Here at Viva Expededitions we aim to provide our clients with unique and interesting ways to travel in South America. These include:

	Overland Expeditions
	Specialty Tours
	Independant Adventures
	Tailor Made Tours

 For more information about each travel style please click on the tour type above.

OVERLAND EXPEDITIONS

General Information
Travelling on one of our “Overland Expeditions” is the best way to obtain a genuine insight into the people, the cultures and the landscapes of South America. These fully escorted small group tours allow you to really get out and explore the regions through which we travel in a social, safe and fun environment. Travel in one of our purpose built, deluxe expedition vehicles* and enjoy the comforts of quality tourist class hotels and luxury camps throughout your journey.

Group Travel
The maximum group size on all of these journeys is 16.  Not only does this minimise our impact on the environment but it also allows experiences to be of a more intimate nature without the fuss that comes with travelling in large groups.  You will be able to share your experiences with a small group of like minded people while also having time to pursue individual interests throughout the trip.

Operator - Viva Expeditions
Viva Expeditions operate all of their Overland Expeditions. The itineraries are designed by us and tour leaders & drivers are employed directly by us. 
Through out our tours it is often necessary to employ the services of local operators to provide various sightseeing activities and guiding services. Our local operators are carefully selected based on many things. These include the standard of service provided, the quality and safety standards of any equipment provided, the level of certification and licences held by the providers, and also the insurances that these operators possess. Another important aspect for us is the way these operators conduct themselves in regards to respecting local cultures and the environment.

Staff - Expert Tours Leader & Driver/Mechanic
Our tours are fully escorted in South America.  Enjoy the benefits of expert western tour leaders* and our professional English speaking local guides throughout your journey.  You will also enjoy the services of an experienced driver/mechanic. All of our crew are experienced and passionate and will share with you their knowledge and provide experiences and information that no guide book could ever offer.
* “Explore Ecuador” operates with either an expert western tour leader or professional local naturalist guide.

Transport - Overland Travel, Expeditions Vehicles
Our "Overland Expeditions" are operated in our custom built, all terrain expedition vehicles with modern onboard facilities such as filtered drinking water, library, refrigerator, sound system, heating and cooling, toilet, large windows for optimal viewing and comfortable seating.  An exception is the "Explore Ecuador" circuit which is operated using a deluxe air-conditioned mini bus.  As drive times in Ecuador are much shorter and time spent with the vehicle is minimal this vehicle is ideal for your exploration of the region.
South America is a continent of diverse landscapes, vast open spaces, majestic mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, dense green forests, vibrant villages, unspoilt traditional cultures and much more.  Travelling overland allows you to witness these ever changing landscapes and gives you the chance to see how local people really live away from the hustle and bustle of large cities and tourist centres.  These are the sorts of experiences that allow you to really see the heart and soul of a country and its cultures. 
For more information about Overland Expedition Vehicles click here

Accommodation - Hotel & Camping
We use only good tourist class hotels and guest houses that are centrally located with ensuite bathroom facilities and great guest services.  At times we will stay in traditional Haciendas or estancias that offer a fine standard of lodging.  Where our itineraries include camping, we offer fully serviced camps, with walk in tents, comfortable beds and linen provided (Inca trail excluded).  At times, instead of camping we may choose to stay in cabin (cabana) style accommodation with private rooms and shared bathrooms.

Single Travellers - “Willing to Share” Option Applies
Viva Expeditions offers a “willing to share” option for all single travellers on our  "Overland Expeditions".  Providing you are willing to share we will attempt to pair you with another willing to share passenger of the same sex.  If there is no one available to share you will have a single room but still pay only the twin share price. However if you are not willing to share and would like a private room through out the tour you can guarantee this by choosing to pay the additional single supplement. Where time is spent camping single tents are on a subject to availability basis.

Local Payment - Applies
Local Payment is paid in cash to your tour leader on the first day of your tour in South America. It is part of your overall tour cost and is the easiest and most economical way for us to get hard currency to South America to help run your trip.  It goes toward a variety of day to day local costs which cannot be pre-paid such as locally organised activities and meals at restaurants.  Paying this money locally ensures tour leaders have a supply of money, as access to banking facilities can, at times be limited. 
For more information about local payments click here

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SPECIALTY TOURS

General Information
Specialty tours are unique and exciting packages which enable you to combine travelling in South America with the opportunity to pursue any special interests you may have. These include Agricultural tours, Golf tours, Wine tours, Ski packages and many more options that offer something a little bit different than your mainstream tour package.

Group & Individual Travel
Depending on the particular tour you choose you may be travelling either as part of a group or independently.  In general maximum group size is 16 passengers. If travelling individually you may still be part of a group for some sightseeing activities.

Operator - Best Local Operators in South America
Our local operators are among the best and South America and are hand picked based on many factors. These include the standard of service provided, the quality and safety standards of any equipment used, the level of certification and licences held by the providers, recommendations and feedback from our clients and also the insurances that these operators possess. Another important aspect for us is the way these operators conduct themselves in regards to respecting local cultures and the environment.

Staff - Local Guides & Drivers
In general these tours operate with expert local guides and representatives who will assist you throughout your itinerary.
Enjoy the services of specialty English speaking guides for all included sightseeing activities. These guides are very knowledgeable and will help you to learn and understand about the remarkable regions through which you will travel. Representatives will also help you with transfers, checking in to hotels, additional sightseeing, restaurant recommendations and any other assistance you may need.
Please remember however that these representatives are not personal tour leaders and generally will not be with you for the entirety of your journey.

Transport - Air & Land
Depending on your particular program modes of transport will through out. These include private mini buses, private car, trains, boats and flights.  Modes of transport are clearly outlined in the inclusions section of each tour page.

Accommodation - Hotel
Standards of accommodation vary depending on the specialty tour you choose generally ranging from 3 – 5* hotels, lodges and guesthouses.
The standard of accommodation is clearly outlined on the tour page for each individual tour.

Single Travellers - Single Supplement Compulsory
There is no option share with another group member (unless of course that person is part of your group).

Local Payment - No Local Payments
There are no local payments applicable for this travel style.

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INDEPENDENT ADVENTURES

General Information
These packages are designed to suit the independent traveller and allow you the freedom and flexibility to design your own tour itinerary with the benefit of having pre-booked arrangements. You can choose to book either one small package or a combination of packages. Alternatively we can custom design for you a complete tailor made itinerary (if you would like us to tailor make an itinerary please follow this link to our custom tours page)

Group Size - Individual Travel
This travel style is independent and group size varies according to how many people you are travelling with.  Sightseeing excursions can be either shared or private services depending on your preferences.

Operator - Best Local Operators in South America
Our local operators are among the best and South America and are hand picked based on many factors. These include the standard of service provided, the quality and safety standards of any equipment provided, the level of certification and licences held by the providers, recommendations and feedback from our clients and also the insurances that these operators possess. Another important aspect for us is the way these operators conduct themselves in regards to respecting local cultures and the environment.

Staff - Local Guides & Drivers
These tours operate with expert local guides and representatives who will assist you throughout your itinerary.
Enjoy the services of local English speaking guides for all included sightseeing activities. These guides are very knowledgeable and will help you to learn and understand about the remarkable regions through which you will travel. Representatives will also help you with transfers, checking in to hotels, additional sightseeing, restaurant recommendations and other assistance you may need.
Please remember however that these representatives are not personal tour leaders and will not be with you for the entirety of your journey.

Transport -  Air & Land
Depending on your individual itinerary modes of transport will vary through out. These include private mini buses, public buses, trains, boats and flights.

Accommodation - Hotel
This travel style allows you to choose what standards of accommodation you would prefer throughout your journey. This ranges from standard tourist class hotels and guesthouses through to deluxe 5 star accommodations.  Just let us know which standard/s you prefer and we will structure your package accordingly.

Single Travellers - Single Supplement Compulsory
As this is an independent travel style there is no option share with another group member (unless of course that person is part of your group).

Local Payment - No Local Payments
There are no local payments applicable for this travel style.

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TAILOR MADE  TOURS

Tailor made tours give you the freedom and flexibility to tailor make the perfect titnerary for you and your travel companions.  These tours generally fall into six different catagories:

1.  Independent Itineraries - These are tailor made tours that operate in the same way as the Independent Adventures. 
2. Private Charters - It is possible to charter our Overland Expedition vehicles and crew for private group travel. These tours operate in the same style as our Overland Expeditions.
3. Family Tours - Familys travelling with children often have special needs. The style of travel is dependant on each particular families requirements.
4. Special Interest Tours - We can tailor make an itinerary that focuses on your special interests. These generally operate in the same way as our specialty tours.
5. School and Sports Groups - We can arrange packages for school and sports groups. These tend to be fully escorted packages and operate depending on therequirements of the group.
6. Corporate Groups - As with sports groups these tailor made packages operate depending on the specific needs of the group.

For more information about our custom tour options please follow this link to our Custom Tours page on our website.

If you are interested in a tailor made itinerary all you have to do is let us know where you are interested in traveling to, how long you want to travel for and what standard of accommodation you prefer and we will tailor make your itinerary to suit your needs. To do this either visit the Custom Tours page on our website or Contact Us with your travel requirements and we can start working on your itinerary.