HOLT/PAULA MRS/STEPHEN MR/JULIANA MISS - Ecuador , Cuba & Peru 2024 V2

Chile is a slender ribbon of land flanked by the South Pacific Ocean to the west, and surrounded by Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. The country is a mystifying amalgam of extraordinarily diverse scenery, vibrant cultures, and exciting cities. From the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia and Antarctica to the driest desert in the world at Atacama, volcanoes to tropical islands, Chile boasts nearly every landscape imaginable. One of the country’s defining characteristics is its warm culture, summarised in its motto of ‘buena onda’ (‘good vibes’). Rituals surrounding relaxation and connection - such as the ‘mate’ tea custom - are integral to Chilean culture, as well as a strong connection with food, music and dance. World-class cities like Santiago weave together 21st century global culture and time-honoured traditions, and provide everything from phenomenal restaurants and buzzing nightlife to gorgeous, trendy beaches. Wine lovers will also find worlds of taste to explore in the lush valleys of vineyards offering some of the best wine on earth.

Currency 

Local currency: Chilean Peso 
Symbol: $ 
ISO code: CLP 
Subunit: Centavo 
Banknotes: $1000, $2000, $5000, $10000, $20000 
Coins: $1, $5, $10, $50, $100, $500 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline 
International Airports: Santiago International Airport (Arturo Merino Benítez) 
Domestic Airports: El Tepual Airport (Puerto Montt), La Araucanía International Airport (Temuco) 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Chilean cuisine is diverse, influenced by indigenous Mapuche, Spanish, and other European culinary traditions. Highlights include empanadas, pastel de choclo (corn pie), and cazuela (stew). Notable localdrinks include pisco, Chilean wine, and mote conhuesillo. 

Tipping: 10% 

Annual rainfall: 2000mm 
 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 25°C - 35°C 
Average lows: 10°C - 20°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 5°C - 15°C 
Average lows: -5°C - 5°C  

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Chile depends on the region. Generally, summer (December to February) is ideal for coastal areas, while winter (June to August) is popular for skiing in the Andes. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type L 
Voltage (V): 220V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

* A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Neighbouring Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is a relatively small country that nevertheless offers an enticing array of scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife species and interesting cities. Dense Amazon rainforest, towering Andean mountain peaks, palm-fringed Pacific Coast beaches and fascinating historical sites are all part and parcel of Ecuador’s prolific charms. The former Inca town of Cuenca is the nation’s third-largest city and a Unesco World Heritage Site. This alluring city, with its cobbled streets, beautiful architecture and photogenic plazas, boasts a huge variety of museums and art galleries. The vibrant capital city of Quito is also worth a visit. Arguably the most dazzling jewel in Ecuador’s crown is the Galapagos Archipelago in the Pacific, about 1000 kilometres west of the mainland. Their magnificent, pristine landscapes and prolific wildlife, which inspired Charles Darwin, have made this cluster of islands a world-famous travel destination.

Currency 

Local currency: United States Dollar 
Symbol: $ 
ISO code: USD 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 
Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢ 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: TAME, Avianca 
International Airports: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito), José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (Guayaquil) 
Domestic Airports: Mariscal Lamar International Airport (Cuenca), Eloy Alfaro International Airport (Manta) 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Ecuadorian cuisine is diverse, featuring a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Highlights include ceviche (marinated seafood), llapingachos (potato patties), and locro de papa (potato soup). Notable local drinks include canelazo (spiced alcoholic drink) and horchata (sweet rice drink). 

Tipping: 10% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: 22°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 26°C 
Average lows: 16°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 24°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Ecuador is during the dry season, from June to September, when the weather is generally sunny and pleasant. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 120V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.

Peru is most famous for the sacred archaeological site of Machu Picchu – visited each year by scores of intrepid hikers who brave the Inca Trail’s arduous slopes to explore the age-old ruins. The country’s attractions extend far beyond the mystical allure of this legendary location and include palm-fringed beaches, quaint Andean villages and archaeological treasures that predate Machu Picchu by hundreds of years – all imbued with the nation’s rich melange of indigenous and colonial cultures. Equally enticing are the exotic reaches of Peru’s Amazon rainforest; Lima’s superb eateries, exquisite architecture and effervescent nightlife; the glittering, mountain-ringed waters of Lake Titicaca; and the vibrant city of Cusco, referred to by the Incas as ‘the centre of the world’.

Currency 

Local currency: Peruvian Sol 
Symbol: S/ 
ISO code: PEN 
Subunit: céntimo 
Banknotes: S/10, S/20, S/50, S/100, S/200 
Coins: céntimo, S/1, S/2, S/5 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: LATAM Airlines, Avianca 
International Airports: Jorge Chávez International Airport (Lima) 
Domestic Airports: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (Cusco), Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (Arequipa), Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport (Trujillo) 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Limited 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Limited 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Peruvian cuisine is diverse and flavourful, featuring influences from indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian cuisines. Highlights include ceviche (marinated raw fish), lomosaltado (stir-fried beef), and causa (layered potato dish). Notable local drinks include Pisco Sour (cocktail), chicha morada (purple corn drink), and Inca Kola. 
Tipping: 10% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: Varies by region 

Summer: 

Average highs: Varies by region 
Average lows: Varies by region 

 Winter: 

Average highs: Varies by region 
Average lows: Varies by region 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the ancient ruins. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 220V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Cuba’s turbulent past and defiant political stance have imbued it with an undeniable mystique - but beyond its historical intrigue, there’s plenty more to discover and enjoy about this unique travel destination. The island is like one of its ubiquitous vintage cars - shabby but chic, erratic and unpredictable, and ultimately loveable. Fine cigars, salsa dancing, Afro-Latin beats - all these things and many more contribute to Cuba’s one-of-a-kind flavour. Highlights include the glittering capital city, Havana, where you can dance the night away in salsa clubs, or marvel at the crumbling beauty of colonial buildings on a stroll through town; the laid-back little town of Vinales, surrounded by tropical landscapes studded with bulbous limestone karsts; the terracotta buildings of historical Trinidad; and picture-perfect beaches at Varadero, and on the islets of Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Largo del Sur.

Currency

The CUP (also locally known as “moneda nacional” or MN) is the primary Cuban currency. It is used by both residents and visitors alike.  

The CUP is available in bills of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000. 

Cuba used two official currencies until December 31st, 2020: the CUP (Cuban Peso) and the CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso). However, it all changed in January 2021, when Cuba eliminated the CUC and left the CUP as the only official Cuban currency. Therefore, as a traveler, you will use the CUP. As of January 1st, 2021 and the Cuban Peso (CUP) became the only official currency in Cuba. If you travel to Cuba before mid 2021, you may still see some CUCs in circulation because Cuban residents have until July 2021 to exchange their remaining CUCs into CUPs. 

All resorts, hotels, airports, restaurants, and tourist attractions will accept CUP. Officially, you can use US dollars, Canadian dollars, and Euros ONLY at airports in Cuba.

Banking

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 08h30-12h00 and 13h30-16h00, Sat 08h30-12h00. Hours may vary and banks may be open all day in larger cities.

MasterCard and Visa credit cards are increasingly accepted, provided they are not issued by a US bank, or a bank with links to the USA, but hefty fees are often added. ATMs are fairly common but not ubiquitous. However, cash can be obtained in banks and Cadecas with non-US Visa credit and Visa debit cards.

Travellers cheques in US Dollar, Pounds Sterling and other major currencies are accepted; US Dollar cheques issued by US banks are not accepted but American Express travellers cheques issued by non-US banks can be exchanged, though not everywhere. It is recommended to take cheques in a currency other than US Dollars.

Perhaps one of the most important parts of planning a trip to Cuba involves figuring out exactly how you'll get around once you're there.

Cubana (tel: (07) 834 4446; www.cubana.cu) and AeroCaribbean (www.fly-aerocaribbean.com) are the principal carriers, operating flights between Havana and Santiago de Cuba, Holguín and Cayo Coco.

Renting a vehicle in Cuba is relatively easy and common among tourists. If you choose to go this route, however, there are plenty of things to keep in mind first if you want to remain in one piece on the road.

All car hire companies are state-owned. Prices are negotiable up to a point, but expect to be delayed when picking up the vehicle. It may be easier and has proven to be cheaper to book car hire through a specialist tour operator in your own country.When picking up the car, be sure there is a spare tire and jack, and consider snapping a date-stamped picture of any existing damage to avoid disputes upon drop-off. A valid national driving licence will be required.

By most accounts, driving in Cuba can be rough. This is due in part to the poor conditions on many secondary roads, which can be narrow, winding and riddled with potholes. Add to this the lack of adequate street signage and you've got a confusing and potentially dangerous situation.

Driving at night can be particularly risky since many roads are poorly lit (or not lit at all). Additionally, it's not uncommon to come around a bend and find pedestrians, cyclists or even livestock in the road, so drivers should exercise caution.

Another thing to look out for is traffic lights, which are often placed to the far corner of intersections. This can be hazardous because if you're not expecting to come upon one, you may find yourself stopped dangerously in the middle of the crossing.

Knowing the dangers of actually getting behind the wheel in Cuba, it's not surprising that many tourists choose to use taxis to get around instead. There are certainly plenty available for hire, but should you choose this particular mode of transportation, take into account the following so that you do so safely. First and foremost, avoid taking rides with unlicensed taxis. They are often driven by thieves who are out to pick up and rob passengers. Be particularly careful of fare amount when hiring a taxi, especially in Havana.

If possible, ask someone who is native or at least familiar with the system how much the fare should be prior to heading to your destination. This way you will know beforehand how much the driver should be charging you and can avoid be scammed out of an exorbitant fee by a dishonest driver.

If you can't confer with a local, insist that the meter be used to remove any doubt.

One of the more unique types of transportation in Cuba is the "Co-Co" taxi, a three-wheeled vehicle that is generally yellow in color and contains a flimsy hood. These are basically just glorified motorcycles that have been modified to carry passengers.

Because they can reach speeds of up to 40 mph and lack any sort of safety features, including seatbelts, "Co-Co" taxis can be pretty dangerous.

They are, nevertheless quite popular with tourists so if you choose to ride on one, be aware of the risk.

The lack of traffic makes Cuba a popular choice for cycling tours. Bicycles can be rented in Havana from a number of bike hire companies.

There are a number of options when it comes to bus travel within Cuba. Many are specifically designated for tourists and travel conveniently within and between cities.

This mode of transportation is pretty reliable and clean, although some of the more heavily used buses are beginning to show their wear.

One thing to keep in mind when selecting bus as a mode of transportation is that they can be quite crowded and therefore can be haven for pickpockets. Keep your valuables well concealed and bags zipped and stored in front of you, just in case.

Travel by train is not the most reliable form of transportation in Cuba, mainly due to the lack of quality equipment. Still, there are a few dependable train lines that run between Havana and Santiago de Cuba.

There are also additional lines throughout the country with stops at Camagüey, Santa Clara, and the cities of Manzanillo, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, Pinar del Rio and Morón. Keep in mind that while a few trains offer first class options, none of them provide sleeper cars.

Additionally, food and drink are not typically served so plan accordingly. With the poor equipment quality of many of the trains, you may find yourself stuck for hours awaiting the car's repair. And while aboard, be sure to keep a close eye your belongings. Luggage is frequently stolen from train cars in Cuba.

The only destinations in Cuba serviced by water routes are Isla de la Juventud on a daily ferry from Batabanó south of Havana, and Cayo Levisa, as part of accommodation packages to that key off the northern coast. Additionally, there is a commuter ferry crossing Havana harbour several times daily between Havana and Casablanca.

The tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is ubiquitous, but boiling water is recommended to limit plastic waste. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products (with the exception of some cheap ice creams) are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafoods and fruit are generally considered safe to eat.

Surprisingly for an island so rich in marine life, fish and seafood rarely top the menu - most seafood is exported. Cuisine is a mix of Spanish and Afro-Caribbean, heavily reliant on rice, beans, chicken and pork. Depending on the season, fresh vegetables may be hard to come by - as a rule, the hotter the month, the more limited the selection. Furthermore, flavours are limited by the lack of available herbs and spices and many visitors are surprised that Cubans shun spicy food of all kinds. Food preparation relies heavily on the frying pan and deep fat fryer. Some of the best cooking, and often an illegal lobster or two, is found in paladares (small, private restaurants). In state-run establishments, service can be painfully slow and sometimes even surly.

A 10% tip on restaurant bills is common.

Cuba has a fantastic climate for adventurers, travellers and tourists alike. Cuba can be described as moderately subtropical with 2 seasons. The dry season, which runs from November to April is less humid and cooler, with average highs of 26-29C and lows of 18-20C. Summer temperatures average 32C with high humidity. The average water temperature is a very comfortable 25C along the coast.

Hurricane season in Cuba is between June and November, with most storms occurring in September and October.

If you are planning to travel to Cuba during Hurricane Season, Locally Sourced Cuba Tours still operates, however itineraries are subject to change during these months.

Cuba is a sub-tropical country so pack for summer. Bikinis, shorts, sandals, short-sleeved cotton dresses and shirts are the order of the day. A night out at Tropicana or La Guarida restaurant needs something smart if not overly formal.

Bring some warm clothing (long sleeves, a sweater or fleece), since there is nothing more frustrating then being frozen to death in a tropical country! Lightweight rain gear is suggested if you are coming in the summer.

Only small minority of Cubans enjoy internet access, and to do this they must go online via dial-up networks on their phone lines, relying on a technology that has been obsolete elsewhere for more than a decade. There are however hotels and a few government workplaces that have Wi-Fi or DSL hookups, but everyone else is stuck with transmission rates that hover around 5 kilobytes per second. The largest telecommunication company in Cuba is called ETECSA and they have locations throughout the country. Tourists are often allowed to use these facilities but must present their passport to do so (ask your guide for the location of these offices at each location). Prices hover between 5CUC and 15CUC per hour. At a hotel you can expect to pay more than this.