A more affordable option for travelers, but with lower benefits than Protect Assist. Includes cancellation coverage.
Essential
A basic, affordable travel insurance option. Can be purchased at any time prior to your departure date.
Worldwide Health
International medical insurance for anyone traveling outside of their home country. Availalbe for non-US citizens as well!
Packing Essentials
Note: Delayed bags are COMMON at many South and Central American destinations. Pack one change of clothes, two pairs of socks/underwear, personal
hygiene items, passport, airline tickets, and emergency numbers in your carry on. Prepare as if you may not see your checked bags for two or three
days just in case, but don't go overboard. You still want to be comfortable negoitiating around the maze of airports.
ATM/ Debit card: In most cities and even smaller towns, you will find ATMs. Arrange for a fee waiver before leaving and save receipts in case there are errors.
Cash and/or Traveler's Checks: Pack a little US cash in small denominations for emergencies. Traveler's checks are a bit safer, but they are also more difficult to exchange.
Passport and Airline Tickets: Don't forget!
Copies of Travel Documents: Store copies of travel documents (passport, tour voucher, travel insurance, airline tickets) separately from the actual documents.
Address book/ Emergency numbers: Pack an address book with emergency numbers for friends/family, tour staff, credit cards, and travel insurance.
Camera, spare battery, and lots of film: Although you can buy film in most locations (even some Antarctic boats and Amazon lodges), prices are often
considerably higher than home. Consider how much film you will need and then bring at least half as much again!
Comfortable Shoes: Slip on shoes work great for airports and casual walks around town. Bring durable hiking boots for trekking tours to minimize
twisted ankles and don't forget water shoes (Tevas, flip-flops, or old tennis shoes) for trips to the Galapagos, whitewater rafting, etc.
Money belt for important documents, passport, and money. Do not use the kind that hang from your neck. They're not very secure and a pain to use.
Convertible pants: Light, fast drying, and the legs zip off to form shorts. Bring at least two pairs!
Fleece sweater and light rain jacket: Expect the unpredictable, even in tropical areas!!
Shirts (Long and Short Sleeve): Try to pack colors that you can mix and match to minimize luggage without having to wear the same combination
everyday. Check out our Weather links for a 10 day forecast before you go. Synthetic, fast-drying fabrics are a real bonus in the tropics!
Swimsuit: You can find one there, but styles and sizes are limited.
Sunglasses and Hat to block the strong Equatorial sun. Consider buying the hat when you arrive. It makes a great memory of all of your travel
miles.
Personal Items and Medications: Although you can find many travel essentials in South and Central America, you're unlikely to find your
favorite brand of shampoo or deodorant. If possible, pack these in a small tote in your carry-on. Don't forget the insect repellant, antibiotics
(for Traveler's Diarrhea), anti-itch cream, extra contacts/ glasses, sunscreen, and prescription medications.
Water Bottle: Minimize plastic waste by bringing a refillable water bottle so that you can buy larger bottles of water or fill up from hotel supplies.
Book(s): Remember that the pace of life is a bit slower in Latin America. Expect a few delays and plan accordingly.
Journal and Pens: You're bound to forget some of those subtle travel experiences once you return. What better way to pass the time, than to make
a lasting record of your adventures!
Health Concerns
Immunizations
No immunizations are required by law to enter the countries we visit. However, the following vaccinations/boosters are advised for most of our destinations:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Diphtheria and Tetanus
- Yellow Fever (specific to the Amazon)
The US Center for Disease Control is an excellent source for detailed information on preventing travel related illnesses. Check them out at http://www.cdc.gov. Also see the World Health Organization site.
Malaria
Malaria is endemic to many rainforest areas, though your risk of being exposed may be quite small on a short visit. Although there are no immunizations to protect against malaria, anti-malarial medications are often recommended. Your risk of being exposed to malaria differs substantially from area to area and from season to season. Consult the Center for Disease Control and/or a travel doctor for the latest information.
Popular anti-malarial medications include Chloroquine, Malarone, Doxycycline, and Mefloquine. Side effects vary and some medications are not recommended for children, pregnant/ breast feeding women, or persons with certain psychiatric disorders. Talk with your doctor regarding medication recommendations for your specific circumstances.
Insect bites
Vaccines do not yet exist for many insect-borne diseases. Though these diseases are rare and it is unlikely that they will be encountered by the average traveler, the best prevention is to avoid getting insect bites in the first place. Bites can be minimized with proper clothing and a good repellent. Light, long sleeve shirts and loose-fitting pants provide the very best defense against biting insects. There are also new fabrics that are designed specifically for tropical climates. For example, some travelers recommend ExOfficio's BUZZ OFF clothing that has a built in repellent (though there are mixed reports about its effectiveness).
Insect repellent with a high DEET content is widely regarded as the most effective chemical repellent. DEET, however, is a strong chemical. Travelers should be careful not to touch plastic surfaces such as contact lenses or glasses before washing their hands as the DEET on your hands can actually melt the clear plastic. Some travelers, such as pregnant women or children, may want to check with their doctors before using DEET. Recent studies suggest that insect repellent containing lemon eucalyptus may be equally effective and less toxic, though this repellent needs to be re-applied more often.
Traveler's diarrhea
(TD) is one of the most common ailment of visitors to any overseas destination. It's a good idea to ask your doctor for an antibiotic specifically for TD, as over-the-counter medicines such as Imodium and Lomotil will only treat the symptoms and not the cause. Many doctors will prescribe a combination of antibiotics and Imodium to treat both the symptoms and the cause.
Dietary Precautions
The best way to stay fit and enjoy your trip is to start well rested and in good health. Generally, food and sanitation in Latin America is of a good standard. Consider the following advice to avoid traveler's diarrhea and other food-borne illness:
- Avoid unwashed fruits and vegetables or food sold by street vendors. While in our camps or lodges, sanitary precautions are taken while preparing your meals to minimize problems. Your guide can also recommend restaurants that have a good reputation for safe food handling.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Moist toilettes or anti-bacterial hand gels such as Purell offer good alternatives.
- Drink plenty of water to flush toxins out of your system and to prevent dehydration. Soft drinks, liquor, coffee, alcohol and tea do not possess the hydrating qualities of water. Bottled or boiled water is provided on our treks.
In the cities bottled water is readily available. Bring a water bottle of your own so that you can fill up from larger containers and minimize plastic waste.
Altitude Sickness
Many of South America's greatest attractions are at high altitudes. Travelers are likely to feel mild effects of soroche (altitude sickness) when arriving in Cusco, Puno, La Paz, Quito, or other areas above 8,000 feet. Symptoms may include fatigue, breathlessness, pounding heart, dehydration, stomach upset, insomnia, and headache. These symptoms generally subside in a day or two and severe symptoms are rare. To minimize symptoms, plan to take it easy during your first couple days at high altitude, get plenty of rest, and drink lots of water. Some locals swear that drinking coca tea, a popular herbal tea in Andean regions, is helpful. Your physician can also prescribe Diamox, a diuretic, to help you adjust to the altitude. Some travelers rave about the effectiveness of this prescription medication, while others question whether or not it makes a difference. Many hotels also have oxygen available to temporarily alleviate symptoms.
Severe altitude sickness is most common in travelers with pre-existing heart or lung conditions. Discuss any pre-existing conditions with your doctor before traveling to minimize the chance of problems occuring. For severe altitude sickness, the only solution is to return to a lower altitude.
Personal First Aid
Bring a small first aid kit for personal use. Include any over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs you use regularly. Make every effort to bring the medication in the original container, and bring enough for the entire trip as well as a copy of your prescriptions. Other useful items include band-aids, ace bandage, antihistamine, moleskin, sunscreen, chapstick, antifungal lotion, antiseptic cream for minor cuts, and an extra pair of contacts or glasses if you use these. Women should bring enough sanitary supplies for the trip. Some people find moist towelettes for cleaning hands useful.
Travelers are required to notify Falcons Journey of any pre-existing health conditions, which might affect you or other members of the group during the trip.
Money currency exchange
Keep in mind that the US dollar is getting lower in Peru. On
the other hand what has clout in South America. Denominations of $10s, $20s, and some $50 are most convenient. Ask your bank for new unmarked bills as they are less hassle to exchange.
Your Tour Leader will know when and where you can exchange money and can advise you how much to exchange at a time. All the major towns that we visit have ATMs that accept Cirrus (MasterCard) or Plus (VISA) cards, but not always both – it’s good to have both types of cards. Travelers checks are exchangeable too and finer restaurants will accept them as payment.
