FAQs

WHY CHOOSE COMPASS EXPEDITIONS?

Simple really…You get what you pay for, and with our company that phrase has never been more accurate. We invite you to look at our competitors and see what they include in their prices and you will see that there is a reason that on some occasions they are cheaper. We firmly believe that when you have paid for a tour that should be the end of digging into your wallet. You will not have any more out of pocket expenses when you arrive, other than purchases of a personal nature. One small example is that we include all breakfasts every day and hearty lunches, which we prepare ourselves, and dinners on all ride days. On non-riding days we encourage you to sample the local cuisine at the many varied places we have tried and recommend. We include more sights and activities than anyone else, don't take our word for it, look at our competitors inclusions. Our itineraries are unique; no other motorcycle tour company offers such a wide variety of tours in South America.

HOW MUCH RIDING EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?

You must have a valid motorcycle licence and ideally have had 24 months riding experience. We appreciate that all rider skill levels are different, therefore the two year requirement is not 'set in stone' but a guide only. Some off-road experience would be helpful as some of the sections we ride are of relatively easy gravel; however the majority of the riding is on tarmac. For our Australian and Kiwi riders you will have to adjust to riding on the “wrong side” of the road. All rides are suitable for pillion passengers but we recommend the rider has had pillion carrying experience.

HOW MANY KILOMETERS/MILES WILL WE RIDE PER DAY?

This figure varies greatly. Some days are as little as 150kms/93 miles while others are as much as 475kms/294 miles; only on the rarest occasions would we exceed 500kms/310miles. We try to allow as much time as possible for sightseeing and getting to a hotel mid afternoon to refresh, relax and enjoy a meal and a few drinks.

DO WE RIDE EVERY DAY?

No. While we appreciate that we are here to enjoy wonderful riding it is also important for us to be able to enjoy the incredible scenery, visit world renowned sights and immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture. We ride for a few days and stop for a day or more before moving on, depending on the itinerary. Some companies are more like a dash across South America, we stop and “smell the roses”.

WHAT ROAD CONDITIONS ARE WE LIKELY TO ENCOUNTER?

We will encounter just about every road surface imaginable, except extreme off-road conditions. The majority of roads are paved, varying between very good and very bad, but in parts of Alaska, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Patagonia we motorcycle on generally good gravel roads; extreme off-road experience certainly isn't required.

WHAT WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE WE LIKELY TO ENCOUNTER?

All our tours are timed to run in the best season for riding in that particular country, not too hot, not too cold and not too wet, but mother nature being as she is, nothing can be certain. Good cold and waterproof motorbike gear is essential for the high Andes and warm gear is especially needed for the Altiplano.

WHAT RIDING GEAR DO I NEED TO BRING ALONG?

As mentioned above warm clothing is essential for the majority of tours. Your riding gear should have the ability to be altered as the day warms up, for example a jacket will have a good cold weather liner that can be removed. Two pairs of gloves, one winter and one summer, as the mornings on the high Altiplano and the Andes can be bitterly cold but quickly become warm as the sun rises in the sky. Riding boots and a good helmet are essential.

ARE THE TOURS SUITABLE FOR TWO-UP RIDING?

Absolutely. We have chosen routes that take in all the greatest sights and scenery without making them so extreme that carrying a pillion would be impossible. On a small number of days we encounter a miniscule section of road that could be difficult for two-up riding such as a creek crossing or sand, but these sections are rare and short lived. When we do encounter these sections we have the option of pillion passengers riding in the support vehicle.

CAN A NON-RIDING PASSENGER JOIN ME?

Yes. Our support vehicle can accommodate a limited number of passengers. Passengers who wish to pay support vehicle only prices are guaranteed a seat while pillion passengers who pay pillion passenger prices can elect to ride in the support vehicle if there is space. Of course as mentioned above, during any difficult sections pillion passengers will be shuttled across these sections.

CAN I RIDE INDEPENDENTLY OR MUST I STICK WITH THE RIDE LEADER? (All bikes come equipped with a GPS unit)

We are unique in the fact that all bikes come fitted with a GPS unit with the waypoints for the entire ride pre-programmed in, thereby allowing complete riding freedom, if desired, there is no requirement for anyone to follow the ride leader, although we ask that everyone sticks together when motorcycling into or out of larger cities. We do this for safety and ease of navigation. Instruction will be given on the operation of the GPS units and day's ride briefing will be given each morning along with Route notes and points of interest.

HOW MANY RIDERS WILL BE IN THE GROUP?

In the spirit of real adventure we have limited the number of bikes to ten. A unique experience loses its allure when you have to jostle with up to 25 riders. It feels more like riding with a small group of friends than a “tour”. As mentioned previously, you are more than welcome to take off on your own and meet us for lunch or at the hotel at the end of the day.

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL MY FOOD?

No. Compass Expeditions tours are unique in the fact that we provide breakfasts everyday and lunches and dinners on ride days. We feel it important that we provide lunch and dinner on ride days as staying healthy on the road is of paramount importance to us. We also feel safer feeding you as some local cafes/truck stops are of dubious quality despite their best intentions. Our lunches consist of filling sandwiches made on the spot, salads and various fruits as well as drinks (non alcoholic) for re-hydration which is critical, especially at altitude.

WHAT SORT OF FOOD WILL WE BE EATING?

The breakfasts we will be providing will be a filling and healthy combination of cereals, fresh fruits from local markets, bread (toast) and for variety some days may include pancakes and other days it may be omelettes or a full fried breakfast.

Dinners on ride days will mostly be in restaurants that we know offer a variety of quality meals, using local fresh ingredients, giving you the opportunity to sample some of the regions local dishes as well as other internationally known cuisine, for those days that you don't feel like a surprise.

WHAT IS THE ACCOMODATION LIKE?

On all our tours we try and secure 3-4 star accommodation but this varies greatly all over South America, some places we visit simply do not have any such facilities. Instead we might stay at a rustic Patagonian Estancia, remote border town pub, basic seaside hut or even a wonderful eco lodge in the Amazon. Some of the most basic accommodations can offer the most rewarding experiences. However as bikers we appreciate that after a long, sometimes dusty day, there is nothing better than a hot shower and a cold beer in a good hotel and that is the case most evenings.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY BIKE BREAKS DOWN?

Our motorbikes are new or near new and are in excellent mechanical order before they start each expedition. In the unlikely event of a breakdown we shall endeavour to get it repaired quickly. If a spare bike is available you will be provided with that or we will rent one at the first available opportunity.

HOW CAN I STAY IN TOUCH WITH HOME?

We have in our expedition support vehicle a satellite phone that can be used on a per minute basis. Each city that we stop in you will be provided with a city fact sheet that will clearly point out, amongst other things, call centres and internet cafes.

ARE THERE ANY INCENTIVE PROGRAMS FOR TAKING MORE THAN ONE TOUR?

Of course! We reward any rider who joins us on more than one of our expeditions. We realise that a huge percentage of our custom is from repeat business and we will reward those riders and/or pillion passengers with a generous rewards program. Please view our “frequent riders program” on the home page for further information.

TELL ME ABOUT THE SUPPORT VEHICLE

We use a Toyota Landcruiser Troop Carrier 4x4 with seating capacity for up to seven passengers. It is equipped with two portable fridges, a small library and a C.D player. We will be towing a twin axle off road trailer to carry bags (up to two medium bags per passenger), spares and any motorcycles that need to be transported. A small kitchen, table and chairs are also carried for the ride day lunches. Our support vehicle also comes equipped with a comprehensive medical kit and all partners have undertaken first aid training.

TELL ME ABOUT THE BIKES?

The BMW GS 650 is the standard bike we offer for all of our South American tours. However we do offer the BMW R1200 GS for an extra fee.

For the Arctic to Antarctic expedition we will be offering the new BMW F 800 GS as standard.

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Absolutely, in fact it is a requirement that you have medical insurance before you join one of our tours. When purchasing travel insurance it is important to make it very clear that you will be riding a motorcycle and that it will be over 250cc. Some insurance companies include motorcycle insurance coverage in their policy but it doesn't include anything more challenging than a one day ride on a moped around Phuket. Please ensure that your policy covers you for personal accident, medical and repatriation costs as well as the usual loss of luggage, damage and theft.

WHAT ABOUT VISAS?

Check out our visa requirement guide, however this is a guide only and it is the responsibility of the passenger to obtain the appropriate visas before joining the tour. We highly recommend the use of a visa agency who are adept at getting visas quickly and whose charges are quite reasonable.

WHAT ABOUT MEDICAL VACCINATIONS?

It is a requirement of many South American countries for all travellers entering their country to have a valid yellow fever vaccination along with the supporting document. We highly recommend that you speak with your doctor and/or check out the World Health Organisation website at www.who.int/country and have a look at their excellent International Travel and Health book, available online. In Australia, check out the Australian Travellers Medical Centre at www.traveldoctor.co.au or phone 1300 65 88 44. For our U.S clients checkout www.cdc.gov/travel/ and in the U.K, go to www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/ . For travel health recommendations in general have a look at www.mdtravelhealth.com

MORE INFORMATION

If the FAQ section doesn't answer your question, please send us an email and we will get back to you ASAP.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR OUR EXPEDITIONS

WHAT DOCUMENTATION YOU NEED TO BRING

* Each rider must bring his/her original motorcycle licence and an INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT or IDP, available at you nearest motoring organisation. For example in Australia it is the RACV in Victoria, RACQ in Queensland etc (make sure they stamp the motorcycle section).

* A valid passport with plenty of pages and one that is still valid for 6 months after completion of the tour.

*Any visas that may be required.

* Most countries require an onward air ticket proving that you do not intend to live somewhere in the middle of the Amazon for the rest of your life. You must show proof of your intention to depart especially in South America.

*The original of your yellow fever vaccination certificate and the original of your travel insurance document.

AIR FLIGHTS

All airflights to and from your point of arrival and departure are your responsibility. Please try to ensure that you allow a couple of days before the scheduled tour departure to get over jet lag or just to appreciate the joining city. Although we make every endeavour to stick exactly to the itinerary, unforseen circumstances do arise occasionally and therefore we advise that you try and leave your flight a day or two after the scheduled finish of your chosen motorcycle expedition.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is included on all nights of the advertised itinerary but it is not included if you arrive early or depart later in your joining and departing cities. All accommodation is on a twin shared basis and very occasionally multiple share hostels. For private rooms there is an extra charge. (see single room supplement on expedition PDF)

PRICES AND BOOKINGS

You can book online following the prompts in the Bookings section using your credit card, you will be emailed confirmation of your place on the tour immediately, alternatively you can pay by money order, cheque or bank transfer.

When booking we require 10% of the total tour price at booking time and to have paid the remainder in full 60 days in advance of departure date to ensure all accommodations. If you have any problems with paying the remaining lump sum, speak with us and we can arrange a STAGGERED PAYMENT OPTION, individually tailored to suit your financial situation.

Because of the small size of our groups, it is a first come first served booking. With a limited number of each bike models available we suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

Once you have booked your tour price is fixed no matter which way the currencies head.

MINIMUM NUMBERS

On all our tours we require the minimum of 6 riders; however on our "ARCTIC TO ANTARCTIC" and our "LONDON TO VLADIVOSTOK" expeditions we require a minimum of 10 riders.

YOUR CREW

On all tours you will be accompanied by a ride leader and a support vehicle driver. Both compassexpeditions crew will have completed a first aid course, will have mechanial experience on our chosen bikes and at least one will be multi-lingual.

SPENDING MONEY

Every country accepts U.S dollars. It is advisable to bring small denomination U.S notes no bigger than $50. All notes must be in perfect condition as no one will change even the slightest damaged notes. The South Americans are very particular on this.

OUR ADVERTISED SCHEDULES

Don't panic we are just covering ourselves here. We do everything humanly possible to remain exactly as per itinerary; however travel is sometimes impeded due to political unrest, strikes, landslides and other events completely beyond our control. It is within the spirit of adventure travel that we accept these events and we will ensure that we are back on schedule ASAP. The final decision on what course of action to take remains with compass expedition crew.

ONCE YOU HAVE MADE A BOOKING WITH US YOU WILL BE SENT A COMPREHENSIVE PRE-DEPARTURE BOOKLET OUTLINING EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

VISA REQUIREMENTS GUIDE FOR SOUTH AMERICA

	nationality brazil Chile Argentina Uruguay Peru Bolivia Australia yes no no yes no no U.S.A yes no no no no yes U.K no no no no no no Europe no no no no no no Canada yes no no no no no

This is a guide only and it is imperative that you check via a travel agent or better still visa agency as the visa situation is constantly changing.

While it is sometimes possible to get a visa at the border it is fraught with risk and is totally at the discretion of the border guard who happens to be on duty that day.

Visas are your responsibility.

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ARCTIC TO ANTARCTIC

	Nationality USA Panama Canada Mexico Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Costa Rica Australia no no no no no no no no U.S.A   no no no no no no no U.K no no no no no no no no Europe no no no no no no no no Canada no no no no no no no no

The U.S has a visa waiver program which allows nationals of some countries visa free entry; to see if your country qualifies visit www.unitedstatesvisas.gov around 30 countries already qualify but it is imperative that you check them check again as the rules can change.

Most Central American countries issue a Tourist Card at the border for around US$5.00

Please refer to visa chart above for South American visa requirements.

This is a guide only and it is imperative that you check with a travel agent or visa agency.

Visas are your responsibility.

WHAT ARE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PURCHASING FROM COMPASS?

Click here for details of our terms and conditions. For further information please email us.