South America Small Group Tours

Upon launch in the UK in early 2026, your trip will be protected by the DRSF. DRSF stands for Deutscher Reisesicherungsfonds (German Travel Security Fund). As a Ventura TRAVEL customer, your payments are protected by DRSF, ensuring your money is safe and you are covered in the unlikely event of insolvency. You will receive a security certificate with your booking for your peace of mind.

To give additional comfort to UK travellers, we aim to be ATOL & ABTA protected by the second quarter of 2026 but the DRSF protection is sufficient under the 2018 UK Package Travel Regulations and has been reviewed and confirmed by our UK legal representatives.

International flights are not typically included, allowing you flexibility in choosing your preferred airline and schedule. We can assist with flight recommendations if needed.

Your guide is your first escalation point and can usually assist in the majority of circumstances but if you need to escalate an issue that your guide cannot assist with, we offer 24/7 support via phone and email; emergency contact information will be provided in your travel documents.

Travel insurance is not included in our pricing but is strongly recommended.

Our cancellation and refund policies are clearly outlined during booking. We offer flexible terms, but details may vary by trip. Please refer to the specific trip page or contact us for more information.

Ventura Travel offers small-group, expert-led journeys focused on authentic, sustainable experiences. Our tours go beyond mass tourism, supporting local communities and providing unique, in-depth cultural encounters.

1. The tip is almost always included in your bill, look for the word “Propina” 2. Ask if the water is okay to drink, if not, purchase Bottled Water 3. If the water is not drinkable, avoid ice and ice in drinks 4. Do not drink fruit juice from cans or bottles already opened 5. Do not eat raw or half cooked shellfish 6. Use caution when purchasing food from street vendors 7. Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating 8. Do not leave drinks unattended 9. Restaurants typically do not give reimbursements for bad service or food

The electric current outlets in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Venezuela are 110 voltage. Most US electronics will work without an adapter as the standard outlets in these countries have two flat prongs. However if you have some electronics with three prongs, it would be wise to bring an adapter just in case. In the countries of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile the standard voltage is 220 V and in some parts of Brazil 127 V so you’ll want to bring convertors.

Yes, on some trips. Where available, we offer options to extend your stay or add pre- and post-tour nights. Let us know your preferences and we’ll help arrange additional services where possible.

We intentionally keep our groups small to ensure a more personal and immersive experience. The vast majority of our tours have a maximum limit of 12 and on average our tours have around 9 travellers. However a small number of our trips allow up to 16 travellers.

We organize a chat before the start of your trip with all the tour participants. This allows us to respond to questions about recent travel and to let travelers connect and get to know each other.

• Ask if the water is okay to drink, if not, purchase Bottled Water
• If the water is not drinkable, avoid ice and ice in drinks
• Do not drink fruit juice from cans or bottles already opened
• Do not eat raw or half cooked shellfish
• Use caution when purchasing food from street vendors
• Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating
• Do not leave drinks unattended
• The tip is typically included in the bill just look for the word "Propina"
• Restaurants typically do not give reimbursements for bad service or food so keep this in mind

-Day pack -Broken-in hiking boots (sneakers are not suitable) -Full rain gear or poncho -Gloves -Lightweight hiking pants (recommended) or shorts -Breathable dryfit top-wear -Comfortable shoes/flip-flops -Cold-weather jacket -Long-sleeve fleece/sweater -Wool hat -Baseball cap or sombrero -Binoculars -Headlamp -Sunglasses -Comfortable hiking socks (at least 4 pairs) -Sunscreen -Insect repellent -Bathing suit -Casual mountain wear for evenings -Photo/video cameras and chargers -Trekking poles (Quality wooden walking sticks are provided) -Refillable water bottle (hydration bags are recommended)

Our tour prices typically include accommodation, most meals, guided activities, entrance fees, and ground transportation. Specific inclusions are listed on each trip page.

The lodges have an electric current of 220 volts. If you have electric appliances/devices that work with 110 volts, you should bring your own adapters since there is a limited supply of these in the lodges for your use.

We select comfortable, well-located hotels and guesthouses that reflect the local character. Accommodation standards and details are listed on each trip page.