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Safe Travel Tips for South America & the Galapagos Islands

By staying informed and taking a few precautions, travelers can dramatically reduce the chances of turning their dream vacation into a nightmare.
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Before You Go

Important Documents Put your name, address and telephone numbers on the inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags, and if possible travel with suitcases that lock.

Leave a copy of your itinerary at home with family or friends in case they need to contact you in an emergency. Likewise, complete the page of your passport provided for emergency contact information so, if necessary, your friends or family can be contacted on your behalf.

Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, driver's license, credit cards and Traveler's Check serial numbers you plan to bring with you. Leave one copy at home with family or friends and pack the other in a different location than the items themselves.

Exceeding your credit card limit overseas can be a more complicated matter than it would at home. Know the credit limit on each card you bring, and find out how to report the loss of your credit card while abroad.
Valuables Leave jewelry, expensive watches and unneeded cards (credit, Social Security and library, etc.) at home.
Insurance Coverage

Medical insurance

Medical evacuation is an expensive proposition that could add $10,000 or more to the cost of your vacation, depending on your location and medical condition. Before departure, learn what medical services your health insurance covers overseas. Most policies that cover medical care abroad don't include evacuation back to the United States from a remote area or from a country where medical facilities are inadequate. If your policy is insufficient, travel insurance may be purchased to obtain appropriate coverage.

Travelers covered by Social Security Medicare should be aware that this policy does not include hospital or medical costs outside the US though such coverage is available through some Medicare supplement plans.

On your trip, carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of insurance and a claim form. Every traveler with Southern Explorations must be covered by travel-related personal medical insurance.

Travel insurance

Southern Explorations and its operators do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Nonetheless, certain risks are involved in foreign travel that should be recognized by participants. We recommend that our passengers purchase short-term travel insurance for our adventures. Travel insurance is a cost-effective way to protect yourself and your equipment in the event of problems due to canceled trips, delays, medical problems, baggage loss or damage. Our customers receive a preferred rate through Travel Guard. An insurance specialist on our staff can answer any questions you may have about the coverage.

Homeowners insurance

Find out if your personal property insurance covers you for loss or theft abroad and if not, see if it can be obtained for the duration of your trip.
Physical fitness Almost all of our trips are active vacations. Participants should be reasonably fit and able to get around easily since travel usually involves walking each day as well as getting in and out of buses, planes, boats and trains throughout the trip. We recommend that our passengers begin an active conditioning program before departure. Additional information specific to fitness requirements for particular destinations is included in the country-specific frequently asked questions as well as in the itinerary descriptions on our website.
Physician consultation Depending on the trip, medical services or facilities may not be readily available during all of the tour. English-speaking doctors and clinics are available in all major cities. We suggest that our passengers consult their physician eight weeks before departure if their physical condition warrants it. This also provides sufficient lead-time to obtain any prescriptions and inoculations that may be needed.
Medications Medications should be kept in their original containers and be clearly labeled. At the time of booking, Southern Explorations must be notified of any medical condition or physical disability that could require special attention or treatment on the trip. We require a list of prescriptions, including the generic names. For any that are controlled substances or injected medications, we need a note on letterhead from the prescribing physician listing the prescriptions and describing the condition and treatment. The embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting can determine if a "controlled substance" medication may run into trouble getting through Customs and can advise you on what to do about the situation.
Immunizations The need for travel vaccinations varies according to the destination and elevation, as well as the trip's duration and itinerary. Before traveling abroad, it is important to have routine immunizations up to date and to understand fully what additional vaccinations are recommended or required. Regulations can change. Travelers should discuss their itinerary with a doctor, travel medicine clinic or county health department several weeks before departure to ascertain the risks of exposure to particular diseases and what precautions are advisable. See our country-specific travel section for more details. The Centers for Disease Control website contains recommendations about immunizations and medications for Latin American travel.

Carry your international immunization record with you as you may be asked to document your immunity at border crossings.
Malaria Spread by infected mosquitoes, malaria is a serious but treatable disease found in certain lowland areas. Where the disease is endemic, the Centers for Disease Control suggest taking a prophylactic anti-malarial medication before, during and after the trip. Several medications are available by prescription, and most of are well-tolerated. In addition, one should wear clothing that minimizes exposure of the skin and use an insect repellent containing DEET, re-applied frequently to maintain its effectiveness. DEET can cause an allergic reaction and toxic effects in some adults and children.

Contact info for Embassies

Embassy of ARGENTINA 1718 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 797-8826
www.embajadaargentina.eeuu.org
Embassy of BOLIVIA Consular Section
3014 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 232-4828 or 483-4410
www.bolivia-usa.org
Embassy of CHILE 1732 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 785-1746
www.chile-usa.org
Embassy of COSTA RICA 2112 S St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 234-2945
www.costarica-embassy.org
Embassy of ECUADOR 2535 15th St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-7200
www.ecuador.org
Embassy of PANAMA 2862 McGill Terrace NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 483-1407
www.embassyofpanama.org
Embassy of PERU 1700 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 833-9860 through 9869
www.peruvianembassy.us
Travel.state.gov U.S. Department of State

While Traveling

As long as there is poverty, theft and civil unrest will be a reality of life for citizens and visitors in Latin America. Use the same commonsense traveling overseas that you would at home. More specifically, our suggested guidelines are as follows:
Crime Vulnerability to theft can be minimized by staying in well-lit populated areas known to be safe and by traveling in groups. Guides and hotel staff are good sources of information about high-crime areas to avoid. Be especially cautious or avoid isolated or crowded areas where you are more likely to be victimized.
- Store passport, airline tickets and extra money in the hotel safe.
- Exchange money at official currency exchange outlets, banks or your hotel, not on the street.
- Don't stop for strangers.
- Dress conservatively, travel light. If you wear a shoulder bag, wear the strap across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers. Money belts are more secure than purses and fanny packs.
- When asking for directions, ask someone who looks official. Security officers outside banks are usually a good choice.
- Know how to use a pay telephone and carry the proper change. Carry a list of emergency phone numbers for the local police, fire, your hotel and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Learn a few phrases in the local language so you can signal your need for help, the police or a doctor.
- Only take taxis that are clearly identified with official markings. Ask your hotel or guide if there are certain types of taxis to avoid.
- When renting a car, select a commonly-available model, preferably with power windows, universal door locks and air-conditioning. Ask your hotel or the car rental agency about areas to avoid. The US embassy or consulate is a good source of information about any routes that are experiencing problems for motorists. Lock your car doors, stay out of questionable neighborhoods and don't pick up hitchhikers. Be cautious about being a Good Samaritan. The safest course of action is to leave roadside good deeds to those familiar with the area.
- When something is lost or stolen, report the problem immediately to the local police. Then report:
  - Traveler's Checks to the nearest agent of the issuing company
  - Credit cards to the issuing company
  - Airline tickets to the airline or travel agent
  - Passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
Civil unrest and terrorism For the most part, skirmishes between civilians and government or industry are localized disagreements over such issues as working conditions and wages. Some unrest has been more widespread. While traveling abroad, one should avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances.

Terrorist acts have become a harsh reality of modern life. Because these are random acts of violence, there is no absolute protection from terrorism either at home or abroad. It is prudent to travel to areas without a history of terrorist attacks or kidnappings. American tourists should do nothing to draw attention to their nationality and avoid establishments where large numbers of Americans are known to frequent.

Accept in the drug trafficking areas of Colombia, the border areas of countries adjacent to Colombia, and the Panamanian province of Darien, travel throughout South and Central America is currently considered safe by the U.S. State Department. It maintains up-to-date descriptions of worldwide safety conditions for travelers and issues warnings when an incident makes visits by Americans unadvisable. This information is available 24-hours a day on-line at travel.state.gov or by phone in the U.S. from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays) at 1-888-407-4747. From overseas, the State Department can be reached at 1-202-501-4444. This information is also available at regional passport agencies as well as U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. The U.S. State Department has a procedure for registering a tourist's whereabouts to be able to make contact with the traveler in case of an emergency. You can learn more about this service at travelregistration.state.gov.

Staying Out Of Trouble

Obeying the law Travelers are subject to the laws of the country they are visiting. Some activities may be prohibited that would be legal or considered minor offenses in the United States. If you run into legal difficulties, a U.S. consular officer can advise you about what to do next.
Drug violations More than 1/3 of U.S. citizens incarcerated abroad are held on drug charges. Some countries do not distinguish between possession and trafficking. Many countries have mandatory sentences, even for possessing a small amount of marijuana or cocaine or for having a suspiciously large amount of prescription medications.
Photographing sensitive subjects Certain photographic subjects that we would take for granted at home may be sensitive in Latin America. To avoid having your film or camera confiscated, it's best to not shoot the following locations: airports, police and military installations, bridges, border areas and transportation facilities. The same goes for civil protests or altercations between citizens and the police. If you are in doubt, ask permission before taking photographs.
Purchasing antiquities Laws exist in most countries prohibiting the export of antiquities that are considered national treasures. If purchasing a reproduction of such an item, obtain documentation for it. If it is authentic, one must obtain the requisite permit.

Staying Well

Altitude sickness Altitude sickness occurs because the lungs take in fewer oxygen molecules per breath as elevation rises and is exacerbated by ascending too fast. Most travelers begin to experience some discomfort above 8,000 feet. Since age, sex and physical condition do not predict susceptibility to altitude sickness, one should be cautious when traveling to high elevations for the first time.

Travelers to Peru should be aware that Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and much of the Inca Trail are at high altitudes. Individuals with coronary or other health problems should consult their physician before deciding to travel to high altitude locations. Some of the hotels at high elevations have oxygen available for travelers, and our guides carry an oxygen bottle with them at all times in highland areas. In planning its trips to these destinations, Southern Explorations builds in sufficient time for the body to acclimatize. Travelers should keep their guides informed of any symptoms they may be experiencing.
Symptoms

High altitude sickness is categorized according to the severity of the symptoms it causes. Mild Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is characterized by headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite and sleep disturbance. With time to adjust, these symptoms usually subside without having to descend to a lower altitude. For moderate and severe AMS, medication and descent are usually required. If acclimatization is inadequate or a visitor remains at high elevations for an extended period, the more serious conditions of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema and High Altitude Cerebral Edema can occur.

Acclimatization
Most people adjust to breathing thinner air by ascending gradually. Some acclimatize faster than others. The symptoms of mild AMS can often be prevented or ameliorated by following some simple rules:
- Start the trip at an elevation lower than 10,000 feet and increase altitude by no more than 1,000 feet per day. If symptoms worsen, wait to ascend any higher until they diminish.
- Get plenty of rest and don't attempt any strenuous activity the first couple of days.
- Drink lots of fluids to stay adequately hydrated.
- Avoid depressants that decrease respiration such as tobacco, alcohol and sedatives.
- Eat a high-carbohydrate low-fat diet.
Additional Measures

Ginkgo biloba:
Some studies have shown that the herbal supplement ginkgo biloba can reduce the symptoms of mild AMS by taking a sixty milligram tablet twice a day for five days starting the day before an ascent.

Coca tea:
Some travelers to South America adopt the local highland custom of drinking a tea made of coca leaves that is readily and legally available in Andean towns. It works by quickening metabolism. Though cocaine is derived from coca leaves, don't expect a high since enzymes in the mouth eliminate the tea's narcotic effect.

Prescription medications:
The most commonly prescribed preventative medication is Diamox (Acetazolamide) which increases respiration. It is started the day before ascent and continued for five days. Diamox can cause short term side effects and should not be taken by anyone allergic to sulfa drugs.
Infectious disease

Food and water precautions

Traveler's diarrhea is common in most developing countries. When traveling in South and Central America, one should take standard precautions. As a general rule, uncooked food, unpeeled fruit and vegetables and dairy products that may not have been pasteurized should be avoided. Fruits and vegetables with skins should be washed before peeling.

For drinking water and for brushing teeth, travelers should avoid tap water and ice made from tap water regardless of its source. Bottled water is available almost everywhere. As an extra safeguard, passengers may want to bring along purification tablets to add to water that has been boiled or bottled.

Toilets

Except in hotels, it is a mistake to assume that the amenity of toilet paper will be provided in more remote areas of Latin America. It is best to travel with a supply of one's own. Because of the fragility of plumbing systems, paper should not be put in toilets. Frequently emptied receptacles are usually provided.
Climate concerns

Sun and heat

In countries near the equator and at high elevations, the sun burns much more quickly so it is advisable to use sunscreen of 15+ SPF and to wear a hat. One must take extra precautions to stay hydrated in hot climates, especially in the event of traveler's diarrhea when extra fluid intake is necessary. Those especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses include travelers who are older, are exerting themselves or who take certain heart medications or stimulants.

Cold

Though one expects warm weather when traveling to South and Central America, it is important to be aware of weather variability in the region to be visited. Depending on the time of year, one may need to come prepared for rain and cool temperatures. Southern Explorations provides detailed weather and packing information in the pre-departure packet it sends to booked passengers.
Motion sickness Several of Southern Explorations tours are aboard boats. The waters are usually calm in these areas, and most travelers are not bothered by the movement. Those prone to motion sickness are advised to bring along a preventative medication, motion patch, wristband or ginger to reduce the severity of symptoms. Sitting in the middle of a boat, both vertically and horizontally, focusing one's vision on a point above the horizon or lying down with eyes closed can help.

Assistance Abroad

U.S. embassies, consulates and consular agencies are equipped to provide certain kinds of assistance when American citizens are faced with an emergency. Consular personnel are familiar with local government agencies and resources in the country where they work and can help with such issues as:
- Replacing a stolen passport
- Contacting family, friends, or employers
- Obtaining appropriate medical care
- Addressing emergency needs that arise as a result of the crime or civil unrest
- Obtaining general information about the local criminal justice process, victim assistance and lawyers
These agencies may be reached at the following email addresses:
Argentina Buenos Aires - www.buenosaires.usembassy.gov
Patagonia - www.patagonia.usvpp.gov
Bolivia - www.lapaz.usembassy.gov
Chile - www.santiago.usembassy.gov
Costa Rica - www.sanjose.usembassy.gov
Ecuador Quito - www.usembassy.org.ec
Guayaquil - www.guayaquil.usconsulate.gov
Panama Panama City - www.panama.usembassy.gov
Colon - www.colon.usvpp.gov
Peru - www.lima.usembassy.gov