Practical Information

So your journey through South America starts relaxed and well prepared, we've gathered the essentials here – from money and staying connected to luggage, safety, tipping, altitude and health. With a little planning behind you, you can arrive ready to focus on the landscapes, cultures and encounters that make a Viventura trip so special.

Whether it's your first time in South America or you already know the continent, these notes will help you feel confident from the moment you land.

It always pays to be prepared. In countries like Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador it's wise to carry both cash and a card: you can pay by Visa or Mastercard in larger cities, hotels and restaurants, but cash is essential at local markets, small businesses and in rural areas. ATMs are usually easy to find but generally accept credit cards rather than debit.

In Chile, Argentina and Brazil, card payment is widespread and works smoothly in towns and tourist areas. Even so, always keep some local cash for small purchases, tips and out-of-the-way places, and carry a few clean US dollars as a backup. A mix of card and cash keeps you flexible throughout your trip.

Internet and mobile coverage aren't equally reliable everywhere, so it's worth being prepared. In cities, hotels and tourist areas you'll usually find Wi-Fi or a local SIM. In the Andes, the Amazon, Patagonia or remote areas the signal can be patchy or drop out altogether, so download offline maps and anything important before you set off.

A local SIM isn't essential – for the odd bit of browsing or email, hotel and café Wi-Fi is often enough. If you'd rather stay flexible and use navigation, a local SIM or an eSIM data plan is a good addition. And don't be surprised if you happily switch off for a day or two in the wilder corners of the continent.

For your trip we suggest a main bag of around 20 kg plus a small daypack for day trips, walks and hand luggage. A soft holdall, rucksack or lightweight case works best and is easiest to handle on the move.

Bear in mind that internal flights (common on longer South America routes) can have lower checked and hand-luggage limits than your international flight, so pack light and check your itinerary. If any leg needs a change of luggage we'll flag it. A packing list is included with your booking confirmation.

As with any trip, safety comes first. Your guide makes sure the group travels safely and steers clear of any risky situations. If you're heading out on your own, it's best to stay out during daylight and avoid unfamiliar areas after dark. Have a quick word with your guide or accommodation staff about your plans.

In busy cities and touristy spots, keep an eye on your surroundings, as pickpocketing and bag-snatching can happen – keep valuables out of sight, use a cross-body bag, and don't display phones or jewellery. Use official taxis or ride apps, be alert to distractions, and trust your instincts. In accommodation without a safe, don't leave valuables or cash unattended.

Tipping is a personal choice and a way of showing you're happy – the figures below are just a guide. Your guide and driver are usually different people: for the guide, around £8–10 per couple per day is a good benchmark, and for the driver around £4–5 per couple per day. In restaurants a service charge often isn't included, so around 10% is welcome if you've enjoyed the meal. Small tips for porters, hotel staff and local guides are appreciated. Ultimately it's up to you – never feel obliged.

Many South America highlights sit at high altitude – Cusco (3,400 m), Lake Titicaca (3,800 m), La Paz and the Bolivian Altiplano (3,600 m+) and various mountain passes. Most people feel some mild effects at first: shortness of breath, a light headache or trouble sleeping.

A few simple habits help enormously:

• Acclimatise gradually – take the first day or two gently and avoid heavy exertion.
• Drink plenty of water, eat lightly and go easy on alcohol.
• Local coca tea is a traditional and gentle remedy.
• Ask your GP or travel clinic in advance about altitude medication (such as acetazolamide) if you're prone to altitude sickness.

Your itinerary is designed to help you acclimatise, and your guide keeps an eye on how the group is feeling.

For legal reasons we can't make specific vaccination recommendations, so please see your GP or a travel-health clinic in good time – ideally 6–8 weeks before you go. A yellow fever certificate is recommended (and sometimes required) if your trip includes Amazon or jungle regions, so check your itinerary. Commonly recommended jabs include hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus.

Keep any personal medication in your hand luggage, pack a small first-aid kit, and arrange travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and high-altitude activities. Tap water isn't reliably safe to drink in many areas, so stick to bottled or filtered water, and be a little cautious with street food. You can check the latest advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Protecting wildlife

From the Galápagos and the Amazon to the Pantanal and Patagonia, South America offers extraordinary wildlife. Always watch animals from a safe distance, never feed or touch them, and follow your guide's instructions. Stay on marked paths, take nothing from protected areas, and photograph without crowding the animals – so you help protect these habitats for the future.

In tune with local communities

Many of our trips visit community-based tourism projects supported by our non-profit partner, the V Social Foundation. You can support these directly on the ground or through the foundation. Buy handicrafts from local makers, ask before photographing people (a small tip is appreciated at markets), and meet people with openness and respect. Not every kind of help has to be money – a friendly greeting in Spanish goes a long way.