Acanela Expeditions

Acanela Expeditions FAQ

Do your tours include international airfare?

Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours and it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. We would be happy to help you arrange flights. Just ask for an air quote when making your booking. 

What vaccinations should I get for my trip?

It's important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic. We can provide some general guidance on what websites to check, but these websites are no substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified medical professional.

Can you help arrange my travel visas?

Requirements for travel visas vary widely depending on your nationality and your destination. Although we are unable to arrange visas on your behalf we are able to help determine if visas are required for the countries you are visiting. If you do require a visa you can arrange them yourself or use the services of a travel agent or visa processing company.

[For the Acanela representative] Only in very rare circumstances can we offer assistance, it depends on the country and region.

What clothing should I bring for my trip?

We always recommend packing as light as possible however the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. Prior to each trip we provide a suggested packing list. The checklist is tour specific and based upon the experience of our ground staff.

What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring?

We strongly recommend bringing a backpack or duffel bag, as suitcases can be cumbersome and difficult to store in buses, under seats, etc.. Keep in mind that you will normally have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and trains and up and down hotel staircases. Suitcases with wheels may not work well on dirt or cobblestone roads.

Some trips (primarily Africa) may necessitate in-country flights which have specific baggage sizing guidance. Please confirm with an Acanela representative before departing if internal flights are necessary and therefore a specific bag is needed.

What type of ground transportation is used on your tours?

All Acanela trips use private vehicles when cars or buses are used. Public transportation may be used (ferry, trains) when vehicle transportation is infeasible.

Are airport transfers included?

Many of our trips include airport transfers, and are pre-arranged before your arrival. Instances where airport transfers are not available will be specifically indicated and highlighted. Regardless, we will assist with making transport as smooth and simple as possible.

Can I join a tour late or leave it early?

It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary please consult an Acanela specialist before you book your trip.

Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at?

Hotels are listed on the trip itinerary document you were sent prior to your trip and are also included on the Acanela website. We use a variety of hotels of the highest quality and standards. If your group requires contact information, or in case of emergency, please have them phone our customer service number.

I'm a single traveler, will I be charged a single supplement?

In many cases we can accommodate single travelers, but this requires a single supplement charge to be made.

What are the age restrictions on your tours?

To travel independently you must be at least 18 years of age (16+ requires parent consent). There are no upper age limits for most of our tours. Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions are required to complete a medical questionnaire prior to departure. If you are older than 70 years of age, a medical questionnaire must also be completed.

How many people can join a tour?

We keep our group sizes low so you have the freedom to move around and get involved with your surroundings, as well as more personal attention from our local guides. This intimate size ensures that your group will not crowd your experience. You can expect a maximum of 12 travelers, but the average group size is typically much smaller. Check individual trip pages for maximum group sizes.

Who are my travelling companions?

For privacy reasons we cannot provide you with advance details on your traveling companions. However, our tours appeal to a wide range of travelers, most of whom share an adventurous spirit and a desire to experience these destinations and give back to the local community. Our tours are conducted in English and so they attract many travelers from North America, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

How is Acanela able to offer such competitive prices?

Our trips are unique in that we partner directly with local providers and operators. We believe that partnering with locals not only benefits their community, but also helps to keep costs lower than they otherwise would be. We spend your money providing an authentic, comfortable, and fun experience. We pass these savings on to you with our prices.

Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour?

Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotels. Please contact an Acanela specialist for price information. If we are unable to provide you with the extra nights we will give you the name of a hotel you can contact directly. Please also note that extra accommodations must be booked outside of 30 days of departure.

Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?

Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion. Some locations have more stringent tipping requirements and these will be indicated in your travel documents before you depart.

When are group trips typically scheduled to run?

Each year we typically run a couple of group trips for people who prefer meeting new people, but many of our trips are unique in that they are fully customizable and allow for individuals to book solo travel. If you’re interested in group travel we can confirm the group size scheduled to go, or are happy to arrange a private expedition as needed.

I just entered your sweepstakes, when will I be notified of the winner?

Our sweepstakes typically last for a period of 2 weeks at which time the winner will be announced by email. Are you interested in traveling to [enter sweepstakes destination here] if so, can I answer any questions about the destination?

What if I want to switch cooking experiences / animal encounters / etc for another activity, is it possible to customize?

Yes, all of our trips are fully customizable and can be adjusted to suit your needs

I have food allergies / don't eat gluten / am vegetarian, can I be accommodated?

Yes, so long as we have details concerning what allergies you have / any dietary restrictions we can be sure to accommodate

I see you travel to several destinations that are considered risky – are your trips safe?

Yes, we take every precaution and frequently monitor the U.S. and UK travel advisories to ensure each location we send travelers is safe to operate

What if something happens to me or my personal belongings?

Acanela is not liable for any personal harm to you or your belongings. We advise all clientele to purchase medical and travel insurance before departing

What should I bring?

We provide a detailed packing list before departure of the items you should bring with you.