Rurrenabaque - La Paz.  We catch an early morning flight and cross the impressive Andes range near La Paz, descending from the giddying heights of the Altiplano to the lush jungle town of Rurrenabaque for the start of our 3-day Pampas trip. Approaching Rurrenabaque we can see flat land stretching as far as the eye can see and jungle, which stretches  3000km all the way to the mouth of the Amazon! Here we board motorised canoes and we head upriver to our lodge, which set on stilts by the riverbank, for the start of our adventure. Between thick forests of trees are large areas of Pampas grasslands, birds swoop low over the river and turtles hop into the water as you approach. You might even spot a troop of curious Capuchin monkeys clambering down from the trees to get a better look. Jump into the river to and take a swim to keep cool – perhaps even swim alongside pink dolphins if you’re lucky!  Watch the sun go down from a viewing deck accompanied by a cold beer before we head back to the cool climates of La Paz at 3700m.

Please note that flights to and from Rurrenabaque can sometimes be delayed due to local weather conditions. It may occasionally be necessary to make this journey by road instead of plane OR substitute an alternative jungle trip to Coroico for the jungle trip to Rurrenabaque.We advise against booking any flights or onward travel for the day or the day after this tour is scheduled to finish. Minor modifications to this itinerary may be necessary depending on the flight schedule to and from La Paz - Rurrenabaque.

Residencia Rosario
Calle Illampu 704
La Paz
Bolivia

Tel: (591) 2 245 1658
Fax: (591) 2 245 1991

All passengers must have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. All passengers MUST bring:

1. Passport
2. Vaccination Certificate
3. Travel Voucher
4. Travel Insurance Policy

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Latin America does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in South America can change rapidly and changes to the itinerary may be necessary.

Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. We make a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. We choose our hotels, guesthouses and hostels for their location, comfort, security and hygiene standards. All are located near the city centre usually within easy walking distance of services and facilities. Most rooms are on a twin, double or triple share basis with private bathrooms.

Accommodation is not included in the city of departure or arrival (unless within the specified tour dates). Passengers doing a combination tour will have accommodation included when passing through a joining city (maximum 2 nights) providing they have booked on the combination tour code.

You should allow US$25 to US$40 per day to cover food and accommodation during this time.

The more you put into your tour the greater the experience you will get from your trip. It is all about participation and mucking in with your fellow passengers!

Please note: The longer tours are combinations of shorter tours. Lima and La Paz are also pickup and drop off points for passengers so new faces and personalities will join the tours.

Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. It must be valid for at least six months after the end of your tour and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate.

PLEASE NOTE IF YOUR TOUR INCLUDES THE INCA TRAIL, WE MUST HAVE YOUR FULL NAME, PASSPORT DETAILS AND DATE OF BIRTH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO SECURE YOUR TREKKING PERMIT. ALL PERMITS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

Compulsory Inoculations: Yellow Fever for Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru but ONLY if arriving from an infected area.

Recommended Inoculations: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio.

We also recommend: A dental check-up prior to travelling and that you know your blood group in case of emergency.

Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

Prophylactic tablets are essential in some areas of South America. They are prescribed by your vaccinating doctor and should be taken as directed.

• We recommend that you do not take unnecessary valuables with you. Wearing jewellery and expensive watches will attract attention.
• A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
• DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at your own risk.
• Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.

We suggest passengers budget for between US$25-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evening out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.

Take your money is US dollars only. This the only foreign currency readily exchanged in Latin America

Traveller’s cheques should be AMERICAN EXPRESS. American Express is the most widely accepted. Cash is far easier to exchange than Travellers Cheques, but also more risky as once lost, is irreplaceable.

However, we do recommend that you take some US dollars cash in small denominations ($10 and $20). In many countries, you may exchange US Dollars traveller’s cheques for US cash, or retrieve US dollars cash from ATMs (with a credit card), usually for a small commission but please do not rely solely on this option.

Credit cards are accepted frequently, particularly in the larger cities. They can also be used to get money from ATMs. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa being the most useful.

How much should I take?

• The best rule for packing is to limit your self to a weight limit of 15 KGs. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your crew at the Pre Departure Meeting.
• A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. Please note that we do not recommend that passengers bring suitcases.
• A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. This can also be used for carrying 2 days of clothing so it is not always necessary to unload the large backpacks every night.

You will be in hotels and hostels for the majority of the tour but you may wish to bring the following for the Inca trail, although these can be hired in Cuzco for a small cost of approximately US$8 per day.

• Sleeping Bag - a good quality sleeping bag, rated for sub-zero conditions is the best for tours, which travel through the Andes and Patagonia. You can purchase extra blankets in South America cheaply. We recommend a Four Seasons sleeping bag.
• Inner Sheet - for your sleeping bag. Can also be used as a sleeping bag when it's hot.
• We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!

Spanish is the language most widely spoken in the countries we visit in Latin America but English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

For better or for worse, tipping is an accepted part of everyday life and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service.