Being in good general physical condition is ideal due to altitude and climate variations on most of our journeys. During the acclimation period, you are more susceptible to infection. And the air is very dry, especially at high altitudes, it is common to have dry mouth and difficulty breathing. The different hygiene conditions, may also affect the body.
If you suffer from hypertension, diabetes or other diseases, we recommend that you be examined by a physician before you book your trip. Similarly, take with you a complete set of travel medication such as digestive aids, pain relievers, etc. Be prepared for any eventuality; we require that all participants purchase international travel health insurance before purchasing your journey and cancellation insurance is recommended.
The journey may also challenge your comfort level in some areas, therefore it is important that you have the ability adapt to the unexpected (bad roads, weather, etc ...). The sooner you immerse yourself in your new environment, culture and customs, better you will enjoy the journey. Due to the quality of life, different schedules and first impression on your journey, everything requires small adjustments and a little patience. Naturally, there are some differences in mentality and behavior between Latin America and the US. Therefore, an open mind and a ready smile are the best approaches.
For more information on vaccines see the questions "What medication should I take in my health care team", "What common travel ailments that I should be aware of?" and "What vaccines are recommended for this trip?".
Here is a sample list of clothes you should pack. This list is only a recommendation of what we suggest you bring, however it is your final discretion.
Suitcase or large backpack or travel bag on wheels soft li>
Small backpack for day excursions li>
Waterproof jacket or poncho against the rain (can also buy locally) li>
Windbreaker li>
Thick sweater (Andes & Patagonia) + light sweater li>
T-shirts li>
Long pants li>
Shorts li>
Socks and Underwear li>
Hiking shoes li>
Comfortable shoes li>
Sandals li>
Swimwear - (for coastal areas, thermal baths, or swimming pools) li>
List of useful items
Towel- Petite Microfiber (light and dries quickly) li>
Sunglasses li>
Small flashlight li>
Digital Camera or even Waterproof Camera (for Galapagos) li>
Binoculars, glasses with protective neck band li>
Travel alarm, games, playing cards, books, travel pillow ... li>
Notepad to keep a daily journal
By region:
• Andean Region & Patagonia:
Even during the day it can be cold, because of the altitude and possible wind. It is advisable to include a jacket and one or more warm sweaters for the evening, a windbreaker, hat, and scarf are perfect items to keep out the wind along with rain gear. A sample list of clothes to go!
It is to be adapted to suit your needs!
• Jungle:
Light clothing is appropriate, but long pants and long sleeve shirts are useful against mosquitoes. Do not forget swimsuits and towels, as dips in the water are very important.
• Coast and Galapagos:
Summer clothing and / or normal spring wear is needed. A sweatshirt can be useful in the evening. Swimsuit, cap / hat, sunglasses, and above all a sunscreen/ sunblock with a high SPF that protects against UVA and UVB rays is essential in Ecuador.
As a tour operator, for legal reasons we unfortunately can not give you specific recommendations for vaccination. We advise you to consult your doctor before the trip and indicate which areas you will be visiting. You can find a detailed list of recommendations for vaccinations on the
Centers for Disease Control and Protection website.
However, please read all the frequently asked questions related to your trip or contact your travel representative, as it is possible that a vaccine may be required for travel.
All trip itineraries come with a list of "Excluded Costs," this will give you an estimate of how much money to bring on your own. Additionally, in our experience, travelers spend about $150- $200 per week for meals on our trips (on average one per day to support). This amount will vary depending on the included meals, and also personal spending on souvenirs.
Contact your travel representative if you are still unsure.
viventura Travel Documents (electronic ticket, flight information ...) li>
Passport - make 2 copies, bring one with you leave the other at home with an emergency contact. Also scan a copy and save to your email as another reference. li>
Credit Card (VISA is the most commonly accepted, not traveler's checks, they are rarely accepted and the exchange rate is high) li>
Travel Insurance Documents li>
List of Emergency Contact Information li>
It is required that all participants are covered with travel insurance before they embark on their trip. We recommend that you take out cancellation insurance to insure in case an unexpected illness, accident or other obligation occurs. A repatriation insurance is highly recommended as well in case problems arise during your trip and need to return home immediately.
If you do not wish to have insurance, you are required to sign a release form with viventura and will most likely not have your money refunded.
We will soon be offering travelers the ability to purchase travel insurance directly through our site. Please check back at a later date.
Most of our travels will be done on private transportation, so a suitcase is fine. However, remember that we travel to a new city very frequently so try to pack only necessities to keep your luggage light for easier travel. Also it would be wise to pack a small backpack to carry small items with you during our day trips.
Our guides are always prepared in case small medical problems arise, however, it is recommended that each participant brings their own health kit containing:
• For acclimatization: drops, nasal spray or ointment, tablets against the sore throat, eye drops against dry air and dust (without cortisone, antibiotic-free)
• Diarrhea: re-hydration salt substitutes and liquid as per ex. Salt tablets or medical activated carbon to offset the loss of salt and water. There are pharmacies in small packets of electrolyte powder with varied tastes.
• Remedies against fever and pain pills against headache (Advil, Aleve, Tylenol.. etc)
• Alcohol-based disinfectants, small cotton disinfectants.
• Medicines that relieve itching from insect, ant , or mosquito bites
• Medicines according to personal needs: against seasickness or motion sickness
• Sunscreen and appropriate after-sun care
If you take prescribed medication, make sure to contact your doctor to have enough during your travels, as medicines have different names here and might produce different side effects.
Bringing a sleeping bag is not absolutely necessary. If we are going to a camping site you will be able to rent both sleeping bags and other camping gear.
However nights can be cold and there is often no heating in some accommodations (Host Families on Lake Titicaca), so you can always bring your own just in case. It is also possible to ask for extra blankets at any of our hotels, lodges, or hosterias.