Peru Tours - What To Bring On A Trek In Peru

The last thing any trekkers wants is to carry more than necessary. This was never truer in Peru, where trekking routes can take hikers over 5000m. Here’s some advice learnt from years of taking treks in Peru to make sure you avoid those unwanted extra kilos in your pack, but still have all the essentials covered.

A useful trick - give your stuff to someone else!
If you choose to book your Peru vacation with a tour operator, you’ll be carrying a lot less! The operator will be able to provide you with either mules and arrieros (mule drivers), or on some routes porters, to carry supplies, tents, sleeping bags, water and mattresses. This shrinks the size of your pack from 20kg to a small day pack. When you’re tackling a high pass on the Inca Trail or pushing up towards Punta Union on the Santa Cruz trek, you’ll appreciate the reduction in weight. If you are grinding up the 5200m pass on the Ausangate circuit you will certainly not be wanting to carry a gram more than you need to!

If you’re travelling independently, most major towns close to trekking routes such as Cusco and Huaraz will have a range of local tour operators. They will be able to assist you in resources for your expedition such as mules, but be careful! Some local operators have a better reputation than others. Ask around town for the best operators, or book with an external operator who already has a good trusting relationship with a expedition provider.

What you need to carry
If you’re following the suggestion above, then all you need to worry about is your day pack. When you arrive in camp at the end of a long days trekking, everything will be set up for you. All you have to worry about is eating the hot meal prepared for you and collapsing into your sleeping bag. Here’s a list of things to include in your day pack and on your person, learnt after a few years of trial and error:

1. Hiking Shoes
2. A Hat and beanie to protect you from the sun and the cold
3. Gloves and scarf for the nights
4. Sun Block & Insect Repellent
5. Some extra snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate)
6. A Rain Jacket or a Poncho
7. Towel
8. Swimsuit (recommend for routes involving hot springs)
9. Long Pants
10. Some cash in local currency
11. T-shirts that you can layer
12. Warm clothes, including jacket, fleece, sweaters and 4 pairs of socks
13. Original passport - photocopies are not acceptable.
14. Tips for porters, guides and cooks in separate envelopes
15. Plastic bags to store your spare clothes
16. Toilet Paper
17. Flashlight (and batteries!)
18. Pocket knife
19. A Water Bottle & water purifying tablets
20. A small personal medical kit

Are there any other preparations, or things that you advise bringing for a trek in Peru?

 

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Eating Vegetarian In Latin America - Is It Possible?

 

It’s no secret, Latinos love meat. Argentina vacations will present you with doorstop-thick steaks, Peru vacations with roasted cuy (guinea pig). Every country in Latin America seems to bring its plates to the table with a portion of meat included. If you’re a vegetarian traveller, does this mean it will be impossible to travel in Latin America without having to eat meat?

Difficult, but not impossible
The good news is that plenty of options exist for vegetarians especially in tourist hot spots such as Cusco, near Machu Picchu. A plant-based diet is actually the staple food of Latin America – the Inca Empire, for example, was based around corn culture. Markets all over the continent are bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables, far cheaper than any meat alternatives.

Things to make your life easier
If you want to travel successfully as a vegetarian, here are some suggestions to make life easier.

1) Bring your own supplies as backup
Without loading your suitcase with kilos of tofu, you can at least bring a selection of vegetarian snacks to keep hunger at bay when you’re out and about. Primal Strips are the meat-free version of beef jerky and there are a wide range of protein and cereal bars available .

2) Research restaurants in destination
Especially around popular tourist destinations such as Cusco, Antigua or Buenos Aires, you’ll be sure to find options for vegetarians. The website www.happycow.net has a list of vegetarian restaurants and health food stores globally, so you can check out options for eating before arriving in your travel destination.

3) The language barrier
There may be options for vegetarians, but many restaurant staff will be steeped in a culture of meat-eating. Before you leave try to learn the words for “fish”, “chicken”, meat”, “dairy products” and “eggs”. It’s also good to know that the Spanish translation for vegetarian is “vegetariano”, so you’ll eventually be understood if you patiently explain your situation to the waiter.

Be careful with asking for dishes without meat. The translation for meat is “carne”, which normally just refers to red meat, so you could still end up faced with a plate of chicken! Explain fully what your requirements are, as it’s possible that your waiter has never heard of vegetarianism before...

4) Consider travel with a tour company
If there’s one thing tour companies are used to, it’s satisfying a wide range of dietary requirements. It would be useful to state what you can or cannot eat when asking for a tour quote, especially if booking a trek like the Inca Trail or similar active excursion. A tour company with years experience in a certain location will have good links to restaurants and options that are considerate of vegetarians. This way you’ll be able to avoid the possibility of eating rice and beans for your whole trip!

Have you travelled in any countries where it was difficult as a vegetarian? What advice can you give to vegetarians travelling in Latin America?

 

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Safe travel - 5 Tips For More Secure Latin America Vacations

Millions of tourists take Latin America vacations and Latin America tours every year, and the vast majority have a wonderful time without any problems. However just like any other destination, travelers are in unfamiliar environments and should take care of themselves. Here are some common sense suggestions to bear in mind when on your Latin America vacation.

1) Look after your belongings
Many towns and cities in Latin America are polarized mixtures of affluence and poverty, with the result that pick-pocketing is common. If you are in a crowded environment such as the popular Semana Santa festival in Antigua, Guatemala pay close attention to your belongings.

When at restaurants keep a close eye on handbags or day-packs to prevent passers-by from grabbing your stuff.

2) Dress conservatively
In many Latino countries such as Mexico and Argentina there can be a strong macho culture, so women in particular should consider a reserved style of dressing to avoid catcalls or any unwanted attention.  

3) Don’t flash valuables
There’s a simple way to avoid becoming a target for robbery - don’t look like you are worth robbing! Avoid wearing jewelry or flashing photo or video cameras around in public places. It may not win you any style points, but wearing plain-looking clothes will also avert the eyes of a potential thief looking for a wealthy foreign target. Be careful showing cash in public and consider a money belt instead of a wallet.

4) Night-time worries
Wake up the next morning with only good memories - try to stay in groups of familiar people, especially if you are new in town. Take care with taxis, and use only official cars with other people from your group. If you find yourself alone, project confidence and look as if you know where you are going, even if you don’t!

5) Ask your government
Latin America is a diverse place, and things are changing all the time. Beyond a common-sense approach, inform yourself about the current affairs and potential security concerns of your travel destination before departure. You can check out the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website www.fco.gov.uk or the US equivalent www.state.gov/travel.

What other advice do you have for secure Latin America vacations?

 

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Begging - How To Deal With It On Latin America Vacations

If you’ve ever taken Latin America Vacations, you’ll know that sooner or later you will have to deal with beggars. An extended hand usually accompanied by a sorry looking face will put most people in a very uncomfortable situation. Wherever you are taking a Latin America vacation you can use this guidance to help you deal with someone begging.

1) Think about your motivations for giving
Why would you hand over money to someone? Is it because of the way they look, or because of a story that they have told you? Do you want to help them get out of their current situation? Are you giving to ease your conscience, or because you feel pressured?

2) Consider your options for giving
Some things to consider - all is not necessarily as it seems with beggars. Sometimes the beggar will use the money to buy drugs or alcohol. In other cases the beggar is part of a scam to persuade people to hand over money, or they are used by gangs to obtain money. The difficulty is that you don’t really know the full circumstances of the person you met a second ago.

Think about the benefit of the money that you give away. Does it really provide a benefit? After the beggar has spent the money, what will they do next? Probably return to begging. Is there a way that you can spend the same money to have a better long term effect and not re-enforce a culture of dependency?

Maybe there are local organizations that you can donate the money to that work to change the circumstances of people who would normally be begging.

Also, is there something else other than money that you could give? Maybe food or water, or perhaps you could arrange to volunteer with a local organization using your skills and time instead. These are things that cannot be easily used for other motives.

3) Make a decision
Consider the options above, and come up with a personal policy for how you will deal with begging if someone approaches you, no matter what their circumstances seem to be. If you want to provide a benefit to the society that you will visit for your Latin America vacations, make a clear choice about how you will do it.

4) Be consistent
When abroad, stick to your decision. Maybe you have decided that the money you contribute as a tourist is making enough difference, or maybe you will give away a certain amount of money each day. Remember that if you give to one beggar you may well be approached by many others. You have to feel comfortable with your decision of how to treat them all fairly.

Dealing with begging is a very difficult subject, and there are no fixed rules. How do you deal with begging?

 

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

How To Prepare For Peru Trekking And The Inca Trail

Peru is one of the best trekking destinations in the world, no question. The variety of treks on offer, complete with stunning scenery and wildlife make it a necessity for anyone with a love for the great outdoors and a spirit for adventure.

Here are a couple of important things to consider when planning Peru vacations with the intention of trekking.

Book popular routes well in advance
The classic example of this is the famous Inca trail, a spectacular 4 day trek that ends at the World Heritage site of Machu Picchu. Conservation rules permit 500 people per day on the trail, which works out to about 200 trekkers and 300 support staff. In the case of the Inca trail it isn’t possible to do the route without a guide, making booking through an agency essential. Due to the popularity and fame of this trek permits can sell out months in advance, particularly in high season.

There are a number of different treks on offer around Cuzco as alternatives to the Inca trail, which any good Peru tours operator should be able to point out. However if you’re dead set on reaching Machu Picchu by the re-known classic Inca Trail, try to reserve your space at least three months in advance or longer if planning on trekking in peak season. Remember that the trail is closed in February for maintenance.

Other Peru trekking routes are not as difficult for bookings, but it is still worth making your reservation as early as possible.

Acclimatise
Most trekking that you do in Peru will likely be at altitude. The most popular centers of Cuzco and Huaraz are both above 3,000m so rushing up from sea-level and hitting the trails straight away will make things harder than they should be. Allow for a couple of days to rest and acclimatize when you get to altitude and you’ll find yourself enjoying the experience a lot more.

Independent or Guided?
Apart from the example of the Inca Trail, you may have the option to do a guided trek or to go independently. Whichever option you choose depends on your desire to carry weight, ability to cook on the move and your navigation skills. Trekking groups work with porters or arrieros (mule drivers) to carry supplies, tents, sleeping bags and mattresses. This shrinks the size of your pack from 15-20kg to a small day pack. This saving in weight can make a big difference when at 4,000m! Additionally if you take a supported trek your tents may be put up for you and you will be provided with three meals a day and often afternoon tea, as well as purified drinking water. Finally how are your map reading and navigation skills? If you are trekking in remote areas you could be risking your life if you do not know how to navigate in the mountains – having a guide and crew who know the route removes this worry. They will also know the best alternatives in case of injury or illness whilst on a trek.

Carrying as little as possible
Your tour operator should provide the essential camping items listed above and transport them by porter or mule, which leaves you only to worry about the items in your day-pack. After a few years of trial and error, I suggest the following (some items you will obviously be wearing!):

1. Long Pants
2. Some cash in local currency
3. T-shirts / shirts that you can layer
4. Warm clothes, including thermals, fleece / sweater & spare socks
5. A rain jacket or poncho
6. Original passport - photocopies are not acceptable
7. Plastic bags to store your spare clothes
8. Toilet Paper
9. Flashlight and batteries, pocket knife
10. A water bottle & water purifying tablets
11. Good hiking boots or shoes – well broken in
12. A sun hat and a warm hat to protect you from the sun and the cold
13. Gloves and scarf for cold nights
14. Sun block & insect repellent
15. Tips for porters, guides and cooks
16. Some extra snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, sweets)
17. Towel & wash kit
18. Swimsuit (recommend for routes involving hot springs)
19. A small personal medical kit

Are there any routes that you recommend for trekking in Peru? Are there any other preparations, or things that you advise bringing?

 

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Latin America Tours - 6 Questions To Ask When Booking

There are a lot of tour operators to choose from when planning Latin America tours. Options range from giant international operators offering everything everywhere to the small, locally-based independents.  People searching for their Latin America vacations can quickly get confused.

To make sure you pick a reliable Latin America tours operator that is right for your kind of vacation, be sure to ask the following questions.

Where can I get referrals about your company?
Every operator should be able to point you to a testimonials page on their website, but how can you double check? Easy. Social media is on your side - check out what people have to say about the Latin America tours operator on big travel networks like www.tripadvisor.com to find out what people are really saying. If the operator can’t point you in the right direction for external reviews, maybe they’ve got something to hide...  

Who are your tours designed for?
Find out what kind of people take the Latin American tours on offer. For this you’ll need to do a bit of thinking beforehand - what is it that you want? Do you want to visit Peru, Argentina, Chile or all three? Adventurous travel? Luxury and comfort? Relaxation? Take some time to think about these things and you’ll find it a lot easier to match up a tour operator.

How much do your tours cost and what choices do I have?
This is a tricky one - some Latin America tours operators overcharge and give you inflated quotes, while others slash their costs and pay their staff and suppliers very poorly. A classic example is porters on the Inca Trail in Peru - some budget operators don’t pay the porters fairly for their work to keep their costs low. You can find out if the operator is overcharging or ruthlessly cutting costs by asking straight questions.

Are there any additional costs?
Be sure before you book if you’re going to have to pay any additional costs for meals, transport, tours, entrance fees...anything. Check what is included and what isn’t.

What safety policy do you have?
Your Latin America tour operators should never compromise your safety. In addition they should provide 24/7 support via telephone so that if you run into any problems they are never too far away to help you out.

How much am I doing for the duration of the tour?
Do you want to spend your whole trip on transport, occasionally jumping off to spend a few minutes before shooting off somewhere else? Probably not. Check that the itinerary is realistic.

With custom designed tours you have complete control over your vacation. In this case, you should ask your Latin America tours operator for help in putting together a realistic itinerary that allows you to enjoy your destination at a reasonable pace.

A final thought...
What is the attitude of the tour operator when responding to your questions? Are they friendly, helpful and enthusiastic? If not, what chance is there that they will be when you’re abroad?

What questions do you ask your Latin America tours operator when you book? What are some of the things to watch out for?

 

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Latin America Travel - How To Choose Your Perfect Vacation

We all book Latin America vacations for...what, exactly?  

One thing is certain, we’re hoping for a perfect break. We want to be able to come back from the vacation buzzing with the benefits of our time away. If you’re planning to travel with a Latin America tours operator, prepare to be overwhelmed by choice. The best thing you can do to pick the perfect operator for the perfect vacation is a bit of self analysis.

Try asking yourself the questions below when planning to get in contact with a Latin America tour operator for an itinerary. After thinking about your answers, you should have a much clearer idea about your perfect Latin America vacation (with a reality check included).

What is your travelling style?

• How does the idea of ‘roughing it’ sound? Adventurous travel, camping, going off the beaten track, that sort of thing. Trekking the Inca Trail or five star luxury hotels?
• Do you prefer to have tours and excursions in a group, or go solo? Both have their advantages. Maybe you like something in between - someone to share the experience with, but no crowds.
• Do you prefer to follow a set itinerary with everything planned out and customized for you, or do you prefer to have free time to decide on the spur of the moment?
• Do you enjoy spontaneous travelling with unforeseen challenges, or prefer to know what to expect?

What’s your situation?

• How much vacation time do you have? Or is this a longer break? If you are short on time having a Latin America tour operator plan your trip to maximize the use of your time is surely the way to go.
• What’s your budget? Does this fit with your travelling style?

...this is a great time to check if your time, money and holiday aspirations match up...

Can you handle it?

• What’s your fitness like? You may want to go charging up glaciers in Patagonia, but will you be able to make it to base camp?
• What is your tolerance to climate? Jungle conditions like those in Ecuador are hot and humid, high altitude places like the Cordillera Blanca in Peru are cold with thin air.
• You might need to take medication during your trip - does your body have a favorable reaction? Anti-malarial medication is a classic example, required for tropical regions such as the Amazon.
• What are your language skills like? Can you look after yourself with Spanish or Portuguese?

Are there any other things to consider when thinking about perfect Latin America vacations? What kind of Latin America tours do you prefer?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Escaped to Latin America Travel on the Inaugural LAN Airlines Flight from Lima to Easter Island

LAN airlines opened a new direct route from Lima, Peru to the remote Easter Island last week and the Tour Operator Escaped to Latin America were on board.
 
Previously the main link to the most remote inhabited island in the world had been via the LAN flight from Santiago, Chile but the airline has now added a twice weekly direct flight from Lima. The inaugural flight took off from the Peruvian capital on the 9th of January and carried a contingent of travel agents, operators and hoteliers as well as a large number of eager tourists taking advantage of discounted rates.
 
Gary Sargent, Managing Director of the travel companies Escaped to Latin America and Escaped to Peru was on board and explains “This new route is very exciting as it offers the chance to combine two ancient cultures in spectacular locations more easily. This five hour direct flight connects the ancient Inca culture with that of the Rapa Nui. Shorter travel times and no extra connections mean that clients can spend more time in each destination and less time in the air and waiting at airports”. 
 
Easter Island is famous for its huge stone heads which were carved and erected all over the island hundreds of years ago by the Polynesian culture that covered the South Pacific triangle. LAN will be flying to and from Lima on Sundays and Wednesdays allowing people to visit for a few days or a full week.
 
Gary also explains that “Easter Island is not just about the stone heads, although they are truly spectacular. Clients can also enjoy sports and active pursuits such as trekking, mountain biking, snorkeling, diving, surfing and deep sea fishing plus there is a picture perfect white sand beach to relax on. You should also try the traditional “Umu” food prepared in the ancient way and enjoy the tribal dancing and music”.
 
LAN say that schedules may change after April so passengers should check with their tour operator or LAN airlines if they are interested in visiting this unusual destination.

Latin America Tours - Will Your Tour Guide Be A Liability?

If you’re considering Latin America tours, a very important part of the package are the guides who are used. They can make the difference between an incredible, unique experience and a dull walk-through. Even for sites as popular as Machu Picchu in Peru, a good tour guide can make you feel like no-one else has experienced the same Latin America vacation before.

So how do you find out if your guide-to-be will deliver a great experience? Try asking the five questions below to your Latin America tours operator when getting a quote for your trip.

Question 1: Do you use local tour guides?
There’s no substitute for a well-trained local guide. As well as having a unique perspective of their native country and surroundings, they will probably be more passionate about their home turf than a foreign guide. When asked, they will probably have a few local stories, legends and personal experiences up their sleeve to give a unique twist to your tour.

Question 2: Do your guides speak the local language and English?
Your guide won’t be much good if they can’t communicate in Spanish or the local dialect if you’ve got any questions for members of the community that you’re visiting, or if you run into trouble and need a bit of help.

Fluent English should also be a must, especially if your language skills aren’t up to scratch. At the very least you’ll want to get good value out of the guide that you’re paying for and if you can’t understand them, you’re wasting a lot of cash!

Question 3: Are they qualified in first aid?
Especially important for adventure tours or situations that take you into remote places like Patagonia, you need to make sure you’re covered if something goes wrong. Even basic first aid can stop a simple problem escalating into something major.

Questions 4: What travel experience do they have?
Is your guide a veteran, or fresh out of guiding school? Some guides (especially in Peru) like to make up answers to questions on the spot if they don’t have an answer. Whilst entertaining if you already know the answer and are just testing them, it can be annoying if all your cultural knowledge turns out to be false. It also removes the point of travelling with a guide!

Question 5: What measures does the guide take with local communities and the environment?
Are efforts made to minimize the negative impacts of tourism in your destination? Are members of the communities that are part of the tour treated respectfully? Respect for the local communities and the environment should be a consideration for your guide and tour operator.

Are there any other questions that should be asked about tour guides in Latin America? Have you had any outstanding or disastrous tour guide experiences?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Four Fights Between Big Corporations and Latin American Interests

Latin America is an incredible place - no question. Anyone who takes a Latin American vacation is likely to have some impressive stories to tell when they get back home. Latin America however has more to it than just being a tourist attraction - for decades foreign companies have seen the commercial potential of the continent.

Naturally this can lead to a conflict of interests, and there’s often a juicy story to tell about an international corporation’s bad behavior or manipulative ways. Here are four examples of conflicts between major corporations and Latino interests.

1) Aluminium Corporation Vs. Peru
Peru is an incredibly mineral-rich country. It is the world’s 3rd biggest exporter of raw copper and a huge proportion of the country’s income stems from mining.

The Chinese mining giant Aluminium Corporation (otherwise known as Chinalco) recently discovered US$50 billion of copper sitting beneath the Toromocho mountain of Peru. The only problem is that they can’t lay a finger on it until they move an entire town.

The residents of Toromocho have so far been offered houses in a completely new town, but the majority are holding out for a better deal.

2) Chevron Vs Ecuador
Petrochemical world leader Chevron has its share of skeletons in the closet, with some of the worst environmental and human rights abuses in history.

From 1964 to 1992, Texaco (now a subsidiary of Chevron) wreaked havoc in Ecuador by leaving more than 600 unlined oil pits in the northern Amazon rainforest and dumping 18 billion gallons of toxic waste water into rivers used for bathing. The toxic crude oil and formation water seeped into the subsoil, contaminating surrounding freshwater and farmland.

As a result, local communities suffered severe health effects, and large areas of rainforest were destroyed to make way for the  creation of oil refineries and pipelines.

Any attempts by the Ecuadorian government to gain compensation from Texaco failed as it transferred all its assets in the nineties and was sold to Chevron in 2001.

3) United Fruit Company Vs Guatemala
The United Fruit Company is possibly the defining example of manipulative corporate interests in Latin America. The company grew to be a powerful entity towards the end of the 19th and into the 20th century. Its influence became so great with regional governments that many countries in Latin America in which United Fruit had plantations came to be referred to as “Banana Republics”.

The company eventually became too ambitious for its own good when it used its influence to prompt an invasion of Guatemala by United States armed forces. Land reforms by a democratically elected president threatened the company’s land holdings, so using the premise of a growing Communist influence, United Fruit persuaded the US government to oust the administration and install a more sympathetic leadership.

4) Coca Cola Vs Colombia
We’ve probably all heard something unpleasant that the Coca Cola company has done overseas. One such example was the assassination of eight workers union leaders between 1989 and 2002 for protesting against the company’s labor practices.

Many other Coca-Cola workers who have joined (or merely considered joining) the Colombian union SINALTRAINAL suffered a similar fate, with stories of kidnappings, torture, and detainment by paramilitaries who intimidated workers to prevent them from unionizing.

Do you know of any other examples of bad corporate behavior in Latin America? Or perhaps you consider this to be a bit pessimistic - what are some examples of good work done by corporations in Latin America?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to latin America

Essential Checklist - 10 Things You Don't Want To Forget On Your Latin American Vacation

It’s time for your Latin America vacation! Perhaps you’ll be checking out turtles in Costa Rica, or trekking in Patagonia. However you’re spending your vacation, there’s some things that just have to be done. With the useful ten point checklist below, make sure that you’ve remembered to cover the essentials and try and get through the list as soon as possible to avoid any nasty last minute surprises!

[  ] Check the local news for any problems to avoid in your destination country
[  ] Purchase travel insurance that as a minimum covers cancellation, medical costs and repatriation
[  ] Check visa requirements for your destination and any additional paperwork that you may need
[  ] Get a credit or debit card with low overseas withdrawal rates - ask your bank for options
[  ] Purchase local currency in cash - buy a small amount to be covered when you first arrive
[  ] Check airline baggage rules and allowances to avoid big surcharges
[  ] Check vaccination requirements for your destination with your doctor or Travel Clinic
[  ] Purchase a portable phrasebook and learn a few key words before you leave
[  ] Confirm your flights two days before departure to ensure there have been no changes
[  ] Bring different forms of personal identification (and make sure you have copies)

Bonus tip - do your destination research!
Remember that you’ll get as much out of your vacation as you choose to put in. All the above are essentials that will help you avoid problems when you leave home but it doesn’t mean you’ll be any wiser about how to get the most out of your destination.

Check out a website with a good selection of country-specific travel tips, like Escaped to Latin America’s “Travel Info” or "Destinations" sections and put a bit of time into researching the history and customs of your tour destination. Latin America is an incredibly varied place - what works for you in Guatemala may not be very useful in Chile!

Are there any other useful ways that you can prepare for your Latin America vacation? Can you recommend any other good sources of information for vacationers heading to Latin America?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Latin America Tour or Independent Travel? Check Out The Benefits of Both!

It’s a big question on the lips of any traveler planning a vacation to Latin America. Do I go with a tour operator, or travel independently? As for most issues surrounding travel, the answer depends on the person. Have a look at the benefits of both options below to decide if your Latin America vacation will be best done as a tour, or by your own efforts.

The Benefits of Independent Travel in Latin America

Flexibility during your vacation
This is the big one. With a tour you’re on a fixed schedule moving along a fixed route. If you want to stick around in a particularly beautiful Latin American spot for longer or miss somewhere out, it’s very unlikely that you will be able to make major changes to your tour without incurring costs.

Take the travel experience head-on
If the idea of arriving dazed off a bus and straight into a fierce haggling session with a horde of local taxi drivers gets you excited, independent travel is for you. Maybe you enjoy overcoming Spanish or indigenous language barriers and the challenges that the road throws at you, even if it means the going gets tough sometimes.

Seek discounts and save money where-ever possible
Independent travelers aren’t generally looking for comfort, they’re trying to stretch their budget as far as possible. If the idea of dormitories, packed public transport or self catering are worth the effort for an extra month on the road through Latin America, go independent.

The option for experienced Latin America travelers
Maybe your Spanish is good, or this isn’t your first time in Latin America. You’ll be familiar and comfortable with the country, and probably able to get around to the places you want. Remember though, that Latin America is a diverse place and, for example, your experiences in Mexico may not leave you well prepared for a Bolivian vacation!

The Benefits of Organized Tours in Latin America

See a lot in a short space of time
Many of us don’t get a lot of vacation days in a year, which puts more pressure on time than finances. Independent travel, while potentially cheaper, bears the burden of requiring more time to plan and move between Latin American locations without being part of organized transportation. If you don’t know how to get from one place to another there is a good chance that days will be lost through missed connections or underestimating journeys. By traveling with a tour operator you can sure they will know how to make the most of your time.

Security
On a tour, you’ll be looked after by the company who (provided they are a reputable operator) should never put you in a dangerous situation. Additionally if something unexpected occurs such as a strike or natural disaster, a professional tour operator will be much better placed and have the experience and contacts to get through. Independent travelers have only one person to look out for them - themselves.

Comfort
You’ll very rarely end up in budget accommodation with a tour - operators like to choose places that their clients will talk favorably about afterwards. Transportation should be private and comfortable, unless specifically requested otherwise! A good tour operator will be able to offer a range of tours, both shared and private as well as a wealth of hotels from your simple three star to the very best available.

Local experts with historical and cultural knowledge
Forget flicking through guidebooks or head-scratching conversations with locals where you don’t understand a word. With a good tour operator you’ll be accompanied by native speakers and guides who’ll be on hand to translate or answer any questions with expert knowledge.

An unexpected surprise - tours can work out cheaper!
Many independent travelers like to visit popular tourist sites as part of their journey, or sign up for tours to cover larger regions as part of their trip like the volcano region in Guatemala or the wine-growing regions of Argentina. Tour operators, due to booking in bulk, can get wholesale prices on many tours that work out much more expensive when independently purchased in-country. See for yourself - get in touch with a tour operator today for an obligation-free quote!

Do you prefer to travel independently or as part of a tour in Latin America? When have you felt satisfied or disappointed with your decision to travel independently or with a tour?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

How To Haggle Like A Pro In Any Latin American Market

Roll your sleeves up, it’s time to make some purchases on your Latin American vacation! It could be a market stall, back-street shop or wandering vendor. Whatever the custom in your country, you are practically expected to haggle for prices or pay much more than you should. Here are some tips to help you have fun and get a good price.

Getting your haggling head on

First of all, expect prices to be flexible and don’t feel worried about asking for a discount.

• Vendors will try their luck and ask for a much higher price than normal, so you should try your luck and ask for a much lower one!
• Remember that negotiating is not arguing; you’re not aiming to get into a screaming match, but trying to find a fair price for the item that is acceptable to both parties.
• Don't be embarrassed about asking for money off! Being price savvy is not being cheap.

Preparation

As with any good negotiation, you shouldn’t walk into things cold.

• Work out how much you want to spend; haggling is the process of getting the best possible value for that amount of money.
• Research the product you want to buy - typically Latin America markets and shops are full of the same items, so you can do a price survey in a couple of other locations.
• If you can, bring someone with you who speaks the language.
• If not, bring a calculator to show numbers (the universal language) and do conversions if you are not totally familiar with the local currency
• Dress down and don’t give the impression of someone with a lot of money to spend.

Beginning the negotiation

A much as you may want to discuss price, never jump straight into it...

• Build rapport with vendor, and show an interest in their business, life and country whilst remaining polite and positive.
• If you notice something you like, never show interest. During the haggling process never appear needy and be prepared to walk away empty handed (sometimes this even helps as part of the negotiation).
• Price-wise, what is good for one is good for all - out of respect for the vendor negotiate quietly so no-one else can hear and don’t shoot off at the mouth about the deal that you just got.
• Allow the vendor to sell their product - this will relax them.
• Make sure the vendor makes the first offer, no matter how much they ask you for the opening price!

Getting down to business

OK, the first move has been made. Now comes the fun part!

• Establish their baseline price - go as low as possible in your counter-offer! Expect a dramatic response, as it’s all part of the haggling game...
• At no point in the negotiation should you mention your budget!
• Have an excuse to walk away if the haggling gets too intense - maybe you’ve got to meet friends or your tour group is waiting.
• Don’t say anything after your counter-offer until the vendor replies - silence is awkward, but golden.
• Check the quality of the product - if you can see any flaws, angle for an extra discount!

Closing the deal

It’s all agreed - counter-offers have gone back and forth and you’re both finally set

• At this point you should really commit to purchasing to honor your verbal contract. Many Latin America vendors are poor and it is unfair to commit to a price without purchasing.
• However, when the final price is fixed, there’s no reason not to try and go for low-value extras or accessories to throw in with your purchase. You should try to do some research into these before you begin your negotiation as well.

Do you have any other tips for haggling in Latin America? What are some of your haggling experiences?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

 

10 Reasons You Need A Latin American Vacation Right Now

If you’re reading this, you are struggling with a decision. You want a vacation, probably to Latin America, but there seem to be a hundred reasons not to go. Maybe you are worried that there’s not enough money in the bank, or you are concerned about losing your job in the current economic climate if you “slack off”.

At a time like this, you need a motivator! Instead of focusing on reasons not to travel, turn things on their head. Lets look at ten great reasons to book your Latin American vacation and start getting excited!

1) For starters...having something to look forward to
It’s good to be excited in anticipation of something. Preparations, speculating what will happen, the impending freedom and escape...it will make the last couple of weeks as work so much easier!

2) Be able to step back and look at the bigger picture
A vacation is a break - a pause from routine, a chance to get away from regular life. If you leave on vacation with a problem or decision that has been bothering you for ages, you won’t have the distractions that normally prevent you from getting some head-space. With time for yourself, the decision or solution to your problem will come much easier.

3) Get the health benefits
Countless studies have proved that people who use their vacation time enjoy the benefits; reduced chances of heart attack, depression, mental fatigue...the list goes on. Think of it as a more pleasant alternative to a grinding gym routine or chewing salad for the rest of your life.

4) Come back from your vacation a different person
On vacation you’ll be exposed to countless new experiences, places and people. If you open yourself up to Latin America, it has the potential to change your world perspective. From spiritual retreats in the Sacred Valley of Peru to fireside discussions with indigenous Guatemalans, you’ll see a side of life you’d never get close to in an office cubicle.

5) Challenge yourself and become tougher for it
Travel is hard. Well, as hard as you want it to be. Everyone has their own comfort level, and travel helps you push that - maybe you never knew you could dance the tango, or could do a four day trek. You’ll come back from vacation a stronger person for the challenges that you’ve faced.

6) Put your Spanish lessons to good use
Been struggling with Spanish for a while? There’s no better motivation to practice than using your language skills in a conversation with someone who doesn’t speak English...

7) Be the envy of your friends
Don’t deny it; there’s always a kick of satisfaction when people ask you about your vacation...and you have some incredible stories to tell them. It also helps that while you were away exploring Latin America, not a great deal changed at home!

8) Get closer to the friends or family that you travel with
Real life sometimes takes away the time that we’d otherwise spend with friends and family. If you decide to travel with other people, it’ll be a wonderful opportunity to re-establish a bond. The relationship will grow from your shared experiences.

9) Discover the beauty, ridiculousness, surprise and variety of the world
Be inspired, get creative, laugh at the craziness of Latino life that you’ll encounter. Things certainly won’t be the same as your home country...

10) Return to everyday life refreshed
With all the things that your vacation has to offer, you’ll be going back to life at home feeling refreshed, energized, ready to take on the coming months - quite different from the person who left a few weeks previously!

Are you struggling with the idea of cutting loose and booking a vacation? What are your concers? What other benefits have you got from vacations in the past?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

 

 

 

5 Latin America Visa Nightmares And How To Avoid Them

 

 

There’s nothing like a pile of paperwork to take the joy out of a dream Latin American vacation.  

No, correction - there’s nothing like realizing that you haven’t completed a pile of paperwork, too late on to do anything about it.  No-one likes having to do it, but you need to make sure that you’ve got your visas covered.  Take heed of the 5 nightmare scenarios below to make sure you don’t get caught out at the airport before your Latin American vacation has even started.

Wait, what’s a visa?
A visa, if you’re not sure, is a stamp that goes in your passport (yes, you’ll need a passport...) which allows you to visit a country for a specific duration with a specific purpose.  Like tourism, for example.

Nightmare scenario number 1
You’re an American that wants to visit Brazil.  Surprise!  The Brazilian Government doesn’t like you...speaking in paperwork terms.

How to avoid the nightmare: Some countries will make you jump through flaming hoops in order to be able to get a simple tourist visa, whilst others will just let you show up at the airport.  The rules are changing all the time, so your only option is to check out requirements for your specific vacation destination on your government’s website.  It is also worth getting in touch with the embassy of your vacation country to check the latest requirements.  A call or email should do it.

Nightmare scenario number 2
You’re leaving in a week - your tickets are booked and everything is arranged.  That should be enough time to sort out your visa, right?  Oh.  It isn’t.  And you can’t get a refund on those tickets, or re-book your holiday...

How to avoid the nightmare: Check the requirements for your destination country before you book anything!  Time-frames vary for applications, and with thousands of people applying each week in some cases, your application could be delayed in a paper-storm.  Avoid the stress, and simply apply for the visa in good time.

Nightmare scenario number 3
You’re at the airport with a nice fresh visa pasted into your passport.  But they won’t let you board the aircraft because your passport is about to expire...in a few months?!

How to avoid the nightmare: Believe it or not, you need to make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of return from your trip. If the expiry date is too close to your vacation date, apply for a new passport.  Make sure that you allow a few weeks for that application as well.

Nightmare scenario number 4
Ok, all set for that Brazil vacation again.  You’ve got the visa, a good passport...and the accompanying paperwork?  Sorry Sir/Madam, for a one-way flight you need some other proof that you’ll leave the country.  We’re going to have to keep you in custody until you can produce it.

How to avoid the nightmare: Some countries go beyond needing a visa. Check requirements for all accompanying paperwork with the relevant foreign embassy.  Hot topics to affect your entry could include:

• requiring an onward flight ticket from the country you are entering
• stamps from previous visits abroad affecting travel to new countries
• medical conditions and taking medicines into a country
• previous criminal convictions affecting entry eligibility
• travelling with children of whom you are not the legal guardians

Nightmare scenario number 5
What a great vacation!  Until you return to the airport...and a very large fee for an expired visa.

How to avoid the nightmare: Get the absolute maximum duration for your visa to avoid any problems - you can check this maximum with the relevant foreign embassy before applying.  Make sure that the visa fits with your dates of travel!

Do you have any nightmare visa stories?  Does any visa advice for Latin American vacationers come to mind?

Author: Jon Clarke - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

How Your Latin American Vacation Could Change Your Life

With the global economy forcing us all to cut back on spending, it’s often vacations that are the first thing on the chopping block.  This is a huge shame - travel is a life changing experience, recognized as one of the best ways to spend your time.  Especially if you are escaping from the doom and gloom of home!  

If you need a little nudge to be convinced that booking that next Latin American vacation is a worthy investment, check out the following stories of some previous clients that I’ve arranged trips for.

Realizing what is really possible
David was a nervous person, but in a moment of madness his friends persuaded him to book a mountain biking tour on Bolivia’s infamous ‘Death Road’, a couple of thousand meters descent around narrow perilous switchbacks overlooking sheer drops.  

Egged on by his speedy companions and the reassurance of his bike guide, David actually ended up really pushing himself even though he was trembling like a leaf from the adrenaline.  By the end of the ride he realized that the only thing holding him back was his own attitude.  

I received an email from David after his return home, telling me that his trip had finally given him the boost he needed to quit his job and start a business - inspiring stuff!

Getting in touch with your spirituality
Sandra and Mark had both been struggling with their lives since their kids left home, and decided to book onto a  spiritual retreat in the Sacred Valley near Cusco.  The retreat was a challenging 10 day experience in an isolated setting, and both of them confronted tough personal issues as a result of the process.  

However, it turned out to be worth the effort - they left the meditation centre with a much clearer idea of what they wanted from the next stage of their lives.

A journey that you finish as a different person
Pilgrimage has been around as a religious journey of self-discovery for thousands of years, but you don’t have to commit to a religion to get the benefits.  

Carlos and three of his friends booked a cycle tour around the vineyards of Argentina.  They had a great time travelling between some of the best vineyards in South America, but also got to know much more about themselves as a result of reflective thinking time on the road.  

Friends and family were quick to notice the difference when the guys got back, and the group has since booked onto another cycle tour to allow for time away in reflection every year.

Seeing another side of life
The favelas of Rio De Janiero are known as some of the worst areas of poverty in Latin America.  Julie was determined to give her time and effort to help out some of the families in the slum areas, and I arranged for her to volunteer as an English teacher as part of her vacation to Brazil.  

“It was incredible,” she told me afterwards, “They were living in the worst conditions I’ve ever seen, and had nothing, but they were so happy and contented with life.”  

The experience changed her perspective dramatically.  “Even though it was a challenging experience for me, it made me think hard about what is important to me in life, and to be more grateful for what I have.”

What do you think is the common factor for life changing vacations?  Do you remember a vacation that changed your life, and what happened?

 

 Author: Jon Clarke - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America