experience the inverse of the seasons in the northern hemisphere).

If traveling to the Andes you can generally expect high temperatures at day and cold at night. When traveling in this region we suggest you dress in layers which can be easily taken off or added as needed. A number of fine quality alpaca and llama woolen goods are available in the region. Travelers often choose to pack minimal warm clothing so as to have enough luggage space for the warm clothes they intend to buy in the Andes.

The rainforest has a rather wet climate and if you intend to travel to the Amazon be sure you pack a raincoat and some insulated hiking boots. Brazilian beaches necessitate shorts and flip-flops while Patagonia often requires heavy winter jackets and thermal underwear. Adventure hikes such as the Inca Trail require a pair of proper hiking boots and a small backpack.

One should generally bring the type of luggage one feels comfortable with carrying. If you plan on doing the Inca Trail we advise you to bring a comfortable backpack. Keep in mind that there are many cobblestone streets in South America and luggage with wheels can, at times, be cumbersome and difficult to maneuver.

Remember to pack a small day pack with you in which to keep your valuables. If possible it is highly recommended that one brings a money-belt to store your cash, cards and passport.

Always check the weight restrictions of the airlines that you are flying with, for both domestic and international flights, and bear in mind that the Machu Picchu train also has luggage restrictions.

All of our tours run very smoothly and in the unlikely event that a problem does arise, CAT has a 24 hour hotline in each country it operates within. These numbers are given to all clients prior to their trip – and should any difficulty arise during your time in South America please do call us at anytime.

Safety is fundamental to the success of any trip and staying alert, not taking unnecessary risks, and using common sense are the best ways to prevent an unwanted situation. Avoid petty theft and pickpockets by not interacting with strangers who seem suspiciously friendly or pushy, as well as anyone trying to get your attention while you are carrying bags or equipment. In all dealings with the police be formal and polite. Always carry your passport or a photocopy when walking around a town or city. In some circumstances, a policeman may suggest (possibly in an intimidating manner) that a situation could be resolved by making a payment, in this situation you could ask to speak to their supervisor or call us for help and advice.

We offer travel insurance through WorldNomads.com, WorldNomands.com has a range of cover options and they are a trusted partner. However, if you prefer you are welcome to arrange your own cover.

Exactly which adventures are covered varies, depending on your country of permanent residence and the plan you choose. Check their A to Z guide to adventure, to make sure all of the activities you’re planning to do on your trip are covered. You may have to upgrade your cover when you buy the plan, even if you’re not going to be doing these adventures on every day of your trip.

Be aware, participation in any professional sports or any activity where you purposefully put your life at risk is generally excluded. Also, there may be restrictions on coverage for certain activities or sports depending on your country of residence, so check the list of adventure sports covered first.

Please read the full description of coverage in the policy wording to make sure the travel insurance plan you choose is right for you and that you understand what’s covered and what’s not. Contact World Nomads if you have specific questions about which sports and activities are covered or request your quote via our website.

International flights are not included in the online price of Class Adventure Travel packages as prices fluctuate depending on the season and other factors. However, we can and often do arrange international flights for our clients and will happily research them for you. Many clients will also choose to arrange their international flights independently.

Almost all of our tour packages include full domestic transportation for the whole trip. Refer to each specific example tour or talk to our travel specialists in order to verify whether domestic transportation is included. In the case that a domestic flight is necessary within the itinerary it is usually quoted separately, however train, road and boat transfers are almost always included. Class Adventure Travel offers only the most comfortable domestic transportation in each of the countries it operates within, and where flights, private vehicles, buses, and trains are included within a Class Adventure Travel package – only the very best is provided.

Airport taxes are sometimes included in the price of your ticket please refer to your travel documents for each separate flight in order to verify. In the case that they are not included, below we have listed the approximate prices for each of the countries that we operate in (please note that these prices are subject to change).

Argentina Airport Taxes
Domestic USD 4.27
Uruguay USD 16.48
International flights USD 37.32

Brazil Airport Taxes
None

Bolivia Airport Taxes
Domestic None
International USD 38.49

Chile Airport Taxes
Domestic USD 12.63
International USD 30.00

Ecuador Airport Taxes
Domestic
USD 4.95 from GYE
USD 7.60 from UIO
USD 4.00 other airports
International departing from Guayaquil USD 25.43
International departing from all other airports USD 51.66

Peru Airport Taxes
Domestic
USD 9.40 LIM – CUZ
USD 4.25 CUZ-LIM
USD 3.45 other airports
International USD 30.47

Visa requirements vary from country to country below you will find details of the visa requirements for each of our South America destinations. Please note that visa requirements are subject to change so we recommend that you double check with the embassy of the country that you are traveling to in good time before your departure.

Argentina Visa Requirements

US Citizens, Canadians, Europeans, New Zealanders and South Africans require a passport, but no tourist visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in Argentina.

Reciprocity fees
Travelers from the US, Canada and Australia entering Argentina via Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires are required to pay a fee: Citizens from the USA: USD 160 (payable with credit card before entering Argentina)
Canadians: USD 70
Australians: USD 100
How can I pay the Reciprocity Rate?

1. The traveler must enter the web site of Provincia Pagos www.provinciapagos.com.ar  and register to start de process
2. Complete the form with the corresponding personal and credit card information. The information provided by the traveler and the income code is sent to the DNM online.
3. Print the payment receipt
4. On arrival in Argentine territory, this printed receipt must be presented at the Immigration Control
5. The receipt will be scanned by the DNM staff; the data are validated and you are allowed to enter the country

Furthermore is it necessary that your passport is valid, with at least six months remaining, upon entry to Argentina.

Bolivia Visa Requirements

All fees are payable only in cash or USD.
United States
US nationals must have a passport and a visa to enter Bolivia. A visa is obtainable on arrival for a fee of US 135, along with a visa application form, hotel reservation or letter of invitation, return or onward ticket, sufficient funds and all documents needed for next destination
Canada
Canadians require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for touristic stays of up to 30 days in Bolivia.
Europe
UK Nationals holding valid passports do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in Bolivia if the cover states ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’, ‘Jersey’, or ‘Guernsey and its Dependencies’. Other types of British passports require a visa.
Australia
Australians need a passport, but do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 30 days in Bolivia.
New Zealand
New Zealanders need a passport, but do not require a visa for a touristic stay of up to 30 days in Bolivia.
South Africa
South Africans require a passport valid for six months and a visa to enter Bolivia. Visas can be issued on arrival for a fee of US$52.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors that require a visa must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the length of stay; if no visa is required then only a passport valid on entry to Bolivia is necessary. All visitors travelling by air should also have return tickets and all required documents for next destination as well as sufficient funds to see them through their stay. All travelers arriving from Brazil or Paraguay must show valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificates on entry to Bolivia.

United States
A valid passport and a visa are required by US nationals to enter Brazil; both single and multiple entry visas are available. Visas must be used within 90 days of issuance.
Canada
A valid passport and a visa are required by Canadian nationals to enter Brazil; both single and multiple entry visas are available. Visas must be used within 90 days of issuance.
Europe
UK passport holders do not require a visa for either business or holiday travel to Brazil for stays of up to 90 days from date of issue. A valid passport is required.
Australia
A valid passport and a visa are required by Australian nationals to enter Brazil; both single and multiple entry visas are available. Visas must be used within 90 days of issuance.
New Zealand
New Zealanders need a valid passport to enter Brazil, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days from date of issue, for touristic or business purposes.
South Africa
A valid passport is needed, but no visa is required by South African nationals to enter Brazil if travelling on holiday or business for up to 90 days from date of issue.

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors require passports that are valid for at least the period of intended stay in Brazil. Sufficient funds to cover their stay in Brazil, as well as a return or onward ticket and documentation required for further travel, are necessary for all travelers.

United States
No visa is required by US nationals for visits of up to 90 days to Chile, but a US 131 reciprocity fee, payable in USD cash on arrival, will be charged upon arrival. The receipt is regarded as a multiple entry visa and is valid until the passport expires. A passport is required for travel to Chile.
Canada
No visa is required by Canadians for visits to Chile of up to 90 days, but a US 125 reciprocity fee, payable in USD cash on arrival, will be charged for tourists. The receipt is regarded as a multiple entry visa and is valid until expiry of passport. A passport is required for travel to Chile.
Europe
UK nationals do not require a visa for visits of up to 90 days to Chile. A passport is required.
Australia
No visa is required by Australians for visits to Chile of up to 90 days, but a US 95 reciprocity fee, payable in USD cash on arrival, will be charged for tourists. The receipt is regarded as a multiple entry visa and is valid for three months. A passport is required. New Zealand
New Zealand nationals must hold a passport. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days.
South Africa
South African nationals must hold a passport to enter Chile. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

Passport/Visa Note: Passengers must hold a Tourist Card (issued free of charge on arrival for 90 days) and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay. A return or onward ticket is not required if holding a credit card or sufficient funds to purchase a ticket. Passengers with a passport from Australia, Canada, United States or Mexico are required to pay a reciprocity tax on entering Santiago airport before passing through Customs. Fees are US 61 for Australians, US 132 for Canadians, US 131 for US nationals and US 23 for Mexican passport holders. This tax must be paid in US dollars cash; it is paid once and remains valid until the passport expires (for Canadians and Americans) or for three months (for Mexicans and Australians).

Costa Rica Visa Requirements
Citizens holding valid passports from the following countries are permitted to stay in Costa Rica for 90 days without a visa:
Germany, Andorra, Argentina, Australia*, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark*, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, United States*, Estonia, Finland, France*, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, México, Montenegro, Norway*, New Zealand*,Netherlands*, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Principality Of Monaco, San Marino, Puerto Rico, Serbia, South Africa, United Kingdom Of Great Britain And Northern Ireland **, Czech Republic, Republic Of South Korea, Hellenic Republic (Greece), Romania, Vatican City, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Republic Of China (Taiwan), Trinidad And Tobago and Uruguay.

* Their dependencies receive the same treatment
** Include England, Wales and Scotland
*** Starting on July 30, 2007, the Costa Rican authorities will demand that all travelers coming from the following countries (Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador as well as the Republic of Guyana) have a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Citizens holding valid passports from the following countries are exempt from all visa requirements for stays of 30 days in Costa Rica, though once inside the country, they can apply for extension from the Immigration office, for an authorized period of stay of 90 days:
Antigua and Barbuda, Belice, Bolivia, Dominica, El Salvador, Russian Federation, Phillipines, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Northern Marianas, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Maldives, Mauritius, Federated States Of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Kingdom Of Tonga, Samoa, Saint Kitts And Nevis, Saint Vincent And The Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome And Principe, Seychelles, Suriname, Tuvalu, Turkey, Vanuatu and Venezuela.

Citizens of all countries not listed above are required a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling.
As in most of the countries, in order to visit Costa Rica, the traveler must show his or her passport. The passport must be valid during the following 6 months from the entry date to Costa Rica.

Clients need to carry their (photocopy of) their passport and entry stamp with them at all times.

Ecuador Visa Requirements
United States
US citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Canada
Canadian citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Europe
British citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days, irrespective of the endorsement with regard to national status contained in the visitor’s passport. Australia
Australian citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
New Zealand
New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
South Africa
South African citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in Ecuador. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Passport/Visa Note: Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival in Ecuador. All visitors should hold an onward or return ticket, and must demonstrate proof of sufficient funds for their stay in the country. Extensions are possible for travelers who do not need a visa to enter Ecuador. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity

Citizens from China, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan and Somalia. must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival and a 12-X visa. This special visa for tourism has to be required in each Ecuador Embassy.

United States
US nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days in Peru. A valid passport is needed.
Canada
Canadian nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days in Peru. A valid passport is needed.
Europe
British nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days in Peru. A valid passport is needed.
Australia
Australian nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days in Peru. Holders of APEC Business Travel Card do not require visa provided the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Peru.
New Zealand
New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days in Peru. Holders of APEC Business Travel Card do not require visa provided the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Peru.
South Africa
South African nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 183 days in Peru. A valid passport is needed.
Passport/Visa Note: All travelers require return or onward tickets, all documents required for onward travel and proof of funds. If traveling for business purposes, a visa is required. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination.

United States
US citizens require a passport, but a visa is not required for a stay of up to three months in Uruguay.
Canada
Canadians require a passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months in Uruguay.
Europe
All British nationals require a passport for travel to Uruguay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months for all British passport holders.
Australia
Australians require a passport, but a visa is not required for a stay of up to three months in Uruguay.
New Zealand
New Zealand nationals require a passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months in Uruguay.
South Africa
South Africans require a passport, but a visa is not required for a stay of up to three months in Uruguay.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors to Uruguay must hold an onward or return ticket and documents for next destination. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.