
These Overland Expedition vehicles are truly unique. They are custom designed and purpose built with two key factors in mind:
1] Client Comfort- The vehicles are custom designed with your comfort in mind. We have allowed plenty of space on board such that you do not feel cramped or confined in any way. The comfortable, reclining coach seats offer ample leg room (we allow 1 metre space between seats while standard spacing is only 85 – 90 cm) and there is plenty of space to move about and stretch your legs. Large panoramic windows offer optimal viewing and there are plenty of onboard services such as a toilet (we are the only overland company in South America providing toilets onboard our vehicles), safe filtered drinking water, refrigerator, library, sound system and much more. Spacious compartments allow us to carry your luggage and souvenirs, and we provide under seat storage for your day bags. The vehicles are insulated and heated for cooler climates, and contain a cooling system for warmer climates.
2] Strength & Durability - The vehicles are Scania 93 series, 4x2 trucks, with a minimum 250 horsepower. The powerful and strong vehicles enable us to pass through most terrains we may encounter on our journey. While most of the roads in South America are in good condition others can be pot-holed or un-sealed and if wet can be quite muddy. The vehicles are designed to deal with all of these circumstances without causing disruption to the tour, and to allow us to reach some of the more remote areas for which standard land transport is unsuitable. We carry ample spare parts, fuel, water and other necessities. The drivers are trained mechanics whose roles not only include driving but also maintaining the vehicle to a very high standard.
The Overland Expeditions are operated in 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.
All of the expedition vehicles are equipped with :
• Comfortable
reclining coach seats with seat-belts
• Onboard Toilet - this is the only overland truck in South America with toilets on board the vehicles
• 12 volt cigarette sockets for recharging camera/video
batteries
• Internal & external lighting
• Refrigerator for
food and drinks
• Onboard stereo with adaptors for MP3, I Pod, CD
walkmans
• Intercom system for communication with the crew
• Extra
storage space for excess baggage and souvenirs
• Internal heating and
cooling and full insulation
• Lockable safe for storage of money,
passports and small valuables
• On board library
• Professionally
compiled expedition medical kit
• Extensive range of spare parts
•
Tables and chairs for outdoors
• Food preparation equipment
• Safe,
filtered drinking water
• Large water & fuel carrying capacity
Traveling on one of these premium 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 these purpose built, deluxe expedition vehicles and enjoy the comforts of quality tourist class hotels and luxury camps throughout your journey.
The maximum group size on all of these journeys is 16. Not only does this minimise the impact on the environment but it also allows experiences to be of a more intimate nature without the fuss that comes with traveling 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.
These tours are fully escorted in South America. Enjoy the benefits of expert western tour leaders and professional English speaking local guides throughout your journey. You will also enjoy the services of an experienced driver/mechanic. All of the crew are experienced and passionate and will share with you their knowledge and provide experiences and information that no guide book could ever offer. *The “Explore Ecuador” operates with either an expert western tour leader or professional local naturalist guide.
Only good tourist class hotels and guest houses that are centrally located with en-suite bathroom facilities and great guest services are used. At times you will stay in traditional Haciendas or estancias that offer a fine standard of lodging. Where the itineraries include camping, these are fully serviced camps, with walk in tents, comfortable beds and linen provided (Inca trail excluded).
Premium Travel in South America offers a “willing to share” option for all single travellers on the 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.
What is a Local Payment?
Local Payment
is part of your overall tour cost and is the easiest and most economical way 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.
Why do we have a Local Payment?
Paying
this money locally ensures tour leaders have a supply of money as access to
banking facilities can at times be limited or non existent. Having a Local
Payment also allows us to keep the cost of our tours competitive and save on
operational and administrative costs, so we can pass the savings on to
you.
How do we pay the Local Payment?
This is payable to your tour leader on the first day of your tour and needs to be in US Dollars cash only. Please note: US Dollar Travellers Cheques cannot be changed into US$ cash in most countries we visit, they can only be changed into local currency (banks will often tell you differently, this is incorrect). In the few places where you can sometimes buy US$ cash, you will pay excessive charges.