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Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Rio de Janeiro & Finishing: Rio de Janeiro

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 - Starting: Rio de Janeiro & Finishing: Ilha Grande

From Rio, head south along the Atlantic coast to one of the most picturesque, laid-back islands on the coast, llha Grande. Relax and walk the sandy beaches, or bathe in the warm waters of this island paradise.

Day 3 - Starting: Ilha Grande & Finishing: Ilha Grande

Enjoy a free day in Ilha Grande.

Day 4 - Starting: Ilha Grande & Finishing: Paraty

Head down the beautiful Costa Verde to the colonial town of Paraty. Spend the afternoon exploring the cobblestone streets and cafés.

Day 5 - Starting: Paraty & Finishing: Paraty

Enjoy two free days to explore by choosing to go snorkelling or visit a typical fazenda (farm). Opt for a cachaça distillery visit or boat tour of the bay and nearby beaches.

Day 6 - Starting: Paraty & Finishing: Paraty

Enjoy two free days to explore by choosing to go snorkelling or visit a typical fazenda (farm). Opt for a cachaça distillery visit or boat tour of the bay and nearby beaches.

Day 7 - Starting: Paraty & Finishing: Foz do Iguaçu

Drive to Sao Paulo for a flight to the magnificent Foz do Iguaçu, or Iguassu Falls, which border Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. In order to see the falls properly you need to view them from both the Brazilian and the Argentine sides. The Brazilian side offers the grand overview, and the Argentine side a closer look. Sit back and soak in the stunning beauty and raw power that is Iguassu, or take an optional boat tour directly into the spray of the falls.

Day 8 - Starting: Foz do Iguaçu & Finishing: Foz do Iguaçu

Cross the border to Argentina for a new perspective of the falls. With an extensive series of catwalks and optional boat rides to the base of the falls, there's plenty to do before returning to the Brazilian side for the night.

Instructions

If you have booked the Iguassu Falls Boat Ride Theme Pack, you will do it today on the Argentine side of the falls.

Day 9 - Starting: Foz do Iguaçu & Finishing: Bonito

Visit the Brazilian side of the falls and have a free afternoon to visit the bird park, home to species such as the Hyacinth macaw and toucans. In the afternoon, board an overnight bus to travel to Bonito.

Day 10 - Starting: Bonito & Finishing: Bonito

Explore nearby underwater caves and waterfalls, go rafting or snorkelling, or simply spend a lazy day by the river.

Day 11 - Starting: Bonito & Finishing: Bonito

Explore nearby underwater caves and waterfalls, go rafting or snorkelling, or simply spend a lazy day by the river.

Day 12 - Starting: Bonito & Finishing: Pantanal

Journey into the Pantanal, a perfect place to experience the wildlife of Brazil.

Day 13 - Starting: Pantanal & Finishing: Pantanal

Enjoy an excursion into the wetlands of the Pantanal with a local guide. Opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys, macaws, giant otters, and caiman abound.

Day 14 - Starting: Pantanal & Finishing: Santa Cruz de la Sierra

From the frontier town of Corumbá, Brazil, cross into Bolivia. From here, an overnight train heads to Santa Cruz. Occasionally, this train may be replaced with an overnight bus.

Day 15 - Starting: Santa Cruz de la Sierra & Finishing: Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Spend some time exploring Santa Cruz.

Day 16 - Starting: Santa Cruz de la Sierra & Finishing: Sucre

Optional activities include a visit to dinosaur footprints, an old tin baron’s mansion, mountain biking, and hiking.

Day 17 - Starting: Sucre & Finishing: Sucre

Free time to explore the city, the former capital of Bolivia. For more active options opt to go hiking in the surrounding area or mountain biking.

Day 18 - Starting: Sucre & Finishing: Sucre

Free time to explore the city, the former capital of Bolivia. For more active options opt to go hiking in the surrounding area or mountain biking.

Day 19 - Starting: Sucre & Finishing: Potosí

Travel by bus to Potosí. Spend free time exploring the city.

Day 20 - Starting: Potosí & Finishing: Uyuni

Travel through the Bolivian landscape to the town of Uyuni, the jumping off point for the three day 4x4 excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats.

Instructions

During the rainy season the locations visited may change due to some routes being covered by water.

Day 21 - Starting: Uyuni & Finishing: Salar de Uyuni

Enjoy a three day 4x4 excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert altiplano with spectacular scenery.

Instructions

We offer unique accommodation in the Uyuni Salt Flats. Instead of very basic refuges and homestays most operators use, we have upgraded to simple hotels that are equipped with solar panels to provide electricity and hot water. Rooms are multi-share and each have a private bathroom. Meals are made from local ingredients, most of which are grown on-site.

Day 22 - Starting: Salar de Uyuni & Finishing: Salar de Uyuni

Continue exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats on a 4x4 excursion. Admire the spectacular scenery while passing red and blue lagoons along the route. Spot wild llamas, alpacas and even flamingos deep within the desert.

Day 23 - Starting: Salar de Uyuni & Finishing: La Paz

Rise early to cover more ground of the unique landscape of the Uyuni Salt Flats. Continue to see incredible scenery, including volcanoes, salt lakes and geysers. Travel back to Uyuni to catch an overnight train to La Paz.

Day 24 - Starting: La Paz & Finishing: La Paz

Enjoy the afternoon in La Paz. Opt for a city tour or to explore the markets and winding streets.

Day 25 - Starting: La Paz & Finishing: La Paz

Depart at any time.

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More Information

What’s Included

Rio de Janeiro stay. Beach time on Ilha Grande. Iguassu Falls visit (Brazil & Argentina). Bonito stay. Pantanal wildlife excursion (2-day). 4×4 excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats (3-day). Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights

Stand in awe of Iguassu Falls, search for wildlife in the Brazilian Pantanal, encounter colonial cities and historic cultures in Bolivia, explore the Uyuni salt flats by 4×4.

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

1. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour is a combination of several G Adventures tours. As such, your group CEO, fellow passengers, or vehicle may change between the individual tour sections. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.

2. EXTRAS
Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Extras! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, theme packs are optional add-ons to your G adventures trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure, please see details in our optional activities field and ask you sales CEO.

Group Leader Description

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it’s the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes

Max 16, Avg 10

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.

Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients.

For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport

Public bus, plane, 4×4 vehicle, train, walking, optional hiking.

Local Flights

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

Hotels (17 nts), night bus (1 nt), train (2 nts), basic hotels on Salar de Uyuni excursion (multi-share) (2 nts), multi-share tented room with hammocks (2 nts).

My Own Room Exceptions

Night 9: overnight bus, Nights 12-13: Pantanal, Night 15: overnight train, Nights 22-23: Salar de Uyuni, Night 24: overnight train.

Joining Hotel

Hotel Bandeirantes
Rua Barata Ribeiro 548
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel: + 55 21 2548-6252

Please note, if you are on the 4th Jan 2014 departure, your joining hotel will be:

Hotel Atlantico Copacabana
Rua Siqueira Campos, 90, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Phone: + 55 21 2548-0011

Joining Instructions

Galeao International Airport is a 30 to 45 minute drive from our joining hotel. There are many private taxi companies with booths inside the building where you can pay a set rate for a taxi to Copacabana (approximately $50 USD), thus avoiding the confusion outside the airport. There is also an airport bus, called ‘Real’ (approximately $9 USD) which will drop you off at the place of your choice along the route. The closest point to the Santa Clara is at the corner of Barata Ribeiro and the street Figueiredo Magalhaes. From here to the hotel is quite close. You can flag down one of the many official yellow taxis in the street to get the rest of the way to the hotel (approximately $5 USD). There is a money exchange in the Banco do Brazil on the 3rd floor of the international Arrivals area, which is open 24 hours.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned. Your CEO will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Your CEO will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip.

FOR TRAVELLERS PLANNING ON VISITING IGUASSU FALLS IN ARGENTINA – PLEASE NOTE:

ARGENTINA’S “RECIPROCITY FEE”:
Effective January 7, 2013 all US, Canadian and Australian citizens are required to pay a reciprocity tax in order to enter Argentina. This reciprocity tax must be paid in advance online with a credit card. Cash at the border or airport is not accepted.

ONLINE PAYMENT FORM:
https://virtual.provinciapagos.com.ar/ArgentineTaxes/

INSTRUCTIONS:
http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/pdf_varios/reciprocidad/Online_payment_instructions.pdf

COSTS:
US citizens: 160USD, valid for 10 years
Australian citizens: 100USD, valid for 1 year
Canadian citizens: 75USD for one entry and re-entries from bordering countries within 3 months; OR 150USD for a multiple entry visa valid for 5 years.

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER 
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. 

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Office Buenos Aires, Argentina
During office hours (Weekdays 9am-6pm Local Time)
From outside Argentina: +54 11 2150 2581
From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 011 2150 2581

After hours Emergency number
From outside Argentina: +54 9 11 3425 0380
From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 011 15 3425 0380

G Adventures Local Representative (Rio)
From Outside of Brazil: (0054) 9 11 3 425 0380
If using Brazilian SIM card purchased outside or Rio: 031 9 11 3 425 0380
If using Brazilian SIM card purchased in Rio: 9 11 3 425 0380

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

What to Take

Most airlines allow two checked bags and one carry-on per person. To avoid any problems on check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. It can be very cold in the Andean highlands, temperatures of -10C and lower are frequent around Uyuni and the Altiplano (high plateau). It is best to layer clothes rather than wearing a heavy parka. This allows you to accommodate clothing to varying degrees of temperatures and wet/dry/windy weather conditions.

Checklist

– Passport (with photocopies)
– Travel insurance (with photocopies)
– Airline tickets (with photocopies)
– USD cash
– Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
– G Adventures vouchers and dossier
– Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required

– 4 Season sleeping bag (can be rented when needed)
– Warm clothing
– Warm layers
– Fleece jacket or warm layer
– Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
– Fleece top
– Windproof/waterproof jacket
– Warm gloves
– Warm hat
– Scarf
– Small towel and swim wear
– 4 shirts/t-shirts
– Sun hat
– 1 pair of shorts
– 2 pairs of long trousers
– 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
– Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
– Sport sandals
– Sunblock
– Sunglasses
– Toiletries (biodegradable)
– Watch or alarm clock
– Water bottle
– Purification tablets or filter
– Pocketknife
– First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).

– Day pack
– Camera and film
– Reading/writing material
– Binoculars
– Cover for backpacks
– Money belt
– Flashlight

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

BRAZIL VISA
Americans, Canadians, Australians and some other nationalities need a tourist visa in order to enter Brazil. Please contact your local Brazilian Embassy to find out if you need to apply for one and for further details. If you are required to have a visa you will need to get one before entering Brazil, otherwise you will be refused entry. Processing fees and time frames depend on each country, but can take 2 weeks or longer, so we advise you to apply for it as early as possible.

COSTS:
US citizens: 160 USD
Australian Citizens: 35 USD
Canadian Citizens: 65 USD

FOR TRAVELLERS PLANNING ON VISITING IGUASSU FALLS IN ARGENTINA – PLEASE NOTE:

ARGENTINA’S “RECIPROCITY FEE”:
Effective January 7, 2013 all US, Canadian and Australian citizens are required to pay a reciprocity tax in order to enter Argentina. This reciprocity tax must be paid in advance online with a credit card. Cash at the border or airport is not accepted.

ONLINE PAYMENT FORM:
https://virtual.provinciapagos.com.ar/ArgentineTaxes/

INSTRUCTIONS:
http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/pdf_varios/reciprocidad/Online_payment_instructions.pdf

COSTS:
US citizens: 160USD, valid for 10 years
Australian citizens: 100USD, valid for 1 year
Canadian citizens: 92USD for one entry and re-entries from bordering countries within 3 months

This trip crosses the border between Brazil and Argentina on Day 8 of this tour. The border name is Puerto Iguazu and borders the cities of Foz do Iguazu and Puerto Iguazu. The second crossing is the border between Brazil and Bolivia on Day 15 of this tour. The border name is Puerto Quijaro and borders the cities of Corumba and Puerto Quijaro.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

The currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL) and in Bolivia the Boliviano (BOB).

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.

You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Please bear in mind that cost of living in the southern cone countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile) is much higher than the rest of South America, and more comparable with Europe. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Departure Tax

USD $25

Tipping

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

Optional Activities

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Iguassu Falls:
Helicopter Tour 350 BRL
Aventuras boat tour 520 ARS
Rafain Show 150 BRL
Paraguay Visit 30 BRL (minimum 5 passengers)
Itaipu Dam 52 BRL (minimum 4 passengers)
Bird park 60 BRL (minimum 4 passengers)

Paraty:
Jeep Tour 80 BRL
Caipirinha Boat 80 BRL
City walking tour 25 BRL – 5pm is the only available time
Kayak Tours 100 BRL
Bike Rental 50 BRL/day
Famous Puppet show 50 BRL
Horseback Riding 130 to 150 BRL (depending on number of passengers)
Trindade Tour 70 BRL – leaves at 10 am

Ilha Grande:
Boat to Lopes Mendes beach 25 BRL
Surf Board Rental at Lopes Mendes 75 BRL
Guided walk to Pico do Papagagio 60 BRL

Rio de Janeiro:
Rio City Tour 185 BRL
Favela Tour 80 BRL
Favela Funk Party 80 BRL
Football Game 100-140+ BRL (depending on the match)
Corcovado 51 BRL low season, 65 high season
Sugar Loaf 62 BRL
Samba show 120 BRL per person without dinner or transfer.

Bonito:
Snorkelling – Rio da Prata with lunch 278 BRL High Season, 244 BRL Low Season
Snorkelling – Rio da Prata w/o lunch 236 BRL High Season, 202 BRL Low Season
Balneario Do Sol 85 BRL w/o Lunch, 115 BRL with Lunch
Balneario Municipal 55 BRL Low Season, 60 BRL High Season
Gruta Azul 85 BRL Low Season, 100 BRL High Season
Waterfalls tour with lunch 187 BRL Low Season, 205 BRL High Season
Canopy Tour 150 BRL
Abismo (rappel and snorkel) 693 BRL
Abismo (rappel and Diving) 951 BRL

Sucre:
Dinosaur Footprints tour $5
Paragliding 400BOL
Tarabuco Village 150BOL
Mountain biking 140BOL
Hiking 200BOL
Horseback riding 279BOL
Motorbiking 200 to 400BOL

Potosí:
Silver Mine Tour $21
Casa de la Moneda $3

La Paz:
Chacaltaya tour $15
City tour $15
City Tour and Moon Valley half-day $25
Mountain biking $45-$60
Tiwanaku ruins 150BOL
Museo de Metales Preciosos Pre-Columbinos entrance $2 for ticket to four museums
Casa de Don Pedro Domingo Murillo entrance included in ticket above

All prices are per person in local currency, except where noted, and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators. Please note that many optional activities will need to be paid in cash.

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:

www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gadventures.com/medical-form.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Trip Specific Responsible Travel

Silver Mines in Potosí

Working conditions for miners were appalling, and a large portion of the indigenous population was decimated. African slaves were brought in to replace the native workers, and it is estimated that as many as eight million indigenous and African people died in the mines during the first three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Unfortunately little has changed throughout time and working conditions have remained the same. Although this is not an excursion for everyone, we do recommend a visit as it is an eye-opening experience that gives you a chance to glimpse the realities of life in the Andes in general and more specifically in these mines however we do not condone the working conditions of the mine.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our G Adventures for Good projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking)

Associated Planeterra Project

On this tour you may have the opportunity to visit the following G Adventures for Good project:

HOGAR GRANJA SUCRE
Hogar Granja Sucre is a home that provides a positive environment for abandoned children in the city of Sucre. Thanks to a permanent staff and volunteers, the Hogar is home to more than 30 boys from 6 to 18 years old. Besides providing the basic needs of food, shelter, education and healthcare, they offer a safe nurturing environment and workshops that provide basic professional skills for future social integration into society.

The boys are given the opportunity to participate in workshops that provide them with valuable skills for the future including carpentry, metalworking, sewing, bread baking and how to care for flower and vegetable gardens and greenhouses. This enables the children to design their own products and grow their own food. Children attend the local school, but the Hogar also provides music, dance and theatre programs which are not offered as part of the national curriculum.

The ultimate goal of Hogar Granja Sucre is to become self-sufficient however at this point they are still in need of our support.

How You Can Help
Each year we work with the staff of Hogar Sucre to identify the needs of the project. With your support we can help meet these needs with an annual donation through the Planeterra Foundation. G Adventures pays all administration costs so that 100% of each donation goes to the projects we support.

For more information about this project and/or to make a donation please visit our website: www.planeterra.org or contact us at info@planeterra.org

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Travel Forum – The Watering Hole

Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you’re interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gadventures.com.

Max Pax

16

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Day 3 Optional Activities

• HIking -
• Snorkelling -
• Ilha Grande Boat Excursion -

Day 5 Optional Activities

• Cachaça Distillery Visit -
• Paraty Bay Boat Tour -
• Snorkelling -

Day 6 Optional Activities

• Cachaça Distillery Visit -
• Paraty Bay Boat Tour -
• Snorkelling -

Day 8 Optional Activities

• Iguassu Falls Boat Tour -

Day 9 Optional Activities

• Iguassu Falls Bird Park Visit -

Day 10 Optional Activities

• Bonito Snorkelling -
• Underwater Caves Excursion -

Day 11 Optional Activities

• Bonito Snorkelling -
• Underwater Caves Excursion -

Day 16 Optional Activities

• Dinosaur Tracks Excursion -

Day 17 Optional Activities

• Dinosaur Tracks Excursion -
• Textile Cooperative Visit -
• Hiking -
• Mountain Biking -

Day 18 Optional Activities

• Dinosaur Tracks Excursion -
• Textile Cooperative Visit -
• Hiking -
• Mountain Biking -

Day 19 Optional Activities

• Silver Mine Tour -

Day 24 Optional Activities

• Valley of the Moon Tour -
• Chacaltaya Visit -
• Witches' Market Visit -
• La Paz City Tour -

Day 3 Optional Activities

• HIking -
• Snorkelling -
• Ilha Grande Boat Excursion -

Day 5 Optional Activities

• Cachaça Distillery Visit -
• Paraty Bay Boat Tour -
• Snorkelling -

Day 6 Optional Activities

• Cachaça Distillery Visit -
• Paraty Bay Boat Tour -
• Snorkelling -

Day 8 Optional Activities

• Iguassu Falls Boat Tour -

Day 9 Optional Activities

• Iguassu Falls Bird Park Visit -

Day 10 Optional Activities

• Bonito Snorkelling -
• Underwater Caves Excursion -

Day 11 Optional Activities

• Bonito Snorkelling -
• Underwater Caves Excursion -

Day 16 Optional Activities

• Dinosaur Tracks Excursion -

Day 17 Optional Activities

• Dinosaur Tracks Excursion -
• Textile Cooperative Visit -
• Hiking -
• Mountain Biking -

Day 18 Optional Activities

• Dinosaur Tracks Excursion -
• Textile Cooperative Visit -
• Hiking -
• Mountain Biking -

Day 19 Optional Activities

• Silver Mine Tour -

Day 24 Optional Activities

• Valley of the Moon Tour -
• Chacaltaya Visit -
• Witches' Market Visit -
• La Paz City Tour -

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