As consequence, all transfers quoted and booked to Aeroparque within that period will be changed to Ezeiza International Airport.  If you have reservations for domestic flights in Argentina within that time period, please contact your Exito agent for assistance with rebooking.

Take a deep breath.  The world has changed.  Solo women travelers are no longer bizarre object of pity.  It’s perfectly OK to go to Latin America by yourself, and you will have a great time doing it.  Here are a few tips from the intrepid women of Exito, who have traversed Latin America from top to bottom.

- Trust your instincts.  If something feels off, it probably is.  Remove yourself from the situation so you can think clearly.  People sometimes worry that, by being cautious, they will miss out on some amazing, authentic local experience.  Don’t worry about that.  You will have plenty of authentic local experiences that don’t endanger you.  If it’s something you wouldn’t do at home, don’t do it in another country.  And if it feels bad, it probably is!

- Beaches and alcohol are a dangerous combination.  Most people in Latin America are kind, generous, and respectful.  Some are not, and unfortunately they tend to be drawn to beach scenes.  After a few drinks, your wits and reactions are both slow.  Something as simple as going outside to pee may end horribly.  One Exito employee spent 5 years working with tourists in South America.  She estimates that 95% of the rapes and assaults that she heard of took place at beaches, usually with alcohol involved.  Be careful where you drink and with whom.  Party at your hotel’s bar, so you don’t have to walk home.  Or find a group of other women to go out with, so you can all keep an eye out for each other.  While this is good advice anywhere, it’s especially important in a beach setting.

- Be aware of cultural norms.  These can vary widely from country to country, or even from city to rural areas of the same nation.  Tight skirts and revealing shirts are commonplace in Brazil, but would be quite inappropriate in Bolivia.  Look at the local women.  How are they dressed?  You don’t need to adopt local dress (and honestly, foreigners often look ridiculous in local garb), but check the level of modesty.  Do they generally cover their legs and arms?  If so, do likewise – it will save you a lot of unwanted attention.  While you are looking around, note where you do or do not see women.  If there are no women on a particular street at night, that’s a very good indication that you shouldn’t be there either.

- Be willing to start the conversation.  As a solo woman traveler, you have a unique opportunity to connect with people who would normally never talk to foreigners – elderly women,  mothers with children, young women.   They may assume you are not interested, don’t speak Spanish, or they might just be shy.  Break the ice, and see what happens.  You get a whole different perspective on a place when you learn about it from a 70 year old woman!

- On that note, learn as much Spanish (or Portuguese, in Brazil) as you can.  You don’t have to be fluent to have a great trip, but it’s easy to learn enough to have basic language survival skills.  Be able to shop, ask for directions, get a hotel room, and order food in a restaurant.  Consider doing a quick week (or more, if you have the time) at a language school when you first arrive, just to get yourself up to speed.

- And on the flip side, know when to forget all your Spanish.  When some annoying guy is trying to chat you up, a blank look and an apologetic shrug can do wonders for getting rid of him.

- Ignore, ignore, ignore!  Men in Latin America often will call out to women walking by.  Just ignore it and keep moving.  Yes, it’s annoying, but you aren’t going to change an entire culture single handed.  Avoid making eye contact, keep going, and act as if they don’t exist.

- if that doesn’t work, be willing to make a scene.  If someone is really bothering you, yell at them as loudly as you can, in whatever language comes to mind.  This is not what they want or expect, and on the street they will usually melt quickly away.  If someone gropes you in the subway, grab their hand and bend their fingers backwards until they start screaming.  Then yell at them. Tell him what a pathetic, miserable little twit he is, who can’t even…..ok, ok, you get the picture.  Yeah, it makes a huge scene, but it’s a lot more gratifying than just moving away.

Finally, be your adventurous self!  Revel in the fact that you can do whatever you want, when you want.  You always get to choose the restaurant, and no one will drag you through a museum or ruin that you’d really rather skip.  Enjoy every minute, knowing that you will have great memories and more self-confidence for the rest of your life.

The Latin American honorees are, in alphabetical order, Argentina, Belize, Chile, and Suriname.

Argentina was praised for “a commitment…. towards zero net deforestation, including responsible land management plans and conservation efforts for more than a million hectares of the Atlantic Forest.”   Argentina is also a world leader in setting voluntary greenhouse gas targets.

Belize was a leader in many categories, including top ranking for human rights, as well as outstanding commitment to ecological preservation. (The report did note that homosexuality remains a crime in Belize, but the law does not seem to be enforced).

Chile won praise for environmental commitment, as well as ranking high in civil liberties for it’s citizens.

Suriname made the list due to “its unspoiled rainforest biodiversity and sincere efforts towards ecotourism and environmental preservation.”

The Ethical Traveler is a project of Earth Island Institute.  The annual list seeks to honor nations which are serious about preserving their natural assets, promoting mindful travel, and building an economy in which local communities reap the benefits of tourist revenue.   This list is compiled based on environmental protection, social welfare, and human rights.

Citizens of those 3 countries will need to pay a fee upon entry to Argentina.  The fees are set at the following levels:

US Citizens:  USD$131

Australians:  USD$100

Canadians:  USD$70

Technically speaking, these are not visa fees, as Argentina does not require a visa for tourists entering the country for a stay of 3 months or less.  The fees reflect the amount that each country charges Argentinian citizens for a visa.  Thus the term, reciprocity fee.

The fee can be paid in cash (US dollars or Argentinian pesos), credit card, or traveller’s checks.

Quito, Ecuador, does offer one oasis for the weary and thirsty wanderer, however. It goes by the name of La Santa Espuma, and you can find it tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood at the cross streets of Orellana and Whimper just outside of the Mariscal Sucre district. As a brewpub and restaurant, they offer not only various styles of beer brewed in-house, but also some delectable eats to enjoy while sipping a few cold ones. Their repertoire of cervezas consists of a Scottish, a porter, a golden, a heffeweizen, and a periodic seasonal, and they are all a very welcome break from the “Big 2” of Ecuadorian beers. The establishment itself is very stylishly decorated and provides a warm atmosphere for all, especially seated next to the fireplace.

Microbreweries are just as scarce in Peru as they are in Ecuador. Despite online evidence of their existence, finding Peruvian craft beers in person is another matter all together. While in Cuzco one might stumble upon “Cerveza Perkas”. This is actually quite an interesting and innovative brew. It is made with coca leaf, which is a common cure given to anyone suffering from altitude sickness.  Not only is the flavor undeniably distinct, but the medicinal value is a good excuse for pounding back a couple to help yourself acclimatize to the almost 11,000 feet elevation of Cuzco.

Colombia is starting to get on board of the craft beer bandwagon with great examples such as Bogotá Beer Company and Tres Cordilleras. Bogotá Beer Company is responsible for a classic blonde, a red, a black, a porter, and a few seasonals such as a heiffewiezen and a stout. Tres Cordilleras offers three styles: “La Blanca”, which is similar to a heiffeweizen, “La Mestiza”, which is similar to an American Pale Ale, and “La Mulata”, which is a dark more syrupy malted beverage.

Further south in southern Brazil and Argentina, microbreweries are quite numerous and much more accessible.  Some even produce beers that fall into the “Big Beer” category, having breached the 8.0% alcohol content level. Perhaps with the influence and popularity of craft beers from these two countries and interest coming from North America we’ll see more Cervezarias Artesenalas sprout up on the northern part of South America in the near future.

Regardless though, experiencing local cuisine while abroad should be a cornerstone of one’s travels and adding the search for local beverages will greatly enhance the overall experience. Although sparse in certain regions, a brewery tour of South America is most definitely possible and would make for a fun time. A multi city ticket with the partnering airlines Taca and Lacsa would facilitate such a tour in a convenient and inexpensive manner. Contact an Exito Travel agent for questions, comments, and concerns.

Vaccination is not mandatory for the border crossing of Puerto Iguazu to Foz Iguacu, or entry to Argentina, but the Argentinian Health Ministry is now suggesting that all passengers going to the following areas be vaccinated against yellow fever:
- Misiones: all the province which includes Iguazu Falls and the city of Posadas.
- Salta: the eastern region of San Martin, Rivadavia, Anta & Oran.
- Jujuy: the border with Bolivia the eastern regions of Ledesma, Santa Barbara and San Pedro.
- Corrientes: the northern regions of San Cosme, Itati, Beron de Astrada, San Miguel, Ituzaingo, Santo Tome, Gral Alvear, San Martin & Paso de los Libres.
- Chaco: the region of Bermejo
- Formosa: the whole province.

Vaccination should be done 10 days before traveling for people aged 1 to 60 years old.

During the closure, most carriers will reroute flights to Ezeiza airport.   Passengers traveling on Aerolineas Argentinas flights that usually depart from Aeroparque should check in at Ezeiza terminal A, counters 104 through 113.  All travelers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to their flight.

The amount of the fee varies by citizenship.  As the US charges Argentinian citizens $130 for a visa, a similar fee will apply for US citizens entering Argentina.  Citizens of Australia, Canada, the UK, or other nations will pay slightly different amounts.

The fee will be payable upon arrival.   At this point, there are no details regarding what forms of payment will be accepted.

Once paid, the fee will be valid for 10 years or the lifetime of the passport (whichever comes first).  This means that travelers who leave to visit another country, then return a month later,  will not have to pay the fee a second time.

The program and fee structure is similar that that used by Chile.  Chile also charges a reciprocity fee, of about $100 for US citizens, based on the fees the US charges Chileans for entry to the US.

Argentina: (Buenos Aires EZE) $18 to be paid in USD upon checking in for international flight from Argentina.

• El Calafate: $18 to be paid in USD at local airport for domestic flights.
• Trelew: $6.05 to be paid in USD at local airport for domestic flights.
• Ushuaia: $15 to be paid in USD at local airport for domestic flights.

Belize: (Belize City BZE) $20 Paid in cash at the airport prior to departure.

Bolivia: (La Paz LPB) and (Santa Cruz VVI) $16 airport toll plus $25 traveler tax. ($100 USD reciprocal VISA fee now required for US citizens… check before you fly)

Brazil: (Rio de Janeiro GIG) or (Sao Paulo GRU) None (Included in ticket price). Visa required in advance including $100 reciprocal fee for US citizens.

Chile: (Santiago SCL) $100 to be paid in USD, Visa, Master Card or American Express upon arrival at customs. (This is actually a reciprocal Visa fee)

Costa Rica: (San Jose SJO) and (Liberia LIR) $26 to be paid in USD or local currency prior to checking in with the ticketing booth. Costa Rica now accepts credit cards… however a cash advance fee may apply. Use your debit card to avoid the fee.

Ecuador: (Quito UIO) and (Guayaquil GYE)

• Guayaquil: $27.15 to be paid in USD upon checking in for international flight.n (Cash only)
• Quito: $40.80 to be paid in USD upon checking in for international flight. (Cash only)
• Shell: $3 to be paid in USD upon checking in for domestic flight to & from Kapawi.
• Galapagos: $10 to be paid in USD for Galapagos Transit Control Card upon checking in for domestic flight to Galapagos. National park fee currently USD 80 per person

Guatemala: (Guatemala City GUA) $30 for international departure, plus $5 per domestic flight, plus $5 fuel surcharge per domestic flight.

Mexico; (Mexico City MEX) Included in ticket price (but over $70… paid when you buy your ticket). The same tax applies to all airports in Mexico

Panama: (Panama City PTY) $20 paid at airport upon departure

Peru: (Lima LIM) $30.25 for international departures, $6.05 for each domestic flight to be paid in USD or local currency after check-in before entering gate area. (cash only)

Uruguay: (Montevideo MVD) $29 to be paid in USD after check-in, before entering gate area.

This information is estimated and is subject to change. Check with the appropriate embassy prior to confirm accuracy prior to departure

In the current airfare market, there is an inherent risk of paying more tomorrow for what was quoted today. Even when a “guaranteed” group rate is available, this guarantee typically applies only the base fare, and not to taxes, or the ever-increasing fuel surcharges, which can be as much as $300 per ticket. A group fare booked today can end up being hundreds higher by the time the group is ready to issue tickets.

There is a refreshing exception. Exito group specialists can now offer a guaranteed rate on select group fares INCLUDING taxes and fees. Book today with a deposit, and lock in todays total price, even if the final purchase is months away. While other group bookings fluctuate from rising fuel costs and annual tax adjustments, Exito’s qualifying group rates stay put, allowing groups the chance of actually staying within a set budget.

Here’s how it works:

1. Contact an Exito Group Specialist and request a quote for a group flight, specifying an interest in a guaranteed total rate. Phone: 800 655 4054 . *Minimum group size is 10 people, traveling on an identical itinerary*

2. Once a suitable itinerary is confirmed for the group, pay a standard group deposit, up to $100 per seat, to lock in the space and the price for the group. Deposits are either refunded or applied to the purchase price, provided the group abides by the airlines stated cancellation and minimum utilization policy. Note: Flights departing within 90 days may have special deposit and payment requirements.

3. Provide all passenger names and payment by the airline’s quoted deadline; typically 30-60 days prior to departure. *No surprise fees or extra taxes will be charged on qualifying fares, according to the initial quote*

This option is available to groups of at least 10 people traveling together, on select airlines, subject to availability of group space and according to specific airline policies, which are subject to change. Round trip travel must originate in the US, and include select destinations in:

Mexico – Guatemala – Costa Rica- Honduras – Belize – El Salvador
Nicaragua – Ecuador – Peru- Venezuela – Chile – Argentina – Brazil – Colombia

Contact an Exito Group Airfare Specialist for further details and to find your guaranteed group fare, now.

Phone: 800 655 4054

Email: groups@exitotravel.com