It is advisable to change some money within the airport.  If you have not arranged a transfer though us (Lima and Quito only) take a taxi to our recommended hotel (or one of your own choice) to drop your baggage and valuables (please use safety deposit boxes in the hotels).  Taxis can mostly be pre-paid within the airport, to avoid unscrupulous taxi drivers.  If there is no pre-pay system, then make sure you agree a price with the driver.  Insist on being taken to the hotel you have booked - a driver may insist he knows of another hotel, just to gain a commission.

Pre-trip Accommodation & Airport Transfers
We provide a free booking service when reserving pre-trip accommodation and airport transfers on your behalf.  Just log in to your account on our website & select the accommodation / transfer required, or you can contact us direct.   We will require your flight number, arrival time, and arrival date so please ensure this information is forwarded to us as soon as you have booked your flight and no later than 6 weeks prior to departure. All prices listed for pre-trip accommodation & airport transfers are approximate and subject to availability. 

Pre-trip Accommodation
Double, twin, and triple rooms will be provided subject to availability where requested. However when not available we may need to book other rooming arrangements, and will fit these as closely as possible to your request. Those travelling solo will be put in shared rooms to reduce the costs to them, which may be dorm rooms or twin/ triple shares with other Oasis Overland travellers. Single rooms may be available in some cities for solo travellers, and we will arrange this for you on request, subject to availability. If you are flying in early morning and you would like to check in straight away your room may have to be reserved from the night before to ensure direct check in, otherwise you may have to wait until normal check in times. 

Post-trip Accommodation & Airport Transfers can be arranged with your tour leader during the trip or directly with the hotel on arrival. The return airport transfer is not included and is at your own expense. We regret these services cannot be arranged via the UK Oasis before departure.

Pre-Departure Meeting
Your tour leader will meet you at the pre-departure meeting the morning your trip starts at the Departure Hotel. There will be a notice in reception advising the time and here your crew will explain how the day to day running of the trip works etc. Your crew will also require a copy of your passport, insurance policy, number and confirmation that the duration will cover you for the entire trip and a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number. It is essential that you attend this meeting - please let the UK office or your Tour Leader know if you are unable to make it.

You need to arrive at your departure city at least the day before your trip begins.  Return flights must be booked for at least the day AFTER the trip is due to end.  You may wish to allow some extra time to explore your arrival and departure cities.

For those booking their flights from the UK, the best is an 'open jaw' or 'multi-city' type ticket which allows you to fly into one destination and out of another.  Try airlines such as Iberia, American Airlines, KLM, British Airways and Qantas.  It is easy to find prices for flights online, through various search engines (www.opodo.co.uk or www.ebookers.co.uk are but two) and direct with airline websites. But it is worth bearing in mind that you may well be able to find a cheaper fare through a travel agent, who's experience may help with complicated itineraries and many of whom offer airline insolvency cover in the cost.  Busy months (and more expensive) are Feb / Mar, Jul / Aug and Dec, you should book as early as possible, if you are flying over these times.

One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips - we recommend that you contact us at the time of paying your balance. We will supply you with a letter confirming that you are travelling overland on the specified trip that you have booked, in case immigration or the airline queries the fact that you do not have a return flight ticket. It is also recommended that you have a copy of your payment confirmation / receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) and itinerary as further proof of booking.

The information below is to be used only as a guide & may change without prior notice. It is advisable to contact the relevant  Embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements.

Passports
Please bring 2 photocopies of your passport details to give to your tour leader. You will need at least 1 blank page per country in your passport, which must be valid for at least 9 months from your departure date. If you have dual nationality you can only use one passport for the entire trip.  It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant Visas you require.

Visas

*   =    We recommend obtaining this visa before travel, though if starting your trip in Rio this will not be possible, and you will need to obtain en route.  Price varies.

** =    If starting your trip in Rio or Santiago this visa should be obtained in advance of travel (valid for 90 days from time of issue).  Otherwise you will need to obtain your visa on the trip, probably from Buenos Aires.

On arrival to countries in South America, you will be given an 'Immigration card'.  It is important that you keep this with your passport during your entire stay in the particular country as it is needed for departure.  Failure to produce this immigration slip can result in a fine.

For more information on other nationalities & Visas checkout www.projectvisa.com

Updated USA visa information in effect as of 12 January 2009. The US government has announced that as of 12 Jan 09 a new online system known as Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) that is part of the visa waiver programme (VWP) will become mandatory. To apply for authorization to travel to or via the US (even on transit) under the VWP, travellers will have to log on to the ESTA web based system and complete an application online providing biographical & eligibility information. In most cases, ESTA will provide an almost immediate determination of eligibility to travel under the VWP.

If your country does not appear on the Visa Waiver Program list below, you will need to apply for a visa to the US before flying out to join your tour. More information can be found at: Foreign & Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk; U.S State Department travel advice: www.travel.state.gov or www.usembassy.org.uk

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are; United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

If your nationality does not participate in the VWP, check the US State Dept website for your visa requirements and how to apply. Failure to determine your eligibility for travel under the Visa Waiver Program or to apply for a visa to travel to the US will result in you being denied by airlines and or the US government to travel to or via the United States.

Vaccinations & Health
As we are not medically trained - we are unable to give detailed or professional advice on vaccination requirements, so please use this information and chart only as a guide.  Please consult a reputable travel clinic or GP for advice on any medical issues. We suggest allowing 8 weeks to get all your vaccinations. For more information visit: www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or  www.nomadtravel.co.uk  Oasis travellers receive a 10% discount on vaccinations, medical kits, clothing and camping equipment from the Nomad Travel Clinic - you will receive your discount code on your booking receipt.

There are other vaccines not listed here which are sometimes recommended - please see a registered GP or Travel Health clinic for further advice. (Cholera , Diphtheria (all countries advise) , Hep B, Rabies ) etc.

KEY:
Y = Recommended - Consult a GP or Travel Clinic
Y* = Advised if visiting Jungle, Brazilian Pantanal and Iguazu Falls in both Argentina and Brazil

Yellow Fever - Being vaccinated against Yellow Fever and having a valid certificate and a photocopy is deemed compulsory in some countries we visit, especially at certain borders and are needed if you are entering from an infected country.

Rabies - Vaccinations are regularly advised for all countries that we travel through in Africa - especially if time and money are not a deterrent.

Malaria - In some of the areas we visit there is a risk of contracting Malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria prophylactics you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your own physical efforts against being bitten - which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers.  Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them.   Your crew will advise on where the worst affected areas are on the trip. There are a number of prophylactic malaria treatments on the market & requirements change.  It is also wise to take a sample of whichever prophylactic you choose, a few weeks before you leave.  This way you may determine early on if you have any adverse reactions so you can change the regimen if necessar.y www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Medical advice should be taken particularly if you are visiting the jungle in either Ecuador or Peru, the Brazilian Pantanal or Iguazu Falls in either Argentina or Brazil as part of your trip.

Altitude sickness
This is caused by thin air and can affect anyone arriving at high altitude (above 3000mtrs). The symptoms are headaches, dizziness, shortage of breath and possibly nausea. To avoid this or alleviate the symptoms rest for a few hours, and avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, large meals, and take it easy for at least 24 hours and drink plenty of water.

As we are travelling mostly by land (as opposed to flying into a high altitude location) we should acclimatise gradually, and so avoid 'soroche', mountain sickness.

Dengue
Unlike the malaria mosquito, which bites at night, the dengue carrying mosquito bites during the day. Some areas we travel to do have occasional outbreaks & it is therefore advised that you take care not to be bitten during the day as well as at night.  There is no vaccine available.

Health
To join our trips you should be in good general health.  Your medical insurance co' must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition / allergy or if you are on any regular medication, otherwise you may not be covered under your policies for these. Our crew will need to know of any medication or conditions you may have. For general health advice log onto www.nathnac.org/travel/

It is a compulsory requirement that you have adequate travel insurance before you join any Oasis Trip & at the very least are insured for all necessary medical & repatriation costs incurred overseas with a minimum sum insured of £500,000.

Your Tour Leader will ask to see a copy of your insurance policy at the pre-departure meeting and you will be asked to provide the following details: 24-hour emergency medical telephone number, your policy number, confirmation that the policy duration is sufficient to cover you for the entire duration of your trip.  It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safe keeping.

We believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. It is a mistake to think that "it will never happen to me". It is also very important that you are covered for all the activities that you may wish to undertake while on our trip.

For further information on the insurance we offer, the activities covered, costs and how to book - click here or check out the Insurance section of our website.

Local Payment (LP)
LP is part of your overall trip payment and is the most cost effective and practical way to get hard currency to South America to pay for a variety of your day-to-day local costs (i.e. all meals prepared by the group, campsite fees,  gas, and certain activities listed on the trip page) which cannot be pre-paid from the UK. It is a guaranteed amount, set before your trip departs, and unlike 'group kitty' systems we will not ask you to contribute more once the trip is underway.

Please note: Your LP is payable to your Tour Leader on the morning of departure in US$ Dollars CASH ONLY.  Make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused by the banks. Please do not bring all of your Local Payment in US$100 notes and also make sure that they are post 1996 and not of a serial number starting with CB.

Spending Money
From past trips and traveller feedback US$150 to US$200 per week should cover costs such visas, some meals out (on average 50% of meals on the trip are supplied), soft drinks and beers, email & communications, souvenirs and other general spending. Personal spending habits & budgets differ greatly from person to person. Budget on optional activities separately (see optional excursions page) & allow extra for your Local Payment contribution. There is often a departure tax payable in the airport, so allow up to US$50 for this.

Changing money
Change your money only at banks, hotels, airports or forex bureau's.  It is illegal to change money on the street, as these people will normally be opportunistic thieves or undercover police. Your crew will advise you where & when you can change money & with what means.  It is also a good idea to have a small CASH emergency fund, to allow for the unexpected.

How to bring your currency?
As a general rule it is best to bring your money as 2/3rds US$ cash & 1/3rd in US$ or £GB Travellers Cheques (TC's). Euros are also becoming more widely accepted.  US dollars dated pre-1996, old or damaged notes and serial numbers starting CB are not accepted in South America, so please ensure your notes are dated 1997 onward & Scottish pounds are also not accepted.  Ensure when buying US Dollars before you travel, ask for clean notes with no tears or markings.  It can be difficult using US$100 bills in Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia so if possible, bring US$50 bills for these countries.

Visa's need to be paid for in US$ CASH ONLY!

Travellers Cheques (TC's) - can attract 2 to 8 % commission. The use of TC's overseas can be frustrating but at the same time worthwhile as they can be replaced in an incidence of loss or theft.

Credit & Debit Cards - a combination of several types are suggested as not all types are accepted in all places. Visa & Maestro are best, MasterCard has limited access through parts of South America. Over the counter cash advances can be expensive, time consuming and should not be relied upon - you will be given local currency and NOT US$ or £GB. We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked. Please see the optional excursions page for activities that can be paid for using a Credit or Debit Card.

ATM's - In some destinations we probably won't even see a bank or ATM for days on end.  www.visa.com or www.mastercard.com can give a general idea of locations of ATM's around the world - but please do not rely on this means alone to obtain local cash, please only use as a guide - things change, and ATM's don't always work!
Besides memorising your PIN, it is also important to be aware of your daily withdrawal limit and bank withdrawal costs.

Tipping is often expected and relied upon. It is often more than a reward for services well done, but, as wages are extremely low, it is an accepted means of supplementing an income. If you would like to leave a tip for any activity/individual, you could organize this as a group and give a tip at the end. A recommended amount for restaurants is usually 10% of your total bill and similar for activities.  Some countries also add an extra Government tax on restaurant bills.  Your crew will usually be able to help you with any queries regarding this.

In the past we have been asked by travellers about tipping your Oasis Crew.  Our guys work very hard at making your trip a great travel experience. Working overseas can often be challenging and they are pretty much on call for you 24 hours a day, so it's appreciated with a thank you for hard work and good service - even if it is just verbally. Although a tip is not expected by either Oasis or our Crew if you have had a great trip and feel you would like to show your appreciation by leaving your crew a tip - an amount of $1 a day  has been recommended to us by some past customer feedback.

Please be aware that tipping and the amount you tip is entirely up to you individually and always your choice.

Stuff to buy
South America is famous for many great items from wooden carvings, woven and knitted items such as hats and gloves and ponchos. There are also great opportunities to purchase jewellery and leather-wear through to woollen items in most of the countries we travel through.  It is possible to post things home from several of the major cities we visit.

As an Oasis traveller you can get a 10% discount at Tatoo Outdoor Gear Shops in Quito, Lima, La Paz & Santiago (cash sales only) on production of your oasis Overland booking confirmation receipt. www.tatoo.ws (Their website is in Spanish, but it gives some idea of the items available - please note, not all items stocked in all stores)

Become part of the "Souvenir Alert " Campaign - and think before you buy.  Check that your purchased goods are not breaking the law and endangering wildlife, or your souvenirs may be confiscated by customs on your return. www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/CITES/

You will experience a varying degree of climatic changes at any time of year, from freezing temperatures (down to as cold as minus -15°C) in the Andes, to scorching heat in the desert and heavy downpours in the jungle (up to as hot and humid as 47°C and 90% humidity).

The rains in the Andes usually occur between November and April.  This means downpours once or twice a day with the rest of the day usually warm and sunny, although there will also be times where it may not rain at all for a week or so.  April to October is the dry season with clear views of the mountains.  It is hot during the day but extremely cold at night with temperatures often well below zero.  You will be spending a lot of time at altitude where nights can be very cold at any time of year.

The deserts in Chile can also be cold during the night but can be very hot during the day particularly between October and May.  The Amazon Jungle is very hot with high humidity plus regular downpours of rain usually year-round. Click here to view the climate chart.

The less you take the less you have to pack, wash & lug home & you can always pick up extras along the way. Most people make the mistake of bringing too much gear.  Clothes washing or laundry facilities will be available at least once a week.  You will be travelling in the heat & camping in the cold, so bring clothes for all climates; rough stuff is best. Pack according to season: use the climate guide above (remember, nights are cold in deserts and the mountains).  Make sure that you bring your gear in a 70- 90L rucksack or holdall - suitcases are not suitable.

Even though our trucks are equipped with a comprehensive medical kit, we advise you to bring a small personal medical kit as our truck kit is not for general everyday use. It will also be your responsibility to carry your kit on included excursions and optional activities as some local operators may not have medical kits to hand.

Cameras (incl. Digital & Video Cameras)
An easy to use 'point and press' will get you some good photos. For memorable shots, it may be worthwhile investing in an SLR camera, but be sure to get some practice in before the trip!  Most towns and cities have internet cafes where you can download onto CD/ internet sites - but don't rely on it.
We recommend you bring:

• Strong bag / carry case to protect the camera - zip lock / plastic bags are useful for dusty / sandy conditions

• Spare / extra batteries

• Polarizing Filter / Lens Hood for SLR's - this will help to minimise the washed out effect from very brought sunlight

• Film - this is getting harder to find and may well be out of date or expensive

• Memory / Storage media (2 x memory cards in case one gets corrupted) - again this could be hard to find

• USB cable - to connect in internet cafes or for downloading

We can recommend Clock Tower Cameras for second hand cameras and lenses. Contact Paul or Eddy on 01273 706010 or visit their website: www.clocktowercameras.co.uk

Photography no no's!!
It is forbidden in all the countries we visit to take photos of anything military.  Bridges, border posts and airports are also sensitive, so be careful or be prepared to have your film / camera confiscated by irate officials. Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people (especially in areas of poverty) - if in doubt it is always better to ask first before you snap away!

Electrical charging & power supply
It may be difficult to find a power source for charging at times, so a spare battery is a must.
Consider a 12V in-car charger (our vehicles are equipped with a couple of 12 volt cigarette lighter charger sockets - truck trips only) or bring along your 230v mains charger and travel adaptor plug for use at some of the hotels, hostels and campsites we stay at.

NOTE: 12V - 230V inverters cannot be used on our vehicles because of the power drain they cause.

Log onto www.kropla.com  for information regarding the different electrical plugs and voltage used in each country.

As an Oasis Overland traveller you will receive a 25% discount off Lonely Planet & Footprints guides, which give concise information on all countries, to help make sure you don't miss out on stuff you want see! 
Maps - Bartholomew's, Geo Center and National Geographic have good detailed maps of the areas we travel through.

The Oasis truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable, secure base with which to experience your trip. As part of the adventure you will be expected to have an active involvement in the day to day running of the trip, be part of the group and get stuck in and help with various tasks, whether it's cooking meals over open fires, pitching your tent or keeping the truck clean & tidy.

Accommodation
Camping - Oasis provides tents for those nights you will be camping.  We spend some nights bush or desert camping and the rest of the time in campsites. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic.  At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed.

Simple Hotels/Hostels - At many locations we will stay at small locally owned hostels/hotels. These are usually basic places, and often the accommodation will be dormitory style. Upgrades may be available on arrival, but cannot be reliably pre- booked. Please be aware that the quality of accommodation can vary quite a lot from area to area and sometimes in a small hotel the standard of rooms can vary even from one room to the next - so there needs to be a level of understanding within the group that your oasis crew does not often have power over room allocation or services provided by various hotels and it is unavoidable that they have to rely on the local staff.

During the day
As a guide driving days normally start at about 8am and finish at about 5pm, with stops for lunch and buying food, seeing local sights etc. We won't be driving every day, although there are times when we will drive for two, but we will then stop for a few days and you will have free time to explore, meet local people, do some optional activities or just relax and do your own thing. Expect to sometimes get dusty & dishevelled during the day and although you will be able to shower most nights (except at bush camps), not all camps will have hot showers.

Meals & cook groups
When 'on the road' or camping, we usually cook using gas or over open fires in a rota system and you can expect to cook in a group of two or three people approximately once every ten days depending on the number of people on trip and whereabouts you are.   Your cook group will have to decide on what to cook, utilise stocks from the truck stores and locally obtain ingredients from markets, shops etc  and rustle up a meal.  But don't worry if you're not a Gordon Ramsay, as the rest of the group and the Tour leader usually lend a helping hand.  Here is an idea of what to expect at meal times:

Breakfasts:  Usually simple - we help ourselves to cereal, toast, hot drinks and on occasion we will splurge with a cooked breakfast.
Lunch:  Cold and usually quick. The cook group will put out bread, tinned supplies and maybe make a salad.
Dinner:  Cooks come into their own in the evening and will always attempt to cook up some delights.

When staying in hotels in towns or cities we do not include meals  This is your chance to go out and explore and try local cuisine in local restaurants.

In the evenings - when at a bushcamp or campsite, you and your tent buddy will put up the tent, and then lend a hand with getting out the tables, stools, firewood and water containers. The fire grates need to be taken out, the fire lit and someone can fill the kettle and make hot drinks while the cook group prepares the evening meal. Then just sit back & chill and enjoy the rest of your evening!

Vegetarians / Vegans - Our Tour Leader will always do their best to cater for Vegetarians or Vegans or any other dietary requirement whenever possible, but it must be remembered that the variety of dishes available may not be the same as available to meat eaters. If there is anything in particular you require or would miss from home, it would be best to bring it with you.

Remember that when eating out in local restaurants & hotels that the vegetarian concept, while often not new, is still alien & often incomprehensible to many local people and you will often be offered fish or chicken in error.  Most large towns and cities, or areas used to tourists, will often have more choice for vegetarians but please be aware that you will not receive the variety or quantity of dishes available to meat eaters.

Oasis Crew
We usually have two crew whose duties are extensive and quite demanding, with challenges ranging from driving and maintaining the expedition vehicle to a high standard, to organising visas and border crossings, arranging accommodation, pre-booking some excursions and guides, helping with shopping and cooking as well as finding the best deals, socializing and making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. While our crew are experienced and knowledgeable they are not tour guides as such. Our trips pass through many countries and our tour leaders cannot be expected to have detailed knowledge of each countries history, flaura and fauna and archaeological sites. Even so - they will be more than willing to pass on any interesting and useful information that they have acquired whilst on the road. A rewarding way to gain a better insight into the wildlife, cultural and historical diversity of the countries we travel through is by reading guide books as well as talking to the local people and using local guides.

Adventure travel can be unpredictable and occasionally our crew may have to amend the itinerary to take into account changing local circumstances or because of a delay at a border or because of circumstances outside our control. This can all lead to additional work and commitment for our crew who will do all they can to minimize any disruption to the trip. While our crew are essentially on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week, it has to be remembered that no one is actually expected to work these hours, so at Oasis we are realistic that within a trip there will be times when our crew need 'down time' and a chance to relax and 'let their hair down' as well. They are only human!

The most reliable way to receive messages from friends and family is via email.  This is quite common place in many areas that we visit, but the efficiency or speed of connection is never a guarantee!  You will usually be able to email once a week or so on average, depending on which countries you visit.   Telephone calls can be expensive, and the cheapest option is to buy a phone card for each country you visit. Internet access costs around US$1 to US$2 per half hour.  There is also the opportunity to use Skype in some areas.

Language
Spanish is spoken widely in South America, apart from Brazil which is Portuguese.  You will find that trying to learn a few words and pleasantries will add tremendously to your enjoyment of the trip and your interaction with the local people.  It may even be worth thinking about arriving early and joining one of our Spanish Schools (see our website Add On section).

In cities
All major cities have their share of petty crime (just like our cities!) and sensible precautions need to be taken.  Wearing expensive looking jewellery, watches and carrying cameras, will draw unnecessary attention to you.  Leave valuables such as passports, excess money etc in your hotel safe or truck safe (we recommend carrying a copy of your passport details page at all times). You may find a simple money belt is more discrete than a bag.   Always be aware of your surroundings and when approached by people you do not know, use your common sense.  At night in cities it's best to use a taxi, rather than walking around the streets, single women in particular need to be careful & we would suggest that it is safer to be in a group.

On board the truck
Each vehicle is fitted with a hidden, lockable safe to be used for money, passports and documents.  Passengers will be responsible for the safe and Oasis Overland cannot accept any liability for clients' personal or monetary contents kept in the safe or on board the truck.  We advise you to not take items of value that are not essential for the journey. In certain areas a roster may be drawn up for the group to share the task of guarding and keeping the vehicle secure.

Before you go

• Remove unnecessary packaging before you go - waste disposal facilities are often stretched in the places we visit. To avoid unnecessary pollution of local water supplies take environmentally friendly toiletries with you.

• Why not invest in a wind-up or solar-powered torch or media player before you travel or at least rechargeable batteries.

• Learn some of the local language and read up on the local history / culture before you go. You'll get so much more out of your trip.

• Why not pack some pens / pencils exercise books in your rucksack and they can be donated to a local school or project while you're away.

• Take a sturdy water bottle with you from home that you can re-use throughout your trip.

While you're travelling
From experience gained in running trips, we have developed our own practical and a manageable environmental policy which all of our crew practice on the trips we operate, and they will share this information with you at the start of your trip. We welcome your input on this, plus any new ideas you may have, to improve our existing procedures. As a guide here's a few tips to bear in mind.

• Don't waste water. It is a scarce resource in many of the places our trips visit.

• Never buy endangered species or endangered habitat products. Apart from the fact of it being illegal it also encourages the trade to continue.

• Look after and preserve the areas we visit. Be careful about stepping on coral reefs or trekking on undesignated tracks.

• Buy locally made crafts and products helping to support the local economy.

• Don't feel when bargaining that you have to get the cheapest price possible just for the sake of it. Pay what the item is worth to you.

• Try the local food and drinks - this will help to support local farmers and food sellers. Sitting in a local cafe is also a great way to meet local people.

• Dispose of litter appropriately on your trip. This includes cigarette butts. Not only does litter look unsightly it can be lethal to wildlife.

• Where any toilet facilities exist, however unsavoury they might seem to you, they should be used. Where they do not, always bury your waste and amke sure it is never near, (at least 30m) from a water source.

• When game viewing do not encourage your guides to get too close to the wildlife so that their natural behaviour is impeded.

• Respect local customs, traditions and beliefs of the people in the different regions that you travel through.

• Do not take photos of people, ritual events or special places unless you have asked first. Dress appropriately according to local codes and show respect around religious festivals.

• Recycling is almost non-existent in many of the ares and countries we visit - we do the best we can with limited resources & space on our vehicles.

• For books dedicated to travelling more responsibly & ethically see: www.tourismconcern.org.uk

Community Projects
Oasis are active in raising awareness and providing support to a number of projects and local schools where we believe we can make a positive difference. You can also help support these projects or possibly visit them on your trip. To gain further information check out the websites below:

Cuzco, Peru - Oasis are helping with a monthly financial donation to Pachamama's Children, a new project to help restore a school and bring back education to the children of the Chinchasuyo community, near Cuzco. This is the area in which many of the guides and partners on the Inca Trail live.

The Inca Trail
We INCLUDE the cost of trekking to Machu Picchu in ALL our trips that visit Peru.

We offer 3 routes - Classic, Lares, and Salkantay - (subject to season and availability), all accompanied by knowledgeable guides and porters.

Our first choice trek is the Classic trail. As availability is limited we will move quickly after booking to obtain you a permit where possible. When the Classic trail is not available, we will arrange the Lares trail at no extra charge (subject to minimum 2 people). If you wish to trek either the Lares or Salkantay by choice, you must let us know at the time of booking, and an additional fee may be payable. All of the treks visit Machu Picchu for the day. For more information more about the treks including maps please click here for more information on three routes and treks:
Classic      Lares     Salkantay

Train Only
For those who don't fancy trekking at all, there is the option of taking the train to Aguas Calientes, staying overnight in a simple hotel, and heading up to nearby Machu Picchu the next day. This option gives you an extra two nights in Cusco, where we will provide accommodation.

Detailed Itinerary

Please note that our itineraries are not set in stone and can be subject to change.

Days 1 to 6

Starting our South America tour in Quito, we first visit the town of Otavalo famous for its colourful craft market. Heading east on narrow, tortuous roads to the steamy edge of the Amazon basin the town of Tena is our gateway into the Amazon jungle. Here accompanied by experienced guides, we explore on foot this exotic environment.

Days 7 to 12

Further south, perched high in the mountains of Ecuador, lies the outdoors mecca of Banos. This spa town, where Ecuadorians go to relax in the thermal baths is ideal to hike or mountain bike the various trails to one of the surrounding waterfalls or the impressive nearby rocky canyon, is a favourite amongst those who have undertaken South America travel. We hit the road again and drive south along the spine of the Andes towards Peru.

Days 13 to 18

A days drive on the Pan-American highway brings us to the border with Peru. You will notice an amazing transition in one day, from the good farming country of highland Ecuador, through sub-tropical forest and immense banana plantations, to dry barren desert in Peru. We are rewarded with a couple of days camping on the beach. Our next stops on our South America travel experience are the Chan Chan ruins, imperial citadel of the pre-Inca Chimu kings which the Incas later conquered. It claims to be the largest mud brick city in the world.
Continuing with the Andes close to our left and the sea on our right, the capital city of Lima will be our next stop on the Andes & Amazon South America tour.Here you'll encounter both abundant wealth and grinding poverty, modern skyscrapers next to some of the finest museums and historical monuments in Latin America.

Days 19 to 25

Departing Lima our next stop is the Ballestas Islands in the Paracas National Reserve. By boat we visit the rare and exotic sea birds and mammals that inhabit these islands. We now make our way to one of the world's great archaeological mysteries The Nazca Lines. These huge figures and shapes, carved into the desert floor are best viewed from the air - South America travel is not complete until you have seen these unbelievable ancient mysteries.
Still heading south we visit Puerto Inca, at this ancient Inca harbour we camp at the beach and enjoy our last night at sea level before beginning our climb back into the towering Andes. The next two nights are spent in Arequipa at 2325m, giving us time to acclimatise, and enjoy this beautiful colonial city with its impressive El Misti Volcano in the background. Arequipa is also the gateway to one of the deepest canyons in the world. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is an awesome sight. Here, if you get up early, Condors can be seen circling lazily on the thermals rising from the canyon floor.

Days 26 to 32

We now have to face one of the most arduous and punishing dirt roads on the tour, although we soon arrive at Cuzco. Widely considered to be the most interesting city for South America travel, Cuzco is surrounded by the Sacred Valley of the Incas and offers a wide range of activities to explore the region. We will base ourselves here for 6 days giving us enough time for the Inca Trail trip, which is regarded by many to be the highlight of their South America tour. There are several treks which take in Machu Picchu. When permits are still available, we will organise the Classic Trail trek, but great alternative treks such as the Salkantay or Lares can be arranged when the Classic is not available or by your choice (must be pre-arranged at time of booking). Tours to Machu Picchu are absolutely unbelievable; a trip to this City in the Clouds is an ancient and awe-inspiring part of our South America travel tour. Besides seeing Machu Picchu, you're able to enjoy the architectural uniqueness of Cuzco and explore some of the colourful surrounding markets.

Days 33 to 37

Bordering Peru and Bolivia at 3800m lies Lake Titicaca, the home of the Uros Indians who have made their dwellings on floating reed islands. By boat we visit the floating islands during the day and then we go that one step beyond the average tourist and spend the night with one of the Indian families on the lesser known islands Isla Amantani or Taquile. Spending some time during South America travel in these local communities will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the traditional lifestyle of the Andean people and their customs. From here it is a days drive to the capital of Bolivia - La Paz. This is a great place to visit a 'pena' club, dedicated to Andean folk music, and perhaps buy some souvenirs in one of the authentic markets such as the witches market.