Why go on a VIP Tour Group Journey?
Because you want something that is "tailor made" and "extraordinary" and you deserve the very best customized program, service and value period!

Do your programs have any special departure dates?
Customizing your itinerary with our city packages means you can travel any time you like. If you opt to take one of our Tour Packages you may have to schedule your departure on a certain day of the week. Timing your trip properly will allow you to experience the best time at each location and coincide with unique events.

Are your programs escorted?
By their very nature, all our programs are escorted by your own special guide. However, the majority of our programs - be it Signature, Cultural, Eco or Culinary packages - are "Hosted". This means in each city you visit, a guide / personal valet meets you at the airport, assists you at hotel check-in, will offer you a personal tour of the city and is always available to assist you, allowing independence and flexibility. And by the way, our guides are one of the best assets; a warm, caring guide can make all the difference on a trip, and we only have the best on our team.

When is the best time to visit South America?
Some regions experience extremes in the Rain forest areas and in Patagonia but for the most part most of South America is comfortable all year around. The high season is from December to March and this is considered the summer season everywhere in South America, especially at busy beach destinations, We will make sure to advise you of the proper attire. Some countries such as Argentina offer a wide variety of climates, subtropical in the North, sub -Antarctic in the southern Patagonia, and mild and humid in the Pampas plains. Media temperature from November to March is 73f, and 54f from June to September. Ask our experts about your dates and destination and they will make sure you're well prepared.

What hotels do you recommend?
The VIP Tour Group motto is "the best program, service, and value!" We only use the best service, and because of our local connections in the travel industry, we always find value. Because we are a luxury travel provider, you will find 3 levels of accommodations listed in this site; VIP Luxury which is the best hotel in each destination, then 5 Star Hotels and 4 Star Hotels to if your budget requires a more affordable option. If you prefer a smaller and more exclusive environment, we will cater your stay preferences according to your taste. Some clients prefer to stay only in Private villas for a special local experience and privacy.

Do your package prices include airfares?
Your airfare will depend on whether you choose "Economy" "Executive" or " y countries require a visa for US Passport holders. Currently, a visa issued in advance of your departure is required for US citizens for the following countries in South America :

Brazil
Brazil requires U.S. citizens to carry a valid U.S. passport and visa when traveling to Brazil for any purpose. Brazil charges US Citizens US $160 to obtain a Visa. You must obtain your Brazilian visa in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or consulate nearest to your place of residence in the United States. Brazil tourist and business visas are issued in the US by the Brazil Embassy and Brazil consulate offices.

What is a Visa?
For those who have traveled to Mexico or Europe, American passports are typically stamped by the immigration agent upon entry and authorized to stay for a period of time (typically between 30 and 90 days). For some destinations a "pre-authorization" is required. The confirmation of this pre-authorization is provided as a visa which outlines the specific approval including dates of entry, duration of stay and purpose of travel. Although pre-authorized to visit, a visa is not a guaranteed entry permit and an immigration official may, at their discretion deny entry - although this is an extremely rare occurrence.

When to Apply for Brazil Visas?
It is recommend that you apply for your Brazil visa 3 to 4 weeks before your travel date. Although the visa itself may only take a few days to process it is always best to add as much of a buffer as possible incase any issues arise during the process. If this is last minute travel - don't worry - you can contact a visa expedite company to go apply in person on your behalf. Ask our experts for a local provider near you.

What is "Visa Validity"?
Validity refers to when the visa expires. For example, a three month visa means you have three months from the date the visa is issued to enter and depart Brazil (although the actual period of stay in Brazil may be limited to 30 days or less. The exact validity of your visa will be written on your actual visa.

What is An "Entry" (Single / Double / Multiple)?
Single entry visas allow you to enter Brazil one time within the validity of the visa. Double entry visas allow you to enter Brazil two times within the validity of the visa. Multiple entry visas allow you to enter Brazil an unlimited amount of times within the validity of the visa.

What Is a "Visa Jurisdiction"?
Some foreign Embassies or consulates will only accept visa applications from residence within a specific area, normally determined by state.

Consulate General of Brazil in Washington, DC
1030 15th Street, NW, Suite 280W
Washington DC 20008
United States
Phone: 202-461-3000
Fax: 202-461-3001
Email: consular@consbrasdc.org
Website URL: www.consbrasdc.org
Jurisdiction: States of Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Consulate General of Brazil in Atlanta, GA
3500 Lenox Road, Suite 800
Atlanta, GA 30326
United States
Phone: 404-949-2400
Fax: 404-949-2402
Email: consuladoatlanta@gmail.com
Website URL: www.atlantaconsulatebrazil.org
Jurisdiction: States of Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi and Tennessee

Brazil Consulate in Boston
The Stattler Building
20 Park Plaza, Suite 1420
Boston,MA 02116
Boston
United States
Phone: 617-542-4000
Fax: 617-542-4318
Email: visa@consulatebrazil.org
Website URL: boston.itamaraty.gov.br/pt-br/
Jurisdiction: States of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont

Brazil Consulate in Chicago
401 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3050
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-464-0244
Fax: 312-464-0299
Email: central.chicago@itamaraty.gov.br
Website URL: chicago.itamaraty.gov.br/pt-br/
Jurisdiction: States of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Brazil Consulate in Connecticut
1 Constitution Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: 860-760-3100
Email: cghartford@itamaraty.gov.br
Website URL: hartford.itamaraty.gov.br
Jurisdiction: States of Connecticut, Rhode Island.

Consulate General of Brazil in Los Angeles, CA
8484 Wilshire Blvd., Suites 711-730
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: 323-651-2664
Fax: 323-651-1274
Email: info@brazilian-consulate.org
Website URL: www.brazilian-consulate.org
Jurisdiction: States of Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and in the State of California the counties of: Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

Consulate General of Brazil in Miami, FL
80 SW 8th St. - Suite 2600
Miami FL 33130
Phone: 305-285-6200
Fax: 305-285-6229
Email: consbras@brazilmiami.org
Website URL: www.brazilmiami.org
Jurisdiction: States of Florida, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of Bahamas.

Consulate General of Brazil in New York, NY
1185, 6th Ave (Avenue of the Americas), 21st Floor
New York NY 10036
Phone: 917-777-7777
Fax: 212-827-0225
Email: consulado@brazilny.org
Website URL: www.brazilny.org
Jurisdiction: States of Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and the Bermuda Islands.

Consulate General of Brazil in San Francisco, CA
300 Montgomery Street, Suite 900
San Francisco CA 94104
Phone: 415-981-8170
Fax: 415-981-3628
Email: brazilsf@brazilsf.org
Website URL: www.brazilsf.org
Jurisdiction: States of Oregon, Washington, Alaska and in within California

Airline baggage policies
For information about the free baggage allowance and applicable fees for the first and second checked bag and carry-on, please visit the website of your airline below.

Aerolineas Argentinas: www.aerolineas.com.ar
American Airlines: www.aa.com
Avianca Airlines: www.avianca.com
Continental Airlines: www.continental.com
Delta Airlines: www.delta.com
LAN Airlines: www.lan.com
Taca Airlines: www.taca.com
Tam Brazilian Airline: www.tam.com.br
United Airlines: www.united.com
US Airways: www.usairways.com

US Embassy Locations >>
Click here to learn how to contact the US Embassy in the countries you'll be visiting.

World Time Zone Information >>
Click here to find the time in the countries you'll be visiting. 

Travel Health >>
Click here to find the time in the countries you'll be visiting.Click here to find official health information about the countries you'll be visiting. We recommend that you check with your medical practitioner before you travel for suggestions in preparing for your journey. 

Tips for Travelers with Disabilities >>
Click here to find official tips especially for travelers with disabilities. Not every destination has made provision for travelers with mobility issues or physical disabilities. We regret that General Tours cannot provide individual assistance to a guest for walking, dining or ensure wheelchair-equipped vehicles. A qualified companion must accompany guests who need such assistance, and we kindly request advance notice of your participation.

FAA's Airport Flight Delay Information >>
Click here to find up-to-date flight delay information for travelers.  

US State Department Travel Warnings >>
Click here to find official US travel warnings for countries worldwide. 

International Calling Codes >>
Click here for international calling codes for countries worldwide from AT&T International.