Go advice: Your questions answered
Q I would like to begin a tour of South America with three weeks’ or a month’s Spanish-language course, taking in some surfing at the same time if possible. I’ve heard of language-and- surf courses in Costa Rica and Peru, and an Irish website sells such trips, but they seem expensive. Could you provide any further information or suggestions?
CC, Dublin
Learning some Spanish for a trip to South America is a good idea, as you might well find that English is not widely spoken. You could always do a course at Instituto Cervantes, on Lincoln Place in Dublin (01-6311500, dublin.cervantes.es), before you go, as that may cut down on your costs. It runs intensive courses in Spanish over five weeks; they cost about €310. The next term begins in January.
Otherwise, the best place to find out about the type of trip you are planning is Usit (01-6021906, usit.ie). It can organise a course in Costa Rica for about $230 (€155) per week for tuition and $125 (€85) per week for accommodation.
The courses are held in Flamingo Beach, on the Pacific coast in the province of Guanacaste. The white-sand beach is said to be one of the nicest in the country. The town’s small size makes it ideal for getting a feel for the country and the language.
Flights to San José, in Costa Rica, cost about €660 with Iberia (iberia.com), going from Dublin via Madrid.
Another company, Study Spanish and Surf (00-1-406-9623038, studyspanishandsurf.com), specialises in exactly what you are looking for in Costa Rica and some other Spanish-speaking countries. It’s more expensive than Usit, however: language courses cost about $350 (€235) per week, and surfing lesson cost $165 (€110) for three.
Q I’m interested in travelling to Peru and doing part of the Inca Trail, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cuzco and Lake Titicaca. What’s the best time of year to visit that part of South America? How much time do I need to give myself to cover these areas, and what travel agent will provide an all-inclusive package to these areas?
JF, Dublin
You can visit Peru at any time of the year, but the weather can be unpredictable, with four seasons in one day, not unlike here. It is a very big, geographically diverse country.
The dry season, which runs from May to November, is typically the time that is most recommended. This is also the cooler time of year, however: night-time temperatures can drop below freezing at the height of the dry season. June, July and August are the most popular – but also most crowded – months. The nicest time of the year on the coast is January to March.
In the wet season, from December to April, you can expect showers three or four afternoons a week. If you do not mind the rain and muddy trails, this time of year offers smaller crowds and greener hillsides, with wild flowers and orchids often in bloom.
April to June and September to November often provide the best of both worlds. These periods typically attract fewer crowds and have higher temperatures than the height of the dry season but still tend to have relatively little rain.
Beacon South America (0818-300123, beacon southamerica.ie) has a number of organised tours to Peru that would give you the opportunity to join a group and experience all the sights. The tours last from 11 to 19 days and cost from €2,210 to €3,810pps, including flights and accommodation. Its 19-day tour explores the country extensively and lets you see the Nazca Lines and the Colca Canyon and to take a trip on Lake Sandoval.
Abbey Travel (01-8047100, abbeytravel.ie) also has a programme to South America and can tailor an itinerary for you.
Q I wish to travel around the world for between three and six months from May next year. As I will be travelling alone and am not yet sure exactly where I wish to visit, can you advise on the best travel agencies for this kind of holiday? Also, which of them would also cater for holidays for groups of lone travellers?
CMC, Louth
It sounds as if you have some exciting planning ahead for your trip around the world.
I do not know of any escorted tours that go all the way around the world except for those offered by cruise companies. Silversea, Cunard, PO and Princess cruise lines all do around-the-world journeys. Check out cruisecritic.com for a list.
Travel agents that specialise in around-the-world trips include Trailfinders (01-6777888, trailfinders.ie), JWT (01-2410888, joewalsh tours.ie), Sayit Travel (1850-487283, sayit.ie) and Twohigs (01-6480800, twohigs.ie).
Go contact : E-mail questions, with your name and address, to jscales@irishtimes.com.
How can I combine a surfing holiday with learning a language?