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Hi, we're Clara & Maria.

We're the sisters who founded Across South America 15 years ago... and we're here to help you fall in love with South America just like we are!

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Planning a luxury trip to South America?

This comprehensive FAQ addresses all your burning questions, from booking and budgeting to itinerary planning and on-the-ground support. These are the questions that we are asked most often about travel in South America. Find the answers you need and start dreaming of your unforgettable South American adventure.

Planning and Booking

How far in advance should I book my trip?

We work with a limited number of clients at a time to ensure every journey is truly exceptional. That means we require a minimum planning time of 4 months for our tailor-made trips. We don’t offer last-minute bookings.

If you can’t find an available time slot in our calendar, please reach out and we’ll do our best to discuss your plans.

What is your booking process?

  • Step 1: Meet our co-founders, Clara & Maria, for a video chat. We’ll take the time to understand your travel goals, preferences, budget, and any special occasions you’d like to celebrate.

    Discovery calls are your chance to share your dream South American adventure with us! We’ll chat about your travel style, budget, and answer any questions you have about planning your trip. Together, we’ll start crafting an bespoke experience just for you.

    Ready to start planning? Book your call right here.

  • Step 2: If we’re a good fit, we’ll craft your bespoke itinerary. (Planning fee is deducted from your final trip cost.) As local experts, we’ll infuse your journey with unique experiences hidden gems across South America, creating an unforgettable adventure!

  • Step 3: Our team will handle your reservations with care & efficiency. You’ll receive your detailed trip confirmation within 4 business days. Once the proposal is perfected, you pay your deposit.

  • Step 4: We’ll suggest the best restaurants and assist with reservations. We’re also available during your trip, offering 24/7 support to handle any questions or assistance you need. We’re with you every step of the way!

You can read more about our process right here.

Do you offer payment plans or flexible booking options?

Yes, we offer flexible booking options to suit your needs.

  • Deposit: A deposit is typically required to secure your booking.
  • Payment Schedule: We can often work with you to create a flexible payment schedule with installments leading up to your departure date.
  • Travel Insurance: We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.

What’s your cancellation policy?

To secure your booking, a deposit of 30% of the total trip cost is typically required. We understand that plans can change, so we strive to be flexible. We can often work with you on a payment schedule that fits your budget.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected events like illness, injury, or trip interruptions.

If you need to cancel your trip, please let us know as soon as possible. Cancellation penalties may apply as follows:

  • 60-41 days prior to departure: 60% of the total trip cost
  • 40-31 days prior to departure: 80% of the total trip cost
  • 30 days or less prior to departure: 100% of the total trip cost

The 30% deposit is generally non-refundable. Please note that during peak travel times, such as holidays and long weekends, cancellation policies may be more restrictive.

This policy may not apply to certain travel arrangements like flights, cruises, or unique adventures. We’ll discuss any specific exceptions during your initial consultation.

We know that unexpected things happen. If you need to make any changes to your itinerary, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

You can read more about our policies right here.

Can I make changes to my itinerary after booking?

Of course, things come up! While we encourage you to finalize your itinerary before booking to avoid any surprises, we understand that plans can change.

We’ll do our best to accommodate any necessary changes, but keep in mind that making significant adjustments after booking might have some limitations.

  • Flexibility: Availability for tours, accommodations, and flights may be limited, especially as your departure date gets closer.
  • Costs: Changes may sometimes incur additional fees.

We’ll always do our best to work with you to find the best possible solutions, but it’s always a good idea to double-check everything before confirming your booking.

You can read more about our policies right here.

How do I receive my travel documents (flights, vouchers, etc.)?

You’ll receive your travel documents electronically a few weeks before your departure date.

We’ll also provide you with a comprehensive travel itinerary outlining your entire trip, including daily schedules, transportation details, and important notes for each destination.

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Services & Offerings

Do you specialize in any specific types of travel (e.g., adventure, luxury, family)?

We specialize in creating unforgettable travel experiences that go beyond your wildest dreams. We take the time to understand your passions and cater to your every need, crafting an itinerary that will leave you eagerly anticipating each day of your journey!

Since 2007, we have been trusted by discerning travelers for our original approach to luxury travel, offering both private and custom trips, as well as tailor-made experiences. This includes retirement travel for couples, families, honeymoons and romantic travel, as well as solo adventures.

Founded and run by sisters, we bring a unique perspective to luxury travel. By combining local expertise with a friendly and organized touch, we’re experts in crafting trips that go beyond anything you have ever imagined.

You can read more about our services right here!

Do you offer customized itineraries or pre-designed packages?

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all travel. Instead, we focus on understanding your passions, interests, and budget to craft a truly bespoke South American adventure just for you! All of our itineraries are custom.

You can find itinerary inspiration right here.

Can I book flights through you?

Yes, we can assist you with booking your flights.

We can leverage our expertise and connections to find the best flight options for your itinerary, including:

  • Finding the most convenient and cost-effective flight routes.
  • Identifying potential flight upgrades or special offers.
  • Handling any necessary flight changes or cancellations.

We can also help you navigate airline policies and ensure a smooth travel experience.

Please note:

  • Flight bookings may incur additional fees.
  • We’ll discuss your flight preferences during your initial consultation and provide you with a detailed quote.

We’re here to make your travel planning as seamless as possible, and that includes finding the best flights to suit your needs.

Do you provide travel insurance?

We don’t directly provide travel insurance, but we strongly recommend it! Unexpected things happen. Travel insurance can give you peace of mind by covering things like:

  • Medical emergencies: Unexpected illnesses or injuries while traveling.
  • Trip interruptions: If you need to cancel your trip due to a medical emergency or other unforeseen circumstances.
  • Lost or delayed luggage: Those travel mishaps happen!

We can definitely point you in the right direction if you’re booking your trip through us and looking for some good travel insurance options.

We have too many to list here, but these blog posts will be helpful for you!

Expertise & Credentials

How do you ensure the quality of your services?

We work with a limited number of clients at a time to ensure that every journey is truly exceptional.

To craft an itinerary that truly reflects your dream vacation, we need some time to work our magic. That’s why we recommend starting the planning process at least 4 months in advance.

Here’s the real secret though: our founders (Clara and Maria) are deeply passionate about South America. They’re constantly exploring new destinations, building relationships with local experts, and uncovering hidden gems. This passion translates into truly unique and unforgettable travel experiences for our clients.

What makes your agency unique?

We’re a female-founded, sister-run agency with over 17 years of experience crafting unforgettable South American journeys.

We’re not just travel planners; we’re passionate travelers ourselves. We’ve explored the continent extensively, uncovering hidden gems and building lasting relationships with local experts. Our deep love for South America shines through in every itinerary we create!

Client Experience

How do you handle emergencies or unforeseen circumstances?

We understand that unexpected things can happen while traveling.

If you encounter any problems during your trip, we’re here to help. We’ll do our best to assist you with resolving any issues with your accommodations or transportation, finding alternative arrangements if necessary, and connecting you with local resources and contacts.

We’ll be available to assist you throughout your journey, providing support and guidance whenever needed.

Do you provide 24/7 support during my trip?

We do! Whether it’s a minor issue or a more serious concern, we’re here for you. We’ll do our best to assist you with resolving any problems you may encounter, such as:

  • Accommodation issues
  • Transportation delays or disruptions
  • Medical emergencies (referrals to local doctors, hospitals, etc.)

We’re committed to ensuring your safety and well-being throughout your journey.

What kind of feedback do you receive from your clients?

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You can read our Google Reviews right here!

Pricing & Value

Is there a fee for itinerary planning?

Yes, we do have a planning fee. However, we believe in rewarding our clients for choosing us.

Instead of charging a separate planning fee, we incorporate the value of our expertise directly into the cost of your trip. This means you’ll enjoy the benefits of our personalized service and in-depth knowledge without any additional charges.

What is included in the trip price?

Your trip includes:

  • Dedicated support: Enjoy peace of mind with 24/7 emergency support and assistance from our team in each destination.
  • Luxurious accommodations with daily breakfast at hand-selected hotels.
  • Engaging excursions led by knowledgeable local guides, including both regular and private options.
  • Seamless transportation: Airport transfers are included, with options for both regular and private services.
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What are some examples of your typical trip costs?

It’s difficult to give exact figures for trip costs as they vary greatly depending on factors like:

  • Destination: Costs in Patagonia will be significantly higher than in many other parts of South America.
  • Travel Style: Luxury accommodations, private tours, and fine dining will increase the overall cost.
  • Trip Duration: Longer trips naturally cost more.
  • Travel Season: Peak season travel will generally be more expensive.

To give you a general idea, here are some potential price ranges for different types of South American travel experiences:

  • Budget-Conscious Traveler: $3,000 – $6,000 per person for a 10-day trip (hostels, budget-friendly restaurants, local transportation)
  • Mid-Range Traveler: $6,000 – $12,000 per person for a 10-day trip (mid-range hotels, a mix of private and group tours, some nicer meals)
  • Luxury Traveler: $12,000+ per person for a 10-day trip (luxury hotels, private tours, fine dining, VIP experiences)

Please note: These are just rough estimates.

The best way to get an accurate cost estimate for your specific travel plans is to schedule a consultation with us. We can discuss your preferences, budget, and desired travel style to provide you with a personalized quote.

I hope this gives you a general idea of the cost range for luxury travel in South America!

When you’re ready to start planning, we’re right here! Click through to book a free consultation with us.

Your Guide to Planning a Luxury South America Vacation: FAQs

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