The following information will help in preparing for your up-coming trip.

ENTRY DOCUMENTS – FOR U.S. CITIZENS:  
A valid U.S. Passport is required for entry into all countries. Many countries are requiring that passports be valid for at least another six months after travel has ended. It is the responsibility of the traveler to have the proper travel documents. The only countries that require a visa are Brazil and Paraguay. Check with their respective consulates or Embassies in Washington DC for specific requirements and applications. Visa service companies will handle obtaining these visas for you.

ENTRY DOCUMENTS – OTHER NATIONALITIES:
Check with the Consulate of each country you will be visiting to verify entry documents.

HOW DOES YOUR TRIP WORK?
LADATCO TOURS uses local companies in each country who are intimately familiar with the customs and business methods of that country. They control all the services and accommodations in that country and will be available to help with any additional assistance you may need.

Your specific tour inclusions were detailed prior to receipt of your deposit but, in general, all of LADATCO’s arrangements include transfers, tours, accommodations and any specifically requested services.

Local host-guides will meet you upon arrival at the airport or other entry point; they will be carrying a sign with your name on it; for international arrivals they will be outside customs; on local arrivals they will more than likely be in the luggage area near an exit door.

They will transfer you to your hotel and help you get checked in. They will verify with you all tours and services to be provided, when to be ready for tour departures and they will reconfirm your departure flight and transfer. They will also give you a local contact number should you need additional assistance during your stay.

TOURS:
Depending on your tour arrangements, tours may be with other people or on an exclusive (private) basis. In certain instances there are no choices – because of transportation methods or other controlling factor. But if you want to guarantee that you have all tours provided to you on an exclusive basis where-ever possible, please let LADATCO know so any adjustments necessary can be made and any additional costs advised to you

WHEN FINAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE:
Final documents are generally issued three to two weeks prior to your departure and will include a detailed day-by-day itinerary with complete contact information for each destination, pre-paid vouchers, special baggage tags, and other items such as air tickets if issued by LADATCO.

Copies of the itinerary will be provided for you to leave with friends, family and associates.

Destination specific and country information are being provided along with this general Pre-Departure Trip Information so you will have plenty of time to prepare for your trip.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS:
LADATCO will provide you with a final detailed day-by-day itinerary which will include emergency contact information for all destinations arranged through LADATCO.

MEALS:
Meals that are included are to be taken in the hotel dining room, unless a specific restaurant is indicated or the meal is included on a tour.

Meal inclusions, especially beverages, can easily vary and you should always verify what is included before ordering.

LADATCO includes meals only when necessary or when it represents a plus value because we feel that leaving you free to arrange your own meals gives you the freedom to choose not only where to eat but what to eat as well. Check with your local host-guides for their suggestions and recommendations; they’re out and about all the time and are familiar with what’s good at the moment.

WATER AND SUCH:
To be safe rather than eventually sorry, always drink bottled water. In most of the better hotels and restaurants, ice is generally made with purified water. Elsewhere it is better to drink pre-chilled drinks rather than put warm drinks over ice. Many local beers, liquors and specialty drinks are excellent and afford a taste of the country while also being less expensive than imported brands. Be careful when ordering "Scotch"; it is always imported and expensive. Generally local scotch is called "whiskey".

HEATH RECOMMENDATIONS:
Personal physicians, local health centers and the CDC (800-639-3534) are your best sources of information on what current inoculations are recommended and/or required to the areas you will be traveling. Yellow fever inoculations are required if portions of your trip will be in the rainforest areas of Peru and if entering Brasil from Peru. Some health authorities also suggest malaria prophylaxis pills be taken. Generally speaking, most travelers also prefer to have their tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis shots up to date.  Consult your physician regarding these and/or any other health-related issues/recommendations regarding your trip. If you plan to carry your prescription medications, make sure they are in clearly marked containers, preferably in their pharmacy bottles with prescription label intact and in your name.

DEPARTURE TAXES:
Most airports now impose "departure" or "airport" taxes. Costs will be less for domestic flights, more for international departures. These taxes fluctuate based on exchange rates. Some must be paid in local currency; most can be paid in US dollars though change will be in local currency, if available at all. Your local hosts in each city will tell you how much you need and in which currency.

LUGGAGE AND PACKING:
Many international carriers allow TWO pieces of checked luggage per person for a maximum of 70 lbs free of charge, and one carry-one which must fit either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. Many airports in South & Central America do not have carts and porters may or may not be available.

NOTE ON AMERICAN AIRLINES INTERNATIONAL LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE: Effective November 1, 2005 American Airlines will implement a maximum 2 bags, 50 pounds each bag, luggage allowance on all domestic and international flights. Bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds will be assessed a $25 overweight fee.

In general, small aircraft flights, such as pre-dominant in Belize and Costa Rica, have weight limits of 25 lbs. per person.

Flights to and from the Galapagos have a 44 lbs. per person weight restriction.   If you are traveling to the Galapagos, complete details on luggage size is detailed in the information on the Galapagos included in your Pre-Departure Trip Information booklet.

If you are traveling within Argentina, there is a weight limit of 15 kilos (33 pounds) for coach class and 30 kilos (66 pounds) for business class when flying on Aerolineas Argentinas within Argentina if you did not fly Aerolineas Argentinas on the international arrival flight. If you did arrive into Argentina on Aerolineas Argentinas, then domestic weight limit is 32 kilos (70 pounds). Excess baggage charges will be charged at time of check-in at the airport.

If you are going to the rainforest, you’ll want to have a soft-sided duffel-style bag for your rainforest gear, leaving other luggage behind in the gateway city to await your return. The same idea applies if you are doing one or two night extensions into the countryside – have a small bag available to take with you and leave the large luggage behind. Always make sure your luggage is lockable and is well labeled, and never leave valuables in your luggage – locked or unlocked.

Specific packing information will be provided for specific destinations but in general, plan to layer your clothing. Coat and tie may be required by some of the finer restaurants in major cities; some cities, like Buenos Aires, are less casual while others, like Rio, are very casual.

INSURANCE:
Because emergencies and unforeseen events can occur and your travel arrangements represent a considerable investment, we highly recommend that you have Trip Cancellation and Travel insurance.

If you have to cancel before departure, there may be substantial cancellation fees which would be covered by Trip Cancellation insurance. If you have to return early due to a medical emergency, Trip Insurance can cover extra expenses and help in getting you home.

Check with your personal insurance carrier to see what protection, if any, you have for travel abroad. LADATCO offers coverage through Trip Mate and Global Alert. Complete details are available on request.

MONETARY MATTERS:
You can use credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and Traveler’s Checks in all major cities and in most of the better hotels, restaurants and stores. ATM machines are available in major cities only but use with the same caution as you would in the USA.

Due to currency fluctuations, it is best to wait until arrival in a country before obtaining local currency. Your local host will advise you as to exchange regulations and locations. Exchange only what you need as you need it, as converting back to U.S. Dollars is practically impossible. Take along some One Dollar bills – you will find them useful in many instances. US dollars may or may not be a plus in bargaining in markets and be careful not to flash around large sums of money – in any currency.

GRATUITIES:
Gratuities often represent a substantial part of a worker’s earnings and are certainly an incentive to provide the best service possible. Here are some guidelines; adjust them to represent the service you receive and the thanks you want to express:

If a service charge is included in your restaurant bill, no additional tip is required. However, if you had good service, it will be appreciated.

Tips for bellboys are usually equivalent to $1 per bag; chambermaids $1 a day; taxi drivers 10% of the meter reading; room service 10% of the bill if no service charge included.

Tips for guides and drivers are left to your discretion, but guidelines are: $5 per half day, $10 per full day tour per person for guides and $2 for half day and $5 per person for full day for drivers.

Tips for the staff of cruise ships and all inclusive lodges are generally pooled – one "pot" for the staff excluding guides and another "pot" for the guides, either as a group or each individually. A good guideline is $10 per day for the staff "pot" and another $8 to $10 for the guide "pot".

PHOTOGRAPHY:
Be sure and bring plenty of film with you as purchasing it locally can be expensive and in remote places, quality can be questionable. You may find ziplock bags helpful in protecting your camera from rain. If you are doing wildlife destinations, a zoom or telephoto lens will prove invaluable. If you need to charge batteries, bring the necessary attachments with you – you can generally borrow converters from better hotels.

THE INTER-NET AND CYBER-CAFES:
The Inter-Net is a great way to keep in touch these days. Many cyber-cafes are available throughout South & Central America, and many hotels have business centers that are Inter-Net enabled. Ask your local guides or the hotel front desk personnel where the nearest cyber-cafes are located. If you use the Business Center, be sure to check for appropriate costs before using the facilities.