Questions before joining a Shantitur 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 propose journeys that inspire real encounters and meaningful moments. We are moved by connection with others, with places, and with what each person experiences along the way. Every proposal is designed for those who value rhythm, sensitivity, and the sense of what they experience, even if they don’t know it from the start.
Most of those who travel with Shantitur are between 35 and 75 years old, although young people and teenagers also participate when families join. Beyond age, what unites us is the desire to share, sensitivity, openness, and the search for something different from the conventional. Stable health and a willingness to participate are the only requirements.
Most travelers come alone, and often it is their first group experience. At Shantitur, we focus on facilitating a genuine environment of integration and support. We design our proposals so that open-minded people can connect naturally, fostering a group dynamic that listens, cares for one another, and celebrates diversity. If you have doubts, we invite you to talk to travelers from previous years or request references.
A few weeks before departure, we set up a WhatsApp/Telegram group with all confirmed travelers and the Shantitur coordinator. In that space, you can introduce yourself, get to know the rest of the group, ask questions, and share preferences (for example, for sharing a room or coordinating transfers). This dynamic facilitates integration, care, and trust from before we meet at the destination, and allows us to adjust details so that everyone feels welcomed and accompanied.
At Shantitur, we accompany you from the very first moment and promote a transversal care network. The coordinator is present and available, and at the same time, we encourage a friendly and cooperative coexistence where everyone takes care of each other. This group spirit multiplies support and transforms the trip into a real human experience: the network we create together is one of the greatest riches of each journey.
Of course! We invite you to schedule a personal chat with our team, read real testimonials, or join informational meetings. We want you to learn in depth about our proposal and be able to resolve any doubts before signing up. At Shantitur, we accompany each person to explore together whether the experience aligns with their moment and expectations. This way, we seek that each group is formed with open people who are attuned to the spirit of our proposal, to foster authentic and enriching encounters and coexistence.
📋 Trip Structure and Organization
Yes, all our group trips have the constant support of an expert Shantitur coordinator (such as Fernando, Eugenia, or Vero). We are present to look after group dynamics, manage logistics, and ensure the harmony of the experience.
You don’t need to speak English: the coordinator is with you at all times and communication is always in Spanish. Local guides are also Spanish-speaking in destinations where they are required. Additionally, the group is made up of Spanish-speaking people, creating an atmosphere of trust and closeness. Beyond language, on each trip we promote a network in which everyone contributes their talents and cares for each other. Thus, the sharing experience becomes much richer and more authentic.
To achieve true cultural immersion, in each country we have one or more expert local Spanish-speaking guides at the main points of interest. They open the doors to their traditions, and our coordinator works as a team with them to enrich every itinerary.
Typically 14 to 24 days. We believe that a trip involving significant jetlag requires at least two weeks to make the most of it. Furthermore, since the airfare is a significant investment, we suggest three weeks for greater immersion and enjoyment; that initial effort deserves to be rewarded with more comfort time at the destination.
At Shantitur, most stays are 2 or 3 nights per place, allowing us to explore, learn about, and connect with each site and its people. The pace is moderate, balancing group activities, free time, and breaks, with an average of 18 to 22 days per trip. Thus, each experience is much more immersive.
Our proposal is for Spanish-speaking people from all over the world. People have traveled from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Guatemala, Ecuador, United States, Mexico. We love intercultural integration for an even richer experience.
Normally, our groups consist of between 11 and 22 people. Exceptionally, there may be a trip with a couple fewer or more participants. We always seek a size that favors connection, integration, and a personalized experience.
Our group proposals are designed for adults. They may travel with their children as long as they are at least 13 years old. This responds to the itinerary’s own dynamics: many of our activities, such as talks with monks, extensive cultural tours, or integration times, require attention and participation more suited to adults or teenagers. We understand that when a young child travels, parents naturally focus on their care, which sometimes limits their own ability to fully integrate into the group. For families with younger children, we are happy to design private and personalized proposals.
We design our experiences for enjoyment, so they do not have high physical demands. We always promote self-regulation: each traveler participates to the best of their ability. In the few moments of higher activity, such as walks or short ascents, whenever is possible, we offer alternatives so you can enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.
🏨 Accommodation and logistics
Our selections usually equivalent to 4 and 5 stars. We normally choose hotels with soul, where love and dedication are felt in the service.
The specific hotels are kept as a “surprise”. This choice is part of the Shantitur experience and invites you to open up to wonder and trust in our proposal. Every decision we make prioritizes the well-being of the group, carefully choosing each place to ensure a memorable and quality stay.
If this point should raise any doubts, we invite you to listen to the testimonials of other travelers on our website and YouTube channel.
The specific hotels are kept as a “surprise”. This choice is part of the Shantitur experience and invites you to open up to wonder and trust in our proposal. Every decision we make prioritizes the well-being of the group, carefully choosing each place to ensure a memorable and quality stay.
If this point should raise any doubts, we invite you to listen to the testimonials of other travelers on our website and YouTube channel.
Of course! Many of our travelers join alone. At Shantitur, we take care to group like-minded people into double rooms (with separate beds) to facilitate integration and optimize the budget. Only in exceptional cases where no roommate is available will a single room supplement be required.
Totally! Many travelers choose to extend their adventure. If you want extra nights before or after the route in the hotels where we start or end, just let us know. We will happily manage those reservations and advise you during the process.
✈️ Flights and transportation
We include regional flights and prioritize direct routes to make the most of time. International flights are not included, giving you the freedom to choose your exact dates, use your miles, or add days before or after the group meeting.
Depending on your departure city, airline, and chosen route, values usually range from USD 1,500 to 2,600. We dedicate the necessary attention to help you find the ideal route for your trip.
Turkish Airlines is an excellent option for its coverage and the possibility of a stopover in Istanbul. From Argentina, Ethiopian Airlines works very well. Qatar and Emirates are exceptional, though sometimes with higher fares. If you have a US visa and are traveling from certain countries, mostly Central America, flying via the West Coast can reduce costs (from the Southern Cone it is not usually a convenient route).
Yes, of course. It is important to mention that online prices today are often very competitive. Booking with any travel agency may be a bit more expensive than online, but it also gives you personal attention, support and a warm service.
🍽️ Meals and Dietary Needs
We include several meals, especially on days of travel or full visits, where we select special restaurants and local surprises. The meals we leave free have a purpose: to give you breathing room and freedom so that, if you wish, you can rest from the group dynamic or explore on your own. This balance is essential to maintain group harmony and well-being.
It depends on the destination. In Thailand and India, food tends to be spicier. In each group experience we select dishes and restaurants suitable for those not used to spicy food (this reduces it, but does not eliminate it). In Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and tourist areas of Southeast Asia, spiciness is usually more optional and it is easy to order mild food, especially in restaurants geared toward travelers. In the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, spiciness is not a constitutive part of the diet: it is usually optional and easy to avoid.
Of course. The meal plan can be adapted, and in fact Fernando, founder of Shantitur, is vegetarian and knows many local options and restaurants in each destination. Asian cuisine offers many vegetarian alternatives.
Yes. In Asia, the basis of the diet is rice and there is little presence of wheat flour, which makes gluten-free eating easier. If you need a specific menu, just let us know on the registration form and the team will take it into account for each stage of the trip.
🌦️ Best Travel Dates, Climate, Documents and Vaccines
The main requirement is usually the yellow fever vaccine, although it depends on the countries we visit and your passport’s origin. This is not a limiting factor that conditions the trip now; we will review it together once you decide to move forward with your participation. A trustworthy source for consultation is https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/
A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip’s end date is normally required by most countries. Therefore, you must ensure your passport has this remaining validity.
You may also be required to present a valid ticket to exit the country at the moment of boarding the plane.
Visa requirements vary for each country. Cambodia, Indonesia, and Laos allow you to get a visa on arrival. Thailand does the same for specific nationalities and is visa-free for many others. Singapore is visa-exempt for most nationalities. Vietnam requires an e-visa that can be processed online. Malaysia is visa-free for many nationalities but can be difficult for others, such as Colombia (so it is advised to secure the visa prior to buying any tickets). A trustworthy source for consultation is https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/
Climate is the conductor of our trips. We design our routes respecting the natural cycles of each region to ensure clear skies and tranquility. We invite you to learn more about our date architecture in our section “More – When is the best time to go?”
💳 Registration, Guarantees and Travel Expenses
STEP 1: WE GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER
We schedule a 30-minute video call where we tell you in detail the spirit of the trip, answer all your questions, and evaluate together whether this trip resonates with you.
After our chat, you will receive the registration form and the details to make the USD 1,000 deposit. The balance is paid up to 45 days before departure.
Yes, it is an indispensable requirement to guarantee your peace of mind and that of the entire group. We ask that each traveler have comprehensive coverage that includes medical assistance and repatriation. We also recommend that it includes cancellation clauses for unforeseen events.
At Shantitur, we prioritize flexibility and understanding. If you need to cancel, there are clear and humane options depending on when you let us know. We always recommend purchasing travel insurance with cancellation coverage for your peace of mind and protection. In the event of any unforeseen event during the trip, we are present to accompany, support, and help you find the best possible alternative within our reach. Legal responsibility and refund conditions are detailed in the registration form.
We have been designing and accompanying these routes since 2013, backed by responsible operators in Argentina, Uruguay, and Vietnam, and dozens of verifiable traveler testimonials. We provide transparency, communication, and institutional support at every stage. Our greatest guarantee is the voice of our travelers; you can always request references, talk to those who have already traveled, or visit our Instagram and YouTube, where we share their testimonials recorded during the trips themselves so you can feel the energy of our proposals.
At Shantitur, we seek a conscious balance: we consider that an investment of this kind deserves to be enjoyed with a high level of comfort and treats. In addition, we dedicate a great deal of time to the process of building affinity groups. We do not sell trips; we offer handcrafted life experiences, which is reflected in the beautiful coexistence and warmth we achieve on each departure.
Almost everything is included in our trips. You only need some money for free meals, coffees, some local transport, or porters’ tips (we already collect tips for guides and drivers to make it easier for you). Budget around USD 150-250 per week of travel.
Our itineraries invite you to connect with the proposal and the destinations at a leisurely pace. On our website you will find an initial visual window with the route summary, videos, and testimonials. If the proposal resonates with you, we can send you a PDF document with all the fine details so you can take in the information at your own pace.
🎒 Recommendations and values
Respect is a core value at Shantitur. We approach each culture with awareness and love, avoiding invasive or thoughtless practices. For example, when we visit Moken villages in the Surin Islands, we do not wear swimsuits, but appropriate clothing, as a gesture of respect toward the host community. We encourage a responsible and ethical attitude toward animals and the natural environment. We prioritize experiences that respect and care, choosing proposals that promote well-being and ethical observation. We always research and are open to understanding each proposal in depth, to choose those that resonate with balance, meaning, and genuine respect for local realities.