FAQs

Q: Why are the prices of Chimu Adventures so low compared to other operators?

A: Being a web-based company we do not have the high overheads, expensive advertising campaigns and travel agent commissions that our competitors have. We try to ensure that as much of your money as possible goes towards your tour. We actually include many things that other operators list as extras (e.g. we include entrances and other local tour fees which many others don't).

Q: How can I contact you?

A: We pride ourselves on our email response time. Most emails are responded to in a matter of hours. If we dont reply in 48 hours, you will recieve a discount off your booking. If you prefer to talk to us, see our contact numbers on the "contact us" page.

Q: What Currencies can I pay in?

A: Pounds Sterling, Euros, Canadian Dollars, Australian Dollars or US Dollars.

Q: How can I pay for my tour? Is my payment safe?

A: Customers can pay via Visa or Mastercard. We can also take AMEX on request (2% surcharge). Our secure payment process is provided by the NAB, a international banking group with subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and Australia.

Q: I feel unsafe buying a tour online. What security do I have when buying from Chimu Adventures?

A: We are licensed as a travel agent under the New South Wales Government Office of Fair Trading In Australia. If customers have any complaints about Chimu Adventures these can be reported to the Office of Fair Trading. If the government finds travel agents to have breached their responsibilities under the Travel Agents Act 1998 they can revoke the travel agent licence. Chimu Adventures is also a member of the Travel Compensation Fund. The Travel Compensation Fund provides financial security to customers. Should Chimu Adventures become bankrupt or not be able to provide any future service the Travel Compensation Fund will refund any monies owing to customers. For more information on the New South Wales Office of Fair Trading or the Travel Compensation Fund please go to http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/default.html

Q: I am still feeling unsure about purchasing online. Do you offer a more personalized service where I can find out more?

A: We have frequent slide nights (Australia and United Kingdom only) which allow you to meet us and ask questions face to face. Alternatively, email us your phone number and we will be happy to give you a call. We also are present a travel shows, or you can pop into our office in Sydney if located in the area!

Q: Where is Chimu Adventures located?

A: Our head office is located in Ultimo, Australia. Ultimo contains all the technology we need to co-ordinate the business and the low rental costs help us to offer our competitive prices. We also have offices in South America itself and London.

Q: What standard of tour will Chimu Adventures provide?

A: Although we offer adventure tours we still want you to be as comfortable as possible. Generally we stay in 2-3 star hotels and we screen each hotel carefully before we place customers in them. In saying that, Latin America is a developing cregion and you need to remember that infrastructure standards are not what they are in the western world. Our Custom tours can be tailored to suit your accomodation needs. Hotel standards do vary in the areas we operate, and we always try to keep a check on the standards of the hotels we use on tour.

Q: Generally, what does the tour include?

A: The tour is land only in that we provide no flight (unless these are requested seperately with us).Generally,  The customer will be responsible for his/her own flights to and from Latin America. We do offer extra nights accommodation prior to and following the tour should your flights not connect adequately with the tour start date. Inclusions from day to day are listed in the detailed itinerary however generally the tour will include all accommodation, all transport within the tour duration and a goo portion of all meals (a large amount of meals are not provided to allow customers flexibility).

Q: How does Chimu Adventures provide a high value tour?

A: We know Peru and Latin America much better that some of the other generic travel companies. Most of our team have lived and worked in Peru and the region. We can provide you with inside knowledge that you may not get with other operators who only know the country at a more superficial level. In saying that, we will not bore you to tears with over the top explanations either. Our tours are an adventure and we want them to be as much fun as possible!!!

Q: What type of guide will the tour have?

A: Our tour guides are all experienced English speaking guides and have an in-depth knowledge of the areas in which we operate. Our guides are more than happy to help you with your Spanish or give you tips of where to shop and where to go out. We use local guides wherever possible, to keep the tour intimate and to give you an understanding of the culture and traditons of the places you visit.

Q: Do I need to put money towards a kitty or local payment on top of my tour cost?

A: No, Unlike other operators we do not like to hit our customers with another charge as soon as they start the tour. Our standard price includes the items a kitty would cover under competitor tours. We proudly started Chimu Adventures with the idea not to EVER charge these!

Q: What support will Chimu Adventures provide between when I pay for my tour and prior to my tour start date?

A: We will provide you with a tour information pack shortly after you make your deposit or full payment. Our tour pack will give you all the information you need and will provide you with pre-departure information and telephone contact details in the country of destination.

Q: Could my tour be cancelled?

A: Unlike a lot of other operators we confirm the tours and accommodation for your tour prior to providing your confirmation. In this way we control bookings very carefully and have never had to cancel a customer's tour. We have had a number of people come to us in desperation after other operators have cancelled their tour and in all cases we have been able book them on a similar tour.