10 Day Classic Brazil & Argentina
From
$2389
Land Only
$3359*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
(Hotels may vary based on departure day of the week)
| Monday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grand Mercure Rio de Janeiro Copacabana | Rio de Janeiro | |
| Windsor Leme | Rio de Janeiro | |
| Windsor Excelsior Hotel | Rio de Janeiro | |
| Amerian Portal del Iguazu | Iguazu | |
| Falls Iguazu Hotel & Spa | Iguazu | |
| Buenos Aires Marriott | Buenos Aires | |
| Tuesday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grand Mercure Rio de Janeiro Copacabana | Rio de Janeiro | |
| Windsor Leme | Rio de Janeiro | |
| Amerian Portal del Iguazu | Iguazu | |
| Falls Iguazu Hotel & Spa | Iguazu | |
| Buenos Aires Marriott | Buenos Aires | |
| Thursday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grand Mercure Rio de Janeiro Copacabana | Rio de Janeiro | |
| Windsor Leme | Rio de Janeiro | |
| Windsor Excelsior Hotel | Rio de Janeiro | |
| Amerian Portal del Iguazu | Iguazu | |
| Falls Iguazu Hotel & Spa | Iguazu | |
| Buenos Aires Marriott | Buenos Aires | |
| Friday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grand Mercure Rio de Janeiro Copacabana | Rio de Janeiro | |
| Windsor Leme | Rio de Janeiro | |
| Windsor Excelsior Hotel | Rio de Janeiro | |
| Amerian Portal del Iguazu | Iguazu | |
| Falls Iguazu Hotel & Spa | Iguazu | |
| Buenos Aires Marriott | Buenos Aires | |
| Saturday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grand Mercure Rio de Janeiro Copacabana | Rio de Janeiro | |
| Windsor Leme | Rio de Janeiro | |
| Amerian Portal del Iguazu | Iguazu | |
| Falls Iguazu Hotel & Spa | Iguazu | |
| Buenos Aires Marriott | Buenos Aires | |
Select a Date to Book
Select a Date to Book
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $650 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $2699 | $3879* | |||||
| $2649 | $3829* | |||||
| $2899 | $4079* | |||||
| $2749 | $3929* | |||||
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flights Rio de Janeiro-Iguassu Falls and Iguazu-Buenos Aires.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights Miami-Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires-Miami
Some departure dates may be offered from an alternate nearby airport. Check flight itinerary options when booking
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - All intra-flights: Rio de Janeiro-Iguassu & Iguazu-Buenos Aires
- 8 nights accommodations
- 3 nights Rio de Janeiro
- 2 nights Iguazu, Argentina
- 3 nights Buenos Aires
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 11 meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of English-speaking local guides
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides on included services
Special Features
- Ascend to the summit of Corcovado Mountain to see the spectacular views of Rio
- View the majestic and awe-inspiring Iguassu Falls
- Admire the elegant architecture in Buenos Aires, the "Paris of South America"
- At Recoleta Cemetery, see the final resting place of Eva "Evita" Peron
- Tango lesson with professional Argentine tango dancers
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates if pre/post accommodations are booked through Gate 1 Travel
Not Included:
Optional tours gratuities. (unless otherwise specified).
Is This Trip Right for You?
| The number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary.
|
| The number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary.
|
| The number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary.
|
| The number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary.
|
| The number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary.
|
Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
This superior tourist class hotel overlooks the convergence of the Iguazu and Parana Rivers and is located just over 300 feet from "The Three Borders" where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is ideally located in the city center of Buenos Aires, near the Obelisk and the Colon Theater.
Hotel Details
This superior tourist class hotel overlooks the convergence of the Iguazu and Parana Rivers and is located just over 300 feet from "The Three Borders" where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is ideally located in the city center of Buenos Aires, near the Obelisk and the Colon Theater.
Hotel Details
This superior tourist class hotel overlooks the convergence of the Iguazu and Parana Rivers and is located just over 300 feet from "The Three Borders" where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is ideally located in the city center of Buenos Aires, near the Obelisk and the Colon Theater.
Hotel Details
This superior tourist class hotel overlooks the convergence of the Iguazu and Parana Rivers and is located just over 300 feet from "The Three Borders" where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is ideally located in the city center of Buenos Aires, near the Obelisk and the Colon Theater.
Hotel Details
This superior tourist class hotel overlooks the convergence of the Iguazu and Parana Rivers and is located just over 300 feet from "The Three Borders" where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is ideally located in the city center of Buenos Aires, near the Obelisk and the Colon Theater.
Hotel Details- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Depart your hotel for Downtown Rio de Janeiro and arrive at Academicos da Grande Rio, one of the top samba schools in the city. Here, enjoy a guided tour of the warehouse and see the flamboyant costumes. There will be an opportunity to try on authentic Carnival costumes. Toast your Carnival experience with a caipirinha Brazil's national cocktail, while you learn about the history of the Samba dance and the Carnival parades from an expert guide. Then, try to copy the basic Samba steps from a professional dancer while you encounter diverse Afro-Brazilian rhythms like Ijexa, Coco, Iongo, and Samba de roda. Return to your hotel.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $69.00 |
Depart from your hotel for a brief driving tour of Rio de Janeiro on your way to Sugar Loaf Mountain. While passing through the downtown, admire the myriad of city landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, the Municipal Theatre, and the Sambadrome. Upon arriving at Praia Vermelha, begin the first leg of your journey up Sugar Loaf Mountain. Hop in a cable car and ascend from street level to the top of Urca Hill. Over the course of that 3 minute ride, a superb panorama unfolds right before your eyes. At Urca, enter a second cable car for the ride to the summit. After a 6 minute ride, you will be welcomed to the top by an unsurpassed view. From this location, the entire area is within your grasp, including Rio, the bridge, the bay, the age-old majestic mountain range, and Niteroi, a city on the other side of the bay.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $58.00 |
Enjoy a three-course meal and a tango performance that offers a glimpse into the dance's evolution-from its roots in 1920s Buenos Aires to contemporary interpretations-highlighting elements of its passion, rhythm, and tradition.
Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours.
| Day #8 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $90.00 |
Depart from the hotel towards Cardales to visit a traditional Estancia. An Estancia is the equivalent to a large rural estate similar to a ranch in the United States. Most have a main house and some straw-roofed constructions in which the dining-room and a traditional general store are located. The general store commonly called the 'pulperia' was a social gathering point for gauchos at sunset. Later, you can taste a typical Argentine barbecue (grilled beef, chicken, pork sausages, salads, dessert, and coffee) in the dining-room. As lunch is finished you will enjoy a folklore show with live music, dancing, and a tango demonstration, followed by 'cuadreras' and ring races where gauchos show their skills as riders (weather permitting).
This tour includes transport by an animal. Passengers may choose not to participate. Please note that no substitute or refund is available.
Approximate tour duration is 8 hours.
| Day #9 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $109.00 |
Depart your hotel for Downtown Rio de Janeiro and arrive at Academicos da Grande Rio, one of the top samba schools in the city. Here, enjoy a guided tour of the warehouse and see the flamboyant costumes. There will be an opportunity to try on authentic Carnival costumes. Toast your Carnival experience with a caipirinha Brazil's national cocktail, while you learn about the history of the Samba dance and the Carnival parades from an expert guide. Then, try to copy the basic Samba steps from a professional dancer while you encounter diverse Afro-Brazilian rhythms like Ijexa, Coco, Iongo, and Samba de roda. Return to your hotel.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $69.00 |
Depart from your hotel for a brief driving tour of Rio de Janeiro on your way to Sugar Loaf Mountain. While passing through the downtown, admire the myriad of city landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, the Municipal Theatre, and the Sambadrome. Upon arriving at Praia Vermelha, begin the first leg of your journey up Sugar Loaf Mountain. Hop in a cable car and ascend from street level to the top of Urca Hill. Over the course of that 3 minute ride, a superb panorama unfolds right before your eyes. At Urca, enter a second cable car for the ride to the summit. After a 6 minute ride, you will be welcomed to the top by an unsurpassed view. From this location, the entire area is within your grasp, including Rio, the bridge, the bay, the age-old majestic mountain range, and Niteroi, a city on the other side of the bay.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $58.00 |
Enjoy a three-course meal and a tango performance that offers a glimpse into the dance's evolution-from its roots in 1920s Buenos Aires to contemporary interpretations-highlighting elements of its passion, rhythm, and tradition.
Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours.
| Day #8 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $90.00 |
Depart from the hotel towards Cardales to visit a traditional Estancia. An Estancia is the equivalent to a large rural estate similar to a ranch in the United States. Most have a main house and some straw-roofed constructions in which the dining-room and a traditional general store are located. The general store commonly called the 'pulperia' was a social gathering point for gauchos at sunset. Later, you can taste a typical Argentine barbecue (grilled beef, chicken, pork sausages, salads, dessert, and coffee) in the dining-room. As lunch is finished you will enjoy a folklore show with live music, dancing, and a tango demonstration, followed by 'cuadreras' and ring races where gauchos show their skills as riders (weather permitting).
This tour includes transport by an animal. Passengers may choose not to participate. Please note that no substitute or refund is available.
Approximate tour duration is 8 hours.
| Day #9 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $109.00 |
Depart your hotel for Downtown Rio de Janeiro and arrive at Academicos da Grande Rio, one of the top samba schools in the city. Here, enjoy a guided tour of the warehouse and see the flamboyant costumes. There will be an opportunity to try on authentic Carnival costumes. Toast your Carnival experience with a caipirinha Brazil's national cocktail, while you learn about the history of the Samba dance and the Carnival parades from an expert guide. Then, try to copy the basic Samba steps from a professional dancer while you encounter diverse Afro-Brazilian rhythms like Ijexa, Coco, Iongo, and Samba de roda. Return to your hotel.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $69.00 |
Depart from your hotel for a brief driving tour of Rio de Janeiro on your way to Sugar Loaf Mountain. While passing through the downtown, admire the myriad of city landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, the Municipal Theatre, and the Sambadrome. Upon arriving at Praia Vermelha, begin the first leg of your journey up Sugar Loaf Mountain. Hop in a cable car and ascend from street level to the top of Urca Hill. Over the course of that 3 minute ride, a superb panorama unfolds right before your eyes. At Urca, enter a second cable car for the ride to the summit. After a 6 minute ride, you will be welcomed to the top by an unsurpassed view. From this location, the entire area is within your grasp, including Rio, the bridge, the bay, the age-old majestic mountain range, and Niteroi, a city on the other side of the bay.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $58.00 |
Enjoy a three-course meal and a tango performance that offers a glimpse into the dance's evolution-from its roots in 1920s Buenos Aires to contemporary interpretations-highlighting elements of its passion, rhythm, and tradition.
Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours.
| Day #8 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $90.00 |
Depart from the hotel towards Cardales to visit a traditional Estancia. An Estancia is the equivalent to a large rural estate similar to a ranch in the United States. Most have a main house and some straw-roofed constructions in which the dining-room and a traditional general store are located. The general store commonly called the 'pulperia' was a social gathering point for gauchos at sunset. Later, you can taste a typical Argentine barbecue (grilled beef, chicken, pork sausages, salads, dessert, and coffee) in the dining-room. As lunch is finished you will enjoy a folklore show with live music, dancing, and a tango demonstration, followed by 'cuadreras' and ring races where gauchos show their skills as riders (weather permitting).
This tour includes transport by an animal. Passengers may choose not to participate. Please note that no substitute or refund is available.
Approximate tour duration is 8 hours.
| Day #9 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $109.00 |
Depart your hotel for Downtown Rio de Janeiro and arrive at Academicos da Grande Rio, one of the top samba schools in the city. Here, enjoy a guided tour of the warehouse and see the flamboyant costumes. There will be an opportunity to try on authentic Carnival costumes. Toast your Carnival experience with a caipirinha Brazil's national cocktail, while you learn about the history of the Samba dance and the Carnival parades from an expert guide. Then, try to copy the basic Samba steps from a professional dancer while you encounter diverse Afro-Brazilian rhythms like Ijexa, Coco, Iongo, and Samba de roda. Return to your hotel.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $69.00 |
Depart from your hotel for a brief driving tour of Rio de Janeiro on your way to Sugar Loaf Mountain. While passing through the downtown, admire the myriad of city landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, the Municipal Theatre, and the Sambadrome. Upon arriving at Praia Vermelha, begin the first leg of your journey up Sugar Loaf Mountain. Hop in a cable car and ascend from street level to the top of Urca Hill. Over the course of that 3 minute ride, a superb panorama unfolds right before your eyes. At Urca, enter a second cable car for the ride to the summit. After a 6 minute ride, you will be welcomed to the top by an unsurpassed view. From this location, the entire area is within your grasp, including Rio, the bridge, the bay, the age-old majestic mountain range, and Niteroi, a city on the other side of the bay.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $58.00 |
Enjoy a three-course meal and a tango performance that offers a glimpse into the dance's evolution-from its roots in 1920s Buenos Aires to contemporary interpretations-highlighting elements of its passion, rhythm, and tradition.
Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours.
| Day #8 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $90.00 |
Depart from the hotel towards Cardales to visit a traditional Estancia. An Estancia is the equivalent to a large rural estate similar to a ranch in the United States. Most have a main house and some straw-roofed constructions in which the dining-room and a traditional general store are located. The general store commonly called the 'pulperia' was a social gathering point for gauchos at sunset. Later, you can taste a typical Argentine barbecue (grilled beef, chicken, pork sausages, salads, dessert, and coffee) in the dining-room. As lunch is finished you will enjoy a folklore show with live music, dancing, and a tango demonstration, followed by 'cuadreras' and ring races where gauchos show their skills as riders (weather permitting).
This tour includes transport by an animal. Passengers may choose not to participate. Please note that no substitute or refund is available.
Approximate tour duration is 8 hours.
| Day #9 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $109.00 |
Depart your hotel for Downtown Rio de Janeiro and arrive at Academicos da Grande Rio, one of the top samba schools in the city. Here, enjoy a guided tour of the warehouse and see the flamboyant costumes. There will be an opportunity to try on authentic Carnival costumes. Toast your Carnival experience with a caipirinha Brazil's national cocktail, while you learn about the history of the Samba dance and the Carnival parades from an expert guide. Then, try to copy the basic Samba steps from a professional dancer while you encounter diverse Afro-Brazilian rhythms like Ijexa, Coco, Iongo, and Samba de roda. Return to your hotel.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $69.00 |
Depart from your hotel for a brief driving tour of Rio de Janeiro on your way to Sugar Loaf Mountain. While passing through the downtown, admire the myriad of city landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, the Municipal Theatre, and the Sambadrome. Upon arriving at Praia Vermelha, begin the first leg of your journey up Sugar Loaf Mountain. Hop in a cable car and ascend from street level to the top of Urca Hill. Over the course of that 3 minute ride, a superb panorama unfolds right before your eyes. At Urca, enter a second cable car for the ride to the summit. After a 6 minute ride, you will be welcomed to the top by an unsurpassed view. From this location, the entire area is within your grasp, including Rio, the bridge, the bay, the age-old majestic mountain range, and Niteroi, a city on the other side of the bay.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $58.00 |
Enjoy a three-course meal and a tango performance that offers a glimpse into the dance's evolution-from its roots in 1920s Buenos Aires to contemporary interpretations-highlighting elements of its passion, rhythm, and tradition.
Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours.
| Day #8 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $90.00 |
Depart from the hotel towards Cardales to visit a traditional Estancia. An Estancia is the equivalent to a large rural estate similar to a ranch in the United States. Most have a main house and some straw-roofed constructions in which the dining-room and a traditional general store are located. The general store commonly called the 'pulperia' was a social gathering point for gauchos at sunset. Later, you can taste a typical Argentine barbecue (grilled beef, chicken, pork sausages, salads, dessert, and coffee) in the dining-room. As lunch is finished you will enjoy a folklore show with live music, dancing, and a tango demonstration, followed by 'cuadreras' and ring races where gauchos show their skills as riders (weather permitting).
This tour includes transport by an animal. Passengers may choose not to participate. Please note that no substitute or refund is available.
Approximate tour duration is 8 hours.
| Day #9 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $109.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Argentina - While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended, especially in the northeast and northwest parts of the country, including Iguazu Falls. If only traveling to Buenos Aires, Mendoza or Patagonia, it is not suggested to get this vaccination. For the latest health requirements and recommendations, please visit Centers for Disease Control and also consult with your personal healthcare provider. You may encounter mosquitoes in both urban and rural areas, especially during wet seasons. Travelers are encouraged to bring insect repellent and consider wearing clothing that adequately covers arms and legs. The majority of cities in Argentina have altitudes under 3,000 feet. However, please be aware that some areas in the Andes near Mendoza and throughout Patagonia have elevations reaching 22,800 feet above sea level. |
| Brazil -While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended. For the latest health requirements and recommendations, please visit Centers for Disease Control and also consult with your personal healthcare provider. |
| About the Zika Virus - The Zika Virus is a mosquito-borne virus mostly found in areas of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. According to the CDC, most cases of Zika are mild. However, there is a potential link between this virus and a brain defect called microcephaly which affects unborn babies and may pose a potential risk to pregnant women. If you are pregnant or believe you could be at the time of travel, the CDC cautions against traveling to these destinations. For information, please visit www.cdc.gov/zika/. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Argentina - Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm and light clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). In Argentina the seasons are reversed compared to the United States. Spring: September - November; Summer: December - February; Fall: March - May; Winter: June - August Argentina Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| Brazil - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). The weather in Brazil is temperate to hot year round. Lightweight clothing that can be layered, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. Brazil Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| ARGENTINA: Books In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin The Tango Singer by Tomás Eloy Martínez The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto 'Che' Guevara My Father's Ghost is Climbing in the Rain by Patricio Pron Brodie's Report by Jorge Luis Borges Perla by Carolina De Robertis Hopscotch by Julio Cortazar ARGENTINA: Films The Clan (2015) White Elephant (2012) The Aura (2005) La Cienaga (2001) Crane World (1999) Intimate Stories (2002) The Road to San Diego (2006) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline's requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| Brazil - Intra-Brazil flights have a weight restriction for luggage of 33 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. |
| Argentina - Most domestic flights in Argentina have a weight restriction 33 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| Arrival Transfers - When exiting the airport and looking for your hotel transfer, please be aware of street scams. Please look for an official representative holding a Gate 1 sign. Do not accept ride from driver who will not accept voucher, provided in your travel documents, as payment. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Argentina Hotels - Please be aware that accommodations in major cities may be limited to one large bed. A smaller bed or cot may be requested if two separate beds are preferred but cannot be guaranteed. |
| Brazil Hotels - Please be aware that accommodations in major cities may be limited to one large bed. A smaller bed or cot may be requested if two separate beds are preferred but cannot be guaranteed. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Argentina - The Argentine Peso is the official currency of Argentina, however the U.S. Dollar (USD) can be used in some local establishments and for tipping. It is recommended to carry USD $90 per person for each day in Argentina to cover some cash expenses and withdraw additional local currency from international credit-card enabled ATMs where the official exchange rate will apply. U.S. Dollars may be exchanged at official banks, however travelers are encouraged to only exchange amounts of money that they anticipate using. It is not recommended to use non-official currency exchange offices as counterfeit currency is very common. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted. Large note denominations, such as $20, $50 and $100 notes are more widely accepted. |
| Brazil - The Brazilian Real is the currency of Brazil. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted locally. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store's policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country's online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Argentina - Shops open at 9 a.m. and generally close at 7 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Good buys include high quality leather goods, jewelry and furs. |
| Brazil - Brazil offers a wide variety of interesting handcrafted articles at colorful street markets. Cosmetics are also highly popular, along with designer swimwear, fine leather goods, and some of the world's best coffee. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Brazil - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Brazil, and specifically Rio de Janeiro, there are significant issues with theft in public places. Always keep valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk when possible. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Argentina
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Brazil
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| Languages |
| Argentina - Spanish is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Brazil - Portuguese is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Argentina - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Brazil - The voltage used is 110/220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Argentina - Common courtesies should be observed. Conservative casual dress is appropriate. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Smoking, though common, is prohibited on public transport and in cinemas and theaters. |
| Brazil - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Normal courtesies should be observed. Offers of coffee and tea are customary. Casual dress is appropriate. Smoking is acceptable unless otherwise noted. The Catholic Church is highly respected in the community, and jokes at the expense of the Church are considered to be in poor taste. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Argentina - Argentine cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean influences, with Argentine barbecue being the national dish. Traditional foods include Asado, Locro, Humita, Provoleta, Choripan, and Milanesa. Some typical desserts to try: Medialunas (small croissants), Dulce de Leche, Alfajores (type of cookie), Rogel (cake). Yerba mate is a traditional herbal beverage. Argentina is famous for its fine wines like Torrontés (white wine), Bonarda (red wine) and is home to Malbec, a full-bodied red wine from the Mendoza region. Fernet is a dark syrupy liquor, usually served mixed with Coca Cola. Argentine mealtimes are as follows, lunch is from 1:00-3:00 pm and dinner from 9:00-11:30 pm. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Argentina |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 16-17: Carnival Mar 24: Memorial Day (Truth and Justice Day) Apr 2: Day of the Veterans Apr 2: Maundy Thursday Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Sunday May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 25: Revolution Day Jun 17: Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes Jun 20: Flag Day Jul 9: National Independence Day Aug 17: St. Martin's Day Oct 12: Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity Nov 23: National Sovereignty Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 8-9: Carnival Mar 24: Memorial Day Apr 2: Day of the Veterans Mar 25: Maundy Thursday Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 25: May Revolution Day Jun 17: Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes Jun 20: Flag Day Jul 9: National Independence Day Aug 16: St. Martin's Day Oct 11: Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity Nov 22: National Sovereignty Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Brazil |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 13-18: Carnival Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Sunday Apr 21: Tiradentes Day May 1: Labor Day / May Day Jun 4: Corpus Christi Sep 7: Independence Day Oct 12: Our Lady Aparecida / Children's Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Nov 15: Republic Proclamation Day Nov 20: Black Awareness Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 5-10: Carnival Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter Apr 21: Tiradentes Day May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 27: Corpus Christi Sep 7: Independence Day Oct 12: Our Lady Aparecida / Children's Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Nov 15: Republic Proclamation Day Nov 20: Black Awareness Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager: US $10 per person per day Driver: US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| Argentina - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Brazil - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Argentina - While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended, especially in the northeast and northwest parts of the country, including Iguazu Falls. If only traveling to Buenos Aires, Mendoza or Patagonia, it is not suggested to get this vaccination. For the latest health requirements and recommendations, please visit Centers for Disease Control and also consult with your personal healthcare provider. You may encounter mosquitoes in both urban and rural areas, especially during wet seasons. Travelers are encouraged to bring insect repellent and consider wearing clothing that adequately covers arms and legs. The majority of cities in Argentina have altitudes under 3,000 feet. However, please be aware that some areas in the Andes near Mendoza and throughout Patagonia have elevations reaching 22,800 feet above sea level. |
| Brazil -While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended. For the latest health requirements and recommendations, please visit Centers for Disease Control and also consult with your personal healthcare provider. |
| About the Zika Virus - The Zika Virus is a mosquito-borne virus mostly found in areas of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. According to the CDC, most cases of Zika are mild. However, there is a potential link between this virus and a brain defect called microcephaly which affects unborn babies and may pose a potential risk to pregnant women. If you are pregnant or believe you could be at the time of travel, the CDC cautions against traveling to these destinations. For information, please visit www.cdc.gov/zika/. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Argentina - Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm and light clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). In Argentina the seasons are reversed compared to the United States. Spring: September - November; Summer: December - February; Fall: March - May; Winter: June - August Argentina Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| Brazil - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). The weather in Brazil is temperate to hot year round. Lightweight clothing that can be layered, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. Brazil Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| ARGENTINA: Books In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin The Tango Singer by Tomás Eloy Martínez The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto 'Che' Guevara My Father's Ghost is Climbing in the Rain by Patricio Pron Brodie's Report by Jorge Luis Borges Perla by Carolina De Robertis Hopscotch by Julio Cortazar ARGENTINA: Films The Clan (2015) White Elephant (2012) The Aura (2005) La Cienaga (2001) Crane World (1999) Intimate Stories (2002) The Road to San Diego (2006) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline's requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| Brazil - Intra-Brazil flights have a weight restriction for luggage of 33 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. |
| Argentina - Most domestic flights in Argentina have a weight restriction 33 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| Arrival Transfers - When exiting the airport and looking for your hotel transfer, please be aware of street scams. Please look for an official representative holding a Gate 1 sign. Do not accept ride from driver who will not accept voucher, provided in your travel documents, as payment. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Argentina Hotels - Please be aware that accommodations in major cities may be limited to one large bed. A smaller bed or cot may be requested if two separate beds are preferred but cannot be guaranteed. |
| Brazil Hotels - Please be aware that accommodations in major cities may be limited to one large bed. A smaller bed or cot may be requested if two separate beds are preferred but cannot be guaranteed. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Argentina - The Argentine Peso is the official currency of Argentina, however the U.S. Dollar (USD) can be used in some local establishments and for tipping. It is recommended to carry USD $90 per person for each day in Argentina to cover some cash expenses and withdraw additional local currency from international credit-card enabled ATMs where the official exchange rate will apply. U.S. Dollars may be exchanged at official banks, however travelers are encouraged to only exchange amounts of money that they anticipate using. It is not recommended to use non-official currency exchange offices as counterfeit currency is very common. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted. Large note denominations, such as $20, $50 and $100 notes are more widely accepted. |
| Brazil - The Brazilian Real is the currency of Brazil. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted locally. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store's policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country's online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Argentina - Shops open at 9 a.m. and generally close at 7 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Good buys include high quality leather goods, jewelry and furs. |
| Brazil - Brazil offers a wide variety of interesting handcrafted articles at colorful street markets. Cosmetics are also highly popular, along with designer swimwear, fine leather goods, and some of the world's best coffee. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Brazil - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Brazil, and specifically Rio de Janeiro, there are significant issues with theft in public places. Always keep valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk when possible. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Argentina
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Brazil
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| Languages |
| Argentina - Spanish is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Brazil - Portuguese is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Argentina - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Brazil - The voltage used is 110/220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Argentina - Common courtesies should be observed. Conservative casual dress is appropriate. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Smoking, though common, is prohibited on public transport and in cinemas and theaters. |
| Brazil - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Normal courtesies should be observed. Offers of coffee and tea are customary. Casual dress is appropriate. Smoking is acceptable unless otherwise noted. The Catholic Church is highly respected in the community, and jokes at the expense of the Church are considered to be in poor taste. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Argentina - Argentine cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean influences, with Argentine barbecue being the national dish. Traditional foods include Asado, Locro, Humita, Provoleta, Choripan, and Milanesa. Some typical desserts to try: Medialunas (small croissants), Dulce de Leche, Alfajores (type of cookie), Rogel (cake). Yerba mate is a traditional herbal beverage. Argentina is famous for its fine wines like Torrontés (white wine), Bonarda (red wine) and is home to Malbec, a full-bodied red wine from the Mendoza region. Fernet is a dark syrupy liquor, usually served mixed with Coca Cola. Argentine mealtimes are as follows, lunch is from 1:00-3:00 pm and dinner from 9:00-11:30 pm. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Argentina |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 16-17: Carnival Mar 24: Memorial Day (Truth and Justice Day) Apr 2: Day of the Veterans Apr 2: Maundy Thursday Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Sunday May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 25: Revolution Day Jun 17: Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes Jun 20: Flag Day Jul 9: National Independence Day Aug 17: St. Martin's Day Oct 12: Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity Nov 23: National Sovereignty Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 8-9: Carnival Mar 24: Memorial Day Apr 2: Day of the Veterans Mar 25: Maundy Thursday Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 25: May Revolution Day Jun 17: Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes Jun 20: Flag Day Jul 9: National Independence Day Aug 16: St. Martin's Day Oct 11: Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity Nov 22: National Sovereignty Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Brazil |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 13-18: Carnival Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Sunday Apr 21: Tiradentes Day May 1: Labor Day / May Day Jun 4: Corpus Christi Sep 7: Independence Day Oct 12: Our Lady Aparecida / Children's Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Nov 15: Republic Proclamation Day Nov 20: Black Awareness Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 5-10: Carnival Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter Apr 21: Tiradentes Day May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 27: Corpus Christi Sep 7: Independence Day Oct 12: Our Lady Aparecida / Children's Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Nov 15: Republic Proclamation Day Nov 20: Black Awareness Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager: US $10 per person per day Driver: US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| Argentina - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Brazil - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Argentina - While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended, especially in the northeast and northwest parts of the country, including Iguazu Falls. If only traveling to Buenos Aires, Mendoza or Patagonia, it is not suggested to get this vaccination. For the latest health requirements and recommendations, please visit Centers for Disease Control and also consult with your personal healthcare provider. You may encounter mosquitoes in both urban and rural areas, especially during wet seasons. Travelers are encouraged to bring insect repellent and consider wearing clothing that adequately covers arms and legs. The majority of cities in Argentina have altitudes under 3,000 feet. However, please be aware that some areas in the Andes near Mendoza and throughout Patagonia have elevations reaching 22,800 feet above sea level. |
| Brazil -While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended. For the latest health requirements and recommendations, please visit Centers for Disease Control and also consult with your personal healthcare provider. |
| About the Zika Virus - The Zika Virus is a mosquito-borne virus mostly found in areas of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. According to the CDC, most cases of Zika are mild. However, there is a potential link between this virus and a brain defect called microcephaly which affects unborn babies and may pose a potential risk to pregnant women. If you are pregnant or believe you could be at the time of travel, the CDC cautions against traveling to these destinations. For information, please visit www.cdc.gov/zika/. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Argentina - Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm and light clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). In Argentina the seasons are reversed compared to the United States. Spring: September - November; Summer: December - February; Fall: March - May; Winter: June - August Argentina Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| Brazil - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). The weather in Brazil is temperate to hot year round. Lightweight clothing that can be layered, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. Brazil Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| ARGENTINA: Books In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin The Tango Singer by Tomás Eloy Martínez The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto 'Che' Guevara My Father's Ghost is Climbing in the Rain by Patricio Pron Brodie's Report by Jorge Luis Borges Perla by Carolina De Robertis Hopscotch by Julio Cortazar ARGENTINA: Films The Clan (2015) White Elephant (2012) The Aura (2005) La Cienaga (2001) Crane World (1999) Intimate Stories (2002) The Road to San Diego (2006) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline's requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| Brazil - Intra-Brazil flights have a weight restriction for luggage of 33 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. |
| Argentina - Most domestic flights in Argentina have a weight restriction 33 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| Arrival Transfers - When exiting the airport and looking for your hotel transfer, please be aware of street scams. Please look for an official representative holding a Gate 1 sign. Do not accept ride from driver who will not accept voucher, provided in your travel documents, as payment. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Argentina Hotels - Please be aware that accommodations in major cities may be limited to one large bed. A smaller bed or cot may be requested if two separate beds are preferred but cannot be guaranteed. |
| Brazil Hotels - Please be aware that accommodations in major cities may be limited to one large bed. A smaller bed or cot may be requested if two separate beds are preferred but cannot be guaranteed. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Argentina - The Argentine Peso is the official currency of Argentina, however the U.S. Dollar (USD) can be used in some local establishments and for tipping. It is recommended to carry USD $90 per person for each day in Argentina to cover some cash expenses and withdraw additional local currency from international credit-card enabled ATMs where the official exchange rate will apply. U.S. Dollars may be exchanged at official banks, however travelers are encouraged to only exchange amounts of money that they anticipate using. It is not recommended to use non-official currency exchange offices as counterfeit currency is very common. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted. Large note denominations, such as $20, $50 and $100 notes are more widely accepted. |
| Brazil - The Brazilian Real is the currency of Brazil. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted locally. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store's policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country's online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Argentina - Shops open at 9 a.m. and generally close at 7 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Good buys include high quality leather goods, jewelry and furs. |
| Brazil - Brazil offers a wide variety of interesting handcrafted articles at colorful street markets. Cosmetics are also highly popular, along with designer swimwear, fine leather goods, and some of the world's best coffee. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Brazil - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Brazil, and specifically Rio de Janeiro, there are significant issues with theft in public places. Always keep valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk when possible. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Argentina
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Brazil
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| Languages |
| Argentina - Spanish is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Brazil - Portuguese is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Argentina - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Brazil - The voltage used is 110/220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Argentina - Common courtesies should be observed. Conservative casual dress is appropriate. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Smoking, though common, is prohibited on public transport and in cinemas and theaters. |
| Brazil - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Normal courtesies should be observed. Offers of coffee and tea are customary. Casual dress is appropriate. Smoking is acceptable unless otherwise noted. The Catholic Church is highly respected in the community, and jokes at the expense of the Church are considered to be in poor taste. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Argentina - Argentine cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean influences, with Argentine barbecue being the national dish. Traditional foods include Asado, Locro, Humita, Provoleta, Choripan, and Milanesa. Some typical desserts to try: Medialunas (small croissants), Dulce de Leche, Alfajores (type of cookie), Rogel (cake). Yerba mate is a traditional herbal beverage. Argentina is famous for its fine wines like Torrontés (white wine), Bonarda (red wine) and is home to Malbec, a full-bodied red wine from the Mendoza region. Fernet is a dark syrupy liquor, usually served mixed with Coca Cola. Argentine mealtimes are as follows, lunch is from 1:00-3:00 pm and dinner from 9:00-11:30 pm. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Argentina |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 16-17: Carnival Mar 24: Memorial Day (Truth and Justice Day) Apr 2: Day of the Veterans Apr 2: Maundy Thursday Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Sunday May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 25: Revolution Day Jun 17: Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes Jun 20: Flag Day Jul 9: National Independence Day Aug 17: St. Martin's Day Oct 12: Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity Nov 23: National Sovereignty Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 8-9: Carnival Mar 24: Memorial Day Apr 2: Day of the Veterans Mar 25: Maundy Thursday Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 25: May Revolution Day Jun 17: Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes Jun 20: Flag Day Jul 9: National Independence Day Aug 16: St. Martin's Day Oct 11: Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity Nov 22: National Sovereignty Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Brazil |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 13-18: Carnival Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Sunday Apr 21: Tiradentes Day May 1: Labor Day / May Day Jun 4: Corpus Christi Sep 7: Independence Day Oct 12: Our Lady Aparecida / Children's Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Nov 15: Republic Proclamation Day Nov 20: Black Awareness Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 5-10: Carnival Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter Apr 21: Tiradentes Day May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 27: Corpus Christi Sep 7: Independence Day Oct 12: Our Lady Aparecida / Children's Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Nov 15: Republic Proclamation Day Nov 20: Black Awareness Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager: US $10 per person per day Driver: US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| Argentina - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Brazil - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Argentina - While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended, especially in the northeast and northwest parts of the country, including Iguazu Falls. If only traveling to Buenos Aires, Mendoza or Patagonia, it is not suggested to get this vaccination. For the latest health requirements and recommendations, please visit Centers for Disease Control and also consult with your personal healthcare provider. You may encounter mosquitoes in both urban and rural areas, especially during wet seasons. Travelers are encouraged to bring insect repellent and consider wearing clothing that adequately covers arms and legs. The majority of cities in Argentina have altitudes under 3,000 feet. However, please be aware that some areas in the Andes near Mendoza and throughout Patagonia have elevations reaching 22,800 feet above sea level. |
| Brazil -While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended. For the latest health requirements and recommendations, please visit Centers for Disease Control and also consult with your personal healthcare provider. |
| About the Zika Virus - The Zika Virus is a mosquito-borne virus mostly found in areas of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. According to the CDC, most cases of Zika are mild. However, there is a potential link between this virus and a brain defect called microcephaly which affects unborn babies and may pose a potential risk to pregnant women. If you are pregnant or believe you could be at the time of travel, the CDC cautions against traveling to these destinations. For information, please visit www.cdc.gov/zika/. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Argentina - Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm and light clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). In Argentina the seasons are reversed compared to the United States. Spring: September - November; Summer: December - February; Fall: March - May; Winter: June - August Argentina Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| Brazil - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). The weather in Brazil is temperate to hot year round. Lightweight clothing that can be layered, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. Brazil Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| ARGENTINA: Books In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin The Tango Singer by Tomás Eloy Martínez The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto 'Che' Guevara My Father's Ghost is Climbing in the Rain by Patricio Pron Brodie's Report by Jorge Luis Borges Perla by Carolina De Robertis Hopscotch by Julio Cortazar ARGENTINA: Films The Clan (2015) White Elephant (2012) The Aura (2005) La Cienaga (2001) Crane World (1999) Intimate Stories (2002) The Road to San Diego (2006) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline's requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| Brazil - Intra-Brazil flights have a weight restriction for luggage of 33 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. |
| Argentina - Most domestic flights in Argentina have a weight restriction 33 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| Arrival Transfers - When exiting the airport and looking for your hotel transfer, please be aware of street scams. Please look for an official representative holding a Gate 1 sign. Do not accept ride from driver who will not accept voucher, provided in your travel documents, as payment. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Argentina Hotels - Please be aware that accommodations in major cities may be limited to one large bed. A smaller bed or cot may be requested if two separate beds are preferred but cannot be guaranteed. |
| Brazil Hotels - Please be aware that accommodations in major cities may be limited to one large bed. A smaller bed or cot may be requested if two separate beds are preferred but cannot be guaranteed. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Argentina - The Argentine Peso is the official currency of Argentina, however the U.S. Dollar (USD) can be used in some local establishments and for tipping. It is recommended to carry USD $90 per person for each day in Argentina to cover some cash expenses and withdraw additional local currency from international credit-card enabled ATMs where the official exchange rate will apply. U.S. Dollars may be exchanged at official banks, however travelers are encouraged to only exchange amounts of money that they anticipate using. It is not recommended to use non-official currency exchange offices as counterfeit currency is very common. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted. Large note denominations, such as $20, $50 and $100 notes are more widely accepted. |
| Brazil - The Brazilian Real is the currency of Brazil. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted locally. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store's policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country's online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Argentina - Shops open at 9 a.m. and generally close at 7 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Good buys include high quality leather goods, jewelry and furs. |
| Brazil - Brazil offers a wide variety of interesting handcrafted articles at colorful street markets. Cosmetics are also highly popular, along with designer swimwear, fine leather goods, and some of the world's best coffee. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Brazil - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Brazil, and specifically Rio de Janeiro, there are significant issues with theft in public places. Always keep valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk when possible. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Argentina
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Brazil
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| Languages |
| Argentina - Spanish is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Brazil - Portuguese is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Argentina - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Brazil - The voltage used is 110/220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Argentina - Common courtesies should be observed. Conservative casual dress is appropriate. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Smoking, though common, is prohibited on public transport and in cinemas and theaters. |
| Brazil - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Normal courtesies should be observed. Offers of coffee and tea are customary. Casual dress is appropriate. Smoking is acceptable unless otherwise noted. The Catholic Church is highly respected in the community, and jokes at the expense of the Church are considered to be in poor taste. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Argentina - Argentine cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean influences, with Argentine barbecue being the national dish. Traditional foods include Asado, Locro, Humita, Provoleta, Choripan, and Milanesa. Some typical desserts to try: Medialunas (small croissants), Dulce de Leche, Alfajores (type of cookie), Rogel (cake). Yerba mate is a traditional herbal beverage. Argentina is famous for its fine wines like Torrontés (white wine), Bonarda (red wine) and is home to Malbec, a full-bodied red wine from the Mendoza region. Fernet is a dark syrupy liquor, usually served mixed with Coca Cola. Argentine mealtimes are as follows, lunch is from 1:00-3:00 pm and dinner from 9:00-11:30 pm. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Argentina |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 16-17: Carnival Mar 24: Memorial Day (Truth and Justice Day) Apr 2: Day of the Veterans Apr 2: Maundy Thursday Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Sunday May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 25: Revolution Day Jun 17: Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes Jun 20: Flag Day Jul 9: National Independence Day Aug 17: St. Martin's Day Oct 12: Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity Nov 23: National Sovereignty Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 8-9: Carnival Mar 24: Memorial Day Apr 2: Day of the Veterans Mar 25: Maundy Thursday Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 25: May Revolution Day Jun 17: Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes Jun 20: Flag Day Jul 9: National Independence Day Aug 16: St. Martin's Day Oct 11: Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity Nov 22: National Sovereignty Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Brazil |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 13-18: Carnival Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Sunday Apr 21: Tiradentes Day May 1: Labor Day / May Day Jun 4: Corpus Christi Sep 7: Independence Day Oct 12: Our Lady Aparecida / Children's Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Nov 15: Republic Proclamation Day Nov 20: Black Awareness Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 5-10: Carnival Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter Apr 21: Tiradentes Day May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 27: Corpus Christi Sep 7: Independence Day Oct 12: Our Lady Aparecida / Children's Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Nov 15: Republic Proclamation Day Nov 20: Black Awareness Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager: US $10 per person per day Driver: US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| Argentina - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Brazil - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Argentina - While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended, especially in the northeast and northwest parts of the country, including Iguazu Falls. If only traveling to Buenos Aires, Mendoza or Patagonia, it is not suggested to get this vaccination. For the latest health requirements and recommendations, please visit Centers for Disease Control and also consult with your personal healthcare provider. You may encounter mosquitoes in both urban and rural areas, especially during wet seasons. Travelers are encouraged to bring insect repellent and consider wearing clothing that adequately covers arms and legs. The majority of cities in Argentina have altitudes under 3,000 feet. However, please be aware that some areas in the Andes near Mendoza and throughout Patagonia have elevations reaching 22,800 feet above sea level. |
| Brazil -While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended. For the latest health requirements and recommendations, please visit Centers for Disease Control and also consult with your personal healthcare provider. |
| About the Zika Virus - The Zika Virus is a mosquito-borne virus mostly found in areas of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. According to the CDC, most cases of Zika are mild. However, there is a potential link between this virus and a brain defect called microcephaly which affects unborn babies and may pose a potential risk to pregnant women. If you are pregnant or believe you could be at the time of travel, the CDC cautions against traveling to these destinations. For information, please visit www.cdc.gov/zika/. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Argentina - Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm and light clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). In Argentina the seasons are reversed compared to the United States. Spring: September - November; Summer: December - February; Fall: March - May; Winter: June - August Argentina Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| Brazil - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). The weather in Brazil is temperate to hot year round. Lightweight clothing that can be layered, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. Brazil Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| ARGENTINA: Books In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin The Tango Singer by Tomás Eloy Martínez The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto 'Che' Guevara My Father's Ghost is Climbing in the Rain by Patricio Pron Brodie's Report by Jorge Luis Borges Perla by Carolina De Robertis Hopscotch by Julio Cortazar ARGENTINA: Films The Clan (2015) White Elephant (2012) The Aura (2005) La Cienaga (2001) Crane World (1999) Intimate Stories (2002) The Road to San Diego (2006) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline's requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| Brazil - Intra-Brazil flights have a weight restriction for luggage of 33 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. |
| Argentina - Most domestic flights in Argentina have a weight restriction 33 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| Arrival Transfers - When exiting the airport and looking for your hotel transfer, please be aware of street scams. Please look for an official representative holding a Gate 1 sign. Do not accept ride from driver who will not accept voucher, provided in your travel documents, as payment. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Argentina Hotels - Please be aware that accommodations in major cities may be limited to one large bed. A smaller bed or cot may be requested if two separate beds are preferred but cannot be guaranteed. |
| Brazil Hotels - Please be aware that accommodations in major cities may be limited to one large bed. A smaller bed or cot may be requested if two separate beds are preferred but cannot be guaranteed. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Argentina - The Argentine Peso is the official currency of Argentina, however the U.S. Dollar (USD) can be used in some local establishments and for tipping. It is recommended to carry USD $90 per person for each day in Argentina to cover some cash expenses and withdraw additional local currency from international credit-card enabled ATMs where the official exchange rate will apply. U.S. Dollars may be exchanged at official banks, however travelers are encouraged to only exchange amounts of money that they anticipate using. It is not recommended to use non-official currency exchange offices as counterfeit currency is very common. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted. Large note denominations, such as $20, $50 and $100 notes are more widely accepted. |
| Brazil - The Brazilian Real is the currency of Brazil. It is recommended to carry new or like new banknotes as older, torn or poor condition notes may not be accepted locally. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store's policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country's online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Argentina - Shops open at 9 a.m. and generally close at 7 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Good buys include high quality leather goods, jewelry and furs. |
| Brazil - Brazil offers a wide variety of interesting handcrafted articles at colorful street markets. Cosmetics are also highly popular, along with designer swimwear, fine leather goods, and some of the world's best coffee. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
|
Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Brazil - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Brazil, and specifically Rio de Janeiro, there are significant issues with theft in public places. Always keep valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk when possible. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Argentina
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Brazil
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| Languages |
| Argentina - Spanish is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Brazil - Portuguese is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Argentina - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Brazil - The voltage used is 110/220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Argentina - Common courtesies should be observed. Conservative casual dress is appropriate. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Smoking, though common, is prohibited on public transport and in cinemas and theaters. |
| Brazil - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Normal courtesies should be observed. Offers of coffee and tea are customary. Casual dress is appropriate. Smoking is acceptable unless otherwise noted. The Catholic Church is highly respected in the community, and jokes at the expense of the Church are considered to be in poor taste. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Argentina - Argentine cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean influences, with Argentine barbecue being the national dish. Traditional foods include Asado, Locro, Humita, Provoleta, Choripan, and Milanesa. Some typical desserts to try: Medialunas (small croissants), Dulce de Leche, Alfajores (type of cookie), Rogel (cake). Yerba mate is a traditional herbal beverage. Argentina is famous for its fine wines like Torrontés (white wine), Bonarda (red wine) and is home to Malbec, a full-bodied red wine from the Mendoza region. Fernet is a dark syrupy liquor, usually served mixed with Coca Cola. Argentine mealtimes are as follows, lunch is from 1:00-3:00 pm and dinner from 9:00-11:30 pm. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Argentina |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 16-17: Carnival Mar 24: Memorial Day (Truth and Justice Day) Apr 2: Day of the Veterans Apr 2: Maundy Thursday Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Sunday May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 25: Revolution Day Jun 17: Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes Jun 20: Flag Day Jul 9: National Independence Day Aug 17: St. Martin's Day Oct 12: Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity Nov 23: National Sovereignty Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 8-9: Carnival Mar 24: Memorial Day Apr 2: Day of the Veterans Mar 25: Maundy Thursday Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 25: May Revolution Day Jun 17: Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes Jun 20: Flag Day Jul 9: National Independence Day Aug 16: St. Martin's Day Oct 11: Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity Nov 22: National Sovereignty Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Brazil |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 13-18: Carnival Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Sunday Apr 21: Tiradentes Day May 1: Labor Day / May Day Jun 4: Corpus Christi Sep 7: Independence Day Oct 12: Our Lady Aparecida / Children's Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Nov 15: Republic Proclamation Day Nov 20: Black Awareness Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 5-10: Carnival Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter Apr 21: Tiradentes Day May 1: Labor Day / May Day May 27: Corpus Christi Sep 7: Independence Day Oct 12: Our Lady Aparecida / Children's Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Nov 15: Republic Proclamation Day Nov 20: Black Awareness Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager: US $10 per person per day Driver: US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| Argentina - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Brazil - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
Our tour manager, Flavio, was superb. Choice of hotels & food in Chile was the best. Hotels in Argentina was great but food wasn't as great as in Chile. Everyone was courteous & nice ( tour guides especially Diego & all the drivers)
Sreelatha P.
I would like to commend our Tour Manager Lucas for being excellent, awesome, very knowledgeable, extremely organized, super friendly, helpful, caring for our safety and needs all the time, and creating harmony in the group! He represented Gate 1 to the max! He is an incredible person with a good heart, kind, respectable and would go far in this company! He is authentic and loves what he does. He even used his free time to take us around San Telmo because only 1 signed up for the Gaucho Day tour who went with the local guide. Lucas is an asset to Gate 1. I think he needs a pat on the back for appreciation! All of us in our group of 14 feel and think the same way! Thank you, Lucas, for making our trip fun, perfect and memorable! Yes, I have recommended this trip and Gate 1 Tours to my friends already. And yes, my husband and I will use Gate 1 again in the future!
Gezelee K.
Sylvia was AWESOME. This was our first trip with Gate1 and she was an excellent ambassador for your company. Her kindness and attention to detail was unmatched. If you have the opportunity to give her a shoutout, please do. I could only wish to have a staff member as good as Sylvia.
Daryl H.
I was very happy with my trip. Our guide Rob was exceptional! All details were managed flawlessly and accommodation's were very good. I look forward to my next Gate1 tour.
Linda C.
Marco was an exceptional tour manager in every sense of the word. From the first day of the tour to the final load-out. Logistics were handled flawlessly: travel, accommodations, schedules, and advancing were always clear, accurate, and proactively managed. When inevitable challenges arose - as always do on tour - Marco addressed them quickly and thoughtfully, often before anyone else even realized there was an issue. Marco created an atmosphere of trust and respect among the group. Even when challenges came up, he was met with good humor and quick solutions, which kept the entire group relaxed and focused. Thanks to Marco's leadership, the tour ran smoothly, stayed on schedule, and felt remarkably well organized even under pressure. The tour was better, smoother, and more enjoyable because of him. I would not hesitate for a second to work with him again.
Marianna A.
Both my sister and I thought this was an outstanding trip from the varied itinerary, to the excellent food and wines, very good hotels and above all, the most engaging, helpful, professional tour guide one could ever want. Our tour guide, Silvia, made this tour absolutely wonderful. She went above and beyond to ensure we were all looked after and even continued to do so after the tour ended. I think we will be talking about this trip for a very long time.
Brenda N.
Our Tour manager/guide Maria was excellent at dealing with us. She was very knowledgeable, polite, and above all very professional in her work. Personally, I was 100% satisfied and enjoyed every step of my tour with her. She is truly a caring person. We need more tour managers like her.
Mahmood B.
We just completed a tour to South America. Lucas was our tour manager. He is such a great person. He took care of us all very well. Many times, he did work over and above our expectations. For example, He got the boarding passes for all, and the luggage tags a night before from the airport. This saves lot of time at the airport. Always on time and available for help. I wish him all the success in life. On the scale of 1 to 10, I will rate him 1000.
Sudhir B.
This trip exceeded our expectations and everything about it was wonderful. Romi, the tour manager, Marcello, Gizella, Carols and everyone else made our trip awesome. Thank you Gate 1 for the fond memories from this trip. The Hotel Rio Serrano in particular really stands out as the best experience from this trip along with the two boat trips we took to see the glaciers. Wow is all we can say at the spectacular glaciers!!!
Jayshree M.
This trip exceeded our expectations and everything about it was wonderful. Romi, the tour manager, Marcello, Gizella, Carols and everyone else made our trip awesome. Thank you Gate 1 for the fond memories from this trip. The Hotel Rio Serrano in particular really stands out as the best experience from this trip along with the two boat trips we took to see the glaciers. Wow is all we can say at the spectacular glaciers!!!
Deborah W.
I just want to let you know what an excellent tour director Constanza is. She really made our trip special and we feel lucky to have had her assigned to our tour. She is friendly, approachable, helpful, informative, and her insights and enthusiasm for the places we visited definitely enhanced our enjoyment. Thank you Connie!
Ellen Z.
It was fabulous! One of the best I've taken. Rosana was exceptional as our tour manager. The accommodations were excellent and so was the food. Of course, the landscape was incredible, and I now have unforgettable memories of the places we visited. Thank you!
Tanya G.
The tour guide, Nacho, went above and beyond into every area to make sure that the members of his group were taken care of. His attention to detail, knowledge, care for participants, and infectious personality, went above and beyond all my expectations. I have traveled numerous times with Gate 1 And are most highly pleased with Nacho of all of the tour guides I have had. This was an excellent trip, well planned, informational, and highly enjoyable.
Luanne D.
Really enjoyed our trip to Brazil, Argentina and Chile. This was our 18th trip with Gate 1 and it exceeded our expectations. We had a great group of travelers. Can't say enough about our excellent TM, Virginia. She took good care of us, helping all at every turn. She even handed out information on recommended restaurants and things to do in our spare time. She is the best. We are looking forward to our next G1 trip.
Jackie K.
The trip was great. This was our 21st trip with Gate 1 and Sole was the best manager we've ever had
Allan G.
Just want to add my wife and I Gate 1 experience was exceptional. This in part was made by many things that Gate 1 anticipated and made it much less stressful when travelling for over 18 days. We enjoyed that the staff took care in helping, leading and directing guests. But overall, our satisfaction with the trip was elevated to a 10 by tour managers, Marina and Jimmy, who made the group come together like a family. They are so knowledgeable which made the tours so enjoyable. That is what I wanted, the history of the sites. They are so helpful in listening to all who has questions or problems. Their handling of tours, flights and coach rides are amazing. They are funny and just made each day with them so enjoyable. Overall, my wife and I are impressed with the tour we just went on and probably will join more Gate 1 tours in the future.
Gin L.
I just have returned back to the USA following my Gate 1 Travel tour"13 Day Brazil, Argentina, & Chile". Our tour manager Alejandro was superb in making this trip safe & enjoyable for all. He made sure the people in the tour were safe, comfortable throughout & added several extra touches to enhance the excitement of the tour. Communication is very good with Alejandro. If any question came up, the people in the tour could talk to him & resolve any possible issues. We found his English was excellent enabling him to guide us through these countries. I especially appreciated his down to earth explanations of the history of these countries. The other thing about Alejandro is his sense of humor to get us to chuckle & smile.
Carolyn L.
My wife and I have travelled quite a bit throughout the world, and we have never used a touring company before. We decided to use one now because we were traveling with my cousin, who was also on this trip, and I have to say this was one of the best trips we have ever taken. The tours, the food, the group and the atmosphere were great, but what made the trip extra special was the tour manager Lucas. I can't say enough what an excellent tour manager he was. Very knowledgeable, informative and very caring about everyone's needs. He always made sure that we were enjoying ourselves and well taken care of. Lucas made this trip very special to us and because of him we are planning another trip next year to Patagonia and Chile. Gate 1 Travel is very lucky to have someone like Lucas.
Wilfredo M.
I just got back from our Argentina-Chile-Easter Island trip, and we had an amazing time. Truly the trip of a lifetime. I would like to highlight the impressive work of our tour manager, Ignacio. Ignacio is efficient, organized, methodical in the way he approaches his work. He is also remarkably empathetic. He went above and beyond on this trip, arranging "off-book" excursions for us, notably a trip to see the moai on Easter Island first at sunset and then a few days later at sunrise. He took all of the hassle and stress out of this trip for us. But, more than anything, he was intent on showing us the very best of every single site we visited. And it was very clear to us that he wasn't just "showing us around," he was also actively participating. He was just as awed and filled with wonder as we were. He is a marvel.
Allan B.
It was very well organized, and the Tour Manager Sole is always on top of our schedule, time of departure from the hotel, when we need to put our luggage out of our hotel room, tagging our bags prior to departure, getting our boarding passes and many more. I will definitely recommend the tour of Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Thank you very much.
Robert S.
I just returned from Gate 1 13 day trip Brazil, Argentina & Chile. The tour was fantastic. We visited places that my husband and me never would visit by ourself. Paola was FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC tour manager. She is professional, kind, always help, smart, knowledgeable, friendly with good sense of humor . She even helped, when it wasn't her responsibilities. She is wonderful.
Lyuda S.
Just wanted to add that Rosanna was an excellent tour leader. Perhaps the best we have ever had. Very concerned with our safety, comfort, enjoyment and well being. She really worked tirelessly to make sure everything went well for everybody.
Jerry J.
We could not be happier with EVERY tour that we have been on with Gate 1. This is our 6th tour, and each tour has had an excellent guide. Jorge was personable, compassionate and attentive to all members of our tour to Brazil and Argentina. I will always remember his kindness as well as his ability to keep the tour group organized and on task. When asked, what has been my favorite Gate 1 Tour? I say, the one I'm currently on as I know that I am going to have a fabulous time and make new travel friends. I am currently looking for another tour and it will be another Gate 1 tour. Thank you so much!
Ladonna M.
I would like to add that our tour manager, Maria, was incredible and much more than met our expectations. She was very organized, established respect from everyone on the tour from minute 1, provided great local guides, dinners and hotels. She was also very concerned about our safety and provided us with excellent options to do while we were out on a structured activity. IN addition, she made arrangements to add group dinners and local walks to the itinerary that greatly added to our travel experience. This was our first tour guided trip with Gate 1 and we really enjoyed it. our only comment is to provide a little more details about the tipping expectations. Maria also helped us make sure we appropriately took care of the local guides and drivers on this trip.
Pamela C.
I would just like to say that my tour guide was the best I have had not only from Gate 1 but including other tour companies I have used. He was very knowledgeable, extremely patient, funny, he had some great stories, very organized, very helpful with directions and suggestions for places to eat. He also went out of his way to do some little extra things for the group. He really made the trip special.
Karen S.
The trip was wonderful. Our guide Fernando was very sincere, caring and went out of his way to help us. We would love to have him as our guide again. The Iguazu Falls are truly breathtaking spectacles. The three trials to get to see them at different perspectives were not easy for us seniors, but all of us elders made them. I did not want to miss anything. We also enjoyed the city of Rio de Janeiro and its beaches. Our hotel was right across from the beach, which was nice. We had drinks by the beach watching soccer loving locals playing beach soccer. One thing that impressed us most was the dinner that was included on our first night at Rio. It was probably the best dinner we had with Gate 1 and we've been to many Gate1 tours, It was the best steak house restaurant, we were told. Too bad we don't remember the name of the restaurant. I am very happy with Gate1 and will go on another Gate1 tour next month.
John A.
Our trip was fabulous! Iguassu Falls was the #1 hit! Marie, our Gate 1 Travel Tour Director, was outstanding. She went above & beyond to ensure our needs were met. Local tour guides were great, but David from Santigo, Chile was exceptional & made sure we got to our flights homeward bound. Our hotels & your choice of restaurants were excellent. Our Gate 1 bus drivers were considerate. There were 38 on tour, a very cohesive group and all of us were respectful for being on time 100%! The Optional tours were well selected, and I went on 4 of the 5 tours. I have been on 20+ trips with Gate 1 & I feel safe traveling with Gate 1. My roommate has been on 17, and a 3rd friend in our group has been on 14 Gate 1 trips.
Joan S.
Our trip to Chile, Argentina, Patagonia and Brazil was outstanding!! We couldn't be happier. What made the trip so amazing was our guide throughout the trip Veni. He was amazing and took great care and concern for all of us. He was fun and very knowledgeable! He's a keeper!!
Diana A.
The Gate1 tour receives very high marks from us. This was the first group tour we have ever taken, and we were highly impressed by day 3 with our tour manager, Lucas, his attention to detail, his knowledge of all the areas we visited, his humor, the way he managed the group's expectations, and his passion and energy through the entire trip. He really took care of everyone. The sights were unbelievable, and all went according to plan. We also had a wonderful group of adventurous, friendly and engaging people.
Kimber S.
We recently returned from the 10-day trip to Brazil, Iguazu Falls and Argentina. Everything on the trip was of the highest quality. The restaurants selected were great and the choices provided met the needs of all passengers. The lodging, particularly at the Falls and in Buenos Aires, was superb. What made this trip so special was our tour guide, Andrea. We have taken many tours with Gate 1 and other companies, and she is the best tour guide we have ever experienced. Her knowledge, sense of humor and competence cannot be overstated. Unforeseen issues were handled with ease, poise and compassion. The needs of the group and individuals were understood and dealt with quickly and in a sensitive fashion. We have never experienced a more supportive group of 38 tour members, and this is directly related to her ability to create group harmony and respect for others. She is a true treasure and the reason we will take more Gate 1 trips in the future.
Louis H.
This adventure to Patagonia was the first guide tour for my wife and I. I can't say enough about how much we enjoyed this trip and how well organized everything was at the various stops along our journey. Connie was exceptional with her organizational skills, outgoing personality, ability to communicate and connect with everyone and the excitement she shared with every destination was contagious. It was quite obvious how much she loves Argentina and especially Buenos Aires. Connie really made the trip for us along with all the wonderful people we met and shared experiences. The Guides at each location were great, very knowledgeable, questions and clarifications were always welcomed. We will definitely be using Gate 1 for our next guided tour. All the accommodations were great, and the Drivers did a wonderful job with our transportation needs. Thanks so much and please pass along our best regards to Connie and all the Guides.
David S.
Brazil: Brazil is a vibrant, diverse country full of energy and culture. I started my adventure in Rio de Janeiro, where the beaches were stunning, and the lively atmosphere was contagious. The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue offered breathtaking views of the city and its famous coastline. Rio's nightlife was a highlight as well, with samba rhythms filling the streets and bars, making for an unforgettable evening. Additionally, I visited the Amazon rainforest, where I got to experience nature in its purest form - the biodiversity was incredible, and the sense of adventure while exploring the jungle was unparalleled. Argentina: Argentina was equally impressive but in a different way. Buenos Aires felt like a European city with its grand architecture, yet it had a distinct Latin American charm. I explored the colorful neighborhood of La Boca and indulged in mouthwatering Argentine steaks. A trip to Mendoza was a highlight, where I had the chance to visit some of the world's best vineyards and savor world-class wines. The landscapes in Argentina were just as varied as the culture - from the stunning glaciers in Patagonia to the striking deserts in the north, every region had something special to offer. The people were incredibly warm and welcoming, which made the trip even more enjoyable. Overall, Brazil and Argentina combined the perfect mix of culture, adventure, nature, and culinary delights. This trip was an incredible journey, and I can't wait to return to explore even more of these amazing countries!
Maria C.
This was our first trip ever with Gate 1. I filled out your survey, but I wanted to take the extra time to write to you about our Tour Manager - Matias. There aren't enough words to describe how amazing this human being is, and how Matias made our trip that much more special and substantial. He is a GEM! Your organization is so lucky to have him as an employee. He was so incredibly patient, kind, funny, always smiling and in a great mood, full of life and personality, and SO knowledgeable about the history and culture of everywhere we went. Our experience felt so enriched with him as our tour manager. He is the kind of person you feel like you've known in another lifetime. He was so attentive to everyone's needs, so helpful at all times, and constantly giving us information, not just recommendations but also how to be prepared for the following day's activities. I just cannot say enough about how seamless our entire experience was, with Matias as our leader.
Abeer T.
The 13 day classic Brazil, Argentina, Chile was very good and pleasing. and I would recommend it to people I know. The outstanding benefit was having Publito as our tour guide whose knowledge, help , care and concern for all participants was extremely good . We could not have any better tour guide. All participants were wholeheartedly thankful because of his perfect guidance and assistance. I have been to many organized tours visiting 40 countries and he has been the best tour guide I have ever had.
Mehdi K.
Just finished the 17 day Argentina, Brazil and Chile with Patagonia. Romi was an excellent and organized TG. The tour guide Marcelo was excellent in Chile. He is one of the most intelligent, personable and friendliest guides. He truly knows his research of the land , explaining the icebergs and land plates/geography ever!
Gerald D.
As you know, we are regular Gate1 customers, having been on 20 or more trips, with more scheduled, and we have recruited a number of new customers for Gate1. This trip was one of the best! The scenery was super, the adventures were great, and the tour manager, Marcelo, was fantastic. He was very caring, making sure everyone one - and our luggage - was taken care of perfectly. He did so with humor and personality. We have never had a bad guide, but some really stand out as super (Think Mike in Thailand), and Marcelo is truly exceptional with his leadership. I suggest you use him as often as possible. Overall, this is a 5 star trip!
Thomas S.
Our trip was wonderful. We are the first-time gate 1 travelers, definitely this is not the last one. We really enjoyed the beautiful landscape and scenery in Latin America. Travel arrangements were good, and hotels were good. One thing I really want to bring to your attend was the excellent service provided by our tour director, Jorge. He had made this trip special and memorable. Jorge was wonderful. He went out his way to make sure that everything gone smoothly and uneventfully. He paid great attention to details, such as he arranged morning calls to avoid oversleeping, he prepared hotel keys for everyone before we got to the hotels, he printed boarding passes before we headed to airports, etc. There were quite a few older folks in the group. Jorge made sure that all were safe and accident free. He paid special attention to these folks, and we really appreciate his thoughtfulness and caring. Quite a few people in the group were repeating Gateway travelers. They all expressed that this trip was the best in their traveling experience as Jorge was the difference. I do agree with their comments. We are retired and we do want to travel with Gate 1. Hopefully our future trip will be as good as this one.
Like J.
As a first time Gate 1 traveler our trip was amazing and full of fond memories. Credit goes to our tour manager Jorge whose energy, passion and enthusiasm has made the journey truly memorable. We are looking forward to more Gate 1 tours in the future.
Dolores P.
The tour was amazing, better than expected. The travel group (aged 18 to 70) was friendly, fun and easy to be around. We enjoyed all of the tours including our optional ones. Our Tour Manager (Nacho) was very informative, friendly, and nice to be around. He made the tour very special for us! He was the reason our group was so cohesive and chose to be together during non-tour times. Nacho was the best tour guide I have had in the 30 countries I have traveled through. He went over and above making sure everyone was taken care of and provided detailed alternatives during our 'non tour' time. He's a 10 out of 10 for sure!
Linda W.
The trip was absolutely wonderful! We had the best tour manager ever. Lucas was knowledgeable, personable, patient, engaging, professional and passionate. He went far above and beyond to ensure that we had an amazing trip. And indeed we did! What an outstanding, once in a lifetime experience. Iguazú Falls are unparalleled. Thank you, Gate 1 for making this trip so memorable.
Janet K.
Our tour director, Andrea, is an absolute treasure. We've been on four Gate1 vacations (soon to be five as of this coming March) and all of our tour guides and tour directors have been wonderful. Andrea somehow managed to exceed the highest expectations we had based on past experience. She was terrific at engaging with everyone in the group and establishing personal connections with each person. Her personality is so positive and upbeat that it's impossible to not brighten your day. Her knowledge of the locales during our trip was outstanding. Her passion for Rio, Iguazú, and especially Argentina and Buenos Aires was genuine. We will absolutely look forward to booking another tour with her as tour director. Our experience is that Gate1 tour guides and directors are unfailingly outstanding. Andrea set a new, higher bar. We hope you'll share our feedback with her - she deserves to know just how special she made our trip.
Edward T.
I have just returned home from my favorite Gate 1 trip so far. I was on the 13-day Classic Brazil, Argentina & Chile. My outstanding tour manager was Leonardo. He was a phenomenal leader and a true professional who worked non-stop during the trip to make sure his group had a wonderful experience. We did! He handled a large group of 40 travelers with professionalism, humor, and ease. When a person loves his job, it shows, and I feel very grateful to Leo for all of his hard work to make our 2-week tour of South America safe, educational, and fun. I learned so much from him during our time in Buenos Aires since he served as the tour manager and local guide at the same time. Amazing! I can't wait to go back to Buenos Aires one day, and I am looking forward to my next Gate 1 trip already scheduled for next month.
Monica V.
I just want to add onto my survey post trip. This was my first trip with Gate 1. Friends of mine have travelled with Gate 1 a few times before and have been trying to get me to come along for years now. I am very stubborn since I plan most of my trips myself and I have been to over 40 countries. This was absolutely one of my top 3 favorite trips in my 38 years. Our tour guide Alejandro was an absolute gem of a human being. He made us all feel like family but also made us laugh while keeping us engaged making sure we were safe and informed at all times. We had a blast, bonding as a group, laughing, having deep, meaningful conversations (with many of the group being of different ages and different lifestyles mind you). I left this trip in tears, having to leave a group of people that became truly kindred spirts over 17 days of epic adventure. I cannot thank you enough for a trip of a lifetime. Please send my deep felt thanks to all of your local guides, the drivers and especially Alex for his wonderful attention and care. You have a wonderful crew on hand. I will be back with Gate 1 in the future for more trips.
Ashten F.
I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts on the tour we recently experienced. It was truly extraordinary, and I believe this was largely due to the excellent coordination and attention to detail throughout the entire experience. From the very beginning, everything was seamlessly organized. The itinerary was well thought out, ensuring that we were able to enjoy each destination to the fullest without feeling rushed. The transportation was punctual, and the accommodation was comfortable, adding to the overall positive experience. Our guide was fantastic. They were knowledgeable, engaging, and always available to assist us with any questions or concerns. It was clear that they had a deep understanding of the places we visited and were passionate about sharing that knowledge with the group. Their professionalism and warmth made the tour even more enjoyable. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience, and I truly appreciate the effort that went into making it so well-coordinated. Thank you once again for providing such a remarkable tour.
Ernesto M.
It was GREAT!!! This is my first time with Gate 1, and I have already recommended you to my friends and I am checking out future trips. The trip was a perfect combination of city sights and nature in all of its splendor. It is difficult to say what was the sight that I liked the best, when you thought you have seen the most beautiful place in your life, you got to your next sight and it was even better. Alejandro is the best tour manager there is! You can see he loves his job by the way he handles everything. He was always trying to make our trip more enjoyable and offering insights and alternatives to things to do outside the programmed activities. I told him that if we were to evaluate him from 1 to 5, being 5 the best, he was 100!!! All the restaurants he recommended were excellent. The local guides were also excellent: Eduardo in Santiago- who went out of his way to find me a special t-shirt I wanted for my nephew. I love him for that, Daniel in Puerto Varas, Alejandra in Bariloche, Gisela in Iguazu (her love for nature really showed and it was an experience to see her cry when she got to see her first puma with us), and Edson in Rio. All were great. I didn't get the drivers names, but they were also really nice and Propper and took care of us helping us getting in and out of the bus, having disinfectant gel for our hands, candy and water. The hotels were also great. The only one that I didn't like the view from my window and the location was the one in Buenos Aires. The room was great, the hotel as such was beautiful and the breakfast offer was really nice. I would have moved it to another street or area.
Priscilla P.
We completed our 13 days Tour of Brazil Argentina and Chile. It was great and specifically would highly commend our Tour Manager Virginia for her outstanding service, professionalism, friendly positive attitude and support for our concerns and needs! She deserved promotion in her position and increased compensation for the high quality of job performance! Thank you for your attention and consideration! She promoted the company's mission of safety and quality travel with the best value! She is a very strong asset to Gate One Travel
Lolita C.
My husband and I truly enjoyed our recent trip to Rio, Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires. Once again you have selected a wonderful guide. Matias was so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and made the trip extremely fun with his humor and care for all. Matias is one of your best guides yet and we don't say that lightly! Keep an eye on this young man as he is going places!
Arlene R.
Our trip was excellent! The itinerary that was planned gave us a wonderful look at both Rio and its tourist attractions, the majesty and power of Iguazu Falls from both sides of tthe national park, and the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. Our tour guide couldn't have been better. He was a great mix of amicable and organized and he kept us busy and working well as a group for the entire trip. Federico was exceptional in his knowledge of what we were seeing and his ability to give us the background we needed to appreciate what we were viewing. He gets a 10+ from us.
Patricia C.
We enjoyed our trip to Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires very much. Our tour leader, Andrea, was outstanding. Everything was very well planned, and each experience was enjoyable and memorable. She was very kind, patient and always available to provide suggestions for free time, restaurants and shopping. There was a good mix of guided tours as well as ample free time to explore independently. The hotels were centrally located and gave us the opportunity to visit places of interest and restaurants on our own. We met an amazing group of 35 people, created wonderful memories and shared a lot of laughs. Many Thanks to Gate 1, our outstanding Tour Manager Andrea, fabulous local guides and drivers and the team who worked so hard to make this trip so wonderful!
Neilima S.