Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and guide services. At this price, however, do not expect a licensed,
top-quality, or even responsible outfitter. At the high end, an over-
night mountaineering trip to the summit of a snowcapped volcano
will cost about $200, everything included. All other prices for adven-
ture and nature activities generally fall within this range. Galápagos
excursions run $100-$200 per day for a five- or eight-daymid-range or
mid-range-plus tour (classified as tourist to tourist superior vessels).
Obviously, luxury-class tours cost more and economy-class vessels
may run quite a bit lower.
Taxes & Gratuities
Many of the more tourist-oriented restaurants include a
10% surcharge on the tab, and some even add an addi-
tional service charge (usually 5%), in which case you may
not want to give an extra gratuity. A good rule of thumb for
tipping in the service industry is 10-15%, whether it is in a restau-
rant, for a guide or for a boatsman. If you join a $50-per-day tour, it is
perfectly reasonable to tip the guide $5 per person per day, usually a
bit less for a driver. All of this, of course, is dependent upon quality of
service. I find this particularly true with taxi drivers. If your driver is
blatantly trying to overcharge for a fare from the airport to the hotel,
then it is perfectly fair not to tip. If the driver is honest and helpful
and uses the taxi meter, then a gratuity will only reinforce quality
service and honesty.
%
Embassies
Edificio Río Amazonas, Av. Amazonas 477, between
Roca and Robles, 5th Floor,
Argentina
2-2562-992, fax 2-2568-
177, Mon-Fri, 9 am-1:30 pm.
Veintimilla 878 and Amazonas,
2-2524-811, Mon-Fri,
Austria
10 am-12 pm.
Juan León Mera 863 and Wilson,
2-2567-633, 2545-
340, Mon-Thurs, 9 am-12 pm, and 2:30-5 pm on Mon
and Wed.
Belgium
Amazonas 1429 and Colón, Edificio España, 9th Floor,
Brazil
2-2563-086, Mon-Fri, 9 am-3 pm.
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