Frequently Asked Questions

South America

Six Destinations | Leading DMC | Tailor Made Tours

Luxury Travel Questions

As you prepare for luxury travel to South America, you may have plenty of questions. We
went ahead and answered the most common inquiries for you right here, so you can feel
confident about your Mexico Expeditions Tours vacation. Get to know
who we are, what you can expect, and how we plan your perfect travel itinerary.

ABOUT MEXICO EXPEDITIONS

Who is Mexico expeditions?

Mexico expeditions is the award-winning luxury tour operator behind your South American experience. Mexico Expeditions Tours means to expand, to improve, to learn, and to grow. This is our philosophy. As experts in creating unforgettable experiences, our team is strongly committed to these principles, always on the lookout for new and stimulating journeys through South America. Visit our About Us page for more information.

When you return home from a trip, you have photos and vague recollections that quickly fade in the face of routine. When you return home from a personalized travel experience with Mexico Expeditions Tours, you have indelible memories of places, activities, and people that were deeply meaningful to you. Travel takes you places and shows you sites. Travel experiences are deeply personal; they let you delve into all of the human senses; they offer you relaxation or invigoration if that’s the ticket; they provide a new perspective with alternative horizons. In working with Mexico Expeditions Tours, you are enlisting the help of experts who not only have extensive knowledge of South American travel, but who are also masters of turning your requirements, interests, and personality into an unforgettable travel experience. Visit The Mexico Expeditions Tours. Difference page for more information.

Mexico Expeditions Tours is a tour operator. We arrange comprehensive tours that include hotels, sightseeing with private guides and/or drivers, airport and train station transfers, visas, and regional transportation (internal flights, private drivers, train tickets, etc.). Tour operators work with travel agents and personal travelers. Once you are ready to start planning a trip, please reach out to us or have your preferred travel agent contact us, at office@mexico-expeditions.com.

Our exceptional guides have been carefully selected for their knowledge, professionalism, experience, and ability to effectively manage groups with finesse. We work exclusively with guides who are local to the destination and are licensed and/or certified in accordance with the government regulations of their country. All are fluent in Spanish and English, and some also speak the local indigenous languages. Our team of guides offers priceless insights into the true nature of their homelands, adding immeasurably to the enjoyment of the trip.

Every trip arranged by Mexico Expeditions Tours is completely tailor-made. While you may find sample itineraries to inspire you on our website, no stone is left unturned in our quest to deliver exceptional personalized private tours to South America. We take your wants, needs, time constraints, budget, and personal travel style into account to deliver experiences that are far from standard.

All tour prices are based on the services detailed in each tour’s itinerary. Services are sold as a complete package and Mexico Expeditions Tours is not able to provide a breakdown of the component costs of a trip. However, as your trip is completely personalized, we are able to provide an array of accommodation options and services to fit all budgets.

Mexico Expeditions Tours is a registered member of major travel industry associations, we have the Safe Travel seal certification, and we also have the certification of the CALTUR National Tourism Quality Plan of Bolivia – At the same time we have the certification as recognized Adventure-Trekking Tour Operator by DIRCETUR – We are also IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS OF THE ISO 9001: 2015 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.  → Read more

BEFORE YOU GO

How far in advance should I book my trip?

This depends on how far in advance you prefer to plan. We book last-minute trips all the time and we also arrange tours that are planned years in advance. Major considerations are visa requirements, holiday and festival availability, and seasonal demand (ex. “dry season” in Bolivia).

Your Travel Designer will plan activities to make your special day one to remember, whether it’s a candlelight dinner, side-by-side massages, a sunset horseback ride, a shaman ceremony, a private cruise, or a romantic picnic on a private beach. Our honeymooners receive extra perks and amenities—e.g., complimentary spa treatments, beachside dinners, and room upgrades—in addition to the flexibility of touring with your own private guides and drivers, top rooms in South America’s best hotels and resorts, and other services that are standard on all of our tours.

Family travel is one of our specialties. Our Travel Designers can recommend certain hotels and destinations that we highly recommended and are ideal for children.

Please note that hotels are very strict about the number of people who can stay in one room. Usually, a maximum of three adults are allowed in one room, except in specific cases such as ‘family rooms’. Please note that children of a certain age (usually 10 or 12 years, depending on the hotel) are considered as adults.

Our travel experts have lived overseas for years and we pride ourselves in having the expert knowledge to take you to places that are not frequented by many tourists. For example, you can visit a small Andean village far from the tourist centers, stay in a local home, or dine with a local family.

Detailed packing lists separated by activity and country are sent along with your personalized itinerary once it has been confirmed.

In Mexico, people generally dress in a casual and comfortable manner for everyday activities. However, for special occasions—such as church visits, weddings, or formal dinners—locals tend to dress more formally.

As a visitor, there is no expectation to dress elegantly, even in upscale hotels and restaurants, though you are welcome to do so if you prefer. Casual attire is widely accepted throughout the country.

When visiting churches, religious sites, or certain cultural landmarks, visitors may be asked to wear long pants or skirts instead of shorts, as a sign of respect.

We provide vehicles big enough for you and your luggage to fit comfortably. We do not generally place a limit on luggage, although if your group is bigger than 6 people and you all plan to bring large amounts of luggage, please let us know to ensure that the vehicle we provide has enough space.

Ideally, let us know as soon as possible. Generally, you need to let us know at least 45 days in advance to make changes. That gives us enough time to change dates and give other adjustments/options.

Your Travel Designer will be your main point of contact in the run-up to your trip and will make sure you have all the information you need. You will still be able to email your Travel Designer or call him/her during your trip, but once you’re on the road, our Operations Team will take over with logistical decisions and help you more directly. Your Travel Designer will always be happy to help out where necessary and receive your comments and feedback during or after the trip.10

DURING YOUR TRAVELS

How many people will I be traveling with?

In general, our tours and transfers are private for you and your travel companions, but there are some instances where this is not the case… for example:

  • Treks in Bolivia: 1 guide for up to 16 people in group service
  • Tambopata jungle lodges: 1 guide per 10 guests, except in Tambopata Research Center, where there is 1 guide per 6 guests.
  • Jungle cruises: 1 guide per 10 guests
  • Inka Express bus: 1 guide for the whole bus (up to 40 passengers)
  • Catamaran tour on Lake Titicaca: 1 guide per 10 guests; buses for up to 40 passengers
  • Islas Ballestas: 40 passenger boat
  • Nazca Lines: 12 passengers in the plane
  • Galapagos Cruises: 1 guide per 16 guests

Transportation arrangements depend on the size of your travel group and the region you are visiting in Ecuador. Below are the general guidelines:

  • 1–2 travelers: Private four-wheel-drive vehicle, such as a Toyota Land Cruiser, Hyundai H1, or Mercedes Sprinter–type vehicle.

  • 3–8 travelers: Mercedes Sprinter or similar comfortable tourist vehicle.

  • 9 or more travelers: Minibus designed for group travel.

In regions with challenging access—such as the Amazon rainforest, the Andean highlands, or remote rural areas—4×4 vehicles are used regardless of group size. In these cases, enough vehicles will be provided to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for all travelers.

Most accommodations in Mexico offer Wi-Fi access throughout their facilities, and many also provide computer access for guest use. However, internet availability and connection speed may vary depending on the location.

Important considerations:

  • In some hotels located in remote regions or smaller towns, internet service can be slow or unstable, particularly in guest rooms and occasionally in common areas.

  • In many jungle lodges, especially in areas such as Chiapas or the Yucatán Peninsula, internet access is limited or unavailable due to their remote setting.

  • On eco-lodges, remote nature stays, or river-based excursions, internet access may be minimal or nonexistent.

  • During trekking and hiking routes, mobile phone coverage is often poor or unavailable. Even travelers with mobile data plans should expect little to no connectivity for much of the journey.

We encourage travelers to see limited connectivity as part of the adventure—an opportunity to disconnect from daily routines and fully immerse themselves in Mexico’s natural and cultural landscapes.

You will always find better exchange rates in-country than trying to do so outside. If you want to have some local currency with you on arrival, change only a small amount in your home country or at the airport.

In both Mexico and Peru, exchange rates are much better in the exchange houses (or on the street in Mexico) than in banks.

Any dollar bills that you want to exchange must be in pristine condition, otherwise, they will be exchanged for a lower rate or rejected. $1 bills are generally not accepted or exchanged well below the going rate.

Check any money that you receive carefully for any rips and tears as well as for validity. False bills are relatively common in both countries.

In most destinations you will visit in Mexico—including major cities and larger towns—there are ATMs where you can withdraw cash using your home bank account. Withdrawals are typically made in Mexican pesos, though some ATMs may also offer the option to withdraw U.S. dollars (fees may vary; please check with your bank).

Many hotels, as well as larger restaurants, shops, and well-established businesses, accept credit card payments, especially in urban areas and popular tourist destinations.

That said, in smaller towns, local markets, and rural or remote areas, cash is often preferred or required. We recommend carrying a reasonable amount of cash when traveling outside major cities.

Tips are not included in your price. Tipping is not obligatory in South America, but is a kind gesture, gratefully received, when you feel the service merits it. You can tip larger amounts (e.g. $10 upwards) in US dollars, but smaller amounts should be in local currency, otherwise, the person you are tipping won’t be able to exchange them.

Quotes usually include domestic flights, accommodation for each night, all breakfasts, some other meals, entrance tickets, transport, and guide services for included tours. Water will also be provided in the vehicle and most hotels.

Some examples of additional expenses are restrooms, additional meals, water, or snacks not included in your itinerary, tips, souvenirs, laundry, taxis for transport during your free time, tours/entrance fees to attractions not specified in your itinerary, travel insurance, and visa fees.

We provide our clients with extensive restaurant recommendations and are happy to make advance dining reservations. From haute cuisine to local favorites to traditional dinners in private homes, we know all the best places to have a variety of dining experiences.

Likewise, our Travel Designers know all the most luxurious spas in the region. We will gladly book appointments for you in any destination you are visiting, and we will provide spa menus in advance. We are also happy to customize an entire spa tour.

All tours can be customized to include personalized shopping as part of the private cultural touring in each location. There is no extra cost for this special service. Whether you simply want plenty of time to browse in museum gift shops or interesting shopping streets, or if you want more in-depth private shopping excursions, we offer insider access to shops and people, expert advice, private specialist guides fluent in the local language, and culture, and full-service logistical support such as packing and shipping. Our Travel Designers maintain a vast, sophisticated knowledge base of the best local craftspeople, shops, markets, and other sources of high-quality goods.

Mexico Expeditions Tours personnel are always available to contact in the case of an emergency, 24 hours a day. You will be given contact numbers for Eric Raul Albino Lliuya, number WhatsApp: +51 943 081 066 our director, and our Customer Service Supervisor in your Detailed Itinerary as also we have a office number WhatsApp: +51 942 646 424, so that you can call them should the need arise.

Mexico Expeditions Tours personnel are always available to contact in the case of an emergency, 24 hours a day. You will be given contact numbers for Eric Raul Albino Lliuya, number WhatsApp: +51 943 081 066 our director, and our Customer Service Supervisor in your Detailed Itinerary as also we have a office number WhatsApp: +51 942 646 424, so that you can call them should the need arise.

COUNTRY-SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Do I need a visa for entry?

Any traveler who wishes to enter Mexico and is born in the United States of America or who has US citizenship must apply for a tourist visa. The visa has a duration of 10 years from the date of issue and allows the bearer a stay of up to ninety (90) calendar days.

In the Altiplano Area, mid-April through October is considered the dry season, which means hot dry days (temperatures in the 70°s) and cold, cold nights, with temperatures close to freezing.

Even during the day, if you step out of the sun, the mountain air can chill, so be sure to always have layers. November through March/April is the rainy season, with heavy rain in January and February. Generally, the mornings are clear, with rain in the afternoons and temperatures a bit warmer than they are in the dry season.

Uyuni Salt Flats: Depending on water levels, the itinerary and routes may change during the rainy season – for example you may not be able to visit the Incahuasi Island if the water is too high. However, visiting during rainy season will allow you to experience wonderful mirror effect and the uniqueness of the area. If you can change your visit to the dry season, it might be worth it though, as your visit will be more complete. Please be aware that there is a higher likelihood of disruption to flights during the rainy season as well.

Lake Titicaca: Rain may influence visibility during the rainy season, so it’s best to visit during the dry season.

La Paz, Sucre and Potosi: The summer in Bolivia runs from December to February and spring runs from September to November. These are great months in Bolivia to enjoy the sunshine, but it is also part of the rainy season. It gives a freshness and provides lush green landscapes throughout the country. You can explore the local cultures and learn about Bolivian history year round by visiting the museums in the cities.

Due to current flights between La Paz and Uyuni, you will need at least 3 or 4 days to visit the salt flats.

PHOTO GALLERY