| Duration: |
13 days - Quito to Quito |
| Countries Visited: |
Ecuador |
| Age Guide: |
Child 5-11 years
Adult 12-55 years |
| Max Group Size: |
16 |
| Transport: |
Private Vehicle, Cable Car, Boat, On Foot |
| Accommodation: |
Hotels (7 Nights), Rainforest Lodge (3 Nights), Hacienda (2 Nights) |
| What's Included: |
12 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners - All Activities and Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary - Fully Escorted Tour. Tour Leader and/or Local Guide - Airport Transfers - Amazon Jungle - Cultural Evening - Otavalo |
| Local Payment: |
NO LOCAL PAYMENT |
| Highlights: |
Ecuador - Quito - Old Colonial Town Quito - Cable Car Pichincha Mountain - Cloudforest - River Tubing (Optional) - Mitad del Mundo Equator Monument - Inti Nan Museum - Otavalo Markets - Otavalo Cultural Evening - Hot Springs Papallacta - Amazon Rainforest Lodge - Amazoonica Animal Rescue Centre - Quichua Indian Jungle Community - Gold Panning - Blow Pipe Demonstration - La Latas Waterfall - Jungle Walk - Cotopaxi National Park - Cotopaxi Volcano - Quito Markets |
| Optional Highlights: |
No optional highlights |
| Meeting Point: |
Hotel Los Alpes
233 Tampo y Jorge Washington
Quito
Ecuador
Tel: 593-2-561-110
Fax: 593-2-561-128
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| Introduction: |
Discover the diversity of Ecuador with us on this action packed Family tour. High Andean peaks and volcanoes, lush Amazon rainforest and wildlife, colourful Indian markets, cloud forest, and relaxation in a spa resort, make this trip truly unforgettable. Starting in Ecuador’s capital Quito, we discover the colonial splendour of the old town. We then set off to enjoy the tranquility of the Andean cloud forest, where hummingbirds flit between the trees and beautiful orchids adorn the forest floor. There is even the chance for optional river tubing. We shop for souvenirs at Otavalo handicraft market famous for its indigenous sellers in their colourful traditional dress. We relax in the therapeutic hot spring waters at Papallacta - a world class spa resort with stunning views of the Andes. At Tena we explore the Amazon rainforest which includes visits to an animal rescue centre, a typical Indian community, and of course lots of walks through the rainforest in search of wildlife. We trek in the Cotopaxi National Park with great views of one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. To finish off a memorable trip, we enjoy a last night together at the best folklore show in Quito!
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| Day 1: |
Quito. Arrival to Quito, capital city of Ecuador nestled in a stunning valley high in the south American Andes. You will have the day free to explore.
Quito is the capital of Ecuador. It was once one of the main cities of the Inca Empire before the Spanish Conquest. The Spanish established Quito on the same site as the original Inca city, founding Quito in 1534. Quito is divided up into the old city and the new city. The Old City is very attractive with many churches, plazas, colonial buildings with carved wooden balconies and steep cobblestone streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you parts of the Old Town may look familiar: scenes from the movie “Proof of Life” were filmed here. Markets and the Quechua Indians supply local colour. You can’t help noticing that the Pichincha Volcano dominates the city. In the new city you will find many outdoor cafes, restaurants, internet cafes and shops here. The Old City of Quito is unfortunately earning a reputation as a city with many pickpockets and muggings. Be especially careful with your belongings here. We strongly advise to not visit the Old city area after dark, and during the day wear your daypacks at the front, and your money securely put away. The new city has not got quite the same reputation, but it still pays to be cautious here too.
You will have a pre departure meeting at 6pm to meet your tour leader and your fellow travellers.
Arrival Transfer Included
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| Day 2: |
Quito to Mindo. This morning we have an introduction to Quito - a city rich in both culture and scenery.
We start with a visit to some of the city's world-class museums, churches and plazas in the colonial old town where our guide will enlighten you with the history of the area and bring the buildings to life.
This is followed by a trip by cable car to the top of the Pichincha mountain for stunning views of Quito as well as an amusement fair to keep the kids happy.
After lunch we journey onto Mindo - a peaceful paradise in the cloudforest just 2 hours away from Quito.
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| Day 3: |
Mindo. A free day in Mindo today where your tour leader can help to organise a large range of optional activities: biking, tubing on the river, cloudforest treks, visit to the butterfly and orchid farms. The area is also famed for hummingbirds so keep your eyes peeled!
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| Days 4: |
Mindo to Otavalo. A free morning in Mindo and a final chance to indulge in those optional activities that you didn't have time to fit in yesterday.
This afternoon we make a trip to the Equator. Your first stop is at the Mitad del Mundo Equator monument - the perfect chance for photos with one foot in each hemisphere. We also visit the Inti Ñan museum where you can partake in various scientific tests that hold true only at the equator, such as watching water disappear down the plughole clockwise / anticlockwise either side of the Equator, and balancing an egg on a nail.
We journey onto Otavalo for the evening. Otavalo is situated slightly lower than Quito at 2650m and due to the local tradition of weaving, the town has one of the best textile markets in Ecuador.
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| Day 5: |
Otavalo. An early start is needed today to be in time for a visit to the Otavalo animal market. This is followed by ample time to explore the colourful handicraft market. Otavalo is particularly famous for its woven tapestries and there are plenty of bargains to be picked up at the market. The market is run by local indigenous sellers who add their own unique colours and energy to the day.
You can easily spend an afternoon shopping in the Plaza de Ponchos, buying hammocks, colourful blankets and soft Alpaca jumpers. And if you are all shopped out, the stunning surroundings of Otavalo are great for hikes and bike rides.
In the evening we include a cultural night with a local indigenous community. This is an interactive and fun evening, and dinner is taken with the community.
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| Day 6: |
Papallacta. In the morning we journey onto Papallacta - famed as a spot for health and wellbeing and in particular for it's hotsprings and pleasant mountain setting.
For the adults there are a full range of spa treatments available, and for the kids optional horse-riding. Of course there's also plenty of free time to immerse yourself in the healing hot springs waters too.
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| Day 7: |
Tena - Amazon. Today we travel to Tena where we stay in a beautiful rainforest lodge consisting of 17 picturesque bungalows built of bamboo in the traditional Indian style in harmony with the surrounding rainforest. The lodge overlooks the River Napo with its small islets and sandy shores.
You will arrive mid afternoon to relax in the pleasant surroundings of the lodge.
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| Day 8: |
Tena - Amazon. In the morning we visit the AmaZOOnica animal rescue centre where (depending on the animals present at the time of your visit) you may see monkeys, jaguar, alligator, capybara, many colourful bird species, and much more.
The afternoon sees a visit to a local indigenous community where you can observe the typical Quichua Indian jungle life, see how they make handicrafts and pottery, sample the local chicha drink, pan for gold in the river shoreline, and see how the locals use their serbatana (blow pipe) for hunting.
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| Day 9: |
Tena - Amazon. In the morning we take a forest hike to the La Latas waterfall where on arrival you can bathe in the crystal clear waters.
In the afternoon we go for a short hike to explore the hidden secrets of the secondary forest with a native guide to spot the wildlife and to explain about the various plants, insects and animals that you may encounter.
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| Day 10: |
Tena to Cotopaxi. Leaving the jungle after breakfast we head back to the Andean mountains.
During the journey we will make a short stop to visit the cascades in the valley of the waterfalls.
Our final destination is a colonial hacienda on the border of the Cotopaxi National Park where we should arrive late afternoon with free time to explore the grounds before dinner.
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| Day 11: |
Cotopaxi. A spectacular day in the Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and a real tourist highlight of Ecuador.
Options are very flexible for the group - you can discuss with the guide as to which treks are most suitable. We most recommend some gentle trekking around Laguna Limpiopungo, a visit to the national park museum, and taking advantage of some of the other short trekking opportunities within the park.
For the more adventurous, however, it is possible to trek to the refuge on the slopes of the Cotopaxi volcano. From the refuge you can also visit the glaciers.
After an active day we head back to colonial hacienda - the perfect place to relax in a tranquil part of the Andes.
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| Day 12: |
Cotopaxi to Quito. An early return to the city of Quito and a free afternoon for last minute souvenir shopping in the local market or shopping malls.
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| Day 13: |
Quito. Your tour ends after breakfast in Quito.
Departure transfer to airport included - please ensure you advise Travel Amazing South America of your flight details, so that the airport transfers can be oganised for you.
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| Finishing Point: |
Hotel Los Alpes
233 Tampo y Jorge Washington
Quito
Ecuador
Tel: 593-2-561-110
Fax: 593-2-561-128
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| Please Note: |
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.
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| What's Not Included: |
All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, visas, pre and post tour accommodation. |
| Pre Departure Meeting: |
The Pre-Departure meeting is held on Day One at 6pm. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers.
In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise TRAVEL AMAZING SOUTH AMERICA if you CANNOT attend this meeting.
All passengers MUST bring:
1. Passport.
2. Vaccination Certificate.
3. Travel Voucher.
4. Travel Insurance Policy.
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| Insurance: |
Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then please visit our Travel Insurance page for more information.
Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Tour without travel insurance.
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| Passport: |
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.
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| Visa Requirements: |
It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your South America trip. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs.
EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.
Please note that clients travelling on SA6 Buenos Aires to Rio tours should be aware that Brazilian visas (if required) can take up to 3-4 working days to issue. We strongly advise that you arrive into Buenos Aires at least 4 working days before your trip starts in order to ensure that you have sufficient time to obtain your Brazilian visa.
We for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
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| Medical Information and Vaccinnations: |
Vaccinations:
It is necessary to obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination before travelling. This is a record of your injections and should be issued with your first inoculation. Make sure that after each injection your certificate is dated, signed and stamped.
Compulsory Inoculations:
Yellow Fever for Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru but only if arriving from an infected area.
Please refer to the Yellow Fever information under the Latest News section on our website. Yellow Fever vaccination is now recommended for parts of Argentina, Bolivia (if arriving from Paraguay or Brazil) and parts of Brazil. We srongly recommend that you consult your GP or Travel Clinic at least several weeks prior to departure to check current Yellow Fever vaccination requirements. Your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate should be carried with you at all times.
Recommended inoculations:
Yellow fever, hepatitis A, diphtheria, typhoid, tetanus and polio.
We also recommend:
- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
- That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your Travel Amazing South America at the time of your booking.
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.
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| Altitude Sickness: |
If you are beginning your trip in one of the Andean countries (Peru, Ecuador or Bolivia) please be aware that you may be susceptible to some form of altitude sickness. If you are starting your trip in La Paz, allow 2 days to adapt to these conditions.
You may feel nauseous, overwhelmingly tired, short of breath or experience headaches. There are methods though of minimising the levels of altitude sickness that each person experiences.
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Taking the following steps will greatly help in minimising the level of altitude sickness, but please be aware that every individual reacts differently to it.
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Drink plenty of bottled water. At high altitude your breathing is rapid and shallow, causing you to dehydrate. 2 litres of water per day is the recommended amount.
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Avoid alcohol.
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Avoid smoking. If you are a heavy smoker they should either cut down or stop completely for their time in the altitude (although some smokers say they have an easier time because they are used to having less oxygen).
Taking the above measures will in most cases mean that within 2 days your body should adjust to taking less oxygen but each individual will be affected differently.
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| Climate Information: |
Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
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| Security: |
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We recommend that you do not take unnecessary valuables with you. Wearing jewellery and expensive watches will attract attention.
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A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
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DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at your own risk.
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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.
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Overland vehicles carry a safe on board. We recommend using it to store your valuables. They also have secure doors and windows but it is never foolish to be cautious.
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| Books and Reading Material: |
You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
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| Money: |
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.
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| Local Customs: |
Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.
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| Luggage and Personal Equipment: |
How much should I take?
- Please bring lightweight walking shoes or sandals, and a day sac. Lightweight rain gear is essential at all times. It can get very cold at altitude so you need layers.
- Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s.
- A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.
- 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. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers checks 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!!
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| Personal Effects: |
We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible.
Personal Effects:
Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/Sunglasses, Music cassettes /CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen.
NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
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| Time: |
For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com |
| Language: |
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.
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| Photography: |
Most passengers will travel with digital cameras. Should you run out of memory you can download your photos onto CD at the local internet cafes or camera shops on your tour. Alternatively, you may be able to purchase extra memory cards.
With regards to film, all types of camera film are readily available in South America. However, it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free.
Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. Most Latin American countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders, bridges and any government building. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your camera confiscated. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations.
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| Pre & Post Tour Accommodation: |
All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting when you meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).
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| Drug Policy: |
Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
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| Staying in Touch: |
Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:
Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. You can opt to use an International SIM Card.
Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers.
Blog – You can keep your friends and family updated by blogging about your adventures.
Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
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| Tour Feedback: |
Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. Seven days after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still write a review on the tour page you've done on our site.
Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email at tours [at] travel-amazing-southamerica.com
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| Map: |
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