BootsnAll Travel Community

I'm starting an 8mo South America trip soon and would appreciate any advice on what activities (if any) down there really need to be booked in advance.

For example, I've heard the Inca Trail needs to be booked pretty far in advance these days, but that there are other options that you can sign up for only a couple of days in advance. I've been in Asia the past 7 months and havent really come across anything that needed prior planning (which is great cause i suck at it...).

Any other activities that require more than a couple days notice? Thanks for the help!

Book nothing ahead. With your schedule it sounds like you'll have plenty of time to wait for someone to cancel their reservation. Maybe you'll even be able to pick up a last minute offer on the Inca Trail or perhaps a tour of the Galapagos Islands, if you're interested.

There's a lot to keep you occupied while waiting around for a cancellation, both in Ecuador and in Peru. If nothing turns up, you can always return for the Galapagos later in life or go on a different trek than the Inca Trail one.

In Brazil, there's an enchanting island called Fernando de Noronha. Flights leave from Natal and Recife, and there are no scheduled boats. It could be a good idea to book the flight ahead, but it's sort of expensive, so the place is not on the itinerary of most people traveling for several months. Check it out, though!

Oh, and there are of course cruises leaving from Ushuaia or Punta Arenas for Antarctica. Waiting around for last minute tickets on them can take a while. So if you're interested in going there, you might want to book ahead. But again, it's rather expensive...

Bjørn
http://bjornfree.com/

Correct above. BUT-this time of year the Inca trail has to be booked well in advance. Do a search on Andean Travel web. They list how far ahead booking is needed for the trail. If going to Cusco during Inti Raymi you need to book hotels in advance. You still get screwed on rooms that week. Same goes for Carnival in Rio. You may already be too late. But the rest of the normal backpacker stuff is OK last minute. Furthest ahead-when traveling by first class bus I try to get my seat a day ahead. That way I can pick where I sit. On long trips you don't want to be next to the bathroom or in front. Christmas and Easter is crazy everywhere. Best to find a fun spot and spend a week not moving.

Don't make any bookings ahead. That will give you much more freedom.
There are a few exceptions only when you'd be more comfortable having booked accommodation in advance. They are usually the carnivals, like Salvador (Bahia) or Oruro in Bolivia.
Inca Trail has to be booked well ahead of time, but there are aother trails to Machu Picchu (which are better in my opionion) that don't need to be booked earlier.
Also, when booking tours or treks on the spot, you usually get much better prices.

Inca trail needs to be booked at least 6 mos ahead of time. Sorry, it might be too late. (Believe me, I know the feeling)

quote:

Originally posted by Jabberwocky:
Inca trail needs to be booked at least 6 mos ahead of time. Sorry, it might be too late. (Believe me, I know the feeling)

It's nothing to worry about. There are alternative trails that are better than Inca trail.
Inca trail gets booked out for two reasons:
- it's the least demanding trail, for all ages, including not-so-fit retired office workers. That makes it the most popular.
- it has a limit 400 ppl a day.

Anyone can arrive to Cuzco and book Salkantay or Lares trail on the spot, for half the price of Incal trail. No hassle.