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Frequently asked questions

A trip to South America is an exciting adventure! There are a number of common questions first-time travelers to South America frequently ask.

1: Can you assist with domestic flights between south american countries?

Yes, at GOTOLATAM we have access to a wide variety of domestic flights that will take you to all corners of South America. Generally speaking the prices for the flights will be very similar as the one you can find for example on KAYAK but our expertise will allow you to book the most convenient flights on specific logistics to maximize your adventure in latin america. Nevertheless you can choose to book your flights directly or with our travel advisors.

2: Can i change my tour to fit my needs?

Yes, we do specialize in custom-made trips. Bring us your list of things you want to do in South America, and we'll use our knowledge and first-hand experiences to help you plan the perfect trip. Every step of the way, our friendly GOTOLATAM team is here to help you.

3: Is south america a safe place to visit?

Simple answer: yes. Some places and situations in South America are dangerous, but they are easy to avoid and can be kept to a minimum if you plan your trip well and take safety precautions. Also talking to our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you have a safe and fun time in South America. We have in our staff local representatives at the destinations you will be exploring in that way you will receive first hand information in that regard.

4: Who will be there to meet me when i get to each city?

In every city where transfers are listed on your itinerary, you will be met by a friendly local representative who speaks English, a GOTOLATAM representative will welcome you with a sign with your name.

5: In south america, what language do people speak?

Spanish and Portuguese are the most common languages spoken in South America. However, Dutch and French are also spoken in Suriname. Guyana (in French) and Guyana and Falkland Islands (English). Rest assured that many of our local representatives speak English or are bilingual so that you can talk to them easily during your trip.

6: In south america, what kind of money is used?

South American countries each have their own currency. Here are some of the world's currencies. For a full list, visit a site like www.xe.com.

Argentina – Argentine, Peso Bolivia – Bolivian Boliviano Brazil – Brazilian Real, Chileans Peso, Colombia – Colombian Peso, Ecuador – US Dollar, Peru – Peruvian Sol

7: Where can i find the most popular places to see in south america?

South America has some of the world’s most spectacular sceneries and exciting attractions suited for all travelers. There are many well-known places in South America, like Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, the Galapagos Islands, Patagonia, and the Amazon. The country has a lot of culture and beautiful landscapes. Some of these natural sights are on many of our itineraries, and you can also add them to our escorted tours. Just talk or send us a inquire with a short note about your preferences, maybe you like more nature, culture, photography, gastronomy or you would like to experience a short trek, we can make it happen =)

8: Where might i get altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness can affect people of all fitness levels and is more likely to occur in certain South American countries than in others. In general, you are most susceptible to altitude sickness in the following regions:

Atacama Desert, Chile\s• Ecuador – not Galapagos\s• Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca, Peru\s• La Paz, Lake Titicaca and Uyuni, Bolivia

9: How do i know what kind of power adapter to bring?

Most countries in South America have outlets that look like those in Europe. Please go to www.electricaloutlet.info/latin-america-the-caribbean.html for information about the country you're going to.

10: Your website or brochure doesn't list the tour or experience i want. can i still book a tour with you?

Yes, if there is a specific place or experience in South or Central America you'd like to see, just let us know and we'll work with you to make a plan that fits your interests and needs, at GOTOLATAM web you will find inspiration travel outlines that could be a base for a customized itinerary base on your preferences ( travel length, budget and more)

11: How to pack?

Our travel advisors at GOTOLATAM will assist you and offer you the best tips on that regard based on your itinerary nevertheless South America is a big territory, so you should always verify which portion of the continent you will be traveling to and at what time.

Temperatures and seasons can vary from nation to country, but because several South American countries are among the largest in the world, it is not uncommon for the weather to change abruptly as you travel from one part of the country to another almost overnight. Temperatures are not only influenced by the season, but also by altitude.

You can spend one day on the coast of the Galapagos Islands and the next day approximately 3,000 meters above sea level in Quito. You will shiver at the edge of the globe in Ushuaia one day and sweat in Buenos Aires the next. You get the idea =)

12: Do i need visa ?

The majority of nationalities do not require visas to enter South America. However, certain countries are required to pay reciprocal fees, our experienced team of travel advisors will assist you first knowing if you need a visa and then with any documentation necessary.

13: Currencies in south america ?

If you plan on visiting more than one South American country during your trip, you should prepare to make currency exchanges or use ATMs. If you're traveling from the United States, you'll have the easiest time exchanging currency in Ecuador because the local currency is the dollar.

You shouldn't keep more money in a foreign country than you'll need there, as the exchange rate can change at any time. This is especially true in countries like Argentina, which has experienced massive inflation over the past few years and whose currency you should avoid holding unless absolutely necessary.

14: Payment for daily purchases

In the majority of South American nations, there is only one rule.

Cash is the king.

Carry a small quantity of local currency and U.S. dollars with you at all times, regardless of your location.

In large, sophisticated cities such as Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, paying with a credit card or withdrawing cash is typically not a problem. However, in rural areas, such as remote places at Patagonia, it will be considerably more difficult to find a location that accepts credit cards.In addition, it is prudent to have $100 to $200 with you at all times.

15: Wifi and cellphone connection.

All the hotels will offer free wifi in addition you can also activate roaming to keep connection with your hometown communication provider, in addition our GOTOLATAM representatives can assist you as well with the purchase of a local prepaid sim card if you prefer.

16: How fit you need to be?

How physically fit you must be to travel in South America depends on a variety of things.

First, how long do you intend to travel? Second, what activities do you enjoy?

If you enjoy sightseeing and are only in South America for a couple of weeks, you should be able to visit everything on your agenda without being in peak physical condition.

If you wish to go on some walks and spend your time actively, we recommend that you engage in some physical activity at least two months prior to your departure, as you will enjoy your travels significantly better, particularly at high altitude.

17: What kind of travel experts like gotolatam?

GOTOLATAM is a registered member of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and the Latin American Travel Association (LATA). Since 2015, Tripadvisor has given us its Travelers' Choice Award, we are proud of our 5 stars reviews on tripadvisor ( link); our headquarters are located in Peru ( Cusco) and we have satellite offices with associated local partners in the most important destinations around south america.

18: How far in advance should i book my trip?

This depends on how early you like to plan. We frequently book last-minute trips and also organize journeys planned years in advance. Visa requirements, holiday and festival availability, and seasonal demand are crucial factors.

19: Are there luggage limits?

We provide vehicles with sufficient space for you and your luggage. In general, we do not impose a luggage limit; however, if your group is more than six individuals and you all plan to carry substantial amounts of luggage, please let us know so that we can supply a vehicle with sufficient room.

20: Can you make reservations at restaurants and spas or suggest places for me to shop?

We gladly offer our clients top restaurant suggestions and are happy to make reservations for them. We know all the best places to eat a wide range of food, from haute cuisine to local favorites to traditional dinners in private homes.

In the same way, our Travel Designers know all of the best spas in the area. We'll be happy to make appointments for you in any place you're going, and we'll send you spa menus ahead of time. We are also happy to make a whole spa tour fit your needs.

As part of the cultural touring in each place, all tours can be changed to include personalized shopping. We offer insider access to shops and people, expert advice, private specialist guides who are fluent in the local language and culture, and full-service logistical support like packing and shipping. Our GOTOTALAM Travel Designers know a lot about the best local craftspeople, shops, markets, and other places to get high-quality goods.

21: What if i need to contact gotolatam during my trip?

GOTOLATAM has local staff at each destination who can be reached 24 hours a day in case of an emergency. In your Detailed Itinerary, you will also find the phone numbers for our director and our Customer Service Supervisor, so you can call them if you need to.

22: What is the best time of the year to visit argentina ?

Buenos Aires: The weather in Buenos Aires is mild and warm almost all year long. From June to August, the winters are pretty mild, and there is fog and mist in the mornings and evenings. Summer, which lasts from December to February, is warm and sunny, but it can be a bit humid. Buenos Aires rarely has temperatures below 40°F (4°C) or above about 90°F (31°C) all year long.

Bring an umbrella to Iguazu Falls! The spray from these beautiful falls gets everywhere, so you'll want to bring something waterproof. Don't forget to bring plastic bags to put over things like cameras and cell phones. You'll want to wear shoes with closed toes near the falls and on the trails in the nearby National Park. You'll also want to wear clothes made of natural fibers that let air pass through.

Patagonia: The weather in Patagonia can be very unpredictable, but it is usually sunny and warm during the day and quite cool at night. During the summer, the sun will be up from 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and temperatures will range from 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 20 degrees Celsius) during the day and from 35 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 8 degrees Celsius) at night.

23: What is the best time of the year to visit peru ?

From March to October, which is Peru's dry season, is the best time to go. The amount of rain is low, so the sky is clear during the day and at night for sightseeing. On the coast of Peru, temperatures are usually quite cool, and there aren't many big changes in the weather. In the mountains, it's dry and warm during the day. At night, the higher up you go, the temperature will be lower.

24: What is the best time of the year to visit bolivia ?

During the rainy season, the itinerary and routes may change depending on how high the water is. For example, if the water is too high, you might not be able to go to Incahuasi Island. But if you go during the rainy season, you can see how beautiful the mirror effect is and how unique the area is. If you can change your trip to when it's dry, it might be worth it because you'll be able to see more. Please be aware that flights are more likely to be delayed or canceled during the rainy season.

During the rainy season, it might be hard to see Lake Titicaca because of the rain, so it's best to go there when it's dry.

La Paz, Sucre, and Potosi: From December to February, Bolivia has summer, and from September to November, it has spring. These are some of the sunniest months in Bolivia, but it is also the rainy season. It makes the country feel fresh and gives the land a lot of greenery. You can learn about Bolivian culture and history all year long by going to the museums in the cities.

25: What is the best time of the year to visit ecuador?

Between January and April, when it is dry and warm, is the best time to visit Guayaquil.

The dry season (summer) in Quito runs from June to September. If you go during this time, you can avoid the unpredictable rain and have more chances to go on outdoor trips.

The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from December to May, during the rainy season. Most of the time, these kinds of weather are the best for seeing wildlife. During the rainy season, the waters are calm and great for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. During these months, the weather is warm and wet. It usually rains in the afternoon and often stops by evening.

26: What is the best time of the year to visit brazil?

Best time to visit the Amazon: Even during the "dry season," it rains a lot, but not as much as during the "wet season." People say that the best time to visit is between June and December, when the weather is the friendliest.

The best time to go to Iguazu Falls is from December to February, when the falls are at their biggest but the weather isn't as nice. The weather gets better in March and April, with warmer, sunnier days and less rain. The falls are still in great shape, though, because the dry season is just starting.

Best time to party: You should go to Rio in February to take part in Carnival, which is one of the biggest events in Brazil. There will be parades, dancing, music, and a lot more.

27: What is the best time of the year to visit chile?

Patagonia: Summer, spring, and winter in the Southern Hemisphere are great times to visit Patagonia because you can go on a variety of trips in this beautiful natural area. In Patagonia, you can see how nature changes with the seasons from December to January, March to April, and July to August. Fall is also a beautiful time to visit Patagonia, as the season changes from summer to fall to winter.

Easter Island is a remote subtropical island with average summer temperatures of 73°F (23°C) and high humidity. On the hottest days, temperatures can reach 90°F (32°C). The average temperature in the winter is 64°F or 18°C, but it can get as low as 50°F or 10°C. Easter Island is often windy and gets a lot of rain in the form of showers all year long. The wettest months are April through June, which is the fall season.

Santiago has a Mediterranean feel to it because it is in a valley and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. When it comes to weather, the best times to visit Chile's capital city are in the spring and fall, from September to November and March to May, respectively.

Atacama Desert: The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places in the world, and temperatures can go from 95°F (35°C) to 28°F (-2°C), which is a big difference. Make sure to bring a lot of things to protect you from the sun and enough layers for cold nights and hot days.

28: I have a food allergy. should i worry about eating overseas?

Please inform us of any dietary limitations. Before your arrival, we will tell the hotels, restaurants, and guides at each stop on your tour of any dietary restrictions.

29: Can you plan a trip to off-the-beaten-path sites or hidden gems?

Our travel experts have lived overseas for years and we pride ourselves in having the expert knowledge to take you to places that are not frequented by many tourists. For example, you can visit a small Andean village far from the tourist centers, stay in a local home, or dine with a local family.

30: I will be traveling with children. what do i need to know beforehand?

At GOTOLATAM travel for families is one of our specializations. Our Travel Designers may offer hotels and destinations that are child-friendly and come with our highest recommendation.

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