Current as of: April 27, 2024 - 16:00
Cycle Chile & Argentina: Atacama to Salta Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Argentina, Chile
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
4 out of 7 - Moderate / Challenging
- 13 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: MAQ
- Carbon Footprint: 30kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Enjoy a mixed-terrain bike trip through two astounding South American countries
This cycling adventure takes us on a journey through a part of the world that resembles no other. Starting in the popular town of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, and finishing in Salta la Linda, Argentina, we take many roads with very little traffic and no other cyclists. This once-in-a-lifetime journey includes cycling through salt flats, ravines, a serpentine road through a rainforest and in the driest desert in the world.
At a Glance
- 12 nights in hotels
- 10 days of cycling with full vehicle support
- 67 percent paved, 33 percent unpaved tracks
- Routes mainly follow quiet roads
- E-bikes available for an additional cost
- Group normally 6 to 16 plus local staff. Minimum age: 16
Highlights
- Cycle through a desert, ravines and a rainforest
- Visit two South American countries
- Enjoy excursions to salt flats and the Tatio geysers
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
- Average daily distance: 32mi (51km)
- Total distance: Approximately 320mi (516km)
- Number of cycling days: 10
- Vehicle support: 100 percent
- Terrain and route: Approximately 67 percent paved, 33 percent unpaved roads. Some large elevation gains; mixed cycling terrain; variable weather conditions and some remote locations
The set itinerary is not technical; however, most of this tour is spent at high altitude and sometimes we cycle above 9,845ft (3,000m), where the air is noticeably thinner. Because of this, we recommend you have good fitness levels for this trip.
Some cycling experience is recommended.
Most of the roads are in good condition, although there can be potholes and poorer conditions in some short sections. You should be prepared for some cycling on unpaved gravel/dirt roads.
The roads are generally free of heavy traffic until we reach towns, where we are more likely to encounter other vehicles.
Note – Changes in local cycle route or distance may be necessary should our cycle team determine safety concerns due to increased commercial traffic and/or deteriorating road conditions pertaining to our originally advertised routes.
Group
Our guides are Argentinean cycle tour leaders who are experienced at working with cycling groups. They have good English skills and are very knowledgeable about the region.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: San Pedro de Atacama
- End City: Salta
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
Arrive San Pedro de Atacama; transfer to hotel.
Those on our group flights will arrive to Calama airport today, after connecting in Santiago de Chile. There will be a group transfer from the airport to our start hotel in the nearby town of San Pedro. For those people who have booked Land Only and made their own travel arrangements, you are welcome to meet the group transfer should you wish (and have informed us in advance). Otherwise the meeting point is at the start hotel in San Pedro anytime in the afternoon/evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Pascual Andino (or similar)
Start San Pedro de Atacama; transfer to hotel
The adventure begins in the town of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. We check into our hotel and have a welcome briefing this evening, a good chance to meet the group and ask any questions you may have.
Accommodation: Hotel Pascual Andino (or similar)
Cycle to the Valley of the Moon
This morning, we get on our bikes for the first time and go on an acclimatisation ride. We depart the town of San Pedro and cycle to the Valley of the Moon. Here you feel as if you have landed on another planet, it is often compared to Mars with its red rock formations and dunes. Afterwards, we cycle to salt caves, before returning to San Pedro.
Accommodation: Hotel Pascual Andino (or similar)
Visit El Tatio geysers; afternoon ride to San Isidro's Chapel
We have a very early start as we depart our hotel and set off towards the impressive Tatio Geysers, the third largest geyser fields in the world and the largest in the southern hemisphere. They are located at 13,125ft (4,000m) above sea level. Departing early gives us an opportunity to watch sunrise in one of the most important geothermic fields in the world. On arrival, we enjoy breakfast in this beautiful setting, providing us the perfect way to warm up. On our return to San Pedro, we see beautiful sites and stop in the village of Machuca, an Atacameño village of 20 houses built from clay, straw and cactus wood. We head back to town in time for lunch. In the afternoon, we have a short ride to San Isidro’s Chapel, stopping along the way at well-known landmarks, including a winding canyon known as Devil’s Throat.
Accommodation: Hotel Pascual Andino (or similar)
Cross border into Argentina; cycle alongside Jama salt flats; transfer to Susques
Today is a long travel day, so we rise early to say goodbye to Chile and cross via the Jama Pass (14,025ft/4,275m) into Argentina (approximately 2hr 30min). We stop along the way at viewpoints to stretch our legs and take photos, including a pause at lagoons in Los Flamencos National Reserve. Once we clear immigration, we continue our transfer to the town of Jama (approximately 2hr 30min). In Jama, we have lunch before we get on our bikes and cycle alongside the Jama salt flats. We then have another transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) to Susques, our destination for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Pastos Chicos (or similar)
Transfer to Salinas Grandes; scenic picnic lunch; downhill ride to the Humahuaca Gorge and the Hill of Seven Colours
Departing Susques, we transfer (approximately one hour) to the small community of Cerro Negro. We unload the bikes and cycle towards the Salinas Grandes saltpans. Here, we can ride on salt before stopping for our picnic lunch. After lunch, we have a short transfer to the viewpoint of Abra de Potrerillos (13,680ft/4,170m). From here, we enjoy a fast, downhill ride with amazing views of coloured hills and rock formations until we arrive at the Hill of Seven Colours. After taking photos, we have a short ride to our hotel just outside the town of Purmamarca.
Accommodation: Casa de Adobe Hotel (or similar)
Transfer to El Carmen; cycle through rainforest; transfer to Salta
We start the morning with a transfer (approximately one hour) to the small town of El Carmen. Today’s ride feels completely different as we cycle on a paved road through a rainforest heading south towards Salta. This route joins the two main cities in the province, Salta and Jujuy, and is one of the most spectacular cycling stages we encounter: a serpentine road with lush rainforest on either side. We stop for a picnic lunch near the town of La Caldera before boarding a transfer to our destination for the next two nights, the beautiful city of Salta.
Accommodation: Design Suites Salta (or similar)
Free day in Salta
Spend today at leisure and enjoy exploring beautiful Salta. We recommend visiting the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (MAAM) in the town centre, where you can see one of three mummified children from the Inca civilisation, who were sacrificed at the Llullaillaco Volcano. Please ask your tour leader to organise your visit. We can also arrange a bird-watching trip to Finca Cielo Verde.
Accommodation: Design Suites Salta (or similar)
Transfer to abandoned train station; cycle along the Conchas River
Following breakfast, we transfer (approximately two hours) to the abandoned Alemania village and train station. After exploring, we get on our bikes and cycle along the Conchas River. We pass many interesting rock formations, with names such as the Amphitheatre and Devil’s Throat. Today is our longest ride but we end in the tranquil wine-producing town of Cafayate.
Accommodation: Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort (or similar)
Cycle to the Sacred City of Quilmes; guided tour and transfer back
This morning, we cycle towards the Sacred City of Quilmes. These are Calchaquí ruins, from an indigenous community that once lived among the Calchaquí mountain range. It is considered the largest pre-Columbian settlement in Argentina. We have a guided tour of the ruins before lunch and then a transfer (approximately one hour) back to Cafayate. En route, we stop at Las Arcas de Tolombon Winery for a wine tasting.
Accommodation: Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort (or similar)
Ride to the Calchaqui Valley; transfer to Molinos passing the Valley of Arrows
After breakfast, we cycle towards the Calchaqui Valley passing through the old town of San Carlos, one of the oldest towns in Argentina. After lunch, we take a transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) to Molinos with stops at the best locations to get great photos. Everywhere you look you will see horizontal rock formations that appear to have been fired at Earth from space. We also pass a few sleepy small towns and hamlets along the way.
Accommodation: Hacienda de Molinos Hotel (or similar)
Cycle using the old National Route 40 to Cachi
After breakfast, we cycle straight from our hotel and head on the old National Route 40 to Seclantas. This is a very scenic route alongside the Calchaquí River. When we arrive at El Colte, we stop and appreciate art produced by loom weavers. Afterwards, we carry on cycling until we arrive at our hotel for the night.
Accommodation: El Cortijo Hotel Boutique (or similar)
Cycle in Los Cardones National Park; downhill stage along Bishop's Slope; final transfer to Salta
For our final day of cycling, we have a short transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to our starting point in Los Cardones National Park. The name comes from the hundreds of cardon grande cacti growing throughout the park. From here, we have our final biking stage, downhill along the mesmerising Bishop’s Slope. The last leg of our journey is completed with a transfer back to Salta.
Accommodation: Design Suites Salta (or similar)
End Salta
The adventure draws to a close today and we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
End Salta; flight to Buenos Aires; arrive in time for our flight to London
On our final morning, we transfer to the airport to catch our flight to Buenos Aires. We will arrive in time for the evening flight to London. If not travelling on the international group flight, please be aware that you will probably not be back in Buenos Aires until after 3pm. The land only portion of the trip ends in Salta.
Arrive London
Altitude warning
This trip includes one or more nights over 11,480ft (3,500m) above sea level, where there is a genuine risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness (AMS). If left untreated, AMS can be life-threatening. We expect most clients to experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, shortness of breath while walking or sleeplessness. Our leaders are trained to identify symptoms of severe AMS and if a client requires extra care, arrangements such as rapid descent, will be made immediately.
On some days, this trip climbs faster than commonly published ascent-rate recommendations. Based upon an assessment by our external safety and medical advisors and our risk-assessment process, we consider the ascent rate acceptable due to the additional safety measures in place for our customers. All our trips operating at high altitude meet our internal altitude-safety standards, which minimise the risk of serious incidents occurring while travelling at altitude.
Several medical conditions or medications can reduce your body’s ability to acclimatise. This may affect your performance and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing conditions, such as heart conditions, or your overall physical ability, you must seek medical advice prior to booking. The drug Diamox (also known as acetazolamide and normally only available on prescription) has been shown to aid acclimatisation in some individuals, and therefore may reduce the risk of AMS. Clients considering using Diamox should speak to their doctor about the drug, its side-effects and a prescription. While we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times when your leader decides to delay or stop your ascent based on your overall condition or the onset of AMS.
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Hotels
We spend 12 nights in a range of hotels along the route, breakfasts are included each day. Accommodation has been chosen to suit our group size and requirements. They are all cyclist friendly and strategically located for the best cycling routes possible along our Chile to Argentina route.
Worth Knowing
- We will provide twin rooms (2 beds) for non-couples and whilst we cannot always guarantee, double rooms (1 shared bed, as available) for couples. Please request preferred room type at the time of booking.
- We can arrange single rooms throughout the trip for a supplement (subject to availability). Please ask your sales representative for details.
Single supplement from 972 €
Food & Drink
All breakfasts and nine lunches are included.
Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets, and lunches are either at convenient restaurant stops during our rides or packed lunches. There is a variety of tasty food on offer in the hotels and local restaurants for the evening meals that are not included in the price of the trip. Chile and Argentina traditionally have a lot of meat dishes in their cuisine; however, vegetarians can be catered for throughout the trip. Please ensure you advise us of any dietary requirements before you travel so we can make the necessary arrangements on your behalf.
Transport
We have a support vehicle assisting our rides each day so you don’t need to carry anything on your person while riding and you have easy access to the vehicle at drinks stops. If you want to opt out of any rides or sections then, of course, you can board the bus! The itinerary is designed so that most days involve a combination of cycling and road transfers – this is so we can cover the required distances and ensures we are cycling the most appealing sections, which are also applicable to the Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) grading of the trip.
Weather & Seasonality
Departures are organised between April and October to avoid the rainy season. During these months, the temperatures in San Pedro de Atacama reach 24C (75F) with a low of about 1C (34F). In Salta, it is very similar with a maximum of 26C (79F) and a low of about 3C (37F).
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Pascual Andino, Gustavo Le Paige 150, 1410000 Antofagasta, San Pedro de Atacama
Phone: +56 55 289 5313
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Calama Airport (CJC)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 1hr 30min drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Salta Airport (SLA) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen return journey to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: San Pedro de Atacama
Location end: Salta
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Water bottle(s)
- Waterproof jacket
- High-factor sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Photocopy of passport (page showing name and number)
We strongly recommend packing a set of cycling clothes in your carry-on bags just in case you experience any issues with your main luggage.
Optional Equipment
- Walking shoes
- Waterproof trousers (pants)
Equipment Hire
Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a Giant Fathom 2 or Specialized Rockhopper.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
E-bike upgrade
Electric bikes are available on this trip; prices from £350/US$490/665 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Accessories and clothing
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Accessories note: Please advise your sales representative if you plan to bring additional accessories (eg end bars, bike computers, front bags, under seat bags, etc). Knowing this in advance will help our local team speed up the bike fitting for the entire group.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
Practical Information
Visa
Chile
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Chile. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/chile
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/chile
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/chile/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Chile.html
Please note, a PDI tourist card will be given to you by migration at Santiago airport, upon arrival to Chile, and asked for upon departure from Chile (please retain this important slip of paper). The PDI certifies that you are a visitor and must be given back to migration upon departure from Chile.
Argentina
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Argentina. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/argentina
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/argentina
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/argentina/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Argentina.html
Please note, if you are crossing the border into Argentina from Chile on your trip, we will need to know your profession to provide when entering Argentina.
If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register in advance for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). There is a US$21 charge, which is only payable online. Please see our website www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa for further information.
Please note, not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to or transit via the USA, and you may not be covered by the visa waiver program. Regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 you will not be eligible for the visa waiver program and should instead apply for a visa.
If you are in doubt of your eligibility, please check the visa requirements with your local US embassy.
Vaccinations and Health
Chile
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid.
Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Argentina
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, and yellow fever (strongly recommended if you intend to visit the Iguazu Falls due to a recent outbreak in the Misiones province). Please check all vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Bilharzia is known to occur in some lakes or rivers in Argentina; follow advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.
Dengue and zika, both mosquito‐borne viral diseases, are known risks in Argentina. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available; therefore, the best form of prevention is to take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
We are advised that there is no risk of malaria on this trip.
The Travel Health Pro website recommends to have a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.
Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Local Time
Chile's time zone: America/Santiago (UTC -04:00)
Argentina's time zone: America/Argentina/Buenos_Aires (UTC -03:00)
Electricity
Chile's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and L (three round pins in a row) – 220V, 50Hz
Argentina's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and I (three flat pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Money
Chile's currency: Chilean peso (CLP)
Argentina's currency: Argentine peso (ARS)
ATM Availability
ATMs are available in San Pedro de Atacama and Salta. If you plan on using an ATM or credit card overseas, as opposed to exchanging currency, inform your bank in advance to prevent problems with access.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Credit Cards – We recommend using credit cards as the most convenient option to use along the entire trip (restaruants, tourist shops, etc…). Visa/Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards. In Chile using credit cards will get you the “official bank rate of exchange”. Currently in Argentina, using foreign issued credit cards will get you the special “Tourist” exchange rate, which is higher than the “official bank rate of exchange”, and slightly less than the non-official “Blue” exchange rate used for USD (this special Tourist credit card rate is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the credit card companies).
Cash – For spending money we recommend US Dollars cash, since GBP and Euros are more difficult to exchange, and the rates are not as good. Large, clean notes of $50 and $100 USD are more widely accepted than smaller denominations. It is always wise to have some local currency for cafes, bars, snacks, incidentals etc. Your tour leader will give you more information on exchanging currency as you go along but do bear in mind that exchange facilities/hours can be limited particularly at the times you’ll arrive or depart. Please ensure that you do not have any torn or damaged bank notes to exchange, as these are often not accepted.
Note – In Argentina large denomination US Dollars can be exchanged at the “Blue” rate, which considerably higher than the official bank rate of exchange – clean USD $50 and $100 notes are preferred (no tears or marks). The “Blue”rate is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Argentine government. Your tour leader will give recommendations and assist group members in getting the best exchange rate in a safe way.
Average meal prices in Argentina equate to about US$15-US$25 and US$25-US35 in Chile. The price of a beer in both countries is approximately US$3-US$4.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. Although tipping is entirely discretionary, it is customary in this part of the world and, as such, we recommend an allowance of US$5 per day for your cycling leader plus US$2-US$3 each for the driver and assistant leader. The team may ask for a kitty at the start of the trip to cover tipping for hotel porters etc.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
- Read more about our other initiatives here.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
- The Cafayate wine resort uses refillable dispensers for shower amenities that are free from synthetics and parabens. They also have a wastewater plant so they can treat water for use in their gardens.
- The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income which is used to upkeep and develop these important sites. On this trip, we visit: Valle de la Luna in Atacama, Chile; Parque Geysers del Tatio (the Tatio Geysers Park) in Atacama; and Parque Nacional Los Cardones in Salta, Argentina. We also visit La Ciudad Sagrada de los Quilmes, the Sacred City of the Quilmes: a monumental archaeological site, where we have a guided tour and then a picnic lunch, tasting several traditional products from the local market.
- We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- We stay at the Cafayate wine resort where they use solar panels to heat the water and use LED bulbs.
- We stay at the EcoLodge La Baita where they use solar to generate power.
- Cycling trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low-impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.