Each new booking comes with the complimentary UTO Worry-Free Plan
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☆ Admire one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the magnificent Christ the Redeemer
☆ Free time to enjoy a leisure day at the Copacabana Beach
☆ Guided tour for the UNESCO Natural World Heritage, Iguazu National Park
☆ Tour of Buenos Aires the "Paris of South America"
☆ Optional Dinner Tango Show
Tour Code: USSGT10
Duration: 10 Days
Optional Features and Upgrades: Since the seats are limited, we recommend you to choose optional and extension programs at the time of booking:
Service Language: English
Extra Service: Travel Insurance Visa Service
1. Round-trip international flight from Miami with NO additional charge
The following departure cities are available for an additional charge:
Additional U$200/person | New York (all airports) / Orlando / Chicago / Boston |
Additional U$300/person | Atlanta |
Additional U$500/person | Washington DC / Dallas / Los Angeles / /San Francisco |
Land only package without round-trip international flight ticket: minus U$400/person
2. Intra-flights: Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu to Buenos Aires
3. 8 nights Economy Plus Hotel accommodations with daily Breakfast: 3 nights Rio de Janeiro & 2 nights Iguazu & 3 nights Buenos Aires
4. 1 lunch in Rio de Janeiro
5. All ground transportations in air conditioning vehicles
6. Sightseeing admission fees as listed on the agenda
7. Special cultural programs as listed in different cities as specified in the schedule
8. Professional English speaking local tour in each destination city
9. Fuel Surcharges
10. UTOvacation’s Worry Free Plan ? (Click Here for More Details)
1. Travel insurance
2. The transfers between the airport and hotel in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires
3. Tour extensions and optional programs
4. Any personal expenses
5. Drinks during mealtime that are not listed on the itinerary
6. Checked luggage for all flights
7. A Mandatory Service Charge & Tipping of U$200/person is required and payable by Credit Card Before Departure.
8. Municipality taxes that customers will have to pay when checking in/out at the for Iguazu and Buenos Aires hotels (approximately U$1 per person per day)
ALL PRICES ARE IN USD
DEPOSIT POLICY:
1. Deposit: U$900/person at the time of booking
2. Final Payment: 180 days prior to the trip departure
Optional program and Upgrades:
* Since the seats are limited, we recommend you to choose optional and extension programs at the time of booking
Group Size:
☆ 10 - 40 Each Departure Date
Take the international flight to Rio de Janeiro from your hometown.
Upon arriving at Rio de Janeiro International Airport, you can make your own way to the hotel or join our transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax.
Optional Program:
Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport to the Hotel: U$50/person (Early Bird Price U$45/person)
Full-Day Corcovado & Sugar Loaf Tour
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the magnificent Christ the Redeemer, the iconic statue at the top of Corcovado Hill. Cerro del Corcovado is part of the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world. On the way to its summit is the Doña Marta viewpoint, from where it is possible to see the Maracanã Stadium, the famous Guanabara Bay and the beautiful Sugar Loaf Mountain. Once at the top of Corcovado Hill, it is possible to admire impressive views of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and the Botanical Garden. This tour leaves from the hotel after breakfast. After a scenic walk along the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, guests arrive at the bottom of Corcovado Hill. They board a comfortable train up the mountain and arrive at the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Once at the top, they can use the panoramic elevators or the escalators to reach the foot of the statue. After that, they descend the mountain and head to Sugar Loaf Mountain, where the two stages of the cable car merge to reach the top of the hill. Every year, more than one million tourists visit the internationally famous Sugar Loaf Mountain, an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. The trip to the top is made in glass cable cars. The first cable car takes passengers to the top of Cerro Urca, which rises 215 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the entire bay. At that point, passengers take the second cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, which rises 395 meters above sea level and offers a 360-degree view of the entire city, including the beaches of Botafogo and Copacabana, Corcovado Mountain and downtown Rio.
Day at leisure to enjoy your free time in Rio de Janeiro or join our optional program.
Optional Program:
Half Day Jeep Tour Tijuca Forest (entrance fees included): U$89/person (Early Bird Price U$69/person)
Tijuca Forest is the largest urban forest in the world, which has exotic vegetation species in the vast green area of the Atlantic Rainforest. Many trails are available at the forest, providing an intense contact with nature and heading to lookouts with stunning natural landscapes of Rio. This stretch of forest covers a significant part of the city yet feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle. It includes a few simple trails, where the guests can see up close the stunning green leaves. Depending on the day, they also can see monkeys, toucans, iguanas, anteater-type mammals and others. In this tour, the guests visit Tijuca Forest.
After breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for an intra-flight to Iguazu.
Half-Day Brazilian Falls Excursion after arriving in Iguazu.
The Brazilian Falls are located on the western side of the Paraná State in Brazil. They were declared Natural World Heritage in the year 1986 by the UNESCO. This Brazilian park with 185,000 hectares (458,000 acres) borders the Argentinean National Park and they are divided by the Iguazu River. Both parks make this region one of the largest natural protected areas in South America. The tour starts at the Visitor Center designed to be the gateway to the Park, operates as a visitor boarding and landing center since to access the route of the footbridges it is necessary to go with modern panoramic buses that make the transfer inside from the park. The extension of the footbridges is 1,200 meters from where you get a spectacular panoramic view of the 275 falls that make up the Iguazu Falls, of which the most important on the Brazilian side are four: Floriano, Deodoro, Benjamín Constant and Salto Unión or Devil’s Throat. Once the walk is over we will reached the panoramic elevator that allows us to get to the bus that will take us again to the access gate.
Day at leisure to enjoy your free time in Iguazu or join our optional program.
Optional Program:
Full Day Argentine Falls tour (entrance fees included): U$129/person (Early Bird Price U$99/person)
The Argentine Side Falls Package starts with a comfortable transfer service from Puerto Iguazu to the entrance of the Iguazu Falls National Park. A professional guide will accompany you to take you through the Park"s walkways and appreciate the exceptional scenery offered by the Falls. First, you will discover the charming rainforest of Iguazú through the footbridges of the lower tourist circuit. Then you will take a walk along the upper tourist circuit to see the magnificent panoramic views of the smaller falls and the delta that forms at the top of the Iguazú River. Then the tour will reach the famous Garganta del Diablo, where you will get an indescribable mix of beauty, energy, sounds and images as you witness the power of nature at its best. At the end of the day, a vehicle will be waiting for you to return to the hotel.
Great Adventure Navigation for the Argentine Falls tour (need to book the Full Day Argentine Falls tour): U$129/person (Early Bird Price U$99/person)
This trip combines the wonders of the jungle and the waterfalls. Departing from the Operative Center or from the Visitors’ Center, you shall enter the jungle by the Yacaratiá trail in trucks specially designed for this environment. Bilingual guides (Spanish and English) will show the natural and cultural resources. This 5 kms long stretch ends at Puerto Macuco. At its dock, visitors shall board on the boats that shall be sailing in the Lower Iguazu River for as long as 6 kms, heading towards the waterfalls area, enjoying plentiful rapids. Upon reaching the Three Musketeers Fall, visitors shall be able to see the falls of both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides crowned by the view of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Afterwards, the most exciting point comes when facing the incomparable San Martín waterfall, the second in dimension and the biggest any boat may face. At the end of the trip, you shall descend from the boat on the dock located in front of the San Martín Island, where visitors may continue enjoying the landscape joining the runways system of the Lower Circuit.
After breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for an intra-flight to Buenos Aires. The rest of the day is free to relax.
Half-Day City Tour
The tour includes attractions such as the 9 de Julio Avenue, the Obelisk and Corrientes Street; we will see the Plaza de Mayo, the Cathedral and the Cabildo (Old City Hall). After that, the trip will continue towards the most traditional neighborhood of Buenos Aires, San Telmo, which is characterized by its old colonial houses and the cobblestoned streets. Later on, the tour will go to La Boca Neighborhood located in the south of the city. There will be a stop so as to look around the colorful zinc houses that make up this area of Buenos Aires and that used to be the refuge and home for the first immigrants and popular artists. Soon after, the you will have a panoramic view of Puerto Madero – the old port of the city that was turned into one of the most exclusive gastronomic and residential areas in Buenos Aires. Finally, the last point in the tour is Recoleta, which is one of the most selected neighborhoods and where, among other attractions, the Recoleta Cemetery can be found. Also, there are bars, cafes and fancy restaurants that are worth a visit. Here will be the last stop so as to walk to the cemetery area and its surroundings.
Optional Program:
Dinner Tango Show at Café de los Angelitos (transfer & beverage included): U$129/person (Early Bird Price U$99/person)
“Cafe de los Angelitos” is a live witness of more than one hundred years of Buenos Aires history with a parade of the most outstanding personalities of the political and artistic atmosphere from the 20th century. The mystical coffee house, inaugurated in 1890 with name of Bar Rivadavia by the Italian Bautisto Fazio, became a meeting point for “compadritos” (swaggerers) and “malandras” (scoundrels) towards the end of the 19th Century. With rudimentary premises and a dirt floor, the place was a scenario for the verbal duels of gaucho minstrels Gabino Ezeiza, Higuito Cazon and Jose Betinotti Remodeled again following an ambitious architecture project, conformed by three levels, it exhibits luxury and distinction every night with 21 artists that perform this live show.
Day at leisure to enjoy your free time in Buenos Aires or you can join our optional program.
Optional Program:
Full Day Gaucho Experience at El Ombú de Areco Cattle Ranch (entrance fees included): U$209/person (Early Bird Price U$189/person)
The estancia (farm) is located around 120 km (74,5 mi) from the city of Buenos Aires in the town of San Antonio de Areco, nestle of the Gaucho tradition. There can be found centennial oak trees, palm trees, eucalyptus and magnolias along the 4 hectares (9.8 acres) that make up the estancia and that visitors can walk around. After lunch, guests will be able to take part in activities within the farm, like taking trips on the carriages, swimming in the pool, playing tennis, volleyball, football, pool and ping pong; or just strolling in the park and relaxing.
After breakfast, you can find your own or take our optional transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
*It depends on your home city, your flight could arrive at your home city on the same day or the second day.
Optional Program:
Transfer from Buenos Aires Hotel to the Airport: U$45/person (Early Bird Price U$35/person)
TRANSFER PACKAGE:
☆ Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport to the Hotel: U$50/person (Early Bird Price U$45/person)
☆ Transfer from Buenos Aires Hotel to the Airport: U$45/person (Early Bird Price U$35/person)
FLIGHT CHOICE:
Business Class Upgrade: U$4000/person only between USA and South America International roundtrip
HOTEL UPGRADES:
☆ Upgrade to Standard Plus Hotel Accommodations: U$599 per person (Early Bird Price U$399 per person)
OPTIONAL PROGRAMS:
☆ Day 4 - Half Day Jeep Tour Tijuca Forest (entrance fees included): U$89/person (Early Bird Price U$69/person)
☆ Day 6 - Full Day Argentine Falls tour (entrance fees included): U$129/person (Early Bird Price U$99/person)
☆ Day 6 - Great Adventure Navigation for the Argentine Falls tour (need to book the Full Day Argentine Falls tour): U$129/person (Early Bird Price U$99/person)
☆ Day 8 - Dinner Tango Show at Café de los Angelitos (transfer & beverage included): U$129/person (Early Bird Price U$99/person)
☆ Day 9 - Full Day Gaucho Experience at El Ombú de Areco Cattle Ranch (entrance fees included): U$209/person (Early Bird Price U$189/person)
STAY LIKE A LOCAL EXTENSIONS:
1. Departure Flight Extension - arrive Rio de Janeiro 3 days before the tour start (Airport pickup not included)
Price: U$99/person
Included: Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary
2. Departure Flight Extension - arrive Rio de Janeiro 5 days before the tour start (Airport pickup not included)
Price: U$199/person
Included: Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary
3. Rio de Janeiro 3 nights Standard Plus category Hotel Extension before the tour start (Airport pickup not included)
Price: U$299/person
Single Supplement: $200
Included:
Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary
Standard Plus category hotel accommodations with daily breakfast
4. Rio de Janeiro 5 nights Standard Plus category Hotel Extension before the tour start (Airport pickup not included)
Price: U$499/person
Single Supplement: $320
Included:
Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary
Standard Plus category hotel accommodations with daily breakfast
5. Return Flight Extension - leave Buenos Aires 3 days after the tour end (Airport drop off not included)
Price: U$99/person
Included: Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary
6. Return Flight Extension - leave Buenos Aires 5 days after the tour end (Airport drop off not included)
Price: U$199/person
Included: Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary
7. Buenos Aires 3 nights Standard Plus category Hotel Extension after the tour end (Airport pickup not included)
Price: U$299/person
Single Supplement: $200
Included:
Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary
Standard Plus category hotel accommodations with daily breakfast
8. Buenos Aires 5 nights Standard Plus category Extension after the tour end (Airport pickup not included)
Price: U$499/person
Single Supplement: $320
Included:
Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary
Standard Plus category hotel accommodations with daily breakfast
HAND-PICKED HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:
Economy Plus Hotels
☆ Rio de Janeiro: Windsor Martinique or similar
☆ Iguazu: Merit Iguazu Hotel or similar
☆ Buenos Aires: Two Buenos Aires Hotel or similar
Standard Plus Hotels for Upgraded Package
☆ Rio de Janeiro: Pestana Rio Atlantica Hotel or similar
☆ Iguazu: Amerian Iguazú Hotel or similar
☆ Buenos Aires: Pestana Buenos Aires Hotel or similar
INTERNATIONAL AIR: (UTOvacation reserves the right to confirm the airlines below)
☆ United Airline ☆ American Airline ☆ Delta Airline ☆ Air Canada ☆ LATAM Airline ☆ Copa Airline ☆ Aeromexico Airline ☆ JetBlue Airways ☆ Spirit Airline ☆ Sky Airline
**Please note the tour confirmation will be provided to you 1 month prior to the departure date which includes the hotel and the flight schedule details.
Tourist VISA is NOT REQUIRE for USA & CANADA passport holders.
As of from January 10th 2024, the Brazilian government will reinstate the requirement of entry visas for citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States. This means travelers from these countries will no longer be exempt from obtaining a visa when visiting Brazil. USA & CANADA passport holders are eligible to apply for the Brazil eVisa online from January 10th 2024. This means they won"t have to visit a Brazilian Embassy or Consulate to get their Brazilian Tourist Visa. Please note that the window for the application isn"t open yet.
Visit the "IATA Travel Centre" for detailed information on country-specific passport, visa and health requirements:
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm
More about Travel Documents
*It is your responsibility to ensure that you- and any child travelling with you- have all the valid travel documents necessary to enter in, exit from or transit through, each country/region on your itinerary. Note that the documents required for the outbound portion of your travel may differ from those required for the return.
*Your passport should be valid for six months beyond your date of return. Passport must be in good condition: passport damaged beyond normal wear and tear will not be accepted.
*Consult with the appropriate embassy, high commission or consulate about the travel document requirement for any country that you plan to enter in, exit from or transit through.
*Some country no longer issue paper visas but rather electronic visas. E-Visa holders must present the printed e-Visa and valid passport at the checkpoint.
*International travel with infants and children may be required to show documentary evidence of your relationship and a Letter Consent or permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present.
*Americans holding dual citizenship must travel to the United States with a valid U.S. passport. American permanent residents returning to the United States from abroad must carry a valid passport and a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
*Canadians holding dual citizenship must travel to Canada with a valid Canadian passport. Canadian permanent residents returning Canada from abroad must carry a valid passport and a valid Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PR Card).
Brazil
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, in size and population. With large cities and lush jungles, mighty rivers and an Atlantic coast famous for its magnificent beaches, Brazil is a cheerful and fiery country where the most traditional tourism joins the fun, which allows you to enjoy its sun and its people, its rhythm and its flavor.
GEOGRAPHY
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, as well as being the third largest in the Americas. The country occupies an extensive area along the east coast of South America and covers much of the continent, sharing land borders with Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana. Thus, it has a common border with all South American countries, with the exception of Ecuador and Chile. Brazil's size, relief, climate and natural resources make it a geographically diverse country.
CLIMATE
Brazil's climate is generally warm. However, due to its enormous size, there are climatic differences between the different regions, which deserve to be taken into account when traveling:
COIN
The Brazilian currency is the Real. Bills are available in denominations of 100, 50, 10, 5, 2 1; and coins are 1 real, 50 cents, 25 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents and 1 cent.
VOLTAGE, FREQUENCY AND PLUG/OUTLET TYPE IN URUGUAY
Electricity in Brazil has two voltages, 127v (110v voltage) and there is also the voltage of 220v.
Outlets in Brazil have three holes, while the plug can have two or three round plugs. This plug model is relatively new in Brazil, so in many cases the old outlets (one round hole and two flat plugs) coexist with the new ones.
TIME ZONE
UTC-5 to -2.
LANGUAGE
Portuguese is the official language. However, the Portuguese spoken in Brazil has its own intonation and accent that differentiates it from that spoken in Portugal.
ECONOMY
Brazil has abundant natural resources and a relatively diversified economy. It is the world's largest producer of coffee, sugar cane and oranges, and is one of the world's largest producers of soya.
It´s a great industrial power, and has benefited enormously from its wealth of minerals. The country is the world's second largest exporter of iron and one of the world's leading producers of aluminum and coal. As an oil producer, Brazil aims to become independent of energy in the near future, with reserves that could make it one of the world's top five oil producers. In addition, the country is increasingly asserting itself in the textile, aeronautics, pharmaceutical, automotive, steel and chemical industries.
The service sector employs almost 70% of the active workforce. In recent years, the country has embarked on the production of high value-added services, especially in the fields of aeronautics and telecommunications. Tourism has also been increasing in recent years, making it an important segment of the sector.
Travel tips and suggestions
1. Best Time to Travel
The best season to travel to Brazil is in summer, between December and March. Brazil's climate at this time is generally warm, however in regions such as the south and southeast storms begin and temperatures are lower. The maximum temperature in summer can be 30ºC and the minimum 17ºC. The summer season in Brazil begins on December 21 and ends on March 21.
Conditions may vary in different regions.
2. What to wear
This depends on which part of Brazil you will visit and at what time of year you will travel. If the trip to Brazil is in summer, in general, it will be hot and therefore the recommendation is to bring light clothes, cotton, comfortable clothes. It is recommended to bring a light coat, since it´s common that at night it´s a little cooler and you want to use a coat of this type. It is not superfluous, either, to wear a jean or sports equipment. But in general, you'll wear shorts, skirts, T-shirts and short-sleeved shirts.
If the trip to Brazil is in winter, then the subject varies and the area you are traveling to begin to come into play. If you go to the northeast or north, summer clothes will be useful. On the other hand, if you travel south or even to Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, you'll need to wear little warmer clothes. In Porto Alegre, for example, winter makes itself felt and a winter coat, jacket, leather jacket or similar is obligatory.
3. What to do
This country occupies almost half of the continent and almost the entire tropical zone of the southern hemisphere, with its vast rainforests with its exotic plants and wildlife. Its coastline of 7,400 kilometers on the Atlantic offers golden beaches where anyone can lie down to enjoy life and a good caipirinha.
Their history and traditions cannot be ignored due to the great cultural baggage they have. Portugal's influence is evident in Brazil's colonial architecture, decorative arts, convents and, obviously, language.
To sum up, going to one of its great cities, getting to know its customs and traditions, visiting at least a minimal portion of its thick Amazon jungle or visiting any beach in this vibrant country, is an unforgettable experience that you simply have to enjoy.
4. Other facts and tips
Best things to do in the area
1. Climbing the Pan de Azúcar Hill
To get the best view of Rio de Janeiro you will have to get to the top of the famous hill. Located in the quiet neighborhood of Urca, it offers the possibility of climbing the first 220 meters but if climbing is not your thing, you can always buy a ticket and take the cable car: first take you to the neighboring hill, the Urca, and then to Pan de Azúcar. Whatever you choose, it's worth it just for the 360 degree panoramic view over Rio, Niteroi, Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic.
2. Visit Iguazu National Park
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in this virgin jungle, home to jaguars, anteaters and toucans, you will find the impressive Iguazú Falls, a series of semi-circular waterfalls where the water falls more than 80 meters high, in an ancient lava flow, a natural border between Brazil and Argentina.
A visit to this place requires at least one full day, as there are many things to do: start by taking the train near the entrance to start the walk that will take you to the longest part of the waterfalls, and then follow one of the paths to the smaller waterfalls. There is an option to see the waterfalls from a boat, which will take you very close to the action, in addition to observing the paths between nature, the forest and the animals.
3. Visit Paraty city
The colonial city of Paraty is a beautiful place to spend a couple of days and is conveniently close to a bus ride away to Angra dos Reis. Stroll through the cobblestone streets in the historic district, and admire the Portuguese colonial architecture. Motorized vehicles are forbidden in the village, so you'll have to take great care of the horses and wagons.
4. Enjoy the Rio Carnival
There's nothing more Brazilian than carnival. The biggest party in the world takes place in Brazil, specifically in the city of Rio, the mecca for lovers of nightlife and the party that never ends. You can celebrate all night and all day, since, in addition to Carnival, there are other small events that you can see in the city, even if you are tired of the party and music.
Main Attractions and Destinations
1. Rio de Janeiro: known as the "Wonderful City". No other city in the world is as beautiful as this one. In addition to its famous beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon), you can visit the Corcovado with its famous Christ the Redeemer and the Pan de Azúcar Mountain.
2. Iguazu: possibly the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. It is an experience of immersion in nature with trails in the forest and the imminent proximity to the immensity of the Iguazu River Falls.
3. The Amazonas: the longest and most plentiful river in the world, surrounded by the unexplored Amazon jungle. Living the Amazon for a few days is an adventure you will never forget.
4. Lençóis Maranhenses: an enormous expanse of sand dunes where in the rainy season spectacular lagoons of crystal clear water are formed. A unique spectacle and one of the most remote places in the country.
5. Jericoacaoara: Adored by lovers of kitesurfing and windsurfing, Jericoacoara is a charming town isolated from everything. Kilometers of oceanic beaches and areas of dunes in which lagoons are also formed. Even if you don't practice water sports, it's a place you'll love.
6. Ilha Grande: the island where the jungle meets the sea, full of wonderful beaches and spectacular bottoms, special for snorkeling or diving.
7. Paraty: a beautiful colonial town with a bay that is worth sailing by boat. Located in the middle of two immense cities, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Paraty is like an oasis that combines history and nature. It is an ideal destination both for those who want to relax and for adventurers and for those who like the history of the places.
8. Morro de Sao Paulo: an island of wonderful coconut beaches and natural swimming pools, with a charming village, no cars and sandy streets.
9. Ilha Boipeba: is similar to Morro de Sao Paulo but for those who love solitude. You won't find anyone all day. A wonder that although it begins to be exploited touristically is a small paradise.
10. Chapada Diamantina: a unique landscape in the interior of the state of Bahia. Mountains of impossible shapes, underground caves, turquoise rivers, natural pools in the middle of the rocks, waterfalls.
11. Salvador de Bahía: is a city and capital of the State of Bahia, famous for its 50 kilometers of beaches, which combined with the colonial architecture of historic houses and buildings, offer the perfect tourist destination.
Traditional gastronomy of the region
The Brazilian gastronomy is a perfect reflection of the cultural mixtures that sowed the history of the territory. The typical Brazilian cuisine was influenced by the different ethnic groups that make up its culture: indigenous, African and Portuguese, which gives it great richness and variety. To the traditions that arrive from the colonial epoch are added younger fusions, that incorporate Spanish, German, Italian, Arab and Japanese customs, brought by immigrants to the different regions of the country.
Among the main dishes, we can mention the following:
“Feijoada”
It is considered the national dish of Brazil, which with small variations is eaten in all corners of the country, and is even one of the most traditional meals of Portugal. The dish consists of a stew of black beans with pork meat, such as ribs, loin, bacon and smoked sausage, served with rice, cassava flour and orange.
“Vatapá”
It is a typical dish of the region of Bahia, a delight that can be tasted in the best restaurants or in the street stalls of Salvador de Bahia. Vatapá's recipe consists of making a kind of purée by putting cooked prawns, bread previously soaked in coconut milk, peanuts, onion, ginger, salt, pepper and cilantro in the mixer, and it is heated very slowly. The result is exquisite and is served with rice, cassava flour and chicken, although there are other varieties with corvina, shrimp, tuna or cod.
“Acarayé”
It is a dish of African origin, very typical also in Bahia, which will seduce you with its irresistible smell. Basically, it is a bun made with a paste of beans, prawns, onion, salt and pepper to taste which after passing through the mixer, is fried in vegetable oil and stuffed with cooked prawns and onions.
“Picanha”
It is the cut of veal typical of Brazil more international and tasty. This piece is obtained from the back of the loin of the cow, with a triangular shape and a large layer of fat that helps to give more flavor.
“Moquecas”
It is a stew made from mixtures of seafood and fish. For its preparation is used onions, peppers, tomatoes, coriander leaves, palm oil and coconut milk.
“Tacacá”
It is a broth that is consumed hot. It is made from yucca broth and some jambú leaves, to which shrimp are added. This dish is sold in the streets.
“Brigadeiros”
It is a sweet; a typical sweet from Brazil, its appearance is similar to that of chocolate truffles. It is made with chocolate, butter, condensed milk and decorated with chocolate.
Argentina
Argentina is a land of contrasts, from the vast plains of the east to the Andes in the West where Aconcagua, the highest peak of the Western Hemisphere at 6,959 m, towers above the other mountains. The variety of landscape ranges from the high plateau of the Northwest –with its deserts, valleys, gorges and brightly colored hills- to the lakes, forests, glaciers, steppe, mountains and cliffs of Patagonia. From the wetlands, lagoons, waterfalls and subtropical rainforest of the Northeast, to the expanse of flat Pampas in Buenos Aires Province and the rolling hills of Cordoba.
GEOGRAPHY
Argentina is the second largest country in South America, forth in the American continent and eighth in the world. Its continental territory occupies most part of the south part of the continent and limits to the north with Bolivia and Paraguay; to the northeast with Brazil; to the west and south with Chile and to the east with Uruguay and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Argentine territory has a varied landscape, in which coexist ice fields and desert zones, one can find mountains and plains, river courses, lakes and the Ocean, without leaving aside forests and rainforests.
CLIMATE
There are four main kinds of climates in Argentina: warm, mild, arid and cold. They vary quite noticeably because of the extension of the territory and the different geographic reliefs.
COIN
The Argentine peso.
You will find coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 Argentine pesos, and coins of 25 and 50 cents. On the reverse of the coins appear important trees or monuments of Argentina.
The bills are 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos, and carry important monuments, natural landscapes and wildlife of the country.
VOLTAGE, FREQUENCY AND PLUG/OUTLET TYPE
The current in Argentina is 220V alternating and 50 cycles per second. If you travel to this country with a device that does not allow 220V and 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.
The electrical outlets used in Argentina are of the C / I type.
TIME ZONE
UTC-3.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the official language. The Argentine Spanish has been somewhat modified by the Italians who migrated in large numbers to both countries.
There are also several languages corresponding to the different natives (Guaraní, Quechua, Aymara, Mapuche) among others.
ECONOMY
Thanks to the fresh water richness, this country of green meadows offers, together with the mild climate, the ideal conditions for agriculture, livestock and afforestation. In this way, the prairies are mostly used for cattle and sheep breeding, while in the fields is grown corn, soy and sunflower, as well as vines. More than 80% of the country's surface is suitable for agriculture.
It is also worth mentioning the wine industry that promises to have a great future, since here you find the ideal climatic conditions: heat, sun light and rain. The leader in Uruguay is the Tannat variety.
Tourism is, together with the agricultural sector, the most important sector of economic activity.
Travel tips and suggestions
1. Best Time to Travel
Given the size of Argentina, each zone has its best time to visit throughout the year. If you visit the country during spring, from September to November, the weather is perfect in almost every region, although in Patagonia, the icy winds could be around as well.
The Argentine summer is between December and February, and it is the only time to climb the highest peaks of the Andes, such as the Aconcagua. On the contrary, Buenos Aires is likely to be very hot in December and January, and the north should be avoided since temperatures can be very high and roads can be flooded by heavy storms.
The Argentine autumn, March and April, is a good time to visit Mendoza and San Juan to go to the wine harvests, as well as Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
The winter months (June, July and August) represent the ideal time to go to the ski resorts, but blizzards can block the cities of Patagonia and many places between May and August, so it is not a good time to go the southern region. Temperatures in the north of the country are usually pleasant at this time of year.
As a last point to keep in mind: Argentinean's vacations are in January, February and July, as in other countries in Latin America, so booking transportation and accommodation can be a bit difficult task due to the high demand.
2. What to wear
A trip to Argentina means, in most cases, enjoying the outdoors and getting close to nature. Thus, binoculars will help to see wildlife more closely, or the detail of the ice of a glacier.
If you take a hiking tour, especially on top of the ice of the glaciers, it is advisable to wear gloves that protect the hands of the edges of the ice, in the case of a fall or having to rely on something solid.
If you visit Patagonia, it is convenient to wear a scarf or windbreaker. In most places you will need a jacket and a fleece coat or simialr, even if it is summer, since in the same day you can have all 4 seasons.
To the list of essential elements, we can add: repellent, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a thin raincoat and an umbrella.
Good shoes will be necessary. Boots or good walking shoes will be very useful, especially if planning activities to the outdoors. Sandals with good foot grip will surely be appreciated if the trip is to warmer regions.
Finally, if you plan to enjoy a meal in a good restaurant or attend a Tango show in Buenos Aires, it is recommended to wear elegant sport.
3. What to do
The Argentine northwest is one of the places that attract travelers call for their amazing landscapes, in addition to their culture and typical dishes.
Towards the northeast, the Ibera Wetlands and its surroundings stand out, with historic villages on the banks of the rivers, surrounded by a unique landscape, flora and fauna. It is also in this region that we find the world famous Iguazu Falls.
The Cuyo region, with Mendoza as its main location, is famous for producing some of the best wines in the world, an activity that is one of the main industries in Argentina.
The central region, composed of a mix of plains, mountains and beaches on the Atlantic coast also moves tourism, mainly local. Mar del Plata and the Córdoba Hills stand out, but the main touristic center in this region is the city of Buenos Aires.
The City of Buenos Aires has an infinite number of places to visit: Caminito, Puerto Madero, Recoleta, Palermoand the San Telmo Fair. It is also a must to attend tango shows in beautiful theaters as well as witness them around the city streets. With countless parks, galleries, restaurants and a beautiful architectural heritage, Buenos Aires is a magical city.
Finally, Patagonia is, along with Iguazu, the most visited area by foreigners, and is very diverse from east to west, north to south. To the east, on the coast, Puerto Madryn and Trelew stand out for the Welsh heritage, ecotourism and whale and penguin watching.
To the west of Patagonia you can find cities surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains, forests, lakes, and the glaciers, and milky-looking lakes further south in El Chaltén and El Calafate.
Finally, to the south of Patagonia, and across the Andes, is the southernmost city in the world and the Argentine gate to the Antarctica: Ushuaia, and one of the places that most inspired Darwin in his trip through South America.
4. Other facts and tips
• In Argentina bargaining is not common. It is not mandatory to leave tips, but if waiters serve you well, it is customary to leave around 10% in bars and restaurants.
• In relation to safety, it is advisable to have precautions as in any big city in the world, especially pickpockets. It is advisable to be cautious, such as not showing valuable objects in certain areas of cities.
• Currencies can be exchanged in any exchange bureau in the cities and airports, although in the latter the exchange rate is always more expensive.
• Regarding visas, Argentina is a country that almost all countries can enter with their passport in order, without the need to process a visa. Please check with the local embassy or consulate if you have questions.
Best things to do in the area
1. Sail on the Beagle Channel and see the The End of the World Lighthouse (Ushuaia)
The Beagle Channel is a sea passage between Argentina and Chile located south of the province of Tierra del Fuego, specifically in front of the city of Ushuaia. It is one of the most wonderful tours that can be done during a stay at the “end of the world” due to its majestic beauty and its incredible landscape.
2. Take photos in the Great Salt Flats (Jujuy)
The Great Salt Flats provide a unique show due to their size and the effect with the horizon. They are even more imposing during the rainy season since they are covered by 30 cm. of water producing a turquoise panorama overlooking the Chañi Mount behind them.
3. Whale watching in Puerto Madryn
The southern right whale watching is one of the main activities in Puerto Madryn and its surroundings.
The whales arrive on the coasts of the Valdés Peninsula during May and stay to reproduce and feed their calves until mid-December.
As whales do not arrive or depart all at once, at the beginning and end of the season there are few of them, making it more difficult to observe them, so the best time to watch them id between September and November.
4. Visit the Colón Theatre (Buenos Aires)
This Opera House, declared a Historic National Landmark in 1991, is among the most important lyric theaters in the world.
The construction of the current building began in the early 1890s, on the lands that occupied the first railway station in the country. The building was finally inaugurated on May 25, 1908, with the presentation of the opera Aída, by Giuseppe Verdi.
A must do in Buenos Aires is to take a guided tour of the theater or, even more advisable, to attend a ballet or opera while visiting the town.
5. Hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier (El Calafate)
The Perito Moreno Glacier is located on the Andes mountain range, nearby the city of El Calafate and is the natural limit between Argentina and Chile. It is one of the few in the world that remains stable, without going back as a result of warming global.
Walking on the glacier is an unforgettable experience one which you can marvel at the fascinating and endless forms of the ancient ice. Colors, shapes and sounds will be part of this unique experience of walking on the most emblematic glacier in the Argentine Patagonia.
6. Get into the world of the Tango (Buenos Aires)
Tango resonates around the streets of Buenos Aires, in its urban landscapes and in its people. The lyrics, passion and nostalgia collect the most visceral feelings of longing.
Learn your first steps of the Tango with the best professionals, whether in a private or group classes. Attending a Tango show or a Milonga, where you can test the steps learned in the classes, are a must do as well!
7. Visit the Iguazu Falls under the light of the full moon
Only 5 nights a month, the Iguazu Falls get a new and unique shape thanks to the moonlight on full moon days. This natural effect allows rediscovering the falls in a way that you will not be able to see anywhere else.
The night walk proposes a tour that begins by getting on the ecological train of the jungle towrads the famous Garganta del Diablo.
Check the calendar, since if your trip coincides with any full moon, you should not miss this great experience.
Main Attractions and Destinations
1. Buenos Aires
It is one of the most beautiful cities in South America, with an architecture that resembles that of some European cities such as Paris or Barcelona, with the same charm.
Within the city there are countless of places to go: Plaza de Mayo, Caminito, Puerto Madero, Recoleta, Villa Palermo, the mythical football states El Monumental and La Bombonera, Casa Rosada (the seat of government) and of course the Imposing Obelisk.
It is also a must-do to attend some tango shows in one of the several theaters around the city.
With countless parks, galleries, restaurants and beautiful architectural heritage, it is a magical city.
2. The Iguazu National Park
Located on the border with Brazil, the Iguazu National Park has 250,000 km2 in with landscapes recognized worldwide as one of the most beautiful. In it we can find animals and plant species unique in the world.
This imposing waterfall is divided by the Brazilian jungle that flows into the Paraná River and a large part is located in the Misiones province, on the Argentine side.
This majestic work of Nature is considered a Natural World Heritage Site since 1984.
The Argentine side has 275 falls and is larger than the Brazilian park, so it offers several options for walks and activities.
Among the walks through the Iguazu Falls, you can find the upper and lower route and the jungle train that takes you to the main water fall called Garganta del Diablo.
3. Bariloche
This beautiful town is located in the Nahuel Huapi National Park and on the shores of the lake carrying the same name as the park. It has dreamlike landscapes, forests, lakes, rivers and mountains that hide great volcanoes.
One of the main activities that can be practiced in the winter season is skiing. On the other hand, during summer, it is the best season for some adventure sports such as horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, hiking on different trails and stand up paddle.
The architecture of the place has a European style, due to the legacy of a strong German, Swiss and Central European immigration, which together, with the luxury cuisine, make Bariloche one of the tourist sites par excellence around Argentina.
4. Ushuaia
On the other side of the Andes Mountain Range, in Tierra del Fuego, you can find the beautiful town of Ushuaia, surrounded by the most dazzling landscapes composed of snowy mountains, glaciers, forests, rivers, and the Beagle Channel.
The tourist options are very varied, especially those related to sports and outdoor activities. There is also the possibility of taking some sailing tours towards the Lighthouse of the End of the World, or to a penguin rookery; to board on a cruise of several nights through the Beagle Channel towards Chile or to the mythical Antarctica.
5. Humahuaca Gorge
The Humahuaca Gorge is one of the World Heritage Sites declared by the UNESCO and that can be found in the country.
It is located in the north of Argentina and is famous for its arid landscapes that for the composition of the soil and the eroded mountains, it creates spectacular sceneries full of colors.
Here you can find colorful mountains all around, creating the ideal location for those who like mountain climbing and trekking, but at the same time are looking for a cultural immersion, due to the several villages lost in the mountains, allowing visitors to learn about the local culture, their traditional dishes and crafts.
Visiting the Hornocal Hill lookout point, attending the Carnival in La Quiaca town or the coming to the “Pachamama” (Mother Earth) celebration in August, are some of the must-sees in this great destination.
6. The Valdés Peninsula and its surroundings
Visiting the peninsula is an unforgettable experience for both adults and children, since from its beaches one can watch sea lions, elephant seals and southern right whales, especially between June and December.
Some of the outstanding activities are diving with sea lions, sailing in search of whales, or walking among the penguins in the largest Penguin colony in South America.
In addition, if having a spare day, a visit to the city of Gaiman can be very interesting, since the Welsh culture of the original immigrants is still alive in the streets and language of its peoples.
7. The Perito Moreno Glacier
This huge glacier is located in the southern sector of Los Glaciares National Park and is about 30km long, 5km wide and 60km high.
The National Park allows hikes and navigations, on which visitors can enjoy the view of amazing landscapes, shaped by infinite bluish ice needles and also learn about the ancestral ice.
In addition to El Perito Moreno Glacier, tourists can visit the other glaciers of Lake Argentino such as Upsala and the Spegazzini.
8. Mendoza
Mendoza is one of the main wine regions in South America and although it is has a desert-like weather and landscape, thanks to the canals taking water from the rivers up in the mountains, there are thousands of vineyards and cellars, allowing the wine industry to prosper and tourists, to get involve in wine tasting tours.
In addition to the vineyard tours, the surroundings of the city of Mendoza allow the practice of numerous adventure sports, such as horseback riding, hiking, rafting or hiking on one of the several routes on the Aconcagua Mount, which has different difficulty levels, but all of them with spectacular views.
9. Iberá Wetlands
The Iberá, is the second largest wetland in South America, with an area of 12,000 km², and the refuge of a great biodiversity of flora and fauna, without leaving aside the cultural heritage from the first inhabitants of the region.
It is the habitat of more than 4,000 species of animals and plants, thus it is an excellent place for bird watching, reaching up to 350 different species.
The life of the gauchos there is very particular for being in constant contact with the water; They have adapted their way of life to the landscape, being another great attraction and cultural immersion.
Traditional gastronomy of the region
The Argentine cuisine comes, as in most aspects of the Argentinean culture, from a blend of the Italian, Spanish, Central European and Native American influences, without leaving aside the agricultural products that are important in one of the country´s main industry.
Argentineans have a reputation for their love of eating, so gatherings are commonly centered on sharing a meal. Sunday family lunch is considered the most significant meal of the week, whose highlights often include asado (barbecue) or pasta.
Here are some useful tips about what to expect when looking for a traditional meal in the different regions of Argentina:
• Most regions of Argentina are known for their beef-oriented diet, especially the grilled meat, such as the asado cooked with coal or wood, steaks and beef ribs. Chorizo (pork sausage), morcilla (blood sausage), chinchulines (chitterlings), mollejas (sweetbread), and other parts of the animal are also enjoyed during a asado.
• In Patagonia, lamb and baby goat are eaten more frequently than cow beef and are traditionally cooked over an open fire.
• The most common condiment for asado is Chimichurri, a sauce of herbs, garlic and vinegar. Unlike other preparations, Argentines do not include chili.
• Breaded and fried meats — milanesas — are used as snacks, in sandwiches, or eaten warm with mashed potatoes — purée. The most traditional ones are the Milanesas Napolitanas, which include cheese, ham and sauce on top of it.
• Empanadas — small pastries of meat, cheese, sweet corn, and other different other fillings — are common across the country, alouth each region has a slight variation of them.
• Pizza and pasta are eaten as commonly as beef. A must do in Buenos Aires, is to go to a traditional pizzeria in Buenos Aires and try a slice of pizza, along with a slice of Fainá, which is a chick pea-flour dough placed over the piece of pizza.
• Picadas, which are usually found at home or in bars, are also popular. They consist of a mix of salted snacks, or tapasand usually accompanied by an alcoholic beverage, such as beer or the Fernet (the Italian bitter) with coca cola.
• In Chubut, in the Argentinean Patagonia, the Welsh community is known for its teahouses, offering scones and torta galesa, which is rather like torta negra.
• Dulce de leche is another treasured national food, used to fill cakes and pancakes, spread over toasted bread for breakfast, or served as ice cream.
• Alfajores are shortbread cookies sandwiched together with chocolate and dulce de leche or fruit marmalade.
• A traditional drink of Argentina is an infusion called mate. The name comes from the hollow gourd from which it is traditionally drunk. It is filled about three-quarters full with yerba mate, the dried leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis and after adding some hot water, not boiling, the drink is sipped through a metal or cane straw called a bombilla. Mate can be sweetened with sugar, or flavored with aromatic herbs or dried orange peel. In small gatherings it is traditional for one mate to be passed from person to person, filled by whoever has the kettle or thermos.
• Argentina produces several varieties of wines, but the Argentina’s flagship red grape is the Malbec, produced mainly in Mendoza region. On the other hand, the Torrontes is the thite wine grape that thrives in high altitudes of the Salta region, like Cafayate.
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Reservation
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Step 4. Make a deposit to complete the reservation. A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $900/person is required to secure the space. A full payment is required when the booking is created within the final payment period (180 days before the departure date).
Step 5. Finalize the booking.
Final Payment
Balance payment of any regular products or services is due 180 days prior to departure unless specified. If the full payment is not obtained by the due date, UTOvacation reserves the right to cancel such reservation and retain the pre-paid deposit to cover any expenses occurred.
* In addition, some products may require a second deposit before final payment. Please carefully review your product pages for reference.
Please note: Your timely payment is important to guarantee your seat/cabin and ensure the overall tour package price. Your 2nd deposit and final payment will NOT be charged automatically by UTOvacation and payment reconciliation in time on your side is necessary to confirm your booking.
The full or final payment is required 180 days prior to the tour departure date. For all packages, all essential travel documents, which include but are not limited to a Valid Passport Copy, should be submitted by this date. Additionally, for land-only packages, any flight information should also be provided by the final payment due date.
Step 6. Trip Confirmation.
A final trip confirmation by email including day by day itinerary, hotel information, and flight information will be sent to the main contact passenger approximately one month before departure.
By booking your tour online with UTOvacation.com you acknowledge and agree total three terms and conditions including the Internet Sales & Deposit Policy and the Sales and Cancellation Policy. You also confirm and agree that you understand that the deposit is non-refundable.
Offline Reservations
Step 1. Complete the reservation.
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Email/Fax your current and valid Passport Copy with the Booking Form together to booking@utovacation.com/416-251-7778
Step 2. Finalize the booking.
Balance payment of any regular products or services is due 180 days prior to departure unless specified. If the full payment is not obtained by the due date, UTOvacation reserves the right to cancel such reservation and retain the pre-paid deposit to cover any expenses occurred. * In addition, some products may require a second deposit before final payment. Please carefully review your product pages for your reference.
Step 3. Trip Confirmation.
A final trip confirmation by email including day by day itinerary, hotel information, and flight information will be sent to the main contact passenger one month prior to departure.
Make the reservations. A Non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required to secure the space. We accept cash, cheque, money order, debit card, credit card, email transfer, TD transfer. A full payment is required when booking if the package is a special on-sale product.
By booking your tour offline with UTOvacation.com, you acknowledge and agree total three terms and conditions including the Internet Sales & Deposit Policy and the Sales and Cancellation Policy. You also confirm and agree that you understand that the deposit is non-refundable.
Travel Visa
The following documents from the passenger are required if travel visa is applied through UTOvacation’s Visa Center:
*Remarks: If acquiring a visa on your own, the supporting documents will be provided from UTOvacation One Month prior to the trip departure date. Supporting documents requested early are subject to a $100 administration fee.
A Word About Tipping
For the on-tour convenience of some itineraries, we will collect all gratuities which is to be shared by our local team. This may include tour leaders, guides, drivers, baggage porters, airport coordinators, restaurant waiters for all included meals and other staff in the team behind the scenes.
Please remember that these gratuities are appreciated as recognition for excellent service and we thank you for your encouragement and generocity.
Infant/Baby
We don"t take any infants or babies under 2 years old for any of our tours.
Trip Cancellation and Eligible Refunds
Please ensure you have read the Trip Cancellation Policy in full and have not scrolled past or by-passed this section.
UTOvacation reserves the right to cancel or modify a tour prior to departure date. An alternative departure date will be offered for no extra charge should there be any travel restrictions, lock-downs imposed by governments, health organizations, travel bureaus. A full travel credit will be offered for future trip rebooking or rescheduling if there are extreme cases happening which are all beyond our control including but not limited to any global pandemics, regional epidemics, wars, or any other acts of god.
All passenger cancellation or change requests must be confirmed in written form by email or fax including your reservation number, full name and date of travel, cancellations will only be accepted in writing.
Any cancellation of issued flight tickets before outbound departure (all the segments are unused) at the originally issued place would incur a penalty charge of CAD/USD 350.00 per ticket. No refund will be issued once travel has begun.
Cancellation terms will be applied based on the date that the written cancellation is received and based on the following dates prior to departure.
All reservations, except where specified:
Number of Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation Penalty (Per Person) |
180 days or above | $900 as penalty |
90 - 179 days | $900 + 30% of tour fare as penalty |
30 - 89 days | $900 + 50% of tour fare as penalty |
0 - 29 days | 100% of the tour fare as the penalty |
No refund will be available on departure date and/or after the tour has commenced (Including denied and/or rejected by Immigration Department or Custom of destination or Cruise port terminal officer).
No refund or reimbursement will be available to passengers who voluntarily forego meals, cruise, tours and/or accommodations. A surcharge may apply should there be any additional fees occurred from services refused by the passengers .i.e. Since air ticket, cruise ticket, transportation, accommodation, and meal shave to be arranged in advance during high season (i.e. Holidays, Special Events, and other important activities and conventions), no departure date changed is allowed. No refund will be available on departure date change and/or booking cancellation.
Any other charges, refunds or rebates caused by the acts of God, Force Majeure, natural disasters, fire, weather, governmental and local authority"s order, political change, strikes, war, riots, quarantine, custom regulations, damages or inquiry caused by accident is beyond the responsibility of UTOvacation and therefore, you agree to hold UTOvacation harmless and non-liable for any refunds or compensation outside of the previously defined refund structure. Furthermore, should the traveler violate any local/provincial or national laws during their travels, UTOvacation is not responsible or liable. By this signing the agreement the client agrees to any offer of a voucher, future companycredit, or alternative arrangements as determined by management at that time.
No refunds will be offered for Travel notices except for complete travel bans(Canada Travel Advisory Level 4) (USA Travel Advisory Level 4) which have occurred after the date of booking. Should an outright travel ban be implemented by the departing or destination country/city, a full travel credit will be offered. Refunds will not be granted for pre-existing situation sat the destination country at the time of the booking. Please note, should UTOvacation incur any unexpected costs from its suppliers, these costs would be subtracted from and balance/travel credit issued to the passenger.
Please note, any refundable amount will not include fees associated with Travel Visa’s which have already been issued or any services that have already been delivered or any incurred fees already charged by suppliers and such final refundable amount will be returned in the form of the original payment to the payer.
All reschedule tours are considered non-refundable; regular cancellation policy does not apply.
Optional programs and trip extensions
The pre-paid deposit/tour fare for any of the early bird deals or promotional packages is not refundable.
No Show
If for any reason, a passenger does not attend the scheduled daily activities during the tour, an additional supplement fee of 100USD per day will be applied. (Only applicable for China discounted tours)
Shopping During your Tour
Although we would be happy to assist your shopping needs, UTOvacation would not be responsible for price, quality, and service of any goods purchased during the tour.
Price Adjustments
After the booking is confirmed, if the price increased following the imposition of a surcharge on fuel by the carrier or an increase in the exchange rate, insofar as the exchange rate applicable before the date on which the services are provided has increased by more than 5% since the date on which the contract was entered into; and/or if the increase, without taking into account any increase in the provincial sales tax or USA Canada"s goods and services tax, raising taxes, royalties or reauthorized charges by a competent public authority, is equal to or greater than 7% of the price of services, you may choose between a full and immediate reimbursement of the services or the provision of similar services.(except for acts of God, wars, national strikes, travel restrictions, significant inflations, global pandemic or anything beyond our control)
Tour Adjustments
UTOvacation retains the right to adjust, modify or reschedule tours if deemed necessary.
UTOvacation also reserves the right to adjust your tour date or itinerary if it feels it is in the best interest of its passengers especially in cases that involve the health and safety. This may include minor adjustments like the timing of a scheduled tour attraction visit to a complete date modification.
UTOvacation will do its best to notify you of any such changes before your departure (Or as soon as possible if you have already departed).
Stipulations. Please note, UTOvacation does its’ best to fulfill its tour obligations. However, UTOvacation is not liable for scenarios which impact room availability, tour execution, separate fees or other elements of the tour that is enforced by third party entities such as local and federalauthorities.
Tour Credits
UTOvacation on some occasions may issue Travel Credits as either a reward or because of trip suspension.
Travel Credits may be used on any UTOvacation product except for Travel Visa’s or Flight ticket/First-class flight fare upgrades
Please note: Travel credit will be applied should there be any cancellation/refund occurs if the tour/service has been paid by travel credit in the initial transaction. destination
Travel Seat Arrangements
Seating/Cabin assignment: UTOvacation has no power to control the seating selection on the aircraft or cabin location on the cruise(unless where specified). All the spots are arranged by the airline/cruise line group department or randomly selected by the computer system. Therefore, UTO vacation cannot help the customers to change, reserve, pre-assign seats/cabins.
Preferred Seat Upgrade: UTOvacation will not be responsible for any preferred seat upgrade on aircraft (except for business or first class seats). Some cruise packages allow the selection of cabins at the time of booking for an upgraded price; please refer to the product page for details.
Reservation Adjustments
Changes to an existing reservation by the passenger for whatever the cause, will incur a $299 per person charge plus any additional supplier fees. This includes name changes and removal of any services such as optional tours and transfers. The deposit and/or full payment for any optional feature that is on an early bird or special sale promotion is non-refundable and non-transferable.
*Please note that name changes to airline or cruise line reservations are subject to full cancellation or re-booking. See Airline Name Changes section for specific regulations.
Replacing a travelling passenger is subject to cancellation penalties and is not covered by this Reservation Changes policy.
Changes or additional requests after departure are subject to local rates at the time of amendment and must be paid directly by the passenger to the service provider. UTOvacation will make its best effort to minimize these costs, however, all payment will be payable by request of the local service providers.
There are no refunds for unused services.
Travel Insurance
UTOvacation strongly recommends all tour members to purchase travel insurance at the time of booking. UTOvacation does not directly offer Travel Insurance. The Travel Insurance recommended by UTOvacation are facilitated and owned by third party operators. Any Travel Insurance purchased by the passenger is governed by the third party and UTOvacation is not liable or responsible for said insurance.
Flight upgrade
Once we are done issuing your flight tickets, our ticketing department will send you an email to confirm the details in time. UTOvacation shall take no responsibilities if airlines change schedules or change routings afterwards and no refunds shall be commenced because of such alterations.
Baggage
Each airline company has its own rules and regulations with the baggage weight, size, and number. The best way to find out the rules and regulations is to govisit the airline company official website.
Please note, some destinations baggage is not included in the fare. Refer to your specific tour product page’s terms & conditions for specific baggage allowances.
Tour Fare Includes
Please refer to your tour itinerary for the most updated information
Tour Fare Excludes
Vaccinations
- Please be advised that the vaccination requirements are subject to change in each country and that it is the responsibility of the traveler and not UTOvacation to check about the requirements before the arrival of your destination.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that all travelers should be up to date with routine vaccinations. Following that, travelers should check that they have been fully vaccinated against measles, rubella, mumps, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis, and COVID-19 before starting their travel. Non-immunized or incompletely immunized travelers should be offered the routine vaccinations recommended in their national immunization schedules, in addition to those needed for international travel (e.g. yellow fever vaccine).
- The WHO recommends the following vaccinations for travelers to South America: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, and rabies. Some routine vaccinations are also recommended, such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap), influenza, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, meningitis, and polio.
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travelers, based on their specific itinerary. It is possible to find further details on the WHO website.
Additional Notes
The extra cost of schedule delay caused by Air Flight cancellation or change will be undertaken by passengers themselves. The missed itineraries will not be re-arranged. During the tour or cruise, it will be considered as surrendering application automatically if you do not attend the pre-arranged tour or check in the prearranged hotel or cruise.
All the extra cost will be undertaken by the client voluntarily. UTOvacation reserves the right to abandon any clients if such clients violate the law or damage the interest of tour groups If a travel visa is denied for any reason either applied through UTOvacation Visa Service Center or applied on your own, the tour cancellation policy applies when cancellation of the tour is requested. UTOvacation holds no responsibilities for any denied Travel Visa application.
If a child, 18 years old or younger, is travelling abroad with only one parent/guardian, children MUST carry a notarized consent letter signed by non-accompanying parent/guardian. If a child, 18 years old or younger is travelling alone, children MUST carry a notarized consent letter signed by both parents/guardian. Such a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving from a foreign country or by NorthAmerican officials when re-entering into USA or Canada. Failure of presenting such document may result in the rejection of boarding aircraft or vessel for the children concerned.
UTOvacation reserves the right to cancel any booking/accommodation/flight arrangement if the customer fails to pay the compulsory tipping for the entire trip prior to departure date or the 1st day of arrival to the destination.(Please note, the tip is an industry-standard and is provided to the tour guides and bus drivers of the designated tours, to ensure our customers receive the best and high-quality service during the trip.)
Cruise lines reserve the right to cancel, modify or substitute any scheduled port of calls and the schedule at any time and for any reason whatsoever without prior notice due to the navigation authority and water conditions. Any additional expenses caused by the trip interruption should be paid by the customers, which includes but not limited to meals, transportation, hotel accommodations, personal expense, and lost baggage. UTOvacation shall not be liable for any loss to guests.
For children under 18 who will be occupying a bed, there will be an additional$100 supplement per child. Please note, this is only applicable China discounted tours or any trip that includes China discounter tours.
Please note, there is a minimum attendant requirement (10 participants) for optional programs and Pre and Post tour extensions, UTOvacation reserves the right to cancel or modify optional programs and Pre and Post tour extensions prior to departure date.
Important
Passengers are required to settle the final payment and submit valid passport copies/ necessary documents before the deadline or immediately when the suppliers, airlines, hotels will be or are at a stop sale. Please note, after confirming such bookings, any cancellation, tour change, name change or travel credit converting are not allowed.
Safeguarding your payment(s) is our top priority. In order to prevent any rampant fraudulence or deception, we ask our customers to settle payment(s) through your account on UTOvacation official website at www.utovacation.com. Should you choose offline payment submission, Cheque/Money order/Bank draft/Credit card (with credit card authorization form filled out and signed) are accepted and the payee must be UTOvacation. Please be advised that UTOvacation has never been allowing Bank transfer/Email transfer for transactions and Cash is not recommended. If you find something suspicious regarding your payment, please call 1-855.526.1286 before any further actions.
Please note that the airline company provides all flight schedules. UTOvacation would not be held responsible or liable for any heavy layovers or arrival times that may affect your tour schedule. For example, if your flight arrives earlier than expected, your hotel accommodation may not be available for check-in. Likewise, you may arrive later than scheduled and early morning the next day. If you request a better flight schedule, please check out the flight upgrade services we provide.
Remarks:
1) UTOvacation reserves the right to impose relevant fuel/inflation surcharge if Brent Crude Oil Price Index or US/Canada Official CPI has jumped over 4% between your booking date and tour departure date.
2) UTOvacation usually sends out important notifications including but not limited to destination health protocols, travel industry policies, tour updates and safety alerts to our agents/customers by newsletter through email. We are not responsible for trip delay, service cancellation, price increase or any other types of loss caused by unsubscribing from our email list, wrong email address or a lack of checking email box/spam folder/junk folder on a regular basis. If you have not received our newsletter for a long time, make sure your email address is effective/valid and you are on our email list. OR contact us immediately at booking@utovacation.com for assistance.
UTO Worry-Free Plan
Regular (Complimentary):
1. By making an initial deposit in a timely manner, you will secure a vacation spot and avoid any future package/service price increase. Within the first 15 days after you put down the deposit, you may cancel at any time without a question asked and receive a full refund in the form of your payment less any incurred fees. (Only applicable 150/180 days before trip departure)
2. After 15 days of your deposit payment, you may still cancel your trip for any reason up to 150/180 days prior to your departure date and your deposit (non-refundable) will be converted to UTO future travel credit in full amount for 24 months. (If you cancel within 150/180 days before tour departure date, your deposit will be lost plus penalty as per terms and conditions.)
3. No administration fee is charged for name change / tour change / minor correction one time up to 150/180 days prior to your departure date (except for any additional cost / surcharge already occurred, if any, imposed by any third party. i.e., airline, cruise line)
4. There is an administration fee of $100-$299/person for any name change/tour change plus any additional cost / surcharge already occurred, if any, imposed by any third party. i.e., airline, cruise line, hotel, ground operator if you wish to make such change within 150/180 days before the tour starts.
5. If there are any force majeure events happening beyond the control of UTOvacation (Global pandemics, natural disasters, acts of terrorism, wars, strikes or travel restrictions etc.), your payment less any expenses already occurred will be converted to UTO future travel credit for 24 months.
6. If full payment is not received on the due date as per terms and conditions on our end, we will offer guests an extra 24 hours’ period before cancelling the reservation and imposing any penalties after the deadline time.
REMARKS:
- UTO Worry-Free Plan is complimentary for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other similar promotions. The existing reservations are not applicable for the plan.
- Only itinerates with such icon UTO WorryFreePlan are applicable for UTO Worry-Free Plan.
- By purchasing UTO Worry-Free Plan, you understand that this program is non-refundable and non-transferable. Payments made by the customer will first be applied to UTO Worry-Free Plan and then to the remainder of the tour package.
- Value: reg $199-$999/person
Plus ($149/person):
In addition to the clauses above, extra benefits include the followings:
7. You are able to enjoy an extra 15 days period on top of the regular 15 days (total of 30 days) to cancel your tour without penalty after the initial deposit and receive a full refund in the form of your payment less any incurred fees. (Only applicable 150/180 days before trip departure)
8. If you sign up for any optional features, we guarantee you the early bird price even after the promotion is over (up to 150/180 days prior to departure date).
9. A complimentary $50/person credit will be deposited in your UTO Cash Back Program account for your next vacation journey.
10. Under the same category/type/price point/season, your hotel room or cruise cabin will be first assigned in your group for the selection of floor, location or view.
Premium ($249/person):
In addition to the clauses above, extra benefits include the followings:
11. You are able to enjoy an extra 30 days period on top of the regular 15 days (total of 45 days) to cancel your tour without penalty after the initial deposit and receive a full refund in the form of your payment less any incurred fees. (Only applicable 150/180 days before trip departure)
12. A complimentary $50/person cash rebate will be granted if you have purchased travel insurance from John Hancock or Manulife through our website.Remarks: Claim travel insurance cash rebate any time after your tour is finished with your full name and policy number at 1(855) 526-1286.
13. Able to extend our promotions for an extra 2 days (48 hours) after the campaigns are over. You may sit back and reserve discounted deals for your friends and family at your own pace.
14. Supporting document for visa application is provided for free of charge.
UTOvacation strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance for any future travel plans.
We have curated two reputable partners one in the USA and one for Canada. Once you have made your trip selection, please select the option of purchasing travel insurance.
For USA patrons, in order to qualify for the “Cancel For Any Reason” Option offered by John Hancock, you will need to purchase your insurance within 14 days of your initial deposit. Other insurance policies may be purchased later.
Please note, the travel insurance that is available for purchase is with our affiliate partners and not a direct product or offering of UTOvacation. For any questions or concerns, please contact the vendor directly.
American Travel Insurance (click for more details)
Canadian Travel Insurance (click for more details)
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