All Services Holiday

All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

For holidays not including any flights, financial protection is provided through AFPS: https://aitofps.com/

Prices listed are per person and based on two persons sharing a room and include all flights from the UK and within destination, service of guides and reps (please note that tips are not included), accommodation and all transfers and excursions listed in the itinerary. Where applicable, entrance fees, taxes and charges are included in our prices at the rates advised to us at the time of preparation. An adjustment will be made to your price if any of these change before your holiday. UK airport taxes are included.

To book a holiday or discuss your requirements, please call us on 020 7263 3000. We can usually confirm availability immediately, but may need to check with a supplier first.

You can pay your deposit by bank transfer, cheque, standard UK debit card or non-premium UK personal Visa / MasterCard credit card. Balance payments can be made by bank transfer or cheque only. We do not accept cards for balance payments. Paying the deposit by card offers the same level of protection for the whole cost of your holiday, but keeps our prices lower. We are unable to accept cash. The balance for holidays is usually due 90 days prior to departure, but in some cases, the balance payment may be due earlier. We will advise you if this is the case. For bookings within the balance period, full payment is required at the time of booking.

All hotels include breakfast, and other meals are included on some tours and excursions. However, generally, you will need to arrange your own lunches and dinners. We recommend budgeting approximately US$15 – 20 for a meal, although many restaurants have excellent value set lunches for less than this. Hotel restaurants, especially in superior hotels, can be more expensive. Additionally, there are many upmarket restaurants, particularly in Lima and Cusco, where you should expect to pay up to US$50 per person, or possibly more. However, these still offer excellent value for money compared to equivalent restaurants in the UK, and we find that many of our customers treat themselves to a special meal in Lima at the end of their holiday.

Bar prices are similar to the UK and a small bottle of beer usually costs around US$2-3 in a hotel bar. Wine, particularly imported wine, can be quite expensive.

We find that many people take advantage of the excellent crafts markets in and around Cusco, so please allow for this if you are likely to buy such items. The prices vary significantly depending on the quality of the items, and detailed crafts can be expensive.

There are also many excellent shopping opportunities in the cities, with excellent alpaca clothing and jewellery shops. These generally take credit cards, although a discount is sometimes possible for cash payments.

If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. For general excursions, if you want to tip guides, US$2 – 3 per person per day is usual if you are in a group. Approximately US$1 is usual for drivers or transfer staff. As tipping is not necessarily normal in restaurants, please give any tips directly to the person you would like to tip to ensure that they get it.

For the four-day Inca Trail, tipping is normal as the guides, porters and cooks usually provide an excellent service. We recommend tipping around US$40 -60 per trekker for the whole trail, depending on the size of the group. For small groups (fewer than 6 trekkers), tipping per trekker is usually higher than for larger groups (more than 10 trekkers), as the number of support staff per trekker is higher.

For the Short Inca Trail, around US$15-20 is normal for the two-day excursion.

If you would like to tip your guide in the jungle, approximately US$10 per person per day is recommended.

Lima is the culinary capital of Peru, and possibly of all South America, and the city is full of good places to eat, ranging from the cheap and cheerful, to among the best, and most expensive, in all the Americas. Many serve traditional Peruvian food, as well as the standard international restaurants. Seafood is among the best choices. There are many restaurants serving good value set lunches, especially around Parque Kennedy in Miraflores. Most of the best restaurants are in Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco.

Most of the restaurants in the centre of Cusco offer a range of international and Peruvian food, and cater for tourists as well as locals. Many local dishes are based on highland crops, such as potatoes and quinoa, and there are many excellent soups. You may want to try an ancient Inca delicacy – guinea pig! This is usually served in picanterias, which are restaurants specializing in local dishes. Prices in restaurants aimed at tourists generally range from around $10 - $20, although even upmarket restaurants often have good value set lunches.

The hotels on the shore of Lake Titicaca offer a good selection of highland and international food. Additionally, there is a wide range of restaurants in the city of Puno, especially on Jr. Lima near the main square.

Arequipa has a strong culinary tradition, and there is a wide variety of local dishes available. Soups are particularly popular. Additionally, Rocoto Relleno (stuffed spicy pepper) is another local favourite well worth trying, although make sure you specify if you do not want it too spicy. Most picanterías (restaurants serving traditional Arequipeño food) are outside of the centre, and a taxi should be taken. There are several restaurants on the balconies in the Plaza de Armas giving fine views of the Plaza.

The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol. Most items in Peru are priced in Nuevo Soles, but the US dollar is used in some cases. Travellers should take US dollars and not UK sterling, which is not widely accepted in any form. Credit and debit cards can be used in many shops and restaurants, and can also be used to withdraw money from cash machines. These dispense both Nuevo Soles and US dollars. Please note that it can be difficult to use US dollar notes which have even the smallest tear. When changing US dollars into Nuevo Soles, always use a reputable place to change: banks, hotels or exchange shops. Do not change money on the street if you can avoid it.

When travelling to some of the more remote areas (e.g. the jungle, Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon), it is advisable to take cash, as it is difficult to withdraw or change money or change travellers cheques. If taking travellers cheques, a high commission may be charged, especially if changing directly into dollars (this is often less if changing into Nuevo Soles). Some hotels do not change travellers cheques so you may need to change them in a bank or exchange shop, therefore, please bear in mind opening hours.

It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals on your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary, however we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.

In Cusco and the highlands of Peru, daytime temperatures tend to be around 20 degrees centigrade. However, night time temperatures drop rapidly, sometimes to below freezing. The coast can be warmer, although night temperatures can be cool, especially between May and September. The jungle is usually hot and humid, although between May and September there are sometimes cold fronts, and temperatures can drop to 5 degrees. Therefore, a variety of clothing, suitable for warm and cold weather is advisable. Rain is possible throughout the year, so waterproofs are also recommended. Lip balm is recommended and insect repellent is advisable, especially for jungle areas and around Machu Picchu.

Electricity in Peru is 220V, and plugs are of the flat two-pin type.

It is a legal requirement to carry identity documentation when in Peru. Therefore, having a copy of your passport with you at all times is recommended.

Please bring any medication you may require from the UK.

You require your passport when visiting Machu Picchu. Please make sure you bring this, otherwise you may not be able to enter the site.

If you are walking the Inca Trail or the Short Inca Trail, please take the passport that you had when you initially booked if this has changed since booking. Otherwise you will not be permitted to start the trail.

The temperatures in Costa Rica can vary significantly depending where you are visiting. On the coast, daytime highs of over 30°C are possible. In the highlands of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, temperatures at night can drop to lower than 10°C. Therefore, a variety of clothing, suitable for hot and cold weather is advisable. Rain is possible throughout the year, and can be heavy, so waterproofs are also recommended. Insect repellent is advisable, especially for jungle areas.

If you visit Tabacon Hot Springs near Arenal, the pools can be slippery, so please bring non-slip sandals.

Electricity in Costa Rica is 110V, and plugs are of the flat two-pin type.

We recommend you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

Please bring any medication you may require from the UK.

If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. For general excursions, if you want to tip guides, US$3 – 5 per person per day is usual if you are in a group. Approximately US$2-3 is usual for drivers or transfer staff. Service is usually included in restaurants so tipping is not normally expected. Please give any tips directly to the person you would like to tip to ensure that they get it.

The national dish of Costa Rica is Gallo pinto which consists of rice and beans. This is traditionally had for breakfast, although it can be eaten with any meal. The capital city of San Jose has a wide range of restaurants, La Fortuna – a town near Arenal Volcano – serves a mix of international and Costa Rican dishes, and there are several restaurants in Santa Elena and Monteverde. The Hotel Parador in Manuel Antonio has three restaurants, and there are also reasonably priced restaurants in the village. Seafood is the specialty of this area.

All hotels include breakfast, and other meals are included on some tours and excursions. However, generally, you will need to arrange your own lunches and dinners. We recommend budgeting approximately US$15 – 20 for a meal, although many restaurants have excellent value set lunches for less than this. Hotel restaurants, especially in superior hotels, can be more expensive. Additionally, there are many upmarket restaurants, particularly in San Jose, where you should expect to pay up to US$50 per person, or possibly more.

Bar prices are similar to the UK and a small bottle of beer usually costs around US$2-3 in a hotel bar. This can be higher in more remote areas.

If you are planning on arranging any activities locally, these can be expensive. These can usually be paid for by credit card.

The currency in Costa Rica is the Colon. Travellers should take local currency or US dollars and not UK sterling, which is not widely accepted in any form. Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus) can be used in many shops and restaurants, and can also be used to withdraw money from cash machines. There are cash machines in the centre of town in San Jose, La Fortuna (Arenal), Santa Elena (Monteverde) and Quepos (Manuel Antonio).

When changing US dollars into local currency, always use a reputable place to change: banks, hotels or exchange shops. Do not change money on the street if you can avoid it. If taking travellers cheques, a high commission may be charged, especially if changing directly into dollars. Some hotels do not change travellers cheques so you may need to change them in a bank or exchange shop, therefore, please bear in mind opening hours.

It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals on your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary, however we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.
When withdrawing money abroad, the daily limit may be lower than your UK limit.

In Quito, daytime temperatures tend to be around 20°C and night time temperatures around 10°C. The weather in the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Riobamba and Cuenca is similar to Quito. Temperatures in the jungle and Guayaquil tend to be hot and humid year round, although cold snaps are also possible. Therefore, a variety of clothing, suitable for warm and cooler weather is advisable. Rain is possible throughout the year, so waterproofs are also recommended. Insect repellent is advisable, especially for the jungle, the Bellavista cloud forest and for the Galapagos Islands.

Sturdy footwear is advisable for the Galapagos Islands, as some paths can be rocky and uneven. If you are visiting the Bellavista cloud forest, the trails can be muddy and sometimes they are slippery. Therefore, please take appropriate footwear.

The hottest months in the Galapagos Islands are usually December – May, when temperatures can rise above 30°C, although it tends to be wettest then. Sea temperatures are also at their warmest, around 25°C (although the temperature can vary significantly between different islands). From June – December, temperatures are usually cooler (around 25°C), but it rains less. It is often misty at this time of year. Sea temperatures also tend to be cooler, around 20°C. Dress on board the cruise boats is informal, so formal dress is not required.

Electricity in Ecuador is 110V, and plugs are of the flat two-pin type.

Having a copy of your passport with you at all times is recommended.

Please bring any medication you may require from the UK.

All hotels include breakfast, and other meals are included on some tours and excursions. However, generally, you will need to arrange your own lunches and dinners. We recommend budgeting approximately US$15 – 20 for a meal, although many restaurants have excellent value set lunches for less than this. Hotel restaurants, especially in superior hotels, can be more expensive, as can meals in restaurants on the Galapagos Islands. Additionally, there are some upmarket restaurants in cities where you should expect to pay up to US$50 per person, or possibly more. However, these still offer excellent value for money compared to equivalent restaurants in the UK.

Bar prices on the mainland are similar to the UK, or slightly cheaper, and a small bottle of beer usually costs around US$2-3 in a hotel bar. Wine, particularly imported wine, can be quite expensive. On Galapagos boats, bar prices are usually higher than on the mainland, particularly for wine.

We find that many people take advantage of the excellent crafts markets in and around Quito, so please allow for this if you are likely to buy such items. The prices vary significantly depending on the quality of the items, and detailed crafts can be expensive.

Quito has many good restaurants with a wide range of national and international cuisine. Many of the best restaurants are located in the new town. Ingredients from the jungle, the Andes and the coast allow for an interesting mix of dishes. Sometimes, traditional restaurants are only open from noon to 3pm.

Although it does not have as many options as Quito, Cuenca has a good variety of restaurants and cafes serving both local and international cuisine. The locals are fond of sweet food, particularly ice cream, and there are many good cafes near the main square catering for this market. There are also a number of restaurants in central Guayaquil and on the promenade, although many of the best restaurants are located in the malls and entertainment centres away from the centre.

The official currency in Ecuador is the US dollar. Travellers should take US dollars and not UK sterling, which is not widely accepted in any form. Credit and debit cards (both Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted) can be used in many shops and restaurants, and can be used to withdraw money from cash machines. It can be difficult to use dollar notes which have even the smallest tear. Some places do not accept US$100 bills, so it is best to take smaller denomination notes. When travelling to some of the more remote areas (e.g, the jungle), it is advisable to take cash, as it is difficult to withdraw or change money. If taking travellers cheques, a high commission may be charged. Some hotels do not change travellers cheques so you may need to change them in a bank or exchange shop, therefore, please bear in mind opening hours.

It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals on your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary; however, we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.

On most small boats in the Galapagos, you can only pay in cash. Some larger boats also take credit cards.

If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. For general excursions, if you want to tip guides, US$2 – 3 per person per day is usual if you are in a group. Approximately US$1 is usual for drivers or transfer staff. As tipping is not necessarily normal in restaurants, please give any tips directly to the person you would like to tip to ensure that they get it.

Tipping your Galapagos boat crew and guides on board is expected and is usually well deserved. For yachts up to 16 passengers, and the Hotel Finch Bay tours, approximately US$15 – 20 per person per day is recommended. For larger yachts, US$23-25 is normal.

If you would like to tip your guide in the jungle, approximately US$10 per person per day is recommended. This is divided between the guides and the staff.

Due to its proximity to the Equator, lowland Colombia has a tropical climate; however, temperatures are lower in highland areas, including Bogotá and the coffee region, and vary significantly throughout the country. The coast is usually hot and humid, often with daytime highs of over 30°C, whilst in Bogotá night-time temperatures can drop to lower than 10°C. Therefore, a variety of clothing, suitable for hot and cold weather, is advisable. Rain is possible throughout the year, and can be heavy, so waterproofs are recommended. The wettest months are generally April to June and October to November. The coastal dry season is from December to March, during which there is little rain. Insect repellent is advisable, especially for the coffee region and the Caribbean areas.

Electricity in Colombia is 110V, and plugs are of the flat two-pin type.

We recommend you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

Please bring any medication you may require from the UK.

You can bring whichever luggage you feel most comfortable with: suitcases, soft bags and rucksacks are fine.

If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. For general excursions, if you want to tip guides, US$3 – 5 per person per day is usual if you are in a group. Approximately US$2 - 3 is usual for drivers or transfer staff. As tipping is not necessarily normal in restaurants, please give any tips directly to the person you would like to tip to ensure that they get it. In certain restaurants, a 10% service charge may be included in your bill, or the bill may mention that service is not included.

Whilst in Bogotá it is possible to sample regional specialties from throughout Colombia. Colombian food is quite diverse, with the coast, the Andes and jungle favouring different ingredients, allowing for an interesting mix. Many of these dishes can be found in the historic city centre, and Calle 11 has a number of tourist-friendly restaurants with menus in Spanish and English. One of the most popular dishes from Bogotá itself is ajiaco, a tasty soup containing shredded chicken, potatoes and tubers, and corn on the cob, served with rice and avocado. Another interesting and unique choice is chocolate santerfereño: hot chocolate served with cheese (to melt in the chocolate) and two types of bread. Cheap set menus can be a good option in more traditional restaurants, often with 3 courses and a drink for under £5. Bakeries, fresh fruit juice shops and street stalls are plentiful. Many of the upmarket restaurants featuring international cuisine are found in the newer Zona Rosa district (Zona G, Zona T and Parque 93).

The most well-known dish to hail from Medellín is ‘bandeja paisa’, a tasty, although not so waist-friendly, plate showcasing many of Colombia’s favourite foods. The dish includes a generous variety of ingredients: red beans with pork, rice, a fried egg, plantain, minced meat, chorizo, an arepa (a type of corn flour pancake), black pudding, pork scratchings, avocado and hogao sauce. The bandeja, or platter in English, originated in the Andean region, so Medellín is the best place to try this much-loved meal.

Hotel Sazagua in the Coffee Region has a restaurant offering international cuisine with a regional twist, and dishes based on family recipes. There are also reasonably priced restaurants in the area; however, a taxi ride is needed. Trout is the regional specialty.

The restaurants in Cartagena offer a rich culinary variety, combining flavours and ingredients from the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Asia. Lunchtime set menus offer good value for money, whilst high-end international cuisine is common in the historic centre. Fish and coconut rice are typical of the Caribbean region, whilst snacks include varieties of arepas (corn flatbreads), patacones (fried plantain) and fresh tropical fruit juices.

There are several restaurants in Tayrona National Park, offering regional snacks, local and international food and drinks at reasonable prices. It is also possible to bring food and soft drinks into the park. Fish and seafood are the specialties of this area.

All hotels include breakfast, and other meals are included on some tours and excursions. However, generally, you will need to arrange your own lunches and dinners. We recommend budgeting approximately US$15 – 20 for a meal, although many restaurants have excellent value set lunches for less than this. Hotel restaurants, especially in superior hotels, can be more expensive. Additionally, there are many upmarket restaurants, particularly in Bogotá and Cartagena, where you should expect to pay up to US$50 per person, or possibly more.

Bar prices are similar to the UK and a small bottle of beer usually costs around US$2-3 in a hotel bar. This can be higher in more remote areas.

The currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso. Travellers should take local currency or US dollars and not UK sterling, which is not widely accepted in any form. Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) can be used in many shops and restaurants, and can also be used to withdraw money from cash machines. There are cash machines in the centre of Bogotá and Cartagena. Please note that it can be difficult to use US dollar notes which have even the smallest tear. When changing US dollars into local currency, always use a reputable place to change: banks, hotels or exchange shops. Do not change money on the street if you can avoid it.

When travelling to some of the more remote areas (e.g. the Tayrona National Park), it is advisable to take cash, as it can be difficult to withdraw or change money, or change travellers cheques. If taking travellers cheques, a high commission may be charged, especially if changing directly into dollars. Some hotels do not change travellers cheques so you may need to change them in a bank or exchange shop, therefore, please bear in mind opening hours.

It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals on your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary; however, we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.

Light-weight, warm weather clothing is suitable for travelling in Brazil. Some areas, especially the Pantanal and Amazon regions, have very high humidity. On the Atlantic coast, during the winter months from June to August, night-time temperatures can be cooler and long-sleeved clothing is recommended. Long-sleeved, breathable clothing and closed shoes are necessary for visiting the Amazon and the Pantanal. Sun hats, sunglasses and sun protection cream are also recommended.

Rain showers are possible throughout the year in all destinations, so waterproofs are recommended.

Electricity in Brazil is 110V. Plugs are of the two round pin type. Some sockets also accept two flat pin plugs. We recommend taking a universal adaptor with relatively long pins, as some sockets are inset into the wall.

It is a legal requirement to carry identity documentation when in Brazil. Therefore, please carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.

Please bring any medication you may require from the UK.

If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. For general excursions, if you want to tip guides, US$2 – 3 per person per day is usual if you are in a group. Approximately US$1 is usual for drivers or transfer staff. 10% is usual in restaurants. Please give any tips directly to the person you would like to tip to ensure that they get it.

Rio has restaurants with cuisine from all over the world. Typical of the city are the churrascarias, or steakhouses, where, for a fixed price, waiters offer various different cuts of meat to add to your plate. There are many per kilo restaurants, where you pay according to the weight of your plate.

The restaurants in Foz do Iguaçu near the Iguaçu Falls offer typical Brazilian dishes, and due to its cultural diversity, European and Asian food is also found. To avoid taking a taxi to eat out in the evenings, you may find it more convenient to eat in your hotel. Each of our Iguaçu hotels has at least one good restaurant and bar. In the Brazilian national park, there are snack shops, a cafeteria at the end of the walking trail, and a restaurant which looks out directly towards the falls. The Argentinian national park has a restaurant and several smaller cafes selling snacks.

Salvador has a distinct cuisine which is a fusion of indigenous, Portuguese and African influences. Common ingredients are dendê (palm oil), fresh coriander, seafood such as shrimps, tomatoes and coconut milk. Must-try dishes include the street food favourite acarajé, a dumpling made from beans and deep-fried in palm oil, stuffed with a paste of shrimps and cashew nuts. Another speciality of the area is moqueca, a tasty slow-cooked seafood and fish stew with coconut milk, coriander, onions and garlic. For dessert, try cocadas, a sweet with fresh grated coconut, which is found in various forms around Latin America. Fresh juices and ice creams made from the wide range of fruits found in Brazil are also delicious. Coconut water is a very refreshing drink popular in the city.

The Praia das Ondas hotel in Itacimirim has an attractive restaurant and bar area, serving main meals and snacks, including local and international options. There are many restaurants on the main streets of Praia do Forte, in addition to ice cream and juice shops which use a wide range of local fresh fruits. Restaurants mainly serve seafood and other Bahian dishes, and some also offer pasta dishes and salads. Prices are often for two people. This is not always specified on the menu so ask the waiter for clarification if prices seem high.

All hotels include breakfast, and other meals are included on some tours and excursions. However, generally, you will need to arrange your own lunches and dinners. We recommend budgeting approximately US$25 – 30 for a meal, although many restaurants have excellent value set lunches for less than this. Hotel restaurants, especially in superior hotels, can be more expensive. Additionally, there are many upmarket restaurants, particularly in Rio, where you should expect to pay up to US$50 per person, or possibly more.

Bar prices are similar to the UK and a small bottle of beer usually costs around US$2-3 in a hotel bar. Wine, particularly imported wine, can be quite expensive. 

Rio is generally expensive for most services, often higher than in the UK, although prices outside of Rio and other large cities are usually more reasonable/

The currency in Brazil is the Real. Items are priced in local currency. Some hotels will accept payments in US Dollars or Euros. Travellers should take local currency, US dollars or Euros and not UK sterling, which is not widely accepted in any form. Brazilian Reals are usually stocked in UK currency exchanges.

Credit and debit cards (Visa and MasterCard) can be used in many shops and restaurants, and can also be used to withdraw money from cash machines. In cities, ATMs are often inside banks and cannot be accessed at night, so if you require cash, it is best to get this during the day. Not all cash machines work with international cards, so look for the Cirrus or Plus (Visa) symbols. Banco do Brasil, Bradesco and HSBC banks should accept international cards; however sometimes banks will only have one cash machine compatible with international cards, and will usually only work with Cirrus or Plus cards, not both. The Red Banco 24 Horas machines usually accept most cards. Santander banks are widespread but do not usually accept international cards. All airports, visited on your Llama Travel tour, have at least one cash machine compatible with international cards.

It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals on your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary, however we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.
Using a prepaid travel card (which are loaded online and can be used like a credit or debit card when abroad) are often the best way to avoid the fees charged for using your UK credit/debit cards abroad. If taking travellers cheques, a high commission may be charged. Many hotels do not change travellers cheques so you may need to change them in a bank or exchange shop; therefore, please bear in mind opening hours.

Please note that it can be difficult to use US dollar notes which have even the smallest tear. When changing US dollars into local Reals, always use a reputable place to change: banks, hotels or exchange shops. Do not change money on the street if you can avoid it.

The temperatures in Guatemala can vary significantly depending where you are visiting. In the jungle lowlands of Tikal, daytime highs of over 35°C are possible. In the highlands of Lake Atitlán, temperatures at night can drop to lower than 10°C. Therefore, a variety of clothing, suitable for hot and cold weather is advisable. Rain is possible throughout the year, and can be heavy, so waterproofs are also recommended. Insect repellent is advisable, especially for jungle areas.

Electricity in Guatemala is 110V, and plugs are of the flat two-pin type.

We recommend you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

Please bring any medication you may require from the UK.

You can bring whichever luggage you feel most comfortable with: suitcases, soft bags and rucksacks are fine.

If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. For general excursions, if you want to tip guides, US$3 – 5 per person per day is usual if you are in a group. Approximately US$2-3 is usual for drivers or transfer staff. 10% is usual in restaurants. Please give any tips directly to the person you would like to tip to ensure that they get it.

Antigua, Guatemala’s most popular city, has many good restaurants with a wide range of national and international cuisine. Many of the best restaurants are located close to the Parque Central. One of the staples of Guatemalan food is the maize tortilla. The Guatemalan tortilla is smaller and thicker than the Mexican tortilla and you will find them served with many meals. Modern day Guatemalan cuisine also tends to combine old Maya food such as maize, beans, squashes, potatoes with the influence of Spanish food such as greater amounts of meat and European vegetables.

Chichicastenango (or Chichi as it is commonly referred to as) is a famous market town in the Guatemalan highlands. Chichicastenango hosts a twice weekly market (Thursdays and Sundays) with villagers coming from far and wide to sell their wares. The market usually starts from about dawn and lasts until 3pm. The market these days also caters for tourists and there are many stalls selling souvenirs such as masks, paintings and textiles. The market however is still widely used for trading goods between local people with the food market being particularly impressive. Chichicastenango is also home to the Santo Tomas church which was built in 1545 and is located at the heart of the market. The church itself is renowned for its half catholic and half Maya rituals which take place inside. Priests still use the church for their rituals, and it is common to see candles and incense burning inside the church. The church has 18 steps leading to it, and these represent the 18 months of the Maya calendar.

Due to Lake Atitlán’s popularity with tourists, there is a wide range of restaurants serving international and local food in Panajachel. The town of Flores, closest town to the Tikal ruins, also has a wide selection of restaurants. Some serve wild game; almost all of this has been taken illegally from reserves, so please do not order this.

All hotels include breakfast, and other meals are included on some tours and excursions. However, generally, you will need to arrange your own lunches and dinners. We recommend budgeting approximately US$15 – 20 for a meal, although many restaurants have excellent value set lunches for less than this. Hotel restaurants, especially in superior hotels, can be more expensive.

Bar prices are similar to the UK and a small bottle of beer usually costs around US$2-3 in a hotel bar. This can be higher in more remote areas.

If you are planning on arranging any activities locally, these can be expensive. These can usually be paid for by credit card.

The currency in Guatemala is the Quetzal. Travellers should take local currency or US dollars and not UK sterling, which is not widely accepted in any form. Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus) can be used in many shops and restaurants, and can also be used to withdraw money from cash machines. There are cash machines in the centre of town in Antigua, Panajachel, Flores and Guatemala City. When changing US dollars into local currency, always use a reputable place to change: banks, hotels or exchange shops. Do not change money on the street if you can avoid it. If taking travellers cheques, a high commission may be charged, especially if changing directly into dollars. Some hotels do not change travellers cheques so you may need to change them in a bank or exchange shop, therefore, please bear in mind opening hours.

It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals on your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary, however, we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.

Daytime temperatures in Buenos Aires from October to May are around 18°C - 30°C and night-time temperatures are around 10°C - 20°C. Daytime temperatures in El Calafate in Patagonia from October to April are around 10°C- 18°C and night-time temperatures are from freezing to 7°C.

Due to the variations in weather, we recommend taking a variety of clothing, suitable for warm and cold weather. Rain is possible throughout the year, especially in Buenos Aires, so waterproofs are also recommended.

Electricity in Argentina is 220V, and plugs are either of the European two-pin type or Australian flat 3-pin type. We recommend taking a universal adaptor.

It is a legal requirement to carry identity documentation when in Argentina and Brazil (when visiting Iguazú Falls). Therefore, having a copy of your passport with you at all times is recommended.

Please bring any medication you may require from the UK.

If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. For general excursions, if you want to tip guides, US$2 – 4 per person per day is usual if you are in a group. Approximately US$1 is usual for drivers or transfer staff. 10% is usual in restaurants. Please give any tips directly to the person you would like to tip to ensure that they get it.

Argentina is well known for its steaks and for meat lovers it is well worth heading to one of the many parrilla restaurants. The food in Buenos Aires is excellent, with a wide range of both national and international cuisine available. Due to the city’s Italian heritage, Buenos Aires also has excellent ice cream. Some of the best places to eat are found in the neighbourhoods of Palermo and Puerto Madero, though there are many good restaurants throughout the city. Argentinians tend to eat quite late, starting around 9 – 10 pm.

Puerto Iguazú near the Iguazu Falls has a good variety of restaurants. Like most of Argentina, there are a number of places serving good steaks, although the specialty here is the locally caught fresh water fish.

For its size, El Calafate has a good selection of restaurants serving local as well as international cuisine. The lamb and trout are generally excellent and there are a number of good ice cream and chocolate shops on the main street. Due to the remoteness of the town, food can be expensive.

Seafood is the most popular type of food in Ushuaia, in particular local king crab. Other Patagonian specialities, such as lamb, and international cuisine is also widely available. Due to the remote location of Ushuaia, food can be expensive.

All hotels include breakfast, and other meals are included on some tours and excursions. However, generally, you will need to arrange your own lunches and dinners. We recommend budgeting approximately US$20 – 25 for a meal, although many restaurants have excellent value set lunches for less than this. Hotel restaurants, especially in superior hotels, can be more expensive. Restaurant in more remote areas, including Torres del Paine and Easter Island, are more expensive. Additionally, there are many upmarket restaurants, particularly in Buenos Aires, where you should expect to pay up to US$50 per person, or possibly more.

Bar prices are similar to the UK and a small bottle of beer usually costs around US$2-3 in a hotel bar.

The currency in Argentina is the Peso.                                                                                                                                                                                             

If you are visiting the Iguazu Falls, you will visit the Brazilian side of the falls. The currency in Brazil is the Real.

Travellers should take US dollars and not UK sterling, which is not widely accepted in any form. Credit and debit cards (Visa and MasterCard) can be used in many shops and restaurants, and can also be used to withdraw money from cash machines. Not all cash machines work with international cards, so look for the Cirrus or Plus (Visa) symbols. Most banks will only have one cash machine compatible with international cards, and will usually only work with Cirrus or Plus cards, not both. However, the Red Banco 24 Horas machines usually accept most cards. Using a prepaid travel card (which are loaded online and can be used like a credit or debit card when abroad) are often the best way to avoid the fees charged for using your usual cards abroad.

Please note that it can be difficult to use US dollar notes which have even the smallest tear. When changing US dollars into local currency, always use a reputable place to change: banks, hotels or exchange shops. Do not change money on the street if you can avoid it.

It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals on your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary; however we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.

In Santiago, daytime temperatures from October to April tend to be around 20°C - 30°C and night-time temperatures around 10°C. Daytime highs in Torres del Paine from October to April are around 12°C – 20°C and night-time temperatures can drop to 2°C or 3°C. Although rain is usually not heavy, it can get very windy, and wind chill can make the temperatures feel 7 or 8 degrees cooler. In Puerto Varas, daytime highs from October to April tend to be around 15°C - 20°C and night-time temperatures around 6°C - 10°C. Although this is the driest period, rain is common throughout the year. Daytime highs in the Atacama Desert are around 20°C – 25°C and night-time temperatures are around 12°C. Daytime highs on Easter Island are around 20°C – 25°C and night-time temperatures are around 15°C - 20°C. 

Due to the variations in weather, we recommend taking a variety of clothing, suitable for warm and cold weather. Rain is possible throughout the year, so waterproofs are also recommended. 

Electricity in Chile is 220V, and plugs are of the round two-pin type. 

We recommend you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times. 

Please bring any medication you may require from the UK. 

You can bring whichever luggage you feel most comfortable with: suitcases, soft bags and rucksacks are fine.

If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. If you want to tip guides, US$2-3 per person per day is usual if you are in a group. Approximately US$1-2 is usual for drivers or transfer staff. 10% is usual in restaurants. Please give any tips directly to the person you would like to tip to ensure that they get it.

Chileans love meat and there are many restaurants catering for meat lovers. There are also many good seafood restaurants in Santiago, with the Central Market having many good places to eat at lunchtime. Some of the best restaurants are to be found in the Barrio Lastarria and in the Barrio Bellavista, although they tend to be more expensive. There are many restaurants serving good value set lunches throughout the city.

Most of the restaurants in Puerto Varas can be found close to the centre of the town. Fish is prominent on the menus, but there is also a wide selection of international cuisine. There is a good selection of restaurants in Puerto Natales, especially for a town of its size, including typical Patagonian barbecued meat places, sea food restaurants and pizzerias. In Torres del Paine, you will generally eat in your hotel, although there are some restaurants close to the hotel Rio Serrano. Hotels can also prepare packed lunches. There are few places to eat in the park itself.

Good food and Chilean wine is also easily found in the centre of Punta Arenas. The local specialty is king crab (centolla). The hearty Chilean cazuela is a stew made from meat, squash, potatoes and other vegetables, and makes for a nourishing, warming meal in the cold Patagonian climate.

There are several good restaurants in San Pedro in the Atacama Desert, with many serving local ingredients, including llama meat. There is a fairly limited selection of restaurants in Hanga Roa on Easter Island, although there are several good fish restaurants. Prices tend to be quite high, with shipped in food often twice the price of on the mainland, although local fish can be good value.

All hotels include breakfast, and other meals are included on some tours and excursions. However, generally, you will need to arrange your own lunches and dinners. We recommend budgeting approximately US$20 – 25 for a meal, although many restaurants have excellent value set lunches for less than this. Hotel restaurants, especially in superior hotels, can be more expensive. Restaurant in more remote areas, including Torres del Paine and Easter Island, are more expensive. Additionally, there are many upmarket restaurants, particularly in Santiago, where you should expect to pay up to US$50 per person, or possibly more.

Bar prices are similar to the UK and a small bottle of beer usually costs around US$2-3 in a hotel bar. This can be higher in more remote areas.

If you are planning on arranging any activities locally, especially in Torres del Paine, these can be expensive. These can usually be paid for by credit card.

The currency in Chile is the Peso. Travellers should take local currency or US dollars and not UK sterling, which is not widely accepted in any form. Credit and debit cards (Visa and MasterCard) can be used in many shops and restaurants, and can also be used to withdraw money from cash machines. Please note that it can be difficult to use US dollar notes which have even the smallest tear. When changing US dollars into local currency, always use a reputable place to change: banks, hotels or exchange shops. Do not change money on the street if you can avoid it. If taking travellers cheques, a high commission may be charged, especially if changing directly into dollars. Some hotels do not change travellers cheques so you may need to change them in a bank or exchange shop, therefore, please bear in mind opening hours.

It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals on your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary; however we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.