Questions before joining a trip?
Here you'll find answers to the most common questions when considering a trip with Shantitur. Everything you need to choose with confidence, clarity, and excitement.
🧠The Shantitur Experience
At Shantitur, we offer journeys that inspire real connection and meaningful moments. We’re guided by the desire to connect—with others, with each place, and with whatever unfolds along the way. Each journey is designed for those who value rhythm, sensitivity, and a sense of purpose in what they experience—even if they don’t realize it from the start.
Most of our travelers are between 40 and 75 years old, though we also welcome younger participants when families join. Beyond age, what unites us is the desire to share, a sense of openness, sensitivity, and the search for something different from conventional tourism. The only requirements are stable health and the willingness to participate.
Most people join our trips solo, and often it’s their first group travel experience. At Shantitur, we take care to create an environment where integration and emotional support are real. You’ll meet open-hearted people, and from day one, you’ll feel part of a group that cares, listens, and celebrates diversity. If you’re unsure, we can connect you with past travelers for references.
A few weeks before departure, we create a WhatsApp group with all confirmed travelers and the Shantitur coordinator. It’s a space to introduce yourself, meet the group, ask questions, and share preferences (like room sharing or airport transfers). This dynamic fosters connection, trust, and care—starting even before we meet in person—and helps us fine-tune details so that everyone feels welcome and supported.
At Shantitur, we support you from the very beginning and foster a collective care network. The coordinator is present and available, and we also encourage a friendly, cooperative atmosphere where everyone looks out for each other. This spirit of group care becomes one of the trip’s richest aspects, transforming the journey into a truly human experience.
Absolutely. We invite you to schedule a personal call with our team, read real testimonials, or join an information session. We want you to fully understand our proposal and resolve any doubts before registering. At Shantitur, we help each person explore whether the experience aligns with their moment and expectations. Our goal is to form groups of people who are open and attuned to the spirit of the journey, so that the shared experience is authentic and enriching.
đź“‹ Trip Structure and Organization
We avoid itineraries that rush from place to place every one or two days, because we believe that pace doesn’t foster real connection or enjoyment. At Shantitur, we usually stay 2 to 4 nights in each destination. This allows us to explore, connect with the place and its people, and create a deeper experience. Our journeys last an average of 18 to 22 days and include a balance of group activities, personal time, and space to rest—making the trip more meaningful and less exhausting.
Most groups include between 11 and 22 people. Occasionally there may be a few more or fewer. We aim for a size that encourages connection, integration, and a personalized experience.
You don’t need to speak English. The coordinator supports you at all times and communication is always in Spanish. In destinations where local guides are needed, we choose Spanish-speaking ones. The group is also entirely Spanish-speaking, creating a warm and accessible atmosphere. More than language, we encourage a shared network where everyone contributes their gifts and supports one another.
🍽️ Meals and Dietary Needs
Some meals are included, especially on guided days or during certain excursions. We choose local restaurants and special shared experiences. At other times, meals are free so you can choose where, with whom, and when to eat—balancing connection and personal space.
That depends on the destination. In Thailand and India, food tends to be spicier. For group meals, we choose dishes and restaurants suited for people who aren’t used to spicy food (this reduces it, though doesn’t eliminate it).
In Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and other Southeast Asian destinations, spice is more optional and it’s easy to request mild food, especially in tourist-friendly spots.
In the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, spice isn’t central to the cuisine and is easy to avoid.
Absolutely. Meal plans can be adapted, and Fernando—the founder of Shantitur—is vegetarian himself and knows many suitable restaurants in each destination. Asian cuisine offers many plant-based options.
Yes. In Asia, rice is a staple and there’s little use of wheat, making it easier to follow a gluten-free diet. Just let us know your dietary needs in the registration form, and we’ll take them into account throughout the journey.
🌦️ Best Time to Travel
We carefully select the dates of each trip to ensure the best possible climate, environmental quality, and authentic experiences.
We avoid high-tourism holidays like Lunar New Year or major festivals, which increase prices and crowding and can alter the spirit of the place.
See our complete guide to climate and ideal travel seasons for each country. (link to Climate section)
đź’ł Payments and Conditions
At Shantitur, we prioritize flexibility and understanding. If you need to cancel, there are clear and humane options depending on when you notify us. We always recommend travel insurance with cancellation coverage for your peace of mind. During the trip, if anything unexpected happens, we’ll be there to support and help you find the best solution within our reach. Legal conditions and refund policies are clearly explained in the registration form.
You’re backed by responsible local partners in Argentina, Uruguay, and Vietnam; over 13 years of experience; and dozens of verified testimonials from past travelers. We offer full transparency, ongoing communication, and institutional support throughout. You can always request references or speak directly with past participants.
🎒 Recomendaciones prácticas
Respect is a core value at Shantitur. We approach each culture with awareness and care, avoiding invasive or thoughtless behavior.
For example, when visiting Moken villages in the Surin Islands, we wear appropriate clothing instead of swimsuits as a gesture of cultural respect.
We also prioritize ethical and responsible interactions with animals and nature. We select experiences that promote well-being and observation over exploitation, and we continually research and reassess our choices to ensure they align with balance, meaning, and respect for local realities.