Overlanding

Not usually on an overland tour iterinary but the Chacaltayas glacier which used to be the worlds highest ski area has completely melted away according to latest news reports. Worringly this will have a knock on effect on hydro-electric plants and water supplies to the the capital La Paz.

TUCAN TRAVEL IS CURRENTLY RECRUITING 1 TOUR DRIVER IN SOUTH AMERICA
This is a great opportunity to relocate to a fascinating part of the world, to gain some fantastic travel experience and have a great adventure.
We are proud own and operate the best expedition trucks in the industry. Our fleet is made up of modern, powerful Mercedes Benz Actros trucks, custom built for passenger comfort and to handle the rugged terrain of South America.

Applicants must: (more…)

May occur in the upcoming referendum on the 25th January. Overlanding companies may need to re-route tours as travel inside Bolivia may be disrupted. The referendum will see the ratification of a proposed new constitution and determination of the legal ceiling on individual landholdings to be included in the new constitution.

One of the greatest festivals in the world, will soon be in full swing. For many on an overland tour this is a highlight and possibly a relief to finally reach Rio. No doubt there would have been some very busy camp sites prior to reaching the carnival - considering every overland truck in South America heads towards Rio.
However throughout Brazil carnival is taking place so where-ever you are we hope you have a enjoyable and safe time.

There will be many companies offering discounts so keep an eye on any bargains to be hand in the coming weeks

We would love to hear about your experiences for Rio carnival. Have you been treated well by your overland company?

Tucan Travel are the latest to adjust prices due to currency fluctuation. However there will be no increases for clients who have already booked. The Australian Dollar prices have been increased by 15% whilst the US Dollar prices have decreased by 10% from Thursday 18 December 2008. For more detailed information click here. This follows Intrepid who at the end of November had warned of currency surcharges.

Update:

Tucan Travel are advising passengers to book by the 31st of Jan 2009 to avoid a price hike. ” Due to current exchange rates, Tucan Travel may need to increase our Group Tour prices by 10% or more in most currencies including GBP, CAD, AUD and NZD. We will be reviewing and publishing these increases at the end of January 2009 “

There are reports of no injures aboard the Ushuaia which was carrying 122 passengers on this Antarctic Expedition. The ship is operated by Antarpply Expeditions, based in Ushuaia. Many overland companies sell these trips as optional extras. A year ago, G.A.P Adventures Explorer cruise ship hit ice off Antarctica and sank.

Update: Kumuka Have provided information on how the situation has affected their tours.

Tucan Have also provided information on how the situation has affected their tours.

Nearly 100,000 people remained cut off by flooding in eight cities in Santa Catarina state, civil defence officials said in a statement. The heavy rain which is set to continue has caused mudslides and has claimed 100 lives.

It seems the fluctuating exchange rates are having an impact at Intrepid, as they may introduce a currency surcharge. On their website they are encouraging people to pay up! “Avoid any surcharge by paying in full by 30 November, 2008.”

This is a reciprocal fee starting from 1 Jan 2009, so US passport holds will be charged in the region of $130, UK and Australian citizens will also be charged accordingly. Once the charge is paid, it covers the visitor for re-entry for a 10 year period.

I was wondering why food budgets are not adjusted in different countries. It seems madness to have the cost per person for breakfast, lunch and dinner the same for example from Bolivia to Chile where the prices vary drastically. Is it really that complicated to adjust to these well known price fluctuations. Do all companies run this way?

Originally posted back in 2006 but has come up again recently.