Background notes
Getting there:
The usual way to travel from South Africa to South America:
- Buenos Aires – Argentina, is to fly via SAA or Malaysia Airline.
- Rio de Janeiro – Brazil, is to fly via SAA.
You may like to arrive earlier than the trip commences. If so, please discuss with us: we can advise on pre-trip accommodation bookings.
Travel insurance:
Your travel agent can advise you comprehensive travel insurance for the whole period of the trip, from the date you leave home to the date you return.
Fitness:
Any walker with good fitness and some experience of multi-day trekking can achieve it enjoyably. To get the most out of the walk you would have a good level of fitness and have done some longer multi-day hikes as well as being happy with sleeping in tents. You would also be comfortable with carrying a backpack with the gear you need through the day.
We would encourage preparation for the hike of an hour of sustained aerobic exercise (running, cycling, swimming) at least 4 times a week. The fitter you are, the more you’ll be able to enjoy the experience.
Clothing requirements:
A comprehensive hiking gear list is available at our site.
Basic requirements are your usual, comfortable hiking boots and clothes, and a very warm – preferably down – jacket to wear at night. A very warm down sleeping bag and a light, comfortable sleeping mattress are also essential.
Visas:
South African passport holders don’t need visas to travel to Argentina,Chile,Uruguay and Brazil.
If you come from other part of the world , please check out with your travel agent.
Vaccinations:
There are several vaccinations that are necessary for travellers to developing countries. If you have been in a developing country in the last 10 years, you may have already have had the required vaccinations. Please ask your GP or your local travel health clinic. The vaccinations are typically required 6-8 weeks before departure.
Staying healthy:
The group will have a first aid kit and your travel health clinic will recommend a traveller’s medical kit containing medicine to combat stomach bugs and instructions on how to take them. We ask each walker to bring their own traveller’s medical kit containing these medications with them on the walk.
Food & Water:
Please bring a water bottle of at least 2 litres. If you have a particular snack or sweet you don’t like to walk without, please feel free to bring it.
Accommodation:
Good quality budget , where is possible we’ll support eco friendly accomodation and camping sites.
Money:
If you have a card with a Visa/Master logo on it, you can access your account from many ATMs in South America, so you’ll be able to get some of the local currency easily. It’s also a good idea to bring some US dollars which you can exchange. Travellers’ Cheques aren’t widely accepted.
Language:
Your hiking guides speak fluent Spanish and Portuguese, and are available to interpret for you if you wish to have conversations with anyone.
